The proclaimed 'online voice of Ampthill', the Ampthill Today Forum
Website is now back online. Congratulations to the volunteers that have
worked so hard to achieve this.
Come 'Singing in
the Rain' with us on Sunday Afternoon
Mark Smith - Mid Beds
District Councillor - One Year On
Read how I assess my
progress as a District Councillor, one year on from been elected by visiting
My Blog
Ampthill Community Forum -
Next Meeting July 14th at Ampthill Baptist Church - Come & air your issues with
the powers that be!
Fundraiser
for Keech Cottage Children's Hospice
Location:
Sharman Law LLP offices at 88 Dunstable
Street Ampthill
Time:09:00:00
to 17:00:00
Major project to raise funds for the
Keech Cottage Children's Hospice.
To mark Sharman Law becoming Sharman Law LLP
we are trying to raise a large amount of
money for the Keech Cottage Children's
Hospice with a collection of old mobile
phones and used/empty printer cartridges. To
donate your old mobile phones or cartridges
please bring them into either of our
receptions between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.
on Mondays to Fridays during the period 16th
June to 4th July 2008.
With your help we hope to raise a lot of
money for the Keech Cottage Children's
Hospice
Ampthill Community Safety
Forum - Find out what issues were raised at the meeting on May 28th and what
solutions were forthcoming. Visit the
Community Safety Page
Tell Mid Beds District Council where you think
future residential & commercial development in Ampthill should & should not be
located!
A little while ago landowners where invited to
put forward parcels of land across Mid Beds for consideration for future
development! This was your opportunity to make your views known on these
potential sites!
Also raising funds for
Anthony Nolan. Check out
http://www.justgiving.com/clarefleming. Clare
Fleming is running the London Marathon & hoping to raise £1300 for the Trust.
Ampthill Festival Art Exhibition & Digital Photo
Competition 2008
Saturday,
July 12 - Tuesday, July 15 - The Old Court House, Church Street, Ampthill
WHETHER you have a fine eye
for colourful canvases or fancy trying your hand at photography this year’s
Ampthill Festival Art Exhibition has something for everyone.
Local artists working in a
range of media will be displaying and selling their work, helping to raise money
for charity.
Pupils from Redborne Upper
School and Alameda Middle School will also be contributing artworks to the
exhibition, which has been successfully running for 16 years.
Last year more than 240 pieces
were displayed at the exhibition, which raised more than £1,000 for local
charities.
The art exhibition starts on
Saturday, July 12, at The Old Court House, Church Street, Ampthill and runs
until Tuesday, July 15.
Local artist Jill Wynch will be
demonstrating painting in watercolour on the Saturday and for the first time the
event has been expanded to include a digital photographic competition where
budding snappers are invited to submit photos of Ampthill.
The competition has two
categories, under and over 16s and the winners will get their photo printed onto
canvas using high quality digital printing courtesy of Picture Corner, Ampthill.
Peter Cleevely GCF of Picture Corner will also be helping to judge the
competition.
The exhibition is open between
11am and 7pm each day, apart from July 15, when doors close at 1pm. Entrance is
free. The deadline for submitting paintings to the exhibition is June 30, and
digital photos must be submitted by July 6.
If you would like to exhibit,
contact Ampthill Festival Art Exhibition organiser Gary Wood on 01525 750396. To
take part in the digital photo competition, email
ampthill.photo@hotmail.com for further information.
Ampthill Community
Forum
Come & quiz the powers that
be on 14th July at Ampthill Baptist Church from 7.30pm
Find out more by visiting
the Community Forum
Page, where you can download the agenda & minutes of the last meeting
Ladies Who Lunch
Charity
lunch in aid of Survival International
Tuesday 15th July 2008, with
special celebrity guest Tamara Beckwith at
Earl’s of Ampthill, 119
Dunstable St, Ampthill MK45 2NG
Tickets £30 (Gentlemen welcome). For
tickets and more information, please contact
Bedfordshire's premier cross country race has a big
tradition and in the 1990's was fondly called the "Beefeater Trophy" and used to
attract fields of 2000+. In 1989 and '90 the Ampthill Trophy doubled as the
British Veteran Championships. Historic Ampthill Park provides the backdrop for
this memorable 8K race which has opportunities to stretch the legs as well as
plenty of twists and turns. A cross country season opener in October that
includes Junior races - a fantastic spectator course.
