THREE RIVERS

Spring 2014

Easter Activities p14-15

Things are looking up - astronomy page 10 South Intitative page 4 All-out local elections page 8 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

NEWS

Are you ready for anything? How prepared are you to cope with an emergency? Open It may be useful to have the following items to hand: mobile phone, torch, exhibition portable radio, spare batteries and chargers, Calling all groups! medication, glasses and 2014 copies of important Week 2014 paperwork. Artistsmeet is currently showing a selection of art from The Rickmansworth Society is inviting community groups local artists which will be on display until 5 May. Consider where you, your and individuals to come along to their AGM on 1 April. family, elderly or vulnerable The Society has started work organising the popular Artistsmeet is a contemporary art gallery space situated in relatives, pets or neighbours Rickmansworth Week which takes place from Saturday 10 Watersmeet. could stay overnight. May to Sunday 18 May. The gallery is open for public viewing free of charge during Do you have a smoke Ricky Week is best known for its canal festival at the end of box office opening hours (weekdays 10am – 4pm) detector that you test the festivities on 17 and 18 May. But there are many more monthly and have you events throughout the week including the carnival parade, www.facebook.com/artistsmeet 01923 711063 considered the best way to local history society and museum events, concerts, films, escape in a fire? a fish and chip quiz, a barbeque organised by Batchworth Sea Scouts and a Miss Rickmansworth competition. Elections 2014 – act now If you are a pensioner, have a disability or suffer long-term The AGM will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Elections across all the wards of the Three Rivers District illness, check if your energy Church in Park Road on Tuesday 1 April at 8pm. Council area will take place on Thursday 22 May for the and water supplier will put Three Rivers District Council and European Parliamentary you on a priority services http://rickmansworthsociety.org/ www.rwt.org.uk elections. Elections will take place on the same day for register. This may provide 01923 722325 / 01923 775505 Chorleywood Parish Council. additional, free services Residents must contact the District Council urgently in such as: priority order to register to vote if they have not done so already. reconnection if your supply Free swim and gym The final deadline to register is Wednesday 7 May. is interrupted or alternative heating facilities etc. The deadline for postal vote registration is 5pm on the 7 for U19s May. www.threerivers.gov.uk 01923 776611. Visit the Environment Agency’s website and If you are under 19 and live Information about ward boundary changes is on page 8. register for flood warnings in Three Rivers you can direct: swim FREE on selected days www.environment-agency. and times during the Easter gov.uk/floodsoutheast or call holidays. Floodline: 0845 988 1188. If you are 11-15 years old For up-to-date emergency (ages vary depending on listen to BBC Three Counties the gym you choose) Radio 95.5FM / 103.8FM / and live in the 104.5FM). district, you can take advantage of FREE www.hertsdirect.org/ gym sessions on readyforanything selected days and 0300 123 4040 times too! 01923 776611 Boxing ‘cleva’ www.threerivers.gov.uk British Red Cross, The Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, visited Three Rivers in January as part of a District Day that Public first aid courses are also available from the focused on crime and anti-social behaviour-related issues Red Cross. The Croxley group also provide special in the area. The Commissioner saw groups and schemes courses for businesses, schools, groups for people with working within the local Community Safety Partnership disabilities and sports clubs. (CSP) and went toe-to-toe with former world boxing www.redcross.org.uk 0844 871 8000 champion, John Conteh at a youth scheme in South Oxhey.

Page 2 Contact us on 01923 77661 1 SPRING 2014 THREE RIVERS TIMES

Contents page News 2-5 Happy Sustainability 6-7 Towards Excellence 8

40th! Community Action 9-10 We are 40 on 1 April! Local government reorganisation Business News 11-12 in 1974 saw the creation of larger authorities by merging smaller councils Community Safety 13 together. Second life for school Leisure and Culture 14-16 Over a century’s worth of this for the support from Editor KEVIN SNOW history has been preserved the community and from Assistant Editors JAMAL KHAN, TIM ASHBY at the old Yorke Road the Council. School building in Croxley Designer DIANE BUGEJA Green. “The school building Main Photographers VICTOR SHACK keeps many of its original PATRICIA RAYNER Back in 2011, following features, including a SUE LACEY urgent complaints from ‘naughty seat’. A special ANNE SIMONS residents association covenant will help to members, District Council preserve the Victorian We welcome your ideas and feedback on this magazine. staff intervened to colour scheme and historic block the unauthorized Ring 01923 727334 or email home names.” [email protected] Three Rivers’ Chairman, bulldozing of the historic Les Mead, said: building. The building has been Front cover: SOUTH WEST HERTS ASTRONOMY SOCIETY, staff and students converted to high Sarratt builder Paul O’Reilly “I’ve lived in the area since standards of energy If you would like this information 1968. I’ve seen a great stepped in and bought the efficiency. improvement in leisure property and repaired the translated into another language please facilities and it’s good to damage wreaked by the Yorke Road School opened contact us on 01923 776611. see the Council continues bulldozer. His conversion in 1874 and closed in 1977 to be used for storage and to be committed to of the school into four W sprawie tłumaczeń proszę kontaktować sie z protecting the Green Belt. private homes is now for office space. nearly complete. “There’s more of a sense of Sales information is Para traduções favor contactar community since the early Paul O’Reilly says: “I’ve available from 70s and I’ve seen the canal never worked on a job like www.savills.co.uk/ festival expand into a major event in the country. We’ve 01923 776611 also gone from 0 to 60% in Council Tax This information is also available on our kerbside recycling.” website at www.threerivers.gov.uk ? Three Rivers District Council was born out If you need this information in of Rickmansworth Urban District Council, large print, braille or another Chorleywood Urban District Council and Rural format call District Council with parts of Abbots Langley, Sarratt 01923 776611 and Watford Rural. All information is correct at time of going to print. Week between 9 and 15 June Toddler Tales events. Oxhey Word up and the summer reading Library also holds occasional Printed on chlorine-free paper from sustainable forests. challenge which takes place events for children with This publication cost 20p per copy including delivery. National Book Week closed during the school holidays disabilities. Some of the on 8 March but there are on the theme of Mythical libraries support reading still loads of events taking Maze. groups for adults and place in libraries and All of the county libraries in teenagers. bookshops in the area. Look the district feature weekly www.hertsdirect.org/ out for National Bookstart Baby Rhyme Time and 0300 123 4049 www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 3 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

