the GADDESDEN DIARY SUMMER 2020
Online edition
www.littlegaddesden.org.uk
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The Gaddesden Society (Founded by the Home Guard) When the Home Guard “Stood Down” in 1945 it found itself in possession of two assets: first, a sum of money which was due for distribution among its members; and second the habit of working together for the benefit of the whole community. With these funds and with this habit of co-operation, the Gaddesden Society was formed.
Its children are now grown up and flourishing independently. The Art Club, the Artisan Golf Club and the Drama Club were all of them floated off by the Gaddesden Society; and we have been able from time to time, to help other clubs and societies. There will always be demands upon the Society. And there will always be people who enjoy helping to meet them. Many of our early pipe-dreams have come true, but there are many more to be fulfilled.
It is for these reasons that the Society must continue to exist. Like the Home Guard, it has no political or religious associations – it needs everyone within its ranks. VICARS BELL, 1961
President: Phil Heaphy (842283) [email protected] Honorary Secretary: Mandy Haynes (842496) [email protected]
Subscriptions The Gaddesden Diary is published quarterly in June, September, December, and March. Subscription fees are currently £5.00pa for local delivery and £8.00pa for UK postal delivery with overseas postal subscriptions by arrangement. Single copies are sold for £1.50 each. Your distributor will call at your home to collect your subscription in May and June of each year. In the event that you are unable to contact your distributor or have missed their round, please forward a cheque payable to ‘The Gaddesden Society’ to Phil Heaphy, Tudor Lodge, Little Gaddesden HP4 1NU. Tel 842283.
Editorial Team Editors: Phil and Rachel Heaphy (842283) [email protected], [email protected] Distribution: Anna Stevenson (842906) [email protected], Advertising: Matt Laver [email protected] Calendar: Nan Newberry (843155) [email protected]
The Gaddesden Diary
CLUB SECRETARIES / CONTACTS Gaddesden Society Mandy Haynes [email protected] 842496 Art Club Barbara Sheard [email protected] 843591 Book Club Fiona Masters [email protected] 843723 Bowls & Croquet Club Anne Isherwood [email protected] 842780 Bridge Group Pat Allen [email protected] 842601 Brownies Jo Bushe [email protected] 874933 Colts Anna Stevenson [email protected] 842906 Cricket Club Scott Stevenson [email protected] 07738 808140 Drama Club Lyn Hyde [email protected] 842267 Friends of Lt Gaddesden Sch. Claire Beard [email protected] 07793 825521 Hannah Jarvis [email protected] 07779 322226 Junior Football Club Nick Leach [email protected] 07710 093200 Music Club Ian Hamilton [email protected] 876660 parishclerk@littlegaddesden- Parish Council Alastair Greene 842795 parishcouncil.org.uk Parochial Parish Church Nikki Carr [email protected] 07990 503263 Royal British Legion Paul Woods [email protected] 843430 Rural Heritage Society George Godar [email protected] 842274 Scouts Tim Cooper [email protected] 842505 Sports Club Douglas Adams [email protected] 842746 Tennis Club Anne Gold [email protected] 843441 Village Produce Association June Abraham [email protected] 07760 144057 Women’s Institute Fiona Masters [email protected] 843723
USEFUL INFORMATION DEFIBRILATOR CABINET CODE C159X Ashridge Estate Office Ringshall Road 841800 - Night-time deer road casualties 101 Contact police - Other emergencies only 07771 974255 Citizen’s Advice Bureau Advice line 0844 873 1303 EDF Energy (power failure) 0800 7838 838 Friends of Ashridge Ashridge Visitor Centre 851227 Medical Driving Service Sarah Gall 842422 The Lt Gaddesden Charities Pat Catchpole 33 Ringshall 842544 Little Gaddesden School Lorna Elkes [email protected] 842464 Lt Gaddesden Pre-School Jenny Ivory [email protected] 07375 543288 Police (non-emergency) 101 - Ward Constable Lee Clements [email protected] 01727 359402 - Office 271143 Vicar Rev John Russell [email protected] 214898 Village Email Address List Mandy Haynes [email protected] Village Hall Bookings Paulette Reed 3 Chapel Close 842952 [email protected] Hemel Hempstead Hospital 0845 402 4331 Luton & Dunstable Hospital 0845 127 0127 Stoke Mandeville Hospital 01296 315000 Community Cars 212888
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The Gaddesden Diary
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The Gaddesden Diary
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Little Gaddesden Church of England Primary School An integral part of the local community, with spacious accommodation, a sound academic record, and a good range of extra-curricular activities. Ideal for every village child, from 4 to 11, providing excellent preparation for the full range of secondary schools. To arrange a visit, contact the Headteacher, Mrs Lorna Elkes 01442 842464 [email protected]
Summer 2020 Online Edition
EDITORIAL
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever ‘virtual’ Gaddesden Diary. You will have read so many comments about 2020 being ‘extraordinary’ and ‘unprecedented’ that publishing our Diary online only, for the first time in its 65- year history, is almost unremarkable. However, deciding that ‘the show must go on’, despite our printers being closed, almost all activities being postponed or cancelled, and, crucially, a desire to keep our distributors safe, a virtual edition seemed the best way forward. The Diary exists to keep our vibrant community connected, informed of all the activities and events to come, and to provide an ongoing record of what we have all been involved in.
The most important aspect of the Diary is that it reflects our lives and the involvement of the overwhelming majority of our community. Under normal circumstances, it is brought to you by 33 distributors and an editorial team of six, from contributions by 30 people who run the clubs, societies and activities, in which hundreds of us are engaged week-by-week, month-by-month. This is your Diary, made possible by everything that you are engaged in, and it is our privilege to be able to take part in the activities, to read the articles and to return it to you as a printed, or virtual, record, and never more so than right now.
We have been so grateful for all the contributions for this edition, to hear and see how we have been working together to help each other through the challenges that 2020 has brought and how many of the activities have carried on in a socially-distanced, responsible way. It has been inspiring to see so many examples of this but, please, take time to look through the ‘pages’ that follow, and do not miss the examples of the Cub group’s activities in lockdown. They really are fabulous!
You will also find some featured articles, beyond our normal Diary content, such as Stuart Green’s interesting and well-researched piece relating to his father’s Bomber Command service, particularly as we commemorated the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May, and the upcoming VJ Day in August. Also, we have included a number of photographs in our ‘Virtual Open Gardens’ feature. As we are all spending so much more time in our gardens
The Gaddesden Diary
and unable to visit others’, we thought it would be fun to include photographs for us all to enjoy. We have been inundated with beautiful photographs of gardens of all types and we are so grateful for the support and interest shown. We hope that you enjoy looking through the gardens as much as we did in selecting the photographs to include!
We are always somewhat hesitant to single out one group, one person, or one activity for special mention, in the knowledge that for each one we include, there are countless others who would richly deserve similar attention. Nonetheless, remembering that there are so many other good works and amazing contributions to be found, we want to give very special mention to three groups.
Firstly, our wonderful village shop, who have worked tirelessly to keep stocked and operational through the most challenging circumstances. They are right at the heart of our community, providing essential services for many, while maintaining a constantly cheerful, helpful, and positive attitude. We are all so grateful for everything that you do, every day, throughout the years, and never more so than right now. Thank you to the Odedra family and the whole team!
Secondly, the coordination of small groups by Sarah Gall and Wendy Molloy, providing a network of people offering support to anyone in need during lockdown and isolation, covering everyone in the village. As well as continuing the vital First Responder service, Sarah and Wendy have helped to bring a very practical, caring, and essential level of support to anyone in need. Thank you to them, and to all the volunteers who make up this wonderful effort.
Finally, to all the doctors, nurses, health service workers, carers, and others engaged in essential roles to keep our community safe and well. It has been inspirational to see and hear the Thursday evening ‘clap for carers’ taking place week after week, saluting the contributions of those who are on the front line.
On behalf of our community, thank you all, more than we could ever express.
The Editors
Summer 2020 Online Edition
GADDESDEN SOCIETY
In common with all other activities in the village and beyond, we were forced to cancel our March and May meetings, the latter to have included our AGM. These will be rescheduled in due course and our AGM held as soon as we are able.
At the moment, we have no idea whether the village sports day will be able to go ahead but will bring further news once we know.
For village news, if you are not already signed up to emails, please contact Mandy Haynes at [email protected].
The Gaddesden Society is very pleased to be sponsoring the ‘Virtual Open Gardens’ feature in this Diary. For every photograph published, we will donate £2 to the Hospice of St Francis.
Phil Heaphy
GADDESDEN SOCIETY TALKS
Herts Valleys Hospital – One Vision for Everyone
For our February talk, we were pleased to welcome Steve Day, an IT consultant who has developed a keen interest in the hospital regeneration and rebuilding schemes in the West Herts area. Together with colleagues from all areas of local business life, they have formed the HertsValleysHospital.co.uk. This group do not work for the NHS, but they are hoping to assist in achieving better healthcare for everyone, through a comprehensive assessment of current hospital facilities and the possible re-building schemes which could take place in the future.
