PARISH COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Welcome to our latest Newsletter. St Ippolyts Parish Council How your money was spent ? During the last financial year (2014/15) your Parish Council incurred payments of £22,479 and receipts of £23,581 including precept £22,000 one of the lowest in the district that is collected by North District Council through Council tax. Eac h year your Council agrees a budget upon which it sets the precept for the following year. The accounts are independently audited with internal audit report and notice of conclusion of audit. For details of the break down please see website www.stippolyts - parishcouncil.org.uk/finances.php Tree Survey We have had a survey by professional arborialists done of all the trees in the areas of land that the Parish Council owns or manages (Dell Field, St Ippolyts Green, Gosmore Green, The Recreation Ground and various locations on the Broadmeadow estate). All the trees have been numbered – that’s why they no w have “dog tags”. Following the Tree survey urgent work has been carried plus necessary work to trees on land adjacent to the Lagoon at Broadmeadow estate, the latter paid from restricted funds for this area. An environmental grant application for tree work at Gosmore village green and Recreation ground has been submitted. Deliverers needed Every year the Newsletter and various other leaflets are delivered to every house in the Parish. There are only 8 of us and we are not always available so we desperately need help. If you could deliver to a small area please contact the Parish Clerk. Our Neighbourhood Plan

You should have all received a leaflet explaining about our Neighbourhood Plan and why we need one. Our Plan will act as a legal document that will guide what we want from our Parish. This can include lots of things such as types of housing and what they look like, facilities in the Parish for children and transport issues, or anything else we think is very important (within planning restrictions). It can be high level or detailed enough to insist on all new housing having to have a pink front door! There are limits on what we insist on, e.g. we can’t refuse the new housing that North Herts District Council (NHDC) insist on at their 3 allocated locations, but we are better off having a Plan than not.

So far we have met with a lot of the community through the various clubs and meeting places in the Parish so that we could get your thoughts on what you love about living here and what you would like to improve.

The next stage is to create a questionnaire which will ask you all some specific questions about the Parish. We will try to keep it short but it’s really important that you complete it and return it. Based on your answers our Plan will be written.

The Plan will need to go through an approvals process where we finally share it with the Parish and you will get your chance to agree it (or not). We need to get the majority of people to agree with our Plan for it to become the legal document we all need. To get this all finished there is quite a lot of work left to do so if anyone has any time to spare and can find some time to get involved please get in touch. We are doing this for our community and you are all part of that.

There is lots of information on the Parish Council website and we also have a Facebook site to help keep in touch. Any comments please drop us an email [email protected]

How to find out more

The agendas and approved / draft Minutes are displayed on Council notice-boards and website. There is always an Agenda item for Public Participation where residents can raise issues; it would be helpful if you could contact Clerk prior to the meeting. Parish Council meetings are open to members of the public and press so you are most welcome to come along. Dates of Parish Council Meetings to be held at St Ippolyts Parish Hall committee rooms at 7.30pm:- 2015 Monday 2 November. 2016 11 January, 1 February, 7 March, 4 April, 9 May, 6 June, 4 July, 12 September, 3 October and 7 November

Your Parish Councillors

Chairman Pam Skeggs, Vice-Chairman Barbara Thomas, Caroline Cook, Peter Hobson, Kim Morrice, Malcolm Parker, Trevor Smith and Paul Thapar and Clerk Susan Mears. We can all be contacted via the Clerk. Clerk@stippolyts- parishcouncil.org.uk P.O. Box 287, , Herts. SG4 7WT Local Plan Up date

The representations, (in excess of 8,500) made to the Local Plan Preferred Options Consultation are available to view on www.north- herts.gov.uk NHDC officers are in the process of analysing the representations and reviewing evidence base that includes assessing additional sites, updating Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and giving consideration to the increased housing needs number of 14,400 homes as set out in the updated Strategic Housing Market Assessment Study jointly commissioned by NHDC and Borough Council. There is also Luton and Central Bedfordshire Housing Market Area assessment work and changes in government guidance in relation to the National Planning Policy Framework to consider. The timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan is to be reviewed and submitted to Cabinet and Full Council in November.

St Ippolyts Parish Hall

For those of you that don’t know, our wonderful Parish Hall is situated off Waterdell Lane down a small road just after the shop.

