June 2021

YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN OUR SERVICES IN CHURCH OR ON ZOOM.

Here with you Here for you ST ANDREW Registered charity 1132540 Website: www.HertfordStAndrews.co.uk PRIEST: Rev Alan Stewart 01992 582726 [email protected] Assistant Priest: Rev Bill Church 01992 410469 churchwj@ hotmail.com Curate: Rev Wendy Sellers 01707 372315 [email protected] Readers: Melanie Seward & Geoff Oates Lay Leader of Worship: Forbes Mutch Chaplain to Sele Farm Church: Rev Bill Church 01992 410469 Family, Children & Youth Worker:Tracy Plumpton [email protected] Pastoral Assistant: Carol Crowhurst 01992 509126 [email protected] Parish Administrator: Philippa Probert [email protected] Office Hours: 9am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays 01992 504373 St Andrew’s Centre: Bookings: Carol Muhr 07593 055223 [email protected] Churchwardens: Jane Cohen 07818 532154 [email protected] Sue Mulligan 01992 421806 [email protected] Deputy Warden: Chris Seward 01992 554217 Deanery Synod Members: Julie Markey & Shirley Taylor Parochial Church Council comprises the Clergy, Readers, Lay Leader, Deanery Synod Members and Treasurer plus the following elected and co-opted members: Laura Ramsay, Catherine Sleath, Jon Bunney, Maria Henriksson-Bell, Joan Cheesman, Chris Seward, Kath Oates, Malcolm Fry, Colin Crowhurst, Rosemary Willis & Nick Hoyle. NOTE: Churchwardens, Deanery Synod Members and PCC members subject to change as of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 27th May. See website for details. Chair of Building Group: Chris Seward 01992 554217 Chair of Finance: Chris Seward 01992 554217 Chair of Mission: Andrew Goodman 01992 421769 Chair of Social: Jane Cohen 07818 532154 Chair of Reaching New People: Kath Oates 01992 535805 Chair of Young People: Rev Wendy Sellers 01707 372315

Bible Reading Fellowship: Helle Penson 01992 916786 Director of Music: Jane Eldred 01992 503658 Health & Safety Officer: Rod Willis 01992 551675 Hertford Churches Together: Sue Mulligan 01992 421806 Honorary Clock Winder: Keith Neat Acting Ringing Master: Andrew Case [email protected] Parish Magazine: Richard Taylor 01992 302995 Safeguarding Officer: Catherine Sleath 01992 537867 Treasurer: Debbie Hartnett 01992 509314

St Andrew’s Centre - Hertford St Andrew Community Trust - Trustees: Richard Taylor (Chairman), Malcolm Fry, Philippa Probert, Laura Ramsay, Judy Sharman, David Spring and Rod Willis.

Sele Farm Church: June Roe 01992 414043 Sele Farm Church meets on Sundays at Calton Court, Windsor Drive, Hertford at 10.45am Toddler Group – Thursdays: Judy Sharman 01992 423561 Toddler Group – Fridays: Kath Oates [email protected] NOT MEETING AT PRESENT: WATCH OUR WEBSITE TO KEEP INFORMED. Whilst every reasonable care has been taken in presenting the information in this magazine, no responsibility can be taken for any inaccuracies. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Priests, Churchwardens or editor. HOME WELCOME I am pleased to welcome everyone to St My dear friends, Andrew’s, but in particular visitors and What does home newcomers. If you wish to know more about anything mentioned in this mean to you? I know magazine, please get in touch with the that most of us have contact person named in the article or spent quite a bit of speak with me or one of the time in the place churchwardens. For contact details, see the prior page. where we live The church is open during daylight hours, recently. For some of and there is a prayer space by the main us, this will have door where there is an opportunity to post been limiting and prayers on the prayer board and light a frustrating. For candle. Rev Alan Stewart some of us, this will However, the time has come for me to move on. actually have been comforting, because the We are moving from town to village. We are place we live is often the place we feel most moving house. All this is because I am going to relaxed. My husband has enjoyed working serve a new community and a new church. from home: the commute up to the bedroom Change is never easy, but (accompanied by we’ve made into his office, the lack of ironing my faithful husband and hound) I am and making of packed lunches, the wearing of stepping out in faith with God as my track suit bottoms and t-shirt instead of a companion and guide. suit. He’s not particularly looking forward to the return to the office. He prefers home. Over the next few months, we will all see changes. Hopefully these will be good ones, as But home has a much wider definition than we slowly re-emerge into our world. The simply the building we inhabit. Some of us boundaries of home will move out again feel at home in our town or village, our beyond our own walls and locality. I hope that workplace or school, our church building or you will find time to visit the spiritual heart of even somewhere we visit on daytrips or this place – your church. It is open every day. holidays (remember those?). You might like to just sit, or to explore. To pray I am very much someone who loves familiarity. or to chat with whoever else is there. Or you I have no wish to travel the globe. Instead, I might want to join one of the services or other can’t wait for our planned week in the Lake activities. And when you do come, I hope and District soon – somewhere we go frequently as pray you too will find that sense of home which a family. I love my house and my garden. I I get every time I come to St Andrew’s. love where I’ve lived for May God bless you and your homes. And more than 35 years. And I’ve grown to love my may you feel his blessing too whenever you church community at St Andrew’s. To be fair enter his official ‘home’. Do pop in and visit it didn’t take long to learn to love both the soon. You’ll be most welcome. building itself (which is beautiful) and those who worship there, as they are so welcoming Rev Wendy Sellers and generally full of joy.