NEWS

A stitch in time Let’s South Oxhey’s popular Sew Inspired group The group supports knitting and other crafts activities with Stitch and Chatter, Knit and Natter. talk As well as a weekly tutored craft class, the group has an open session on the first Thursday in the month for stitching, knitting and other crafts and a friendly cup of Barry Evans navigates his coffee. www.ascend.org.uk 020 8420 1364 garden by listening to the sound of wind chimes. Barry is among hundreds Knit and of visually impaired people who live in Carpenders Park community hall holds a monthly book and one way in which they natter share their techniques sale on the last Saturday of the month. They have both used and new books for sale and also some bric-a-brac. Once a month, Abbots Langley is through the Watford The stall includes a selection of jigsaws and is having Library is alive with the sound of click- Talking Newspaper. clacking knitting needles with a background of friendly chatter. a special offer in May of buy-one-get-one -free on the Run by enthusiastic jigsaws. They also have some boxed board games for sale. The groups welcome both experienced knitters and volunteers, the Talking Perfect for the Easter holiday for the children absolute beginners. People bring along their own projects Newspaper distributes a 020 8428 9196. or the library can supply needles and wool for beginners. USB memory stick to its The more experienced knitters support and encourage the clients each week with beginners. extracts from the Watford One of our regular knitters Observer, community commented: “My fellow Youth Council news, service information crafters are a mixed grants for the blind, and Council bunch so we always have newspapers such as Three something to chat about The District Council Rivers Times. whilst working hard on our invited charities and various works in progress. organisations to apply Barry said: “It’s good to If we get stuck, or want to for donations from the know what’s going on – to try something new, help is Youth Council, where hear about safety issues on hand from experienced chosen organisations and news about services. knitters.” could be allocated I’m learning Braille on money from their Friday’s and I heard about Abbots Langley Library, £1,000 grant fund. the course from the talking Pieces be with you. Abbots Langley’s annual jigsaw festival first Tuesday of the takes place on Saturday 5 April featuring hundreds of The youth councillors newspaper.” month, decided the following completed puzzles. 10am – 5pm Entry £1. The group is appealing for 10am -11am successful applications: www.abbotslangleycommunitycentre.co.uk volunteers who can provide Chorleywood Library, The Hive, Chorleywood basic technical help. Full Green markets second Monday of the £200 training will be given. month, Abbots Langley Transition Town Association is holding its All Saints Youth Group 2pm-3pm 01923 248006 next community market on 10 May. The cost of a sales table £100 is £10. 07888 723594 www.altta.org.uk http://watfordtn.org.uk/ Kings Langley Library, Furze Field House second and fourth Friday (youth project) £300 Large print and audio CD versions of Three Rivers of the month, Northwood and Pinner Public consultation Times are available from 10am-11am Liberal Synagogue the Council on request Thursday 27 March 2014 (youth project) £100 www.hertsdirect.org 01923 727 255. Podcast at As part of our continuing work on the 0300 123 4049 Watford Mencap £300 South Oxhey Initiative we are preparing www.threerivers.gov.uk an outline planning application for the precinct. We want to know what you think and we Help save a life will be holding a public consultation event at an open door event. Every year thousands of people die in situations where first aid could have given them a chance to live. St John Ambulance is holding first aid training for residents on Saturday 14 Drop in from 10am to 8pm. Watford Rural June. Essential First Aid (for all ages) at 10am and Basic First Aid at 1.30pm. Each course is £25 plus VAT. St John building, Berry Lane, Rickmansworth.

South Oxhey Oxhey South Initiative Parish Council, Oxhey Drive, WD19 7SB. 01923 727 255 The local division is also looking for more volunteers to get involved with their life saving and www.threerivers.gov.uk rewarding work. No experience is necessary and all basic first aid training is provided. 01923 897934 [email protected] Page 4 Contact us on 01923 77661 1 SPRING 2014 THREE RIVERS TIMES

NEWS Final call for Sport Relief Remaining places are filling fast for the Rickmansworth Think wider Mile on Sunday 23 March. The Rickmansworth Mile By Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, - pictured with Mohammed provides fun for everyone, with distances to suit all Applause for Fahili, Director of the Jewish Arab Community Centre in Acre, Israel ages and abilities. There will also be a host of family Providing learning and understanding opportunities to fun activities including face Watersmeet local non-Jewish residents is a vital part of our community painting, beat the goalie Watersmeet, Watersmeet is run by the activities. As well as being a hub for the local Council and bouncy castles. Limited Rickmansworth, are District Council and Cllr of Christians and Jews, we welcome over 2,500 local entries may be available on delighted to have been Keith Williams, Cabinet teenagers each year to our Holocaust Memorial Day the day. Book your place at awarded the Netmums Member for Leisure, said: education events. www.sportrelief.com accolade of best local “We are very pleased to Whilst the Synagogue’s core work is caring for the theatre in the Eastern have won this award from spiritual, religious learning and welfare needs of its Region. The popular Netmums, particularly members or parishioners, what meaning does it have, if community venue won this as it has been voted for in each generation, it cannot say that it has contributed category to beat over 80 by users of Watersmeet. to wider society? This is increasingly so when we live in other theatres in the region. Three Rivers prides itself on providing facilities for a multi-everything world. Because we welcome Jews in The theatre awards were mixed marriages there is always a diverse mix of people. all age groups and our set up to honour the rapid program of productions The next public event is on 12 March and is titled Contempt expansion in children’s at Watersmeet includes or Respect?... Jews and Judaism in Christian Preaching. All theatre, which is seeing excellent shows for welcome. www. npls.org.uk @rabbiaaron youngsters enjoy on-stage children”. versions of their favourite exercise for the Council’s TV shows alongside www.watersmeet.co.uk banking services. This was children’s classics. 01923 711063 Bank necessary to comply with Boost for Financial and Procurement change legislation. The successful coaches bidder was Lloyds Bank PLC Three Rivers Council have who will replace Nat West A coaching bursary has been recently undergone a tender Bank from 1st April 2014. launched to offer financial assistance to volunteer coaches. The scheme is run by the Three Rivers Putting the ‘tea’ in Community Sports Network Easter collections and is open to volunteer Carpenders Park If you are due a refuse or recycling coaches working at a sports collection on Good Friday, 18 April, the club based in the district. By Katherine Taylor, Carpenders Park Church collection will instead be made on Saturday 19 April. During the week commencing James Cavalier, Chairman The Welcome Cup Café is held on the second Thursday with Easter Monday 21 April, of the Sports Network, said: of the month, from 10am to noon in Carpenders Park all the collections will be made one day “The bursary scheme will Community Hall. We serve a range of hot drinks and cakes. allow coaches to access Prices are low as we aim only to cover our costs. The little later than normal. Please see collection calendars financial support to gain profit made is given to charity. qualifications and attend for more information. The Café is the church serving the community. Everyone www.threerivers.gov.uk 01923 776611 Safeguarding and First Aid is warmly welcomed and many enjoy coming to meet old courses.” friends and make new ones. We offer lifts to anyone with www.threeriverssport.com mobility problems. www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 5 THREE RIVERS TIMES AUTUMN 2010 SPRING 2014 THREE RIVERS TIMES

