Borough Councillors Report

I'm pleased to report that progress is at long last being made on delivering a local GP surgery, located at Wixams, to serve Wilstead residents. Like much Wixams infrastructure, the long-anticipated GP surgery has frequently been a case of 'two steps forward and one step back'. I attended my first meeting to discuss a potential new GP surgery as long ago as 2011. Until quite recently we were frequently told 'there is no money' and both the NHS and Bedford Council seemed completely disengaged from the idea.

After much pressure from residents, Wixams and Wilstead PC, Wixams Community Group and your Borough Councillors, things have started to move in the right direction.

A regular series of meetings and updates (with actions!) has been put in place, between Bedford Council, the ICB, Urban & Civic (the developers) and your local Borough Councillors.

From the latest discussion, I can advise the following:

·     The proposed surgery will be on a currently vacant plot in Wixams Town Centre

·     Urban & Civic have produced two concept designs for the surgery

·     The ICB has reviewed the designs and recommend some amendments, which Urban & Civic have now incorporated

·     Further discussions between Urban & Civic and the ICB will take place in late January

·     Indicative costs of the surgery and a timeline for delivery and construction are due by 26th February

·     A public consultation meeting will take place shortly (date to be agreed) before a planning application is then formally submitted to Bedford Council.

It will be a big step forward when we get to see the surgery project timelines in a few weeks. Obviously, there is a lot still to be done, including getting planning approval, construction of the building, and securing a GP practice that wants to take on a new surgery, but it is looking more positive than ever before that we will get our long-promised GP surgery.

For those of us making the 14-mile round trip to Ampthill whenever we need to see our GP, it can't come soon enough.

Cllr Graeme Coombes

Wixams & Wilstead ward

January 2026

Wilstead Primary School

We're back into the swing of school life here at Wilstead and Christmas seems like a lifetime ago!  This half term in KS2 we have been learning all about sustainability, climate and carbon emissions.  We have been exploring what creates greenhouse gases and identifying strategies to support our environment through our actions.

We have also been out and about in the community, with groups going to learn short mat bowls from the wonderful volunteers at Wilstead Bowls Club, and also with children visiting Elstow Manor Care home for the RSPB's National Bird Count.  

Next half term, we would love to welcome the community to join us in celebrating the amazing talents of some of the pupils learning musical instruments within the school.  We will be holding Wilstead's Annual Musical Extravaganza at the Village Hall on Thursday 26th March, 1.30pm.  If you would like tickets, these can be purchased for £2 at the school office (correct change please).  We would love to see you there!

Nickola Webb

Deputy Headteacher

Supporting Our Community Exploring a Community Fridge

Across the country, community fridges are quietly

making a real difference. Local supermarkets and businesses donate surplus food, which is then made freely available to residents who may need a little extra help from time to time. The food is gifted at no cost, helping households while also reducing waste.

Wixams Town Council is exploring whether a community fridge could work in Wixams. In other places it has been well used, discreet, and community led, supported by volunteers and local partners. It is not about labelling anyone or replacing wider support, it is about neighbours helping neighbours.

At this stage, we are simply asking the question. Would this also be helpful for Wilstead residents, even if situated in Wixams? Is there community support to help make it happen. Your views will directly influence whether this idea moves forward.

Please make any comments to Marc Frost who can be contacted on marc@marcfrost.com

Wilstead Pre School News

If you read my last article you would know the very beginning didn't make any sense. Unfortunately it was edited as it needed to be shortened to fit on the page. So just to clarify I was referring to the Christmas bazaar and thanking everyone who came and just saying it gets harder each year what with all the other Christmas fayres that happen locally. So I thank you again for supporting us.

(Editor's note:  sorry, my fault, must try harder.)

Can I also thank all the residents of Wooding Way who chose us as their local charity to fundraise for at their annual Christmas light switch on. It really was so lovely of them to think of us. (And the lights are spectacular)!

Now moving on.  Our next fundraiser is our quiz night. Saturday 7th March 7:30 at the Village Hall. Please book a table asap as they sell out quickly. Teams of up to 8. £5 per person to enter. Bar and raffle.

It really is a good fun night so do come and join us, bring some nibbles and test your knowledge! To book at table phone/text 07948565992.  Or email admin@wilstead-preschool.co.uk.. Or ask at pre school.

Many people don't know but we are a  Charity run pre school which means we have to fundraise as much as possible. Although we are in the school grounds we are totally separate from the school.  Early years is VERY underfunded and the money the government gives to fund 2/3/4yr olds to attend pre schools/ nurseries does NOT cover the cost of running these facilities.

