April and May 2020 Villages Magazine Items for the next edition can be emailed to [email protected] by 15th March 2020 at the latest please. Copy can also be given to Lynne Heraud, 27 Cappell Lane, .

The Magazine Editor / Administrator works on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.15am until 2.15pm and can be contacted on 01920 870115 or at [email protected].

Need Help with a Problem??? Contact the East Herts Citizens Advice Service Council Office, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, SG13 8EQ Open: Mondays Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am – 2pm Adviceline telephone service is also available Monday – Friday 10am-4pm Tel: 03444 111 444 Also sessions in Ware, Bishops Stortford, , . For details of these and online advice, go to www.ehcas.org.uk

Hire the Wilshere Hall The hall next to St Andrew’s Church is available for both one-off and regular bookings. The ground floor room seats 40 around tables, and up to 70 if tables are not required. It has a well-equipped kitchen area. There are toilets, including disabled, and some parking. For bookings contact: Maureen Freeman on 01920 870632.

Have you just moved in? Or know someone who has? We provide a pack to welcome people into the villages. It has information about bin days, doctors, children’s activities…. If someone has moved in near you, please ask the Vicarage for a pack for you to give to them, a good way to introduce yourself! They are kept at the Benefice office.

www. Stanstead -Abbotts -Online .co.uk The best online resource for the village of Stanstead Abbotts, with news and wide-ranging information on the amenities, events, activities and businesses within the village. Regularly updated. Take a look and add it to your favourites! 1.

Regular Clubs, Groups and Meetings in the three villages

Saturday Coffee: St Margaret’s Church every Saturday, 10.30am - noon

Lunch for Charity of host’s choice: 1pm 1st Thursday every month (see p.2)

Stanstead Abbotts Brownies: Mondays 5.45pm-7pm (Wilshere Hall, Cappell Lane Stanstead Abbotts) – for girls aged 7 to 10 years. Guider in charge: Helen Payne 01920 462676

Beavers: Boys and girls aged 6 to 8 year olds. Cubs: Boys and girls aged 8 to 10 ½ year olds. Scouts: Boys and girls 10 ½ to 14 year olds

Great Amwell Scout Group: (Scout HQ, London Road, Ware) www. greatamwellscouts.org.uk, [email protected]. Group Scout Leader: Gail Stretch, contact number 01920 320142

1st Stanstead Abbotts & St. Margarets Scout Group: (Scout H.Q., Marsh Lane, Stanstead Abbotts: www.StansteadAbbottsScouts.org.uk ) Group Scout Leader: Paul Stretch 01920 320100

Bingo for the over 60’s : Every Friday 2.30pm – 4.00pm in Folly View Community Centre. New players welcome, just turn up.

Evergreen Club: Every Monday afternoon 2-4pm in the Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall. Transport can be arranged. Contacts: 01920 424140

Carpet Bowls: 7.30pm Tuesdays in the Parish Hall, Great Amwell and every Monday in Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall (not during the summer months)

Great Amwell Women’s Club: Every 1 st & 3 rd Wednesday 7.30pm – 10.00pm in the Parish Hall, Great Amwell. Club Secretary: Dulcie Fordham, Contact number for enquiries: 01920 466689 (Christine)

Herts Wheelers (cycling club):- Weekly Sunday club rides for various abilities normally starting in Ware. Contact [email protected]

Amwell Society: Quarterly talks in the Parish Hall, Great Amwell, as well as trips, walks and activities locally. For details of membership contact William Brown 01920 872450 (Chairman)

Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society : Chairman; Bob Hunt. Regular meetings for both members and non-members. Details on the website: www.salhs.org.uk . For details of membership contact: [email protected] .

St Margaretsbury Tennis Club: A friendly club with social sessions on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings, plus a juniors section, coaching available, and opportunity to play match tennis in local leagues. Details from [email protected] or come along to a social morning.

