Happy birthday to Georgina Ardley on the 29^th and to everyone else with a birthday in November.

 The Spreading Chestnut Tree

Have you noticed the wonderful show of conkers this year, surely one of the best seasons for years. These magnificent, stately trees, which produce such an abundance of candle-like blossoms in the early summer produce a second treat for us when the fruits ripen, the casings split and the rich glossy brown chestnuts are revealed within. They must be one of the most rewarding trees to grow - providing you have enough room - in either park or garden.

I say rewarding to grow, but our friends from Health and Safety are on to them. Declaring the trees to be a hazard due to falling conkers and a danger to boys climbing in the branches to gain access to the nuts. This is a shame because children for generations have always looked forward to the conker season, and,apparently this enjoyment is not just confined to children.

The origin of the game is shrouded in mystery, but there are references to the game dating back as far as 1653 when it is recorded that boys were playing with "cob nuts strung upon a ribban." There are also references in the 18th century to a game called "coggars" played with snail shells! However, the game we recognise today as "conkers" is about 160 years old and is recorded as "being played on the Isle of Wight" in 1848 when it was mentioned in 'Every Boy’s Book'. I fear its days are numbered, however, as Health & Safety declare that children must be supervised, wear goggles, helmets and gloves, lest they rap their knuckles or flying debris enter their eyes. What children’s sport can survive all this?

Adults, however, can presumably carry on. Each year the Annual World Conker Championships are held in the tiny village of Ashton, in Northamptonshire (near to Oundle) where the event is supervised by the Ashton Conker Club. In 1965 they jokingly issued a challenge to all-comers and from this date it has grown into an international event open to all-comers of whatever age. Contestants arrive from all over the world, including Australia, Russia, Italy, the U.S., Ireland, Germany, Canada, The Ukraine, France, Poland, New Zealand and South

Africa.  Some take the competition seriously while others take a more light-hearted approach and arrive in fancy dress.

Last year’s winners came from Peterborough and Northampton , and on Sunday 9th October 2005 contestants met again on the village green to vie for the championship. The junior champion was a boy from Wellingborough, the ladies’ champion came from Boston, Lincs. whilst England and Scotland fought it out for the men’s cup with a man from York

taking the title. The contest attracted approximately 5,000 people and raised £20,000 for charity.

These beautiful, statuesque trees, so much a part of our countryside today are not, however, a native species to this land, and did not reach our shores until 1603. The trees originated in the borderland between Greece and Albania but the beauty of the tree meant their popularity spread across Europe. It was not just their beauty that made them so

popular. What was also highly valued was the considerable crop of chestnuts that were used, when crushed and ground, for horse and cattle fodder and considered to be more nutritious than oats.

The tree was also a favourite with the blacksmiths who planted them widely. They found that a concoction derived from the bark of the tree and the nuts were beneficial in the treatment of stomach ailments in horses and it also benefited their rheumatic pains. Recently this has also been found to benefit humans.

So widespread was the custom of planting a chestnut tree beside the

village forge that it became something of a trademark for the blacksmith and, indeed, so popular was it that it even got a mention in a popular song of the times. In due time the tree became known as the "horse" chestnut tree because of its close association with the smithy and the health of horses.

  Barbara Corley

Invites you to join us

on Wednesday 14 December 2005

at 12.30 for 1.00pm

For Christmas lunch

In the Village Hall

Please let Roma know (on 01234 720431) by

Tuesday 6 December if you are able to join us.

We were delighted this month to have the opportunity to see round the newly converted centre based on Chellington Church. We were met at the door by our guide for the evening, John Tusting, whose pride in the building and what has been achieved was evident. He showed us the upgraded domestic facilities and then the new extension which must have the most spectacular view of the valley. What was remarkable for us was the complete absence of any street lights. Then on into the old church which now contains the accommodation in the form of bunks in small cubicles. These are neatly tucked into the former side aisles, leaving the nave free for a meeting, entertaining and eating area. The former altar area now forms a quiet contemplative space and houses the old font. The old and new are beautifully put together.

We then left the centre and returned to the Village Hall where John Tusting told us a little about the history of the church. It was declared redundant in 1970 and would have been boarded up if the Youth Outreach section hadn’t considered it suitable for use as a centre.

Conditions were basic but it was heavily used initially creating a huge impact on the children from urban deprived areas who came, but gradually, with new legislation on Health and Safety, Sanitation and Children’s Welfare, it was realised it would have to close. The decision was made and only had to be ratified by the church council but the youth of the diocese were outraged and successfully campaigned to have the decision reversed. An architect was appointed; English

Heritage persuaded to approve the plans, not without difficulty, and fund raising began. The appeal benefited enormously from local

charities and individuals as well as other trusts and a year from the first sod been turned the church was declared open to visitors.