Parkside
Hall Fundraising General Knowledge Quiz (teams of up to 4. £2.50 per
person. To Register: 404355)
Parkside
Hall, Woburn Street
7.30pm
4 October
2008
Ampthill
Christmas Lights: Race Night (Tickets £7.50 inc. supper fro 404355 -
No bar so bring your own drinks)
Parkside Hall
7.30pm
19 October
2008
Indoor
Boot Sale in aid of Parkside Hall - to book a stall at £5 per stall
contact 01525 751629. Free Admission. Refreshments available.
Stallholders set up from 8.30am - parking on site.
Ampthill Town Council invites nominations to be considered for
inclusion on their newly instituted “Ampthill Roll of Honour”. Nominees will be
recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community of Ampthill, but
will not be accepted if the candidate has been nominated solely for their
political activities. Recommendations for admittance to the “Roll of Honour”
should be supported by at least one other testimonial which should not be from a
family member. Nomination forms are now available from the Town Council office
at 66 Dunstable Street, and as much information as possible included - please
use the reverse side of the form and attach extra sheets if necessary - to
assist the Council in their deliberations and completed forms should be returned
marked ”Private and Confidential” to the Town Clerk by 31st January 2008. Up to
a maximum of three awards may be given each year and will be presented at the
annual Civic Service.
Should you wish to discuss the “Roll of Honour” before
submitting a nomination please do not hesitate to contact the Town Clerk on
01525 404355.
New: JOIN AMPTHILL & DISTRICT
CHORAL SOCIETY
The Choral Society begins rehearsals for
their 61st season in September 2007.
The rehearsals take place every Monday at the Music
room at Redborne School at 7.45pm to 9.45pm (excluding school holidays).
The first session of the new season is on Monday 10th September. Prospective
members are invited to attend two rehearsals without obligation before joining.
The Choral Society welcomes new members to
this very friendly society. All types of voice are required and no auditions are
necessary.
Should you wish to
join, the Cost is £45 Adults, £37 Senior Citizens & £2
Students.
The Christmas Concert will be on Monday
17th December at the Firs Lower School, where there will be the usual mix of
carols and other music, including Bizet's Te Deum.
The Principal Concert will be on 24th May
2008 at St. Andrew's Church, where Mozart's Requiem & Rossini's Stabat
Mater will be performed.
For more information ring Penny Stimson on 01234 357750 or
email i.stimson@tesco,net .
New:
"Up-Stage"- Young People's Drama
Group
5.30 to 7.30 every Monday at the Parkside Hall, Ampthill
5.30 to 7.30 every Wednesday at Templefield School, Flitwick
There are plenty of voluntary and
community groups crying out for volunteers in the town and in Mid Bedfordshire.
To find out more visit the following:
From the above pages you can find contact
details of the many organisations that are based in the town & require new
volunteers or members. Alternatively contact:
The Volunteer Centre
Bedford - covers both Mid & North Bedfordshire and can assist you if you are
looking to volunteer or if your organisation requires volunteers, in the
following ways:
Volunteering Opportunities:
by signposting you to Volunteering Opportunities with volunteer-involving
organisations throughout the area.
Volunteers Required by Your Organisation:
if your organisation requires volunteers we can publicise you needs via
websites, newsletters, posters & regular mailings
Website:
www.volunteeringbedford.org.uk (you can search for local volunteering
opportunities a search box that simply requires you to enter your town/village
name or your post code)
This important action
plan for the future of the Town has now been published. Click
here for details & how to get involved in shaping this
vibrant community's future
The implementation phase of
Ampthill Town Plan has begun with a new Implementation Steering Group formed &
headed by Nigel Milway (milway@btinternet.com).