Hospital facilities in Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans have been under review for some time. Evidently current plans include the refurbishment of Watford Hospital with some new buildings. It has been proposed by the local NHS that some of the Watford estate would be rebuilt and/or refurbished. In addition, St Alban’s Hospital would obtain new facilities with two new buildings and Hemel Hempstead would get a new minor injuries unit.
There are many stakeholders providing input for this overall project. These range from the local NHS planning group right up to Central Government.
The Gaddesden Diary
As part of the current NHS scheme, there would be some land sold off from all sites. This presumably would help to pay for new facilities. It was mentioned that funding has been obtained from Central Government. However, a time limit (up to 2025) has been set for significant progress on the project.
Evidently the Department of Health recommended one large hospital and smaller hospitals with related GP centres. It was mentioned that, up to now, there has not been much public consultation about these plans. Hopefully, this will be scheduled.
Steve’s group has considered all the proposals for the development schemes. They are concerned that with West Herts growth predictions and with the expansion of the towns of St Albans, Watford & Hemel Hempstead, the proposed revamped hospitals are unlikely to be clinically useful or convenient for the area. HertsValleysHospital.co.uk have come up with a proposal for a new hospital on a ‘green-field’ site within the Watford/ Hemel Hempstead/St Albans triangle. This would be more convenient for most of the local population. The site could also be used to provide re-located Mount Vernon Hospital facilities. HertsValleysHospital.co.uk has found a suitable site which is available. This proposal has been discussed with our MP and the local NHS, and hopefully will be considered alongside other proposals.
Clearly the refurbishment of the hospitals within the West Herts area is an extremely complex issue. There are many factors which must be considered. Thanks are due to Steve and his colleagues for their detailed consideration of the needs of the area and for indicating proposals which could be most useful. Further information can be obtained from the website: www.HertsValleysHospital.co.uk
David Seymour
There are other groups proposing different solutions for hospitals in the area. The above report represents only a reflection of the talk given on behalf of HertsValleysHospital. In the interest of editorial fairness, we would be happy to include information from other groups in a future edition.
The Editors
Summer 2020 Online Edition
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The Gaddesden Diary was first published in the spring of 1955, and the foreword contains the following written by Major Dundas Heenan: “This magazine is published quarterly by The Gaddesden Society, whose activities are varied - social, athletic, recreational and instructive: it is hoped that this magazine, in recording these activities, will stimulate interest in the individual clubs and, by linking them more closely to each other and to the parent body, invigorate and enrich the community to which we belong”.
The edition also includes an article reporting on a meeting held in November 1954 in the School Hall “packed to capacity… to discuss and approve proposals for a new Village Hall… so long a piece of wishful thinking, is [now] materialising”.
Phil Heaphy
A VERY DIFFERENT YEAR
How life has changed for everyone this year. Here in Little Gaddesden we are remarkably lucky. We all have access to beautiful surroundings and fresh air and a fantastic support network for every single member of our village. However, it is still a very different year.
Our family of six were supposed to be celebrating a big wedding anniversary altogether in Bali which had been 2½ years in planning. Getting everyone together with the same time off work plus two partners was itself a challenge, but we thought we had it nailed. Who could have predicted COVID-19 would sweep in. With three of our four in three different continents for work, our first concern was making sure they were all on planes home before flying became a nightmare. That done we found ourselves at home with one boomerang offspring and no idea when we will be able to see our boys.
Ashridge has been stunning. We have noticed things for the first time. Where before a tree might be passed and remarked on as to the change of its seasonal colour, suddenly its gnarled roots became a fascination and, guided by a creative daughter, all sorts of bounties from nature have come into view. We have more time to see and
The Gaddesden Diary
more time to listen. Bird song has filled the air and nature has taken back its rightful place.
Yes, it’s tough not seeing members of your family, but we can still talk. Things could be much worse. We are not at war, our wonderful village shop is well supplied and even has a daily joke and picture on the outside wall, beautifully done by Lilly, to make us smile as we wait to go in (three only at a time).
The children are finding new things to do and spending more time with their parents, no school and little or no work is not ideal but we have been given time with those we share our home with, which some have never had.
Our CFR team of two have never had it so quiet. The east of England ambulance Trust whom they represent is, inexplicably, one of the quietest in the country at the moment. Our village is very fit and healthy and despite not being allowed to go into our beautiful old Church we can meditate on its history and the people that have filled its pews over hundreds of years as we walk past along the beautiful footpaths that surround it.
Nothing lasts for ever, good or bad, so as the old saying goes ‘Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain’
Sarah Gall
Old Boys’ Home The Green
Summer 2020 Online Edition
John O’Gaddesden’s House
When times were quieter
BOOK CLUB
Somehow our submission for the spring Diary was ‘lost in the post’ which might now seem fortuitous if you find yourself with time to read and would like our recommendations.
‘Daughter of Fortune’ by Isabelle Allende An excellent dramatic tale from Isabelle Allende, one of the best story tellers around. This time she starts with an immigrant family in Chile. The unusual family are three British siblings making their money from rapidly expanding world trade and based in a South Ameri-can colony. One brother John is active in marine trade - captaining sailing ships on amazing trips across the world; the other brother Jeremy organises brokerage in the newly growing port of Valparaiso. The third member of this group is the spinster sister Miss Rose who keeps house bringing respectability to the group with her soirées and cultural influences. She exerts power and influence over the two men while still evidencing her love for them and helps them assimilate into the mixed local community.
We also have Eliza a foundling discovered on their doorstep. As the story develops, we realise that she is actually the bastard daughter of John but irrespective of any
The Gaddesden Diary
specific evidence of her direct blood lines she is much loved and integral member of the family.
Despite every effort to educate her as a young lady according to British standards she demonstrates strong character traits and even wilfulness falling in love with a young local socialist rebel Joaquin.
Then the California gold rush starts, and we are thrown into another startling historical setting. Despite the lure of quick riches, we find out it is nothing like the promise but there are those who prosper - John as the captain bringing supplies (including women for entertainment) and the merchants offering equipment and supplies. Indeed, the first frozen goods are shipped from Chile at this time.
The story weaves in a Chinese herbalist appearing in California alongside all the other out-casts and adventurers attracted by the lure of gold as we track Eliza in her search for Joaquin.
This is an entertaining read and the historical setting provides a lot of interest too. Highly recommended. Terri Adams
‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn In December we read this 2018 best seller, a writing debut for Raynor Winn which won her the Costa Biography award. It is essentially a travelogue but with a powerful and sometimes moving human story.
Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years is terminally ill, their home and livelihood is taken away. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coastal Path from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.
They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea, and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey.
The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. It addresses issues of loss, illness and
Summer 2020 Online Edition homelessness which enabled us to have an interesting and lively discussion. We felt it was a very worthwhile read, but we were not sure if we felt encouraged to tackle walking the SW Coastal Path in future! Jackie Tannett
Over Christmas we read ‘An American Marriage’ by Tayari Jones which won the 2019 Women's Prize for Fiction. Her fourth novel, it was included in Barack Obama's 2018 Summer Reading List and was an Oprah Book Club choice. We know from early on in the novel that Roy has been arrested for a crime he did not commit. As it moves towards resolution the author explores Race, relationships and community while teasing apart stereotypes, giving the reader opportunities to view a range of perspectives. The structure of alternating voices manipulates the reader to examine their prejudices and to constantly re-evaluate their preconceptions as the role of protagonist changes. There are several 'what if' moments where the reader might hold their breath, and this contributed to the lively discussion that ensued. An engaging, relevant, and interesting read with much to reflect on, the book has much to commend it.
In February we all enjoyed reading our classic choice ‘The Citadel’ by A.J. Cronin. As well as painting a picture of the state of health provision in England and Wales mid-20th century, leading up to the formation of the National Health Service, the author has a great command of the English language and structures the novel masterfully. Sometimes the old ones are definitely worth revisiting.
Next we read ‘Year of the Runaways’ by Sunjeev Sahota which again we can thoroughly recommend though at times it was an uncomfortable read. The book charts the experiences of three young Indian immigrants to this country, each from a different background, on different premises and with various outcomes. Their stories are gripping and insightful, challenging the reader to think first one way and then another and to re-evaluate our understanding of the forces behind immigration. The tensions between self-determination and fate and the evocative descriptions, particularly of India, made this a rewarding choice.
Finally, in April we met for a virtual meeting to discuss ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ by Eduardo Sacheri. There have been two films made of the book and having found the
The Gaddesden Diary
Brazilian one pretty gruelling I decided not to read the book. Some fellow readers decided likewise but those who persevered found the book had lighter moments and that it was a worthwhile read. I almost opted out of our Zoom meeting as I had little to contribute but at the last minute found the app easy to download and use and virtually meeting up with like minds a treat especially when, as always, the topics of conversation strayed onto other books and other subjects. We had another virtual meeting in May to discuss ‘An Education’ by Tara Westover, on which we will report next time.
Fiona Masters
BOWLS AND CROQUET CLUB
Croquet What a way to start a season, but to be fair we were scheduled to open the croquet season in late April, so we've only lost three weeks of play. The lawn has been kept in good condition, and 13 of our players have joined in so far, enjoying the super weather and unspoilt view to the church, despite the extra rules of super cleanliness and no refreshments.