The Hall is managed by a group of voluntary Trustees, we are pleased to say that our plea for help in last years’ Newsletter bore fruit, we now have a new Treasurer and two new Trustees, meaning that we are now fully up to strength, as well as having an additional volunteer who has helped reduce the “things to do” on our maintenance list. The kitchen has recently been re-equipped with a new electric oven and warming cupboard (both very easy to use!) as well as catering sized pans, roasting tins, colander and serving spoons – many thanks to our District Councillors for grants.

The Hall is a hive of activity with many groups meeting there every week day. These include:- Aspire School of Dance, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Dance Club, Dog Club, Rainbows, Table Tennis, The Choir on Fire, Toddler Group, The W.I. as well as the monthly Parish Council meeting, monthly Community lunches and Lent lunches. The Hall is also available for private parties or meetings and is the ideal venue for either of these with a large main hall and smaller committee rooms as well as a good sized carpark. So if you are planning a children’s party and don’t fancy crumbs in the carpet or are organising a wedding or “a bit of a do” please have a look at the hall.

For more information about the Hall please contact our bookings secretary Sam Kelly 01462 423291 [email protected] or visit our website www. stippolyts -hall .co.uk .

Like Us Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/stippolytsparishhall and like our page to get our news and see some great photos of the hall in action. Christmas Fair

Saturday 28 November from 2pm

Come along to the annual Christmas Fair, there will be lots of stalls, face painting and Father Christmas will be visiting. Tea, coffee and lots of cakes will be available. We will be entertained by a Dancing display by Aspire School of Dance and some singing from The Choir on Fire. Prize Draw at 4.30pm.

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Thank you for your support.

St Ippolyts Church Farewell from Reverend Ann

On 22nd October I move out of the Vicarage in St Ippolyts to the Vicarage in Cranbrook, Kent. And on 17th November I become the Vicar of Cranbrook.

I have enjoyed being your Vicar along with being Vicar of Great and Little Wymondley and it has been a privilege to serve you all, Sunday by Sunday and at moments of significance in your lives or the lives of your family members. I will miss you.

Over the next few months the Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council members will be in need of your support as they seek out someone whom God is calling to be your next Vicar.

Thank you for your friendship and kindnesses over these last 8 and three quarter year s. Please say a prayer for me on 17th November. With love, Reverend Ann Finding a new vicar ?

The process to obtain a new vicar for the Benefice of St Ippolyts, Little Wymondley and Great Wymondley cannot commence until Revd Ann is licensed for her n ew Parish on 17th November. The five Churchwardens within the Benefice have already met with the Archdeacon to understand in more detail the process for choosing a new incumbent. The PCCs will have to develop a Benefice Profile, which will explain the char acteristics of our churches, what we are seeking in a new incumbent and what we have to offer. This Profile has to be agreed by all three PCCs before submission to the Bishop for approval. At the same time the PCCs have to elect two representatives from ea ch PCC to sit on an interview panel. The interview panel will consist of the six PCC representatives, the Bishop and a representative from the ‘Church Pastoral Aid Society’.

Once the Bishop has approved our Profile, a vacancy notice is published on the Dio cese of website in early December and published in the Church Times in the New Year.

Taking into account the stages of appointing a new incumbent and a 3 - month notice period it is unlikely that we will have a new vicar for our Benefice before June or July 2016. In the meantime your churchwardens and the three PCCs together with the new Rural Dean will have the responsibility for running the churches and organizing services etc. If any one wishes to understand the process in more detail it is recom mended to look at http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/wp - content/uploads/2015/06/F16_Vacancies_March2015.pdf

The PCC will keep everyone up to date with the process with regular articles in PAX. The St Ippolyts Church web site, http://www.stippolytschurch.org. uk , will also be regularly updated with news of our progress and, of course, details of services for the entire Benefice during the interregnum.

Michael Hooper

Another farewell Retirement after 65 years – that is of years in the job not of age!

Visitors to our Church always comment on how clean & tidy it is, and this is because Mrs Andrews for the last 65 years (having taken over from her mother-in-law), has devotedly swept, mopped & polished, at least twice a week, keeping the Church spic and span.

Now Mrs Andrews is hanging up her duster! She will be sorely missed. We send her our love and wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement.