NEWS SUSTAINABILITY In from Horses’ the cold Field is The bills for heating homes this winter are now dropping onto doormats. safe These can sometimes be a Abbots Langley residents shock even if you have had thought the Horses’ your heating on as little as Field site will be built possible. on by the developers of the Aerodrome housing Whether your home is scheme. This worry came draughty or losing heat about after permission was through lack of insulation, granted for a play area to in need of new doors or be built on the field. Local glazing that keep out First fruits residents thought that this the cold, or could do would be the beginning Volunteers have planted an orchard of apple, pear and with a heating system of other building works plum trees next to Primrose Hill allotments. The project overhaul, energy efficiency to place on the site. But has been set up by Abbots Langley Transition Town improvements could unlock in fact, the Horses’ Field Association with funding from the Parish Council. the key to a warmer, cosier land is now owned by the home. Volunteer John Kersey says: “People will have the chance District Council. to savour Hertfordshire and other traditional varieties they For some higher cost with expert advice about Three Rivers’ cabinet cannot normally get in the supermarket or greengrocer.” measures, such as external which measures are best member for leisure and wall insulation, then Green The orchard will consist of 32 trees and some varieties for each home. Households community services, Cllr Deal and ECO funding may date from the 18th century. The trees are expected to that sign up to Green Deal Keith Williams, says: be a solution. begin fruiting in three years but the first fruit could appear could also qualify for cash “This is the best as early as next year. There are over 45 different back, up to a maximum reassurance that residents improvements available of £1,000, as part of a can have that, apart from under Green Deal, along national scheme. the children’s play area which has been agreed, the Three Rivers District Council is part of Green Deal land will not be built on. Together which can help with initial assessments, Had the District Council not installations and funding. There is usually a fee for a taken ownership of the land Green Deal assessment. it is likely that developers 0300 1113330 www.greendealtogether.org.uk would have pressed for the Energy Saving Advice Service on field to be built on.” 0300 123 1234 www.direct.gov.uk/greendeal The play area will be near Bounding ahead For those who are vulnerable, such as the junction of South Way older people, young children and those and Langley Lane and paid Homes in Boundary funding, provided the with a long term health condition, and for by the house builder, Way have undergone a opportunity to insulate struggling to stay warm, there is further not by Council Tax payers. transformation thanks the homes free of charge help available through HertsHelp to an energy efficiency to all residents regardless 0300 123 4044. partnership project of income or tenure. Keep in touch between Three Rivers Alongside the insulation District Council, Watford works, the street lighting Our monthly Planning Borough Council, Watford on the estate has been e-newsletter and Environment Community Housing Trust replaced with LEDs. Information highway along with Cosyseal and e-newsletter provide National Energy Action. The project has picked up With over 5,000 km of roads, 5,375km of footpaths and news on important local an award for outstanding cycle ways and 115,000 streetlights across Hertfordshire, sustainability issues. Over 100 homes, which commitment to adapt to it’s an ongoing job maintaining and repairing them. were built of un-insulated climate change at the You can join the Council’s concrete, have been Building Futures Awards. While teams from Hertfordshire County Council’s highways Facebook and Twitter, externally insulated in the contractor, Ringway, are out and about every day they also which provide further first phase of the project. In the next phase the rely on the public to report local problems. updates on current homes owned by Thrive events. The project was kick Visiting www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults is the quickest, started by a successful Homes and the adjacent private houses on easiest and most cost-effective way to report a fault, @threeriversdc or application for DECC Fuel Boundary Way will also be whether it’s a pothole, broken bollard or street light not search for your town on Poverty funding, which working properly. 0300 1234047 Facebook combined with ECO insulated. Page 6 Contact us on 01923 77661 1 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014 AUTUMN 2010 THREE RIVERS TIMES