All in all, a good start. We won't be able to play other clubs yet but hope that the rules will be progressively relaxed to allow some competitions and a more sociable time.
Bill Newberry
Summer 2020 Online Edition
CRICKET CLUB
Winter nets were well attended, although perhaps in vain as inevitably the current situation means no cricket (so far) this season.
Mid Bucks Cricket League fixtures run from May to September, and so we await further news from the ECB and League officials over the coming weeks, hoping for a ‘half season’, or perhaps a few friendlies, if the rules are relaxed.
Colts cricket usually runs until the end of July, and so is unfortunately cancelled this season. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.
Typically, the ground at Church Road is looking spectacular. Pre-season works to the square were completed before lockdown, and we have been able to maintain the surface for quick preparation, should the opportunity arise.
Players are reporting strong health and adhering to strict fitness regimes, although many are suffering from Alford Arms withdrawal symptoms.
The club are always on the lookout for new talent, and players of all abilities are more than welcome. Any interested new faces are encouraged to contact [email protected]
Jeremy Fennell
DRAMA CLUB
Patsy Blackmore Patsy Blackmore was a joy. She was a member of Little Gaddesden Drama Club for more than 60 years, first joining in 1958, and was ultimately our President.
The Gaddesden Diary
Patsy acted, produced, and directed for LGDC for over 60 years. There are few productions where her name is not somewhere in the programme, either on stage, directing, publicity, even behind the bar; she did everything but the lighting! Her first venture onto Little Gaddesden stage was in ‘Down Came a Blackbird’ in 1958, when her neighbour Enid Foxall dragged her along ‘to meet a few people’. It was the start of a long, very happy and creative relationship with Enid and the club. Enid and Patsy appeared in and directed all manner of productions together. One of the most memorable was ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ when they appeared as Abby & Martha Brewster, the two old ladies burying elderly gentlemen in the cellar. In 1973 Patsy starred in ‘The King & I’ as Anna with Neil Ryall as the King, the wonderful crinoline dress (hired) waltzing around LG Village Hall’s tiny stage was truly a choreographic triumph.
Initially Patsy directed Revues, delighting in researching sketches and selections of songs for which she wrote locally connected additional lyrics. In 1986 she teamed with Bill Oram to direct ‘Guys and Dolls’ and the following year they did ‘A Christmas Carol’ together. She ventured into Pantomime in a production of ‘Dick Whittington’ and a musical adaptation of Charles Dickins’ ‘Smike’. She also co-directed Priestley’s ‘When We Are Married’ and ‘Habeas Corpus’ by Alan Bennett, and several ENSA nights…the list goes on. I think the production she was most proud of was ‘Steel Magnolias’ by Robert Harling in 2004. It was the first ‘straight play’ she had directed, having always been associated with revues and musical plays – out of her comfort zone with a very challenging script – but, goodness, she and the cast rose to that challenge!
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Patsy was born in York in 1927. She enjoyed boarding school in Helmsley before being evacuated to Castle Howard in her early teens. It was at Castle Howard that Patsy fell in love with music and drama – and music and drama would later become a very big part of her life. The family moved to London, and Patsy wanted to go into drama, but her mother told her she needed to do something practical to ensure that she would always be employed.
So, at the age of 19 Patsy was enrolled at Constance Hoster’s Secretarial Training College for young ladies in the Cromwell Road, an institution ‘famed for turning out gels for the establishment’ as the Financial Times put it. (Margaret Crawford also attended ‘Mrs Hoster’s’ which she confided was a prime recruiting ground for MI5 and the Foreign Office.) Patsy got her first job working at the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square. Towards the end of the 40’s Patsy met Roy Blackmore a young flying officer in the RAF and they became a part of London High Society. Patsy attended the nightclub scene with other debutantes, who included the young Princess Elizabeth and her beau, Philip Mountbatten. Patsy and Roy were married in 1951 and moved to Priory Cottage and later ‘Theccans’ in Little Gaddesden. Patsy had the whole family involved with the club at various times – Roy on the bar and the children acting in various plays and shows.
In 2017 LGDC held its 70th Anniversary party, which happily coincided with Patsy’s 90th birthday. Members past and present joined in singing songs from the revues and Tracey Rudy sang Patsy’s signature song ‘The Boy I Love is up in the Gallery’ before Patsy cut the cake.
In the programme notes from our last Revue Patrick Isherwood wrote:
The Gaddesden Diary
“For many years, the driving force behind our revues was Patsy Blackmore, both as the director and the curator of a wide range of interesting material drawn from her lengthy experience of the theatre. The 2017 Revue was the first not to involve Patsy, who gave her own farewell performance in 2011 singing Send in the Clowns – a beautiful song associated with artists as disparate as Judy Collins, Carol Channing, and Judi Dench. I have included it in this year’s programme as a tribute to Patsy who I really hope will be able to come along and see it. If she is not able to make it, I am confident that she will be with us in spirit”.
She was indeed a driving force, and we will miss her enormously. At her funeral service held shortly before the coronavirus lockdown, her family chose ‘Life is a Cabaret’ for her to take her very final curtain. Lyn Hyde
Play readings “Why don’t you use Zoom for the play readings?” suggested Katy (Diane in ‘Thicker than Water’), as we faced the prospect of our monthly play readings joining the ever- growing list of activities cancelled because of coronavirus. And so began our journey of optimising audio and video on various computers and devices, interacting with each other and sharing a script online. The online play readings are very successful. We now meet twice a month and have access to a new set of plays, many of which are not available from the library – our usual source of scripts. New people have joined us – some to just listen, others are keen to take part. We have even had enquiries from other drama groups asking how we do it!
After a freebie to test everything out, we read ‘The Contingency Plan’ by Steve Waters. Set in the near future this was two full length plays about climate change and how the government of the day, with advice from their experts, reacted to a crisis. (Sound familiar?)
We marked VE Day with two plays – ‘The Shadow Factory’ by Howard Brenton, which focussed on the very real personal cost of people in Southampton following
Summer 2020 Online Edition the bombing of the Spitfire factory, and ‘Pressure’ by David Haig. This is the story of how the weather forecast had such a dramatic effect on the timing of D-Day.
In June and July our programme continues with ‘This May Hurt a Bit’, one family’s experience of the NHS, by Sheila Feehily, and three biographical plays: ‘Storm in a Flower Vase’, (Constance Spry) by Anton Bruge, ‘Peter’ (Peter Llewelyn Davies – the inspiration for Peter Pan) by Stacy Stobieski and ‘Toast’ (Nigel Slater) by Henry Filloux-Bennett and Nigel Slater.
Why not join us? For more information please contact Nan Newberry (01442 843155) [email protected]
Nan Newberry
FRIENDS OF LITTLE GADDESDEN SCHOOL
We hope you are all well and keeping safe. In these current unprecedented times, (with the school closed, as we write this, to non-key-worker children), the PTA at Little Gaddesden School continues to be a very important part of school life, forging links with the local community and organisations. The role of the Little Gaddesden School PTA is wider than in many other schools – it is a registered charity. The Friends of Little Gaddesden School (‘The Friends’). The Friends could not survive without the support from parents, carers, and wider community.
We began the Spring Term with a great number of fundraising plans on the cards and an exciting half year of events in the calendar; events included the Leap Year Ball, our monthly kids film nights, the annual Gaddesden Gallop, Intervillage Sports event, our School Sports Days Welcome drinks in the and ending the term with the School Summer Fete. All stunning Ashridge House entrance hall except The Leap Year Ball have unfortunately been postponed or cancelled.
The Gaddesden Diary
On the plus side the Leap Year Ball was a fabulous start to the term on February 29th at Ashridge House, sponsored by The Club London. We had a brilliant uptake in tickets and were joined by many parents from the school along with a large number of local residents. We started the evening with welcome drinks in the fabulous Ashridge House entrance hall, accompanied with music from the wonderful Latin jazz band ‘Bossy Nova’. We followed this with a delicious 3 course meal, a thrilling live auction, and a much quieter silent auction, where a number of incredibly generous bids were made. We ended the night with brilliant live music from the fabulous band the ‘Mucky Pups’ and danced the night away until the early hours. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us, those who generously donated and bid on the auction lots, Ashridge House, Bossy Nova & The Mucky Pups. A special thank you to The Club London for sponsoring the event, Emma and
James for all their hard Ball committee Jane work in helping us Levy, Dani Bailey, Claire organise. Beard and Hannah Jarvis However, even with the amazing amount of money raised from the ball, with the cancellation of so many events this term the school Friends PTA pot is in need of some help. With this in mind, and a chance to share some wealth and happiness with the local community Dancing the night away to the Mucky Pups we would like to remind you of our ‘School Lottery’. Please see the flyer below for details on how you can take part, support your local school and be a winner! We have a Little Gaddesden guaranteed winner every week and who at this time doesn’t need a bit of good news!
Talking of good news, watch this space as we hope to be re-organising the Gaddesden Gallop for later in the year when we can. So, keep those running shoes at the ready and use this extra training time wisely!