St Ippolyts Community Lunches

These lunches are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month (except during Lent), in the Parish Hall, and EVERYONE is welcome to come along and enjoy a good meal in good company. Lunches are served between 12.45 and 1.15pm and cost £3 for 2 courses and coffee/tea. Different organisations or groups of people choose a month to cook and serve the meal.

We are looking for more volunteers to take a turn. All expenses can be taken out of the proceeds. If you would be willing to help, please contact Jane Veasey (01462 434254) .

Fund Raising For St Ippolyts Church

Over the years a fun d raising committee has organized a variety of events to raise money to keep our parish church in good order. This year the permanent disabled ramp has been built to give easy access to the church via the North porch. New replacement doors are, at this ti me, being crafted to replace the existing doors in the South Porch. Plans are now in progress to update the lighting to an LED system, which will give better lighting in all areas of the church and be more efficient to run. In order to help with the costs of these updates the fund raising committee organized an Open Garden event with raffle in June we have an annual Quiz Night in October in St Ippolyts Parish Hall . Crib Festival on 5th and 6th December, where many beautiful nativity cribs will be on displa y in the church, which we hope you will all try and support. We are always looking for new people to help with the fund raising events or to offer new ideas and if you are interested please contact Mary Hooper (Hitchin 457350)

Flower Festival

For 2016 plans are being made to hold a Flower Festival in the church over the Whitsun weekend in May with a theme of ‘Grand days out’. Anyone wishing to create a floral display would be welcomed. Nativity Crib Festival

5th and 6th December 11-5 Once ag ain we will be filling the church with dozens of beautiful nativity crib sets , serving wonderful cakes and running a competition to win a crib. Comments from last year’s visitors: “Wonderful – beyond words.” “Beautiful display! Amazing variety of wood, cer amic etc used. We loved it.” “I come every year – always a joy and a lovely start to Christmas.” If you haven’t made it before come and see for yourself. (If you have a crib set we could borrow please contact Barbara 421647 [email protected] )

Friends of St. Ippolyts

St Ippolyts Church has a group of helpers called Friends who were formed in 1963 and have been together for 50 years this year. WE meet about three times a year and we also enjoy an occasional social gathering too. We are called Friends because this is exactly what we are. Our main aim is to look out for each other and families too. We also endeavour to offer assistance to anyone in St I ppolyts who may need support. We take care of St Ippolyts Church by attending to the inside of the church building keeping it polished and presentable with regular fresh flower arrangements. We help to decorate the Church at Christmas, Easter and Harvest. We also make soup for the lunches every Wednesday during Lent.

Friends would welcome new members and if you are interested, our next meeting will be on Tuesday February 2nd 2016 11.30 am start with a ploughman’s lunch to follow the meeting (for more detai ls see PAX) . If you would like more information about joining Friends, please contact Joan Pinkstone on Hitchin 457660 and we could arrange for a Friend to bring you along to the meeting if that would be helpful. Frances Williams, Carol Scott and Joan Pinkstone

St Ippolyts CE Primary School 2014-2015 September saw us welcoming 20 new children into our school community, along with their new teacher, Miss Ingle, who joined the St Ippolyts team as a Senior Leader, overseeing the learning of all the younger pupils in school in Early Years and Key Stage One.

Autumn 2014 saw the introduction of a number of new national initiatives: the new National Curriculum, new SEN Code of Practice, and new arrangements for assessment; teachers have been very busy implementing the many changes (and challenges) this has brought.

Our fantastic PTA have also been trying new things, and in September we held our first ever ‘Camp Out’ on the school field which was great fun for all, so much so that we are busy planning another for the summer.

Throughout the autumn we spent a lot of time in school thinking about and commemorating the First World War centenary. Every child in school made a poppy for class wreaths that were taken to Church on Remembrance Day. The school choir gave a very moving performance of a specially commissioned song entitled ‘We will remember them’ at the war memorial. That week also saw our Year 6 children visit the Poppy Factory in Richmond, a very interesting day where they got the chance to make poppies and wreaths with the people who work there. In February the school underwent its SIAMS Inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) and we are delighted to report that we were graded Outstanding in every category; this is a short extract:

• The school’s distinctively Christian family atmosphere has a significant impact on pupils’ high achievement and progress.