‘Armchair Singers’ for those with lung conditions: Held in the Nigel Copping Centre every Monday 1.30pm-3.30pm. Singing for health and well-being. All ages welcome. Please contact Gabby Hanley 07875 221543 for more details

The February lunch raised £50 for Ronald McDonald House Charities If you would like to host a lunch, please either ask for available dates at an upcoming lunch event or contact 01920 870115 to arrange a slot.

Thursday 5th March for the Multiple Sclerosis Society Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition - that means it affects a person’s nerves. It occurs when a person’s immune system isn’t working properly. Your immune system normally protects you by fighting off infection, but in MS it attacks your nerves by mistake. Nerves control lots of different parts of your body. That’s why you can get MS symptoms in many parts of your body. It’s also why everyone’s MS is different. Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help to manage the condition and its symptoms. The Multiple Sclerosis Society help people to live well with MS and funds research to stop MS for good. As little as £30 - could process one blood sample, giving researchers crucial information about genes and the immune system.

Thursday 2nd April: At the time of going to print, I cannot confirm the host for this lunch, so will put all details in the April/May edition.

St John’s Quiz Evening with Fish / Chicken / Vegetarian & Chip supper

Friday 17th April at the Parish Hall in Great Amwell 7.00pm for a prompt 7.30pm start Tickets: £12 per person – any profit to go to St. John's Church. Tables of 6/8. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets available from Bryan & Julia Brace (01992 447845) or Richard & Margaret Mellor (01920 460474). Proceeds will be going to the church ‘Tower Fund’

Upcoming Changes to this Magazine With effect from April 2020 this magazine will be distributed bi-monthly, going from 10 to 6 editions each year. This is largely for financial reasons and also to assist the volunteers who help with its circulation. We are always looking for new volunteers. If you could take on delivering a small number of magazines 6 times a year please contact me on 01920 870115. Could I also say to our many lovely contributors, that you will now need to get your articles/event publicity to me earlier if they are taking place in the second month of each edition. Katrina Dukes – Magazine Editor

FairTrade Fortnight 2020 is here! Calling all chocolate fans and fighters for fairness! In 2020 we continue our mission to ensure that all farmers are paid fairly for their work and are able to earn a living income, starting with cocoa farmers in West Africa. Fairtrade Fortnight continues until Sunday 8th March. We continue to focus upon the special role women farmers play in the journey to living incomes. We travelled back to Côte d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, to meet some truly inspiring women who want their stories to be heard by the UK, especially during this Fortnight and make the case for Fairtrade. All of the information you need can be found as usual on faritrade.org.uk.

When will a new vicar arrive? Many have a sked about the appointment of a new vicar for the Benefice. By law, it is not a short process in the Church of . Regular updates have been given in the churches. We have advertised and our Parish Profile can be viewed on the Internet. The timetable is:- February 20th - closing date for applications. March 9th - interviews. It is expected that following an appointment, a new priest will take up the post between July and September. Further details can be obtained from the churchwardens. Fancy a charity bike ride?

Entry Fee: 25 miles - £20, 60 miles - £20, 100 miles - £25 Chose to cycle 25, 60 or 100 miles through beautiful countryside - a landscape of half-timbered cottages and a few rolling hills. What a grea t way to welcome in the spring! Whether you're a keen cyclist or novice rider, Herts 100 is the perfect ride for anyone looking for a way to support Willow who provide Special Days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds; w hilst you are doing something you love.

St James Church Grass Cutting Fund

Many thanks once again to all the loyal people that continue to support this very worthy cause ; this ensures that the grass can be kept cut around St James church; so people can walk with ease to tend their loved ones’ graves, and of course visit the church itself. If you feel able to contribute please do not hesitate to contact me. Your support would be very much appreciated. As usual the cheques need to be made payable to ‘St James burial ground.’ Mrs Sue Atkin s (01920 870145)

CPRE Hertfordshire Awards 2020 For those caring about their Community and/or the Environment

Our annual Awards Scheme is now open and we invite you to think

about the people or groups who help improve life in your community and/or enhance the environment in Hertfordshire and nominate them for an award.

