1

JJJULYULYULY/A/A/AUGUSTUGUSTUGUST 2014 2014 2014 Anstey Fair ................................................................................................................... 13 Anstey First School ....................................................................................................... 32 Ardeley Cream Teas & Cakes ....................................................................................... 33 Aspenden Village Fete .................................................................................................. 12 Attend2Health ............................................................................................................... 28 BALA – Minibus Trips & Coffee Morning ...................................................................... 42 BALFF News ................................................................................................................ 27 Bramble Hill Children’s Centre ...................................................................................... 33 Braughing Fair & Wheelbarrow Race ........................................................................... 12 Braughing Friars Vintage Rally & Country Fayre .......................................................... 13 Brent Pelham Country Fair, Dog & Heavy Horse Show ................................................ 15 Buntingford Carnival – Carnival Characters 2014 .......................................................... 48 Buntingford Civic Society .............................................................................................. 10 Buntingford Classic 2014 .............................................................................................. 35 Buntingford Community Garden ................................................................................... 26 Buntingford Cougars Are Looking for Players ............................................................... 47 Buntingford Fitness – Two new classes ........................................................................ 28 Buntingford Flower Club – 45th Anniversary ................................................................ 44 Buntingford Gardeners Club ......................................................................................... 43 Buntingford Gift & Produce Fair .................................................................................... 14 Buntingford Social Club ................................................................................................ 47 Buntingford Town Council ............................................................................................. 20 Buntingford Town Football Club ................................................................................... 46 Buntingford Twinning Association – An Appeal for Hosts ............................................. 14 Buntingford WI .............................................................................................................. 45 Church Services ........................................................................................................... 16 Claire Thornton, Registered Associate Nutritionist ....................................................... 28 Curwens Solicitors – How to Start Your Own Business ................................................ 30 Diary of Events – What’s On & Dates for Your Diary ................................................... 2-5 East Herts Citizens Advice Bureau – What is the CAB? ................................................ 31 East Herts Council – Community Activities Grants ....................................................... 20 Editor’s Letter ................................................................................................................. 7 Edwinstree Middle School ............................................................................................ 38 Freman College ............................................................................................................ 11 Friends of Orchard Surgery / Coffee Morning ............................................................... 14 Isabel Hospice – Fundraising events ............................................................................ 23 Layston C of E First School .......................................................................................... 36 Leapfrogs Pre-School / Summer Holiday Club ............................................................. 21 Letters to the Editor ........................................................................................................ 8 Martin & Mandy – Stoned Again ................................................................................... 24 Millfield First & Nursery School ..................................................................................... 34 Muscle Help Foundation – Run for Their Lives ............................................................. 26 News from Your District Councillor – Buntingford Regenerated .................................... 22 Primrose Rural Care ..................................................................................................... 45 Profile: Graham Bonner, Buntingford Mayor ................................................................. 18 Royal British Legion Autumn Quiz ................................................................................ 44 Royston and District Ramblers – Walks for July & August ............................................ 29 Scoots – Wheels to Work scheme ................................................................................ 21 Teresa Bonner – R.I.P. Billy Boiler ............................................................................... 45 Useful Local Information ................................................................................................. 6 U3A Buntingford ........................................................................................................... 27 Vyse – Fully Intrusive? .................................................................................................. 40 Wilkestock Festival 2014 .............................................................................................. 14

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MONDAYS 10:30am – 12 noon

10:45am – 11:30am

1:30pm – 3:00pm

1:30pm – 3:30pm

4:30pm – 7:30pm

6:30pm – 7:30pm

6:30pm – 8:00pm

7:00pm

7:00pm – 8:00pm

7:30pm – 8:15pm

7:30pm – 9:00pm

7:30pm – 9:45pm

8:15pm

TUESDAYS 9:15am – 10:15am

9:30am – 11:00am

10:00am – 11:30am

10:00am – 9:00pm

10:45am – 11:30am 11:45am – 12:30pm

3:30pm – 9:00pm

5:30pm – 6:30pm

6:15pm – 7:15pm

6:15pm – 7:15pm

7:30pm – 8:30pm

8:30pm – 9:30pm

Iyengar Yoga at URC Hall, Baldock Road (term time only). Contact Jen Harris on 01920 821288.

