on the button Issue 25 | Page 4

St Peter’s Church – News Dear Readers I am very much looking forward to meeting people as I take up my new post here from September 1st. Moving from deepest Dorset, the main geographical change will be the lack of hills! But as an enthusiastic walker I am looking forward to exploring the various public footpaths... As I am sure you already know, the Church of England provides a spiritual presence in every community, and we are very fortunate to have a church here, St Peter’s, with a history going back to the 12th century. Of course it’s not just an historical building, because there is a lively congregation worshipping here every Sunday, usually at 9.30am. There is a warm welcome for everyone! For enquiries about baptisms, marriages or funerals, or if you would just like to come and have a chat, please call ne on: 01462 731227 or email me at: [email protected] Looking forward to meeting you, Geoffrey Boult – New Vicar, St Peter’s church services St Peter’s Church would like to say ‘Thank-you’ again to all the volunteers who have continued to work so hard to help keep the churchyard tidy. Some dates for your diary for the next few months.... M  onday 1st September: Bishop Richard of Bedford will officiate at the licensing of our new Priest-in-Charge, Rev Geoffrey Boult, 7.30pm. W  ednesday 3rd September: Parish Lunch in St Peter’s Church 12.30pm* For more information, or to book your place at Parish Lunch, please contact Helen Bardell on 07967 144 571 S  unday 7th September: Holy Communion at St Peter’s 9.30am S  aturday 13th September: Beds & Herts Historic Churches Bike’n’Hike Take a cycle (or walking) tour of the local Historic Churches & help raise funds for St Peter’s at the same time. Further information available in St Peter’s Church. S  unday 14th September: Morning Praise at St Peter’s 10.00am S  unday 21st September: Harvest Festival Service with Holy Communion at St Peter’s 9.30am, followed by Harvest Lunch at Arlesey Methodist Church. Advance notice - Friday 17th October Quiz Night in Arlesey Village Hall 7.00pm ....and don’t forget our regular Coffee Mornings at St Peter’s Church: Coffee, Tea, Home-made cake and company every Tuesday from 10.00 until 11.30am. Independents For Arlesey – the story so far For many months now a minority of existing councillors and a growing number of Arlesey residents have become disillusioned with our Town Council. Its lack of leadership in the community, its lack of transparency, honesty and consistency, its failure to listen to the community, its failure to work with the community for the community. While parish councils have relatively few actual powers, they do have some opportunity to see that some limited funds from taxes are used to maximum benefit for the local community. And they can lobby and attempt to influence those who have real political power in county councils and further up the government hierarchies. Party politics, business interests, personal agendas and egos should NOT be a part of Parish and Town Councils – but unfortunately all too often they are – to the detriment of the local community. The Parish Council’s prime purpose should be as a part of the local community giving leadership, focus and support in facilitating the local community in maximising opportunities to improve and maintain the local environment and some services. This has not been the case in Arlesey for a long time. As those with good intent have given up the situation has got worse and worse. Many of us felt that there i ́