DEADLINE FOR THE JULY/AUGUST MAGAZINE IS SUNDAY 20TH JUNE. Please send copy by e-mail to [email protected] or by post to Richard Taylor at 22 Highfield Road, Hertford SG13 8BH (Tel. 01992 302995).

CHURCH MATTERS Worship Worshipping inside our building and from home - the weekly pattern of services now looks like this: Sundays 8am BCP Communion Service at St Andrew’s (no need to pre-book) 9.15am Communion Service at St Mary’s Hertingfordbury (our sister church) 10.30am Communion Service at St Andrew's (please book via Eventbrite – go to the church website for the link) 10.30am Service on Zoom 7pm Compline on Zoom

Wednesdays 10.30am Communion Service at St Andrew's (no need to pre-book) 8pm Meditation & Mindfulness on Zoom

Our 10.30am in-person Sunday Service: how to book and what to expect Please go to our website where you will find a ticket booking function and link to the Eventbrite website. Alternatively, if you don’t have internet access, or prefer not to use it, you can call Sue Mulligan on 07913 666296 and she will book the place for you.

Junior Church Junior Church meets in the St Andrew's Centre behind the church alongside our 10.30am Sunday morning service. Please note:  there is NO NEED TO PRE-BOOK for Junior Church attendance.  if your child(ren) are able to remain on their blanket (see below) and observe social distancing then they are VERY WELCOME.  please supply your child(ren) with a small ruck sack/bag with a drink and small snack. Also some basic stationary (felt pens/pencils, drawing pencils, paper).  please bring a picnic blanket that your child(ren) can sit on for the session to enable family bubble social distancing.  come to the St Andrew's Centre main entrance (behind the church) at 10.20am and fill in a Covid Best Practice Form (if you could download from the Junior Church page on the church website, print and fill in beforehand that would be a great help!).

There is more information about Junior Church and how it is organised on the Junior Church page of the website. Please take a look. (If you are attending the in-church service please pre-book your place via Eventbrite – go to the church website for the link.)

Facebook Livestream will continue at 10am for the time being Keep in touch and hear the latest updates Tracy is in touch with families directly. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for Junior Church (children up to secondary school age), please email Tracy: [email protected]

Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story CHURCH MATTERS Everyone is welcome to join us. For more "Zoom On" information please contact the church office by ringing: 01992 504373 or A number of people have asked about our emailing [email protected] plans for the Sunday morning Zoom worship as Covid-related restrictions on our in-church services continue to be Compline/Night Service eased.

We plan to continue with Zoom worship on Sunday morning in any case through into September, and beyond as long as By Zoom every Sunday at 7pm there is a reasonable level of participation.

However, with Wendy's approaching move to a new parish, clergy resources are more limited, and we will no longer be This short, spoken service takes its name able to offer a weekly communion service from the Latin word for ‘completion’ and is on Zoom. From 20th June there will be a intended to mark a quiet end to the day.

Service of the Word, with praise, prayer and teaching, led by a Lay Reader or Lay Leader of Worship. MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS

We plan to explore ways to make more Mindfulness is a very helpful way of use of music and visual imagery, and bringing us into a deeper awareness of the different, creative forms of teaching in the present moment. It can be helpful in Zoom format, as we see Zoom worship as dealing with stress or anxiety. Until our a long-term platform for outreach and fortnightly sessions at church resume, growth in our community, and not just as you may wish to join our Zoom sessions. a temporary fall-back for the duration of the Covid crisis. Every Wednesday at 8pm They are hosted by Alan. Please email the church

office if you would like to be added to our mailing We look forward to welcoming you to list and receive a Zoom invitation: continued worship and fellowship on-line. [email protected] You can also find a rough guide to the practice of How to join us on Zoom Mindfulness on St Andrew’s website. Those on our mailing list will receive an invitation via email in advance of the event, allowing them to join in at the right Private Prayer inside our church time. If you're not already on our mailing The church remains open daily (9am-4pm, list, please email the church office: though hours may vary) and you are [email protected] welcome to visit for private prayer. Zoom by phone Please continue to follow the guidelines for social distancing, wearing a face covering Did you know that you can connect to a and using hand sanitiser. Zoom service via your telephone?

Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story

CHURCH MATTERS

Prayer is like oxygen…

Grab a coffee, get comfortable and join us on Zoom as we pray for ourselves, our churches and our world during these difficult times. Feel free to pray silently or join in as you would like to. Next gatherings: Saturday 5th June at 8.30am Saturday 3rd July at 8.30am

IN-CHURCH SERVICES –

WHAT ARE THE RULES? As part of the latest easing of lockdown restrictions in May, the 30-person limit on funeral attendance in places of worship has gone. The limit is now set by each church setting a Covid-safe capacity, which St Andrew’s has done. Wakes and weddings of up to 30 guests are now permitted. As before, the size of congregations for communal worship, including baptisms, remains limited to a Covid-safe capacity. Consequently, for the 10.30 Sunday morning service we will continue, for the time being, to ask everyone wishing to attend to book through the church website via Eventbrite to ensure we do not exceed that capacity. Groups of six people from different households can now sit together in church. Groups must be socially distanced. Face coverings are still mandatory in places of worship, and the distribution of the communion cup remains suspended. Congregational singing indoors is still banned but up to six amateur musicians and singers may perform indoors as part of the act of worship, so a few of our choir members now sing at the 10.30 Sunday service. Congregational singing outdoors is Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story CHURCH FAMILY permitted and at St Andrew’s, weather permitting, the congregation will step into the churchyard towards the end of the 10.30 service to sing a hymn, as they have been able to do towards the end of May.