Stretch’n’Grow for children who are walking. At Seth Ward Community Centre. £2 per family. 01763 273008.

Stay & Play at Jenyns First School, Braughing. £1 per family. 01763 273008

Senior Citizens Club at URC Hall, Baldock Road. Bingo and an afternoon of socialising. For more information contact Jeanne Clark on 01763 274631.

Rib Valley Trampoline Club at Freman College (term time only). Contact Andrea Allen 07989 980038 or email: ribvalleytc@live.co.uk

Cougars U9s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email: secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk.

Shotokan Karate at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Peter Deacon on 01462 642922.

Bridge for experienced players at Buntingford Bowls Club. £2.50 per session. Contact Eddie on 01763 273640 or 07976 896718.

Pilates at Layston School. Contact Jacqui on 01763 273815 / 07956 647806.

Abs (body toning) at Fit Together Gym. Contact Al on 07739 131694.

Buntingford Community Choir at Millfield School, Monks Walk. No need to read music, no auditions, just bring your enthusiasm! For info see www.buntingfordchoir.co.uk or email: info@buntingfordchoir.co.uk

Buntingford & District Youth Club for young people aged 13–19 years, at the Technical Institute, Baldock Road. Contact Danny Band on 07879 853849 or email: danny.band@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Circuit Training at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact 01920 823677.

Badminton at Seth Ward CC, £2.50 per session. 01763 273712.

Tuesday Toddlers at URC Hall, Baldock Road. £1.50 includes drink and snack. Term time.

Under 1s Group at Buntingford Bowls Club. £1 per family. 01763 273008.

The On Site Massage Clinic at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Contact Kate

Smith MBRCP on 07720 298306 or visit www.onsitemassageclinic.co.uk.

Cheeky Chimps (2 separate sessions) at Seth Ward Community Centre. £2 per family. 01763 273008

Dance classes with Buntingford Dancing School, at Freman College. Contact Philippa on 01763 271010.

Cougars U15s Whites training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area.

Cougars U10s training, St Edmunds School Floodlit Astro Turf.

Cougars U12s Blues training, St Edmunds School Floodlit Astro Turf.

Cougars U13s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area.

Cougars U16s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more info on Cougars training sessions, email: secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk

DDDIARYIARYIARY OFOFOF EEEVENTSVENTSVENTS – JJJULYULYULY/A/A/AUGUGUG 201420142014

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7:00pm

7:00pm – 8:15pm 7.30pm

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 – 11:15am

9:30 – 11:30am

10:00am – 11:00am

10:30am

6:00pm – 7:00pm

6:00pm – 7:00pm

6:00pm – 8:00pm

7:00pm – 8:00pm

7:30pm – 8:30pm

7:30pm – 8:15pm

7:30pm

8:00pm

THURSDAYS 9:30am – 11:00am

9:45am – 11:00am

11:00am – 12:00pm

1:00pm – 3:00pm

1:45pm – 2:45pm

Boot Camp at Layston School. Jacqui 01763 273815 / 07956 647806.

Grade 5 Ballet Lessons, Layston School. Philippa 01763 271010.

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

Hormead Baby and Toddler Group at Hormead Village Hall. Term time only. From birth to 4 years. Lots of toys, activities, arts and crafts and singing. £1.50 per child, includes a drink and snack; 50p for additional children. Contact Liz Pickup on 01763 289446, or just turn up.

Barkway Parent and Toddler Group at Barkway Village Hall (term-time only). Children 0–4 years. Singing, stories and activities; tea, coffee, juice and snack provided. Contact Kim Semple on 07964 151288.

Story Sacks at Jenyns First School, Braughing. £1 per child 01763 273008.