The centre is fully booked ‘till March at weekends, but the centre is

available during the week and weekends for all groups of any

denomination. A beautiful peaceful space for any meeting.

We welcome a speaker from Sainsbury’s to the Village Hall on Tuesday 8^th November at 7.30. She will be talking about new ideas for Christmas food.

Hostesses are Mandy Sharpe and Audrey Dempsey. The competition is ‘A favourite Cookery Book’

A meeting of Odell Parish Council held on Monday, 19^th September 2005 at 8.00 p.m. in the Village Hall, Odell.

Old School Bell: A decision can be expected shortly from the Rural Grants Committee.
Seat - Horsefair Lane: Cllr. Cheadle has installed this and has been in contact with the people who wish to contribute and have a plaque

affixed commemorating Geoff & Barbara Harrison, former residents of Odell. Cllr. Cheadle had asked Celia Sellars for a quote for a kerb round the front of the seat to prevent any further inadvertent vehicular damage to the new seat.
Grasscutting: It was proposed that costs should be investigated for alternative options.

Borough Council matters
The Core Strategy leaflet produced by the Borough with an attendant questionnaire was circulated.
Leaflets from the Borough regarding the Bedford Borough Youth Council were tabled for distribution/display.
County Council matters
The Mobile Library reorganisation was discussed; it was noted that Odell will benefit from having the Library visit EVERY Friday instead of fortnightly, albeit for a slightly shorter period. It was worth noting, however, that there is a "Home Delivery" service available where books etc, can be delivered direct to an individual's home in case of incapacity.
Public Path Diversion Orders confirmed for Footpath Nos 11,22, 23 and 25.
Engineers’ report on the old bridge had been circulated prior to the meeting. Cllr. Bridgman has been trying to find out what follow up action is to be taken [as has the Clerk] but to date without success.
Planning matters
Applications circulated between meetings:
79 High Street - erection of stone wall and gate at end of driveway;
125 high Street - erection of 1 detached dwelling - this has now been withdrawn.
16 Horsefair lane - 2 storey side extension and single storey rear

extension - notification of Permission Refused received.
Permission granted for 75 High Street - erection of conservatory and double garage.
An application was tabled for 14 Horsefair Lane.

Country Park
Cllr. Halton reported that work is to be carried out to the Odell

entrance. With regard to the bridle gate, it is proposed to leave the opening without installing a gate. Should this not prove satisfactory a new gate could easily be installed. The events are progressing well and there is a lot of interest. The "Friends" are carrying out monthly tasks and any new volunteers would be very welcome.
Cllr. Cheadle commented that parked cars belonging to visitors to the Country Park make it almost impossible for carers etc. to find anywhere to park when they arrive. The Highways department will be contacted for advice and the Country Park asked to display notices.

Finance
Reconciliation of accounts distributed and noted.
Disposal of Millennium Mugs
Cllr. Harrison had asked if the disposal of the remaining 92 mugs in his possession could be discussed, several Councillors expressed an interest in buying some.
It was proposed the availability of the mugs at only £2 each should be highlighted in the parish magazine. Please contact Rachel Halton on 01234 720572 if any are required.`
Correspondence and requests
Response from the Environment Agency regarding the clearing of the river tabled and discussed. It was stated that a detailed survey will be undertaken during the course of 'this financial year' to determine whether any maintenance work is necessary. Cllr. Sharpe undertook to personally contact the named individual on the letter to try to get a clearer and firmer response to the problem.
The North Bedfordshire Council for Voluntary Services are carrying out a mapping exercise of the voluntary sector in the county to discover what organisations there are, and how they can best support them. To this end they are asking all parishes for a list of community groups in each parish. The two organisations proposed by Councillors were the Luncheon Club [Roma Garon] and the 645 Club [Roy Dobbs] and this information will be passed to the North Beds Council for Voluntary Services.
Generally for the business of the meeting.
Cllr. Cheadle reported that the clearing work had been carried out

behind Mr Hudson's barn and also at the property opposite.

With regard to the seat opposite the grazing field, this has been inspected by Mr Swift who confirms the concrete has gone although it is not immediately dangerous, but it should be replaced at some time.
Cllr. Crotty commented on the flashing signs at the entrances/exits to many small villages which he feels do have an impact on approaching motorists' speeds. Podington are in the process of acquiring two of these and their Clerk will be asked for details.
Date of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Monday, 21^st November.

