Herts & Essex Country Fair – Brent Pelham

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

Buntingford’s new Town Mayor, Councillor Graham Waite, with the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow at Carnival 2018. Inside this month: Chris Thurgill, Chairman of Buntingford Town Football Club, comes to the end of his 10-year season; Jeff and Jill Jones enjoy a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace; Library Manager Daryl explains the BorrowBox service for eBooks and eAudiobooks; plus summer fairs, fund-raisers, concerts and much more.

70p July/August 2018 Volume 43, No.6

July / August 2018

40 years of twinning with Buntingford ...... 9 Agility PR – Job vacancy ...... 11 Anstey Fair ...... 23 BALA Minibus Trips & Cream Tea ...... 44 BALFF – Buntingford Adult Learning for Fun ...... 43 BASH (Buntingford Action for Social Help) – New charges ...... 12 Bishop Seth Ward Armshouse Trust – Charity Trustee Vacancies ...... 8 Bramble Hill Children’s Centre ...... 34 Braughing Fair & Wheelbarrow Race ...... 13 Braughing Sing Community Choir ...... 19 Buntingford Branch of the Royal British Legion – Quiz Night ...... 23 Buntingford Carnival ...... 8, 20, 24, 26, 38, 45 Buntingford Civic Society ...... 10-11 The Buntingford Classic 2018 ...... 13 Buntingford Community Choir ...... 45 Buntingford Drama Society presents ‘Out of Order’ ...... 12 Buntingford Film Club ...... 24-25 Buntingford Gardeners’ Club ...... 17 Buntingford In Transition ...... 31 Buntingford Library – Summer Reading Challenge / BorrowBox ...... 22 Buntingford Town Council ...... 20 Buntingford Town Football Club ...... 46-47 Buntingford W.I...... 45 Buntings Out of School Club ...... 34 Church Services ...... 14-15 Could You be a Bell-ringer? ...... 15 Diary of Events – What’s On & Dates for Your Diary ...... 2-5 East Herts Citizens Advice Bureau – Doorstep Loan Refunds ...... 33 Editor’s Letter ...... 7 Edwinstree Middle School ...... 40-41 Freman College ...... 42-43 Hare Street Road Gardeners Association – Open Day ...... 8 The Harmonaires Choir – ‘An American Summer’ ...... 19 Herts & Essex Country Fair – Brent Pelham ...... 27 Herts Open Studios 2018 ...... 30 Hertswise Dementia Support – New Dementia Carers Support Group ...... 18 Highfield Day Nursery, Braughing – Job vacancies ...... 11 Home-Start – Kite Festival Children’s Art Competition ...... 31 Isabel Hospice – Fundraising Events this Summer ...... 32 Jazz in the Garden in Reed ...... 23 Layston C of E First School ...... 36-37 Layston Grove Care Home – Virtual Dementia Tour & July Events ...... 18 Letters & emails to the Editor ...... 8-9 ‘The March’ – A Pins & Feathers Production at Benson Hall ...... 47 Millfield First & Nursery School ...... 38-39 News from Your District & County Councillor ...... 21-22 Reed First School ...... 35 Royston & District Ramblers – Walks for July & August 2018 ...... 48 Short Story – Club Spirit by David Bantick ...... 28-29 Sky Watch – Brian Lemay ...... 16-17 Useful Local Information ...... 6 Westmill Art Exhibition – August Bank Holiday weekend ...... 30

July / August 2018

MONDAYS 9:00am – 10:00am Adult Ballet at URC Hall with Buntingford Dance, £5. 01763 271010.

9:00am – 10:00am Cardio & Core for the Over 50s at Benson Hall, £3. Contact Irene on 07802 418755 or email: [email protected]. 9:30am & 10:30am U3A Exercise Class. Contact Jacqui 07956 647806 for participation info. 10:00am – 10:45am Stretch’n’Grow, a fun exercise & activity class for children confidently walking to age 5. Term time at Seth Ward CC. £2 per family. 01763 273008. 10:00am – 11:00am Push2Fitness, an outdoor Buggy Class. £5 a class. Meet at Benson Hall. More information call Donna 07717 363716. 10:30am – 12 noon Iyengar Yoga at URC Hall (term time). Contact Jen Harris 01920 821288. 11:00am – 12noon Stay & Play at Jenyns First School, Braughing. £1 per family. Term time only 01763 273008 1:30pm – 3:00pm Positive Movement exercises at Seth Ward CC. £3. 01462 678804. 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. 2:00pm – 3:15pm Activity Session with Hertswise Dementia Support at Layston Grove Care Home. £3 per person, carers free. Call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044. 4:00pm – 6:45pm Ballet Classes at URC Hall, with Buntingford School of Dance Ltd. Contact: [email protected] / 01763 271010

4:30pm – 8:30pm Rib Valley Trampoline Club @ Freman College (term time only). Adult class 7:30–8:30. Contact Andrea Allen 07989 980038 or email:

[email protected] 6:30pm – 7:30pm Trigger Point Pilates for beginners in the Function Room at The Crown Pub, £8. Contact Irene on 07802 418755 / www.irenegibson.co.uk 6:30pm – 8:00pm Shotokan Karate at Seth Ward CC. Contact Peter Deacon 01462 642922. 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 (Intermediate) at Layston School. Contact Jacqui 07956 647806 / www.jacqui-smith.net

7:15pm – 8:15pm & Yoga Flow at URC Hall, Baldock Road. Contact Annie Knapman 07500 8:30pm – 9:30pm 110876, email: [email protected] 7:30pm – 8:15pm Abs (body toning) at Fit Together Gym. Contact Al on 07739 131694. 7:30pm – 9:30pm 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 at the Technical Institute, Baldock Road. Call Danny on 07879 853849 or email: danny.band@hertfordshire.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. 11:00am – 11:45am Tappy Toes at Seth Ward CC. Dance & movement for children who are confidently walking to age 5. £2 per family. Term time only. 01763 273008.

What's On

4:15pm – 9:00pm Ballet, Modern & Tap Classes at Freman College, with Buntingford School of Dance Ltd. Contact: [email protected] / 01763 271010 7:30pm Buntingford Karate Club, Edwinstree Gym. Bill Hooper 01763 273123. 7:30pm – 9:00pm ‘Braughing Sing’ Community Choir at Jenyns School, Braughing. Contact Elaine 07501 495940 / 01763 289738 / www.braughingsing.com. 7:45pm – 8:30pm Pilates (Beginners) at Layston School. 07956 647806 / www.jacqui-smith.net 8:10pm – 8:55pm Adult Tap Dance Classes for Fun & Fitness at Freman College. Contact: [email protected] / 01763 271010 WEDNESDAYS 9:15 – 10:45am Hormead Stay & Play at Great Hormead School. £1 per family. Term time only. 01763 273008.

9:30 – 10:30am Trigger Point Pilates for beginners in the Function Room at the Crown Pub, £8. Contact Irene 07802 418755 or visit the website www.irenegibson.co.uk 9:30 – 11:30am Barkway Parent and Toddler Group at Barkway Village Hall. Children 0–4 years. Contact Kim Semple on 07964 151288. 12noon – 1:00pm Pilates, suitable for all abilities, at Benson Hall. Contact Irene on 07802 418755 or email: [email protected] 2:00pm U3A Seated Exercise Class. Jacqui 07956 647806 for participation info. 4:15pm – 6:15pm Rib Valley Gymnastics Club @ Edwinstree School (term time). Contact Andrea Allen 07989 980038 or 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 Resistance Blast at Layston School. Contact Jacqui 07956 647806 / www.jacqui-smith.net 7:30pm – 8:15pm Pilates (Beginners) at Layston School. 07956 647806 / www.jacqui-smith.net 7:30pm – 8:15pm Boxercise/Tae Bo session at Fit Together Gym. Contact Al 07739 131694. 7:30pm Slimming World Group at Millfield School. Tel: Glenda McLellan on 01462 894351 / 07983 224121 or email [email protected]

8:00pm – 9:00pm Trigger Point Pilates for beginners in the Function Room at the Crown Pub, £8. Irene 07802 418755 or check our Facebook page ‘Irene Gibson PT’.

8:00pm – 9:00pm Buntingford Meditation ecumenical group for meditation and mindfulness. Contact Martin on 07771 972444 or see www.buntingfordmeditation.com for

details and venue.

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.

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 Best Start Club at the Scout Hut, Bowling Green Lane. 1pm Magical Musical Playdays (1 to 3 years); 2pm Baby Signing classes (0 to 16 months). Laura Sheriff 07801 796334 / [email protected].

2:00pm – 3:00pm Pilates at Benson Hall. Jacqui 07956 647806 / www.jacqui-smith.net 2:15pm – 2:45pm Toddlers Tales, stories & rhymes for preschool children, at Buntingford Library.

July / August 2018

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

4:30pm – 7:45pm Street Dance Classes at URC Hall, with Buntingford School of Dance Ltd. Contact: [email protected] / 01763 271010. 5:30pm – 6:30pm Buntingford Swimming Club at Freman Pool. Adelaide 07710 550050. 6:30pm – 7:00pm Body Conditioning Classes, suitable for all abilities, at Layston School. Contact Irene on 07802 418755 or email: [email protected]

7:00pm – 8:00pm Tennis at Norfolk Road Multigames Area. www.buntingfordtennisclub.co.uk/

7:15pm – 8:00pm Pilates at Layston School. Irene 07802 418755 email: [email protected] 7.30pm Buntingford Karate Club, Edwinstree Gym. Bill Hooper 01763 273123. 8:00pm – 9:30pm Badminton at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Contact Lisa on 07951 533395. 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 – 10:30am Rhyme Time at Seth Ward CC. £1 per child. Term time only. 01763 273008.

10:00am – 1:00pm Art in Sandon in Sandon Village Hall, supervised by artist Michael Dobson. £10 per session; bring own materials. For more information email [email protected] or call 07960 408635.

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

11:00am – 12:00 Full Body Workout at Benson Hall. Jacqui 07956 647806.

12:15pm – 1:15pm Dance with Dani at Benson Hall. 07956 647806 / www.jacqui-smith.net

4:00pm – 4:45pm Lab-Tots Pre-School Science, fortnightly at the Library. Contact Sophia on 07720 292350 / [email protected] / or visit www.labtots.com for details. 4:15pm – 8:15pm Ballet & Modern Dance Classes at Freman College, with Buntingford School of Dance Ltd. Contact: [email protected] / 01763 271010

5:30pm – 8:00pm Friday Project, Buntingford & District Youth Club at the Technical Institute,

Baldock Road. Danny 07879 853849 / [email protected]. SATURDAYS 9:00am – 1:00pm Ballet, Modern & Tap Dance Classes at Freman College and at URC Hall (9am–12noon). Contact: [email protected] / 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 –11:00am Walking Football at Norfolk Rd Multigames Area, Bowling Green Lane. £2

per session. For more info call Jeff Jones 01763 274800 / 07836 232963. 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].

SUNDAYS 10:00am – 12:00 Tennis at Norfolk Road Multigames Area, to end Oct. All ages & abilities. For info go to www.buntingfordtennisclub.co.uk/ of Facebook page.