BALFF new 10-week course, from 22nd January, ‘On with the Show: The Story of Musical Theatre’, at the Community Centre, Luynes Rise. For details contact Julia Peacock on 01763 272584 or Joan on 273341.

Cougars U14s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk.

Circuit Training for 50+ at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Rita on 07957 558782.

Shinto Judo Club. Two 1-hour sessions for Juniors: 6:00–7:00pm & 7:00–8:00pm. Now at the Howard Carter Centre, Freman College. Contact Mark Teal 07974 458127 or Gavin Shand 07958 797005. Email: shintojudoclub@gmail.com. Or visit www.shintojudo.co.uk.

Cougars U15s Blues training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk.

Body Circuit classes at Seth Ward CC. Contact Rita on 07957 558782.

Boxercise/Tae Bo session at Fit Together Gym, Buntingford. Contact Al on 07739 131694.

Slimming World Group at Millfield School. Tel: Glenda McLellan on 01462 894351 / 07983224121 or email glendakmclellan@gmail.com

Horizon Divers at Freman Pool. Contact 01920 823955.

Anstey Toddlers at Old School House, Anstey. Arts & crafts, free play and singing for toddlers & babies with their carers. £1 per family. Term time only 01763 273008.

Jumping Jacks Stay & Play, Herts County Guide Headquarters, Cottered. £1 per family. 01763 273008.

Fitness for 50+ at Seth Ward Community Centre. £4 per class. Eileen Dixon 01763 257474 / 07966 222272, email: eileensaerobics@hotmail.com

Baby classes run by the Best Start Club at the Scout Hut, Bowling Green Lane. Magical Musical Playdays, for 1 to 3 years olds, start at 1:00pm; followed by Baby Signing classes, for 0 to 16 months, at 2:00pm. Contact Laura Sheriff on 07801 796334. Email: laura@thebeststartclub.com.

Disco Duck group at Standon & Puckeridge Community Centre, £2 per family. Run by Bramble Hill Children’s Centre 01763 273008.

WWWHATHATHAT'''SSS OOONNN

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THURS (cont.) 4:30pm – 6:30pm

5:30pm – 6:30pm

5:30pm – 6:30pm

5:30pm – 10:00pm

7.30pm

7:45pm – 9:45pm

8:00–10:00pm

FRIDAYS 9:15am

9:30am – 10:30am

10:00am & 11:00am

10:00am – 9:00pm

11:00am – 12:00 11:00am

3.30pm – 8:00pm

5:30pm – 6:30pm

5:30pm – 8:00pm

6:30pm – 7:30pm

SATURDAYS 8:30am – 2:45pm

9:15am – 2:00pm

10:00am – 11:30am

10:30am – 11:30am

11:am – 2:00pm

2:15pm – 4:15pm

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Drama workshops 15–18 year olds, with Stagefrights Theatre at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Dave 01438 232181; email stagefrights2009@yahoo.co.uk

Cougars U7s training at Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email: secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk

Cougars U8s training at Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email: secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk

Buntingford Swimming Club, Freman Pool. Adelaide Boon 07710 550050.

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

Badminton Club at Seth Ward CC. Contact Liz James on 01763 274010.

Buntingford Dramatic Society, Benson Hall.

WeightWatchers at Benson Hall

Badminton at Seth Ward Community Centre – term time only.

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

The On Site Massage Clinic at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Contact Kate Smith

MBRCP on 07720 298306 or visit www.onsitemassageclinic.co.uk. Drop-in Breastfeeding Support Group at Bramble Hill, 01763 273008.

All Abilities Multi Sports at Seth Ward Community Centre. Contact Jacqui on 01763 273815 / 07956 647806.

Dance classes with Buntingford Dancing School, at Freman College. Contact Philippa on 01763 271010.

Cougars U11s training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk.

