Noticeboard

EVERY MUG COUNTS IN ODELL!

The residents of Odell are invited to get together with friends, family and colleagues on Friday 24 September for Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning!

Last year hundreds of coffee mornings across Bedfordshire raised almost £81,000 to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Taking part couldn’t be easier, and you don’t have to hold a big event and raise hundreds of pounds. Invite your neighbours in for a coffee, encourage colleagues to bake cakes in the office or if you belong to a club or group simply take donations in return for refreshments at your meeting.

You don’t even have to organise a traditional coffee morning if it doesn’t suit you; how about a light lunch, cheese and wine evening or even a garden party. 

If you can’t organise your own event be sure to find out where public Macmillan coffee mornings are taking place in your local area. Check out community notice boards, local press and Macmillan’s online events finder at macmillan.org.uk/coffee for details.

To raise some money, and a smile, for people affected by cancer register now by calling 0845 602 1246 or visit macmillan.org.uk/coffee

The Mayor of Bedford has expressed a keen interest in visiting as many parishes as possible and talking to local residents.  We are pleased to note that he will be visiting Odell on Tuesday, 26th October, and by kind permission of the landlord, will be hosting this session at The Bell Public House.  The session will start at about 7.15 p.m.  Anyone with a particular question or concern is invited to raise it with the Mayor at this session.

Communications Dept.   Tel: 01234 221622/3       Fax: 01234 227438

Email: proffice@bedford.gov.uk

KIDS TAKE ONE GIANT LEAP INTO LIBRARIES!

Space Hop: Launch of the 12^th Summer Reading Challenge

Libraries across Bedford are getting ready to launch children into orbit for an intergalactic adventure that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays … with the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge (starting on Saturday 17^th July - Saturday 4^th September) - and it’s all free fun!

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge has a space theme, called ‘Space Hop’, it will enable children to boldly go to new worlds, to discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love for reading and books.

The Summer Reading Challenge adventure starts in their local library, where young visitors will meet Finn, Jessie, Nabil and Safiya – the crew of the Ex-Libris (name of the spaceship) – as they embark on their mission to set up the first lunar library. Unless, the dastardly Spacekatz leads them into the nearest black hole…

Children can help Bedford Borough Librares and the crew of the Ex-Libris achieve their mission by reading six or more library books of their choice during the holidays: read six books to receive six sticker sheets and a ‘Space Hop’ certificate, read 12 for a glow-in-the-dark wristband and 18 books for a ‘Space Hop’ medal. Plus for every book that children read they raise money for Keech Hospice Care for Children, thanks to sponsorship from Wates Family Enterprise Trust.

A programme of FREE events and activities are planned for the summer – including two magicians, who are both called Magic Dave.

Over 14? This year there is a challenge for you too – Read four books for the chance to be entered into a prize draw at every library to win a £10 book token.

“Children really enjoy taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s great fun, but also gives children a real sense of achievement and provides families with an opportunity to take part in activities together. ¹Research shows that children who take part get a head start in the classroom when they go back to school in September.” said Councillor Barry Huckle, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Leisure at Bedford Borough Council.

There is no age limit to joining the challenge and there are also large print materials available for visually impaired children. So, Mums, Dads, Grandparents and carers, pop into your local library to find out more.

Local Bedford Borough Libraries are: Bedford Central Library, Bromham Library, Kempston Library, Putnoe Library and Wootton Library.

To find out more about the Space Hop challenge and events visit:

www.bedford.gov.uk and click on Libraries.

Notes to editors:

Research by the UK Literacy Association (UKLA)¹ shows the Summer Reading Challenge can help primary schools avoid the “summer holiday dip” in pupils’ reading motivation and attainment.

3,000 Bedford Borough children took part in the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge: Questseekers.

For further information please contact:

Justine Halsey, Corporate Communications

Tel: 01234 276276