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

greenourherts Our website is changing Our climate is changing and so is our website. The Council’s Our Climate is Changing website has expanded across Hertfordshire and changed its name to Green Our Herts. The site brings together information on how we could reduce our impact on the environment and adapt to Fresh our changing climate. Whether it is recycling, energy, nature conservation or growth sustainable transport the site covers contains information to help us to protect the environment, save money and Put a spring in for club? improve our lives. Supporters of Croxley your step Green Gardening Club are The Countryside Management Service run a programme of appealing for residents to free short walks suitable for all ages and abilities. come forwards to help re- establish the much-loved The Watford and Three Rivers Health Walks provide group. The club is planning weekly walks in Cassiobury Park, South Oxhey, Abbots to close this spring as Langley, Croxley Green and Rickmansworth. They are now retiring committee members extending the scheme to include more beginners’ walks. have not been replaced, The walks often finish in the local pub or café and are a but it has paved the way for fantastic way to get more active, meet new people and new volunteers to restart generally improve your health and wellbeing. All you need the group using its funds. Oxhey Woods is a suitable pair of shoes and weatherproof clothing. The club has been going since 1918 and most of its conservation www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks 01992 588433. committee are in their 80s. Some naturally want to The Oxhey Woods Conservation Volunteers are always on retire but new volunteers the lookout for new volunteers. They work on the first and must come forwards if the third Sunday of the month, meeting in the woods car park group is to re-establish at 10am. itself and have a future. During February, Countryside Management Service, Ged Mealor and the retiring working in partnership with Three Rivers District Council committee have made the employed contractors to remove the rhododendron around provision for a re-launch. the sculpture trail area. The cleared areas will quickly re- Now it’s up to you - if you colonise with native trees and will be closely monitored. love gardening and would like more information Work to conserve the Rhododendron Walk will also about volunteering for the continue to make sure that an attractive display of flowers committee visit will be maintained and renewed. Volunteers, including the www.croxleygardeningclub. excellent Oxhey Woods Conservation Volunteers, will also co.uk/ or ring Ged Mealor be assisting with the work and are planning a work day in 01923 775912 March to remove rhododendron on the edge of the easy access trail. For a list of gardening clubs around the district visit 01992 556612 [email protected] www.threerivers.gov.uk www.owcv.btck.co.uk Environmental crime watch The Council can issue a fixed penalty notice for: Three Rivers District Council wants Littering £75 Dog fouling £50 your help to tackle the problem so we can penalise the offenders. Please Graffiti £75 Contaminated domestic report in confidence to the District recycling £100 Council on 01923 776611 Fly posting £75 Abandoning a vehicle £200 [email protected] www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 7 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

• Durrants (Croxley) writing a will and the work • Gade Valley Have yourof thesay U3A. : Boundary changes • Leavesden Venue: Three Rivers Abbots Langley • Moor Park and Eastbury House, Northway, Local Area Forum Rickmansworth. • Oxhey Hall and Hayling Tuesday 25 March 2014 Help with transport is • Penn & Mill End (7.30pm) available. 01923 776611 • Rickmansworth Town St Michael’s Catholic High enquiries@threerivers. • South Oxhey School, High Elms Lane, gov.uk Garston, Watford (Elections from 2015 will go Youth Council back to election of a third Rickmansworth Tuesday 4 February of wards per year (13 per Local Area Forum 2014 (5.30pm – 7pm) year). Thursday 27 March 2014 The popular Youth Council 3. All-out Chorleywood (7.30pm) is held three times a year Parish Council elections - 17 and is open to local 11 – Councillors. 19s. The group sets their Chorleywood Cedars - 2 members. Chorleywood North - 7 Fraud busting members Fraud investigator Gary Drury One of the oldest offences Chorleywood Quickwood - 1 member explains how the authority is Benefit fraud, where we prevents and detects fraud. aim to convict people who Chorleywood South - 7 have been dishonestly members. “We investigate all kinds of claiming benefits. New applications for Postal fraud. Tenancy fraud as a criminal offence is relatively “Convicted fraud criminals Votes should be made as have to pay back what they soon as possible. new - investigating landlords, housing associations, illegal have claimed dishonestly. sub-letting and residents Any person who has been Three Rivers District 2. All-out Three Rivers Individual living aboard not paying sentenced by the court, Council will have boundary District Council elections Electoral housing tax. will also have to cover the changes as a result of for 13 new Wards each Council’s cost of going to a review by the Local electing three Councillors – Registration “Another form of fraud is court.” Government Boundary a total of 39 Councillors. The current system of corporate, which involves Commission’s review. As a electoral registration will the Council investigating Report fraud in confidence: result, an all-out election New District Council wards be replaced by Individual organisations, who may be [email protected] will be taking place on 22 • Abbots Langley and Electoral Registration deceiving to gain financially. 01923 727190 May, meaning all wards are Bedmond (IER), with each individual being elected in the next • Carpenders Park making an application to Tenancy Fraud is daylight register. election. • Chorleywood North and robbery and could be Sarratt IER will start on 10 June You can vote in: 2014, which is the day happening in a property 1. European Parliamentary • Chorleywood South and after the final date that elections (East of - Maple Cross a rolling registration near you … electing 7 MEPs) • Dickinsons (Croxley) application can be made under the existing system. Unlawful subletting, www.threerivers.gov.uk succession and obtaining 01923 776611 housing by deception

Council Tax are all forms of Average cost per tenancy fraud where your money goes household It is THEFT Waste collection and recycling £1.86 per week DOWN from your family, Leisure centres and activities £1.66 per week DOWN friends and your local Planning and economic development £1.03 per week UP community Tell us what you know Local transportation £1.00 per week UP not who you are:

Other services - including environmental health, [email protected] 458 9200 £4.46 per week DOWN street cleaning, community safety and elections SAY NO TO TOTAL REDUCTION PER HOUSEHOLD £0.14 per week DOWN TENANCY FRAUD These are the budgeted figures for 2014/15. More information is available at www.threerivers.gov.uk Fighting tenancy fraud together