We want to recognise those who work so hard to protect, promote and enhance towns or villages and/or the surrounding countryside to make them better places to live, work, go to school or enjoy for today and tomorrow and to celebrate their efforts. For example; charities, informal groups, events, businesses and individuals of all ages. Mudlarks, Community Award 2019 “It is great to see individuals and groups receiving recognition for their work and contribution to the community” Cllr Jeff Jones. There is a lot happening across Hertfordshire and we would love you to nominate, or to spread the word by telling others about the awards. We are happy to receive self-nominations. For more information contact [email protected] To make a nomination just download a form from our website www.cpreherts.org.uk/awards and return it to us. Closing date: 31st May 2020 Our judges review the nominations during the summer and the awards are presented at an evening event in October. Previous nominations have included village halls, playgrounds, chalk streams, local nature reserves, health walks and woodland restoration, riverfly monitoring, a bird box trail, an eco-house and various “friends of” groups, a community car scheme, community choirs, festivals, community orchards and a lambing weekend. We also receive nominations for businesses and individuals of all ages, who make a difference in their community and/or the environment. Someone or something in your community deserves to be recognised

In early February Forest Colony visited the Kingdom Hall in to learn a bit about Jehovah Witnesses. The evening was also heavily focused on caring for the environment. Woodland Beavers have been working towards their Builders badge with several evenings all about planning and building. On Saturday the 25th of January our Cubs competed in the annual District Swimming Gala. There were 11 competitive teams and 1 non-competitive team in attendance to the swimming gala. All of the Cubs involved gave it their all. Some amazing news for our troop is that Jaguar Pack came 4th and Panther Pack same 5th! All the Cubs had an amazing time and had so much fun. As well as competing in the swimming gala Jaguar Pack have been working on their Astronomer Badge and Naturalist Badge. While Panther Pack have been enjoying evenings around star gazing and healthy eating. Our Scout Troops have already had a hectic term with escape rooms in the HQ (devised by our new Troop leader Mike Williamson) a night hike, a cooking evening and Competing in the cooking Competition. Our two teams came 3rd and 4th! Visit our website for more details.

To find out more and how to join or volunteer at the Scout Group. Please visit StansteadAbbottsScouts.org.uk Follow us at: Stansteadabbottsscouts

Have your car washed for Charity by our Local Brownie Group! On Sunday 3 rd March Stanstead Abbotts Brownies will be washing cars from 10am until 1pm at the Stanstead Abbots Village Club. The money raised will be for Cancer Research. Please bring your car along to help to raise money for this charity. For information contact Helen Payne on 01920 462676

On the 17th February The Evergreen Club celebrated its 60 years existence. 30 members attended a lunch at The Goat pub, . Everyone had a great time and the members were joined by drivers who take them to and from the Club. The Committee is in the process of organising the 2020 events. Lunches out and trips to garden centres with cream tea etc. There will be speakers attending the Monday Club and the Exercise lady will be putting us through our paces once again. We have had two new members in 2019 and would welcome more newcomers . Ann Hardy 01920 870526

Dementia-Friendly Film Screenings Hertford Theatre is continuing to hold special monthly Film Screenings designed for those living with dementia and memory loss and their friends, families and carers. However, anyone is welcome to attend, especially those who may benefit from a more relaxed environment at the cinema. There will be no adverts or trailers and the lighting will be slightly raised throughout the screening. Ticket price is £5 with one carer free, who will be responsible for the people they accompany to the film. It also includes a free pre-film cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. The 1.30pm screenings coming up are: 18th March Easter Parade 29th April Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Bookings in advance can be done online at www.hertfordtheatre.com or by calling the box office on 01992 531500.

Mothering Sunday Sunday March 22nd

Flowers for the Mums in all our services.

