- Village Charities Money is available from charitable donations
to assist residents of the Parish in the following areas:- further
education, apprenticeship and for the needy.
- Decisions are made in November each year and applications are called for in the village diary before this time.
Conservation and Footpath Group
- There are about 50 walks in the Marston Vale.
- There is the Clay Way,
- Stewartby Lake Country Park Trail,
- The Brogborough Gateway Trail,
- The Cople Trail, Marston Thrift Trail
- and the Church Trail to name just a few.
- There is the Clay Way,
To know more there is a P3 (Parish Paths Partnership) group you can join free. The group also hopes to maintain the surroundings of the village by planting shrubs, trees and flowers to sustain and enhance the natural environment.
A P3 group was formed in Marston Moreteyne in late 1998 by a small group of people from the Parish who are interested in improving the public rights of way (footpaths and bridleways) in Marston Moreteyne Parish.P3 is a partnership between a group of people in the Parish and the County Council.
In the case of Marston, the Marston Vale Community Forest is the first port of call, through the Community Paths Officer, Guy Lambourne.
The scheme depends on local people being interested enough in their parish to devote some time to surveying the path network - all the footpaths and bridleways, discussing what needs to be done and then making plans to get those improvements carried out.There is help, encouragement and training provided by the County Council and a pot of money is available to be spent by the group.
All the money for P3 comes equally from the County Council and the Countryside Commission. There are 60 parishes involved in the scheme in Bedfordshire, so Marston has joined an ever-expanding network of like-minded people.P3 is very flexible.
Improvements in Bedfordshire range from hundreds of waymark posts and many new bridges, gates and stiles; to the production of circular walk leaflets (available from the Forest Office) information boards, arts projects, regular guided walks with birdwatchers, historians, etc. and other social get - togethers.
Did you know that there are more than 28 kms of public paths in Marston Parish? There is a lot to do and a lot to cover so as many people as possible are needed to keep things moving.
- If you are interested to learn more and perhaps become involved,
please contact either Joanna or Guy on the numbers below. You
could help build a bridge or kissing gate, design a leaflet or
lead a walk.
- It is sociable and fun and very worthwhile. All future meetings and event dates will be published in the Marston Moreteyne monthly diary. So look out for the next date, come along and bring a friend
- Joanna Carlo 01234 766939
- Guy Lambourne 01234 767037
- It is sociable and fun and very worthwhile. All future meetings and event dates will be published in the Marston Moreteyne monthly diary. So look out for the next date, come along and bring a friend
Over the last few years, a comprehensive cover for the village has been achieved with cover also for other parts of the parish.This has reduced or at least warned residents of crime taking place in the parish. This helps to lower crime risk - a factor that some insurance companies reflect in the premiums.
For more information, including your local contact, ring Jean Ellis on 01234 768641
West Mid Beds group has more than 100 members. It is a joint initiative with the police and horse owners providing a ring-around system of awareness and information.
Contact Elaine Boddington on 01234 766767
This is for boys and girls aged 8-14 yrs of age. It meets every Wednesday during school term time at the Village Hall, Bedford Road, Marston from 7pm to 9pm.
The aim of the club is to provide a place for youngsters to meet and take part in games, activities and outings.
The subscription is £1.00 annually and 40p per week.
There is also a tuck shop.The club is run by volunteers under the guidance of a youth leader.
Without adult helpers, the club would not exist and it is therefore always on the lookout for new helpers. For new helpers, training is available.Currently, there are 40-50 members and there is a waiting list.
To go on to this list, call Annie Collard on 01234 767578 (Answermachine - leave your name, address and telephone number.)
http://www.marstonvale.org/
- MARSTON VALE MILLENNIUM COUNTRY PARK
- by Judith Feline,
- Director The Marston Vale Community Forest
- by Judith Feline,
INTRODUCTION
In November 1997 The Marston Vale Trust received a £2.4m grant from the Millennium Lottery Fund to create the "Millennium Country Park".