For now, take great care and we look forward to seeing you all in the new school year for some more fundraising fun…
Claire Beard
Summer 2020 Online Edition
THE LITTLE GADDESDEN CHARITIES
Report for 2019 The aim of the Charity, as defined in the Charity Commissioners’ ‘Scheme’ which regulates its activities, is to:
“Relieve either generally or individually, persons resident in the Parish of Little Gaddesden who are in need, hardship or distress, by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to redress the need, hardship or distress of such persons”
The Trustees during 2019 were:
The Team Vicar of Little Gaddesden Church - Reverend John Russell, (Chairman) Mrs Jane Murray Mrs Louise Archer as representative of the Parish Council until May, then post taken over by Mrs Susan Pritchard Mrs Pat Catchpole Mr Michael Thompson nominated by Ashridge College
(Mrs Pat Catchpole acted as Secretary and Treasurer)
The Accounts were examined by Hillier Hopkins, Chartered Accountants of Watford. The expenditure for the year was £980.
The strictest confidentiality is observed in the handling of requests for assistance and details about cases are never made public in any form. Any of the Trustees, however, will be glad to answer questions of a general nature on how the charity operates.
Pat Catchpole
The Gaddesden Diary
LITTLE GADDESDEN SCHOOL
Having left Little Gaddesden C. Of E. Primary School just over five years ago, I am absolutely delighted to be back as the school’s headteacher. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a hardworking and cohesive team, although I could never have predicted the unprecedented circumstances in which my headship would begin. Despite these strange times, I have been made to feel very welcome by the pupils, parents, governors, and staff. In many ways it feels like coming home!
Like many local schools, we have been open this term for a few eligible pupils as well as providing a plethora of activities for home learning. Whilst I have only been able to meet a small number of pupils, it has allowed us the opportunity to get to know each other. We have designed a range of
new playground games that can be Each snail was carefully collected from and managed with social distancing and shared returned to their habitat within the school with their peers when they too return. We playground have also been caring for our own tank of growing tadpoles, soon to be froglets.
The theme of mini-beasts was embraced by the pupils in school; with everything from snail racing (each snail carefully collected and just as carefully returned); painted pebble mini-beasts; and designing and building their own creatures with very detailed habitats descriptions.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Every morning we have been part of the Joe Wicks PE team, which is not as easy as it looks and each afternoon, completing at least a mile around the specially laid track within the school grounds.
I know that for both parents and my staff, the remote learning has offered some challenges, however I have been very impressed not only with Painting pebbles to look like mini- the ways my staff have adapted their planning and beasts found in the hedges and bushes resources for families to deliver at home but also the impressive array of activities that pupils have completed and shared photos of. We have embraced online learning, making far greater use of existing technology. Virtually, pupils in years 3,4,5 and 6 have been competing with other local primary schools in times table challenges, often topping the leader boards. Many of
our younger Children enjoyed making their own mini-beasts and describing their habitats pupils have enjoyed story times from their class teachers, as we look for ways to enable our school community to stay in touch with each other safely. I set pupils the task of creating their own rainbows online and have been overwhelmed by the creative variations submitted. We have enjoyed printing them at school and creating a colourful display on our windows.
By taking advantage of a government initiative, we will be starting our next technology adventure by embracing our new Google education platform. Having managed a Google network for several years, at my previous setting, I know that our school community will take full advantage of all it has to offer and be even more creative with the numerous ways in which to share and engage in learning, both from home and when we are able to return to the classrooms.
The Gaddesden Diary
At this time of year, I would normally be expecting to update you on school visitors and trips, particularly the planned visit to PGL for our older pupils. Unfortunately, none of this has been able to take place and we are all making do with short walks around our local area. We would also be preparing for our school sports day and the Inter-village Sports Competition against other local primary schools; we were due to host it this year and I know from my previous experiences this is a great opportunity for the community to come together. The impact of the coronavirus has been tough for our Year 6 pupils. Whilst there may have been some relief at not having to participate in National Curriculum testing, they have also not experienced the final term of their primary school that we would have wanted for them. For them, this term is about completing their primary education and preparing for their next adventure at secondary school. We will of course continue to support them, to ensure their readiness, but planned visits to their new schools are not likely to happen before the autumn term. They will not be able to rehearse and prepare for their leavers’ service at the church, although we are hopeful that towards the end of term, some restrictions may have been lifted sufficiently to enable some kind of recognition and celebration of their numerous achievements.
As I write this, I am hopeful that we will soon be able to welcome more pupils back to school. I know that the staff have missed being with them and that pupils too are missing their friends. We are busy planning and putting in place all the necessary safety measures and rearranging classrooms in line with the detailed government and local authority guidance. With so many traditional events and celebrations curtailed, I am keen to ensure our pupils enjoy the same welcoming, creative, and engaging learning that they have always done at Little Gaddesden School.
Lorna Elkes
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Dates shown for physical events (shaded) are subject to guidance in force at the time
Church services are broadcast via Facebook and the church website: https://www.facebook.com/berkhamstedteamworship and https://littlegaddesdenchurch.org.uk/services/
Parish Council meetings usually take place in the Village Hall. During the COVID-19 lockdown, meetings are held by video conference. Please see website for details. https://littlegaddesdenpc.org.uk/agendas-minutes-2020/
JUNE
Wed 3 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Sun 7 Parish Church Trinity Sunday Facebook and church website 9.30am
Wed 10 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Play Reading - This Wed 10 Drama Club May Hurt a Bit by Via Zoom 7.45pm Stella Feehily
Sun 14 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Mon 15 Parish Council Meeting Via video conference 8.00pm
Wed 17 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Sun 21 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Wed 24 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Play Reading Storm in Wed 24 Drama Club a Flower Vase by Via Zoom 7.45pm Anton Burge
Sun 28 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am JULY
Wed 1 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Rural Heritage Wed 1 AGM Village Hall 7.30pm Society
Sun 5 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Wed 8 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Play Reading Peter by Wed 8 Drama Club Via Zoom 7.45pm Stacy Sobieski
Sun 12 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
The Gaddesden Diary
Wed 15 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Fri 17 LG School End of Summer Term
Sun 19 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Sun 19 Gaddesden Diary Copy deadline
Wed 22 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Play Reading Nigel Wed 22 Drama Club Slater's Toast by H Via Zoom 7.45pm Filloux-Bennett
Sun 26 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Wed 29 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am AUGUST
Sun 2 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Mon 3 Parish Council Meeting Village Hall or video conference 8.00pm
Wed 5 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Sun 9 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Wed 12 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Sun 16 Parish Church Eucharist Facebook and church website 9.30am
Wed 19 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am
Sat 22 VPA Summer Show Village Hall
Wed 26 Parish Church Midweek Communion Facebook and church website 10.00am SEPTEMBER
Thu 3 LG School Start of Autumn Term
Summer 2020 Online Edition
COMMEMORATION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY
Alan Green, Bomber Command In 2011, I started to research the wartime story of my late father, Alan Green, a pharmacist from Coventry, who sadly died on his 56th birthday in 1976. This began with a family trip to Poland to visit the site of the POW camp in Poland (Stalag Luft 3 - famous for the ‘Wooden Horse’ and ‘The Great Escape’!) where my dad spent almost three years, having been shot down in June 1942. A subsequent chat with Trevor Fernandes over a pint led to an invitation to give a Gaddesden Society talk later that year.
A few weeks before my talk, I made an amazing discovery while helping my daughter, Isabel, with her year 6 WW2 project. Having been tasked with doing a short presentation on a WW2 aircraft, I suggested she focus on the little- known Stirling, the RAF’s first four-engined heavy bomber, the aircraft her grandfather had baled out of in 1942! Something made me Google the registration (W7530) of his aircraft; this revealed a picture of a memorial on the crash site near Wognum in Holland of which I was totally unaware! Further investigation revealed several surviving witnesses to the crash, including an elderly lady who was still living in the same house next to the site, just as she had been all those years ago! This prompted a hasty fact-finding day trip to Holland from Luton, accompanied by my neighbour Mark Newbury and my two boys, Alex and Ollie, who were 15 at the time.
On arrival in Wognum, a rural community north of Amsterdam, we were first taken to the town hall where we were greeted by a civic reception, including the Mayor, the lady witness, other dignitaries, and the local press! It transpired we were the first relatives of any of the crew to visit the memorial, which had only been built about 18 months previously. After a lovely speech from the Mayor, acknowledging The Gaddesden Diary
the sacrifice of Bomber Command crews, a local historian advised that, after parachuting from the burning bomber, my father was separated from the other four survivors and ended up hiding in a copse where he received help from a family of farmers. They put him on a tram bound for Amsterdam to meet up with Dutch Resistance, but my father was arrested a few stops down.
After his capture, the farmers found my father’s parachute, which was subsequently used to make a wedding dress, but they had kept some bits of the harness. What happened next was truly incredible, as the son of this family stood up and presented me with the parachute buckles – an unbelievably emotional moment for me! Once I had recovered, I was invited to talk about my father’s life after the war. We were then taken to the beautiful memorial which is at the end of the field where the huge Stirling came to rest.