Great Amwell - 9.30am: Family Service Stanstead Abbots - 10.15am: Morning Praise for all ages – 11.00am: Family Service

EVERYONE IS VERY WELCOME TO ALL OUR SERVICES

The Halifax Building Society recently published its regular survey which compares local authorities on 26 different factors such as employment, health, education, crime rates etc. The results for this year reveal that folk living in are among the most happy and content in the UK!! For example it found that 97% of residents felt fit and well, reporting good or fairly good health. The Director of the study says, “East Herts has topped the table, thanks to high life expectancy, good schools and high average earnings” We modestly trust that the SALHS programme has contributed to that feeling of contentment and well-being in our village! For instance we had a very entertaining evening with Nik Pringle in February and now we are looking forward to our March 13th meeting. We will welcome Richard Thomas once again and he will be telling us about the life and

history of the River Stort. Please note that, because of Easter, our April meeting will be on Friday April 3 rd when Helen Gibson will be talking about timber-framed buildings in the County. (More details on our website www.salhs.org.uk) Bob Hunt Chair (SALHS)

Great Amwell Parish Hall The Annual General Meeting of the Hall Management Committee will take place on Wednesday March 11th at the Hall at 8pm. Residents of the Parish are welcome to attend.

In November 2019 Richard Harman kindly gave us an illustrated talk on “Building an energy efficient house.” Prompted by watching the programme “Grand designs” and eager to downsize after his 5 children eventually left home, he bought a building plot in Amwell. Richard planned the whole process himself; it is a three-bedroom house with four garages, a chalet bungalow to match the house next door. He canvassed the neighbours before submitting plans and East Herts. Planning Authority was very good and helpful. It cost £300,000 to build. First, site clearance was necessary and 49 leylandii and other trees were felled – there are still 30 on site, so the environment has not suffered, and he has logs to last some years. He filled in the swimming pool and made a new access on to Gypsy Lane. Richard showed us slides of the progress – from the foundations, the laying of the floor slabs and concrete beams and blocks, drains put in, then timber frames, wall panels which were very precisely made and fitted perfectly. The roof had wood planks cut to fit. The whole house was built in three weeks. He was glad when felt went on the roof for protection before cladding was completed and roof slates went on. There is insulation everywhere, plus a second layer to stop heat escaping through joints. Under floor heating comprises half a mile of pipes. The kitchen is open plan with the living room and a sitting room separate. Windows are high and orientated to promote solar energy and do not overlook the neighbours. Richard wanted energy and efficiency to minimise bills and support the environment. There is a gas boiler instead of a heat pump; all lights are low energy and the windows triple glazed. The whole house is sealed and airtight and thermostats in every room make the heating very controllable. A unit in the loft sucks in air and supplies fresh air to all the rooms. The solar PV panels on the roof are maintenance free and a meter shows how much is used and how much exported. There is a rainwater harvesting tank which supplies the toilets and washing machine and a log burning stove. Altogether huge savings have been made on all services over 3 years. Richard’s talk generated a lot of interest from members, many of whom stayed to chat to him about this worthwhile and imaginative project. Our next meeting is on Friday March 27th, then Friday June 26th when there will be a talk on buzzards and kites by the Lea Valley Bird Sanctuary. Diana Matthews

Memory Café at Willowthorpe

A FREE Event held on the first Tuesday of each month 2.30pm - 4pm. At Willowthorpe, High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AS

This is aimed at people who live with Dementia, as well as their families and carers.

A chance to meet others in the same position in a relaxed environment.