Page 8 Contact us on 01923 77661 1 SPRING 2014 THREE RIVERS TIMES

COMMUNITY ACTION

History of the Croxley ‘quiet and harmless’ Great Barn Hertfordshire’s oldest timber framed buildings, the Croxley Great Barn, created in 1398, will be holding tours in 2014, on the following dates: From disco to Morris 26th April 31st May 28th In any given week, an English village hall might play host June 26th July 30th to everything from disco to kung fu. Among the mix you One of the large displays at Abbots Langley Parish August 27th September might well walk in on a practice. present in the Three Rivers Councillor, Martin Brooks, 25th October Museum covers Leavesden a former park ranger at The ancient dance declined during the industrial Hospital. Leavesden Country Park, Tours commence at revolution but enjoyed a revival towards the very end of has collected photographs 11am, meet at St Joan Queen Victoria’s reign. The folk music boom of the 1960s The hospital was and items related to of Arc School car park, spawned many new groups and sparked a debate about established to administer Leavesden Hospital Rickmansworth High Street whether women could join the dance. care for the many ‘quiet dating back to 1870 to at 10:45 In fact, records from the 16th century show that the and harmless’ people who put together to produce a lived in at the The Barn is currently being inclusion of women in many modern groups has history wonderful display. on its side. Perhaps what is more surprising is the appeal time. It stood on an 85 supported by the Society New exhibits for the that the bells and staves have for young people in the 21st acre site and was able to Protection of Ancient coming year will include century. The Phoenix group in Croxley Green, for example, house 1,500 patients. The Buildings, and work is being building was designed by a Dr Hussey & Shackleton has several members under the age of 30. exhibition documented by Three the architects Giles and Rivers Museum. The young are also continuing to develop the Morris form, Biven. It had a central The museum is located and this might help to explain its remarkable staying administration block, next to Rickmansworth Talks will be held at the power. As the Phoenix’s 30 year old Kate Wilson says: chapel, separate blocks/ library. 2pm to 4pm Croxley Library 12 March “What I like about the Phoenix is that we are traditional wards for 860 females Monday to Saturday, and and during Ricky Week on but also continue to write and adapt dances. There are and 700 males, over three 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, the 8 May by Stephen Bull also some new edgy ‘Gothic’ style groups which appeal to floors. It closed in 1995 staffed entirely by volunteers. 01923 775882 young men.” and became Leavesden www.trmt.org.uk Country Park. www.phoenix-morris.co.uk/join/join.html 01923 772325 Woodside Morris Men www.woodsidemorrismen.com/ Once in a lifetime SW Herts The National Citizenship Service (NCS) is a once-in-a- Archaeological and Historical Society lifetime opportunity that helps young people build skills Forthcoming lectures: for work and life, while taking on new challenges and The Society provides a varied meeting new friends. programme of lectures by experts on 19 February - Eliott Wragg, (Museum of local, national and international topics. London) - From Logboat to ‘Warrior’; Year 12 students (16 and 17 years old) are supported to Members’ outings are arranged to visit the story of wooden vessels develop the tools and beliefs to unlock their potential and interesting and unusual historic places 19 March - Pat Simpson - Watford after make a positive impact in their communities. Activities the Dissolution of the Monasteries include problem solving and team activities in the Founded in 1954 they have carried out a 16 April - Derek Sayell - Flash, Bang community and at a residential centre. Each place is variety of archaeological investigations Wallop; the history of guns and worth hundreds of pounds but the price is just £50 for the in South West Herts. Some of its finds gunpowder summer term. 01442 454 060 may be seen in museums in Watford and elsewhere in the area. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Watford Rural Parish Council seeks volunteers Monthly meetings are held on the society. A special one day conference Watford Rural Parish Council in South Oxhey run a weekly Wednesdays of the months: Oct., Nov., is being planned for the autumn, looking lunch club for retired members of the Parish on a Tuesday, Dec., Jan., Feb., March and April at at developments in archaeology since if you are recently retired and need some company why Cassio Lodge, 22 The Avenue, Watford, 1954. not come along? Our cook, Anne, freshly prepares all the WD17 4NR. Enquiries 07784807108 food on the day – price includes a raffle as well. The group Lectures start at 7.45 pm (doors open do need volunteers of any age to help with the club. 020 7.30pm) Visitors welcome. 8428 0449. www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 9 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

COMMUNITY ACTION

Food Banks in Three Rivers Individuals are given a The following services are voucher for three days’ available under the Trussel worth of food, which can be Trust: collected from one of the Rickmansworth Foodbank venues below. Vouchers Watford Foodbank are available from a range Hillingdon Foodbank, of agencies including Northwood Children’s Centres, CAB offices and other local If you live in other areas of venues. the district please contact Spring watch with a difference the Citizens Advice Bureau Individual churches may for information about local Stargazers from SW Herts subject. There is always further, outside of school. also be operating a food food bank services in other Astronomical Society and something else to discover After leaving education I bank service. For up-to- parts of the district. and theories to explore. would definitely consider date information, ask at 08444 111 444. took the opportunity to I chose to do astronomy joining a group like the SW your local CAB office. hold a spring sky watch, at GCSE because I have Herts Astronomical Society with clear skies providing always been fascinated so I could pursue my How do Foodbanks operate? perfect visibility. by the subject, along with interest in the subject.” physics. I think learning www.swhas.org.uk Individuals are usually A student from about it is challenging, but People receive food Read an article on the SW referred to the service Rickmansworth School, that’s what makes it so sufficient for three days; Herts Astronomical Society from a number of different Fern Pannell, says: interesting. this can be repeated up at www.threerivers.gov.uk organisations including “I enjoy astronomy the local churches, the to three times, so as not “A subject like astronomy is to create dependency. because you can never engaging, always inspiring SW Herts CAB, Thrive Homes and know everything about the Astronomical Society Children’s Centres. People People are also referred to me to continue learning can be given a voucher organisations such as the - next meetings for food from one of the CAB for expert help with Meetings are held at the organisations above, which their financial situation. The Rickmansworth Royal Masonic School, Rickmansworth. can then be collected from All food is weighed in and one of the venues listed weighed out for audit Care Scheme Meetings start at 8pm. above. purposes. The main talk is followed by Rickmansworth Care gives lifts to elderly or disabled refreshments, after which residents, who have no other way of getting to their we have a tour of the night destinations or who need a bit of extra help, such as sky in the planetarium. All wheelchair users, those who simply need an arm to lean meetings are on a Friday on or perhaps help to find the right hospital clinic. and start at 8pm, unless Lunch is served otherwise stated. Also, clients can be taken shopping or may prefer to hand The Royal Voluntary Service hosts two lunch clubs in a list to a volunteer for them to fetch. March 28th - Nik Szymanek - Chorleywood and Rickmansworth. Lunch clubs are where Photgraphing the Night Sky older people can come to meet friends and make new Rickmansworth Care can be reached on 01923 773311 April 25th - to be announcedd ones. The clubs offer a hot, tasty meal and a chance to get between 9:30am and 12:30pm on Monday to Thursday, out the house and have a chat. where a different duty officer is on call from home each May 30th - AGM and day. There is no charge to clients, but they may give a member’s images Both clubs provide hot meals freshly cooked and served by donation if they wish, and volunteers can claim expenses. Royal Voluntary Service volunteers. The meals consist of a nutritious main, dessert and drink. New volunteers are always welcome Chorleywood Lunch Club. Every Wednesday 12pm-1.30pm at Bullsland Hall – Chorleywood Anyone who might interested, can ring the care number, as above for (on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday the same volunteers further details. operate a meals on wheels service out of Bullsland Hall for Chorleywood with fresh cooked meals) Other groups in the area are: Bury Lane Lunch Club. Monday to Friday 12pm-1.30pm at Chorleywood Care 01923 284440 Bury Lane Centre, Rickmansworth. Sarratt Care 01923 270577 Volunteers are needed. 01992 552069. Bushey and Oxhey Care 020 8950 3330 [email protected] Page 10 Contact us on 01923 77661 1 SPRING 2014 THREE RIVERS TIMES