• There is a strong link between the newly introduced Christian Values Education Programme and pupils’ attendance and exemplary behaviour.

• The inclusive, holistic and high quality teaching, which is supported by Christian values, enables all pupils to achieve to the best of their abilities

• The high quality displays reflect the value put on the pupils and create an inspirational learning environment in which pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development can flourish. The Spring Term always seems to be jam-packed at St Ippolyts and this year was no exception. It included World Book Day, a visit from Owl Time, Red Nose Day, hatching chicks through the Living Eggs programme (including the return of the popular Chick Cam!), a solar eclipse and two fantastic Science Days where children tried their hand at all manner of scientific skills working in small groups across the school. It ended with our annual Easter Service which is always a moving experience as children process through the different ‘Stations of the Cross’ around the school and village. Our Sports Day underwent a transformation this year; children of all ages participated in a wide range of track and field athletics events, accumulating points for their team. Team Wembley were victorious and they were awarded the smart new sports day trophy, adorned with blue ribbons. Class 1 spent an enjoyable time at Willows Far m in May and learned lots about the different animals. The children in the Young Worship group organised a very successful Bring and Buy Sale in response to the terrible earthquake in Nepal. The whole school community got behind them and they raised a fant astic total to donate to the earthquake appeal. The summer also saw the launch of our ‘Early Bird Club’; a much needed and long overdue before-school childcare service, daily from 8am. This is proving to be a popular initiative for working parents and in terest is growing markedly.

Year 5 and 6 went on their residential school journey to PGL Barton Hall in Devon in June. We had glorious summer weather and over the course of the weekend they did a huge range of activities and outdoor pursuits. School Journ ey is a highlight of the school year for the children in Years 5 and 6; it is wonderful to see them try out new things, learn to be independent and grow in confidence over the course of four days.

Other trips in the summer have included Class 2 to Mountf itchet Castle, Class 3 to Celtic Harmony, Class 4 to the Thames Barrier and Class 5 participating in a Young Inventors Day at GSK.

This year the children have also been fortunate to be invited to a number of events at nearby Princess Helena College: a c hoir workshop with composer, Rufus Frowde, a street dancing and cheerleading session, a Maths ‘Happy Puzzle’ Day and a Pentathlon competition. All of these are offered free of charge enabling our children to take part for the small cost of coach travel; we are very grateful to PHC for their generosity.

Classes 3-5 gave an AMAZING end of year drama production, ‘Pirates of the Curry Bean’. It was highly entertaining with lots of music, acting and dance and we definitely have some future stars of stage and sc reen in our midst! A big thank you to our wonderful staff and governors here at St Ippolyts. They work so hard to give all pupils here the very best opportunities and always go the extra mile. This year has been particularly challenging with all the new changes and approaches to embed, but as ever they have given their all every step of the way and I am so very grateful for their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to the children of St Ippolyts. Mrs R Peddie Headteacher

Kingshott School

Since 2004, Kingshott has been making major improvements to the school facilities and over the past year we have embarked on the next phase of this exciting multimillion pound redevelopment plan. We have watched the old Perkins block being dismantled and moved, and in its place a wonderful new structure has emerged, providing the children with much excitement. We are now within touching distance of moving into the new building which will take place over the October half term. The new build provides us with a sizeable, bright and airy Art Room, a dedicated Music room, Drama/Dance studio a brand new Food room and Science lab. The new changing rooms are long overdue and will offer bright and modern facilities.

The excitement of the build has not detracted too much from the academic success of our children and Scholarships were awarded to six of our Year 8 children at the end of last term to Haileybury, Millfield, Stephen Perse, The Leys, Sherborne School for Girls and Bedford Boys’ School. This year in particular was significant in remembering those fallen in the Great War. To commemorate the anniversary of one hundred years since the outbreak of WWI, seventeen children visited the Belgian town of Ypres. Visits to Tyne Cot British Cemetery, Gas Corner and Sanctuary Wood to mention a few, brought home the devastation of the time and the sacrifice made by many. A Kingshott poppy wreath was laid by Amélie Summerfield and Kayin Sowade at the Menin Gate Memorial before more than a thousand onlookers. Back at school, our Remembrance Day Service included the whole school for the first time ever.