A more extensive easing of restrictions is expected in June, but with the concern over the so-called Indian strain of coronavirus there remains uncertainty ahead. Please watch out for further information during the month, which will be available on the church website and social media feeds.

FROM THE REGISTERS FUNERALS: We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of: 17th May Edythe Joy Checkley aged 83. Born in Wales, for many years Joy owned and ran a Hertford institution, the family bookshop on Castle Street. She will be dearly missed by daughters Nicola, Fiona and Victoria, and sons Simon and Robert. 21st May Alan Sadler aged 86. Alan was married to Joyce for over 60 years and they lived most of that time in Norwood Close. He worked as a toolmaker for Addis and BAe and took full advantage of his retirement to travel the world. He spent his last years as a well-liked resident of Chauncy Court. He will be missed, especially by children Gillian and Steve, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

HOME GROUPS Real intimacy, real spiritual depth, real church happens in small groups. At St Andrew’s we have lots of different small groups which, when permitted, usually meet in someone’s home on various days and times of the week, but generally by Zoom at present. We meet to deepen friendships, offer support, explore questions, unpack the Bible, pray together and grow in love for one another and for God. A list of the current Home Groups is available on the church website. Please take a look and if you are interested there is a contact name and number for each group. They will welcome your call.

VOLUNTEERS PLEASE! SUMMER SPRUCE-UP FOR THE CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD: Saturday 10th July

We plan to have work parties during the morning of 10th July from 10am until 1pm to do a general clear-up and clean of certain parts of the church building and to spruce- up the churchyard. We welcome as many hands to the pump as possible to ensure we get the work finished quickly. Come for just part of the time if that is all you can manage. Subject to whatever Covid restrictions apply at the time (hopefully none!) refreshments, including a light lunch, will be available. So please put the date in your diary and join the party! For more information, contact Churchwarden Jane Cohen on 07818 532154.

Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story CHURCH FAMILY

‘When this is over...’ an exhibition: An exhibition is planned for for the autumn to showcase the outpouring of creativity which many have experienced and we would also like it to be a space where we can share our collective memories, a sort of time capsule of how we all experienced living through the pandemic. We would hope to include:

Art in all forms (painting, drawing, collage etc); Writing, both prose and poetry; Journal and diary entries; Children’s contributions of paintings, drawings, writing, things they have made; Photos of ourselves and our everyday life, especially of the things which are different at the moment. We would like the wider community to participate in the exhibition so will be advertising our plans more widely in the coming months.

Please be thinking about how you might contribute, and if you have anything to offer or would like to know more please contact Kath Oates at [email protected] or on 07708 580428.

AU REVOIR WENDY

As you will know, our Curate, Wendy Sellers, is leaving us to be the Vicar of Sandridge, near . She has a number of ‘final’ services with St Andrew’s and St Mary’s: 6th June - final sermon at St Mary’s at 9.15am and St Andrew’s at 10.30am; 13th June - final service on Zoom at 10.30am; 16th June - final Wednesday morning service at St Andrew’s; 20th June - presiding at 8am and 10.30am at St Andrew’s and 9.15am at St Mary’s.

There will be an opportunity for St Andrew’s folk to wish Wendy farewell at a social event on Saturday 26th June. Please save the date. Further details will follow. St Mary’s are having their own event for Wendy.

Wendy’s licensing is at 7.30pm on Monday 19th July at St Leonard’s, Sandridge. Please put the date in your diary. At the moment it is not known how many can attend, but Wendy is hoping that some of you might like to attend or watch it. There is no wi-fi in the church so it cannot easily be live streamed but she welcomes any other solutions to that problem!

Wendy says “I am very sad to being leaving both my church families, but excited about what lies ahead. I hope people will stay in touch”. Please continue to pray for Wendy and Dale as they prepare to move house, and for Wendy’s new parish as they prepare to welcome her. Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story

We are grateful for the support of all businesses which advertise in this magazine. We want them to know it is worthwhile advertising here.

PLEASE MENTION ST ANDREW’S MAGAZINE IF YOU USE ANY OF OUR ADVERTISERS. 29 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1DJ If you wish to advertise in this magazine [email protected] please contact Pauline Rhodes on For our photography business: 01992 550379 www.murleyandmaples.co.uk

0 1 9 9 An Update from Hertford St Andrew Church of England Primary School

On Monday 8th March we were delighted to welcome our pupils back to school. We have been working hard to settle everyone back into school life. Our school children have been really busy over the past few weeks – celebrating World Book Day by dressing as their favourite book characters, hosting a football skills session with football freestyler Jamie Knight and learning boccia & archery with the Hertford & Ware Sports Partnership. Our Reception children took part in Balanceability bike lessons, whilst our Year 3 and 4 pupils have been learning to play the ukulele!