SUMMER HOLIDAY DANCE 2018 for ages 5–12 years 29 / 30 / 31 August 10am–4pm at Edwinstree School For price information and a booking form call 01763 271010, email [email protected] or see www.buntingfordschoolofdance.co.uk

Dates for Your Diary

July Sun 1st 3pm ‘A Celebration of Music’ Organ Recital in St Peter’s church. For info/tickets call Diane on 01763 273398 or Jan on 01763 272217. To Sun 15th Thaxted Festival – for details go to www.thaxtedfestival.org.uk Mon 2nd 11am Story Sacks for the under 5s at Buntingford Library, a story followed by themed crafts, with Bramble Hill Children’s Centre. Tues 3rd 8pm Buntingford & District Cage Bird Society at Benson Hall. Wed 4th 7:45 for 8pm Gardeners’ Club at URC Hall (see page 17). Thurs 5th 10am–12noon Free Advice Session at Buntingford Library with Fosters Legal LLP. For an appointment call at the Library or ring 0300 1234049. th th 6 , 7 & Buntingford Drama Society present ‘Out of Order’. Curtain up 7:30 or th th 13 , 14 8pm (see page 12). th Sat 7 Braughing Sing at St Mary’s Church, Braughing (see page 19). th Sun 8 1–5pm Anstey Fair at Anstey Bury (see page 23). Mon 9th 1:30pm U3A Monthly Meeting at the Community Centre, Luynes Rise. Tues 10th 2:15pm Buntingford Local History Group at Buntingford Library. Wed 11th 6–8pm Charity Quiz at Layston Grove Care Home (see page 18). Wed 11th 8pm Royal British Legion Meeting at The Crown. No meeting in August. Thurs 12th 7:15 for 7:30pm Buntingford W.I. at URC Hall (see page 45). Sat 14th 12noon–6pm Braughing Fair and Wheelbarrow Race. For more info visit www.braughingwheelbarrowrace.com (see page 13). Sat 14th 7pm ’An American Summer’ concert in Much Hadham church (page19). Sun 15th 12noon–4pm Jazz in the Garden at North Farm, Reed (see page 23). Mon 16th 8pm Unplugged Acoustic Night at The Crown, Market Hill. Wed 18th 10am–12noon Dementia Carers Support Group in the Tea Room at the th Wine Bar. Also 15 August (see page 18). Wed 18th 2:30–4pm B.A.L.A. Cream Tea at Benson Hall, £5 (see page 44). Thurs 19th Hare Street & Hormeads Gardening Club Summer Social. Enquiries to Jane Wright 01763 289417. Fri 20th 8pm Buntingford Railway & Local History Society at The Crown PH. ‘The History of the York Railway Museum & Friends’ with Mel Draper. Tues 26th 10:30am–12:30pm Carers in Hertfordshire Support Group at the Library. th Sun 29 11am–4pm Summer Fete at Layston Grove Care Home (see page 18). August Sun 5th Royston Kite Festival on Therfield Heath. Thurs 9th 1:30pm Unveiling of Blue Plaque at the old WI Hall (see page 45). Fri 17th 7pm Buntingford Railway & Local History Society Social in Standon. Sat 18th 10am–2pm Open Day at Hare Street Road Allotments (see page 8). Sun 19th From 10:30am Herts & Essex Country Fair (see page 27) 25th to 27th 10am–5pm Westmill Art Exhibition (see page 30). 1st Sept 11am–4pm 18th Buntingford Classic Event (see page 13). 5

Useful Local Information

POLICE STATION: Non-emergency telephone: 101 Baldock Road, Buntingford In emergencies dial 999

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, Tues, Thurs 10:00 – 17:30 High Street, Buntingford Friday 14:00 – 17:30 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

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

Editor’s Letter

For the first time in many years, due to a last-minute hospital appointment to check out strange goings on with my eyes, I didn’t make it down to the Carnival. I’m glad to know what the problem is (Posterior Vitreal Detachment, which sounds more serious than it is – it’s actually more disturbing than threatening), but the disruption on the day meant I didn’t get to take any photographs. So I would like to say thank you to everyone who has sent in Carnival photos, whether or not I’ve actually used them in this issue as they may well come in handy in the future. The cover picture with our new Town Mayor, Councillor Graham Waite, is courtesy of Graham Bonner and I hope to bring you a profile of Graham (W, not B) in the September Journal. Several contributors have commented this month on what a good day the Carnival was, so it is a little sad that in his write-up of the event Ashley Cantor says he feels that some on the High Street have fallen out of love with it. Whatever the issues are, I hope they’re not too serious and that the Carnival is back in 2020. I am delighted that Brian Lemay is continuing with his observations from his garden (page 17). This month he encourages us to look up at the sky to appreciate all the aerial activity that is going on at this time of year. And thank you to Buntingford Writers Group for supplying another short story, this one from David Bantick (page 28). As the Journal comes up for its summer break (very welcome, I can tell you!) I like to give a big thank you to all contributors who have sent in material this year. It really is down to your efforts – without you there would be no Buntingford Journal, so please keep it up. Sadly, we must say goodbye to a couple of contributors who over the years have been among the most reliable. Chris Thurgill is stepping down after 10 years as Chairman of the Football Club – I will miss his charting of the Club’s ups and, for much of this year at least, downs. And Mrs Bloomfield is retiring this summer as headteacher of Layston First School; I’m sure you will join me in wishing her a long and happy retirement. It’s the season of outdoor fetes and fairs – Anstey Fair is coming up on Sunday 8th July (page 23), Braughing Fair and Wheelbarrow Race on Saturday 14th July (page 13), and the Herts & Essex Country Fair at Brent Pelham on Sunday 19th August (page 27). Whatever you’re planning over the next couple of months, I hope you enjoy the summer and that we get better weather than last year! Christine Noble Many thanks to John Makin for proofreading

Editorial copy deadline for the September 2018 Journal is Saturday 18th August 2018

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.

Letters & emails to the Editor

Dear Chris I would like to say through your letters page a very big THANK YOU to the organisers and workers who put together and run our Buntingford Carnival. What a very special day it is. I am sure that things go wrong or adrift on the day, it is after all a ‘Live’ show. However, due to the expertise and professionalism of the people who work tirelessly on our behalf to give us this fabulous day, the whole thing appears to be seamless and problem free. We should also thank the Police for their considerable input to allow the final Carnival procession to proceed around our lovely town. The Committee even got the weather right! Well done and thank you all. Bill Hooper Hi Christine I hope I’m not too late. I would just like to congratulate the committee and organisers of the Buntingford Cougars 5-a-side tournament at the Bury for a very well run and well- organised event. Also, well done to Matthew Baker and his team, the Under 16s Whites for winning the cup. Ashley Cantor

Charity Trustee Vacancies A requirement has arisen for two local residents to join the team of trustees for the Bishop Seth Ward Almshouse Trust. The board of trustees are responsible for the conservation and upkeep of the 1684-built Almshouse and for providing accommodation for 8 residents. The Trust is seeking to appoint individuals who are keen to actively contribute a little of their spare time on a voluntary basis. The roles will be varied and interesting to ensure the continuance and preservation of this magnificent building, whilst providing the 8 residents with separate, comfortable, private accommodation within the Buntingford community. Applicants who think they might like to become involved in this worthwhile charity can either write to: The ‘Trust Secretary’, 44 Vicarage Road, Buntingford SG9 9BB, or email [email protected] Chris Dobner –Trust Chairman

Hare Street Road Gardeners Association is holding an Open Day at the allotments on Saturday 18th August from 10am to 2pm. The site is off Hare Street Road, through the Knights Walk development down Aldridge Way and along Howards Lane. There is some limited parking. We are entering our third year and would welcome visitors to see the progress we have made. – Roy Ellard, Chairman

Hi Christine A curious coindicence happened to me recently at Tours airport in France. My wife was in Tours on business and I went out to meet up with her for a weekend break. Originally I had booked to go on the Eurostar, but due to internal strikes on SNCF that day I couldn’t get a connecting train so I took a flight from Stansted instead. So it was quite by chance that I was at Tours airport at all that day when who should I bump into but Jonathan Ling who was with a delegation from Buntingford for the 40th anniversary of the twinning with Luynes. Then, sitting in a café, I was reading the local Tours paper, ‘La Nouvelle République’, and came across an article from Luynes about this very anniversary. I thought you might be interested in translating it for Journal readers. Kind regards, Simon Cook, 81 High Street Editor’s Note: I thought readers might be interested too, so here is that article published on Saturday 19th May 2018, with thanks to John Makin for the translation from French. 40 years of twinning with Buntingford On Thursday evening, in Luynes, wine was organised in the Social Centre to honour the arrival of the English delegation, come to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the twinning of the towns of Luynes and Buntingford. On 15th April 1978, in the presence of a strong English delegation, the charter of twinning was signed between the two towns. The essence of the promise then made was summarised as: “On this day, we solemnly promise to maintain permanent links between our communities, to help in every way the development of exchanges between their inhabitants through better mutual understanding, the living sentiment of European brotherhood. To make joint efforts to help significantly the successful enterprise of peace and prosperity which is European unity.” The musicians of Luynes, college students, the A.S.L., and many others have crossed the Channel to discover Buntingford, this pretty town, full of history, situated near Stansted Airport, 50 minutes from London. Year after year, anniversary after anniversary, the exchanges between the two towns have multiplied, yesterday’s friends are still there and come together again. The English telephone box, a present for the tenth anniversary, the red letterbox at the Town Hall (25 years), and kilometre marker stand as physical witness to this shared tie. Meet on Saturday 19th May, at 11 o’clock in front of La Grange, in the presence of the twinning committee of Luynes.

Hello Christine It has been a while since I’ve been in contact so I thought I’d send you some details of what I’ve been up to with 1i2c. My latest video premiered in June at a special festival at the Genesis Cinema in East London and my album ‘It Should Be You’ released a week later. It’s been a terrific time with interviewing, too, with all my favourite artists cropping up in the last few months. In case others in Buntingford are, like me, into electronic sounds and would like to find out more about what I do, the trailer for the video is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfI7VJgogko&feature=youtu.be, my interviews with musicians can be found at: https://www.mixcloud.com/1i2c/ playlists/interviews/ and my own discography is at: https://1i2c.bandcamp.com Regards, John Whitaker, aka 1i2c

Buntingford Civic Society (Reg. Charity No. 1014873) www.buntingfordcivic.org.uk

On behalf of Janet Murrells, our Treasurer, I would like to thank all those Civic Society members who have now paid their BCS subscriptions for 2018/19. May I remind those who wish to renew their membership, but have not yet done so, that payment is now due. The subscription this year is unchanged at £10, which covers the whole household, not just an individual. You can pay by cash, by cheque payable to Buntingford Civic Society, or by internet bank transfer. For further information contact the membership secretary, Peter Hay, at [email protected]. Your membership subscriptions and the advertising revenue raised through the Buntingford Journal enable the Society to enhance the attractiveness of the Town and its surrounding area and to contribute to worthwhile projects across the community. On this last point, are there any areas where you feel that the Town’s attractiveness could be improved? Give this some thought and let me know. Obviously I cannot guarantee that I can make all suggestions happen, but it would be interesting to see what the thoughts of Journal readers are. If I receive enough responses I will publish the results in the next Journal (September) and see how the Civic Society or other organisations may be able to help. The Civic Society are looking into organising a trip to London – either for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London or for a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. The trip would likely be in autumn. Please let me know if you would be interested so that we can get a view on potential numbers. Buntingford Town Council recently carried out a survey to judge residents’ views on poor parking, particularly on footways and grass verges. 447 responses (on line and hard copy) were received yielding the following results to the four questions posed: Q1. Do you think that there should be restrictions on vehicles parking on Footways within Buntingford? – 87% of responses were in favour of restrictions on footways. Q2. If you answered ‘Yes’ to Q1, should offenders receive a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice)? – 91.5% were in favour of PCNs being issued. Q3. Do you think that there should be restrictions on vehicles parking on grassed verges within Buntingford? – 88.1% of responses were in favour of restrictions on grassed verges. Q4. If you answered ‘Yes’ to Q3, should offenders receive a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice)? – 89.3% were in favour of PCNs being issued. Graham Bonner, Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society [email protected]

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

Buntingford Civic Society was established in 1972 with the aim of improving the fabric of the Town. It has led or been involved in many restoration and enhancement projects, planning, communication and financial support to improve aspects of life in Buntingford. Annual household membership is just £10 and includes delivery of the Buntingford Journal (10 issues a year) to your door. If you would like to join us, please email the Membership Secretary, Peter Hay, at: [email protected].