BUSINESS NEWS

Brower Help wins from award HMRC A range of useful guides Jennifer Brower of D and webinar events are & J Brower Opticians available from HM Revenue in Croxley Green has and Customs. won the prestigious receive recognition from Dispensing Optician of colleagues and the support Their website includes the Year national title in of my patients is wonderful. information about self- recognition of her services I would like to thank employment, directors’ to dispensing optics. everyone who voted for responsibilities, VAT and The award, organised me.” guidance on expenses. by the Association of Optometrists, recognises Jennifer has been in Small businesses may find the highest levels of partnership with her the HMRC’s Supporting achievement in UK optics. husband, optometrist David Small Businesses document New wizards for Brower, at their practice at useful in finding out about Jennifer says: “I was 140 Watford Road, Croxley improvements to the tax Warner Bros absolutely delighted to Green, since 1978. system. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has three new www.hmrc.gov.uk/ apprenticeships which have been filled by talented young @hmrcbusiness individuals. Dragon’s apprentice The apprenticeships have been offered for the first time as part of Warner Bros.’ Creative Talent initiative and cover various departments across its 200-acre site Sign up for the including Production Rentals, Sales and Marketing and Studio Operations. Three Rivers District [email protected] Council business The positions have been filled by Matthew Byrne taking on the role of apprentice studio assistant, David Cormack as e-newsletter for all the apprentice in set lighting and Lewis Bulled as apprentice latest business news plumber. in the district. Warner Bros. Creative Talent is part of Warner Bros’ long- www.threerivers.gov.uk term commitment to the UK’s creative industries, which has seen significant investment locally. As a school the Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge has provided us the opportunity to give our students new experiences that give them an insight into what life in the real world is like. Getting social By partnering with a charity and a local business T F Tull Ltd operate in a niche segment of the construction the teams get the opportunity to develop project industry, designing and installing building management management, communication, organisational and creative systems. skills and then get to see the impact of their work on Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) planning projects within the local community. encourages ideas from our people that allow us to engage This year Team Origin has focused their fundraising very with the local area; this can be sponsoring a local sports much on the school community and Rickmansworth, team, charity or just providing labour or materials for a arranging several events at school and taking a stall at project. One suggestion made last year was to assist All the Victorian Fair to raise money for their charity. Team Saints Church in Croxley Green with the return of their bells. Sterling have focussed farther afield, working within the We agreed to project manage and install a system that local parishes of the team members they have set up allowed the bells to operate within certain times. There was several coffee mornings to raise funds, have organised a no cost to the church and the installation was successfully quiz night and completed a charity bag pack at the local completed last November. supermarkets. We are aware that these actions are important to our people We see this very much as an opportunity which develops and, although intangible, it is this that adds value to our the independence of the student teams and over the two company. years we have been involved have raised well over £5000 for the charities the teams have been partnered with. Peter O’Grady, TF Tull www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 11 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

West Herts College can offer training and advice for you, Got a skills gap? your staff and your business. There are lots of options for training, some of which could be free. We can improve your bookkeeping skills, provide training in social media and help with marketing and developing your business online. We also provide accredited management training and AAT accounting courses. We can advise you on the apprenticeship programmes Back to work available and help you to recruit apprentices. 01923 812032 schemes Complaints about buses Outside of London you should complain directly to the Business ASCEND Job Club at Step- include the following: Up is a free weekly drop-in bus company. Depending on the kind of complaint you’ve • Counselling made, you might get an apology, an explanation or guide launch job club that provides one- compensation. to-one careers advice, help • Peer mentoring A new business directory with CVs, application forms, for SW Hertfordshire The main local bus companies are Arriva Buses www. e-mails and telephone calls. • Support groups arrivabus.co.uk 0844 800 44 11 and Mullany’s Buses launches this spring in There is also a careers www.mullanysbuses.com 01923 27999. a joint project between matching tool, resources to • Volunteer opportunities Three Rivers, Watford, aid job finding and practise When: every Friday If you’re still not satisfied, the Bus Appeals Body might Hertsmere and Dacorum of interview techniques. Councils. between 1 and 4pm be able to help. hwww.busappealsbody.co.uk 01932 There is also the 232574. You can also take your complaint to your traffic The directory aims to opportunity to work with Where: Step-up Learning commissioner. Traffic commissioners are responsible for strengthen local supply other partner organisations and Well-being centre, 39 the registration of local bus services. They can fine bus chains and encourage that can provide IT and Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey companies that fail to run services on time. They also deal inward investment. vocational related training. WD19 7SD with complaints about safety and maintenance. 0300 123 www.threerivers.gov.uk 9000. Other services delivered Contact details: from the Step-Up building 0208 420 1364

Cyber Mill End Job Club West Coast Mainline - streetwise Mill End Job Club is a free weekly drop-in job club that provides services to help those unemployed The Home office have and others seeking suitable employment. To offer major engineering works launched the Cyber Sat 23 August to Tue 26 unemployed people one to one employment / training These are the weekends Streetwise initiative to August advice and guidance locally that will help them to when work is planned provide real world security gain qualifications, find work or even start their to take place but other Wed 24 December to Mon tips to small businesses. own business. This includes working with partner weekends may be organisations that can provide IT and vocational 29 December Password security is a key required. Please check the related training. component of the initiative website for details. 2015 with password hacks on the Every Wednesdays between 2014 Sat 14 February to Mon 16 increase. More information February and advice is available 1.30pm and 3.30pm Sat 3 May to Mon 5 May Sat 21 February to Mon 23 on the special business Mill End Community Centre, Sat 9 August to Mon 11 February section of the site which August includes a self-diagnostic Church Lane, WD3 8HD Fri 3 April to Tue 7 April health check for your Sat 16 August to Mon 18 01923 493 344 organisation. August Source: London Midland www.millendcc.co.uk/job-club/ www.cyberstreetwise.com