Friday Project, Buntingford & District Youth Club for young people aged 13–19. A range of activities at the Technical Institute, Baldock Road. Contact Danny Band on 07879 853849 or email danny.band@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Cougars U12s Whites training, Norfolk Road Floodlit Multigames Area. For more information email secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk.

Dance classes with Buntingford Dancing School, at Freman College and URC Hall, Buntingford. Contact Philippa on 01763 271010.

Musical Theatre School for 4–14 year olds at Seth Ward Comm Centre. Call Anna 07545 788433 or email stage-door@brilliantmusicaltheatre.co.uk.

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

Cougars U6s training, Buntingford Community Centre (on grass). For more information email secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk.

1st Sat in the month, Gift & Produce Fair at Benson Hall. See Facebook, ‘Buntingford Gift & Produce Fair’, or email buntsgift-producefair@hotmail.co.uk

Drama workshops 6–15 year olds with Stagefrights Theatre at URC Hall, Baldock Road. Dave 01438 232181 or email stagefrights2009@yahoo.co.uk.

Police Surgery at Buntingford Police Station, Baldock Road.

DDDIARYIARYIARY OFOFOF EEEVENTSVENTSVENTS – JJJULYULYULY/A/A/AUGUGUG 201420142014

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JULY 2014

Tues 1st

Wed 2nd

Sat 5th

Sat 5th

Sun 6th

Sun 6th

Thurs 10th

Sat 12th

Sun 13th

Sun 13th

Sun 13th

Wed 16th

Fri 18th

Sat 19th & Sun 20th

Sun 20th

Sun 20th

Wed 30th

Wed 30th

AUG 2014

Sat 2nd

Sun 3rd

Wed 6th

Wed 6th

Thurs 14th

Fri 18th

Wed 27th

Sun 31st

8:00pm Buntingford & District Cage Bird Society at Benson Hall.

Buntingford Gardeners Club Outing, no meeting (see page 43).

12noon–6pm Braughing Fair & Wheelbarrow Race (see page 12).

11am–2pm Monthly Gift & Produce Fair at Benson Hall (see page 14).

10am–4pm Antiques & Vintage Fair at Barkway Village Hall, SG8 8BS. £1 entry. Good range of stalls, tea room with homemade cakes. Enquiries Rosei Frost 07720 647696 or info@flapperfortunes.co.uk.

2:30–5pm Cream Teas & Cakes in Ardeley (see page 33).

7:45pm Buntingford W.I. at URC Hall (see page 45).

10–12noon Coffee & Cake for Marie Curie Cancer Care, Benson Hall.

10am–4pm Antiques & Vintage Fair at Cottered Village Hall, SG9 9QW. £1 entry. Enquiries Rosei Frost (see above).

Muscle Help Foundation Run for their Lives at Haileybury (see page 26).

1–5pm Anstey Fair (see page 13).

10.30am–12noon BALA Coffee Morning at Benson Hall (see page 42).

7:30pm start Buntingford Railway & Local History Society, meet at Crown PH. Walk Around Much Hadham with Cristina Harrison.

10am–5pm Friars Vintage Rally & Country Fayre at Braughing Friars, SG11 2NS (see page 13).

10am–4pm Antiques & Vintage Fair at Cottered Village Hall, SG9 9QW. £1 entry. Enquiries Rosei Frost (see above).

1–5pm Aspenden Village Fete (see page 12).

1:30 for 2:00pm start, St Richard’s Bingo at Benson Hall.

Buntingford & District Flower Club, Open Gardens, members only. No meeting in August.

11am–2pm Monthly Gift & Produce Fair at Benson Hall (see page 14).

10am–4pm Antiques & Vintage Fair at Barkway Village Hall, SG8 8BS. £1 entry. Enquiries Rosei Frost (see above).

10am–12:30 Friends of Orchard Surgery Coffee Morning at URC Hall (see page 14).

7:45 for 8pm Buntingford Gardeners Club Evening Show (see page 43).

7:45pm Buntingford W.I. Members’ Meeting at URC Hall (see page 45).