HIGHFIELD DAY NURSERY BRAUGHING Full/Part-time Nursery Nurse required (LEVEL 3) We also require a part-time cleaner Monday to Friday 5-6.30pm If interested please contact Christine at: [email protected] or call on: 07504 288 739

WANT TO WORK PART-TIME LOCALLY FOR A DYNAMIC B2B PR AGENCY? We are looking for an assistant to help with a business that is expanding:  5+ years’ experience working agency side ideally  Strong attention to detail • Good writing skills  Social marketing skills a massive bonus  Good knowledge of MS Office suite • WordPress experience also helpful  Pay range is £13-20 per hour, depending on experience  1 day initially rising to 2 days per week Please apply by emailing a CV to: [email protected] / Tel: 01992 587439 Agility PR is a boutique Business to Business PR agency of over 15 years’ standing. The business was originally based in my home in Redhill, Rushden, then moved to offices in Hertford as we grew. We specialise in technology clients in areas as diverse as cyber risk management, car dealership efficiency, IP video, fleet management and pensions technology. I’m looking to expand our client-base in both fintech (financial services technology) and cyber security and I need help to get there. That’s where a great candidate will really help.

The work will be varied and interesting – everything from designing a marketing automation campaign, to drafting and selling a news story to the trade media, to running an online survey. I’m looking for somebody with prior experience ideally in Business to Business Marketing or Public Relations. As I live in Rushden, there is a good chance of being able to offer a successful candidate a lift to and from the office. Miles Clayton

BASH regrets having to raise its prices but we have not had a price per journey increase since 2011. Rising fuel costs have meant that during the last year we have been running BASH at a financial loss. This we can no longer sustain and maintain the service to our clients. New charges effective from 1st June 2018

Addenbrookes £15 Papworth £15 Lister £10 Rivers £14 Herts & Essex £10 Luton £17 Hertford County £10 Cambridge Lea £16 Royston £5 Hitchin £10 QEII £14 Epping £17 Harlow £14 Local £2 Ware £7 Outlying village 35p per mile

If any parking fees are incurred these will be paid by the clients. BASH WOULD WELCOME NEW DRIVERS. HAVE YOU A LITTLE TIME TO SPARE TO TAKE SOMEONE FOR A HOSPITAL/MEDICAL APPOINTMENT? PLEASE RING JANE WINTER 01763 271484

Benson Hall, Buntingford Friday 6th July 8:00pm Saturday 7th July 7:30pm Friday 13th July 8:00pm Saturday 14th July 7:30pm Supper Theatre Licensed bar Tickets £15 Available online at: www.buntingford drama.org Or from The Wine Bar, High Street, Buntingford Any questions or dietary requirements please call us on 07526 748838

SATURDAY 14TH JULY 12noon–6pm For more information on the legendary wheelbarrow race, now in its 54th year, go to: www.braughingwheel barrowrace.com Or check it out on Facebook at: braughingwheel barrowrace

Planning is well underway for the 18th Buntingford Classic Event, with its quirky, entertaining mix of veteran, classic & unusual cars, bikes old & new, and other weird & wonderful vehicles. With live music all day, barbecues and a hog roast, a great day is guaranteed for all. So put the date – Saturday 1st September – in your diaries now. If you wish to show a car or bike and haven't yet registered, go to: www.buntingford classic.com And fingers crossed for good weather!!!

Christ Church

Baldock Road, Buntingford SG9 9AA

Minister: Vacant Secretary: Peter Godbert [email protected] Tel: 01763 281359 Services and Junior Church at 11.00am every Sunday Tea and coffee is served in the hall following the morning service. July 1 Holy Communion Dr Christine Macleod 8 Morning Worship Mrs Faith Paulding 15 Morning Worship Ms Lindsey Brown 22 Morning Worship Rev Allen Morton 29 Holy Communion Rev Derek Newton

August 5 Morning Worship T.B.A. REGULAR EVENTS Bible Study meeting on 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Hall. The format is lunch from 12 noon (bring your own food, tea & coffee is provided), then Bible Study will commence at 12:30pm and finish prompt at 1:30pm. The theme is that we each bring a newspaper and relate news items to the Bible. All are welcome. Junior Church – Sunday at 11am in term time, for all young people and children. Bright Hour – A time for fellowship with prayers, hymns and activities. The next meetings are on Tuesdays 10th and 24th July at 2:30pm in the Church Hall. Coffee & Company – Every Thursday morning 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 2pm. www.buntingfordurc.org.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 10am & 8pm Mon & Thurs 9:30am CONFESSIONS Saturday mornings 10.30-11.00

United Benefice of St. Mary's – Aspenden St. Peter's – Buntingford St. Mary the Virgin – Westmill Church of England Reverend Ian Hill – Telephone 01763 274072 There is a full and varied pattern of worship across the churches: St. Peter’s has a more contemporary style, St. Mary’s more traditional and St. Mary the Virgin more liturgical. Everyone is welcome at any of our churches. Services for July 2018 Sunday 1st 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

Sunday 8th 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

Sunday 15th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sunday 22nd 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist 11:00am St Peter’s Buntingford Family Worship

Sunday 29th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship Services for August 2018 Sunday 5th 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

Sunday 12th 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

Sunday 19th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sunday 26th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist 11:00am St Peter’s Buntingford Family Worship

Could You be a Bell-ringer? We would love to get more people involved in our team from Buntingford and local villages who ring the bells at Sunday morning services, as well as special occasions such as weddings, at our lovely churches in Aspenden and Westmill. If you have moved into the area and used to be a bell-ringer elsewhere, or if you would be interested to learn more about the art of bell-ringing, we would love to hear from you. You do not have to be a regular church-goer to enjoy ringing the bells! Michael Thody 01763 271321 / [email protected]

Sky Watch On warm summer evenings when you are sitting in your garden sipping your pinot or chardonnay or whatever, do spare a few minutes to look up in the sky; you may be pleasantly surprised. I noticed a few weeks ago that we now have a pair of red kites flying regularly over Buntingford. Do look up if you hear an odd whistling sound above you; it’s a bit like someone whistling for their dog. It’s the call of the red kite and you will see them cruising above you on the thermals. One of the pair often flies very low at house-top height while the other keeps watch at a higher altitude. You often see them being buzzed by crows, as crows think they are going to eat their fledglings. They could be right too! If you see one close up, they are magnificent creatures in size and colouration, so I do hope the pair nest and breed in the future. They are a protected species and their numbers are still very low in our part of the UK. Someone mentioned to me that the pair of buzzards, often seen over Alswick Hall, seem to have disappeared this year. Often if one bird dies the other will move out of the area to find a new mate. Buzzards have attracted ‘bad press’ over the years, especially from some sheep farmers. They have been accused of taking live lambs, but the experts say they are basically lazy birds and prefer to eat carrion which they do not have to chase! It’s possible that they have been seen feeding on sheep carcases in the field and that builds on the unfavourable reputation. Unfortunately, unlike the red kite they are not a protected species so some do meet their end by the hand of man. I see the swifts have returned. Not many this year but I do love watching them twist and turn in the sky as they chase insects on warm evenings. They are remarkable birds because as migrants to the UK they fly thousands of miles from Africa every year to escape the heat and to nest. We humans often fly in the opposite direction at the same time to find the heat, putting up with crowded airports, cancelled flights and stress. I often wonder who is the more sensible! The squatting blackbirds have now fledged their second lot of chicks, without any head- butting the patio doors. Katie the poodle was very interested when one landed on the garden table but daddy blackbird soon shooed it away and Katie went back to scaring pigeons, which she is getting very good at. The wisteria blossom has dropped but now the early honeysuckle and clematis have come into bloom. Honeysuckle is a very ‘old English’ plant and our native variety was called ‘woodbine’ in days gone by. The one in the picture (right) is very similar to the old woodbine, flowering in late May/early June. The Japanese honeysuckle (yellow and white flowers) blooms from July to September and has a wonderful fragrance. So briefly back to our skies. We seem to spend half our lives looking at our phones but there

is so much to see in the sky above us. Do you really need to read that email the second it arrives? And at a weekend!? Will the world come to an end if you switch the phone off for a few hours? Why not get your heads out of your iphones, ipads or iwotsits, stop worrying if your data is secure on the ‘cloud’, and perhaps look at the wonderful formation of real clouds over your heads. Do observe nature in summer while you have the chance before it slips away, all too soon, into the bleak winter months. Relax and watch the world around you for a while, whilst sipping your chilled Chateau d’Yquem 76 Grand Cru. In the next edition I will be looking in detail at hedgehog poo, telling you about my war with Mr Heron and his family and maybe a bit on trees. Happy sky watch. Brian Lemay

BUNTINGFORD GARDENERS’ CLUB Now the summer has finally arrived this month’s speaker was most welcome as his talk was about containers. Robin Carsberg explained that his presentation was not about plants but more about the mechanics of pots and containers. For instance, where to site your container/hanging basket? White and yellow flowers look best against a dark wall, whilst red and purple look better against a lighter wall. Plant colours should complement the colour of the pot. He suggested trying out different containers such as old wellington boots, wheelbarrows and car tyres. Robin isn’t a fan of water gel for containers and stressed that regular feeding is important. He suggested a planting mix of one-part John Innes No 2 with one-part peat free compost and not reusing old soil as it can house bugs and disease. Putting pots together in groups of three of varying sizes/heights also adds Photo courtesy of Graham Bonner interest. It was an interesting talk with plenty of tips on how to get the best show. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 4th July when our speaker will be Margaret Nimmo-Smith talking about ‘Ferns and other Foliage Plants’. The talk will include a spore sowing demonstration and free handouts on ferns. No meeting in August. Have you recently moved to Buntingford? Have the builders or previous householders left the garden in a mess? Where do you start? Why not come to our meetings on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the United Reformed Church Hall (opposite the Post Office), 7.45 for 8pm start, and discover the wonderful world of gardening. We are a group of like-minded people, some more expert than others, but we all enjoy the pleasures and pitfalls of the plant world. We have a varied programme of speakers throughout the year as well as day trips to interesting venues. New members and visitors are always welcome. Membership costs £15 per annum, visitors pay £3 per meeting. For further information you can contact our Chair, Janet Murrells, on 01763 274341, or the Club Secretary, Lesley Lowers, on 01763 271885.