At the Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts on Sunday 15th March Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm Ceilidh / Concert with GIFFORD BROOKES Featuring DEB CHALMERS

All tickets £7 in advance (£9 on the door) Phone 01920 877588 or 01920 870558. Tickets online at www.ticketsource.co.uk Refreshments available – bring your own alcohol BRINGING LIVE MUSIC TO STANSTEAD ABBOTTS

‘Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear’ Just Sing (only £1) Research has shown that SINGING has the potential to IMPROVE BREATHING PROBLEMS Every Monday 1.30pm-3pm All ages welcome Nigel Copping Community Building Sanville Gardens, SG12 8GA For more information contact Gabby: 07875 221543

Saturday Coffee Mornings We Would Love to See You

THIS IS JUST A PLEA TO THOSE WHO POP IN! The long running Saturday coffee morning held in St Margaret’s Parish Church, Hoddesdon Road each week 10.30am-12noon is hosted by volunteers and like a lot of us they have busy lives, therefore, could we please ask that you respect that the session needs to end at 12 noon, as the tidying and locking up the church needs to be completed as soon after that as possible.

‘Death Café’ Death Cafes provide an agenda free and safe place to discuss death and life. It may not be something that everyone wants to discuss, but it is an excellent way to get us talking about a subject we can't escape and is often avoided. So far people have attended and talked about what death means and the language we use; to have an opportunity to think about bereavements some years ago; or how to support a friend who is dying; and to find out about Wills, Probate and Power of Attorney, so many different reasons to come. The next meeting is to be held at the Village cafe in Stanstead Abbotts on Thursday 26th March from 7pm - 8.30pm and every 4th Thursday . You are very welcome to attend all or part of the session. Tea and coffee available, and free cake! Just come when you can and go when you have to. There is usually a (retired) palliative care nurse, someone who has supported her husband as he died, and others to answer any questions as best we can. Just drop in any time.

Food Bank Collection We collect for the local Food Bank in Hertford. They would like dry foods of all sorts, long-life liquids, and tinned foods – they help people who are sent by Social Services, CAB etc, when they cannot afford to feed their family until the next cheque comes in. At the moment they particularly need chocolate spread, peanut butter, men’s shaving foam, shampoo and conditioner as well as all baby toiletries . Please put your contributions in the box in the Co-op or in the churches or drop them to Mrs Webb at 8 Millers Lane and we will then take the contents to Hertford. Thank you all for your support, people are being really generous.

Great Amwell Parish Church – Tower Appeal

The Tower of St John the Baptist, Great Amwell needs urgent repair. The limestone cornerstones, door arches and window surrounds are crumbling, some so much that renewal is required to prevent structural damage. Our architect is recommending repairs should be completed within two years. If this cannot be achieved, our building will become unsafe. You may not attend the church regularly, or even at all, but we hope you agree that our beautiful church at the end of St John’s Lane is an important part of Great Amwell. Every Christmas, Easter and Remembrance Sunday the pews are full and you may have attended a school service, a baptism, a wedding or funeral at some time there. Churches do not receive any government funding, our funds being derived purely from donations. We have raised £32,000, about one third, but this leaves us with £63,000 to find from this appeal and grants, as well as some local village events. How can you help? By donating to the Tower Appeal Fund! Donations can be made by: Bank Transfer – GA with StM Designated Account Sort Code: 40-24-21 Account: 81535048 Cheque – Payable to GA with StM PCC Designated Account Send to: M Vaughan, 30 Hertford Road, Great Amwell, SG12 9RX Just Giving – Go to ‘JustGiving.com’, search and click on ‘Richard Mellor’ or ‘Great Amwell’ If you Gift Aid your donation we can claim an additional 25% of the amount you give. To make this a Gift Aid donation, you must pay an amount of UK income or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax we claim on your donation and provide the following; your name, house number and post code. Enquiries to [email protected].