Page 12 Contact us on 01923 77661 1 SPRING 2014 THREE RIVERS TIMES

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Don’t get scammed… There has been an increase in the number of local reports of phone scams. If you do receive an unexpected call, and How secure is your have any doubts about its authenticity, end the call. Take care never to give out any personal information over outside space? the phone to people you don’t know. Banks and building societies will never ask you to provide your account or PIN These simple steps could contents are hidden. numbers. protect your gardens and • Mark valuables such as sheds: bikes and lawn mowers with On your • Always lock gates. your house number and Wooden gates should be postcode. Anti-social behaviour down secured towards the top and • Use a sturdy bike lock As a result of Operation Contend there was a 31% bike the bottom. to chain valuable items reduction in calls reporting anti-social behaviour and • Keep fences in good together in your shed to a 12% reduction of criminal damage in central South Spring is a good time to repair. Trellis is difficult to make it harder for them to Oxhey, between April and September 2013. Across make sure that you and your bike will be safe on climb and provides a good be removed. South Oxhey as a whole, anti-social behaviour reduced framework for growing by 10% and criminal damage by 4%. www.herts.police.uk the roads: • Don’t leave tools and plants. ladders unsecured. They Are the tyres properly • Fit a strong lock on could be used to break into inflated and not too worn? shed doors and keep shed your home! Do the brakes work? windows covered so that the Operation Guardian Does your bike helmet fit The Police, Hertfordshire • Keep house and car keys properly? County Council and other out of sight in a safe place. partners are working Have you got brightly Grants for groups • Download tracking together to prevent coloured or reflective software from an app store The Commissioner’s Community Fund provides grants to burglaries. clothing? help set up safer community schemes which support the onto your mobile devices. work of volunteers. Please visit the website Top security tips include: This is usually free. Adjust your bike to fit by making sure that the seat www.hertscommissioner.org or call 101 • Use timer switches for • Routinely check that and handle bars are at the lights to make your home ground floor windows right height. and doors are closed and look occupied as it gets locked when you leave the dark in the evenings. Bikes can be registered on house or go to bed. See the new interactive www.immobilise.com so

We’re safety and security game that they may be traced • UPVC doors must be has been launched on the back to the owner if a locked by lifting the handle Herts Police website stolen bike is recovered closing in and turning the key. www.herts.police.uk 101 on benefit fraud Latest crime figures for Three Rivers together we can Crime 1 April - 31 Dec 2012/13 1 April - 31 Dec 2012/13 Change? All crime 2,030 1,784 Down 12%

Vehicle crime 279 239 Down 14% stamp it out Criminal damage 356 299 Down 16% If you suspect someone of benefit fraud Violent crime 381 326 Down 14% in your area, contact us in confidence on 0800 458 9200 Burglary (domestic) 168 161 Down 4% [email protected] Theft of pedal cycle 46 37 Down 20% [email protected] THREE RIVERS IS Source: IQUANTA. All figures from ONE OF THE SAFEST Hertfordshire Contabulary. PLACES IN ENGLAND www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 13 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

LEISURE

Benefits of booking a Community Trust course: Holiday courses • FREE gift for week long bookings Why not come and join Watford FC’s Community Trust • Advanced online prices during February half term, Easter or Whitsun! available Easter Week 7-11 April • Be coached by the award-winning Easter Week 2 14 – 17 April

Play14 14:01 Rangers Community Trust’s 13/02/20

stop sign.indd 1 Whitsun 27 – 30 May coaches! where you see the sign! • Learn new skills and Free outdoor play sessions for 5-16 year olds will run Variety of venues during make new friends , throughout the Easter holidays at 11 locations across each holiday usually the district. A variety of activities are offered which include: • Keep fit and healthy! Sacred Heart School, can include den building, camp fires, rope swings, team Cost: Chorleywood School, Bushey From just £13.50 games and sport. All Play Ranger activities are supported Chorleywood per day or £52 per week! by qualified staff who aim to encourage free choice, Westfield , adventure, confidence, team work and give opportunities Age: Evergreen FC, Abbots Watford 5-12 year olds – to meet many new friends. boys and girls welcome! Langley Children with additional needs are encouraged to join in, if Time: 10am – 3pm you would like to discuss your child’s needs, please contact To secure your child’s place, please visit (extended hours of 9am – us on 01923 776611. www.watfordfccsetrust.com or contact 4pm also available) For a full list of locations and times visit Anne-Marie Burn on 01923 496362 www.iplayoutdoors.gov.uk or call 01923 776611 Herts netball Back to Netball provides a gentle introduction for female players over 16 years of age. Sessions are coach-led with the emphasis on learning new skills and having fun playing netball with friends. Catherine and Amy, two regulars, share their experiences: “The session are always good fun and people can take things at their own pace. It’s a great way to get fit, learn new skills and meet new people.”

To order your free copy of the Easter activities for young people call 01923 776611 or visit www.threerivers.gov.uk