More witnesses appeared, who remembered seeing the burning aircraft circling with parachutes dropping one by one. Sadly, the last man to bale out hit the ground without his parachute opening while the other two crewmembers, the 40 year old Captain and the 19 year old tail gunner died in the crash. Another witness arrived on his bike to say he had been a small boy when the German night fighter should down the bomber over his house and that his father put him in the cellar after a cannon shell hit his bedroom window!
After being shown the point where my father came down and his eventual hiding place, we were taken to a cemetery an hour or so away where the three unfortunate crewmembers were buried, along with 285 other RAF crew. All in all, it was a quite a day trip! On our return, I only had a few days before my talk so, with Mark’s help, I did a quick rewrite to take account of all this new information.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
After finding out so much, you would have thought this would have been the end of the story but, in many ways, it was just the beginning! Firstly, I received a call out of the blue from the cousin of Billy Whitehead, the crewmember whose parachute had failed to open. He had seen a review of my talk online and had managed to track me down. I was able to provide him with the information I had found out about the crash. The following year we were invited back to Wognum to attend Dutch Remembrance Day on May 4th, the day before their liberation. This time, my wife Sally and my daughter came with me and we stayed overnight in a Hotel, which had once been a prison, in the lovely town of Hoorn.
After attending various ceremonies, both at the site and in the town, we ended up back in the village hall for coffee when the same historian revealed the truth about my father’s capture. The local Mayor at the time had been sympathetic to the Nazi regime and had offered money in return for information on the resistance and the whereabouts of downed RAF aircrew. It turned out that a young relative of the Mayor heard about my dad and passed on The Gaddesden Diary
the information for cash, leading to his arrest in the town of Pumerend. Clearly, this was an episode the community had wanted to forget and was one of the reasons why it had taken so long to build a proper memorial to remember the dead crew, something the old lady had wanted for some time. Prior to the visit, I had been asked if I had any photos of any of the crew. Unfortunately, I only had photos of my dad, the Captain, S/L Ashworth, and Billy Whitehead, so I contacted the RAF who directed me to the Imperial War Museum in London. While they did not have any crew photographs, they suggested I look at one particular image in their collection which was of my father’s actual aircraft taken by an RAF photographer a few days before it was shot down – this was on an air test, the last entry in his logbook!
In June of that year, I was invited to the unveiling by the Queen of the long-awaited Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, which I attended with my daughter. This was a great opportunity to chat to some of the veterans present about their experiences and to honour the 57,000 men who died out of the 125,000 in Bomber Command.
The following year, I was informed by the historian of my father’s old squadron that one of his 22 missions as a Navigator on Wellingtons and Stirlings had in fact been ‘top secret’. On 25th April 1942, six Stirlings took off from Marham to attack the Skoda factory in Czechoslovakia, which was being used to produce tanks for the Nazi regime. This operation had been ordered by the Czech government in exile in the UK to boost the morale of the local people. The raid was to be carried out with guidance from a tracking beacon used by Czech resistance fighters who had been trained in the UK and parachuted back into their homeland.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
This was the first time Bomber Command mounted an operation with the support of ground-based forces, two of whom went on to assassinate the infamous Reinhard Heydrich in Prague in May 1942, as depicted in the recent film ‘Anthropoid’. Other notable operations had been the first 1,000 bomber raid on Cologne (with an Air Vice-Marshall on board) and the attack on the German battleships ‘Scharnhorst’ and ‘Gneisenau’, when they dashed up the Channel.
In 2015, I managed to get my elderly mother over to Holland for another Remembrance ceremony, after which I was given even more bits of my father’s parachute. Later that year, I was researching online and came across an Australian lady who was seeking information on her uncle, William Watt, who had been killed serving in Bomber Command in 1942. The name looked familiar and, lo and behold, turned out to be the 19 year old tail gunner who had died in the crash! I immediately contacted her and was able to send all the relevant information I had, none of which she had seen before. In return, she sent me a photo of her uncle, together with a photo of the Stirling crew taken a couple of days before they were shot down, which had previously been unseen by me!
The following year, she and her husband visited the UK for a family wedding in Scotland, after which we met up at the Bomber Command memorial. Over afternoon tea at the RAF Club across the road, she advised that, after the war, her Scottish grandparents, who were traumatised at losing two sons in Bomber Command, had emigrated to Australia. Prior to leaving Europe, however, her grandparents had visited the crash site in Holland and met the lady witness, who promised them she would honour their dead son and his colleagues – a promise she eventually fulfilled The Gaddesden Diary
in 2010. After our meeting, the Australian lady and husband went to the site in Holland for the first time, hoping to meet the old Dutch lady, who unfortunately died just before their arrival.
2017 marked the 75th Anniversary of the crash of W7530, so I made another visit to Holland, this time with my daughter. Given the significance of the date, the local Dutch did a special 4th May service, turning out in force to honour the crew. The 24th March 2019 saw another 75th Anniversary, this time of the famous ‘Great Escape’ from Stalag Luft 3, where my father had been a prisoner. It just so happened that the second pilot of W7530 had been Des Plunkett who, like my father, had survived, also ending up as a POW in SL3.
Des went on to have a significant role in the escape as both the producer of maps for the escapers and number 13 out of the tunnel! He managed to get the furthest of all the British escapers but was recaptured very close to the Austrian border. Despite being interrogated by the Gestapo, Des was not shot in cold blood like 50 of his fellow escapers and survived the war.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
On account of my family connection with the camp, my daughter and I were invited by the British Embassy to attend the official ceremony at exit of the actual escape tunnel. At the evening reception at a nearby palace, we met relatives of the ‘fifty’ as well as the RAF Chaplain of dad’s old base at Marham who, on hearing the story, invited me to the base for lunch. I finally managed to arrange my visit to Marham on my 56th birthday in November last year.
For my first ever visit to the base, I was joined by a former flying colleague and Gulf War veteran who used to fly Tornadoes from Marham in the late 80s/early 90s. I took along my father’s logbook and POW letters which were duly scanned to add to the Marham Heritage Centre’s extensive records of the base from 1918 until the present day. Then came another amazing discovery, as the staff produced bits of the Stirling my father baled out of the first time on 4th/5th May 1942. Stirling R9313 had been attacked while returning from a leaflet dropping raid over Vichy, France, when they were attacked by the RAF’s new ‘Turbinlite’ night fighting operation based at Tangmere, which comprised a Hurricane and a twin- engined Havoc, modified with basic radar and a huge searchlight in the nose for illuminating the target.
The Gaddesden Diary
The two crews mistook the Stirling for an enemy aircraft and shot it down. Although the aircraft crashed in Sussex, all the crew baled out successfully, but were stupidly taken to Tangmere, where “there was a near riot” according to the official account. The shooting down of the Stirling was the Turbinlite’s only ‘success’ and it was abandoned soon after. Unbeknown to me, the excavation of the crash site was the subject of a documentary called ‘War Digs’ a few years ago which, surprisingly, did not offer any details of the crew at all.
Last New Year’s eve, I was contacted by someone on the Stirling Bomber Facebook group who had parts of the second Stirling W7530 which he had acquired from a Dutch collector some years ago. To date, I have not managed to get my hands on these parts. Just two months ago, someone from the same group sent me some bits of engine cowling from the ‘friendly fire’ incident, which he bought from another collector in Hemel Hempstead!
Incredibly, the day before the 78th anniversary of this ill-fated mission, the Squadron historian directed me to the ‘psychological warfare’ website where, for the first time, I was able to download copies of the 654,000 leaflets which the crew dropped before the RAF ruined their day!
Summer 2020 Online Edition
In light of recent events, I have been reviewing and transcribing the POW letters written in captivity by my father, who would have been 100 this coming 15th June. Reflecting on his own personal ‘lockdown’ at the age of 22, he notes “the most obnoxious is the waste of time” as “life is short enough without spending years in such places”, while acknowledging he was “exceedingly lucky to be able to look forward to ‘after the war’ ’’.
One thing is certain, I feel extremely fortunate to be living in Little Gaddesden during the current lockdown!
Stuart Green
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LADY MARION ALFORD
When the National Trust exhibition at the Monument on eminent local women ended a few years ago I asked for the life size cut figures of Lady Marian Alford and Bridget Talbot. Bridget had a prior engagement at Kiplin Hall her other home in North Yorks, however Lady M was bequeathed to me. Some passing travellers were quite surprised the other evening to see me waltzing the full-size Lady Marian down the road for a photo shoot at the cross and seat erected in her memory – I think she would have been amused.
In 2018 the Parish Council embarked on a programme of restoration of the area around the cross and seat at the entrance to Ashridge College road. A row of Italian Pencil Cypress ‘trees of mourning’ have been replanted as per the original design. The memorial underwent a ’heritage’ clean by the professional stonemasons who work mainly at Ashridge College. We are unable to reinstall the water to the drinking fountain and horse trough owing to restrictions to the supply of drinking water.
Lady Marian died in 1888 and a collection was taken for a memorial. The donors ranged from Victorian nobility to her estate workers. The cross and seat was erected in her memory and unveiled three years later in 1891 on her birthday, Sunday 21st June. For some years after Mrs Wheatley, wife of Lord Brownlow’s Estate Agent, kept alive the memory of Lady Marian’s goodness among the children of Little Gaddesden by distributing bags of sweets each year to children gathered near the cross on the anniversary.