The new park will cover 250 hectares of land between the villages of Stewartby and Marston.
There are three elements to the project: walking and cycling paths and a horse trail, a visitor centre and "the wetlands".
- TRAILS
- There will be a figure-of-eight cycle and walking trail round the Park. Cycles will be available for hire at the centre. There will be a horse trail around the edge of the wetland area. These routes will link into the wider rights-of-way network beyond the site, including the Milton Keynes-to-Sandy cycle path that is also being developed by The Marston Vale Trust.
- WETLANDS
- The creation of a large area of wetland will be valuable both for people and wildlife. Reed beds, wet grasslands, ponds and woodland will attract rare and interesting wildlife. Paths, boardwalks and hides will allow everyone to enjoy it.
- VISITOR CENTRE
- The visitor centre will become the focal point for the activity at the site and for the wider Marston Vale Community Forest. The visitor centre will offer panoramic views across the Country Park. It will include interpretation and information, education and seminar rooms, restaurant, shop and new offices for the Forest Team.
- THE MARSTON VALE COMMUNITY FOREST
- The Marston Vale Community Forest is one of 12 Community Forests in England. They are all located on the edge of large towns and cities and aim to improve the environment in these areas, close to where people live as well as increase opportunities for people to visit and enjoy the countryside. All Forests share the aim of increasing tree cover in their areas to 30% over the next 40 years. The Forest Team works with landowners to enhance the countryside and with communities to "green" local environments in villages.
- THE MARSTON VALE TRUST
- The Trust is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. It was created to hold the land for the Millennium Country Park and to undertake other projects in and around the Marston Vale area. It runs the Community Forest through its trading company - Marston Vale Services Limited.
- There will be a figure-of-eight cycle and walking trail round the Park. Cycles will be available for hire at the centre. There will be a horse trail around the edge of the wetland area. These routes will link into the wider rights-of-way network beyond the site, including the Milton Keynes-to-Sandy cycle path that is also being developed by The Marston Vale Trust.
The Marston Playing Field comprises three football pitches, a cricket table and first class facilities in the sports pavilion. These include two dressing rooms, a referee’s dressing room and a shower room, kitchen facilities and toilets. Crockery is also available.
- There is also a smaller playing field used mainly for general
recreational purposes. A fenced children’s playground consists
of swings, roundabout, slide, climbing frame and various rocking
animals.
- Seating together with picnic tables is provided.
The fields are well maintained and support the local football and cricket teams. Pitches are also available for outside use, subject to availability.The Pavilion is available for meetings, parties, use by local clubs and health clinic.
- For local residents, bookings fees are as follows:-
- Field and pavilion £20 per match
- Hall £3.50 per hour
- Field and pavilion £20 per match
Prices available for non-residents on request.
- Booking Clerk Mrs Liz Barlow 01234 765640 (104 Bedford Road)
- Secretary Mr Francis Keep 01234 768009 (31 Beancroft Road)
- Chairman Mr Adrian Lear 01234 765354 (162 Lower Shelton Rd)
- Secretary Mr Francis Keep 01234 768009 (31 Beancroft Road)
- Air
- The nearest airport is Luton. The general enquiry number is 01582 405100. There is a rail link to Luton Airport Parkway from Flitwick (Thameslink) followed by an airport bus from the station.
Other airports are within reasonable travelling distance as follows:-
- London Gatwick
- Accessible via Thameslink rail services direct to Gatwick.
- Contact No:- 01293 535353
- London Heathrow
- Accessible via Thameslink from Flitwick to London and then tube or Heathrow Express from Paddington..
- Contact No:- 0181 7594321
- London Stansted
- Contact No:- 01279 680500
- Train
- A regular Silverlink service runs from Millbrook to Bedford and Bletchley (not Sunday). Thameslink services run from Bedford and Flitwick to London (e.g. Kings Cross, Farringdon and Blackfriars) and then to Brighton via Gatwick Airport.Midland Mainline services run from Bedford and Luton to London St. Pancras and the north.