Wind Turbines

Planning application 05/02589/FUL : Wind Turbines, Airfield Road, Podington

A copy of this application will be available for inspection in the Village Hall in Odell on FRIDAY 4^th NOVEMBER. The hall will be open for two sessions – from 2p.m. to 5p.m. and 7p.m. to 9 p.m. It is hoped that this timing will make it possible for anyone interested to call in and view.

Whatever your view of this application your opinion does matter. You only have till 21^st November to make this known both to the Parish Council and to Bedford Borough Council.

The Mobile Library now visits us EVERY Friday for 15 minutes from 13.45 - 14.00 hrs by the flats. Thus, a longer fortnightly visit is being replaced by a shorter but more frequent weekly visit.

Belly Dancing to Woodwork – We offer them all!

What are you doing this winter? Watching the same old programmes on TV? Why not get out, have some fun and make your future brighter by enrolling on an adult learning course at Sharnbrook and

Hastingsbury Community Colleges?

SPARK – the Bedfordshire Adult and Community Learning Service

offers a wide range of courses in the areas of Art and Craft, Computing, Health, Fitness, Sport, Dance, Modern Languages, GCSE and other

accredited courses, General Interest and Skills for Life (Numeracy,

Literacy and ESOL). Whatever your interests or aspirations, there is sure to be a course to suit your needs.

So what exactly is on offer?

Courses range from one day workshops, a few weeks or a full

academic year and are often aimed at beginners, intermediate or advanced levels. Several courses give you an opportunity to gain a certificate but not every one ends with an exam. Many courses are purely for leisure where you can have fun, learn a new skill and make new friends.

Ballroom Dancing Jewellery making Lace making Bridge Basic Horse Care & Management Belly Dancing

Legs, Tums and Bums Life Drawing Card Making

Oil Painting Computing

Patchwork Cookery Personal Image Digital Photography

And many more…

How can you find out more?

Call our Sharnbrook SPARK office on 01234 782581 and our team can send you a prospectus, answer your questions or book you onto a course. Alternatively you can log onto www.myfuturetoday.org.uk or pick up a prospectus from your local Post Office.

Do you have a subject or skill you could teach to the local community? If so, SPARK would like to hear from you so that we can continue to develop the range of courses we provide. Call 01234 782581 and let us know.

Sunday 20 November 10am – 12pm

Look out for hidden signs of animals that may be living in the Park. Maybe spot a deer, fox or see what else is around on four feet. Please contact us if you are coming.

Come and join in with practical work to enhance the Park for wildlife and visitors on Monday 28 November. All tasks start at 10am and finish mid afternoon, but you only need stay as long as you want.

Tel: 01234 720016 or email: hocp@bedscc.gov.uk

If you have an idea or can help with these let us know, and if you would like a venue for a private function, the very reasonable hire fee helps us

maintain the hall.

Barn Dance - 8^th October.

This proved to be a great success. The Committee look forward to inviting the dance band back for a future event.

Quiz - 19^th November – Coming up this month – book your tables for this very popular event! Usual teams of 6 (no more, but can be fewer for the brainier ones!) at £2 per head.

Do please support our events, and do suggest to us your ideas for alternative activities.

Reg. Charity No 242164 2005 Season

Scrooge - Fri. 12^th - Sat. 19^th November 7.45 pm.

Matinee Sat. 19^th 2.30pm.

The Wonderful, Seasonal, Family Musical by Leslie Bricusse,

based on Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’

Tickets £9, £10, £11. Early booking is advised at:

November

2^nd 10.30am Meeting Point at Jill’s, Rectory Farm, Odell.

16^th 10.30am Meeting Point at Eileen’s, Corner House,

Wymington Park, Rushden.

19^th 7.30pm Quiz, Village Hall.

20^th 10-12 noon Organised walk in Harrold/Odell Country

21^st 8.00pm Odell Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall.

28^th 10.00am Friends of Country Park working day.

30^th 10.30am Meeting Point at Doris’s, Goodly Heritage, The

December

6^th 11.30am Meeting Point; Christmas lunch at 1.30pm.

9^th 10.30am Christian Family Care Hamper Coffee Morning,

14^th 12.30 Senior Citizens Christmas lunch, Village Hall.

for 1.00pm

Please send all entries for the joint December 2005/January 2006 magazine to Tricia Hudson (patriciahudson at kbnet.co.uk), Anne Turner or Catherine Corkery by November 12^th 2005 at the latest. May we remind you that the editorial team exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are submitted. Also, the opinions expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and are not the responsibility of the editorial team.