Below are some of the other activities that the children have been doing over the past few weeks:

Alan and Tracy made a welcome return to the school to talk to the children about the Easter Journey.

Year 1 and 2 pupils celebrated St George’s Day by making their very own dragons!

The Saracens Foundation have been visiting the school each week to teach our Year 6 children tag rugby.

The children joined a live Zoom call with Baroness Floella Benjamin. They have been learning all about her through her best-selling book “Coming to England”. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about her amazing life and career.

Over the next few weeks our pupils will be taking part in an Outdoor Classroom day, “Dance Around the World” workshops and Spirituality week where the children will explore a variety of ways to develop their understanding of spirituality. Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story

here was once a strong man, a very strong man, called Samson. The Philistines wanted to get rid of him because he had caused them a lot a trouble. Let me tell you how strong he was. Samson was so strong that he once killed a thousand men using the jawbone of an ass. He was so strong that he wrenched the doors and posts off the huge city gates and carried them away on his shoulders.

ow it happened that Samson fell in love with a beautiful Philistine woman named Delilah.

When the Philistine rulers discovered this, they asked Delilah to find out what made Samson so incredibly strong.

“We will each give you eleven hundred pieces of silver if you can find out,” they promised her.

Delilah tried very hard to discover Samson’s secret. First of all Samson told her, "If you tie me with seven fresh bowstrings I will be as weak as any other man."

So while Samson was sleeping she tied him with seven bowstrings then shouted, "Samson! Wake up! The Philistines are here!"

But Samson snapped the strings as if they were made of fine cotton.

Delilah pretended to be very hurt and told Samson not to make fun of her.

So this time he told her, "If you bind me with seven brand new ropes I shall lose my strength."

Delilah again waited until he was asleep then tied him up with seven new ropes. "Samson, wake up! The Philistines are upon you!" she shouted. went the ropes as if they had been thin thread.

Delilah was not happy and accused Samson of lying to her. “Pleeeeease tell me your secret,” she pleaded.

Next, Samson told her to use the loom and weave the seven plaits of his hair into the cloth. “Make sure you fasten it with a pin,” he said, “and I will become as weak as a kitten.”

So Delilah wove his seven locks of hair with a loom and then shouted, "Samson wake up! The Philistines will kill you!"

Samson woke up and flung the loom from his hair and escaped from the Philistines yet again.

Delilah was furious. “You don’t really love me at all,” she cried. “Three times you have made a fool of me.” Then she begged and pleaded and pleaded and begged him to tell her his secret. Eventually, poor Samson was fed up with her nagging.

"O.K. I’ll tell you. If you cut off all my hair I shall be as weak as any other man."

Craftily, Delilah let Samson sleep with his head in her lap, then quietly, she beckoned a man to shave off all his hair. For the last time she shouted, “Samson! Wake up! The Philistines are here!"

Samson could not shake himself free this time. His hair was gone and his mighty strength had gone with it. The Philistine soldiers captured Samson and took him away.

W O F Y I C U T Samson Weak E S I M S N H O A D E L I L A H Fields Delilah

R R L D C N I L Secret God Love E O D B O D R O

V P S S F G J V Cut Hair L E M E S E Y E

I A S S K A E W Rope Silver

S E C R E T S E Ass Eyes

WITH THANKS TO VAL HURFORD HELPING TO VACCINATE THE WORLD

Dear Friends,

We are hugely grateful that we have both had our first vaccines, as have some of our loved ones. If you have had a vaccine, you too might be feeling grateful.

One way of showing that gratitude is to make a donation to enable someone from one of the world’s poorest countries to benefit from a vaccine, too. You can do this by donating direct to CoVax or via Arm in Arm, which links to the World Health Organisation.

The Church of England is supporting VaccinAid, an initiative of UnicefUK to crowdfund the biggest vaccination drive in history. The campaign aims to help fund almost two billion Covid-19 vaccines for health workers and the most high risk and vulnerable people on our planet. For information on the campaign go to www.vaccinaid.org However, Wendy found the main UNICEF website the most transparent and easy to use: www.unicef.org.uk

There will be no safety for us all until most of the world is vaccinated, but more importantly there must be an equal sharing of the vaccine for humanitarian reasons and because Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” (Matthew 25.40)

An individual vaccine costs under £2, but you may also like to consider donating enough to cover the cost of distribution and administration.

Please pray on this and do as you feel is right.

Yours in Christ, Rev Alan Stewart and Rev Wendy Sellers

LOOKING FOR A HALL OR ROOM TO HIRE? If YOU are looking for a hall or room to hire, whether it’s for a children’s party or other family event, for a club or society meeting or fundraising event, or you run a business, look no further than the St Andrew’s Centre. Located behind the church, there is a modern, bright large hall, (approximately 12m x 5.75m) which can be split into two spaces, (approx 6m x 5.75m) a large kitchen, two accessible toilets and also an art/utility room. The projector, screen and sound system, with loop, in the main hall are ideal for use with meetings and presentations, plus Wi-Fi is available.

Upstairs there is a small room (the John Summers-Gill Room), suitable for small meetings, which is mainly used by counsellors.

For booking enquiries, please contact Carol, the Centre Administrator. OFFICE HOURS 12 noon-2pm, Tuesday and Fridays (e-mails, texts and voicemails will be picked up at other times) Tel: 07593 055223 Email: [email protected]

Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story Faith in Young People Shirley Taylor reports on the Deanery Synod meeting held in May.

