The independent journal for & Villages published by Buntingford Civic Society Buntingford Journal

Pig’s Nose in December 2009: will we see snow this winter? Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All Our Readers

60p Dec 2015 / Jan 2016 Volume 40, No.10

Dec 2015 / Jan 2016 Contents BALA – Minibus Trips & Coffee Morning ...... 44 Sing Christmas ...... 28 Buntingford Adult Learning for Fun – New 10-week course in January ...... 19 Buntingford Civic Society ...... 11 Buntingford & District Cage Bird Society ...... 45 Buntingford and District Flower Club ...... 43 Buntingford & District Social Club ...... 23 Buntingford Dramatic Society – Jack and the Beanstalk ...... 32 Buntingford Gardeners Club ...... 43 Buntingford In Transition News ...... 17 Buntingford School of Dance ...... 33 Buntingford Scout Group – Santa Clause is coming to town! ...... 10 Buntingford Town Council ...... 20 Buntingford Town Football Club ...... 46 Buntingford W.I...... 45 Carols by Candlelight at St Mary’s Church, ...... 12 Carols in the Chapel at Haileybury School ...... 13 Church Services ...... 14-16 Curwens – ‘Right to Rent’ checks ...... 26 Diane Kiff Bookkeeping – A new business in Buntingford ...... 24 Diary of Events – What’s On & Dates for Your Diary ...... 2-5 East Herts Citizens Advice Bureau – Debt Relief Orders ...... 27 East Herts Council – Forever Active East Herts ...... 22 Editor’s Letter ...... 7 Edwinstree Middle School ...... 40 Freman College ...... 42 Home-Start’s Snowflake Appeal – Let it Snow for Home-Start East Herts ...... 34 The Hundred Parishes Society ...... 28 Isabel Hospice – Carols in the Chapel ...... 13 Knits & Bits – Hand-knitted baby clothes & much more ...... 25 Layston C of E First School & Friends of Layston School Christmas Fair ...... 38 & 39 Leapfrogs Preschool & Christmas Holiday Club ...... 35 Letters & emails to the Editor ...... 8 The Local Interview: Dave ‘Trotter’ Eastman ...... 18 Millfield First & Nursery School ...... 36 News from Your District Councillor ...... 21 Poetry Page – Teresa Bonner ...... 29 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Animal Telephone Service ...... 9 Reed Christmas Supper & New Year Party ...... 13 Royston Choral Society – Christmas Concert ...... 12 Royston & District Ramblers – Walks for December & January ...... 48 Sir Oliver Heald QC MP – MP’s surgery at The Manor House ...... 30 Tea Time Talks in Standon Village Hall ...... 30 Time Bank – Give Time for this year’s New Year Resolution! ...... 47 U3A Buntingford – The University of the Third Age ...... 31 Useful Local Information ...... 6 Wood-burning Stoves: is one right for your home? ...... 16 Xmas Lunch for the Over 60s ...... 21 Yew Tree Alpacas – Christmas Shop & New Year Alpaca Adventure ...... 25

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Diary of Events – Dec 2015 /Jan 2016

MONDAYS 10:30am – 12 noon Iyengar Yoga at URC Hall, Baldock Road (term time only). Contact Jen Harris on 01920 821288. 11:00am – 11:45am Stretch’n’Grow, a fun exercise & activity class for children who are walking to 5 years. At Seth Ward Community Centre during term time. £2 per child. 01763 273008 or contact the Buntingford Collective on Facebook. 1:30pm – 3:00pm Stay & Play at Jenyns First School, Braughing. £1 per family. 01763 273008 1:30pm – 3:30pm Senior Citizens Club at URC Hall, Baldock Road. Bingo and an afternoon of socialising. For more information contact Jeanne Clark on 01763 274631. 4:30pm – 7:30pm Rib Valley Trampoline Club at Freman College (term time only). Contact Andrea Allen 07989 980038 or email: [email protected]

6:30pm – 7:30pm Cougars U9s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email: [email protected]. 6:30pm – 8:00pm Shotokan Karate at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Peter Deacon on 01462 642922.

6:45pm – 8:15pm Tai Ji at URC Hall. Contact Steve Burton 01279 777032 / 07968 052716 7:00pm Bridge for experienced players at Buntingford Bowls Club. £2.50 per session. Contact Eddie on 01763 273640 or 07976 896718.

7:00pm – 8:00pm Pilates at Layston School. Contact Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806. 7:30pm – 8:15pm Abs (body toning) at Fit Together Gym. Contact Al on 07739 131694. 7:30pm – 9:00pm Buntingford Community Choir at Millfield School, Monks Walk. For info see www.buntingfordchoir.co.uk or email: [email protected]

7:30pm – 9:45pm Buntingford & District Youth Club for young people aged 13–19 years, at the Technical Institute, Baldock Road. Contact Danny Band on 07879 853849 or email: danny.band@.gov.uk. 8:15pm Circuit Training at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact 01920 823677. TUESDAYS 9:15am – 10:15am Badminton at Seth Ward CC, £2.50 per session. 01763 273712.

9:30am – 11:00am Tuesday Toddlers at URC Hall, Baldock Road. £2 for first child, then 50p for each additional child of same family, includes drink and snack. Term time. 10:00am – 11:30am Under 1s Group at Buntingford Bowls Club. £1 per family. 01763 273008. 10:00am – 9:00pm The On Site Massage Clinic at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Contact Kate Smith MBRCP on 07720 298306 or visit www.onsitemassageclinic.co.uk. 10:45am – 11:30am Cheeky Chimps (2 separate sessions) at Seth Ward Community Centre. 11:45am – 12:30pm £2 per family. 01763 273008. 3:15pm – 4:15pm After School Bootcamp at Millfield School, Monks Walk. Contact Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806, [email protected]

3:30pm – 9:00pm Dance classes with Buntingford Dancing School, at Freman College. Contact Philippa on 01763 271010. 5:30pm – 6:30pm Cougars U15s Whites training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. 6:15pm – 7:15pm Cougars U10s & Cougars U12s Blues training, St Edmunds School Floodlit Astro Turf. For more info, email: [email protected] 7:00pm – 7:45pm Strength & Stretch at Layston School. 20mins strength / 20mins stretching. Contact Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806.

7:00pm – 8:15pm Grade 5 Ballet Lessons, Layston School. Philippa 01763 271010.

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What's On

7:30pm Buntingford Karate Club, Edwinstree Gym. Bill Hooper 01763 273123. 7:30pm – 8:30pm Cougars U13s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area.

8:30pm – 9:30pm Cougars U16s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more info on Cougars training, email: [email protected] WEDNESDAYS 9:30 – 11:15am Great Baby and Toddler Group at Great Hormead School Hall. Term time only. From 0 to 4 years. Toys, activities, arts & crafts and singing. £1.50 for first child, 50p for additional children, includes a drink and snack. Contact Annabel on 07787 562265, or just turn up.

9:30 – 11:30am Parent and Toddler Group at Barkway Village Hall. Children 0–4 years. Singing, stories and activities; tea, coffee, juice and snack provided. Contact Kim Semple on 07964 151288.

10:00am – 11:00am Story Sacks at Jenyns First School, Braughing. £1 per child 01763 273008. 10:30am BALFF 10-week Autumn course started 23rd September, ‘The World of the Documentary Film’, at the Community Centre, Luynes Rise. Coffee served

from 10am. Contact Julia Peacock on 01763 272584.

3:15pm – 4:15pm After School Bootcamp at Layston School, The Causeway. Contact Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806, [email protected].

6:00pm – 7:00pm Cougars U14s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email [email protected]. 6:00pm – 7:00pm Circuit Training for 50+ at Seth Ward CC. Contact Rita on 07957 558782. 6:30pm – 7:30pm Freestyle & Shotokan Karate at Freman College. Contact Sensei John

Srinivassan, Mushin Academy of Karate, 07722 071408. 6:45pm – 7:15pm Cardio Blast at Layston School. Contact Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806, [email protected]. 7:00pm – 8:00pm Cougars U15s Blues training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email [email protected]. 7:30pm – 8:30pm Body Circuit classes at Seth Ward CC. Contact Rita on 07957 558782. 7:30pm – 8:15pm Beginners Pilates at Layston School. Contact Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806, [email protected]. 7:30pm – 8:15pm Boxercise/Tae Bo session at Fit Together Gym, Buntingford. Contact Al on 07739 131694. 7:30pm Slimming World Group at Millfield School. Tel: Glenda McLellan on 01462 894351 / 07983 224121 or email [email protected] 8:00pm Horizon Divers at Freman Pool. Contact 01920 823955.

THURSDAYS 9:30am – 11:00am Anstey Toddlers at Old School House, Anstey. Arts & crafts, free play and singing for toddlers & babies with their carers. £1 per family. Term time only 01763 273008.

9:30am – 11:00am Bramble Hill Stay & Play at the Scout Hut, Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford. Term time only. £1 per family. 01763 273008.

11:00am – 12:00 Fitness for 50+ at Seth Ward Community Centre. £4 per class. Eileen Dixon 01763 257474 / 07966 222272, email: [email protected]

1:00pm – 3:00pm Baby classes run by the Best Start Club at the Scout Hut, Bowling Green

Lane. Magical Musical Playdays, for 1 to 3 years olds, start at 1:00pm; followed by Baby Signing classes, for 0 to 16 months, at 2:00pm. Contact Laura Sheriff on 07801 796334. Email: [email protected].

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Diary of Events – Dec 2015 /Jan 2016

4:30pm – 6:30pm Drama workshops 15–18 year olds, with Stagefrights Theatre at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Dave 01438 232181; email: [email protected]

5:30pm – 6:30pm Cougars U7s & U8s training at Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email: [email protected]

5:30pm – 10:00pm Buntingford Swimming Club, Freman Pool. Adelaide Boon 07710 550050.

7.30pm Buntingford Karate Club, Edwinstree Gym. Bill Hooper 01763 273123.

8:00pm – 9:30pm Badminton Club at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Liz James on 01763 274010.

8:00–10:00pm Buntingford Dramatic Society, Benson Hall.

FRIDAYS 9:15am WeightWatchers at Benson Hall.

9:30am – 10:30am Badminton at Seth Ward Community Centre – term time only.

10:00am & 11:00am Baby & toddler 'Rhyme Time' at Seth Ward. £1 first child, 50p for additional children to include tea & coffee. Contact Bramble Hill 01763 273008.

10:00am – 9:00pm The On Site Massage Clinic at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Contact Kate Smith MBRCP on 07720 298306 or visit www.onsitemassageclinic.co.uk.

11:00am – 12:00 Drop-in Breastfeeding Support Group at Bramble Hill, 01763 273008.

11:00am – 12:00 All Abilities MultiSports at Benson Hall. Contact Jacqui on 01763 273815 /

07956 647806, [email protected].

3.30pm – 8:00pm Dance classes with Buntingford Dancing School, at Freman College. Contact Philippa on 01763 271010.

5:30pm – 6:30pm Cougars U11s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more

information email: [email protected].

5:30pm – 8:00pm Friday Project, Buntingford & District Youth Club for young people aged 13–19. A range of activities at the Technical Institute, Baldock Road. Contact

Danny Band on 07879 853849 or email [email protected].

6:30pm – 7:30pm Cougars U12s Whites training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email: [email protected].

SATURDAYS 8:30am – 2:45pm Dance classes with Buntingford Dancing School, at Freman College and URC Hall, Buntingford. Contact Philippa on 01763 271010.

9:15am – 2:00pm Musical Theatre School for 4–14 year olds at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Call Anna 07545 788433 or email [email protected].

10:00am – 11:30am 3rd Sat in the month, Dad’s/Male Carers Group at the Scout Hut, Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford. £1 per child. 01763 273008.