In June 2018 we celebrated the refurbishment. Roger Bolton went into the school and told the children about Victorian times and what Lady Marian did for the village. Especially the installation of running water to the estate cottages, which Affinity
The Gaddesden Diary
were working to repair as he spoke 160 later. A number of the children and Roger then joined with some fifty villagers gathered at the cross. Roger gave a brief history of Lady Marian and brought with him a copy of the original service of dedication. Rev John Russell read the prayer of dedication and the afternoon was finished with tea and scones and sweets for the children.
Marian was born in Italy in 1817 daughter of the Spencer Compton 2nd Marquis of Northampton and Margaret elder daughter of Major-General Douglas Maclean- Clephane. Christened Marrianne, she is always referred to as Marian. Her father was a member of the Royal Society and the Geological Society, an MP and early supporter of William Wilberforce the anti-slavery campaigner. Her mother was said to be one of the most well-educated women in England, a poet and a friend of Sir Walter Scott. Lady Marian herself was a very distinguished woman, she had an extensive knowledge of art, greatly influenced by her travels in Italy where she spent much of her childhood, and often her winters as an adult. In 1841 she married John Hume Cust Viscount Alford, she wasn’t a ‘Lady Brownlow’ as her husband, Viscount Alford died in 1849 before he could inherit the title. Her elder son John William inherited but died of consumption at the age of 23. It was the younger son Adlebert William the 3rd Earl Brownlow who inherited Ashridge with his wife the Countess Adelaide Brownlow.
Whilst John William was alive, the newly widowed Marian devoted herself to revitalising the rundown estate. Their predecessor Earl Francis Egerton 8th Earl Bridgewater never visited Ashridge preferring to live in Paris where he reputedly dressed up his dogs to accompany him in his coach or to dine at his table.
Marian was a worker, apart from redecorating Ashridge house and extending the gardens, she oversaw reforms throughout the Estate, which in those days extended to the villages of Aldbury, Pitstone, Ivinghoe, Eddlesborough, Dagnall, Studham, Gt& Lt Gaddesden, Potten End, Frithsden, Ringshall, and Hudnall. She saw to the provision of reading rooms (Libraries - John O’Gaddesden’s in LG) Schools (LG in 1858), the Bede Houses (Alms houses, the forerunner of Bede Court) and embarked on a programme of building and maintenance of estate cottages designing many of them herself. The Brownlow family also had a great influence in the Churches in the area, both enlarging them and in their decoration, not always to the delight of the purists.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Lady Marian was responsible for driving forward the piped water supply for Ringshall and Little Gaddesden, having all the estate cottages linked with water to outdoor flushing lavatories and the wash house. The good cast iron Victorian pipes, now 160 years old are beginning to spring leaks, as many of us found over Christmas 2017. Affinity workmen have now threaded blue plastic pipework through the original pipes along the Green.
Lady Marian reigned supreme until her second son Adelbert married. Fortunately, it appears the two women got on reasonably well together and her daughter-in-law the Countess Adelaide Brownlow (it is her cross on the Green) joined forces in the good works around their estates both at Ashridge and at their other county house Belton in Lincolnshire. Both ladies were held in deep affection by all who knew them. In addition to all these good works Ashridge hosted a spectacular social life, attended by royalty and eminent Victorians. Lady Marian was a friend of Princess Louise (daughter of Queen Victoria) with whom she founded The Royal Society of Needlework, a visitor she bought to Ashridge. Panels of Lady Marian’s exquisitely embroidered wedding dress are still to be seen in the white alter frontal at St Peter & St Paul Church Little Gaddesden.
The Alford Memorial The cross is in the form of an ‘Iona’ cross because similar crosses marked the resting places of many of her maternal Scottish ancestors. At the service of dedication, the Bishop of Ely (Marian’s brother), assisted by the Dean of York and the Rector officiated. Lord Brownlow unveiled the cross in memory of his mother. With Lady Marian’s association with the installation of piped water to Little Gaddesden it is particularly fitting that the memorial incorporated a drinking
The Gaddesden Diary
fountain. Until the early 1960’s there was a brass fish on the cross facing the seat, originally this was lifted to allow water to flow from there into the shell bowl; through channels into the horse trough on the front facing the road; in the trough there was a ‘tall plug’ which allowed water to overflow down into the dog trough at the bottom. I do not recall a running water supply to the fountain and these days regulations regarding drinking water would prevent our having the supply reinstalled. The problem with having water in the horse trough is that leaves would blow in and ‘someone’ would have to clean it out. In Doris Fenn’s memoir of Ashridge Estate in the early 20th century she complains of having to help her aunt scrub out the trough in 1917.
The inscription on the back of the seat reads: + IN + LOVING + MEMORY + OF + THE + LADY + MARIAN + ALFORD + ERECTED + JUNE + 21 + 1891 + BY + HER + FRIENDS
The inscription on the fountain, is from St John’s Gospel, Chapter 4, verse 14 “WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE”
Lyn Hyde
Summer 2020 Online Edition
NATIONAL TRUST
Ashridge Estate news
Stone the Crows! Europe’s largest conservation charity, The National Trust, is 125 years old.
This article was to have outlined Ashridge’s plans to celebrate this milestone, but the virus has put paid to all events for now. Once the Visitor Centre reopens, there will be an exhibition called ‘Ashridge Through the Ages’, which will be very well worth a look and will continue until the end of the year.
In the meantime, the constraints put on all of us bring into sharp focus for me and, I’m sure, many others, the importance of the great outdoors. At the time of writing, we’re still allowed into it, and that is keeping me sane. The joy of buds bursting open, the first butterflies of the year and the green carpets that will soon turn blue, are able, during those magical outdoor moments, to banish the virus blues. The Trust recognises this and has vowed to keep its countryside open as far as legally and practicably possible.
My spellchecker hasn’t heard of COVID and autocorrects it to CORVID – i.e. a member of the crow family. As it happens, crows are involved in the spread of another virus that infects humans. In the early 2000s, I was part of the Department of Health’s West Nile Virus (WNV) Surveillance Group. The reason for this was that my former (I have retired) team at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden monitors insects using a nationwide network of traps. Although primarily watching for agricultural pests, mosquitoes are caught, and these form an important part of the WNV transmission cycle. As with COVID-19, WNV can cause mild to fatal My first Red Admiral of the year - flu-like symptoms in humans. It also infects Rikki Harrington crows, in which it is usually fatal. Mosquitoes that bite infected crows can pick up the virus
The Gaddesden Diary
and pass it to humans, horses, and a few other animals. Unlike with COVID, there has not been a major global pandemic of “CORVID-WNV”, largely because it cannot be passed from person to person by infection or contagion. It has to go via the crows.
Fingers crossed that we will continue to have access to our wonderful countryside and that we’ll get to see the exhibition soon.
Rikki Harrington
PARISH CHURCH
Like everyone else, we started March in an optimistic mood. Our Thomas Field Hall/Vestry@50 project finally got under way with the area of the extension being excavated under the watchful eye of the archaeological surveyor. Being in the old part of the churchyard we were certain that remains would be uncovered, so we were extremely relieved when nothing appeared. In fact, the ground looked quite undisturbed. The work took just a day and yielded the best result we could have hoped for. We had allowed three weeks for this investigation in case multiple burial sites were uncovered, but in the event, there were none. The deeper excavations for the walls were scheduled to start three weeks later on March 23rd. What an auspicious day that would turn out to be – lockdown! Work in churches stopped. Since then all we have been able to do is wait until the Church of England permits construction work to start up again. That time has been usefully used by finalising the drawn details. Now, at the end of May, we have heard that permission is being given and our builder is proposing to start work on site on June 8th. At least there will still be all of the summer months to do the external works, which will give the best chance for good progress.
In early March, the church was full for the screening of ‘The Sound of Music’ to raise money for the Winfield Trust. Thanks to the generosity of everyone, over £1,000 was raised to provide extra items for the new communal lounge for the residents, who were very pleased and grateful.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
It wasn’t until we got to Mothering Sunday on March 22nd that the effects of the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 started to show. The church was open, but the Café Church service was cancelled. Bunches of daffodils were put out in the porch for people to come and collect. They were tied to our Easter Cross which was left outside the church as a symbol of thanks for our mother church.
The cross was put out again on Easter Day, decorated in cherry blossom to proclaim the triumph of the Resurrection over death, and to provide a beacon of hope to passers-by.
Since then the church has been shut by order of the Church of England bishops, the first time in over 800 years, because of the threat of the COVID-19 virus.
This was a profound shock to us all, but vicar John, resourceful as ever, was undaunted and set off on a very steep learning curve – well, near vertical assault – into the world of live streaming. From Passion Sunday he has been streaming the main Sunday service for people to follow through the website and on Facebook. The numbers watching have been very encouraging and it is helping everyone to feel that the church is still there for them. The website is being continually updated with talks through the week so that people know the church is alive and well, but in a different way. Events are continuing, but online. Tuesday morning coffee sessions are carrying on, as is the midweek discussion group, through the medium of Zoom, which suddenly the whole village is expert at! It all seems very odd, but we are in touch with each other and looking out for the vulnerable as well as enjoying a companionable time and, well, being church. Go to the website for the latest news: littlegaddesdenchurch.org.uk.