Dementia Carers Support Group

A free support group for carers meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 12noon, in the Tea Room at the Wine Bar on Buntingford High Street. For more information, call HertsHelp 0300 123 4044 Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm www.hertswise.org.uk

Virtual Dementia Tour shows what dementia is like On Friday 25th May, staff and associates of Layston Grove had an insight into what it is like to have mid-stage dementia when a mobile unit known as the Tardis parked up on the Home’s forecourt. This specially designed unit takes people on a Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT). The tour lasts less than 10 minutes but in that short time delivers an intense immersive experience which takes away people’s primary senses and distorts their perception of their surroundings, simulating the physical symptoms of dementia. Anyone who has cared for someone with dementia would recognise the behaviour of someone undergoing a VDT – knocking items over, standing still in the middle of a room, failing to follow basic instructions, not knowing what to do with an ordinary object, staring into space, appearing frightened and child-like. Home Manager Sam Campbell said “the experience has been incredibly beneficial for our staff”, adding “caring for people with dementia can be challenging and a better understanding of the effects of the disease helps us all to become better carers.” The Tardis has now gone, but throughout July Layston Grove, in association with Hertswise, is running activity sessions for dementia sufferers and their carers on Mondays, 2pm to 3.15pm. There is a charge of £3 per person, no charge for carers and family members. On Wednesday 11th July Layston Grove is hosting a Charity Quiz with Ploughman’s Supper, 6pm to 8pm, in aid of Herts & Essex Air Ambulance. And on Sunday 29th July the Home is opening its garden for a Summer Fete, 11am to 4pm. Everyone is welcome. 18

‘An American Summer’ Saturday 14th July at 7pm St Andrew’s Church, Much Hadham Spend a summer evening in this beautiful church with one of the region’s most engaging choirs, led by Musical Director Josie Cowley. Following the success of Voices for Hospices, fundraising for Isabel Hospice, the Harmonaires Choir is delighted to continue its partnership with the hospice for this unmissable choral concert celebrating the Great American Songbook. Enjoy Rat Pack standards, country/folk classics, musical theatre anthems, glorious gospel and uplifting works by living American composers. Tickets: Adults £10, Students £6 – 07916 153 898 or www.theharmonaireschoir.com Formed less than 4 years ago, the Harmonaires Choir (below) is building a reputation as one of the leading choirs in the area singing an eclectic mix of music from Tallis to Coldplay. Having had a successful appearance at the International Sangerstevne Choir Festival in London in May, the choir has also been invited back to Ely Cathedral to perform on 23rd June during the Cathedral’s much acclaimed three-day Flower Festival. With local concerts in October and December 2018, the choir will also be at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral in March next year.

Braughing Sing Community Choir is a choir that likes to have fun through choral singing! The choir is open to everyone, there are no auditions. We welcome new members of all ages and abilities and we sing a variety of songs and styles. Why not come along and join us on Tuesday evenings (during term time) at: Jenyns School, Braughing, 7.30–9pm.

For more information visit www.braughingsing.com, see our Facebook Page “The Braughing Sing”, or contact Elaine on 01763 289 738. Forthcoming Concerts: Saturday, 30th June – St. Peter’s Church, Buntingford Saturday, 7th July – St. Mary’s Church, Braughing

Buntingford Town Council A QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL We are pleased to announce that Andrew Huggins has been co-opted to the Town Council for the final year of the four year Council term. We wish Andy a warm welcome and look forward to working with him. The Community Governance Review is now under consultation for the second time with a District Council recommendation to include Parkside and the new Redrow site within the Buntingford Parish Boundary. The gazebo in Layston Court Gardens is suffering as a result of people playing football in the gardens and using the gazebo as a goal mouth. There are bylaws prohibiting ball games in the gardens as the area does not lend itself to this type of activity. Recreation fields are sited at Norfolk Road, Hare Street Road and the Community Centre and we would respectfully ask that these areas are used for ball games and not the gardens. By the time this goes to press, the Carnival will have been and gone. We would like to thank Ashley Cantor and his Committee for the hard work that goes in to make this event such a success. As this is the July/August edition we would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and if you're not going away, let’s hope the weather stays fine. In line with GDPR Regulations, the Town Council has published a number of Privacy Notices; these can be viewed on the Town Council website. Jill Jones MILCM Cert HE, Town Clerk Office hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:00pm; closed Fridays The Manor House, High Street, Buntingford SG9 9AB Tel: 01763 272222 email: [email protected] Twitter: @buntingfordtc Facebook.com/BuntingfordTC www.buntingford-tc.gov.uk

Town Council meetings

Thurs 5th July 7:30pm – Amenities Committee

Thurs 12th July 7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Resources Committee Thurs 26th July 7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Full Council

Thurs 9th August 11:00am – Planning Committee

All meetings at The Manor House unless indicated otherwise. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Please check the BTC website for details.

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

News from Your District and County Councillor Chairman East Herts Council It was a very proud day, and a fitting end to my Civic Year, to represent East Herts Council at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 15th May, just a few days before the Royal Wedding at Windsor. We were blessed with excellent weather and the royal gardens looked immaculate, as you would expect. Wearing the Chairman’s chain of office created interest from other attendees and an opportunity to talk about East Herts and particularly Buntingford. Jill and I enjoyed a brief celebrity status when outside the palace an American tourist took great interest in where we represented and insisted on taking our photo (left). The Queen was in attendance (right) with Princes Andrew and Edward and we were impressed with the amount of time that she spent chatting to the many people presented to her. She looked amazing and it is hard to believe that she is 92 years old. This magical day will forever be in our memories. Nordic Walking The first of six Nordic Walking classes was held in June and 13 residents enjoyed a well- coached session with Hazel Smith. Following the success of Tai Chi and Walking Football classes in Buntingford, Forever Active East Herts offered us Nordic Walking classes over the summer. There are 5 further weekly classes costing £3 per session. If you would like to join in, no need to book, just turn up at the Community Centre on the day; walking poles will be provided. Classes are aimed at beginners who are 50+ and

have not been active in a while. This is a gentle and patient introduction to walking with poles, which gives greater support than normal walking, with high calorie burn but low impact. Perfect for people who suffer from weak joints or back pain. If you would like further information either contact me or the trainer, Hazel Smith, on 07894 945216 [email protected] The timetable for the community bus service is currently under review following the initial three-month trial. We intend extending the service to the outlying villages and a new guide to timings will be available soon. Full details of the service are available via the Buntingford Town Council website www.buntingford-tc.gov.uk/bcat or on Twitter @bcatbus Highways Residents in Fairfield have been puzzled as to why only half of the road has been micro-surfaced. The works were funded from my Highways Locality Budget, along with a section of Luynes Rise, and unfortunately this year’s budget did not allow me to fund the re-surfacing of the whole road. The remainder will be completed from next year’s budget. Cllr Jeff Jones, District and County Councillor Buntingford Ward 07836 232963 / [email protected]

Buntingford Library With the school summer holidays fast approaching, why not pop in and see what we can offer to keep the children interested. Saturday 14th July sees the start of the Summer Reading Challenge. This year it’s ‘Mischief Makers’, inspired by the Beano which celebrates its 80th anniversary. Join Dennis, Gnasher and friends on a hunt for Beanotown’s buried treasure. Collect stinky stickers as you read library books to explore Beanotown to find the clues. Beware of Dennis as he’ll be up to all sorts of mischief along the way. Read six books before the closing date of 8th September and collect your own piece of treasure in the shape of a medal and a certificate. Going on holiday? Take the library with you. Hertfordshire Libraries are delighted to offer almost 11,000 eBooks and over 4,000 eAudiobooks via BorrowBox. There are titles for adults, children and teenagers in our exciting BorrowBox collection available around the clock. It’s simpler than ever before to access your favourite titles wherever you go with the BorrowBox library app. On your phone, on your iPad, on your home computer, BorrowBox means the doors to your local library never close. Elegant, intuitive and simple to operate, the BorrowBox app incorporates a dedicated eBook reader and eAudiobook player and is available from the App Store and Google Play. You can install it on all your mobile devices for free – get the app now and get ready to borrow and download. Font size can be increased on eBooks to suit your reading needs. If you are an Apple user a Dyslexic font is available and we are hoping this will be available for other devices shortly. You can also choose your background colour from paper, white, sepia and night. If you find the speech on the eAudiobooks a little slow you can speed up the sound to suit you. BorrowBox works well with Apple VoiceOver, not only reading the screen but also reading eBooks for you. Find out more at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/Libraries, or ring 0300 123 4049, or pop in and talk to a member of staff next time you’re in the High Street. Daryl – Library Manager Buntingford Library, 77 High Street, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 9AE Telephone: 01763 274608 – for opening times see page 6.

Anstey Fair th Sunday 8 July 2018, 1– 5pm A Traditional Country Fair in the grounds of Anstey Bury near Buntingford, off the B1368 (satnavs SG9 0DF) Fun for everyone:  Interesting stalls  Live music  A variety of activities and games  Bar  BBQ  Teas  Home-made cakes  Local produce  Books  Raffle  And much more … Adults £2 / Children under 16 free / Free parking For more details visit our website: www.ansteyfair.org Proceeds towards Anstey Church, Anstey Village Hall and Anstey First School

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN AT NORTH FARM, GROW LANE, REED SG8 8AE By kind permission of Ken Andrews and Di Bamford Sunday 15th July 2018, 12noon to 4pm Admission £20 adults, children £5 to include lunch LICENSED BAR AVAILABLE • GOOD LUNCH PROVIDED Admission by ticket only from Shirley Haydon on: 07713 244 278 ALL PROCEEDS TO ST. MARY’S CHURCH, REED

The Buntingford Branch of The Royal British Legion will be holding a ‘Quiz Night’ fundraising event at the Seth Ward Community Centre on Saturday 13th October 2018. Tickets will be available later in the year, priced at £10 per head, which includes a Fish & Chips or Chicken & Chips Supper. A licensed bar will be available. Doors open 7:15pm; Quiz starts at 8pm. Please reserve the date in your diaries now.

BUNTINGFORD FILM CLUB Bringing Cinema back to Buntingford As reported in the June Journal, we held our first AGM on Wednesday 16th May. As a result of our Chairman Graham Waite’s elevation to the role of Town Mayor, with the many demands of this position, he regretfully has had to stand down as leader of our team. He has steadily steered us through the first year and a half of bringing cinema back to Buntingford and for this we are very grateful. We now welcome Peter Burt as our new Chair and hope that he will meet the challenge with equal enthusiasm and success. Nanny Alex stepped down from her leading role in the Children’s Film Club in order to concentrate on running her expanding business ‘Mummy SOS’. Once again we thank her for her efforts to promote and run film events in the town. Happily her able assistant Kelly Brock has offered to take over this role. Sadly we will soon be losing Jake Andrews as he embarks on the next stage of his life at University. He has been an outstanding member of our team from the start and he will be very much missed by us all. We wish him all the very best in his studies and new life. We are currently busy planning our 2018-19 Season of Programmes. The films will continue to be screened on the second Saturday of the month. Our new booklet with all the details should be available by early September and copies will be placed in the Library, the Manor House and our Box Office, as well as other shops and venues around the town and out-lying villages. So please pick up a copy, check your diary and book your tickets ASAP! We will also continue to trailer forthcoming films in the Journal. Another successful Carnival Day in the town We worked alongside the Carnival committee’s theme of ‘At the Movies’ by screening ‘The Lion King’ at the Library throughout the morning, with children happily entering into the spirit of the day with face-painting going on to complement the film. Much fun was had by all who came. Then, whilst our technical team dealt with dismantling equipment in the library and erecting our big screen in Edwinstree School Hall, others dressed up and took part in the parade (photos below) to encourage people to come to our evening event of ‘Sing-a-long Sound of Music.’