- All train inquiries should be made on 0345 484950.
- National Rail Timetable
- Bus services
- The village is served by the following services:-·
- Accessible via Thameslink rail services direct to Gatwick.
Half Hourly service Cranfield College via Upper Shelton to Bedford·
Hourly service Lidlington Station Road via Bedford Road and Stewartby to Bedford.
Lower Shelton Road is also served by some services·
Weekly service on Friday from The Green to Tesco, Flitwick·
Weekly service to Milton Keynes
Timetables are available at Marston Post Office
Central Enquiry Bureau Tel: 01604 620077
Taxis
There are a number of taxis and private hire companies in the surrounding areas. Villagers should look for current advertising of such services.
- The Village Hall consists of a main hall with kitchen and
a commitee room.
- The hall can hold up to 120 people and crockery and cutlery is available for the use of hirers.
The charges raised are as follows:-
- Committee Room (M-F)
- First Hour £5.00 (residents and village organisations) thereafter £3.00 per hour.
- Non residents rate is 50p per hour above these rates.
- Main Hall and Kitchen
- Mon-Fri Up to 5.00pm per hour £4 (Residents etc) £5
(non res)
- Mon-Th After 5.00pm per hour £4.20 (Residents etc) £5.50 (non res)
- Friday Evening, Sat, Sunday and Bank Holidays (irrespective of day)
- 9.00am-1.00pm £20 (Res etc.) £30 (non res)
- 2.00pm-6.00pm £25 (Res etc.) £40 (non res)
- 7.00pm-11.45pm £40 (Res etc) £60 (non res)
- 9.00am-11.45pm £60 (Res etc) £90 (non res)
- Mon-Th After 5.00pm per hour £4.20 (Residents etc) £5.50 (non res)
Commercial Rate £10 per hour with a minimum charge on Fridays/Sat/Sun of £40.
- Bond against damage is required as follows:-
- Residents etc. £50
- Non residents £100
- Residents etc. £50
Methodist Churches
Bedford Road.
The following activities take place:-
- Sundays
- Sunday School - 10.15am
- Service - 2.30pm and 6.00pm
- Tuesday
- Prayer and Praise - 2.45pm
- Wednesday
- Women’s Meeting - 2.45pm
Lower Shelton Road
The following activities take place:-
- Sundays
- Sunday School and Sunday service 10.30 am
- Second and Fourth Wednesday
- Women’s Bright Hour 2.30 pm
- Sunday School and Sunday service 10.30 am
St Mary’s Church
St Mary-the Virgin is located in Church End.
There is a play area for toddlers and a Sunday School.
Services are usually as follows:-
- 1st and 3rd Sunday
- 10am Family Worship
- 2nd Sunday
- 10am Family Communion.
- 4th Sunday
- 10am Holy Communion followed by a family service at 11am.
-
- Enquiries about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals or other church matters should be made to the Rector:
- Revd Richard Howlett (Tel: 01525 403687)
- Enquiries about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals or other church matters should be made to the Rector:
or one of the churchwardens.
- Neil Falkner, 17 Holme Close, Marston Moreteyne (Tel:01234
768041)
- Mrs Sandra Butterworth, 10 Churchill Road, Marston Moreteyne
- Meetings take place at the Manor Court Old People’s
Complex on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, starting at 7.15 pm
until approx. 9.30 pm.
- A warm welcome is extended to ladies of all ages.
- The broad purpose of the WI has always been to give country women the opportunity of working together to improve the quality of life in rural areas.
- Meetings include business plus talks, demonstrations, slides or similar items.
- Meetings of the Bedford County WI can also be attended.
- The Marston Institute organises outings, a Summer Fayre, Christmas party meeting and Birthday Meeting