10:30am – 11:30am Cougars U6s training, Buntingford Community Centre (on grass). For more information email: [email protected].

11:am – 2:00pm 1st Sat in the month, BuntsBoutiqueFair at Benson Hall. Crafts, Food, Art & Gifts. Refreshments. Charity Raffle. Free squash & lollypop for children!

2:15pm – 4:15pm Drama workshops 6–15 year olds with Stagefrights Theatre at URC Hall, Baldock Road. Dave 01438 232181 or email [email protected].

2:00pm – 4:00pm Police Surgery at Buntingford Police Station, Baldock Road. If you would like to advertise your event in The Journal, please contact Christine Noble on 01763 273095 Or email: [email protected]

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Dates for Your Diary

December Tues 1st 8pm Buntingford & District Cage Bird Society, Benson Hall (page 45).

Wed 2nd 7:45 for 8pm Buntingford Gardeners’ Club Christmas Party at URC

Hall, Baldock Road. Members only (see page 47).

3rd to 11th From 6pm Buntingford Scouts Santa Run see page 10)

Sat 5th 11am–2pm BuntsBoutiqueFair at Benson Hall.

Sat 5th & 12th 10:30am–4pm Yew Tree Alpacas Christmas Shop (see page 25).

Sat 5th 7pm Reed Christmas Supper in Reed Village Hall (see page 13).

Sun 6th 10am–4pm Antiques & Vintage Fair at Barkway Village Hall, SG8 8BS.

Entry £1. Homemade cakes & refreshments. Rosei Frost 07720 647696 email [email protected], www.flapperfortunes.co.uk/fairs.

Wed 9th 10.30am–12noon BALA Coffee Morning at Benson Hall (see page 44).

Thurs 10th 7:15 for 7:30pm Buntingford W.I. at URC Hall (see page 45).

Sat 12th 3:30pm Tea Time Talk: Hertfordshire in WWI in Standon (see page 30).

Sat 12th 7:30pm Braughing Sing Christmas (see page 28).

Thurs 17th 7:30pm Carols in the Chapel at Haileybury School, in aid of Isabel

Hospice (see page 13).

Fri 18th 8pm Buntingford Railway & Local History Society at The Crown, ‘Talk on Churches’ with Roy Tricker.

Fri 18th Buntingford in Transition Christmas Pary (see page 17).

Sat 19th 1pm Christmas Lunch for Over 60s (see page 21).

Sat 19th 7:30pm Royston Choral Society Christmas Concert (see page 12).

21st to 23rd 8am–4pm Leafrogs Christmas Holiday Club (see page 35).

Mon 21st 7:30 for 7:45pm Carols by Candlelight, Aspenden (see page 12).

Mon 21st 7pm Jazz on the Heath, two-band Xmas special at the Heath Cafe, Therfield Heath, with Dave Rance’s Rocking Chair Band plus

Christine’s Stackyard Stompers. Tickets £10.

Thurs 31st 8pm Reed New Year Party in Reed Village Hall (see page 13).

January Sat 2nd Yew Tree Alpacas Alpaca Adventure (see page 25).

Wed 13th 10:30am BALFF New 10-week course (see page 19).

Sat 16th 3:30pm Tea Time Talk in Standon Village Hall (see page 30).

Mon 18th 8pm Jazz on the Heath at the Heath Cafe, Therfield Heath, with Dave Rance’s Rocking Chair Band. Tickets £6.

Fri 22nd 5–6:30pm Sir Oliver Heald QC MP’s Surgery (see page 30).

22nd / 23rd Buntingford Dramatic Society presents ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. 29th / 30th Evening and matinee performances (see page 32).

th Wed 27 7:30 Buntingford & District Flower Club (see page 43).

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Useful Local Information

POLICE STATION: Non-emergency telephone: 101 Baldock Road, Buntingford In emergencies dial 999 Police surgeries: 2–4pm on Saturdays at Buntingford Police Station

GAS: Emergency (gas leaks) – Freephone 0800 111 999 ELECTRICITY: Emergency (power loss) – Freephone 0800 7838 838 WATER (Veolia): Emergency – Freephone 0800 376 5325 SEWERAGE (Thames Water): Emergency – Telephone 0800 316 9800 FLOODLINE: Emergency – 0345 988 1188 or 0845 988 1188 Environment Agency Incident Line: 0800 80 70 60

DOCTORS: The Medical Centre – White Hart Close Tel: 01763 271362 (24 hours) Orchard Surgery – Baldock Road Tel: 01763 272410 (After hours: 272411)

B A S H (Buntingford Action Providing transport for hospital and doctors For Social Help): appointments. Tel: Jane Winter 01763 271484

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, RAPE, Confidential Information Helpline: 01992 554440 RACE or HATE CRIME: (in emergency, dial 999)

LOCAL COUNCILS: Buntingford Town Council – 01763 272222 East Herts District Council – 01279 655261 Housing – 01279 714714 Benefits – Freephone 0800 373852 For emergencies out of office hours: 01279 655261 Adult Care Services – 0300 123 4042 Children’s Services – 0300 123 4043 Hertfordshire Highways – 0300 123 4047, or report faults online: www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults

BUNTINGFORD LIBRARY: Opening times: Mon & Thurs 09:00 – 18:00 High Street, Buntingford Tues & Fri 14:00 – 18:00 Saturday 09:00 – 13:00 Telephone enquiries – 0300 123 4049 Option 1 – Renewals 03:00–23:45 every day Option 2 – All other enquiries Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00, Sat 09:00– 6:00

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU: Opening times: Monday 10:00 – 16:00 The Manor House Tues & Wed 10:00 – 13:00 Market Hill, Buntingford Telephone advice: Mon to Fri 10:00 – 16:00 Call 03444 111 444

HOUSEHOLD WASTE & Opening times: Mon to Fri 17:00 – 20:00 RECYCLING SITE: Sat & Sun 10:00 – 13:00 Watermill Industrial Estate, Aspenden Road

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Editor’s Letter

Here we are already at the last Journal of 2015, and I would like to start my letter with a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who contributes to making the Buntingford Journal possible – from the volunteers who deliver copies every month to members of the Civic Society, to the shops who stock copies for sale, to all those who advertise in our pages, to our readers, and above all to the people who write the articles and other material every month. I know that Keith and I are the ones who put the Journal together, but without all of you there would not be a Buntingford Journal, so thank you all very much. Special thanks this month to Robin Webb for suppling the cover photo of Pig’s Nose in the snow. This year I have been sorry to lose some valued regular contributors, and if anyone reading this would like to write for the Journal or has an idea of something they would like to see in its pages, I would love to hear from you. This issue comes out on the same day as the Lights of Love Ceremony at the Manor House and Buntingford’s Late Night Shopping evening organised by the Chamber of Commerce. For me, the evening marks the start of the run-up to Christmas. To help get you in the festive spirit, we have details of several Christmas concerts and carol services, some free and some raising money for various good causes. Buntingford Dramatic Society have also announced that their Panto in the New Year will be ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’; see the poster on page 32 for details of dates and how to buy tickets. District Councillor Jeff Jones brings us good news on high-speed Broadband – it seems Buntingford may be enjoying Superfast speeds sooner than we thought. He also has details of a free Christmas Lunch for the Over 60s, paid for by the Town Council, East Herts District and Herts County Councils; see page 21 for how to reserve a place. On page 18 we have Chris Kell’s final Local Interview with Dave ‘Trotter’ Eastman, who has been bravely battling Parkinson’s Disease for many years. It is a testimony to the human spirit and the old adage, ‘never give up’. In our Letters Pages we also have a message of thanks from Gill and Derek Joyce on behalf of their family. As many of you will know, their son George recently suffered a broken back in a terrible work accident and he faces a long road to recovery. The very generous response of Buntingford people to the news has been truly heart-warming, the genuine spirit of Christmas. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy & Happy New Year. Christine Noble Many thanks to Debbie Lemay for proofreading Editorial copy deadline for the February 2016 Journal is Saturday 16th January 2016

Copy and diary entries: Christine Noble – 01763 273095 68 Hare Street Road, Buntingford SG9 9HN email: [email protected] Advertising enquiries: Keith Edwards – 01763 272032 email: [email protected]

The Buntingford Journal is published by, but is editorially independent of, the Buntingford Civic Society.

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Letters & emails to the Editor

Dear Christine May we, through the pages of the Journal, thank so many people for their generosity and concern following our son George’s accident a few weeks ago when he broke his back. The response has been truly overwhelming. Thanks especially go to everyone from his wife Gemma and their children Phoebe and Finlay and Harvey. It has been an anxious time for us all but hopefully by the time this goes to print George will be home and on the road to recovery. Thank you all. Gill and Derek Joyce, 137 Monks Walk, Buntingford Dear Christine As I come to the end of writing 21 Local Interviews for this Journal, I thought I would write to express my thanks to those who have been part of making this happen. Firstly, to yourself Christine for taking a chance on a new contributor and being a gentle editor. Secondly, thanks to the Buntingford people who've talked to me about their lives. It's not easy to open up to a stranger, or to trust that what they say will appear in print as they would have wished. And thirdly, thanks to my Writers’ Group who have supported me and made suggestions for improving my writing over the past two years. I’ve learned a lot about the town by listening to people talk about their lives, particularly the importance of the arrival of Sainsbury’s depot which provided employment and good quality housing for local people and the new ‘immigrants’ from London. Like any large scale change of population, the new arrivals were not always welcomed by those who had always lived here but, having stayed and brought up their families here, they are now the core townspeople. I also heard about the value placed on the character of our High Street, how treasured are the old shops in people’s memories (most mentioned was Trudgetts' drapery store). But above all, there have been many stories of extraordinary strength in the face of life's difficulties, and an equal number of expressions of gratitude for what life gives us, often from the same people. So, thank you for letting me do the Local Interviews, and perhaps someone else might step forward to carry this on? With best wishes, Chris Kell, High Street, Buntingford Dear Editor I would like to use your pages to thank the enthusiastic members of the Buntingford Community Choir for their recent ‘Night at the Musicals’. An excellent night was had by all and I’m sure that many members of the audience, like myself, may not be able to get out regularly and so really enjoyed the opportunity. It was worth the journey from neighbouring . I look forward to their next performance and wish them well in the meantime. The town should be proud. Kind regards, Mrs Laura Giles Dear Christine, On behalf of the Buntingford Community Choir, can I say a big thank you to everyone who attended our recent Gala Concert at Freman College. We had a fantastic audience of over 250 people, who very generously donated £246.86 to our nominated Charity, The Donor Family Network. This is a Charity that encourages families to talk about organ donation and offers high quality support to donor families. Yours sincerely Paul Webster Chairman of the Buntingford Community Choir

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Dear Christine I was amazed to read in the BTC October newsletter that they give out around 100,000 poobags a year. That’s 100,000 dog poos … just imagine if they weren't picked up! Reminds me of walking barefoot around Islington in the good old hippie days; you had to watch what you were doing, I can tell you! Seriously though, I just wanted to thank the Town Council for providing this invaluable service. Great benefit to dog owners and environmentally a major benefit to the town. Congratulations to whoever thought that one up. Yours sincerely, John Makin