The Deanery Synod was held on Zoom, The Deanery hopefully for the last time, although I Hertford and Ware Deanery is a collection of have become very keen on the benefits parishes which stretches from Hunsdon and of spending an hour upstairs in the Widford in the east to Essendon in the west, spare room instead of driving around from Ponsbourne in the South to Aston and High Cross in the North. country lanes trying to find a church The Deanery Synod hall in some remote village in the The Deanery Synod is the church governance Hertford and Ware area. equivalent of a district council. It comprises elected lay members from the parishes and It was Canon Jo Loveridge’s last all serving clergy. Synod meetings act as a meeting as Rural Dean, having served formal bridge between the Diocesan Synod six years, and we await the Bishop’s and Parochial Church Councils. appointment of the new Rural Dean in June. Thanks were expressed for all together into a network, and on a Jo’s work for the Deanery, including the diocesan level to connect with digital appointment of several clergy over the groups and provide large events. past few years. The new Rural Dean will be able to design the committee ‘Our’ Tracy was there and was asked structure of the Deanery working with how she had worked with St Andrew’s the Lay Chair (Diana Perkins) and and St Mary’s young people during the Assistant Rural Dean (Rev Mark past 18 months. She listed all that she Dunstan – Widford, Wareside, & had been organising and how she had Hunsdon). connected with not only our children and young people and students, but The main subject of the meeting was a also others far away via the web. It presentation by Christian Cole, made us truly grateful and in awe of Diocesan Youth Missioner of the Tracy’s talents and gifts for our highlights (or lowlights) of a Diocese of Parishes. We also realised whilst St Albans report entitled ‘Faith in Young talking to other representatives in the People’. The research for this report on breakout rooms how many people in young people in our churches was our two parishes, compared to others, contributed to by every church in the take an active part in ministering to our diocese. The report can be found on children and young people. We are the Diocese of St Albans website under truly blessed by them all. They are the Youth and Children tab. doing great work.

Two sobering statistics are that 65% of At the end of the meeting the Synod churches in the Diocese have between wished Wendy a fond farewell as she zero and 5 young people (aged 11-17) takes up her new role in Sandridge. in their congregation. And at the We also thank Jane Cohen for her three current rate of decline, in ten years’ years on Deanery Synod as she steps time there will be no children or young down leaving Julie Markey and me to people in our churches. Therefore carry on plus any new representatives something has to be done and fast. who may have put themselves forward at the recent APCM. Christian talked about the need for a new approach. We are almost in a first Shirley Taylor century position – starting from scratch. He offered help to parishes to work on a small group model, to deaneries gathering small groups Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story Twitcher on the Roof Rosemary Willis continues her nature rambles Don’t cast a clout ‘til May is out. during a sermon. But I don’t think it was This old saying is not wrong then? the sermon on the mount. The cat is so agile and can scamper swiftly on its quest We will be lucky if the weather changes to stalk an elusive bird. It never gets one, for the better before this month is over but looks comical as it slides down the and the May blossom only just coming to flashing out of control. I had the best fruition. I was so wrong in my prediction laugh when it jumped from a fence to a that the May blossom would be out before tree and cartoon style fell off backwards April ended. when it could not grip. No harm done. He is off again now investigating the trees as The swallows and swifts are flooding in I write. now, wheeling silently over the pools and meadows. Perhaps they can’t talk and What else have we seen from up high? My eat? Swifts need to replenish fast as neigbour Alison is now as keen as me to everything they do is on the wing. They see what is going on. “From the upstairs have been trying to hold their own against window I was waving my husband off on rain and strong winds. the train that goes past our house and I noticed a fox by the tracks. I watched for “And rough winds do shake the a couple of minutes and was delighted to darling buds of May” see a cub appear and then another. I watch every day now and have seen Not the spring of last year when I sat out another fox nearby with more cubs. There early morning and evening watching and are at least six. It’s very hard to tell how waiting for adventures on the Meads. many, as they don’t stay still for long. They love to rough and tumble, chase So what is going on UP on the roofs I can each other jumping on mum who gives see from my upstairs lockdown office? Only four or five swifts have come back and gone into nest holes opposite me. They are so quiet, no screaming as they zing around the rooftops. I think they are chilly and wonder if they have come back to the right country. It is so unseasonably cold. We have an inquisitive heron around too. He takes a vantage point on a fence overlooking a pond and waits expectantly until shoed off to the rooftop. He does them a cuff now and again to put them in look a bit odd there. But not as odd as the their place. We have a fox that regularly man with a Henry hoover going up the visits the patio at night but I am the only roof and disappearing over the other side. one who has seen it!” But enough about him. How high can a cat climb? Well this young black and white Scenes from my high vantage point also one can get on to the roof and up the include a mallard which made her nest on chimney. It first caught my attention Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story Twitcher on the Roof Rosemary Willis continues her nature rambles the roof of a four-storey building. Very protected from predators but Ah, the Egyptian geese have what of fledgings? This clearly fledged. Seven young, growing had not been thought through. My strongly the last time I saw friend Laura told me she first them. One adult was riding shot- noticed them when it was raining gun on top of a boat as look out ducklings and the mother was out as the other adult was resting in the road encouraging them nearby. The goslings were lined down. There must have been 10 up on the board, four on top and or more. Some sadly met a sticky three under its shade. The end and could not be saved, while lookout goose had left its mark others went off with the mother. on the front of the boat which Laura picked one up, it was not dead and the owners will be pleased with. “Ah, bird Laura and her son Fionn tried to find out poo!” I am reliably informed that pigeon what to do to help revive it. They first put poo is the worst to wash out. How do I it in water – no, that’s not right - and then know? I have my sources. found a shoe box to keep it quiet, but it revived enough to scramble out of that. It Last night I heard the swifts screaming for did manage to survive, and they reunited joy. The evening eventually warmed up it with its mother. I expect to see them and the swifts were flying around the swimming down the Lea. It’s all go at this house happy. This morning the swifts time of year. were on good form wheeling and diving above me – it was a warm Back to the Meads: two families of morning and one of the better mallards are swimming around ones for a morning chorus of Monet’s bridge. It is amazing how black cap and whitethroat. The much they have grown and swifts are here. I love it when sometimes I think I notice changes they emerge from nowhere and daily. The ducklings constantly wheel above my head like mini search for food, pecking at torpedoes scything through the microscopic morsels, only taking a air. There must have been fifty break to have a wash and brush odd mixed with a swallow and up. There is a forlorn lonely teal amongst house martin or two. the weeping branches of a willow. I can see the foxes from where I cross the Yellow and purple are on trend this spring railway line. This morning they were on the Meads. Yellow flag irises are just playing and investigating the track until coming out on the river, and the meadows the train gave a toot and they throng with dandelion clocks, buttercups disappeared. I am sure the driver did that and daisies. Delicate mauve comfrey is especially to move them off the line - shooting up now with all this rain and a bit what a sweetie! Just as I was watching I of warmth and cuckoo flowers are heard the cuckoo calling – my heart leapt beginning to fade as the cow parsley takes with joy. Summer is coming! over. Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story