If you have an interest in joining one of the 5 implementation groups (Business;
Infrastructure - Housing + Highways
& Public Transport; Community -
Sports, Social, Leisure &
Entertainment, Youth & Community Facilities + Tourism + Education, Training &
Employment; Services
- Health & Social Services + Police, Other Emergency Services & Community
Safety; Environment) contact Nigel. The Town Plan Implementation Group
will be working closely with the Town Council to ensure that recommendations
become a reality.
Ampthill Good Neighbours is a
new Voluntary Group that provides a link between those residents needing help and
those who are willing to offer it. The Group acts as a safety net for all
residents, young and old. Using local volunteers. Ampthill Good Neighbours
builds on existing help already provided in the town and also fills gaps in that
provision.The Scheme will launch in the Spring, but we needs
volunteers! So don't be shy in volunteering to help your fellow residents! Click
here to find out more & to download a
sign up form.
PARKSIDE
HALL, Woburn Street Ampthill
Registered Charity No. 300000
For
hire, a Function Room designed for any occasion.
Ample
parking, Main Hall, Stage, Kitchen, Bar,
Small meeting room, Disabled
access.
*********
Seating up to 250
for Conferences, Corporate events, and Public meetings
Seating for up to 180 for Dinner dances
Suitable space for Exhibitions
**********
*Conferences * Exhibitions * Public meetings *
*Dance groups * Jazzersize * Judo classes * Keep fit groups
* Karate * Line Dance class * Salsa dances * Tea dances *
To Hire the Hall please
contact Mrs Vera Robinson (01525 403275)
CALLING
ALL LADIES
Are you
new to the area and want to make friends or, are you already resident here and
want to try something different?
We, at
Ampthill W.I. would love to see you and you can be assured of a very warm
welcome. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Parkside Hall at 7.30pm
where we have interesting speakers on a diverse selection of topics followed by
coffee and a chat. We also run outings and competitions as well as events with
other local W.I.’s
We also
have a more serious side where we adopt resolutions annually, on a national
basis, to put to Government in an attempt to improve life for residents of this
country.
Come
along and give us a try and we promise that you will not be asked to have any
photographs taken for a calendar!
For
further information please contact Jean Reeves on 01525 402487 or Diane Sanbrook
on 01525 713931.
New:
Town, District & County Council
Contacts - So often it is a complete mystery as to whether you should be
contacting Ampthill Town Council, Mid Beds District Council or Beds County
Council with a query. This new page hopes to draw together those contacts and
demystify that process!
Houghton Close
Surgery - New Website
Visit the new Houghton Close Surgery
Website at
www.houghtonclosesurgery.co.uk for information, news & even the ability
to request repeat prescriptions online!
New:
Clubs, Societies, Voluntary or Community Groups
in Ampthill
There
are many clubs, societies, voluntary & community groups in the town, that are
crying out for your involvement. Well know you can visit a new page on this site
that lists them all by clicking here
Ampthill's Rich History has now
been brought to life, with the launch of
This lovingly created website, by Ampthill
resident John Day, contains over 2500 images of the Town.
Why not take a look!
Take part in the Longest
Running Pop Quiz in the Country
(Featured on BBC 1's 'Inside
Out' Programme)
For over 10 years 'Jon's Pop Quiz has taken
place in Bedford at various pubs around the town. It presently takes place at
The Kings Arms, St. Mary's, Bedford from 8.30pm every Sunday
and covers pop music from
the 1950's to the present day. Why not come along and give it a try. To find out
more visit
Jon Kutner's
Website or if you want to learn more about local quizzes lick
here.
"Got Issues,
Get Answers”
Via Ampthill
Community Forum
Would you like to
Quiz 'The Powers That Be' over such issues as the state of the roads, policing
in the town or the poor state of state of street lighting or for that matter any
subject concerning services provided by the Town, District or County Councils,
the Police or the Health Authority. Then express them here at this new forum
can get representatives from these organisations to attend one of their
quarterly meetings to answer your questions in person. All we ask is that your
questions are submitted 21 days prior to the meetings, so that arrangements can
be made for the representatives attendance at the meetings!
Did you know
you can now address Ampthill Town Council at their meetings?