Everyone was in terrific voice throughout the performance, particularly for the stirring singing of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ lead by our very own Mother Abbess, alias David Woollcombe! The ‘hen party’ who came along were a most enthusiastic and impressive musical group. Indeed everyone in the hall sang their hearts out. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the end of another great evening! Coming Soon Sunday 19th August: 8.15pm at the Sword Inn Hand, Westmill In collaboration with Jeremy Lee of The Sword Inn Hand, we will be having an Outdoor Screening in the pub’s lovely grounds. Look out for posters announcing the film. Tickets £5 from our Box Office, as well as from the pub and the Billetto website. BBQ food and drinks from the bar will be available from 6.15pm Saturday 1st September: The Classic Car Event in the High Street We will be screening films to complement this event in our usual venue of Benson Hall. However, in order to avoid clashing with the many other activities taking place on 1st September, we may decide to show our films a day earlier on Friday 31st August. Please look out for posters etc nearer the time for final information. The films will be: ‘Cars 3’ – A family matinee at 2.30pm Blindsided by a new generation of blazing fast cars, the legendary Lighting McQueen finds himself pushed out of the sport that he loves. Hoping to get back in the game, he turns to Cruz Ramirez, an eager young technician who has her own plans for winning. With inspiration from the fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns, car No 95 prepares to compete on the Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage. ‘The Italian Job’ – Evening film at 7.30pm This quintessential British film of 1969 is a flashy, fast romp that chases a team of career criminals through one of the biggest international gold heists in history! Michael Caine stars as Charlie Croker, a stylish robber and skirt-chaser just out of British prison. Shunning rehabilitation for returning to a life of crime, Croker takes over a complicated plan to hijack gold bullion from Italy ... right under the noses of the Italian Police and the Mafia. It’s a real roller-coaster that you won’t want to miss. Once again we look forward to welcoming you to all our events Christine Stuart-Taylor, Event Co-ordinator Tel: 01763 272990 Box Office: Chris Dellar Properties, 58 High Street Tel: 01763 272605 Online Booking via Billetto www.buntingfordfilmclub.org

The 2018 Buntingford Carnival has come and gone and I would just like to thank everyone involved in its preparation and execution on the day. This includes all of the committee, all of the marshals and all the people before and on the day who helped with either goods or services or time, or as some in the High Street did on the day offering electricity, gardens, changing facilities and other things too many to mention You know who you are and thank you all. Without you there would be no Carnival. Others to thank are all the businesses and organisations in town who donated hard cash so that we could purchase the entertainment, first aid, advertising, insurance, printing and other things that make the Carnival go with a swing. Again, without you all there would be no Carnival; see back of programme for names. Thanks also to the stall holders, whether local or from outside Buntingford, who come back Carnival after Carnival, with new ones interspersed with regulars. On the entertainment front I hope there was something for everyone and I would like to thank the local and not so local acts and organisations that put on entertainment for us at no charge – again, see back of programme for names. On the day the weather was great and the procession went off without a hitch! The winners of each category were:  Best Adult – Buntingford Community Choir  Best Children’s – Buntingford Scouts  Best Trade – Buntingford Social Club  Best Pre-school – Westmill Nursery  Best Individual or Family – Nicky Durrant On a sadder note it appears that the High Street businesses have fallen out of love with the Carnival. Very few support it, very few promote it and a growing number are against it. So I would just like to remind people and businesses in the town of a little bit of history about Buntingford Carnival. It was started in 1987 as a one-off fun day organised by the Civic Society to celebrate the opening of our by-pass and getting our High Street back. It was held in the High Street to promote the shops and businesses and to promote the town in general to a wider audience. Back then all the High Street businesses took part and involved themselves with the Carnival. Soon after this the Buntingford Carnival Committee was formed and it is these people that still organise and run the Carnival – all unpaid volunteers!, no councils involved in its running. It has been held in the High Street ever since, but with ever-growing complaints from High Street businesses, both before and on the day, about the carnival, the stalls and the entertainment, perhaps now is the time for a rethink. The criticism and VERY STRONG verbal abuse I and my committee have had to take makes me wonder if it is time to move the Carnival away from the High Street. I could name the shops and businesses in the High Street that complain but I won’t – you know who you are! More information about a future Carnival – if there is one – will be announced in 2019. Ashley Cantor – Chairman, Buntingford Carnival Committee 01763 272177 [email protected]

Herts & Essex Country Fair – Brent Pelham Sunday 19th August 2018 The 2018 Herts & Essex Country Fair, Dog and Heavy Horse Show takes place in The Park, Brent Pelham, SG9 0AT. It is a traditional, local, Country Fair which provides an entertaining day out for all the family The beautiful shire horses will be out in force again and the Heavy Horse enthusiasts will be running a range of classes to recognise the breeds of heavy horses which have played such an important role in agriculture in the past. The main ring events will feature a variety of displays by sheepdogs, gun dogs, foxhounds, beagles, bassets, ferrets and falconry, as well as a parade of vintage tractors. All dogs are welcome at the show and they will be able to enter the classes in the Family Dog Show – perhaps the ‘Best 6 legs’ class is for you? In addition your dog’s skills can be tested in the Gun Dog Scurry, on the dog agility course, or in the new dog obedience competition. Local Gamekeeper Steve Reynolds of Hamels Park, Buntingford, will be the commentator for the day and will be encouraging spectators to try their hand at traditional games such as egg throwing. New for 2018 will be the ‘man versus horse’ tug of war challenge. There will be a number of quality local trade stands and a funfair for children. A range of refreshments will be available including Teas, Bar, Hog Roast, BBQ.

Entry: Adults £8, under 18 years £3, under 5 years free Gates open at 10.30am Heavy Horse classes commence at 10.30am Main ring displays start at 11am. For further details see website: www.hertsandessexcountryfair.com Trade Stands and other enquiries to: 07770 746813.

CLUB SPIRIT – A Short Story “It’s got dark early today.” Tim was meekly trying to suggest an end to their game. “It’s only dark ‘cos you’re three holes down and l’m rubbing your nose in it. Come on, man up, we can finish, there’s only one hole left.” Brian was goading his already beaten opponent. “Do you mind if l back out? I’d like to get back to the clubhouse and get a shower.” “More like a couple of scotches inside you. Alright, you wimp out, but make sure you get the winner’s drinks lined up. I’m going to play this last one, see if l can break eighty.” Tim, surrendering from the challenge, started to make his way back across the course. Nothing, he decided, was going to stop Brian in that mood. After some thirty yards he turned to watch him as he selected his driver and took a couple of practice swings. Before Brian settled into his stance, Tim shouted back “See you in the bar!” “Bloody wimp” was Brian’s muffled reply. It was dark and dank for a January afternoon, still not three o’clock. The full daylight had failed to emerge since a foggy start to the day, and now the mist had again descended to meet the moisture rising from the lush grass. With Tim now out of sight and earshot, Brian focused on the ball as he raised the club back and tried to achieve the rhythm and tempo of a slow full swing. The crack of impact was deadened by the damp air, as the ball’s flight skewed left some indeterminate distance ahead in the gloom. Brian’s oath was accompanied by the clatter of his club thrown violently into the golf bag as he stomped off in the direction of the misdirected ball. Now alone, he permitted himself a personal diatribe about the faults with his shot as he strode the clammy fairway. He took little solace in the fact that the ball had only reached the edge of the wood. He moped and hovered over the straggly long grass around the trees, as he prodded the area with a golf club hoping to uncover the ball. He was agitated by his poor shot, his rotten luck and now his glasses were misting over from the damp and his rising body heat. Suddenly it didn’t seem such a great game. Then, the immense relief of discovery overcame all other difficulties as the virginal white object came into view. Brian rapidly prepared for his next shot, selected a club, took his stance and with his mind and eyes appraised the line of flight. He drew back and swore; still his glasses were too cloudy. “Let me clean them for you.” A voice made the offer from behind him. Brian was startled by the man now at his side, hand held out to take the spectacles. He was elderly, at least in Brian’s opinion, probably in his sixties and turned out like a golfer of yesteryear in plus fours, long white socks with a scarlet summer shirt and tweed cap. The gentleman smiled serenely, oblivious to the wintry conditions. “I’m sorry, l didn’t notice you there.” “No.” “Are you still playing?” Brian quizzed him, polishing his own specs. “Yes, in a way.” The paucity of his answers puzzled Brian, but he was determined to get on and complete his game in the rapidly fading light. His mind now finely honed to the task, he blocked out the interruption and hit a stabby, low-slung shot out of the long grass. To his satisfaction he saw the ball run up and onto the edge of the green. “Well done, you seem to have rescued the situation, again.” His new companion strode beside Brian, without clubs or bag, but still smiling serenely. “Would you mind tending the flag for me?” Brian enquired. The stranger took his place in the centre of the green, poised over the hole, ready to lift the pin should the putt threaten its target. The reassuring ‘dunk’ of ball in hole was

followed by a “Yes!” from the ecstatic Brian. The round was over, his score had been achieved, his opponent slaughtered. He allowed himself to unwind a smile for the first time that day. “You do seem to take your golf a little too seriously, you know.” The elderly man stooped to pick the ball from the hole. “Well you’ve got to, if you want to be any good. Still you must be a keen spectator to come and watch dressed like that.” “I only have a passing interest these days.” The stranger began to sound superior. “I thought you said you were still playing.” Brian for the first time showed a little interest in the man. “Let’s say l like to see the spirit of the game upheld. Golf is a game of trust, and should only be played by those able to uphold that trust with honesty.” He paused, allowing Brian an opportunity to speak which was declined. “Such as only playing with one ball, not dropping another one from your pocket when the original can’t be found.” Brian felt the full brunt of the accusation and was cornered. “What do you mean? That’s not the kind of thing l do.” He protested, clearly flustered. “What are these then?” The man produced three golf balls from the pockets of his plus fours. “I’ve been watching you all day. Whenever one of your stray shots ended in the rough, you appeared to find the ball with little difficulty and then played on. A little further searching by me revealed these. That is the mark you put on your ball isn’t it?” “What are you talking about?” Brian tried to argue, “This is nonsense!” “I don’t think you’ll do it again.” The stranger wagged his finger like an admonishing school teacher. Annoyed at the accusation, Brian turned away towards his golf bag at the edge of the green to mark his scorecard. “Bloody old fool, probably on day release from the local funny farm,” he mumbled to himself as he picked up his bag to leave. It was then that he considered that perhaps the old chap had got out and was in fact lost. He should maybe take him back to the clubhouse and try to get him repatriated. But as Brian turned to speak to him the elderly man started slowly to revolve. Gradually increasing in speed, his body was shrinking and spiralling into a vortex. Within seconds he had disappeared, as if down a plug hole. Brian stepped gingerly towards the hole and looked down. There at the bottom were the three balls he had been shown as evidence of his cheating. He looked around, anxious to find a witness to the event. The course, by now deserted, was in almost total darkness. An enormous embarrassment enveloped him. He felt both lonely and foolish. Gathering his golf bag he headed for the sanctuary of the clubhouse, whose warmly lit bar seemed the only escape. Tim was sitting in an ample leather armchair beside a roaring coal fire, a whisky glass raised to his lips. He eyed Brian and started to stand to offer him a tipple. Before he could make the gesture Brian had stopped in his tracks just feet away and was looking over Tim’s head at the oil painting above the fire. The ornate heavy gilt frame contained a simple but graphically accurate portrait of the club’s first captain, in the years 1897 to 1906. Charles Pilkington-Reece stood beside the flag of the eighteenth green sporting plus fours, a scarlet shirt and tweed cap, smiling serenely at the artist. “Are you feeling alright Brian? You look very peaky. Come on, drink your scotch, that’ll sort you out.” Brian accepted Tim’s offer, sat down and gestured his friend to come closer. He took a deep breath and a draught of the whisky. “Tim, l’ve got something l need to tell you.” David Bantick, Buntingford Writers’ Group

Westmill Art Exhibition – August Bank Holiday 2018 The time is fast approaching. Are you busy painting? New artists are always welcome. Artists who have exhibited previously will be contacted. The exhibition will be held as usual over the Bank Holiday weekend on 25, 26 and 27 August between 10am and 5pm in Westmill Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come and have a look. There is no entry fee to the exhibition, but donations are welcome. All works are for sale. Funds raised go to local charities and good causes. Hope to see you there. For further information or an entry form contact: Olga 01763 273654 or e-mail Sue on [email protected]

In 2018 Herts Open Studios is bigger than ever, with 150 artists taking part at almost 70 solo and group venues across the County. As always, visitors will be able to enjoy a rich mix of free-to-enter experiences including personal studios, live demonstrations, exhibitions and more. This hugely popular fixture in Hertfordshire’s annual art calendar is a unique opportunity for inspiration and discovery. So what can Open Studios visitors expect? Artists, artisans, designers and craft-makers across Hertfordshire are involved in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, glass, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, metalwork and more, and for the three weeks of the Open Studios are ready to show, demonstrate or talk about their work, or just allow quiet browsing if that is what visitors prefer. Regardless, a warm welcome is assured at every venue. The sought-after Herts Open Studios brochure will be launched at the Herts Visual Arts Big Art Fair taking place on 14th and 15th July at Hitchin Town Hall as part of the Hitchin Festival. This mine of information lists everything you need to know to plan your journey of discovery around the artists and venues taking part in Open Studios 2018. Following the launch it will be made available at selected galleries and libraries around the county and will also be on-line via the Herts Visual Arts website: https://www.hvaf.org.uk/Open-Studios/About-Open-Studios

Buntingford In Transition A big thank you! … to everyone who turned out last month to pick up litter from the streets of Buntingford and collected a heap of rubbish!