ST ANDREW’S COFFEE MORNINGS St Andrew’s monthly bakers who responded coffee mornings to a request for people originally started nearly to supply cakes on a thirty years ago in an rota basis so that the effort to raise funds for load was spread. the updating of the Previously the same half Church Hall and carried dozen or so had on once that work had supplied the goodies for been done. Since then, all church functions. they have become an Despite being offered integral part of the reimbursement of their outreach of the Church, as well as expenses, not a penny has been putting many thousands of pounds asked for in all that time. And it’s not into the coffers of a number of just cakes. Of late, sausage rolls, charities, as well as our own St cheese scones and other savouries Andrew’s funds. have proved popular. The men of the parish, who became regular A number of regular church members September morning organizers, joined as a result of calling in on an introduced bacon butties. impromptu Saturday morning, having seen a notice posted somewhere Even before lockdown brought a around the town, by recommendation temporary stop to these social and or by the welcoming sign by the gate. sociable gatherings, and after having We still have regular visitors from taken responsibility from the outset Norwich and Stafford as a matter of for their organisation, we had begun course, as well as members of other to think that it was time we retired churches and local residents. and handed over to a younger, more up to date generation with fresher In more recent years a number of ideas and outlook. We feel the time church groups have been invited to is right to hand over the reins and we run one of the coffee mornings to take this opportunity to sincerely benefit a charity of their choice and thank all who have played a part in raise funds in their own particular whatever role in making these way. Sales of books, plants, occasions the apparent success they unwanted Christmas gifts, charity have been. cards, art and various crafts, have enticed many hands to be put into We wish those taking over every pockets, as have regular raffles, success and guarantee to support tombolas and competitions. them in any way we can. Hazel & Peter Risby One of the outstanding successes of the coffee morning has been the We wish Hazel & Peter a well-earned formation ten years ago of ‘Bakers rest; their efforts were recognised by a Galore’, a group of, originally, sixty recent presentation to them in church.

Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story HISTORY NOTES

Frederick Octavius Crump QC

Last month, you ancient and modern rights of lords and may have read in commoners with reference to manorial this magazine that waste lands. He was editor of the Law the late John Kemp Times. His chambers were in Middle was an admirer of Temple and he was made a Queen’s the brass memorial Counsel at the early age of 35. in St Andrew's Church to Frederick As he lived and practised law in London Octavius Crump you may wonder how he came to be a QC. One thing benefactor of a church in Hertford. This they had in became clear when it emerged from our common was that they both died on research that his daughter, Ethel, Easter Day. Octavius Crump’s memorial married the Reverend Evan Killin can be found near the central altar Roberts who became the Rector of St opposite the memorial to Philip Odell, Andrew’s in 1897. This was just three the young Lieutenant in the years before his father-in-law died aged th Bedfordshire & Regiment 59 on 15 April, Easter Day 1900. It is who died in India and whose sad story quite possible that his death was sudden as he died at the Rectory, which was told in the April magazine. must have made for a very demanding, The inscription on the memorial tells us dramatic and sad day for the young that Frederick Octavius Crump QC was priest having to conduct the day’s born on 1st November 1840 and died on services, console his grieving wife and Easter Day 1900. It also states that he mother-in-law and manage the was a benefactor of St Andrew’s immediate consequences of his father- Church. Research informs us that he in-law’s demise. was the younger son of the Reverend J.H. Crump, and, aged 25, he married The Rectory at Isabel the daughter of another the time was on Reverend. Octavius qualified as a the east side of barrister in 1867 and described his North Road, next recreations as cricket, golf and cycling. to Sele Flour Mill. He was a prolific writer and editor, Reverend Killin responsible for law Roberts was a tomes on a variety talented singer of subjects including and there will be The English Law of more about him Sale & Pledge by in next month’s Factors and Agents, magazine. Rev Evan Killin Roberts still available on Amazon for £25, and essays on subjects like the Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story