Children's brain develops the most throughout their whole lives between the ages of 0-5 !! So getting the best start to their education is absolutely vital at this age.

That is why it's so essential that we try and fundraise as much as we can throughout the year, just so we can give the children the best start to their education.

Our AGM is Wednesday 11th March at 7:30 at pre school.   Do come along to see what we are about and perhaps join the fundraising team.

We need you !!

See you at the quiz !

Julia.

Who Left the Sparkles in My Garden?

For the answer you will need to come to the next meeting of Wilstead Garden Club when all will be revealed. The club is currently developing their programme for this year following members requests for speakers and activities.

One difference will be the absence of the May plant swap. The changing climate means that May is now too late for some plants to pass on. The club has had swap tables for plants, seeds and other surplus garden material for the past year and we have now decided to formalise this for surplus seedlings and other items every month, except of course when we are out and about. We plan to continue our garden visits in June, July and August but concentrate on locations either more local or can be reached on public transport.

Members were interested in visiting RHS. Gardens, Garden Shows and other notable gardens but the club does not have the capacity to  organise these. If any organisation that you know of that is visiting such places and has spare places, we would be very pleased to hear about them.

Our January meeting was a social with toasted tea cakes where we discussed the highs and lows of last year. We had very good harvests of apples and tomatoes but some vegetables were less successful. The unseasonal range of temperatures and very dry conditions were problematic. Overall we decided the best idea was to forget mowing the lawn, a bad idea in dry weather, leave the plants to work out how best to survive and to just sit with a drink and enjoy our garden. This year we are looking for plants that appear to have vanished, such as rhubarb and hellebores.

We are a happy and sociable group who meet on the third Tuesday of the month in the village hall at 2.30pm. Entry is £3 with an optional raffle at £1 a ticket. Everyone is welcome whether they have green fingers or not.

Wilstead Garden Club Committee

Maralyn, Lynda, Viv, Julie, Annette, Chris and Mary

wilsteadgardenclub@hotmail.com

Wilstead Bowls Club

We can see the nights starting to draw out and thoughts and planning are definitely on the work that needs to be done outside, alongside the continued maintenance and updating of the club building,

The quiz night took place on Saturday 31st January with approximately 90 people testing their knowledge.

Year 4 from Wilstead Primary School have just finished three Thursday afternoon sessions  playing shortmat bowls. Thanks to all the Wilstead Club members who gave up their time to help out.

Date for your diary

Coffee Morning  Wednesday 11th February.

10.30 – 12 noon £3 All welcome

Planning a celebration?

We have a large hall, plus if needed, a licensed bar and kitchen available for hire. Details at wilsteadbowlsclub.co.uk/community/wilstead-bowls-club-10138/hall-bookings.

If you need any club information please contact

Sue Marchant - Club Secretary, 07716676383

sue@marchantonline.com

Wilstead Bowls Website

www.wilsteadbowlsclub.co.uk.

All Saints Church

United in Faith Welcoming All

The services have been planned  as follows for  February

Sunday 1st February 11.00 am

Morning Praise

Sunday 8th February 11.00 am

Morning Praise

Sunday  5th February 11.00 am

Holy Communion

Sunday 22nd February 11.00 am

Holy Communion

Sunday 1st March 11.00 am

Morning Praise

Coffee Mornings have been organised for the year on the 3rd Wednesday of the month apart from August.

The February  one is planned for Wednesday 18th February which is also Ash Wednesday. This is in the Chapter House at 10.30am. More details to follow. Watch this space.

Do come and support the church on Sundays. Our congregations have been increasing steadily and there are refreshments after the service

Robert Heley

Search and Rescue Holiday Bible Club

Hold on tight... and get ready for a dramatic rescue adventure this February half term. Come and join us at Search and Rescue Holiday Bible Club, and find out about the greatest rescue story ever told.

From Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th February, we'll be in our new building (formerly Wilstead Methodist Church) from 10am until 12pm, running games, quizzes, crafts, songs, stories and much more. All children aged 4–11 are welcome to join us, and everything is free of charge.

You can find out more and register in advance at www.wilstead.org.  .

Run by Wilstead Evangelical Church.

Village Tea Party

Thank you to all who came along to our tea party on 14th January and made it such an enjoyable occasion.

Thank you too to all the helpers that made it such a success. Thank you to the children from Wilstead Primary School who came along to help us set up.

Our duo, Footloose, played all the right music (and the right notes!) and had everyone singing along. There was even dancing in the aisles!