Community Garden update A start has been made to develop an edible garden alongside the attractive flowers and shrubs previously cared for by Brian Lemay together with Jean Devenish who is still maintaining these, not to mention Sergeant Duncan Wallace who keeps the grass neat and tidy. We are very grateful to them all for their time and commitment, which leaves me to concentrate on growing fruit and veg, which I hope will be enjoyed by the community as it ripens. The plan for this year is to grow pumpkins with a view to holding a fun pumpkin picking event at the end of October. In the meantime, I have planted a few raspberry canes and some rhubarb. There won't be much to pick this year but hopefully there will be an abundance in years to come – watch this space. Madela Baddock / [email protected] / 07778 298605

HOME-START ROYSTON & SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE Invites you to take part in our KITE FESTIVAL CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION Open to children in the following four age categories: under 3s; 3–5 year olds; 6–8 year olds; and 9-11 year olds The Theme is to ‘DESIGN A KITE PICTURE’ Please design your picture on a piece of A4 paper or card, then on the back write your name, age and telephone number. Post your entry to us by Friday 3rd August, 2018 At: Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Royston, Herts SG8 6JP Or come and see us on the Home-Start stall at the Royston Kite Festival on Sunday 5th August and do your picture then. Entries will be judged towards the end of the event and prizes awarded for each age category. Winners will be notified Queries or further information, call the Home-Start office: Tel: 01763 262 262 www.hsrsc.org.uk Charity No: 1105385

FUNDRAISING EVENTS THIS SUMMER Charity Bike Ride – 1st July Starting midday at the Chequers Pub in Woolmer Green, and visiting another pub along the way. The ride is in fancy dress with the theme of ’films’. All proceeds to the Hospice. For more information call Marion on 01438 813216.

Picnic Concert – 8th July, 2pm at The Clockhouse, Stanstead St Margarets, SG12 8QT. The Mimram Singers celebrate 40 years together with this concert for the Hospice. For details call Cheryl Cusack on 01707 382540.

Jumble Sale – 14th July, 2pm at Thundridge Village Hall. Come and grab a bargain. Entrance 20p.

‘An American Summer’ – 14th July, 7pm at St Andrew’s Church, Much Hadham SG10 6DL. A choral concert celebrating the Great American Songbook in all its variety – Rat Pack standards, country and folk classics, musical theatre anthems, glorious gospel and uplifting works by living American composers. For details call Cheryl Cusack on 01707 382540.

Isabel Hospice Bubblerush 5k run – 22nd July at Cheshunt Park. A child-friendly fun run with five bubble stations around the course blasting you with crazy colourful bubbles! Live entertainment, fabulous food stalls and a selfie tent to snap photos with friends. Ticket price includes a free T-shirt and medal. Adults £25, children £8, under 5s free. Please note – you must buy 1 parking ticket per car to park at Cheshunt Park. More information and entry at: www.isabelhospice.org.uk/bubblerush

Music on a Summer’s Afternoon – 29th July, 1–9pm at Hopley’s Garden Centre, Much Hadham, SG10 6BU. At the invitation of East Herts District Council Chairman, Councillor Keith Warnell, an afternoon of music which also includes a sumptuous tea, licensed bar, tombola, stalls and more. Bring your own rugs and chairs. Tickets £20, children under 14 free with an adult. Please contact Esther Piper on 01992 531402.

Hertford Gin Club Festival– 18th August, 6pm at Hertford Cricket Club, Balls Park, Mangrove Road, Hertford SG13 8AN. Sip a G&T while watching the last few overs before enjoying a gin tasting evening, hog roast, live music and an auction in aid of the Hospice. Tickets £15. For information call Cheryl on 01707 382540..

Goatfest – 24th to 26th August, at Bury Lane, Codicote. This 3-day family friendly music festival enjoys its 10th year this summer, supporting the best in live music, street food and creativity while raising money for Isabel Hospice and other local charities. Tickets now on sale at www.goatfestuk.com

Isabel Hospice Ladies Charity Golf Day – 31st August at Brocket Hall. Join us for the 22nd Anniversary of the Ladies’ Open Golf Day in support of the Hospice. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided for golfers on arrival, with a two-course lunch on returning from the course. Prize presentation, a 4-Ball Better Ball Stapleford competition and a goody bag to take home. The Golf Academy will be available for players before their round and there will be a 2-Tee start on the Palmerston Course from 8.30am. Entry £150 per pair. Golfers may participate from any golf club, but each pair may only contain one Brocket Hall member. For more information contact Jan Leggetter on [email protected]

EAST HERTS CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU The Manor House, Buntingford Drop-in: Telephone: Monday 10:00am – 4:00pm 03444 111 444 Tuesday 10:00am – 1:00pm Monday – Friday Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm 10:00am – 4:00pm

Doorstep Loan Refunds I do not think the company that sold me a doorstep loan carried out proper affordability checks and now I cannot afford to pay it back. Can I get a refund? The Financial Conduct Authority – which regulates the doorstep loan market – says a loan is unaffordable if you cannot make repayments without borrowing again. The law says that home credit lenders have to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can find out whether a home credit lender is authorised by checking the Register on the FCA website at www.fca.org.uk. If someone offers to lend you money on the doorstep, it's a good idea to ask to see their or their lender’s authorisation. If they don’t have one, they are operating illegally and you should avoid borrowing from them. Lenders must check your finances and situation – including future income and spending – to make sure you can pay back the loan. You might feel your agreement was unaffordable if you were given a loan that was more than you could manage to repay and it caused you problems. If you think you are owed a refund, first complain to your lender. List the ways you think their affordability checks were not properly done, the problems this has caused, and what you would like to happen. The lender must acknowledge your complaint promptly and has eight weeks to respond formally or resolve your problem. If you are not happy with their response, or they don’t respond at all, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service using a form on its website. Should the lender agree with your complaint, they may agree to write off the balance left on the loan or refund some of the interest you have paid. If they don’t, and you have to take your complaint further, the Ombudsman can force the lender to write off the interest or even the remainder of the loan, and possibly order them to pay a small amount of compensation for your distress if they uphold the complaint. The Ombudsman’s decision is binding on your lender. Further help and information:  The Money Advice Service website has lots of useful information about borrowing and managing your money.  Consumer Credit Association (CCA) www.ccauk.org  FCA authorisation register www.fca.org.uk  Lenders Compared www.lenderscompared.org.uk © Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date information, visit their website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

At Easter we all enjoyed the sunshine at Buntings Out Of School club! We are very lucky to have children joining us from all the local and village schools to have fun and make friends during each holiday and this time was no different. We always have a jam-packed programme full of craft activities, baking, outdoor play, Lego and much more. The children really enjoyed getting messy with crafts and baking (below).

We are really excited about the summer holidays coming up as we have lots to look forward to. Labtots will be visiting us again, as will the very popular Red Breast Pottery. We have some days devoted to forest skills with campfires and marshmallows included! We also have a pamper morning planned, swimming every week and trips to Paradise wildlife park and air space. You can download our programme from: http://www.buntingsnursery.co.uk/outofschool/laystonplayschemes.html

Royston & Buntingford Children’s Centre Group is made up of Bramble Hill Children’s Centre in Mill Close, Buntingford, and Royston & Villages Children’s Centre in Royston. Both centres offer access to services for children under 5 and their families. Our ‘What’s on Guide’ includes details of all the sessions we run. Let us know if you would like one sent to you by email or post. We are currently looking for volunteers to help at sessions. If this is something you may be interested in, please give us a call. Our Outreach Workers can provide one to one advice and support on a range of subjects, including • Domestic abuse • Accessing benefits • Housing • Returning to work • 2 year funding • Children’s behaviour, and • Sleep. Please call or email us if you need support with any of these issues. The Children’s Centres also offer support to women who are, or have been, in difficult relationships and can help them to address abuse within the home. Please call us confidentially for more information. There are loads of ways you can keep up to date with what’s happening at our centres. You can call us on 01763 273008 (Bramble Hill) or 01763 243338 (Royston); search for us on Facebook and ‘like’ the pages; or email us at roystonbuntingford.cc @oneymca.org. There’s information on our web pages too at www.oneymca.org.

The Children of Reed First School joined in the celebrations for the Royal wedding with a truly wonderful ‘Royal Wedding Bake Off’. Everyone was invited to submit an entry into one of three categories: Yummiest Child Entry; Tastiest Grown-Up Entry; and Craziest Bake. We were inundated with entries including a Meghan Markle cake, cake pops, lemon meringues and many more – the photo (above right) shows just a few. Our very own Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry came to judge and the whole school and their families enjoyed tea and cake in the sunshine.

One of the things Reed School is rich in is community spirit, which shone through at our recent Environmental Weekend. From our smallest pupils to parents, teachers and villagers, we all worked together around the school grounds to give them that extra sparkle (photos above and right). We are pleased to be offering not only 30 free hours for eligible children, but also to have extended our wrap-around care provision from 8am until 5:15pm. Our annual sports day was, as usual, a wonderful day where the sun shone along with all the children who took part. The children's favourite races are always the novelty ones, especially if they involve some water in some way! Well done to the Green team who won the school trophy this year. As we all get ready to enjoy our Leavers' play ‘Mermaids Verses Pirates’ we would like to take the opportunity to wish all of the children leaving our school to start Middle School the very best of luck. 01763 848 304 / www.reed.herts.sch.uk

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

Then came the jolly sommer, being dight In a thin silken cassock, coloured greene, That was unlyned all, to be more light. Edmund Spenser The Faerie Queene (1589-96), Book VII, Canto VII, Stanza 29 ‘Jolly sommer’ is upon us and Layston has been a hive of activity, action and accomplishment. Recently we were delighted to be awarded the 2017/18 School Games Activity Kite Mark at Gold standard (right) in recognition of our sporting and activity output over the year. One of the events that contribute to this award was the annual Cross Country Festival held on the 10th May at Freman College with six local schools taking part. A number of Layston children placed in medal positions. This represents a significant personal achievement for these children against tough competition in what were at times gruelling races. No one gave up or failed to complete despite some individual hardship and we applauded the determination and courage of our youngsters. With a whole school sports day and an inter-school sports day still to come, plus the finals of speed stacking and an inter school rounders festival all to be completed by the end of term, the sporting scene at Layston looks rosy indeed. Helping our children to look outwards to the world and to make a difference through their positive action continues. We have held two charitable events this term so far. First our Y3 children planned and organised ‘Water Wednesday’ on 25th April. Activities included a fun water relay at lunchtime (photos left and below) that helped the children appreciate the difficulties of transporting water on foot. They also held a cake sale after school. By their efforts the children raised an amazing £111.38 for the charity Water Aid and were congratulated on their initiative. To celebrate the recent royal wedding, member of staff Karen Handy coordinated a baking competition for the children on the theme of kings and queens. Flair and baking prowess was much in evidence making the event such a huge success that it raised well over

£400 for the Stand Up to Cancer charity. The competition was judged by old scholar and aspiring chef Bradley. We held a ‘100 Years of Votes for Women’ competition to encourage our children to investigate the contribution women have made to the cultural, literary, political, financial, artistic, scientific and sporting life through the ages. The competition saw some powerful entries from across the school (photo below). Women who had inspired the children included Beatrix Potter, Hedy Lamarr, Irena Sedler, Coco Chanel, Maggie Alphonsi and Maya Angelou.