Card making classes Card-making classes are in the Wilshere Hall, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 1.00-4.00pm; £3 per session . All materials are provided and whatever you create is yours to take home with you. Come and give it a try. For further information contact Janet Dance on 01920 871262

JUST FRIENDS We meet three weeks of the month on a cycle at different venues: Week 2 Wednesday Coffee Morning at the Parish Centre, Sacred Heart, Ware, SG12 7EJ at 10.30am , (11th March). Week 3 Tuesday Lunch at the Beefeater in Ware, SG12 9QB at 12.30pm (17th March) to book a place for this please contact Mary Hallett 01920 870527. Week 4 Wednesday Coffee in Van Hages, SG12 9RP at 11am, (25th March). We sometimes have outings and visits to the cinema, theatre etc. For more information contact Judy Heilpern Brown 01920 871743. Don’t forget anyone of any age who is widowed or divorced or separated is welcome at any of our meetings.

There are more details on all these Events on the Charity’s website: – www.isabelhospice.org.uk ,

MARCH Saturday 7th - Quiz Evening for Isabel Hospice, Memorial Hall Welham Green, AL9 7PG: 7.00pm for 7.30pm start Light refreshments included, Bring your own drink and glasses, Parking, Raffle. Call 01707 265333 or 658531 for tickets. Friday 20th - An Evening with Bob Wilson, The Tythe Barn, Bury Farm Hotel, , AL6 OJB: 8.00pm – 10.00pm Join us for a very special evening and an opportunity to meet goalkeeping legend, TV sports journalist and presenter Bob Wilson. A delicious dinner and stories of Bob Wilson in conversation with Stuart Storey, Olympian and BBC Sports Commentator for 40 years. Tickets: £60 each including: Drinks reception, 2 course Dinner with Wine, Raffles & Auction. Ticket Enquiries: Barbara Doherty MBE or Suzanne Coleman on 01438 798869 Email: [email protected] Saturday 28th - Isabel Hospice Jumble Sale Hall, Cambridge Rd, SG12 0TU: 2.00pm – 5.00pm Come along and find some treasures! Adult Cost: 50p Child Cost: 50p Sunday 29th - Woodhall off-road run Need some exercise and fresh air? Join Isabel Hospice for a cross-country, off-road 5k or 10k challenge on the Woodhall Estate on Saturday 28 March. Find out more: http://www.woodhalloffroad.co.uk/

‘New’ Free Monthly Coffee Morning at The Red Lion, High Street, Stanstead Abbotts Starting on Thursday 26 th March 10am – 12noon Mass and his staff welcome all local residents

The British Red Cross is 150 this year! Help us celebrate Upcoming Events in Hertfordshire - please come along and show your support 21 st April Quality stalls selling ladies fashions, Hall SG9 9QR : 10 am – 1.30 pm £3.50 The following are all Open Garden Events 3rd May Fanhams Hall SG12 7PZ: 1 pm – 5 pm £5.00 24 th May Village: 12pm – 5pm £8.00 7th June Dassels Bury SG11 2RW: 2 pm – 5 pm £5.00 14 th June Thundridge Hill House SG12 0UE: 2 pm – 5 pm £4.00 14 th June Manor Farmhouse SG3 6QB: 2 pm – 5pm £4.00 28 th June : 11am – 5pm £7.00 If you’re unable to attend any events, and wish to support us for this special year, please visit our just giving page online https://www.justgiving.com/fundra ising/hertfordshireredcross , or send a cheque made payable to British Red Cross to Cathy Curtis, British Red Cross, Baker Street, Hertford SG13 7HT. Thank you. If you would like to do a fundraiser for us, that would be amazing. Please contact Cathy [email protected] 01992 585969

LIVE MUSIC SESSION AT THE RED LION Monday 30th March 8.30pm - 11:00 p.m. Musicians always welcome (and audience!) More details: Leah 07895 655757

Fridge Wanted in one of the Churches We are lo oking for a counter top fridge for one of the churches . If anyone has one they no longer use and would be willing to donate it to the church, please contact Churchwarden Lyn Paddon on 01920 487717.