R.A.T.S. Rehoming Animal Telephone Service is a registered animal welfare service based in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire that has been operating since 1984. We re-home dogs, cats and small mammals who have been abandoned or whose owners can no longer look after them. The charity is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and relies on fundraising events and donations to look after all the animals in our care. 2015 has been a busy and challenging year that saw the move of our cattery to Great Barford, although we still have a team of dedicated fosterers throughout Bedfordshire who care for our cats. We currently have a number of older cats looking for new homes. It gets harder to re-home animals with each passing year, especially small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. We also find ourselves short of volunteers, from dog walkers to cake bakers, and would welcome any additional help. Our dog kennels in Hare Street have room for 12 dogs and earlier this year we welcomed new kennel manager Tracy Marshall who has a wealth of experience in animal care. The dog team has been working hard to re-home our dogs, as well as travelling up and down the country to rescue strays from death row. This year we have seen everything from Alaskan Malamutes to Chihuahuas ! We are continuing to appeal for a new home for long-term resident Diesel (right) who has been with us for a few years now. Diesel is a fabulous dog and would make a wonderful companion, he just needs an experienced owner who has the time to dedicate to him and further his training. Could you spare some time to volunteer for R.A.T.S? We are currently looking for: • Volunteers for fundraising days • Dog walkers • Members • Corporate Sponsors. We'd love to hear from you if you might be able to help, so please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk for more information. Details of animals currently in need of homes – and our diary of coming events – are on our website and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ratscharity

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Santa will hopefully set off from 6pm onwards Thursday 3rd Friday 4th December 2015 December (Scouts) Monday 7th (Beavers) Bovis Estate December Paddock Road Rib Way (Scouts) The Causeway Nutslip Freman Drive Church Street Station Road Chequers Close Ermine Court Station Yard Vicarage Road Archers Downhall Ley Honey Lane Dell Spring Bridge End Riverside th Porters Close Bridewell Close Wednesday 9 Woods Close Sunny Hill (top) December Road Norfolk Road (Explorers) High Street London Road St Francis Court Thursday 10th Layston Meadow th December (Cubs) Tuesday 8 Olvega Drive Bowling Green Lane December (Cubs) Owles Lanes Bowlers Mead Baldock Road Crouch Gardens White Hart Close (south) Fairfield Market Hill Tylers Close Snells Mead Greenways Hare Street Road Friday 11th Skipps Close The Tannery December The Pygtle Sunny Hill (Beavers) (bottom) Baldock Road (north) Bridgefoot Monks Walk Raising Money Longmead for Buntingford The Folly Scout Group

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Buntingford Civic Society

www.buntingfordcivic.org.uk

As this is my last article for the journal for 2015, I thought it was a good time to reflect on what has happened in the Town in the past year and look forward to 2016. During the year, many events have been organised for residents by dedicated groups of people from many different organisations who give of their time freely to make sure that those lucky enough to live in this small town feel part of the community. The stand out events include the Civic Day in June, the Classic Car Show in September, the Remembrance Day ceremony in November and the ‘Lights of Love’ and Late Night Shopping evening, apologies if I have missed any out. These events do not organise themselves and a lot of preparation work goes on behind the scenes to ensure that they go smoothly. The Remembrance Day Ceremony at the War Memorial on Sunday 8th November was to me probably the most memorable as it is estimated that approximately 450 people attended, including people of all age groups and from many organisations. It is very gratifying to see members of our youth groups, the Beavers, Guides, Scouts, Cougars, Edwinstree, Freman College, representatives of the emergency services, District and Town Councillors, all standing shoulder to shoulder with members of the Royal British Legion, serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans to pay their respects to those from the town, the UK and Commonwealth who gave their lives so that we could live in a free society. If I have left any organisation out, you know who you are, thank you for taking the time to pay your respects. A special mention to Jasper Eaglesfield who stood on the balcony of St Peter’s Church and played ‘The Last Post’ on his trumpet, there was probably not a dry eye to be seen. Looking forward to 2016, there are a few events already planned in the calendar: the commemoration of the Queen’s 90th birthday in June; the bi-annual Carnival, also in June; a WWI exhibition to commemorate the start of the Battle of the Somme in July; the Classic Car Show in September; and the usual ‘Lights of Love’ ceremony and Late Night Shopping in late November. On behalf of all committee members of the Civic Society, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new residents of the Town and wish every resident of Buntingford and the surrounding villages a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2016. Graham Waite Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society

The Buntingford Journal is published by, but is editorially independent of, the Buntingford Civic Society.

If you would like to advertise an event in The Journal, please contact Christine Noble on 01763 273095 Or email: [email protected]

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St. Mary’s Church, Aspenden Carols by Candlelight Monday 21st December, 7.30 for 7.45pm No tickets this year, all welcome Parking is difficult, so please bring a torch and walk if you can. O HOLY NIGHT Royston Choral Society Christmas Concert 19th December at 7.30pm At St John the Baptist Priory Church, Royston With the help of Laura Barraclough, BBC Chorister of the Year 2013 (right), and choristers from Heath Mount School, Royston Choral Society’s Christmas Concert is dedicated to the memory of the great Sir David Willcocks. Known as “England's choir master”, David Willcocks was famous for his choral arrangements of carols, many of which were written for the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols Laura at King’s College, . His popular Barraclough, ‘100 Carols for Choirs’ provides several of BBC Chorister of the arrangements used in this concert – the Year 2013 and in previous ones. The concert is by candlelight in the beautiful parish church of St John the Baptist in the heart of Royston, and features traditional carols for choir and audience, accompanied by organ and brass under the baton of the RCS’s new maestro, Andrew O’Brien. With mulled wine and mince pies as well, come and immerse your senses in anticipation of Holy Night! Tickets £12 (concessions £9, school students £1) available from Royston Library, choir members and at the door. For more information about the choir go to www.roystonchoralsoc.org.uk Or contact the Chairman, Heather Howard, on 01763 249058 or by email at [email protected] Next Open Rehearsal for aspiring new members: Tuesday 12th January, 8pm at Royston Parish Church. You will not be asked to sing on your own! Come and surprise yourself!

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Reed Christmas Supper 2015 The Friends of Reed Church Christmas Supper will be held on Saturday 5th December 2015 in Reed Village Hall from 7pm. Music will be provided by the Royston Town Band and the usual sumptuous fare will be available for your delectation. Tickets are available from Mike, Di or Liz on 01763 848029, 848481 or 848398 respectively; priced as last year at £12 adults, £6 children under 15, and £30 for a family ticket. But beware, for safety reasons numbers are limited to 85 and tickets must be bought beforehand – no tickets will be sold at the door.

Reed Village Hall

We now have a new insulated roof and cladding on the walls and we look forward to a warmer venue for all our winter events!

NEW YEAR PARTY

31st December 2015 from 8pm Bar – raffle – and music through the decades. Fish or chicken and chips – £12 Ring Hazel to book your choice of supper: 01763 848349 Yes, still in aid of the Hall fund – lots still to do.

Thursday 17th December at 7.30pm CAROLS IN THE CHAPEL At Haileybury School, Hertford Heath SG13 7NU In aid of the Isabel Hospice Come and sing with us in the beautiful candlelit setting of Haileybury College Chapel. Live music by The Mimram Singers. Tickets £15. Refreshments available. Last year this event was a sell out so get your tickets in good time. Call Beth Hardy on 01707 382500 or go to: www.isabelhospice.org.uk

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Christ Church

Baldock Road, Buntingford SG9 9AA

Minister: Rev Duncan Goldie Secretary: Peter Godbert The Manse, Meeting Lane, [email protected] Melbourn, Cambs SG8 6AN Tel: 01763 281359 Tel: 01763 260747 Services and Junior Church at 11.00am every Sunday December 6 Morning Worship Rev Dr Janet Tollington 13 Junior Church Service The Junior Church 20 Holy Communion Rev Prof David Thompson 20 Candlelit Carol Service at 6.00pm 25 Christmas Day Service at 10:00am The Elders 27 Morning Worship The Elders January 3 Morning Worship Mrs Maureen Kendall 10 Holy Communion Rev Duncan Goldie 17 Morning Worship Mr Chris Wright 24 Morning Worship Rev Duncan Goldie 31 Morning Worship Rev Derek Newton

Tea and coffee is served in the hall following the morning service. Junior Church – Sunday at 11am during term time, for young people and children. Bible Study meeting – Second Wednesday of each month in the Hall. Lunch from 12:30pm (bring your own food, tea & coffee provided), followed by Bible Study at 1pm finishing prompt at 2pm. We will be discussing events in a newspaper and how they relate to the Bible. All are welcome. Bright Hour – The next meeting is on Tuesday 2nd December at 2:30pm in the Church Hall. A time for fellowship with prayers, hymns and activities. Coffee & Company – Every Thursday from 10:30am for anyone wanting fellowship and time for a chat. Lunches organised by Christian Aid – First Friday of the month,12:30 to 2:00pm. www.buntingfordurc.freeserve.co.uk

ST RICHARD OF CHICHESTER Catholic Church 3 Station Road, Buntingford Telephone 01763 271471 Parish Priest: Father John White

HOLY MASS each Sunday at 9:15am Holy Days at 10am and 8pm; Weekdays at 9:30pm Saturdays at 10am

CONFESSIONS are each Saturday from 10:30 to 11am FOR DETAILS OF CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES - SEE PAGE 16

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United Benefice of St. Mary's – Aspenden St. Peter's – Buntingford St. Mary the Virgin – Church of England Reverend Ian Hill – Telephone 01763 274072 There is a full and varied pattern of worship across the three churches: St. Peter’s in Buntingford has a more contemporary style; St. Mary’s in Aspenden has a more traditional style; St. Mary the Virgin in Westmill has a more liturgical style. Everyone is welcome at any of our churches. Services for December 2015 Sun 6th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Morning Worship 10:00am St Mary’s, Aspenden Family Service 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 13th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Morning Worship 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship with Baptism

Sun 20th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion 6:30pm St Peter’s, Buntingford Carol Service

Mon 21st 7:30pm St Mary’s, Aspenden Carols by Candlelight

Thurs 24th 2:30pm St Peter’s, Buntingford Carols round the Crib CHRISTMAS 4:00pm St Peter’s, Buntingford Carols round the Crib EVE 5:30pm St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Nativity Service 11:00pm St Peter’s, Buntingford Midnight Communion

Fri 25th 10:00am St Mary’s, Aspenden Family Communion CHRISTMAS DAY

Sun 27th 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion Services for January 2016 Sun 3rd 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Morning Worship 10:00am St Mary’s, Aspenden Morning Worship 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 10th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Morning Worship 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

Sun 17th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 24th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

Sun 31st 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

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Wood-burning Stoves: is one right for your home? The humble wood-burning stove has come a long way in recent years. With their glass doors and sleek looks, today’s high efficiency wood stoves provide a visual centrepiece as well as winter warmth and festive cheer. However, there are practicalities to consider and questions to ask yourself before investing in one: 1. Do I have a chimney? You’ll need to feed a flue up a chimney or out through a wall. 2. Can I store the wood? Do you have a dry space to store a few cubic metres of wood? A tonne of logs goes down quickly in winter! 3. Am I fighting fit? Lugging and/or splitting wood is hard work. There will also be wood ash to clear if you are burning logs rather than pellets. 4. Will I use it? A wood stove may be surplus to requirement if you already have a good boiler and central heating. 5. Will I burn the right stuff? Will the wood you burn come from a forest that is sustainably managed? For more wood stove Q&As, search the blog at www.yougen.co.uk. This article was supplied by SuperHomes National Energy Foundation, a charitable organisation that promotes energy saving and efficiency.