Finally, thanks to all those who provided raffle prizes and to the organisations who gave so generously:

123 Flooring, Adiqi Ltd, Art Club, Bluebird Care, Briar Bank Residents Association, Burrs Garage, Caroline's Childcare, Charlene's Hair and Beauty, Darren Maskell, DGM Motors, Driveway Rejuvenation, Elstow Manor Care Home, Empire Car Sales, G&M Growers, Julie Boscher, Liz Potter, Marc Frost, Mark Brooks, P&M Autos, R Maskell Plant Hire, Reflections Cleaning Services, Scott Veterinary Clinic – Wixams, Sineway Services, The Baking Suite – Bromham, The Post Office, The Red Lion, The Woolpack, Vanquish Fire, W&H Peacock, Whites Builders, Wilstead Bowls Club, Wilstead Chinese Takeaway, Wilstead Garden Club, Wilstead Good Neighbour Scheme, Wilstead Newsletter Group, Wilstead Preschool, Wilstead Tandoori, Wilstead Women's Institute.

The Trustees of Wilshamstead Endowed

Wilstead & Wixams Community Art Group

If you're interested in art and would love to try out your talent, why not join us? Your first session is free and, if you decide to continue and become a member, it will be £3 a session when you're able to come. We meet in the Village Hall on Mondays from 2pm-4pm. We don't meet on Bank Holidays. Our group has members of all abilities, using a variety of mediums. You might like sketching in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, or painting by numbers. You can also paint in watercolour, acrylic or even oil. Meeting in the large hall makes it a safe space to work in and we are well spaced out. May I remind members that we do have a variety of art resources for your use so, if there is anything you haven't got or would like to experiment with, we may be able to help. If you need it, several of our members will help and encourage you in whatever your artistic endeavours happen to be.

Enquiries: Michael Bradley: Mobile 07526 939164.

Email: revmichael14@outlook.com

Wilshamstead Parish Council

Application For Up To 149 Houses At Duck End Lane Recommended For Refusal Latest – Taken To Planning Appeal

The Borough Council Planning Committee made up of elected Borough Ward Councillors members, had made a recommendation for this application to be refused.  Strong objections were raised by a number of representatives from the Wilstead community.  

The Parish Council response had been robust with an experienced planning consultant being commissioned to provide a detailed technical challenge to the local authority to this planning application at Duck End Lane.

The next steps were the application was due to return to a future Planning Committee, to allow the Planning Officer to prepare a range of planning policy reasons for a refusal.  The committee members would then vote on the application outcome.

The Borough Council Planning Case Officer for this application has unfortunately confirmed that the applicant decided to lodge an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate of Non-determination on 3rd December rather than wait for the Planning Committee to refuse the application on the 8th December. The application is now with the Planning Inspectorate to consider. The applicants had requested a 2 day public enquiry, but whether this will be the approach and when the appeal will be held will be for the Inspectorate to decide and advise.

The Parish Council and any members of the public who commented on the original application, will be contacted and advised how the appeal will be dealt with, and if it is to be a Hearing or Public Enquiry you will be informed of when this will be held. At the time of writing this information has not been confirmed by the Inspectorate, when it has been, the Parish Council will update the community across the usual different platforms.

95 Houses At 85 Cotton End Road Full Application Out For Consultation

Recently, there has been the reserved application for the 95 houses at Cotton End Road, which details the site layout being put forward.  The information for the application is 25/02560/MAR. Reserved matters relating to matters of layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for the erection of 95 dwellings, public open space and play facilities, SUDs features and associated infrastructure pursuant to Outline Planning Permission 24/02231/MAO Land At Village Farm 85 Cotton End Road Wilstead Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 3DB.  All associated documents for this application can be found on the Bedford Borough Council Planning portal page and residents comments as always are encouraged and should be sent to planning@bedford.gov.uk

Planning Development In Wilstead

The Parish Council are very aware of the worry over these recent speculative planning applications being received in Wilstead.  As usual, the Parish Councillors as well as the Borough Ward Councillors are monitoring the evolving situation closely.  To ensue the Parish Council remain pro-active and not reactive, there is already work taking place to look at ensuring robust representations are collated, in relation to both these sites, with this being planned in to ensure the Parish Council can act promptly  to safeguard the village from this level of new development.

Jubilee Way Playing Field Enhancements Update

The Parish Council would like to thank everyone who so very kindly took the time to feedback on the options being looked at to further enhance the facilities at the Jubilee Way Playing Field.  Whilst some of these are ambitious, such as plans to improve the kitchen and storage space (by extending) the building itself, alongside plans to replace the dilapidated knee rail fence and the installation of new equipment adjacent to the MUGA.  It was great to receive such over whelming support being fed back to all the suggestions, as well as much higher volumes of responses received than expected to the ideas that included placing some outdoor Gym equipment in the area adjacent to the MUGA, with some outdoor table tennis tables.  With the intention this equipment would be essentially free to use for all residents.