How We’re Helping Learning from Covid: As an advice service our focus is on making sure people are able to access the support they need in a way that works for them and we've found many people like being able to access us remotely. As lockdown restrictions lift we won't be going back to a 'drop in' service from our offices which only worked for a minority. Instead we'll operate our service across multiple channels, helping people by phone, email, webchat, video and online. We'll continue to offer home visits and in person appointments in community locations to those who need them.

Community Engagement: we are running a 'pop up information shop' in Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford on a Tuesday and Thursday for the next 6 months. You’re welcome if you need our help. We will be at the Little Hadham Community Cafe on a monthly basis. Over time we hope to expand our community engagement across East Herts.

Research & Campaigns: we published some research recently on housing issues facing our clients. This showed that Covid has put considerable pressure on people’s finances and heightened social vulnerability - 58% of people currently behind on rent arrears were not in arrears pre-pandemic. At Citizens Advice East Herts we've seen a 62% increase in housing issues over the past year. The ban on bailiff-enforced evictions ended on 31st May 2021, affecting many struggling renters across East Herts. We're working hard to get the word out of how we can help people who might be affected.

#mentalhealthawarenessweek helped to raise awareness of the need for support in this area. At Citizens Advice we see first-hand how mental health issues interlink with practical problems. On average, our clients experiencing a mental health problem will have five separate advice problems, from unmanageable debts to employment, housing and access to welfare benefits.

Access Options: a reminder of the ways in which people contact us for help:

 Advice by email  Advice by phone: call Message Line any time on 01920 459944 (local rate) and one of our advisers will call back as soon as they're able to (Monday-Thursday).  Advice by Facebook Messenger  Webchat with us

We'll shortly be introducing a facility on our website for people to book appointments for a phone or video call.

Useful resources: we have a range of resources on our website which people can make use of, including:  Online benefits calculator - to check eligibility for benefits and how changes in household budget can affect income.  Online self-help - for information on housing, benefits, finances, relationships, consumer rights etc.  Bite Size Video advice - for short guides to topics including budgeting, redundancy, scams and council tax. We can also help people apply for Universal Credit via our Help to Claim service. Supporting Our Work: as a local independent charity we rely on support to run our free service and are very grateful for all contributions. If you would like to find out more about how you can support us please go to our website. If you are already supporting us, thank you - we couldn't do it without you! BEWARE SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES AND CALLS A reminder that if you receive a suspicious text or email, please be wary:  Do not reply to it.  Do not open or download any attachments accompanying the message.  Do not click on any links that appear in the message.  Once you've reported it, delete the email to prevent yourself from accidentally opening the message in the future.

Reporting TEXTS: Fake/scam text messages should be forwarded to 7726. This works for all mobile networks and is free of charge. Reporting EMAILS: Phishing/scam emails should be forwarded to [email protected] 'Fake' emails can usually be detected by checking the return email address - if it's not the usual address then it's a scam.

COLD CALLS / SCAM CALLS: phone scams are a common way for criminals to con people out of money or their personal information. There is lots of helpful advice on the AgeUK website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money- legal/scams-fraud/phone-scams/ But, in short:

Don't reveal personal details. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone. Hang up. If you feel harassed or intimidated, or if the caller talks over you without giving you a chance to speak, end the call. Ring the organisation. If you're unsure whether the caller is genuine, you can always ring the company or bank they claim to be from. Make sure you find the number yourself and don’t use the one provided by the caller. Don't be rushed. Scammers will try to rush you into providing your personal details.

HERTFORDSHIRE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC: 4TH – 10TH JUNE Enjoy live music once again. Go to the website for the full programme: hertsmusicfest.org.uk All events are COVID-secure and have been planned with the safety of our audiences and artists very much in mind.

The Festival includes two events at St Andrew’s Church: ALBION STRING QUARTET Friday 4th June, 6.30pm - c. 7.30pm/8.30pm - c. 9.30pm “The playing, by the excellent Albion, is masterly in its vividness, freedom and sensitivity" - David Cairns, Sunday Times HFoM takes great pride in Haydn’s local connection and in our first performance in 2021 we present a seminal work from the great inventor of the string quartet. Tickets: £19.50. Price includes booking fees