Year 6 again participated in the Young Voices Choir, a gathering of over seven thousand children at The O2 Arena. Miss Eales took part in the teachers’ choir, thus performing on the actual stage.

Our children are always pleased to give something back to the local community and our cumulative charity fundraisers amassed a total sum of £5,321.40 providing support to local charities including Stevenage Haven, Glow for Guide Dogs and St. Mary’s Church.

November marked the very sad occasion of the passing away of Mr Rowan-Robinson, formally Headmaster of Kingshott School from 1959 to 1980. He will be remembered not only as a Headmaster by those at the school at the time, but as the man who most generously sold the freehold of the school so that it could become a charity. His dry wit, interest in cricket and love of Kingshott will be sadly missed. We are pleased that his name will live on as our new build has been named the Robinson Building.

The new academic year has started well and we now have over 400 children in Kingshott School. Last week saw our first ever Inter-House Soapbox Derby, with children building and then racing their own Go- Kart’s – a fun event for all involved!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - To help refurbish the Football Pavilion (St. Ippolyts Recreation Ground) A general survey has recently been undertaken at the pavilion to ascertain what short to medium term measures need to be taken to prolong the life of structure for the next 5 to 7 years. As a result of this a list of proposals has been drawn up for works to be carried out. We are now looking for volunteers with experience in electrics, plumbing, floor repairs, carpentry and general building skills to assist us in this project. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact Susan Mears [email protected] P.O. Box 287, Hitchin, Herts. SG4 7WT. St Ippolyts United Football Club St Ippolyts United Football Club (Sunday team) enjoyed a successful first season by achieving promotion from the KLM Hitchin Sunday League Division 2 to Division 1. We also managed to get to the Division 2 Cup Final played at Top Field but unfortunately lost to a very good Whitwell side. We held our End of Season Presentation at the Bird in Hand where awards were presented to our players by our sponsor Tom Williams from Maydencroft Rural and the Club Chairman Paul Thapar MBE.

On the 25th July we organised a 5 a Side Football Tournament and Village Fun Day at the Recreation ground with the aim of raising funds to make improvements to the pavilion. The event was attended by over 300 people and was a tremendous success. We would like to thank everyone who supported the club organising this event. We are planning to hold the event again in 2016.

We have started our Campaign for the 2015/2016 season and would welcome interest in anyone becoming the regular match day linesman & physio. Both jobs are available!!!! For further details please visit our website – www.stippolytsunited.com. St Ippolyts Bowls Club Season 2015

At the time of writing, the club stands in 5th position in the Stevenage Mixed League with one game still to be played. Of the 21 matches played, 11 were won and 10 lost, the club scoring 1621 points against 1478 and winning on 47rinks against losing on 37. In the Knock-out competition, the club won against Holwell but lost to . The ladies had another strong season in the North Herts League finishing third in the table.

16 new members were attracted to the club in a determined recruitment drive- there are currently 24 men and 12 ladies who are active players but there are others in the course of joining and a number of social members. The ‘Vicar’s Cup’- an event open to all comers at the beginning of the season- this year started at 12p.m. and attracted people new to the game of bowls. Colin Davidson, the club’s green keeper and England Bowls Association coach, provided coaching guidance to new bowlers when required.

During the playing season, the club organises open days and fun days to attract new members and during the non playing period Race Evenings are led by Don Pateman. There is also a Christmas get- together for those wishing to maintain contact during the winter months. The MacMillan Coffee Morning in September 2015 raised over £500- the green was kept open for potential new bowlers to try their hand.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact any of its members or contact the Secretary Peter Belton: telephone 01462 620816, e-mail [email protected]. Practice or ‘roll-up’ sessions normally take place on Thursday and Tuesday evenings.

St Ippolyts and Gosmore WI

St Ippolyts and Gosmore WI meet on the third Wednesday of each month, except August, at 7.45 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We have a varied programme of speakers at our monthly meetings and other activities throughout the year. We have a number of special interest groups including a book club, walking group, lunch group and craft group. Visitors welcome at our monthly meetings at £3.00 per visit. Prospective members may visit us three times before deciding to join. For further details please contact Jane Guppy on 01462 452097 or Cathryn Smith on 01462 456690.

Parish Paths Partnership – P3.