Winners of the children’s cake competition

An unpredictable spring meant a later start on our allotment this year. However the more recent sunshine has brought on the crops rapidly. We have already harvested rhubarb, strawberries and chives, with carrots, radishes, courgettes and spinach on their way whilst the herb bed flourishes. A delight of this season is for the children to relish their time in the forest. Forest school is a unique and much valued addition to our curriculum in which all children participate on a weekly basis. Finally we have our Leavers Service at St Peter’s to look forward to in our last week of term. We say ‘bon voyage’ to our Year 4 children and wish them well on their journey to Middle School. This will also be my last Buntingford Journal entry as I retire at the end of this term alongside the much admired deputy head and reception teacher Mrs Sue Smith. It has been a privilege to share with you a regular snapshot of Layston School over the last five years. Thank you for all your support. For a final time I wish you all a happy, creative and peaceful summer. Kind regards, Mrs Bloomfield, Headteacher To find out more about Layston School, visit our website: www.layston.herts.sch.uk

Millfield First & Nursery School www.millfield.herts.sch.uk Summer Term This is a wonderful time of year for the children with many exciting sporting opportunities, trips and visits. It is also the time of year when we celebrate and say goodbye to our Year 4 children and prepare to welcome new children starting with us in September. Buntingford Carnival As a school we very much enjoyed participating in the Carnival Parade on Saturday 16th June. Millfield children, teachers and parents were dressed as Disney and Pixar characters to celebrate the Carnival theme of ‘At the Movies’ (photos right & below). During the morning, our Year 2, 3 and 4 pupils entertained with their country dancing.

Nursery visit to Standalone Farm The Cedar and Pine Classes enjoyed a visit to Standalone Farm where they saw a range of animals, including many baby ones, as well as watching a cow being milked and feeding the lambs. The children also played on tractors and in the playground area. Reception visit to Shepreth Wildlife Park The Oak and Cherry Classes had a great time at Shepreth where they were able to see a range of animals to complement their topic of ‘Minibeasts and Wild Animals’. KS1 visit to Walton on the Naze Our Key Stage 1 pupils are looking forward to a day at the seaside on Friday 13th July. As part of their summer term work on ‘the seaside in history’ they will walk around the Naze collecting plant samples and looking at land use.

Year 4 Residential Trip Our Year 4 pupils are looking forward to their two night residential visit to the Lincolnsfields Centre near Watford on Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th July. They will take part in a range of activities including a visit to a soft play barn, orienteering and nature investigations. This is a great opportunity for the children to develop a whole range of skills as well as having lots of fun together as a year group. View your child’s work We are hoping to see many parents and carers come along to view their children’s work after school on Thursday 28th June, when they will also able to look around all the classes and see all the lovely work on display. It means so much to the children to share their work for the year in this way. Summer Fair Our Annual Summer Fair is on Friday 29th June when we hope that many of you will come along to enjoy a special evening of fun with us. Entertainment includes country dancing and ukulele playing, and we are grateful to the Buntingford Choir for coming along to sing for us too. Huge thanks go to the PTA who have worked really hard to make this event special. Transition Day On Thursday 12th July, our Year 4 pupils are going to visit their middle schools (photos, left and right) for the day. All our other children will go to visit their new class and meet their teacher for the year ahead. Leavers Assembly On Wednesday 18th July we will be holding a Special Assembly to celebrate with our Year 4 leavers. It is wonderful to see the pride our pupils take in their achievements and it is a special opportunity for us to share these with their families. Year 4 parents are invited to the Assembly and to join us for tea and cakes in the playground afterwards. Sports Days It is always lovely to see parents and carers coming to support the children at our annual Sports Days, which this year are on 10th and 11th July. The events should be especially colourful as the children will be wearing PE T-shirts in their new house colours. Nursery Vacancies for September 2018 Throughout July we will continue to welcome new children and their parents/carers for induction sessions and meetings ahead of them starting in Nursery and Reception in September 2018. For children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 we have a few places still available in our afternoon Nursery class to start in September. The afternoon Nursery session times are term time Monday to Friday 12:10pm to 3:10pm, totaling 15 hours of free early education. We recommend attending five sessions per week. If you are interested in taking one of these places, or know someone who may be interested, please contact the School Office immediately. Laura Kennedy-Weeks, Headteacher If you would like to know more about our School (or Little Stars Nursery) please visit our website www.millfield.herts.sch.uk or contact the school on 01763 271717.

Edwinstree Middle School A Voluntary Controlled Church of England School As a Christian school, we recognise the unique and wonderful in everyone. As a community, we support one another to flourish and live life in all its fullness. We took time out to celebrate the Royal wedding and our great British tradition of inclusivity. As part of the day, we dressed as Royal guests and wedding well-wishers and students took part in a celebration cake bake-off. During the afternoon, some students took part in the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Edwinstree House Competition, whilst the remainder of the school watched, munching their cake creations! Dance couples from each house entered the competition and had two hours to create their own routine. The choreography had to include five set steps and they were encouraged to be creative as they danced to ‘Can You Feel It’ by Michael Jackson. As you can see from the photos, we were so lucky with the weather. Thank you to our neighbours who were kind enough to put up with the loud music as the whole school danced to the Macarena at the end of our celebrations! Lea House were the overall winners.

A selection of our Celebration Cakes baked to celebrate the Royal Wedding

UKTSDF Tang Soo Do visit Edwinstree We are actively encouraging local coaches to use our facilities after school, particularly if they offer reduced rates to our students to attend the clubs. To support this initiative, we are not charging them rent for the year. We all had the opportunity to watch a

demonstration of Tang Soo Do, which is taught in a non-contact environment to reduce the risk of injury whilst learning. Training includes the teaching of self- defence techniques, controlled sparring, free fighting and pattern forms. Accuracy is given to speed and power. Two members of staff were brave enough to act as volunteers (below), much to the delight of the students! We are huge fans of the discipline that martial arts teaches and the importance of control over anger. We look forward to seeing how our students get on! Year 7 Robotics Day Year 7 students had the opportunity to take part in a Computer Robotics Day, fully funded by the school (photos below). Nowadays, robots and drones are starting to control more and more of our everyday activities. Year 7 have been learning how to design and construct a robot using Lego-type equipment. After creating their own robot, they then developed a program that allowed the robot to navigate around a space and to take avoiding action if another object appeared in its way. Our students could become future designers of new generation driverless cars. This was followed up by two year 8 pupils delivering a Collective Worship based around their passion for programming. We call these Collective Worships ‘Sharing my Wonderful’ as they give students the opportunity to share what makes them special and what they are interested in!

School roll increasing As our reputation improves within the community, over this half term we have had a number of new students joining us at Edwinstree, with more to arrive following the SAT assessments. Our Year 5 and Year 7 intake will be increased to a four-form entry for the next academic year. Parents are always welcome to come and view the school in action during a normal working day; please contact the school office to make an appointment. This term we look forward to exploring our new Christian value of ‘Compassion’. As we begin to discover the importance of ‘compassion’, we have been introduced to a word we think might have been forgotten: ‘humility’. We are working hard to put this word into practice and not to see ourselves as the centre of the universe! It was nice to hear from a grandparent with a toddler remark on seeing our students returning from the park that they were lovely and kind to her, as they stepped out of the way and helped her child over the wires laid out by the fair. Jo Gant, Headteacher

Freman’s annual art exhibition once again showcased the work of our Art and Photo- graphy students. The exhibition gives them chance to prove the quality, variety, maturity and depth of their work (photo below) and it is a great opportunity for pupils from the First and Middle schools to come and be inspired by what they may be able to achieve.

Freman College sporting news: Huge congratulations to our Herts Schools Athletics County competitors. Freman athletes put in some outstanding performances and achieved magnificent results, including:  Emily Swain (right) – U15 800m Hertfordshire Champion  Katie Liptrot – U17 300m, 3rd place  Calwyn Lawrence John – U17 Triple Jump, 4th place Congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 girls Calypso cricket teams. The teams ended up playing each other in the semi-finals of the tournament in Hertford, which saw Year 9 triumph with Freman taking 3rd and 4th places. Special mention to Holly Risley for managing and officiating the Year 9 team and for coaching them for the last term.

The Year 9 cricketers started their season as they mean to go on with a victory against St Mary’s. This will hopefully be the first of many successes for them. Finally, well done to our Year 10 girls rounders team (left) who notched up a convincing win against Leventhorpe.

BALFF – Buntingford Adult Learning for Fun Following a successful course of 10 lectures on London, a group of 37 members had a visit to the Houses of Parliament where we were divided into two groups and shown around. In the middle of our tour there was a fire alarm and we all had to return to the main holding room until it was safe for us to continue. After that visit we went on to Docklands for lunch and to go round the Museum Of London. The photograph below, taken by Neville Chuck, shows one of our two groups in the Houses of Parliament.