7pm start Buntingford Railway & Local History Society, meet at Crown PH. Social at Standon Green End Farm.

1:30 for 2:00pm start, St Richard’s Bingo at Benson Hall.

Country Fair, Dog & Heavy Horse Show, Brent Pelham (see page 15).

DDDATESATESATES FORFORFOR YYYOUROUROUR DDDIARYIARYIARY

6

UUUSEFULSEFULSEFUL LLLOCALOCALOCAL IIINFORMATIONNFORMATIONNFORMATION

Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays:

10:00am – 4:00pm 10:00am – 1:00pm 10:00am – 1:00pm

Open: Mondays – Fridays Saturday & Sunday

5:00pm – 8:00pm 10:00am – 1:00pm

All enquiries including renewals call 0300 123 4049 Select option 1 (renewals) 03:00–23:45 every day Select option 2 (all other enquiries) Mon–Fri 08:00– 20:00, Sat 09:00– 6:00 Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays:

09:00 – 18:00 14:00 – 18:00 CLOSED ALL DAY 09:00 – 18:00 14:00 – 18:00 09:00 – 13:00

POLICE STATION: Saturday Police surgeries:

GAS: ELECTRICITY: WATER (Veolia): SEWERAGE (Thames Water):

DOCTORS:

B A S H (Buntingford Action For Social Help):

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, RACE, HATE or RAPE CRIME:

LOCAL COUNCIL TELEPHONE NUMBERS: BUNTINGFORD LIBRARY:

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU:

HOUSEHOLD WASTE & RECYCLING SITE:

Baldock Road, Buntingford Non-emergency telephone: 101 Every Saturday, 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Buntingford Police Station

Emergency (gas leaks) – Freephone 0800 111 999 Emergency (power loss) – Freephone 0800 7838 838 Emergency – Freephone 0800 376 5325 Emergency – Telephone 0845 920 0800

The Medical Centre – White Hart Close Telephone 01763 271362 (24 hours) Orchard Surgery – Baldock Road Telephone 01763 272410 & 272411 (after hours)

Providing transport for hospital/doctors appointments, telephone Jane Winter 01763 271484

Confidential Information Help-line: 01992 554440 (in an emergency, dial 999)

East Herts District Council – 01279 655261 Housing – 01279 714714 Benefits – Freephone 0800 373852 Buntingford Town Council – 01763 272222 Hertfordshire Highways – 0300 123 4047, or report faults online at www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults

The Manor House, Market Hill, Buntingford Telephone advice available Monday to Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm on 08444 111 444

Watermill Industrial Estate, Aspenden Road

7

EDITOR’S LETTER

Many thanks to Debbie Lemay for proofreading

Sometimes I wonder at myself, I really do. How on earth did I get the date of the Carnival wrong in my letter last month? Fortunately, I did manage to get it right on the poster – and everyone knew the real date anyway! Looking on the positive side, I discovered from the chorus of people telling me I’d got it wrong that quite a lot of people actually read the Editor’s Letter, which is nice to know. And I also know how to avoid this sort of thing in the future – I simply won’t put a date in this letter ever again! The other mistake last month (well, one of them anyway) was a printing error which accidentally rearranged some of the pages and I’m hoping to avoid this happening again as well.

Carnival Day finally dawned, and what a glorious day it was. I had a lovely time and hope everyone else did, too. I was busily taking pictures and a selection of my snaps are on page 48. If you find yourself amongst them, thank you and I hope you don’t mind. A special thank you to the little boy who came to the Civic Society stand with his parents and let me take his picture waving the Union Flag.

Elsewhere in the Journal this month we have a profile of our Town Mayor, Graham Bonner. District Councillor Jeff Jones brings us some news of a potential project to transform the way pedestrians and traffic interact in Buntingford. And in the letters pages we have an appeal for tales of the River Rib, which hopefully is the start of a project to restore and conserve the river along the lines of the successful project on the Mimram in Hertford. On page 26 there is a timely reminder, with summer now officially here, about the Community Garden, which is there for all of Buntingford’s residents to use.