There are 26 parish paths in St Ippolyts and 2 permissive paths. All the paths are well used by locals, dog walkers & ramblers. P3 is a group of local volunteers who regularly use the paths, carry-out any small maintenance tasks that may be necessary or report any larger footpath problems to the Parish Clerk so that HCC contractors can complete the work. Most of our work is required in the late summer or autumn, when nettles may need to be removed from kissing gates, paths may need cutting or brambles may be overhanging pathways. If you would like any further information phone Roger (01462 453752) or contact the Parish Clerk. Winter walk

Join us for a Winter Walk on 29 December. We will meet at 10.30 on the Green at Preston (outside The Red Lion but please don’t use the pub car park) and finish there with a bowl of soup at around 12.00. Everyone is welcome – including dogs on leads - just remember you need suitable foot wear (for people, not dogs!) as it could be muddy. It would be helpful to the soup makers if you could let Roger know in advance that you are coming but if you forget just turn up on the day.

The Petanque Club at The Bird

Many of you may have played petanque or french boule on a sunny beach while on holiday but did you know you can play it at The Bird in Hand in the village? The club was started there in 1991 by the then landlord Keith Elliot & now has 2 teams playing during the Summer in 2 local leagues. Their home nights are Monday & Wednesday& each team has to have a minimum of 6 players. Most of the members play for fun but several take it slightly more seriously & have gone on to represent the Chiltern region & even England over the years! Until this year an annual mixed triples competition has taken place on a September Sunday involving over 50 people. Carol , the landlady, has always been a great support to us & we will be sad to see her go. New members, whatever their standard, are always welcome & anyone interested can gave either Denise Newland a call on 01462459427 or Alan Brockett on 07989502592

Come Dance with Us

Come Dance with Us has been running adult ballroom and latin dance classes in St. Ippolyts Parish Hall on Monday evenings from 8.15pm – 10.00pm for over 15 years. We are a relatively small, friendly group and our lessons are designed to suit those who have never danced before as well as those who wish to improve on their basic dance skills. Our lessons will introduce you to all styles of ballroom and latin dancing whether it’s a Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba or Jive, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We also teach a variety of Sequence Dances. Our routines will help you feel more comfortable on the dance floor at any social event or dance. There are no medals or exams, no sequins or glitter, just a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. If you would like to try ballroom dancing but not sure if it’s for you why not visit us during a Monday class, see what we do and join in if you wish. You may wish to visit our website: www.come-dance.co.uk or call Janice on 07811 053648 for further information or advice.

St Ippolyts Baby & Toddler Group

We are St Ippolyts Baby & Toddler group and we are desperately in need of your help! The current volunteers that run the weekly session will be retiring at Christmas and we need new volunteers to run this friendly little local group. We meet every Wednesday morning 10-11.30 during term time in the Parish Hall. The sessi ons are simple but fun for adults and kids. We put out a selection of toys and craft activities for the children to play with for most of the morning, then they have a healthy snack before we tidy the games away and sing some nursery rhymes. The group has been running in the village for more than thirty years so it would be very sad to lose this fantastic local resource. If you think you could help us out and save this group from closure please contact us at [email protected].

Beavers and Cub Scouts

We meet every week on a Monday evening in the Parish Hall, Beavers from 5.15 - 6.15pm age 6 - 8 years and Cub Scouts 6 -30 - 7.40pm age 8 - 10 1/2 years. We undertake a variety of activities both indoor and outdoors leading to various badges and awards, holding several joint meetings throughout the year. The Cubs hold an annual camp over two nights with the Beavers joining for an afternoon and evening , each camp being themed, this year the theme was science. During the year, activities undertaken have included sailing, horse riding, outdoor firelighting and cooking with a joint sports evening and campfire.

On Remembrance Sunday 8th November, we are organising a special Remembrance Service for the Cubs and Beavers. We hope the Rainbows and Brownies will join us and will welcome parents and younger children in the parish. The service will begin in the Church at 10.15am and conclude with the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 11.00am. Nature Notes

Birds

Autumn has already arrived and our spring and summer visitors appear to have departed though Whitethroats can still be found skulking in our hedgerows, their glorious summer songs have been replaced by a warning “chack”.