Our next 10 week course starts on 19th September at the Community Centre, Luynes Rise. The course is ‘Boudica and Resistance to Roman Rule’. “What have the Romans ever done for us?” asked John Cleese in The Life of Brian. The answer was: aqueducts, sanitation, roads, medicine, education, wine, public health, towns and most of all PEACE. If anyone would like more information on the new course please phone Julia on 01763 272584

B A L A Buntingford Action for the Less Able Registered Charity No. 1094426 Minibus trips for July 2018

Wed 4th 9:30–2:30pm St Albans – Market Day £7

Thurs 5th 9:15–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Wed 11th 10:30–2:30pm Braintree – Freeport Outlet Centre £8

Thurs 12th 9:15–12ish Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre – Market Day £4

Sun 15th 9:30–3ish The Museum of London at London Wall £12

Thurs 19th 9:15–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Tues 24th 9:30–3pm Southend on Sea £12

Wed 25th 11:30am Pub Lunch £4

Tues 31st 9:30–3pm Peterborough – Shops and Cathedral £12

August Thurs 2nd 9:15–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Mon 6th 10am–2:30pm St Ives – Market Day £8

Thurs 9th 9:30–3pm Bury St Edmunds £12

Mon 13th 10:30–2:30ish Jordans Mill (near Biggleswade) – Gardens, £7 mill, shop, café

Wed 15th 9:30–2:30pm St Albans – Market Day, Abbey £8

Thurs 16th 9:15–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

Wed 22nd 2–4:30ish Granchester Orchard Tea Room (near £7 Cambridge) – Afternoon tea from £6

th Thurs 30 9:15–12ish Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford £4

All trips start from Benson Hall car park unless otherwise agreed. To book a seat or for more information call: 01763 271708 / 01763 271909 / or 07870 638480

B.A.L.A. CREAM TEA at Benson Hall 2.30pm–4.00pm / £5 / Raffle Wednesday 18th July 2018

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

BUNTINGFORD W.I. I am writing this after another great Carnival; what a wonderful atmosphere and so nice to see a packed High Street. We enjoyed being ‘The Calendar Girls’ for the afternoon and thanks to everyone who supported our stall. Vanessa Mann came along to our June meeting and brought along some of her collection of old postcards, most dating from the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th. Sending postcards was very popular at that time; you could write a quick message, put it in the post and it would be delivered that same day – a sort of early type of social media! Vanessa’s hobby is not just about collecting postcards; she gleans snippets of information from them and tries to find out something about the life of the person sending it or the person it was sent to. Some of the postcards are written in code, or words are written backwards, presumably to stop the postmen reading them! Stamps were put in different places to convey a message; for example, a strategically placed stamp would mean ‘I love you’. As this is our centenary year in the WI, we have arranged for a commemorative plaque to be attached to the original Buntingford WI Hall, which is now The Tile Shop at the northern end of the High Street. The plaque will be unveiled on Thursday 9th August at 1.30pm, followed by a Garden Party for members and invited guests. We would like to thank Gary Lampard of The Tile Shop for his help and co-operation. Our next meeting is on Thursday 12th July and our guest speaker is Andy Gibbs talking about ‘The Poor Man’s Friend’. We meet at the United Reformed Church Hall at 7.15 for 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome. Val Hume For more information about Buntingford W.I. call Jen Cresswell on 01763 273221

Millfield School Monday nights, 7:30–9:30pm In 2011 Mandy and Gareth Wilson decided they would like to form a new choir for the good folks of Buntingford and surrounding area. The word was spread, twenty people turned up to the first evening (some of whom are still with us) and Buntingford Community Choir was born. Regrettably, due to changes in their work schedules, they can no longer devote the necessary time to run the choir on a weekly basis. So after seven years, with more than 300 rehearsals, and many performances around the town, we need to find a new Musical Director. The Choir will miss them, but will continue with the same enthusiasm, ideas, values and ethos. We will continue to meet and sing on Monday evenings, with two interim Musical Directors, both of whom have led the choir on previous occasions. We are currently advertising for a new Musical Director, so if you, or somebody you know, may be interested in applying for the position please go to our website for details. www.buntingfordchoir.co.uk We are always looking for new choir members, so if you are interested in joining our Choir, just come along to Millfield School at 7:30 on a Monday evening. There are no auditions and you do not need to be able to read music.

Buntingford Town FC www.buntingfordtownfc.com

Buntingford’s final First Team match of the 2017/18 season was on 19th May, and the team bounced back from the 5-0 defeat at Broadfields a week earlier with a 1-1 draw at home to FC Lemsford. Despite finishing at the foot of the table we can take some comfort from the fact that we did indeed complete the season despite such a poor start. Indeed, players and managers alike can take solace from the fact that the last few months of the season saw a settled side which was playing well, with a much better team spirit, and was rewarded with some good results. Definitely something to build on as we look to the 2018/19 campaign. The last two matches of the Reserves’ season were not played due to our opposition being unable to field a side. Having spent most of this year trying to keep our second- string going, the irony of this did not escape me. But we were happy to be awarded the 6 points anyway. The team finished 7th (of 9) in the league table, which was disappointing as at the start of the season hopes of a league title were high. But considering the player availability issues we have had, our lowly position was not entirely unexpected. If we can get two settled teams next season I expect us to do much better. At the Herts Senior County League AGM it was no surprise when our First Team was relegated to Division One; we expected it as the bottom 3 clubs are usually relegated. Having said that, the league actually only relegated us, introduced 3 new teams into the division and promoting 2 teams from Division 1. We will therefore have to fight for promotion back to the top flight next season, and the league has made that ambition even harder by adding new clubs to Division 1, increasing the number of teams from 14 to a staggering 18. I predict a massive fixture pile-up at the end of next season! This has been my 10th season as Chairman of Buntingford Town FC and I have decided that I should now stand down and let someone else take on the task. Over the last decade we have had our disappointments, but we have also had our successes. I am proud to have served our club and our community; this would not have been possible without all of the help so many people have given me during that time. I would like to thank you all. There are far too many to mention personally, but you know who you are. Why have I stepped down? Well, there was no real tipping point. Every season it has always been at the back of my mind that perhaps it is time to step aside, not least because change can be good for an organisation. I persuaded myself to go this season because it felt like the time was right. Buntingford is growing and our club should be growing with it; I am from the ‘jumpers for goalposts’ generation, and it is time to give way to new ideas. A Chairman needs to be actively developing relationships and leading the club into its chosen direction. Having served for 10 years I no longer have the energy and drive to do that. At our recent AGM the club Committee unanimously elected Mark Cotton as its new Chairman. Mark plays for our Vets and since his election to the committee in 2015 he has been an active and enthusiastic committee member who is never backwards in coming forwards – except on the pitch perhaps! I think he is an ideal choice as Chairman and wish him well in his new role. I myself will not be riding off into the sunset. I shall carry on as Club Secretary – my workload will therefore not be significantly reduced! However, this will be my last article for the Buntingford Journal, and I thank you all for taking the time to tolerate my

meanderings. I believe that this is actually my 100th submission – I reached my century! Hopefully Mark will keep up the good work once the summer recess has passed. Next season we will continue to have 2 sides in the Herts Senior County League which is still a good level of football and one which youngsters should aspire to as a good introduction to adult football. Our Veterans will continue to play in the Vets League; I am still so chuffed that they won their first trophy this season. The next season starts on 18th August, which is not that far away. Pre-season training is scheduled to start on 4th July at 7:45pm at Freman College on the fields behind the sports hall. If you are interested in joining the club please contact us via our website, facebook or twitter. Or just turn up on the night – we will be pleased to welcome any new players. We also have well-developed plans for a Buntingford Town Ladies team. Hopefully they will come to fruition. I think we have a couple of exciting years ahead of us … Chris Thurgill, Chairman, Buntingford Town FC

‘The March’ A Pins & Feathers Production A new play is coming to Buntingford on Wednesday 12th September, brought by community theatre company Pins & Feathers Productions. Their last production, ‘Seeing It Through’ – about the home front in East Herts during the First World War – was a great success when performed at St Peter’s in 2016. Their new show ‘The March’ is also based on local history – this time, the story of Herts women’s fight for the vote, 100 years ago. There is a fascinating link to the town’s history. On 22nd July 1913 Buntingford witnessed an extraordinary sight, when dozens of women marched into the town. They came in with ‘banners flying’, according to reports, having walked from Royston that day. These were Suffragists and they were among thousands all over the country, walking to London on their ‘Great Pilgrimage’, to demonstrate that there were law-abiding women everywhere who wanted the vote. The marchers were given a warm welcome and stayed the night at the George Hotel, before moving on to High Cross and Ware the next day. East Herts had a large and active Women’s Suffrage Society. Its members were not Suffragettes, engaged in violent protests against the government’s refusal to allow women the vote. They were Suffragists who believed in a democratic approach and campaigned peacefully to persuade MPs and the general public that women should have their full rights. While the Suffragists are not so well known today, they were far more numerous than the Suffragettes and played a huge part in changing society’s attitudes. A leading Suffragist locally was Mary Hope Greg of Coles Park, Westmill, whose husband Thomas was also a confirmed supporter of votes for women. ‘The March’ explores the struggles of those who campaigned for change, their setbacks and their triumphs. It is an entertaining and thought-provoking drama with music, suitable for age 11 upwards. It will be performed at Benson Hall, Buntingford, on Wednesday 12th September, 7.30pm. Tickets will be available from The Manor House from August. For more information see: www.pinsandfeathersproductions. com or email [email protected]

Royston and District Ramblers Group Walks for July 2018 Sun 1st Helions Bumpstead to Steeple Bumpstead, 12 miles, led by Paul 01763 244038 / 07544 232330 Tues 3rd Ickleton, 5 miles, led by Marion 01223 871524 / 07790 668049 Thurs 5th Hempstead, 6 miles, led by Martin 01763 838190 / 07565 578074 Fri 6th Evening: Abington Pigotts, 3½ miles, led by Sue 07507 286932 Sun 8th Horningsea, 7+3 miles figure-of-eight, Phil 01763 853744 / 07716 992847 Mon 9th Evening: Barley, 3 miles, John & Lesley 01763 241525 / 07989 278609 Tues 10th Croydon, 6 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Thur 12th Meldreth, 6 miles, led by Rama 01763 260565 / 07549 155396 Sat 14th Bring-and-Share Picnic at Reed, hosted by Margaret 01763 848576 / 07504 562785 Sun 15th Anglesea Abbey & Horningsea, 10½ miles, led by Roger & Lin 01763 261405 / 07941 856905 Tue 17th Preston, 6 miles, led by Michelle 01462 637874 / 07870 570138 Tue 17th Evening: Nuthampstead, 3 miles, David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Thur 19th Much Hadham, 6 miles, led by Viv & Jackie 07912 567378 / 07502 121852 Sun 22nd Anstey, Brent Pelham, 10 miles, David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Tues 24th Standon, 6 miles, led by John & Lesley 01763 241525 / 07989 278609 Wed 25th Evening: Sandon, 3 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Thur 26th Rushden, 6 miles, led by Lesley & John 01763 241525 / 07989 278609 Sun 29th Ickwell Green, Northill, 10 miles, Lorraine 01763 242054 / 07890 325735 Tue 31st Benington, 6 miles, led by George 01763 242281 / 07974 026348 Walks for August 2018 Thur 2nd Litlington, 6 miles, led by Margaret 01763 256788 / 07939 233697 Thur 2nd Evening: Ardeley, 3 miles, Roger & Mary 01763 281368 / 07840 832648 Sun 5th Wadesmill–Chapmore End, 10 miles, Paul 01763 244038 / 07544 232330 Tues 7th Walkern, 6 miles, led by Rita & Salli 01763 208755 / 07977 573003 Tues 7th Walkern, 3½ miles, led by Roger 01763 281368 / 07840 232648 Thur 9th Much Hadham, 6½ miles, led by Paul 01763 244038 / 07544 232330 Fri 10th Evening: Chipping, Buckland, 4 miles, David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Sun 12th Welwyn, Woolmer Green, Tewin, 12 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Mon 13th Evening: Croydon, Wendy, 4 miles, David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Tue 14th Grantchester, 6 miles, led by Peter 07951 362501 Thur 16th Therfield, 6 miles, led by David 01763 242677 / 07791 198026 Sun 19th River Ouse & Ivel, 9½ miles, led by Roy 01462 812591 / 07713 464510 Tue 21st Therfield Heath, 6 miles, Viv & Jackie 07912 567378 / 07502 121852 Tue 21st Evening: Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve, 3½ miles, Rita 01763 208755 Thur 23rd Tempsford, 6 miles, led by Martin 01763 838190 / 07565 578074 Sun 26th Campton, 12 miles, led by Roger & Linda 01462 453752 / 07896 620243 Tues 28th Horningsea, 6 miles, led by Phil 01763 853744 / 07716 992847 Wed 29th Evening: Shepreth, 3 miles + optional light supper (if pre-ordered), led by Rama 01763 260565 / 07549 155396 Thur 30th Fen Drayton, 6 miles, led by Ruth 01763 260746 / 07479 874787 Unless otherwise stated Tuesday & Thursday are morning walks, Sunday walks are all day. www.ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex.org.uk Click on ‘Groups’ and then on ‘Royston’ for details, or ring the walk leader.