The Parish Council are now taking these ideas and progressing the next steps, with updates being shared across various platforms as the plans progress.

Change In Parish Office Opening Hours

Please kindly note that with immediate effect the Parish Office will be open on a Wednesday from 9am to 12 midday.   The Parish Office is at the rear of the Village Hall, it is worth ringing in advance to ensure it is open.

Contacting The Parish Council

The best way to contact the Parish Council is to email Lizzie (the Parish Clerk) at office@wilsteadparishcouncil.org.

Alternatively, you can call 01234 743152 or write to PO Box 1548, Bedford, MK44 5AX.

It is always more interesting to attend a Parish Council meeting in person to see what goes on and understand the range of items covered in trying to move improvements for the Wilstead community forwards. Dates and the agenda are advertised on the village noticeboards, with meetings usually on a Monday starting at 7pm in the small hall at Wilstead Village Hall. (Head to the left-hand side of the main hall building and you will see the door open which is where the Parish Council will be).  Everyone is most welcome to join us, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday 9th February and Monday 9th March.

Also please remember to view regular updates published on local matters through the Wilstead Parish Council website, do visit www.wilsteadparishcouncil.org to see the latest news and helpful information.

Wilstead Players

Wilstead Players ceased to be in existence towards the end of 2025 and as it will be appreciated, that over fifty years had amassed a vast amount of assets.  These include costumes, some scenery, properties, furniture, play scripts etc., etc..  A caretaker committee formed with the dissolution of the Players decided to hold an open event over a weekend when all the assets would be exhibited and offered to all the neighbouring societies and organisations who would be invited to the event.

The event is to be held over the weekend of the 14th and 15th February - in Wilstead Village Hall, Cotton End Road.  On the Saturday, the Hall will be open for viewing from 12 noon until 6.00 pm and on Sunday from 10 o'clock until 4.00 pm.  Obviously, if there is any local interest, please feel free to visit the Hall on that weekend and remove anything you wish.  Anything not taken will be placed in a skip for disposal at landfill!  A very sad day for the end of Wilstead Players, who have entertained local people and beyond for a very long time.

The committee is not expecting any payment, but donations may be made in a collection facility for Sue Ryder.

News from the Pews

January blew in as a very busy time for some of us.

This Epiphanytide, we welcomed a large number of people to our Sunday morning services, Hebrews Café was bustling after the services with everyone enjoying a hot drink and a slice of cake or biscuits and a good natter. We also welcomed visitors to the village, new members and those who were able to re-join us after a time of rest and recuperation.

I was pleased to be able to assist the busy team in the kitchen at the Wilstead over- 60's Annual Tea Party. Over 100 guests sat down to a super tea and were entertained by an amazing pop and rock duo. Once the table clearing began, it was great to come around and have a laugh and joke with so many of you who were there. I even joined in the dancing in the aisles for a few minutes. Yes, there was dancing in the aisles as well!

Our “Ready to Share” monthly afternoon group will restart on Tuesday 10th February at 1.45pm for a hot drink and cake. We start at 2pm and close promptly at 3pm. You may come to as few or as many sessions a you are able. In this series we will be learning about how our Christian worship has developed, the prayers used and sections from the bible included in our regular weekly worship. The group is open to anyone with an interest in this subject. You do not have to attend church, nor will there be an expectation for you to attend our services. This is primarily to develop an understanding of what our worshipping Christian community says and does when we gather together in prayer and praise.

No matter how cold it is outside, you will always be assured of a warm welcome within our doors.

The Elstow Team offer regular Home Visits, Home Communions and advice about Baptism, Confirmation and Wedding and Funeral arrangements. Please contact us at the numbers and email below.

Helen Harbron-Applegarth

Lay Minister, Elstow Team Ministry

01234 261477 vicar@elstow-abbey.org.uk

Elstow Cricket Club Season 2026

(Local cricket club for Wilstead, Wixams, Elstow, Kingsbrook, Cauldwell and other surrounding areas)

We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. With spring approaching, Elstow CC is already putting plans in place for the 2026 season, and we have some exciting developments ahead.

We will be starting work on our state-of-the-art new three-lane net facility, and we are also exploring the opportunity to host a European League event towards the end of this summer. Looking further ahead, the 2027 season will mark Elstow CC's 80th anniversary, and we have already started planning a celebration worthy of this special milestone.

Our End of Season Party is pencilled in for Saturday 29th August. This is always a fantastic event, featuring raffles, live music, food carts, and some incredible Saturday 1st XI action — this season in the Onyx Cambridgeshire Division 3.