MASS TIMES for CHRISTMAS SERVICES at Buntingford, Old Hall Green and Catholic Churches Thurs 24th Dec - 6pm at St Richard of Chichester, Buntingford, Children’s Mass Thurs 24th Dec - 8pm at St Thomas of Canterbury, Puckeridge, Christmas Vigil Mass Fri 25th Dec - 9.30am at St Richard of Chichester, Buntingford, Dawn Mass the Nativity of the Lord Fri 25th Dec - 11.30am at St Edmunds, Old Hall Green, Christmas Day Mass the Nativity of the Lord Sat 26th Dec - 6pm at St Thomas of Canterbury, Puckeridge Sun 27th Dec - 9.15am at St Richard of Chichester, Buntingford, Sunday Mass Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sun 27th Dec - 11.15am at St Edmunds, Old Hall Green, Sunday Mass Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Sat 19th Dec - 10 to 11am Confessions at St Richard of Chichester

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Buntingford In Transition News As our town gets ready for Christmas, the High Street Transition group has been studying sustainable transport. We learned that a journey of 1000 miles for one person by large car generates 414.2kg of carbon; by plane 275.8kg; by small car 206.0kg; train 85.9kg; coach 48.3kg – and bike or walking, of course, 0kg. We explored ‘fuel-efficient driving’ – which can save £120 a year just by keeping to speed limits, avoiding rapid acceleration and keeping your car well-serviced. We talked about how we might get electric car charging points into Buntingford, how we can make the town and surrounding roads safer for cyclists, and how we are losing the habit of walking: in 1971, 80% of children walked to school without an adult; in 2006, that figure had dropped to 12%. Two members of the group have begun to car-share to work, thereby halving their carbon emissions, saving money and having a good natter to boot! This was the last substantive session of the Transition Streets course in the High Street, but as one winds down another is starting up – a new group in London Road have just met to look at energy-saving ideas for the home and will meet again in the New Year. One member has already bought a new efficient kettle to help save on bills and cut carbon emissions. Meanwhile the High Street group is getting ready to wrap up with a Christmas Party on Friday 18th December at the White House. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to come along and find out all we have learned about ‘Meat-free Mondays’, ‘Waste-free Christmases!’ – and much, much more. Talking of waste, we hear that the HCC estimate for refurbishing our High Street Library building to fit Tier 2 criteria is “between £212,000 and £282,000”. A quick chat with some local architects and builders suggested that the upgrade would, if done by them, cost less than £50,000 – maybe as little as £25,000. Why is the HCC figure ten times higher? How can they get away with wasting tens of thousands of pounds of tax-payers’ money? We hear that it might be due to HCC’s strait-jacket procurement policies that only allow it to use “named contractors” and excessively expensive supervisory controls. Given that HCC’s published procurement policies promise tax-payers “continually improving value for money” – and that the government’s austerity measures require them to cut costs – we are hoping that, when we present our petition to ‘Keep the Library on the High Street’ to the Council Libraries Committee on Wednesday 18th November, Council Members will share our concern to get maximum value for money in our library improvements. We also hope they will allow us to line manage the upgrading of the Library in keeping with the spirit behind this government’s Localism Act and David Cameron’s statement: “Local people must take control of their high streets, developing a vision for their future and putting their energy and enthusiasm into making it a reality." We are focusing on the immediate task of keeping the Library on the High Street because, until we win that battle, there is little point in advancing our plans for a Boutique Cinema and other library-centred developments. We need to be sure we have a High Street library to work with and now, with this costs scandal, it looks like we may have another campaign on our hands. We are confident that we will win this one – but making just the High Street look the way we would like it to be in 2050 is taking a while. Thanks to all for sticking with us – and we hope that 2016 will bring us, and all of you, a cornucopia of good news! David R. Woollcombe 17

The Local Interview: Dave ‘Trotter’ Eastman Not many people make a virtue out of being “stubborn and single-minded”, as Dave Eastman describes himself. Dave, at the age of 68, has run 13 marathons and “too many half-marathons to count”, plus 27 triathlons, 25 duathlons and 13 swimathons. Just in case you’re wondering how he’s managed all that, let me tell you that one full marathon, one triathlon and all 25 of the duathlons have come AFTER his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease in May 1999. Dave grew up in the slums of Islington in the 1950s. When he left school he took a five-year apprenticeship with the British Oxygen Company in Edmonton where he learnt to grind, polish, hacksaw and scrape various metals to precision limits, ending up as ‘Apprentice of the Year’ aged 21. He thinks the seeds of his triathlon racing might have started during the energy crisis of 1973. By this time he was living in and he swapped his driving commute for cycling to Edmonton each day to avoid the queues for petrol. I remember that year as a cold, dark winter. After his time at BOC Dave joined his father’s firm, Swift’s Bedding, and stayed there for 16 years. It wasn’t an easy relationship with his father, who was never going to show him any favouritism. Instead he would ridicule his son for going running as stress- relief at lunch breaks. Swift’s Bedding eventually came to an end and Dave started his own bedding company where, like many self-employed businessmen, he found himself working all hours for very little money. His wife Rita brought in what she could from washing-up jobs, in between looking after their two small children. Finally, he took a job at Stansted Airport as a baggage handler for Swissport and recalls that “working in an aircraft hold is the filthiest, most uncomfortable, temperature extreme, cramped place on earth to handle heavy loads without being able to stand up.” Despite this, he was happy there for 12 years, ending up with the nickname ‘Trotter’ for his habit of running from one place to the other. A hard, working man’s life, but always alleviated for Dave by his love of sport and of cars. Sport wasn’t something that happened naturally from an early age. He says “I was 5’6” and wore glasses, but I had super-quick reaction times even though I couldn’t see the ball until the last second.” He began playing football ‘friendlies’ with local clubs during his time at BOC, and took old cars to bits in his garage so that he could put them back together for rally cross races at the weekend. His first marathon came in 1984 and first triathlon in 1986. He’s been addicted ever since. Dave feels his biggest achievement was running in the Isle of Wight marathon (26.2 miles) one Saturday afternoon and then completing the West Wight Triathlon (swim, cycle, run) the next morning. But his fitness came to a juddering halt one day at Stansted Airport when, having injured his arm in an accident, he took himself to a doctor who noticed that Dave’s thumb was trembling. Seen by a specialist, Dave was shocked to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. In fact, it was so out of the blue that he asked for a second opinion at Addenbrooke’s, but unfortunately got the same result. The main symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are tremor, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness and cramps. It is an incurable, degenerative disease. At its worst, it ends up

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with dementia – but not everyone has all of the symptoms. Dave says he now has trouble with balancing. Not surprisingly, it is easy to get depressed. Dave lost a lot of confidence and was getting more ill by the day. He was helped initially to bounce back by friends who took him cycling again. But in 2002 he had his worst year. “I couldn’t cut up my food, couldn’t do my shoelaces up, or buttons, or tuck my shirt in. I was unbalanced. I felt as though the world had come to an end, and I thought I’d never work again.” With the help of a local GP, Dr Ballantyne, and a specialist who got Dave’s drug regime sorted (now 25 pills a day), as well as local swimming coaches and the Royston Runners, he’s come back fighting. In the last few years the staff at Barkway Golf Club have been especially helpful and encouraging. Dave is very proud of his children – Lucy who’s now a business consultant, and Matt who’s been a mechanic at three A1 Grands Prix and the Le Mans 24 hour race. His grandchildren are Eva (aged 1), Jessica (4) and George (5 months). He and Rita have just celebrated 42 years of marriage. They’ve lived in Buntingford since 1977. And Dave is still tinkering with cars: “Since retiring 3 years ago, my passion has been the restoration of a 1964 minivan. I’d like to show it at a Buntingford Classic Car Show, and then use it.” When he has a spare moment, usually at night, Dave has been writing his autobiography: ‘Ere Trotter, Warts and All’. Copies are available from Print on Demand, Peterborough, at £6.99 plus p+p (www.printondemand-worldwide.com). Having had the privilege of talking to Dave, I know it is the story of someone who has looked adversity in the eye and chosen to keep living life to the full. Chris Kell

BUNTINGFORD ADULT LEARNING FOR FUN NEW 10-WEEK COURSE starts Wednesday 13th January 2016 THE RISE & FALL OF THE NEW MONARCHY 1485–1642 Our Tutor is Richard Till In the 1460s, Henry VI’s kingdom nearly collapsed. One of his leading ministers, Sir John Fortescue, was so concerned that he wrote a book about how to strengthen the monarchy (the book is still in print). It was very influential. Edward IV made use of it, as did Henry VII and the Tudors. The arrival of James I (James VI of Scotland) in 1603 changed everything. He and his son Charles had a very different view of monarchy. Who was right? This course looks below the surface of how England was actually ruled and what made it fall apart in 1642.

Wednesday Lectures start at 10.30am at The Community Centre, Luynes Rise. Coffee is served before the lecture from 10am. If you need any further information please phone: Julia Peacock on 01763 272584 or Joan Jones on 01763 273341

If anyone is interested in joining us do just come along, you will be made very welcome.

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Buntingford Town Council A QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL Once again the people of the town came out in force on Remembrance Sunday – our Annual Service of Remembrance is probably one of the best attended in the District. Thanks must go to Dave Lewis and the Buntingford British Legion for arranging the service. You may have noticed that Layston Court Gardens has been closed on a number of occasions recently. We apologise for this inconvenience but as a result of a comprehensive survey of the trees in the gardens, a significant amount of tree surgery has to be undertaken, making it necessary to close the gardens to the public for Health and Safety reasons. The Council has agreed funding from the New Homes Bonus to buy new chairs for the Campbell Hall at the Community Centre and for the refurbishment of the Bunters Suite; this work will be undertaken over the Christmas period. We also have to have a new fire alarm system fitted at the Centre. The Youth Council has been looking at facilities for young people and has suggested an outdoor gym, probably at Norfolk Road Playing Field. We are looking into this and hope to have something in place by the spring. As this is the last Journal before Christmas we at the Town Council would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Jill Jones MILCM Cert HE, Town Clerk Office hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:00pm; closed Fridays Tel: 01763 272222 email: [email protected] Twitter: @buntingfordtc www.buntingford-tc.gov.uk

Town Council meetings for December 2015 / January 2016

rd Thurs 3 Dec 7:30pm – Amenities Committee Thurs 10th Dec 7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Resources Committee Thurs 7th Jan 7:30pm – Amenities Committee

Thurs 14th Jan 7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Resources Committee Thurs 28th Jan 7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Full Council

All meetings will be held at The Manor House unless otherwise stated. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Please check the Town Council website for further details.

The views expressed in the letters and articles in the Buntingford Journal are not necessarily those of the editor.

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News from Your District Councillor High Speed Broadband Fibre Optic Superfast Broadband green cabinets will start to appear on streets in Buntingford from June next year. This was confirmed at a conference I recently attended, organised by Mark Prisk MP with presentations by Herts Connected Counties, BT and three independent providers. It was confirmed that Buntingford is in phase 2 of the roll-out programme for superfast broadband. A date of 30th September 2017 had originally been widely promoted for superfast broadband coming to Buntingford, but I was pleased to hear that this is the completion date for the whole of our area, and may be sooner. Work will start next June with connectivity being available in some areas as early as next summer. This is good news for residents and especially for local businesses and home workers. Recently we have seen some local companies relocating their businesses to other towns purely because of our poor broadband speed. Hopefully this news will encourage our local employers to stay in Buntingford and attract other industry that relies on superfast broadband. The fact is that fibre optic super- fast broadband is now seen as an essential utility alongside water, electricity and gas. Flooding & Drainage Issues I am currently pushing for a technical study to be commissioned by EH Planning Policy Team to look at Buntingford’s capacity in relation to the various development options, and the mitigation measures that would be required to resolve problem issues. I will be compiling data that will be used as evidence to prove that this report is required. If you have been affected by flooding recently or in the past, I would be grateful if you could supply me with dates, location and any photographic evidence that I can use to push forward this study. Xmas Lunch for the Over 60s – Saturday 19th December at 1pm Availability is filling up fast, so to avoid disappointment please contact me (details below) or Jill at The Manor House to reserve your place for this free-to-attend event funded by the Town Council, East Herts District Council and Herts County Council. I would like to wish all residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Cllr Jeff Jones, 01763 274800, [email protected]

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Forever Active East Herts Hundreds came to try a new activity The buzz could be heard across Wodson Park Leisure Centre in Ware as more than 200 people got off their sofas and came to join in a gentle activity or something slightly more vigorous. The Ware centre was hosting a Come and Try taster day which launched a three-year activity programme for the over 50s organised under the banner of Forever Active East Herts. Feedback on the day was overwhelmingly positive – people loved the chance to try a class with a professional coach. Lots of people took the opportunity to pick up a sport they hadn’t tried since school days or to have a go at something new. And many said they’ll now be looking to take up an activity more regularly in their community. Pilates, tai chi, walking football, archery, gentle yoga, short mat bowls, table tennis and Fitsteps were among the classes packed with people having a go. The Forever Active partnership, led by East Herts Council, has been awarded £185,921 by Sport England towards a total project cost of £383,177. Presenting a cheque at lunchtime to council leader Linda Haysey and Wodson Park manager Jan Stock, among others, John O’Callaghan, partnership director of the Hertfordshire Sports Partnership, praised the partnership’s very strong funding bid as well as the council’s commitment to match-fund. Council leader Linda Haysey said: “I can see that everyone is really enjoying themselves finding something new to try and planning to come back and do it again. I’ll be getting into a tracksuit myself later.” In the new year, East Herts Council and its partners will start rolling out activities in towns and villages across the district, based in part on the feedback from the event. Watch out for more details to come. Could getting fitter be your New Year resolution?