The Gaddesden Diary
We are delighted that vicar John has been installed as the new Team Rector for the Berkhamsted Team. The service of induction was held at Great Gaddesden in March, presided over by the Bishop of Hertford, Bishop Michael. Of necessity it was attended by a very small congregation due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it was a very moving and joyful occasion.
The photograph shows, from left to right, Gill Moore, Reader at Great Gaddesden; The Rev. Simon Vivian, curate of Berkhamsted; The Rev Jonathon Gordon, Rural Dean; The Ven. Jane Mainwaring, Archdeacon of St Albans; the new Team Rector, vicar John; The Rt. Rev. Michael, Bishop of Hertford; The Rev Joe Roberts, vicar of Potten End.
In May, the Church of England announced that vicars could once again enter their churches, but the buildings still remain closed to the general public. This does mean that vicar John can once again celebrate the Eucharist in church rather than his dining room, so he is streaming from Great Gaddesden as it is technically easier.
Friday, May the 8th, was the celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The War Remembrance pages on the website have been updated with more entries of the lives of men in the village who served in both wars. A huge amount of research has been done to gather as much detail as possible to honour each and every name on the Roll of Honour which hangs in the church. Do visit it.
Unfortunately, the weddings which have been booked this year have had to be postponed until the churches can be opened again and gatherings of reasonable sizes allowed. We feel for the couples who have been thwarted and hope that we can welcome them back as soon as possible.
It has not been permitted to hold funeral services other than private graveside burials and over the last three months these have been held for the Rev. Brian Saunders and Mike Stinton. Their families hope to hold memorial services for each at some time in the future when conditions improve.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
We are looking forward to opening the church as soon as possible. This will initially be for private prayer and visitors, but we hope to welcome in congregations as soon afterwards as is possible. We will announce dates on the website and the church notice boards. The Bridgewater Chapel will be boarded off to act as a temporary storage area while the building works are going on and we have put up a temporary wooden shed outside to take the extra things. We hope that by Christmas we will look normal again, but with the addition of the new Thomas Field Hall.
Barbara Sheard & Michael Carver Churchwardens
PARISH COUNCIL
A Massive Thank You! By the time you read this we may have moved out of lock down to more of a semblance of reality or we may not: recognising that people’s worries don’t just go away when lockdown is over. For many people, the impact of COVID-19 will be long lasting. With that in mind may I start with a gentle reminder of the excellent work of The Little Gaddesden Charities: The aim of the charity is to aid anyone in need, hardship or distress within the Parish of Little Gaddesden, by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to redress the need of such people. I can assure you that the charity maintains strict confidentiality in all they do. Do please contact Reverend John Russell on 01442 214898 to take advantage of this charity and, if you see others who might benefit, please encourage them to call.
We had our first virtual Parish Council meeting in April, which ran successfully, and we will continue to operate these remotely until relevant restrictions are lifted.
I make no apology that what follows is a long list of thank yous, because the response of this village to unprecedented times, working together as a community has been phenomenal!
The Gaddesden Diary
The village shop has been a cornerstone of our community for many years, but they have stepped up even further, supporting customers during lockdown. We cannot thank them enough and we must continue to support them with our custom. Thank you!
The Reverend John Russell has continued to provide spiritual contact and guidance. In his usual calm and collected manner, he has led by example to remind us of the importance of faith and caring for one another. Thank you! During the sunshine, the members of the VPA have kept many of us going with the offer of plants and supplies. Many people have generously donated plants to the community for free, simply for the love of gardening, and Phil Bunting, I know, has been delivering compost as and when people have asked him. Thank you! Please do also thank them by making donations to the VPA when you can.
Last but not least, those volunteers organised by Sarah Gall, Wendy Molloy and an army of co-ordinators have done such an excellent job keeping people safe and supported and perhaps most importantly not ‘alone’ during these times. I hope that many of you who now have a closer relationship with their neighbours have valued this initiative as much as I have and will continue in this spirit going forward. I have laughed and cried with those around me like never before! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Finally, please can I remind you that even in these times it is still important to keep the village tidy, abide by the public footpaths (for walking only) and bridleways and keep bicycles to the correct paths for everyone’s safety. Also, that during lockdown the play areas are out of bounds. It’s difficult but please do encourage children to not use the equipment for their own health and safety in line with government guidelines.
We will continue to keep parishioners informed via the notice board, Parish Council meetings, and our website – https://littlegaddesdenpc.org.uk/ which includes details of how to get in touch with Council members.
Little Gaddesden Rules! Do check out the village support information being posted on this Facebook site.
Stay safe everyone!
Cllr Sarah Lawson
Summer 2020 Online Edition
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Denied our monthly pub outings, Golf Club dinner and (for many!) faced with 12 weeks indoors, thoughts inevitably stray towards comments like ‘what’s it all about’, and ‘when will it go back to the way it was’. For many observers, the answer is that it probably won’t ever be quite the same again! It does, however, give us all a chance to consider ‘the big picture’ and, for the Royal British Legion, some things won’t change:
“We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over”. (source: britishlegion.org.uk)
This is the central message that lies behind our local efforts to raise money via the Poppy Appeal for the welfare and support of those in need as a result of serving our nation.
But what does that mean in practice? For current or more recent personnel and their families this could be providing expert advice and guidance in almost any area of concern; recovery and rehabilitation, financial worries, transitioning to civilian life, living with an injury or illness, coping with bereavement or finding employment.
In the longer term this could mean providing respite holidays at Legion owned seaside centres around the UK, delivering specialist dementia support, staffing, and running care homes or providing support for long-term mental health issues.
What do the armed forces do during a pandemic? No-one will forget Captain (now honorary Colonel) Sir Tom Moore’s astonishing achievement in raising nearly £40m for the NHS, but less-well publicised are the roles played by other areas of the forces community.
Contrary to some opinions, ‘defence of the realm’ isn’t simply providing armed personnel equipped with the latest weaponry to be deployed at a moment’s notice to counter military threats from our enemies at home or overseas. They do of course
The Gaddesden Diary
do that, but here are some of the exploits of our highly trained and dedicated forces in defence of the Home Front:
20,000 regular and 2,000 reservists put on immediate standby in March to provide Rapid Response to aid civilian ‘pinch points’. They have been serving in hospital medical roles, portering, ambulance driving, nursing, logistics, maintenance, and administration.
Instrumental in providing specialist knowledge and labour to design and build Nightingale Hospitals around the UK within weeks.
92 out of 96 mobile virus testing units in the UK set up and running within a week.
Sourcing, transporting, and delivering PPE equipment and medical supplies to frontline NHS staff.
Specialist IT resources to tackle fake online news, malicious conspiracy theories, fraudulent scams, and ‘phishing’ activities.
Rapid conversion of military helicopters to air ambulance duties around the country.
UK Armed Forces personnel are continuing to play a key role in the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic. (source: gov.uk)
Shaun McCarthy
RURAL HERITAGE SOCIETY
Along with all the other local clubs and societies we have been in lockdown but Frances managed to get a walk in during February along with seven others and one dog, exploring the Church Road and Church area, then over to Alderton Drive and back via Ringshall Drive to the Bowls Club car park. Sadly, the planned April walk never took place, for obvious reasons, but the good news is that Frances has been doing a 3 to 5 mile walk daily, re-discovering many old tracks locally which, when life returns to normal, can be happily explored.
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Given the change of circumstances the Annual Newsletter, planned for May, with articles by George Godar on the proposed Luton Airport expansion (will it now happen??) and an update on the utterly inappropriate and deeply unpopular attempts to develop housing along Church Road will, in the main, be emailed to members for whom we hold email addresses. There will also be items by Lyn Hyde, Josie Jeffrey, and Chris Mawhood. If anyone would like to add their email address to the RHS database for this purpose, please email George Godar at [email protected].
We are hoping that the planned AGM on Wednesday July 1st, 7.30pm in the village hall, (remember the village hall?) will go ahead as planned and we are looking forward to hearing from Colin Blundel, the Planning Officer for the Chiltern Society on the role of the Chiltern Society, particularly in planning matters which will be of interest to all of us, I’m sure. The Chiltern Society supported the village’s opposition to the proposed Church Road development with an objection to Dacorum B.C. All are, of course, very welcome.
In the meantime, the RHS Committee has kept beady eyes on all planning applications, along with the Parish Council, and just a reminder that we still have a lovely selection of local interest books for those lockdown reading opportunities; namely ‘A Century Remembered’ £10 (there must be a household without a copy?) The Vicars Bell double edition £8, (With a ‘special offer’ of both books as a package for £12. and ‘Two Houses’, by Frances Kerner, who gave a fascinating talk on the subject at last year’s AGM. £10. We can also order beautiful prints of the original Ashridge Estate 1762 Grey’s Maps, including a version featuring just the village. From £20 plus a postage charge from the printers. A perfect gift.
We hope to see you all the other side of the incarceration.