Before that we will be holding our Annual General Meeting & Youth Signing-On Night on Friday 13th March 2026 in the Typhoo Bar.  Signing-on will begin at 5:30pm, where parents and youth players can register and collect any shirts that have been ordered. The AGM will start at 8:00pm, and all members are welcome to attend.

A list of committee positions will be circulated in advance of the meeting. The Typhoo Bar will be open, and we expect to arrange darts, table tennis, or other games to keep everyone entertained.

The Elstow Playing Field Committee is also hopeful that the Main Hall will reopen in the spring, as roof refurbishment works are now well underway. This will be a great boost for any planned summer events.

As always, there is plenty of work to do ahead of the season. Our #GetSet Day is planned for Saturday 28th March from 9:00am at the Club. Tasks will include rolling the cricket square, building covers and sight screens, preparing the Typhoo Bar and changing rooms, and tidying the score hut — all vital jobs to ensure the season gets off to a great start.

This year, we are also hoping for some additional helpers to complete work on the newly refurbished Typhoo Bar and changing rooms, including painting woodwork and cleaning showers and toilets.

Over the winter, our indoor teams have been busy with Monday night training, as well as matches in the Youth Friday Night League and the Men's and Women's Bedfordshire County Sunday Leagues.

Finally, thank you as always to our fantastic sponsors, parents, volunteers, committee members, players, and supporters who all help to make Elstow Cricket Club what it is today.

If you would like to get in touch, please email us at elstowcricketclub@hotmail.co.uk or contact one of our current committee members as follows:

Jim Tanswell – Chairperson 07775 668123

Geoff Couling – Youth Development Manager 07577 609399

Ranvir Thiarra – First Team Captain 07590 375172

Nicola Wisson-Hill – Women's Co-ordinator 07789 586671

Matt Stevens – Grounds Keeper 07811 105822

Alternatively, visit our website elstowcricketclub.co.uk for more information.

Thank You Letter

Gwynneth would like to thank everyone for their cards and kind messages and  memories of Gerald, he would have been so proud to hear them.

Wilstead W I

During January  February and March WI always meets in the afternoon so our members don't have to come out in the dark and bad weather.

We had a “bring a plate” meeting where all members brought some Christmas bits, sandwiches, cheeseboard and some lovely sweet treats too.  In fact we could have fed the village. Time to catch up with friends and a game of beetle drive, no you can't put eyes on your beetle if you don't have a head, great fun was had by all.

At our February meeting Jane Hooper Energy Champion for Bedfordshire talked about heat and energy and the best ways to keep warm.

Our March meeting in the Village Hall will be on Thursday 5th March when Dara Bilan will bring along some samples of Ukraine Embroidery and she will give us an insight into how it is worked.

Come along for a cuppa and chat you don't have to be a member.

Karen Cook President

01234 403936

Karencook3@btinternet.com

Meeting with Blake Stephenson

Thank you to everybody who came to my Wilstead meeting in January with local councillors Graeme Coombes and Marc Frost. I'm extremely grateful to The Woolpack for hosting us – its been tough for the hospitality sector so I'm determined to make sure we keep backing our fantastic local pubs.

Some of the issues we discussed included potholes, flooding concerns and a new bench between Wixams Retirement Village and Seasons Garden Centre.

Also discussed was Universal Studios in Stewartby which I believe it will bring huge economic benefits to our local communities – jobs, major investment and increase in footfall for other local businesses. I completely understand that communities, like Wilstead, have many concerns about the potential impact and disruption to village life, particularly how the already congested A421 and surrounding roads, will cope with increased pressure. I have a strong relationship with the team at Universal and have been feeding back issues raised with me. I will continue to push for robust, forward-looking transport and infrastructure planning so that local communities are protected and the benefits of the development are enjoyed without adding undue strain to daily life.

The future of the Wixams GP surgery was another key topic raised. Borough Councillor Graham Combes covers this in detail in his report.

I also answered questions on the effectiveness of the Civil Service and MPs expenses, and provided an overview of my responsibilities as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Treasury team. Also my work on the Public Accounts Committee and the Environmental Audit Committee, which help me scrutinise government decisions and represent local priorities in Parliament.

I am committed to being an open, accessible MP so if you want to attend future events please do keep an eye on my website or sign up to my regular newsletter by visiting blakestephenson.uk..

Anyone who needs support can get in touch at blake.stephenson.mp@parliament.uk, and finally, once again I want to thank the Woolpack for hosting, the residents who attended and to Graeme and Marc for contributing their local knowledge.