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BUNTINGFORD AND DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB C.I.U affiliated — 6 Church Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AS Tel 01763 271889 www.lemonrock.com WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR MEMBERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR Every Monday BIG CASH BINGO. Guaranteed £150 minimum snowball prize. ALL WELCOME. Start 8pm. WE RAISED £451 FOR CHILDREN IN NEED. Thank you X ALL MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN (TIMES PERMITTING). Darts, Pool, Snooker, Wii console, Free WiFi SPECIAL OFFER: JOIN IN DECEMBER FOR JUST £15 and membership is not due again until Jan 2017!! FOR YOUR DIARY: Subs due in January.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY 5th Dec — JUANMORE 12th Dec — SHADOWMAN AND THE SILHOUETTES 19th Dec — SKYLINERS 24th Dec — TITAN FAMILY DISCO — family night with special guest! 26th Dec — No entertainment. FREE pool, snooker, jukebox. 31st Dec — HUGGY FLARES AND NEW YEAR PARTY — live music 16th Jan — LIVE MUSIC T.B.A. 30th Jan — NO RUSH 2nd, 9th, 23rd Jan — No entertainment. FREE pool, snooker, jukebox. MEMBERS FREE, GUESTS £1 or £4 on Special Night (No prams or pushchairs on an entertainment nights) Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page and website: www.lemonrock.com

The Buntingford Journal is delivered FREE to members of the Civic Society or it can be purchased from: A CUT ABOVE  BASRA’S SUPERMARKET  THE CO-OP DELISSIMO  MARK DOEL  PIGGOTTS THE FOX AT ASPENDEN

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Another new business has just launched in Buntingford – a professional and friendly book- keeping service that aims to help sole traders and small businesses in the local area. If you run a business but find the financial side of things a headache, Diane Kiff can relieve you of the strains of account keeping and help you to keep track of your finances, enabling you to concentrate on what you do best. Diane has spent her working life in finance, from her first job aged 16 for Sun Hill Insurance Brokers in Royston, to the accounts departments of the Platignum Pen Factory in Royston and AAH Waste Management in , and finally – after taking 5 years out when her sons were small – ending up with the MotivAction Group based at Church Farm in Ardeley. After 19 happy years there she was made redundant over a year ago and rather than work full time for another company again she decided to set up her own bookkeeping business. All of her experience stood her in good stead with the necessary training, but it still took 12 months to qualify with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and gain her practice licence. Diane will be known to many Journal readers already as she has lived in the Buntingford area all her life. She grew up in Buckland, where her parents still live – her father was in fact born there 70 years ago. She went to Anstey Infant School, then Edwinstree and finally Ward Freman. By the time her two boys, Josh and Nathan, went there it was Freman College; they both went on to university and now work in the media industry in Soho. One of them was the creative force behind her new business website, including setting up the links to her Facebook page, Twitter and Google+. Diane lives in Sunny Hill with her partner of 10 years and when not working they share a love of the outdoors, particularly Cornwall which they visit often to walk the coastal paths. Earlier this year, Diane walked part of the long-distance Camino Trail in Northern Spain. One of the things she missed most after being made redundant was cycling to work in the summer, and she still enjoys cycling, as well as gardening and photography. With some clients already on her books, Diane is now looking to grow her bookkeeping business into a full-time career. Ideally she would like her clients to be in and around Buntingford so she can be ‘hands on’ with their bookkeeping needs, offering the option to work on site at their premises as well as from home (and just perhaps so she can cycle to appointments!). She provides a wide variety of bookkeeping services, up to and including fully maintaining financial records and compiling detailed reports on how a client’s finances are shaping up. Her flexible attitude means she is available to put in the hours required to complete reports and returns on time, even if that means working evenings and at weekends. Complete client confidentiality is of course guaranteed. Diane Kiff is a certified member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. For more details of how she could help your business, check out her website: dianekiff.co.uk Or contact her by email or phone for a full quote: [email protected] / 07720 710 341

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Yew Tree Alpacas, Anstey Visit our alpacas & Christmas shop on Saturdays 5th & 12th December 2015, 10.30am to 4pm

 See our alpacas in their lovely rural location.  Enjoy complementary mulled wine & mince pies, teas, coffee & biscuits.  See our full range of Alpaca goodies • Super soft scarves, snoods & gloves • Berets & beanies • Our bestselling alpaca socks • Yew Tree yarns and knitting kits • Alpaca mugs & 2016 calendar • Luxury bird nesting material • Alpaca greeting & Christmas cards  Check out our website for our Alpaca Adventure on 2nd January 2016 and our alpaca adoption package

TO FIND US: On the B1368 from Hare Street to Barkway take first right up a hill signposted /Anstey, then second Jennifer in the snow road on right (on a corner) – we are on the left after ¼ mile. YEW TREE ALPACAS, Yew Tree Cottage, Anstey SG9 0DA Tel: 01763 848257 | [email protected] www.yewtreealpacas.co.uk

My small business ‘Knits & Bits’ came about because there was exciting news in the family – I was to be a Granny! At Christmas 2014 my eldest daughter Bridget announced the news that her first child was due in July 2015. The knitting needles immediately came out and I made lots of baby clothes – matinee jackets, bonnets, mittens – as well as cot and pram blankets, and also animals (ducks) for a mobile to hang over the cot. Baby Charlotte Frances Stice was born on 20th July 2015, weighing 8lbs 4oz. But the knitting didn’t stop there – in fact I never seem to be without knitting needles in my hands. I think I take after my mum, who used to knit hats, scarfs and jumpers for me and my brothers and sisters. Some of your readers may remember my parents, Frank & Joan Nolan, who lived in Buntingford, and also my late husband Len Grethe – we were married in St Richard’s RC Church and lived in Hare Street. I recently moved back to Great Hormead after many years away. It was suggested that instead of just knitting for other people, why not knit and earn a few pennies? So we came up with the name ‘Knits & Bits’ and produced business cards and flyers, and now I have a stall at the Buntingford Boutique Fair at Benson Hall on the 1st Saturday of each month,11am–2pm. I have quite a collection of knitted clothes, plus a selection of patterns to choose from. The baby and children’s clothes are hand-knitted to order and can be personalised with different colour wools and accessories, buttons etc. Pictures of various items can be seen on my facebook page – if anything takes your fancy, please come along to my stall or give me a call. Mrs Moira Grethe – Knits & Bits – 07737 901186 / 01763 289830 Hand-knitted Baby / Children’s Clothes & Accessories, & much more [email protected] / www.facebook.com/knits&bits

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The following article was supplied by Curwens LLP, a local firm of solicitors with offices in Royston, Hoddesdon and Enfield Landlords – Are you prepared to carry out ‘Right to Rent’ checks? From 1st February 2016 all landlords must carry out ‘right to rent’ checks on all tenants. This means it is your responsibility as a Landlord to check that your tenants have the right to be living in England. These rules are already in place in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, amongst other places, but as of 1st February 2016 it will be law throughout England. What does this mean? As a landlord, you must: 1. Know who will be living at the property and if it would be their only or main home. 2. Check that all tenants have the right to live in the UK. 3. Check the original documents which prove that they have a right to live in the UK and ensure those documents are genuine and dated. 4. Keep a record of the checked documents; and 5. Store the copies in accordance with Data Protection Law When you are making these checks, you must be sure that the tenant’s right to live in the UK has not expired. If there is a time limit on their passports or travel documents, then you must make another check within the next 12 months. What happens if a tenant doesn’t pass the check? You must tell the Home Office if you find that your tenant does not have the right to live in the UK. After finding out that an existing tenant did not pass the ‘right to rent’ check, if you decide you want the tenant to leave the property, you will still need to comply with the law to end the tenancy. What if a landlord doesn’t carry out these checks? There is a possible fine of up to £3,000 if you rent a property to someone who does not pass the ‘right to rent’ check or if you do not notify the Home Office after finding out that the tenant did not pass the check. If you would like more information on Landlord and Tenant or Property law issues please contact Curwens on: 01763 241 261 – Royston 01992 463 727 – Hoddesdon 0208 363 4444 – Enfield www.curwens.co.uk

If you would like to advertise your event in The Journal, please contact Christine Noble on 01763 273095 Or email: [email protected]

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EAST HERTS CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU The Manor House, Buntingford Drop-in: Telephone: Monday 10:00am – 4:00pm 08444 111 444 Tuesday 10:00am – 1:00pm Monday – Friday Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm 10:00am – 4:00pm Debt Relief Orders A Debt Relief Order (DRO) can be a way to help people out of unmanageable debt. From 1st October the debt limit for a DRO increased to £20,000 so you might now be eligible. You could qualify for a DRO if you don’t your own home, have up to £1,000 worth of assets, a car worth no more than £1000 and have £50 or less left each month once you’ve paid your essentials. Debts such as magistrate’s court fines, student loans and child support maintenance aren’t covered by a DRO, but credit card debt, overdrafts, loans and rent arrears are, so check first whether you're eligible. The DRO lasts a year and during that time you don’t have to make any payments towards most debts included in your DRO. Your creditors can’t force you to pay off the debts either. At the end of the DRO period your debts will be written off but you’ll still be responsible for paying off any debts that weren’t included in the DRO. A DRO can provide a way out of debt. However, getting a DRO will have an impact on your lifestyle and credit rating. This means:  if any of your debts are for goods bought on hire purchase, you may need to give the goods back;  your DRO will stay on your credit record for six years. This may make it difficult for you to get credit or find a new home in the future. You also have to follow some rules, called restrictions, during the DRO year. This means:  you can't borrow £500 or more without telling the creditor about the DRO;  you can’t get involved in promoting, managing or setting up a limited company, or be a company director, without getting permission from the court;  if you have a business under a different name from the one under which you got the DRO, you’ll have to tell everyone you do business with the name you used when you got the DRO;  while the DRO is in force, and for three months afterwards, your details will appear on the Insolvency Service’s Individual Insolvency Register, which can be viewed by anyone. If having your name on the register could lead to violence against you or a member of your family, you can ask the court to order that your name doesn't appear on the register. It's important to make sure you understand the impact a DRO will have on all areas of your life before you apply. More information is available on the Citizens Advice website. © Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit their website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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BRAUGHING SING CHRISTMAS Join us for a musical evening of Christmas songs old and new!

SUN 29TH NOV – St Mary’s Church, Braughing SAT 12TH DEC – St. Nicholas Church, Gt.Hormead

Starts 7.30pm £8 per ticket including wine and refreshments!