In this time of Vacancy, others in the Benefice are being asked to give the “Thought for the Month”. I’m Rachel Melr ose, one of the Readers. I take services throughout the Benefice. On February 25th, Shrove Tuesday, I expect you will all have had your pancakes, no matter how you enjoy them (sugar, lemon, chocolate sauce or savoury). This was followed by the beginning of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, the 26th of February. But what is Lent and what should we be doing about it, if anything? Lent was originally celebrated by those preparing to be baptised at Easter. It was a time of preparation and penitence, along with fasting. In the early Middle Ages, the Church thought this would be a good idea for everyone to join in. During that time the eating of meat, flour, eggs and milk, or anything made with them, was forbidden. Even up until the 1950s such products were not easy to buy during Lent. As well as denying themselves foods of a luxurious nature, Christians spent a lot of time considering the state of their souls and performing penance for any sins they had committed. Today, many people have forgotten the Christian origins of L ent and think it’s just about giving up chocolate. In my wander through the internet I’ve found several ways in which people are marking Lent. I am just going to offer them here. Whether you are Christian or not, these methods of marking Lent have merit. 1: https://40acts.org.uk/ 40 Acts of Generosity towards your fellow humans. 2: The Reverse Lent Calendar: Unlike the Advent Calender, where you get a treat everyday up to Christmas, this starts as an empty box or b ag and you add one item (food or other) each day up to Easter, then donate it to the local Food Bank. 3: Empty Your Cupboards of Distractions. This is similar to 2. Like the Jews, who remove all food containing yeast or other forms of raising agents, befo re Passover, our Bishops suggest we should remove anything that might be a distraction from Lenten Disciplines. This could be bags of sweets, packets of biscuits, easy bake cake mixes etc. and donate to the local food bank. Our Lent course this year, is based on the book by Ruth Valerio - “Saying Yes to Life” , (more details in last month’s edition). You will need a copy of the book available from Elizabeth Goldsmith (contact number on the back page) . The course starts on Tuesday 3rd March in the Wilshere hall at 7.30pm and each Tuesday during Lent. Rachel Melrose (Licensed Reader)

Church News

Transport to Church. If you would like a lift to church please phone one of the Churchwardens (see back cover of this magazine).

From Local Church Registers

We offer our condolences to the families and friends of Eileen Collins Thele Avenue 3rd January (St Jame’s church)

St Andrew’s church is praying for:-

Pre-school groups - week beginning 1st March The Maltings, work places locally - week beginning 8th March High Street shops, sugeries etc. - week beginning 15th March Willowthorpe and other local carers - week beginning 22nd March Wedding couples and Marriage - week beginning 29th March

The Folly Community As part of these villages, the community on The Folly are trying some new initiatives including prayers each week for different roads in the community on the dates below: 1st March Folly View 8th March Emmas Crescent 15th March Hillside Crescent 22nd March Field Way 29th March French’s Close

Daytime Study Group There is a Study group which meets on alternate Thursday mornings 10.30am to Noon at Manor Barn South, 43 Hoddesdon Road - (please check the diary pages for the actual dates). Currently looking at John’s Gospel We welcome anyone to join us

St James church website Please take a look at the website of one of our local historic churches at: www.stjamesoldchurch.org.uk Not only does it give information on its history, its care by The Churches Conservation Trust, but also details of upcoming events, including those of the five services held there each year. Both the church itself and its website are well worth a visit!

Lent began with Ash Wednesday on 26th February, and is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) preparing to celebrate Easter. Jesus spent 40 days ‘on retreat’ in the wilderness preparing for His ministry. Lent is an opportunity for us to carve out some time to stand back and look at our lives: are they the way we would like them to be? Even if you are not Christian this is still well worth the effort. We so often get caught up in our busy lives and just go with the demands – but is that what we want? What about our life/work balance (some would say life/work/spirituality balance)? What about the time we spend with family? With friends? What about our care of our physical, mental and spiritual health? Take a while to think about this and you may find it really helpful. Regular evening Home Group

Elizabeth Goldsmith (01920 422065) hosts the Home Group on alternate Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Wilshere Hall. Anyone is welcome to join the group at any time. (Please check the diary pages for the actual dates).