Josie Jeffrey and George Godar
SCOUTING
1st Little Gaddesden Scout Group
Unfortunately, face-to-face weekly meetings for our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts stopped in mid-March before the UK-wide lockdown came into force. All our Leaders
The Gaddesden Diary
immediately turned their minds to keeping Scouting going through some new methods, which would keep our young people, our Leaders and all their families safe, while offering interesting projects and tasks that can be carried out by Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at home, with help from parents as necessary. All our sections are providing some Scouting activities remotely through emails, online meetings, and other methods, which all avoid face-to-face contact between young people and Leaders. The Scout Association is promoting these kinds of activities under the banner ‘The Great Indoors’. Many of the tasks can be done outside in the fresh air, even if they were originally indoor activities. They contribute towards the aims of Scouting, and the award of badges according to the programs for each section.
In this way, we continue to keep Scouting alive and to make progress, despite all the difficulties. We are really looking forward to the day when we can all join up again to enjoy our weekly meetings, even though we know there will be some new rules for their safe conduct.
Tim Cooper Assistant Group Scout Leader
Cubs
Since life stopped being ‘normal’ the Cubs have been enjoying a number of virtual challenges to keep them active and engaged in their Scouting life. From camping in gardens, to virtual Olympics, VE Day celebrations and nature studies, the Cubs have been sending a whole range of activities that will count towards their badges.
We are missing our weekly outings into the great outdoors so much and cannot wait for normal life of camp building, tree climbing, smores, and laser x games to resume.
Richard Brash Cub Scout Leader
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Cubs’ virtual activities - Coats of Arms, origami shirts and VE Day bunting
The Gaddesden Diary
Cubs’ garden camps TENNIS CLUB
The current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to look at different ways we can enjoy our beloved sport of tennis at LGTC. Initially when the countrywide lockdown was announced in March, we sadly had to padlock the tennis courts in order to stop all our members using them. It was particularly hard for us because it came at the beginning of our season when we had planned activities like the start of our Club nights, Bring and Share Supper, Salmon Supper and of course our Wimbledon draw. The weather in April was beautiful and our hearts ached as we couldn’t take to the courts to enjoy our tennis and social activities at the club. Adults and juniors alike were looking forward to coaching sessions with Hugo Allen
Summer 2020 Online Edition our club coach. Disappointment too, as the news was announced there would be no Wimbledon to look forward to this year.
We were in a situation when we had to look at different ways to connect with each other and support our players until we could once again play on court. One thing I set up was a regular Zoom meeting at 5.00pm on a Thursday when players, who would normally be meeting on court to play some fun games of doubles and singles, could get together virtually and have a cup of tea and enjoy some chat. This virtual meeting has been regularly attended and provided much needed company over these past few weeks in lockdown.
Last week we had the amazing news that tennis could be played once again under strict guidelines set out by the LTA. The LGTC committee considered the eagerly awaited advice from the LTA and got to work to come up with a plan to open the courts once more so that we could play tennis again. We have created a new website at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/LittleGaddesdenTennisClub which includes a booking system for the tennis courts. Members can now book courts and play singles tennis and doubles if a single household plays. We have displayed the LTA guidelines for players at the courts which we ask all members to follow. Our middle tennis court net has been removed and only two courts are available for play to enable social distancing rules to be followed. Each court is accessed by a separate gate and hour-long sessions are separated by a 15-minute gap to allow for players to leave the courts before the next session begins. We worked hard to get these arrangements in place and already the last fortnight in May has seen members coming along and playing tennis once again.
The Gaddesden Diary
The next action to be taken will be to get our coaching programme up and running. Under the current advice we are hoping that our club coach Hugo Allen will be able to offer individual lessons. These arrangements are currently being finalised and will be announced to our members shortly.
Hopefully we will see further restrictions lifted in the following months so that we can play doubles and maybe hold modest social events but in the meantime we can have some great games of singles on our newly cleaned courts, which have also had the lines repainted too!
If you would like to join LGTC then please contact me at [email protected]. Also, you will find more details about our club on our new website or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/littlegaddesdentennisclub.
Anne Gold
VILLAGE PRODUCE ASSOCIATION
We are so pleased to be able to write a few words very close to the Diary deadline, as we managed to hold our annual Plant Sale towards the end of May. There were many people, creating quite a long ‘socially distanced’ queue. Numerous donations were received in the lead up to the sale, for which we are very grateful, as without this support we would not have a sale.
We hope the pictures of the Plant Sale enable those who could not call by gain a flavour of the wonderful village comradeship that was felt by us all. (Having found this word come from my fingers it made me look up the definition: ‘the feeling of friendship between people who live or work together, especially in a difficult situation’; absolutely spot on!)
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The support groups set up around the village as the severity of the situation grew have worked extremely well. The VPA Committee (all seven of us) have, in various ways, been delighted to be here for the village. We have been made aware by many who are shielding at home that our contact and deliveries have helped brighten their days and this has spurred us on. Providing our suppliers keep delivering we continue our efforts.
Orders can be placed at [email protected]. Along with our web site lgvpa.org we are active via Facebook: Little Gaddesden VPA, Little Gaddesden Rules, and Instagram; whichever way you choose. However, if anyone does not do electronic contact, we want to be there for you too so please let a committee member know and we will put in place the required communications.
The Young Gardeners area was launched recently, and we hope this will attract lots of enthusiasm, helping to cement ongoing gardening interests for the years ahead.
Our enforced stay at home requirements have reminded us (who are fortunate to have a garden) what an enormously beneficial resource the outside is, no matter how tiny, and aids our mental health stability. So, do share your progress and pictures with us, from all the age ranges in your household, we really want to know about your results. We are aware the village WI group have shared some beautiful happenings to help keep everyone smiling.
It isn’t too late, sowing and planting are still happening, so have a good look around your space, and decide how it can be used in the most beneficial way. Growing bags (they come in varying sizes) can also be used and our garden store can supply the compost to fill them together with fertilisers along with competitively priced loose items, and we are on your doorstep.
The Gaddesden Diary
Looking ahead, can we have the usual Summer Show (August 22nd)? – we hope so, somehow, but in what format we will have to consider as the coming weeks unfold. Keep busy in your space, whatever the size. We look forward to seeing the results.
June Abraham
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
With so much cancelled, members have been keeping in touch with a round robin. We have shared many pictures of members’ gardens as the daffodils have given way to tulips then alliums, now roses. One member is hatching chicks, another nurturing puppies, life goes on....
Several members have joined a local group sewing scrubs for NHS workers. We made over 100 garments, plus countless hats and laundry bags in May, and we plan to match this in June. Together with sewers in the local area we are sending hundreds of scrubs to Luton & Dunstable, Watford, and Stoke Mandeville hospitals, as well as local hospitals and surgeries.
We hope to be able to meet again in the village hall before too long. Meanwhile we are grateful for the glorious weather, our gardens, and our good neighbours.
Fiona Masters
HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
VE75 It was good to see the country come together to commemorate and recognise the end of the war in Europe on May 8th. I was especially proud to be able to observe the day in my role both as Mayor of Dacorum and also the Chair of the Hertfordshire
Summer 2020 Online Edition
Armed Forces Covenant Board. The Covenant exists to recognise the contribution of the military and families both serving and retired.
Life under Lockdown I am sure that there will be people with a wealth of memories of good times and not so good. Hertfordshire Archives have created www.hertsmemories.org.uk where you can share your reminiscences of life in Hertfordshire. I am sure Little Gaddesden has a wealth of tales (some of which may not be printable!) which will be of interest especially to people who have recently moved into the village.
Hertfordshire Music Service goes online Hertfordshire Music Service (HMS) is offering online music lessons during the COVID-19 crisis so that existing pupils can continue instrumental and vocal lessons with their teachers at home.
The Music Service is committed to finding ways to support schools and all our students to continue their musical journey and express themselves through music- making of any kind.
HMS has also agreed a partnership deal with two leading online music education organisations, Sing Up! and Charanga, enabling every Hertfordshire school pupil to access their platforms for free until September 2021. This exciting online collaboration is allowing HMS to support pupils at every school in the county with access to these fun and interactive resources. They are also a great way to create some relaxation time or add a change of pace to the day for students at this challenging time.
Mayor gets 12 months Coronavirus has had numerous impacts, one of which is to delay or cancel the Annual Council meeting where a new Mayor is installed. Dacorum Borough Council has taken the opportunity not to hold such a meeting which means that I will continue for a further year. This will allow me to hold my Civic Service and carry out my promised Mayoral visit to The Bridge and if it continues next the Tea Party with frills.
Increased Locality Budget As I frequently report, every Hertfordshire County Councillor has £10,000 available to grant to local groups to support their activities or start new ones. This year it has
The Gaddesden Diary
been augmented by a further £5,000 on the understanding that £5,000 is ring- fenced to specifically support COVID-19 related activities. If there is a local group with a special project, I would like to hear about it.
If I can help with any issues, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01442 402273 or by email at [email protected] for Hertfordshire County Council matters or [email protected] for Dacorum issues.
Cllr Terry Douris
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The Gaddesden Diary
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The Gaddesden Diary
Summer 2020 Online Edition
The Gaddesden Diary
Summer 2020 Online Edition
To advertise your business in The Gaddesden Diary please email Matt Laver:
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE GADDESDEN SOCIETY