For tickets contact: [email protected]

In aid of CRISIS AT CHRISTMAS AND PARISH CHURCHES

The Hundred Parishes Society On a calm, moonlit evening the restored 15th century Guildhall was the venue for members of the Hundred Parishes Society who had gathered for a social evening in this lovely timber-framed building. They appreciated an illustrated talk by Ken McDonald, Secretary of the Society, whose photographs of the agricultural landscapes, picturesque villages, fine churches and other listed buildings helped to explain the essential features that make this area so special. The presentation was followed by the Society’s Annual General Meeting, conducted by chairman Douglas Kent. He reported an expanding membership, completion of the introductions to each parish on our website www.hundredparishes.org.uk and a regularly updated What’s On page of information about local events. The Trustees’ report and accounts were approved and all six trustees were re-elected. After the formal part of the meeting and refreshments, members enjoyed a guided tour of Finchingfield Guildhall whose recent restoration programme was funded by significant grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage, as well as generous support from other organisations. Our guide, Des Fahy, explained that the restoration had revealed fascinating details of the building’s construction, as well as the range of skills of the original carpenters, tilers, plasterers and others who toiled to create such a long-standing building from what is believed to have been a limited budget. Their modern counterparts have sympathetically rejuvenated it so that today it is fully accessible and all can use and appreciate this Grade I-listed building. Finchingfield’s library is on the ground floor, as is a small museum where modern technology enhances the presentation of Finchingfield’s history. The lofty and spacious upper floor provides a venue for varied events. For details see www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk. Tricia Moxey, Trustee, The Hundred Parishes Society

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Poetry Page Christmas Imagination

I can smell the hay where the animals are at rest, I can feel their breath on me ... can feel it on my breast. Hear the moans of Mary, labouring on. See the rays where the magic star has shone. See Joseph cradling his son newborn ... Can see the shepherds visiting early morn, See the Magi on their camels journeying far, Guided by their instinct and following the star. If I close my eyes and imagine, I feel I am really there, This is a truly magical tale ... it’s one we can all share, No matter what your colour, no matter what your creed, Your religion doesn’t matter and this is true indeed ...

This is a tale of a Mother’s love and of a pure event. Take comfort from this story, and please be most content. Whatever the reason, whatever truth there may be, This is just a poem about the birth of a special baby. And aren’t all babies special??? Teresa Bonner

Spanx for the Memory – An ode to women and the little black dress battle (Definition of Spanx – an underwear garment meant to make women look like they used to look!!!) No 1. Lean against the wall and put your right leg in, pull them halfway up ... aim for your chin!!! No 2. Get your balance, take a breath, then leg into the left ... your knees are now held fast and you’re sweating and bereft. No 3. Take a pause and groan when you think of what comes next, ’cos after this mission, it’s tights on ... becoming vexed? No 4. Wriggle and sniggle with mucho gusto ... to get these lovelies on is a mucho musto. No 5. You’re nearly there, they are well up past the bum, you’ve squirmed and shimmied and squeezed in your tum. No 6. Now on all the way and nearly in a faint, hope you did a wee first ... too late if you ain’t! No 7. Mission accomplished – tights and black dress on. And it works to a point ... some tummy tum has gone. No 8. After the ‘event’ it’s time to reverse the aforementioned actions .. I don't know what's worse!!! No 9 So men, now you realise the battles we endure, make sure you tell your woman ... “You’re looking good, for sure!” No 10. And girlies, wear with confidence and know it's worth the trial... Spanx yourself slimmer ... if only for a while!!! Merry Christmas and enjoy your little black dress ... XXX Teresa Bonner

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SIR OLIVER HEALD QC MP MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR NORTH EAST HERTFORDSHIRE will be holding his next MP’s surgery in Buntingford on Friday 22nd January 2016, 5.00-6.30pm At The Manor House, High Street, Buntingford SG9 9AB For an appointment please ring: 01462 486074 Email: [email protected] Or look online at: www.oliverhealdmp.com Tea Time Talks Followed by tea and homemade cakes! All talks at 3.30pm in Standon Village Hall Saturday 12th December Hertfordshire in World War I Marion Hill Plus photo display on soldiers from Standon and Puckeridge - display also open on Sunday 13th December, 10am to 12noon.

Saturday 16th January Burglars, Highway Robbers and Arsonists Ken Griffin Find out about the many convicts transported to Australia from this area.

Saturday 20th February Sophie Orton, Henry Moore in Hertfordshire Henry Moore Foundation His life, work, and connection to the local area. £5 - Pay on entrance (includes tea and cake) For more information phone Trish 01920 821069 or Helena 01920 822177

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It was ‘all change’ at the AGM as several committee members stood down having completed their term of office. Outgoing Chairman Dave Austin (Below) told us that our membership was now at 415 and rising and there are now 30-plus Interest Groups. Colin Meehan was elected the new Chairman with Trevor Reedman as Vice Chairman; they will take over on 1st January 2016. Three long-serving committee members – Vice Chairman Jean Devenish, Fliss Sandell and Evelyn Smith – also retired and were presented with thank you gifts by the outgoing Chairman. Mary Oliver, widow of Norman who was our first treasurer, then presented Dave Austin with the Norman Oliver Award for Outstanding Service. The AGM approved reduced subs for 2016 at £11 (£7.50 if it is your second U3A). Our speaker, Barbara Lewis, recently completed her year as the U3A National Chairman. Born and brought up in New York, Barbara came to the UK 40 years ago but has never lost her accent. She is still a group leader at her own local U3A and she spoke of her sheer enthusiasm and belief in the U3A movement; of her busy year as National Chairman; and of the changes and the huge increase in members she has seen over the years. As the Ukulele Group (Third Age Ukes – below) meets directly after the monthly meeting, Barbara was invited to say hello before she left. She gladly accepted and stayed for 40 minutes! When saying goodbye she told us that when she first joined the U3A there were no ukulele groups at all and now they are popping up everywhere – it was her dream to hire the Royal Albert Hall and fill it with U3A Ukulele Groups! If she does, Buntingford will be the first one there! At our meeting on 14th December our speaker will be Colin Oakes on Christmas Traditions and on 11th January we have Tom Mason, Wildlife Photographer. We meet at the Seth Ward Community Centre, Luynes Rise – doors open 1.30pm for 2pm start. Please visit our website www.buntingfordU3A.co.uk for news and details of all our Interest Groups.

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Buntingford School of Dance 2015 has been a busy year for us. The main event was our biennial show ‘Face the Music and Dance’ at Broxbourne Civic Hall in March, which showcased all our classes and pupils, from our smallest dancers aged 3 to our Adult Tap class who donned school uniform for their ‘Tap Class Detention’ dance. Dancing on a stage in full costume and make up is a highlight of the year as pupils get a chance to perform. The Summer Term saw pupils concentrating on grade work and some took exams in Ballet and Tap. Other events included a workshop for senior pupils with Ballet Cymru at the Gordon Craig Theatre prior to watching their performance of ‘Cinderella’. The pupils were coached by members of the cast and learned a routine from the show. It was a great opportunity for our senior boys to benefit from instruction from male dancers. At the end of term ‘Bring Your Parents to Ballet’ returned by popular demand as a charity event with parents paying to join their child’s class. We saw an excellent turn out of both Mums and Dads and raised over £150 for East Anglian Air Ambulance. In the summer holidays Josie McMeechan performed her Tap Solo at the National Finals of the All England Dance Competition at Hackney Empire and was awarded an Honours mark. Later in the holidays we held a holiday course ‘3 days 3 shows’ where children worked on a show a day and put on a performance for parents at the end of each day. In November a number of pupils participated in the Mabel Ryan Awards at Sadler’s Wells, a competition organised by the Cecchetti Group to encourage dance quality and to demonstrate the high standard of children training in the Cecchetti Method. December will see the return of our Choreography Competition where pupils create their own dances, choosing their own music and costumes, and get a chance to perform either with friends or alone. All proceeds go to the costume fund for our next show in 2017. A number of pupils successfully auditioned for additional ballet training and roles in various local dance and musical theatre productions. Hannah Tokely is in her second year in the Cecchetti Scholarship scheme and Leanne Wong is in her second year with the Royal Ballet Associates; both attend ballet classes every Saturday in London in addition to their classes in Buntingford. We had six pupils (Caitie, Emma, Heidi, India, Maddy & Orla) join the cast of the English Youth Ballet’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at The Gordon Craig Theatre in October. Two pupils are members of The Chelmsford Ballet Company: Henry Eaglesfield was in their production of ‘Pineapple Poll’ in March and Rebecca Jones will be in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in March 2016. In May, Henry took the lead role of Tony in ‘West Side Story’ with Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society and joined them in October in the ensemble of their production of ‘Calamity Jane’. We also had pupils join the cast of ‘Blitz’ with Broxbourne Theatre Company, ‘Fame’ with Rare Productions and ‘Charlotte’s Web’ with Gordon Craig In House Productions. If you are interested in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street or Musical Theatre classes for your children, or in our adult tap class, please email: [email protected] Website: www.buntingfordschoolofdance.co.uk Facebook: Buntingford School of Dance Twitter: @buntschooldance

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Let it Snow for Home-Start HOME-START East Herts is hoping for a flurry of support as it launches its Snowflake Appeal, which runs until the end of January. The charity supports families, with children under the age of five, who are struggling to cope. Scheme manager Kay Pitt said: “Many young children face tragedy and hardship. When families struggle to cope with illness, disability, bereavement, poor housing, mental ill health, or many of these problems at once, Home-Start supports them until they can stand on their own two feet again.” In the last year Home-Start East Herts alone, Home-Start East Hert’s 59 volunteers have supported 220 children in 98 families in the District, but the charity faces funding problems. Kay Pitt: “Following Herts County Council’s decision to cut its funding to us, it is more important than ever that we find funding from elsewhere to enable us to continue our vital work. Anything residents can do to help raise money for us will be greatly appreciated, by us and the families alike.” The appeal, launched as part of a nationwide Home-Start UK appeal, is championed by Home-Start ambassador Kirstie Allsopp: “It’s so important at this special time of year to remember those families who dread Christmas rather than look forward to it. I am asking if you could make a donation or fundraise for the appeal – there is nothing better that you can do for those children this Christmas time. Every child is as unique and fragile as a snowflake, and all children deserve the best start in life.” Ways to support the appeal include holding a special Snowflake Tea Party, making loom band snowflakes (instructions on YouTube), holding a Snowflake Ball, or getting your school involved in a bake sale. For more information or to download free fund- raising packs, event posters and invitations go to www.snowflake.org.uk, where you can also buy an exclusive Christmas card commissioned by Kirstie. Please send any money raised to: Snowflake Appeal, Home-Start East Herts, Hagsdell Road, Hertford, SG13 8WA. Please makes cheques payable to ‘Home-Start East Herts’. You can text a donation through Vodaphone Just Text Giving: text SNOW26 and the amount you wish to donate, eg: SNOW26 £5 to 70070. Or through online banking to account number 1663495, sort code 309417, with the reference Snowflake. Thank you.

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A big hello again from Leapfrogs Preschool and nursery. We’ve been extra busy this term, zooming to the moon, catching fish alive, and counting and weighing buns in our baker’s shop. We’ve welcomed the colder weather in our PJs, with our hot chocolate explosive and sparkling storytime. Our Pamper Evening, mentioned in the last Journal, raised £157 towards our new storage shed. Our next fundraising effort is a stall at the Buntingford Christmas Market on the Late Night Shopping evening. Come and visit our reindeer snack bar or have a go in our Christmas High Street Raffle. Children, do you need a little time away from the Christmas rush? On 21st, 22nd and 23rd December Leapfrogs will be holding a:

Parents, please book early as places always fill up fast. Phone Gail on 01763 289942 or email: [email protected] A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL, FROM EVERYONE AT LEAPFROGS! Yaaaaay it’s Christmas time !