Did you know that any one can now address the Town
Council at the beginning of all council & committee meetings?
You have the opportunity to speak on any subject for a
maximum of 3 minutes. If the subject is not on the agenda for that meeting, it
cannot for legal reasons be discussed by councillors then, but it can be added
to future agenda, so it can be debated fully.
Anyone wishing to address the Council must advise the
Town Clerk, before 10.00am on the day of the meeting and confirm the subject on
which they wish to speak, so they can be booked in. There are limited spaces
available, so if requests to speak are over subscribed, a booking can be made
for a future meeting, if desired. Contact Ampthill Town Council's Clerk, Neil
Hitch at
council@ampthilltowncouncil.org.uk
to book your spot.
Anyone
for Tennis - Bookings can be made (with 24
Hours notice) to use the Tennis Courts at Redborne School. 4 Courts are available for hire at a cost of £4 per hour. The courts
can be booked by ringing Agnes Snowball on 842654 or by ringing Penny Francis on 404355 (at Ampthill Town
Council) during school holidays.
Alternatively, a Family Pass, giving unlimited access to the courts between 5pm
& 9.30pm can be obtained. Ring the aforementioned numbers for further
details.
Calling
All Musicians in Ampthill -
Ampthill Orchestra is new amateur orchestra which is in the process of being
formed. The concept is
that an adult orchestra will be formed from musicians in and around Ampthill.
There is no ‘catchment area’ as such and it is hoped that players will also
come from nearby Bedford, Milton Keynes and Luton - not to mention all the local
towns and villages. It is also hoped that some of the talented young players of
the area will have the opportunity to play.
Overall
the aim is to have fun, to provide entertainment for the local community by
performing concerts and to raise money for charity. The music played is likely
to be a mixture of serious classical works, but with many lighter and popular
pieces. To find out more visit the
Ampthill
Orchestra Website.
Funkee Munkee
You know it's a jungle out there!
Well why not visit the new Funkee Munkee Website at
www.funkeemunkee.co.uk,
it's packed full of useful information, reviews, games and a message board. Why
not swing on by and take a look!
Get
Involved in Ampthill - find out about the campaign that
aims to get you more involved in your community!
Have you been the victim of
Racial or Homophobic Harassment - Help is at hand!
Ampthill is a Market Town
with a rich past, but in common with other market towns up and down the country,
an uncertain future. Nonetheless, Ampthill is a good place to live and work, and
is undoubtedly up to the challenges that face it in the future.
Pro's
Con's
A beautiful Georgian town,
with a rich heritage.
Ridiculously
overpriced houses that will deter first time buyers.
A good environment in which to
live, including the fantastic asset of Ampthill Park.
The continuing decline in the
influence of the town, with the recent loss of the magistrates court and
the eventual loss of Mid Beds District Council's offices from the town.
A good range of clubs, societies
and voluntary / community groups.
A struggle for some groups to
survive, as they struggle to attract new members and volunteers. This is
perhaps down to the fact that Ampthill is essentially a commuter town and
often seems to lack any community spirit! Additionally, youth services and amenities within the
town have been lost over the past few decades, leaving the young people
of the town with little to do.
A good range of pubs (5) and
restaurants (Italian, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai).
Alcohol related problems (vandalism
and anti-social behavior) in common with many towns up and down the
country.
A positively good
place to live, despite its faults. Then again, no where's perfect!
A perception that a NIMBY (Not In My Back
Yard) mentality prevails in the town. For example, in the past decade,
we have seen the emergence of such groups as Ampthill Against Ariel's,
Ampthill Against Building in a Conservation Area, Ampthill Against
Superstore and Car park and Campaign Against Rural Development.
You
may have seen 'The Fuddler' Newsletter in the Pubs around Ampthill, with its
humourous take on life in Ampthill. If you have any events you want to publicize
or wish to advertise, then contact Martin Cave on 01525 841434 or e-mail
martin@thefuddler.co.uk
or write to him at The Fuddler, PO Box 756, Ampthill, Beds, Mk45 2WZ. Website:
www.thefuddler.co.uk
Waitrose
- Now Open