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LEISURE

Croxley Green skate park is South Skate located at the top of Baldwins Oxhey park Lane (near the shops after junior Repton Way), Croxley programme Croxley skate park Green WD3 3LE. It has concrete ramps is easily accessible for people with disabilities tennis which provide a from Watford, transitional course Buckinghamshire and Come along and have some fun, make new friends and sessions for all abilities. The Hillingdon. experience some new activities. All of our Get Set sessions park includes; midi welcome individuals or groups from day services and Junior tennis coaching half pipes, flat banks, residential homes. Carers are welcome to attend for free. takes place every quarter pipes, fun box, If you are not sure if these activities are appropriate for Saturday morning from spine, half pyramid, jump you, would like to know how you can take part with or 10am at the tennis box, grind box and rails. without your carer, or would like some more information courts in Oxhey Playing Outside the dates and on the activities featured below, please call us on 01923 Fields, South Oxhey. 776611. times listed above, the Sessions cost just £2 per park will be unsupervised Three Rivers District Council aims to make all reasonable week and are open from until the next school adaptations to this leisure service to ensure accessibility ages 4+. holiday. For full details for all. We appreciate everyone is different, if you require and restrictions call All coaches are LTA any specific support, please let us know and we will do our 01923 776611. utmost to help. qualified and provide a But most of all we would love to you to come along and fun, friendly and safe have some fun with us! environment for children and young people to Tuesday 8 April (Leavesden enjoy learning the game. Get Set Supervised dates over the Session times: Country Park), Tuesday Easter holiday: Monday – Saturday Adventure 15 April (Rickmansworth For more details contact Saturday 5 April – Thursday 10am – 1pm skate only Try archery, get to grips Aquadrome) David Shann on 07940 17 April 10am – 7pm 1pm – 7pm BMX with the climbing wall, 1pm – 2.30pm 428310 or email david. Good Friday 18 April – 10am Sunday have a go at rifle shooting Cost: Free [email protected]. – 4pm 10am-1pm skate only and take on the Boulder Saturday 19 April 10am 1pm – 4pm BMX only Complex. Have a go on the Get Set Sail -7pm 4pm – 7pm BMX and skate assault course or maybe Along with Colne Valley Easter Sunday 20 April take a stroll along the Special Sailors (CVSS) the CLOSED nature trail. Bring along District Council will be Easter Monday 21 April a picnic for lunch in the hosting sailing sessions at 10am - 4pm picnic area. Bury Lake aimed at families Saturday 12 April with an adult or child with Other skating facilities: King George V in Mill End, Manor 10am – 2pm a disability. Every disabled House Grounds in Abbots Langley, Scotsbridge Playing Cost: £2 per person sailor can take their sailing Fields in Rickmansworth, Oxhey Playing Fields in South (booking required), carer buddy with them in either a Oxhey and Romilly Drive Playing Fields in Carpenders goes free. two man sailing boat or be Park. part of a group of sailors in Lees Wood Scout and a six man Katakunu. Guide Activity Centre, Fir Tree Hill, Chandlers Cross, Wednesday 28 May Herts. WD3 4LY 2.30 – 3.30pm YMCA Chorleywood consultation Cost: £2 per person, YMCA Watford are in the process of establishing a new youth work session in the Chorleywood Get Set Nature (booking required), carer Youth Club which will run a weekly session for young people of secondary school age. The goes free. Our Park Ranger hosts walks sessions are being held at the field centre on the Chorleywood House Estate. around Rickmansworth Location: CVSS, Bury Lake, There was a lot of response from young people who were not aware of the centre and so we are Aquadrome (wheelchair Aquadrome, Frogmoor hoping that, having done outrreach on the street, at schools and with the Youth Council we have accessible) and also at Lane, Rickmansworth, raised young people’s awareness of what they can access has increased. Leavesden Country Park Herts WD3 1NB where we explore the A final planning session was held at the end of February at Rootz Café on the high street, where outdoors. As we walk and Location: Lees Wood Scout young people came to get a free hot drink and feed in their ideas for restarting the youth club. discover, our Park Ranger and Guide Activity Centre, YMCA Watford is also looking at the potential to operate a minibus, in partnership with the Police, talks to the group all about Fir Tree Hill, Chandlers to pick up and drop off young people in town, to help with the youth centres location. If you Cross, Herts. WD3 4LY. the wildlife, trees and are interested in volunteering at the youth club or would like more information you can contact plants. [email protected] 01923 353 631 www.threerivers.gov.uk Page 15 THREE RIVERS TIMES SPRING 2014

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Friends of Watersmeet What’s on . . . Film Society presents:

Philomena (12A) Watersmeet High Street, 20 March 98 mins Rickmansworth WD3 1EH 01923 711063 www.watersmeet.co.uk American Hustle (15) Harrow Light Opera 11 April Company presents: 138 mins The King and I (evening only 7.45pm) 1-5 April 2014 Time: 7.30pm evenings Mandela: Long Walk to and 2.30pm Saturday Freedom (12A) matinee 17 April Tickets: £16 adults, £15 Pink Academy West Herts College 141 mins concessions, £14 groups presents: presents: of 15+ Love to Dance Celebrate 2014 30 May 12 June Time: 2pm and 7pm Time: 7pm Frozen (PG) Tickets: £14 adults, £12 Tickets: £5 11 April concessions (under 16, Easter Holiday film* over 60), £10 groups 10+ 2pm matinee only To book (from April) call 102 mins 01895 257553 or visit £3.50 adults, £2.50 [email protected] children 2.30 pm matinee only

The Railway Man (15) 15 May 116 mins Sharpe Academy presents: Grease UK Ballet: 4 – 5 July 12 Years a Slave (15) Little Mermaid Times: 7.30pm and 26 June 4 May 2014 2.30pm Saturday 134 mins Time: 3pm matinee Tickets: £19.50 adults, Tickets: £15 adults, £17 concessions, £14.75 concessions £12, £10 West Herts College students - £59 groups 15+, £50 family presents: To book tickets call the Box Office on ticket (2 adults/2 Swan Lake 01923 711063 concessions) 4-5 June Tickets: Members £3, Concessions Time: 7pm £1.50 for matinee or £2 for evening. Non-members £5, Concessions £3 for Tickets: £5 matinee or £4 for evening. Times: Matinee at 2pm, evenings at 7.45pm. Tea and cakes for £1 are Phoenix MBS Events served at matinee performances. presents: Evening bar opens at 6.30pm. Mind, Body & Spirit Watersmeet, High Street, Event Rickmansworth WD3 1EH 10 - 11 May Rare Productions are Time: Saturday looking for local talent! 10am - 5pm, Touchstone Media Razzamatazz Theatre presents: Audition dates for their Schools: Sunday 10am - 4pm forthcoming show at Tickets: £4.50 (on the Colin Fry’s – Voices Annual Showcase 2014 from Heaven Watersmeet: 12 July door), £3.50 with a 28 June: 2pm-5pm discount ticket available 13 June Time: 6pm Time: 7.30pm 7 July 4.30pm-6.30pm Tickets: £14 adults, £12 from For further information, www.phoenixmbsevents. Tickets: £18.50 adults, concessions, £17.50 concessions please visit £10 under 16 co.uk, accompanied www.rareproductions.co.uk under 16’s free

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