FAIRYTALE STORIES - HANSEL AND GRETEL / THE SNOW QUEEN Saturday 5th June, 1.30pm - c. 2.30pm /4.00pm - c. 5.00pm The Wheels on Debussy and Matthew Sharp are proud to present Hansel and Gretel and The Snow Queen - a one-man musical, story-telling show for children 3+ and their families. Join us for a feast of fairytales with beloved stories, bewitching music and the once in a lifetime chance to help our heroes and heroines along the way. Written and performed by 'extraordinary cellist, virile baritone, compelling actor, Matthew Sharp' (The Daily Telegraph) - 'virtuoso of the arts' (The Times) Tickets £9.50. Price includes booking fees Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story BEYOND THE CHURCHYARD HIGH LEIGH needs your help This is an open invitation to all gardeners and willing helpers to get some fresh air and join in a Working Party: SATURDAY 26th June, at High Leigh Christian Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8SG Please bring:  Garden tools and equipment if you have them – otherwise we hope others bring some spares to lend and sanitiser wipes will be available to cleanse spare tools for others to borrow.  Loose, comfortable clothing. Hopefully we will not require wet weather gear, but bring it just in case.  Sensible footwear (wellies or strong shoes). We may ask some volunteers to clean out some of the Pulham feature ponds and others to clear pathways and cut back overgrown vegetation.  A drinks container.  PPE for going into the building (using toilets etc.)  A good sense of humour! Sun cream and Sun Hat! (praying for fine weather).

Hopefully, we can work together to get the grounds and garden areas back to a tidy state by the end of the day, ready for the official re-opening for conferences on 3rd July. COVID has been cruel in terms of business for the Christian Conference Centres up and down the country. A short tour of the house highlighting some of the recent changes may be available at some point in the day.

START TIME 9.30 am. Please report to reception and arrive promptly for briefing and allocation of tasks. If you can only make part of the day you will still be very welcome. Hot and cold drinks provided. Barbeque lunch and tea.

If you are interested in this action-packed day, please either leave a message on my landline 01992 558447 after 7pm if possible (as I am busy working from home) or, preferably, register your interest in this exciting event by sending me an email to [email protected] by Saturday 19th June.

Chrissy Barclay

HERTFORD MUSEUM Hertford Museum in Bull Plain reopened on 18th May with a new exhibition called “Here Come The Brides!” and also a display of Bill Clarke’s art. A local artist and musician, Bill takes a quirky look at some of Hertford’s most iconic buildings.

Well done to Sara Taylor, the curator, who has been running the Museum virtually single-handedly throughout lockdown.

On Tuesday 15th June, Friends of the Museum are hosting a talk by Peter Ruffles beginning at 8pm by Zoom. This will be part 2 of a talk called “Our Town in Living Memory”. Peter had so much to talk about that he is returning to show more of his photographs. Born and bred in Hertford and a local councillor for many years, his photographs provide a wonderful record of the town and its people. Those who missed Part 1 will still be able to enjoy this second instalment. Non-members are very welcome to join the talk via the Events page on Hertford Museum’s website (£3 plus Eventbrite fees per screen). New members are welcome to join the Friends. Charles Ledsam Know the Story; Share the Story; Live the Story Services at St Andrew’s June 2021

Booking is required for the in-church services marked [B] See inside about how to book and also how to receive a link to a Zoom service

Day Date Time Service Celebrant Preacher Wednesday 2 10.30 am Holy Communion (Traditional) in Church Rev Bill Church Thursday 3 8.00 am Morning Prayer (BCP) in Church Saturday 5 8.30 am Breathe Prayer Gathering on Zoom Rev Alan Stewart Sunday 6 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) in Church Rev Alan Stewart Trinity 1 10.30 am Parish Communion in Church [B] Rev Wendy Sellers 10.30 am Parish Communion on Zoom Rev Alan Stewart Forbes Mutch 7.00 pm Compline Service on Zoom Rev Wendy Sellers Monday 7 8.00 am Morning Prayer (Common Worship) in Church Wednesday 9 10.30 am Holy Communion (Traditional) in Church Rev Alan Stewart Thursday 10 8.00 am Morning Prayer (BCP) in Church SUNDAY 13 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) in Church Rev Bill Church Trinity 2 10.30 am Parish Communion in Church [B] Rev Alan Stewart Melanie Seward 10.30 am Parish Communion on Zoom Rev Wendy Sellers 7.00 pm Compline Service on Zoom Rev Alan Stewart Monday 14 8.00 am Morning Prayer (Common Worship) in Church Wednesday 16 10.30 am Holy Communion (Traditional) in Church Rev Wendy Sellers Thursday 17 8.00 am Morning Prayer (BCP) in Church SUNDAY 20 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) in Church Rev Wendy Sellers Trinity 3 10.30 am Parish Communion in Church [B] Rev Wendy Sellers Rev Alan Stewart (Wendy's last 10.30 am Service of the Word on Zoom Geoff Oates Rev Alan Stewart services) 7.00 pm Compline Service on Zoom Rev Alan Stewart Monday 21 8.00 am Morning Prayer (Common Worship) in Church Wednesday 23 10.30 am Holy Communion (Traditional) in Church Rev Alan Stewart Thursday 24 8.00 am Morning Prayer (BCP 1662) in Church SUNDAY 27 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) in Church Rev Bill Church Trinity 4 10.30 am Parish Communion in Church [B] Rev Alan Stewart Geoff Oates 10.30 am Service of the Word on Zoom Forbes Mutch Geoff Oates 6.30 pm Evening Prayer (BCP) at St Marys Rev Bill Church 7.00 pm Compline Service on Zoom Rev Alan Stewart Monday 28 8.00 am Morning Prayer (Common Worship) in Church Wednesday 30 10.30 am Holy Communion (Traditional) in Church Rev Bill Church