There is always plenty of wildlif e to see in Gosmore and St Ippolyts. We are all getting used to the Buzzards and Red Kites soaring above our local landscape. Kestrels once again nested in our church tower and reared 4 young to maturity. This year all these raptors have been joined by a pair of Peregrine Falcons, which have taken up residence in our community. Little Owls have been rearing young in at least three locations.

Swallows were early this year with first sightings on 9th April. Although Cuckoos and Spotted Flycatchers have been scarce we have been fortunate to have Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and Little Egrets in St Ibbs Park.

All our commoner birds appear to have had a good breeding season as there are plenty of juvenile Great, Blue, Coal, and Long Tailed Tits as well as Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches visiting our garden bird tables. We have also had a welcome return of House Sparrows to our garden!

Amphibians

2015 seems to have been a good year for amphibians with lots of frogs, toads and newts around. There have been sightings of Great Crested Newts; a photo of a female from a St Ippolyts garden is in the 2015 edition of “The Hertfordshire Naturalist”.

Butterflies and moths

The number of butterflies appears lower than previous years though there have been good numbers of Marbled Whites and Holly Blues. Moth numbers have been down but the poor weather has prevented the moth trap being put out quite as often as usual so it may be a matter of under recording. Heart and Dart Moths and Uncertain Moths have been the most numerous and this year we have had the welcome addition of a Pine Hawk Moth and a Tree-Lichen Beauty, the latter of which was a rarity in Hertfordshire until quite recently.

Currently the Hertfordshire Natural History Society (HNHS) is carrying out of a survey of Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles to produce an Atlas of our County’s wildlife. Everyone is welcome to participate, in fact the more the merrier! All sightings can be recorded on the HNHS web site. Further information can be found at http://mammal-atlas.hnhs.org .

End of the road for the Mobile Library If you are a regular user of the Mobile Library service you will be aware that it is ceasing at the end of October. Our local library in Hitchin will remain open with new opening hours from Monday 09 November as follows:

Monday 13.00 - 18.00,Tuesday 10.00 - 19.00, Wednesday Closed, Thursday 10.00 - 18.00, Friday 10.00 - 18.00, Saturday 10.00 - 17.00, Sunday Closed

There will also be a Home Library Service available for those who are unable to reach their local library because they are housebound, have a disability or care for someone at home. For more information phone 0300 123 4049, visit the website www.hertsdiredct.org/libraries , email [email protected] or write to Outreach Services, Hertfordshire Libraries, Centrapark, Bessemer Rd. Garden City AL7 1HT.

Problems with the roads?

Report issues on Hertfordshire roads such as potholes, street lights not working, pavement problems and more. Highway Faults reporting phone 0300 124 4047 or www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults

Interested in local history?

We have stock of these books ;A School Remembers - St Ippolyts. Extracts from School Logs with Memories and Photographs 1846 -1992 compiled by the Local History Group. We would be pleased to give away copies to anyone interested but note there will be a charge for postage and packing - please contact Jean Williams or Pam Skeggs JOIN US AND SAY Dog Fouling NO TO DOG FOULING North Hertfordshire is a designated area under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 legislation. This makes it an offence not to clean up after your dog in a place to which the general public have access. A person in charge of a dog MUST clean up after it.

Why you should clean up after your dog?

Apart from the legal aspects, dog fouling is unsightly, smells and carries diseases. Toxocara Canis is a potential health risk. It is a roundworm that lives in the dog’s gut. Eggs are passed out with the faeces and can survive for several years. The eggs hatch into larvae which, if ingested, will enter the bloodstream. The human blood is an alien environment and the larvae will remain dormant. However, if a larvae lodges in the small blood capillaries behind the eye, it can cause partial loss of vision. Although this is very rare and the body’s defences will normally destroy the larvae, cleaning up after your dog will remove the risk.

Anyone responsible for allowing their dog to foul may be served with a written warning. If dog fouling is witnessed by the authorised officer and not cleared by the offender, authorised officers may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (£50) and will also gather evidence to prosecute offenders.

How you can help? If you know of any dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs you should report them to North Hertfordshire District Council. You are our best source of information for identifying offenders.

Who should I contact? North Hertfordshire District Council, District Council Offices, Gernon Road Garden City, Hertfordshire. SG6 3JF 01462 474000, [email protected] . www.north-herts.gov.uk Or go to www.north-herts.gov.uk/home/transport-and-street- cleaning/dog-fouling

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