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Millfield First & Nursery School www.millfield.herts.sch.uk The Eco-Action Team has, once more, held a Bag 2 School collection and we were pleased that so many filled bags were brought into school. Our mixed age ‘Friendship Ladder’ groups met for the first time this academic year and had a great time creating pictures to represent their group (right). These are now on display around the school.

On Friday 23rd October we held our first ever Special Award Assembly (above). Six children from each class were chosen to win a trophy and a certificate for a specific subject such as English, PE or Citizenship. Some of those winners are in the photo opposite. We were delighted that so many parents of the award-winning children were able to come along and share this special time with their child. Our next Special Assembly will be held on Friday 11th December.

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We have been undertaking work around Remembrance Day, selling poppies and a range of other poppy day gifts, and are waiting to hear how much money we have raised. We are so grateful to everyone who supports us in our work for charities. Friday 13th November was the BBC ‘Children in Need’ Day and the School Council asked everyone to bring a dressed up teddy to school and make a donation. The School Council chose their favourite bear from each class and they won a small prize. At the time of writing, we are looking forward to our Christmas Fair which takes place on Friday 20th November, 4:30-6:30pm. We have a good range of local craft stalls booked to come along, as well as all the usual favourites such as a raffle, tombola and a visit from Santa! We really hope lots of people are able to come and join us. Planning for Christmas is now well underway. The Nursery Classes will perform nativity plays for their parents. The Reception Classes and Elm Class are performing ‘A Wriggly Nativity’, whilst KS1 & KS2 are staging ‘Pirates and Mermaids’. We feel sure that all our parents will enjoy seeing their children take to the stage! In addition we will be holding our annual Carol Service and Year 4 will be visiting Nevetts Residential Home and Dixon Place to sing carols and songs from our show. Thank you to everyone who has supported our school this term and we hope everyone has a very Happy Christmas! Kathy Willett, Headteacher If you would like to know more about our school please visit our website: www.millfield.herts.sch.uk Or contact the school on 01763 271717.

The application process is now open to join Millfield School Reception Class in September 2016. To apply and for full details please visit: http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/edlearn/admissions/

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Layston C of E First School Loving to Learn, Learning to Love For every child a change to shine!

A folk tale, a fable and festive charm are on the Christmas Layston menu this year. As the Layston First School contribution to the Christmas edition we are delighted to present the following fables for you to enjoy.

The City Girl and the Country Girl One day the city girl went to visit her sister in the country. The country girl was really excited to see her sister and made her feel very welcome. The country girl was very poor and lived on a little farm. She ate eggs from her chickens and drank milk from her cow. She also had some carrots and potatoes which she grew in a small allotment. She lived in a tumbledown cottage which she shared with her cat Ginger. However, the city girl was used to living the high life in London. She had everything you could imagine. She had a cinema in her house, a swimming pool, a gym and an aquarium as walls. The city girl turned her nose up at the country life style. She was splatted with mud all over her nice, clean, expensive dress. “I cannot understand” she said to the country girl. “How do you put up with this?” The city girl offered to show her sister how to live in the city. The country girl was curious and was excited to see her sister’s home. They arrived in the city late at night at a very grand house. The city was noisy, dirty, smelly and busy, with lots of unfriendly people bustling about, underground trains, car horns honking and there was traffic in all directions. It really was quite a scary place at night. “Goodbye,” said the country girl. “Why are you leaving so soon?” asked the city girl. “Better to live poorly in peace than richly in fear,” said the country girl. Connie, age 7

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The Deer and the Hedgehog Once upon a time a deer was boasting about how fast he was. He said “I am the fastest animal in the woods and nobody can beat me”. Soon the oldest hedgehog got tired of the deer boasting so he said to the deer: “Let’s have a race.” “You?” said the deer. “You are old and slow and there is no way you can beat me but let’s do it, we shall do it tomorrow.” A route was sorted and the next day the deer and hedgehog were on the starting line. “On your marks, get set, go!” said the deer. The deer sped off at once, then he stopped and looked back and the hedgehog was only a couple of steps off the line. The deer ran back and said: “I will meet you at the midway point.” The hedgehog said “OK” and off the deer sped. As he said, he stopped at the midway point and waited for the hedgehog. When the hedgehog came, the deer sped off leaving the hedgehog behind. The hedgehog stopped and pulled out a jet pack. He strapped it on and pushed a button and off he went. He zoomed straight past the deer and across the finishing line. The people saw the hedgehog cheat and started to chant: “hedgehog is cheating, hedgehog is cheating”. Luckily the judge saw this too. When the deer crossed the line he was surprised to see the judge coming over to him with a rosette and a trophy. “You did not cheat so even though you came last you get the prize,” said the judge. “Thank you” said the deer. He ran home very happy and never forgot that day again. The hedgehog walked home feeling embarrassed. The End. Moral of the story: Don’t cheat. Emily, age 7

Finally we wish you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Kind regards Mrs Myra Bloomfield, Headteacher

Friends of Layston School Christmas Fair Saturday 28th November, 2:00 to 4:00pm Layston School, The Causeway,Buntingford Tombolas Santa’s Grotto Outside Traders Secret Santa Grand Draw Traders Raffle Lucky Lollies Cracker Game Refreshments And lots more!!! Come and join us!!!

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Edwinstree Middle School

Our Year 7 pupils held their now traditional Action Aid fete in October after a week of fundraising. Attractions included the ever popular stocks (below), nail painting, flour power (bottom left), the marshmallow challenge, face painting, beat the goalie, hoopla and the sweet bounce (bottom right). A non-uniform day helped to take the amount

raised to a wonderful £1416.15, a magnificent effort from pupils and staff. The majority of the money will be going to our two sponsored children in India, Seema (top right) and Susmita, with the remainder being donated to Keech Children's Hospice, the charity chosen by members of our school council.

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Pupils in Years 5 and 6 are looking forward to the Image Theatre visiting school with their production of 'The Selfish Giant,' an adaptation of the book by Oscar Wilde. Three Year 8 pupils – Molly, Jack and Louis – are going to represent Edwinstree at the Rotary Club Youth Speaks event at Greneway school in Royston; we wish them well. Sports clubs and fixtures are off to a flying start. The term started with the top 8 boys and girls in Years 7 and 8 (32 runners) qualifying to compete at the District Cross Country race in early November. Everyone finished the race and eight students qualified to compete in the February competition at Westminster Lodge in St Albans. Well done to all pupils who took part in the following competitions: Y7/8 Girls Basketball vs Greneway; Y7/8 Boys District Rugby Tournament; Y5/6 Tag Rugby Tournament, finishing in third place for their division; Y5–8 Table Tennis, Year 5/6 Basketball, Y6 girls & 7/8 girls finishing in third place. We are really excited to congratulate the Year 5/6 Cupstacking team for winning first place taking home the gold medals. The team consisted of: Joel, Luke, Ella and Megan from Year 5 and Poppy, JingYao, James and George from Year 6. Even the Edwinstree staff have been competing and achieving some amazing results in their sports: Mr Carter and Miss Devonshire completed the Great South 10-mile Run; Mrs Allan completed a half marathon for her charity; and Miss Campany completed a cycling event from London to Paris, cycling a total of 280 miles (right). Once again, we are really pleased with all the staff and students who are participating in sport in and around the school community. Tutor group 7C gave us a moving and poignant Collective Worship on Armistice Day on the 11th of November. The whole school observed the two-minute silence at 11am. Many pupils and staff also attended the memorial service on Remembrance Sunday in Buntingford. Ex-pupil Jasper Eaglesfield played ‘The Last Post’ and Year 8 pupil Katie laid the wreath on behalf of Edwinstree. It was wonderful to see so many pupils and ex- pupils in uniform representing the Scouting, Guiding and Army Cadet Force Associations. Edwinstree are making preparations for Christmas. All pupils will be involved in designing and decorating hampers that will distributed around Buntingford and local villages. Rehearsals are starting for our Celebration of Christmas concerts being held on the 15th and 16th December. Pupils will also once again be singing at Lister Hospital before taking a well-earned seasonal break. We would like to wish all Journal readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2016. Diane George

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Freman pays Remembrance respect Freman Head Boy Ollie Neagus, and Deputy Head Girl Amy Page laid a wreath at Buntingford War Memorial during the town’s Remembrance Service (below).

Headteacher, Helen Loughran, said: “It was fantastic to see so many current and future Freman students involved in the parade. At College we had our own Remembrance assembly with The Last Post played by Jasper Eaglesfield, followed by a minute's silence. It was great to see all of the students wearing poppies and treating this important event with such respect." House Drama Freman College’s annual House Drama competition produced an evening of talent, creativity and, of course, fierce competition. Each of the four houses gives a 30 minute production directed and sometimes devised by sixth form students. Each year we have a guest adjudicator and this year Sarah Ellis, Artistic Director of the Hyperfusion Theatre Company, stepped up for the challenge. It was a difficult task indeed but Butler House were the 2015 overall winners. The rest of the results were: Best Costume: Moore House; Best Set/Management of Stage: Mills House; Most Innovative Direction: Hepworth House; Best Cameo: Eddie Nicholls; Best Comedy Performance: Henry Eaglesfield, with a special mention to Tilly Collins; Best Actress: Emily Denchfield, Best Actor: George Marler. House Cross Country A huge well done to all 591 students who ran in Freman’s House Cross Country – the largest number of students we have ever had participating in our traditional run across the fields to Throcking and back. Particular congratulations to English Schools’ runner, Jamie Philpott (left) who smashed the college record set by Louis Gilbert in 2006. Jamie completed the course in 16 minutes, 29 seconds, taking a full minute off the record. An amazing achievement. Well done to Mills House for notching up the most points during this event. The House competitions continue throughout the winter months with students from all years eager to compete in rugby, hockey and football.

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BUNTINGFORD GARDENERS’ CLUB As is usual at this time of year, we have all been admiring the beautiful autumnal colours that can be seen in and around our town. So there was great anticipation that this month’s speaker, Richard Arnott, would be able to furnish us with lots of ideas for “Colour in the Garden”. Am glad to report that we were not disappointed. His varied presentation offered suggestions from trees in various sizes that give you rich autumn colour, such as acers, or those like birch which look good when the leaves have gone and are also good to touch. Or why not go for plants that have fragrance? Viburnum and daphne are two examples, although the latter takes a while to establish as I know from personal experience. Topiary offers all-year interest but you have to be prepared to put in what some might think is too much effort, but with gardens getting smaller it may be a good option. Chrysanthemums and dahlias come in lots of shapes and sizes and will last until a hard frost. Grasses are very much a plant of the moment that will look interesting when they are covered with frost. So don't be in a hurry to cut back everything in the rush to tidy the garden. Cornus, which is great for its colourful stems, must be cut back to get those lovely bright yellows, greens and reds in the border. There were many more suggestions and a good evening was had by all. Our meeting in December is the Club Christmas Party, which is for members only. If you have an interest in gardening, why not come along and join our club in the New Year? We meet at URC Church Hall (opposite the Post Office) at 7.45pm on the first Wednesday of the month. There is no meeting in January, so our first meeting of 2016 is on Wednesday 3rd February. Look out for posters around the town. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year! Heather Pope Club enquires to our Chairwoman Janet Murrells on 01763 274341

Buntingford and District Flower Club invite you to join us at the Benson Hall for our first meeting of the New Year on 27 January 2016 at 7.30pm, when Fiona Franklin will present a flower-arranging demonstration entitled ‘A Grand Tour’. Our regular meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month, with the exception of August and December when there is no meeting. An annual subscription fee of £36, due in January, covers 8 club meetings/demonstrations with free tea/coffee and biscuit, and access to our summer outings. Visitors may attend our meetings at a charge of £6 (3 meetings maximum). New members are always welcome.