Do you like singing? Then the Celebration service at St Andrew’s church (in the Wilshere Hall) on the 1 st Sunday every month at 10.15am may be your scene! We sing lots of songs old and new, listen to the Bible, and pray. There are craft tables for the children alongside the congregation and crèche toys in the foyer. The service is then followed by refreshments. OUR NEXT CELEBRATION SERVICE IS 1 st MARCH

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER At Leeside Church, High Street, Ware SG12 9BT Friday 6th March 2020 at 10am

Over 3 million people world wide will be praying and worshipping during this annual day of prayer, using a service prepared by Christian women in Zimbabwe - RISE! TAKE YOUR MAT AND WALK Women, men and young people are all very welcome to attend

Calling blokes of Stanstead Abbotts

Fancy a Full English Breakfast served with ketchup and a large helping of attitude? Then you are very welcome to join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month at St Andrew's Church, Wilshere Hall 8:30am - 10:00am. Cereal, tea, coffee, juice, eggs, bacon, beans (etc.) and your chance to put the world to rights. No previous experience necessary - just a big appetite and a sprinkling of opinion if you want. If you would like to have a serious munch, challenging debate on Christian issues, and the chance to meet other locals, book your place (so we can make sure you really do get stuffed) by phoning 01920 870115 by midday on the Wednesday before the 2nd Saturday. We next get together on 14th March

All Nations College Afternoon Tea Afternoon Tea served in Easneye House on Saturday 21st March 2020 2.30pm – 5pm Freshly Cut Finger Sandwiches, Homemade Scones with clotted cream and jam. A selection of small cakes & fancies Pot of Tea or Cup of Coffee

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL book now with Sean Watkiss on 01920 443538 or email: [email protected]

Church Cleaning Sponsors and Volunteers Needed at St John the Baptist Church As we start a New Year, we are now looking for new people to sponsor and those who have helped so kindly in previous years, to renew their sponsorship of the paid cleaner for next year at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell or to volunteer to help with cleaning. For more information please contact Julia or Bryan Brace on 01992 447845.

For help with debt – CAP (Christians Against Poverty) 0800 328 0006 (free call)

Changes to the legal aid system have left some of the most vulnerable groups in society without access to the justice system, the General Synod heard on 13 th February 2020. Members voted to back a motion recognising legal aid as an ‘essential public service’ that needs to be preserved ‘for the benefit of the nation.’ The Synod called on the Government to explore ways of alleviating the impact of the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act – which came into force in 2013 - on some of the most deprived and vulnerable communities. Several Bishops spoke about their own thoughts on this matter; ‘Large groups’ of people now found themselves ineligible to receive legal aid as a result of the changes brought about by the Act. These included most private family law cases and people with immigration difficulties. Those affected by benefits changes also face the ‘double whammy’ of not being able to access legal aid to mount a challenge. Access to justice is fundamental to the ‘rule of law’ because without it, the rule of law can be nothing more than a concept, an ideal. If access to justice is absent, legal rights cannot be exercised and legal obligations cannot be enforced. Nor can public or private bodies be challenged through the courts, or individuals brought to account. Access to justice is essential to a humane, just and civilised society.” The full text of the motion, passed by 218 in favour, 0 votes against and one abstention, is as follows: ‘That this Synod, mindful that a justice system should be open and free from barriers of any kind, and also provide easy access to enable the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our society to seek professional help in bringing their claims before our courts and tribunals; (a) recognise our legal aid system as an essential public service and fully endorse its preservation for the benefit of the nation; (b) welcome the reports by Amnesty International and the Bach Commission about the impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and note both their findings about its impact on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in our society and their recommendations for reform of the current system; (c) call on Her Majesty’s Government to respond positively to these reports and explore ways of alleviating the impact that the 2012 Act has had on these groups.’