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B A L A Buntingford Action for the Less Able Registered Charity No. 1094426 Minibus trips for December 2015

Wed 2nd 10am–3pm – Shops etc. £4

Thurs 3rd 9:30–12ish Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre – Market Day £4

Tues 8th 10:30–3pm Welwyn Garden City – John Lewis, M&S, £6 Debenhams, WHSmith, Boots, Waitrose etc.

Thurs 10th 9:30–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Mon 14th 10:30–3pm Brookfield Centre – Boots, M&S, Argos, Next, £6 Tesco etc.

Thurs 17th 9:30–12ish Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre – Market Day £4

Fri 18th 10:30–2:30 Country Homes & Gardens / Bury Lane Farm £4.50

Shop, Melbourn – Cotton Traders, Shoes, Edinburgh Woollen Mills, Plants, Deli etc.

Tues 22nd 9:30–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Wed 30th 9:30–12ish Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre £4 Minibus trips for January 2016

Tues 5th 10:30–3pm Welwyn Garden City – John Lewis, M&S, £6 Debenhams, WHSmith, Boots, Waitrose etc.

Wed 6th 10am–3pm Scotsdales Garden Centre & much More £7

Thurs 7th 9:30–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Sat 9th 1pm Perf. Panto ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at Gordon Craig Bus £4 Theatre, Stevenage

th Sat 30 2:30pm Lytton Players Music Hall, Stevenage Bus £4

FOR MORE TRIPS IN JANUARY SEE POSTERS AFTER CHRISTMAS To book a seat or for more information call: 01763 271708

COFFEE MORNING at Benson Hall, Buntingford Wednesday 9th December, 10.30am –12noon Proceeds for the BALA Minibus

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BUNTINGFORD W.I. Our November meeting coincided with our 97th birthday and we celebrated with sherry and cake. I wonder if the group of ladies who met at Layston Court in November 1918 ever imagined that we would still be going strong after all this time? Carol Jones was the guest at our November meeting with a Christmas Cookery demonstration. At first it seemed a bit strange that someone would show WI members how to make mince pies, but Carol’s creations bore no resemblance to the traditional pies normally seen. She shaped and moulded her pastry into Christmas trees, stars, Cornish pasties, tricorns, apple turnovers, money bags, plaits and crackers – just some of the 30 different ways she has for using mincemeat! She uses shortcrust, puff and filo pastry and she produced a delicious selection for us to taste afterwards. Carol also showed us how to decorate a Christmas log and how she makes fondant sweets and marzipan fruits. Some of these were raffled off at the end of our meeting. Our ‘Christmas Project’ this year has been an Advent Calendar which will be on display in Buntingford Library from the 27th November (the Late Night Shopping evening). Do go along and see what some of our more artistic members have created under the guidance of Veronica Easley. Our next meeting is on Thursday 10th December when Pauline Martindale is our guest speaker. Her subject is ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and you will have to be there to find out what this is about. Our meeting on 14th January is our traditional New Year Party for members. We meet at the United Reformed Church Hall in Baldock Road at 7.15pm for a 7.30 start – visitors are always welcome at our regular meetings. Val Hume For more information about Buntingford W.I. telephone Pat Webb on 01763 271305.

Buntingford & District Cage Bird Society 1956–2015 We welcomed Buntingford Town Mayor Mr John Noades to our Annual Bird Show in October. We would like to thank John for coming along to present the awards. The class winners were:  Best Canary – Mr N Riddle  Best Budgerigar – Mr C Pegrum  Best British – Mr R Kirbyshire  Best Foreign – Mr M Cosbey A special thank you to the public for their support. Merry Christmas! The Society meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8pm in Benson Hall. New Members Welcome. Enquiries: 01920 870307 or 01223 833557

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Buntingford Town FC www.buntingfordtownfc.com

Before I bring you up to date with our football news, I would first like to thank everyone who came along to our annual firework display. Unfortunately, the fog that descended about an hour before the event spoiled what would have been a great show. There is nothing we can do about the weather, and although we have been lucky in recent years, this time the gods were not with us. We do intend to run the event again next year; hopefully the weather will be kinder to us. But, thank you all again for your support, it really is appreciated. Back to football. Following the demolition of Chipperfield Corinthians I referred to in the last issue of the Journal, the First Team’s unbeaten record continued with a 3-3 draw at Hatfield Social, a disappointing result against the side that was bottom in the league at the time. In fact, it was only a last-minute penalty, scored by Ross Barker, that saved us a point. The following week league leaders Cuffley visited us. Buntingford were competitive throughout and the final result, a 1-1 draw, was fair and deserved. Sadly, even though we had just drawn with the team at the top of the table, other results conspired against us and we dropped from 6th to 10th position! So, with the unbeaten run now stretching to 7 games we entertained Wormley Rovers, who we had beaten 3-1 five weeks earlier. An uncharacteristically poor performance from Town saw Wormley take the three points with a 3-1 win; the winning streak which had started in August was over. On 7th November the side was due to face Harpenden Town, currently 4th in the Spartan South Midlands League, in the Herts FA Centenary Trophy, but the match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The following Saturday the team travelled to the other side of Hertfordshire to play the re-arranged fixture; despite playing well and leading 2-1 at half time, Buntingford eventually lost the tie 5-2. The Reserves have been on an unbeaten run as well, and extended it first with a 7-1 win over Letchworth Garden City Eagles Reserves in the Herts FA Intermediate Cup, and then with 3-0 league win over Sandridge Rovers Reserves. The match against Nirankari Hitchin on 7th November was postponed – you guessed it, a waterlogged pitch! A week later we faced Bovingdon Reserves in the Herts FA Intermediate Cup second round; the weather forecast was yet again for rain – it held off until kick-off, but then continued throughout the match. The Bury pitch held up reasonably well; thankfully, the game did not go to extra time and we saw Buntingford put in a very convincing performance to gain a 4-1 victory. The side are now through to round 3 of the competition, where we will face either Sandridge Rovers Reserves or AFC Hatfield First Team. The win was celebrated, not only because the unbeaten run now stretched to 9 games, but also because, at the end of last season, our Reserves lost to Bovingdon Reserves in the Cecil Hudson Cup Final – revenge is sweet! Town’s second string currently sits in second position in the league, level on points but with 2 games in hand. The Veterans have not been enjoying the same success as our County League sides, and just cannot find a win, losing to Allenburys (1-0), Waltham Abbey (2-1) and Brimsdown (4-2). Following those matches the side travelled to play Hadley Vets in the Herts FA Intermediate Cup. At 2-0 down James Neill got a goal back for Town, but Hadley are a good outfit and will go far in the competition. They led 7-1 at half time, and the final score of 9-1 saw the Town Vets eliminated from the cup.

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It will be two months now before the next issue of the journal, but in the meantime you can find out how our teams are doing on our website (www.buntingfordtownfc.com) which is kept up to date with results and forthcoming fixtures. All that now remains is for me to wish all Journal readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2016. Chris Thurgill, Chairman, Buntingford Town FC

Give Time for this year’s New Year’s Resolution! Can’t decide what your New Year’s resolution should be? Want to give back to the community, make more friends or learn a new skill? Then Time Bank may be your answer. If you’ve never heard of Time Banking, here’s how it works:  Firstly, you decide what you’re good at – this could be a specific skill that you’re trained in, or it could just be the ability to befriend, walk a dog, or drive someone to the doctors.  Secondly, put in your Time Bank hours helping others – be it one hour every two months or five hours a day, it’s completely up to you. These hours are then converted into Time Bank credits.  Thirdly, swap your credits for something you need in return – be it help with writing your CV, putting up a new shelf, or learning how to use the new iPad you got for Christmas ... in theory, absolutely anything!  Finally, at Time Bank there is no such thing as debt, it just means you haven’t had the opportunity to offer your skills yet. So if you need support just ask – we are sure that you will help out where you can, when you can. Time Bank keeps a central database containing members’ details and what they can offer. Members can look for people offering specific skills online or phone the Time Bank Co-ordinator and say ‘I need help with this’ or ‘I want to learn that’ and they can put you in touch with someone offering that skill set. The most common exchanges include befriending, dog walking, cooking and crafts, but there are also members offering skills such as French or Tai Chi. At Time Bank we believe everyone has something to give, should that be as a phone buddy, sharing knitting know-how or advice on growing veg. Kat, the Time Bank Manager, says: “The Time Bank is open to everyone and exists to allow people to get to know others in their neighbourhood, swap skills, help each other and those in need, with the aim of reducing isolation.” Time Bank is available to people living in Buntingford along with Letchworth, Baldock, Royston, Hitchin, surrounding Herts villages and Stevenage. This Time Bank is run by North Herts CVS. If you would like more information please phone 01462 689405 or visit: www.mytimebank.org.uk There is also now a Time Bank running in Hertford, Bishop Stortford, Ware and having launched in March this year. If interested in taking part contact East Herts District Council on 01279 655261 and ask for the ‘Engagements and Partnership team’, or visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/timebank

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Royston and District Ramblers Group Walks for December 2015 Tues 1st Arkesden, 5 miles, led by Eric 01763 848576 / 07504 562785 Thurs 3rd Grantchester, 6 miles, led by Alan 01223 840963 / 07933 713840 Sun 6th , , 10 miles, led by Paul 01763 244038 / 07960 957432 Tues 8th Therfield Heath, 7 miles, led by Paul 01763 244038 / 07960 957432 Thurs 10th Ashwell, Steeple Morden, 6 miles, led by David 01763 247572 Sat 12th Reed, 3 miles, morning walk led by Eric, followed by ’Bring & Share’ Lunch, 01763 848576 / 07504 562785 Sun 13th Bourn, Caldecote, Comberton, Toft, 10 miles, led by Roger & Lin 01763 261405 / 07941 856905 Tues 15th Barkway, 6 miles, led by Mick 01763 247579 / 07932 489046 Thurs 17th Weston, 6 miles, led by David 01763 247572 Sun 20th Cottered, Rushden, 9 miles, led by George 01763 242281 / 07974 026348 Tues 22nd Orwell, 6 miles, led by Patrick 01763 246366 Sun 27th Litlington, 9 miles, led by Phil 01763 853744 / 07716 992847 Tues 29th Nuthampstead, Barkway, 6 miles, led by Lesley 07734 111225 Thurs 31st Barley, Chishill, 5 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Walks for January 2016 Sun 3rd Roman Road Walk: Linton, , Hadstock, 10½ miles, led by Brian 01223 243996 / 07500 546244 Tues 5th Little Shelford, 4½ miles, led by Alan 01223 835908 / 07884 081715 Thurs 7th Whittlesford, Pampisford, 6 miles, led by Alan 01223 835908 / 07884 081715 Sun 10th Royston, Reed, Buckland, Therfield, 10½ miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Tues 12th Meldreth, 5 miles, led by Ray 01763 261127 / 07531 620869 Thurs 14th Shepreth, 5½ miles, led by Rama 01763 260565 / 07549 155396 Sun 17th Sandon, Chipping, 9 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Tues 19th Langley Lower Green, 5 miles, led by Margaret 01763 848576 / 07504 562785 Thurs 21st Barkway, 6 miles, led by Jenny 01763 245969 / 07815 942225 Sun 24th Buntingford, 11 miles, led by Paul 01763 244038 / 07960 957432 Tues 26th Abington Pigotts, 6 miles, led by Jane 01763 261565 / 07989 616583 Thurs 28th Barkway, Reed, 6 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Sun 31st Baldock, Wallington, 9 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791

198026 Unless otherwise stated: Tuesday & Thursday are morning walks, Sunday walks are all day

For meeting points and starting times, contact the walk leader or visit the website: www.ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex.org.uk Click on ‘Groups’ and then on ‘Royston’ to find full details

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