As usual, there’s a lot going on around Buntingford over the summer months and we have details of varied events, from traditional country fairs to music festivals to cream teas on sleepy Sunday afternoons. In fact, I think there must be something in these pages to appeal to every taste and age. Finally, I wondered if anyone else has enjoyed the amazing flowering of red poppies in the field that Wheatley Homes are soon to build on? It’s going over now, but it has been quite special and I guess only happened because the field had not been planted. It seemed appropriate in this centenary year of the start of World War One. Whatever you’re doing this summer, have a great time.

Christine Noble

Copy and diary entries: Christine Noble – 01763 273095 68 Hare Street Road, Buntingford SG9 9HN

email: Journal@buntingfordcivic.org.uk

Advertising enquiries: Keith Edwards – 01763 272032

email: Advertising@buntingfordcivic.org.uk

Editorial copy deadline for the September 2014 Journal is 12.00 noon on Monday 18

th August 2014

The Buntingford Journal is published by, but is editorially

independent of, the Buntingford Civic Society.

8

L e t t e r s t o t h e E d i t o rL e t t e r s t o t h e E d i t o rL e t t e r s t o t h e E d i t o r

Dear Christine,

Recently my husband & I went up to Layston Churchyard to tidy and replant our family graves, as we do. When I walked into the graveyard I could have cried! From a little girl of 3 to 65 years later I have been up there with relatives and friends and have never seen such an awful mess as now. Thistles and weeds so high you can’t see the graves. Only very few have been tended as I don’t suppose people knew where to start or hadn’t the equipment. I have seen quite a few other graveyards and they are kept like gardens, a credit to them. It’s bad enough having the ground churned up to mud by all the vans and trucks etc. from the work at Layston Church, unable to get to the Churchyard without going through this mud and then having to try to clean your footwear before getting in your car. It’s a disgrace – the public footpath down to Wyddial Road blocked at times with vehicles, even a skip outside the Churchyard, the sides of this pretty walk-through churned up, littered with pallets and planks etc. left by the builders. Martin & Mandy may own the Church and its own graveyard, but not the public footpath and graveyard right of way. I suggest as others they use their own entrance by the building they have had put up. Now I hear the road is to be closed for the building purpose. We have graves at either end of the Churchyard and to carry gardening tools, trays of plants, bottles of water, plant food and compost from one end to the other is really hard work.

I know of one Buntingford person who has written to Rev Hill as he hasn’t given Adam the go-ahead to cut the graveyard as normal. Why not? Perhaps someone can tell us, and there must be others who feel as upset about all this as my family and those I have already spoken to. After all. it is meant to be a garden to remember our loved ones in.

Mrs O Cooper, 17 Campbell Close, Buntingford

Hi Christine,

Buntingford Dramatic Society would like to thank everyone who supported the production of ‘Cheshire Cats’ in May. Following the shows, we are happy to report that we have made donations of £200 to Macmillan Cancer Support and £56 to Isabel Hospice.

Regards, Chris Mitchell

Hi Christine

I no longer live in Buntingford but I still have the Journal delivered and read your article in the June issue mentioning Peter ‘Bimbo’Hall and that some of us may remember him. Well, I am one of those folk. Peter resided in Archers, a happy-go-lucky young man who felt he was Adonis re-incarnated, irresistible to the fairer sex, hence the nickname ‘Bimbo’. Some of us used to tease him about it (often to his annoyance!) but his elder brother Eric used to giggle whenever such things went on. Around that time a country and western song popped up on the radio sung by the late, great Jim Reeves and aptly titled ‘Bimbo’. This was more ammunition to tease Peter and I would sing it whenever our paths crossed, but in general he took it in good part. When Peter first got married my brother Allen was his best man. I can’t recall exactly where the wedding took place – it may have been Braughing or possibly Standon? – but I do remember going to the reception. Happy memories! Kind regards,

Peter G Wonnacott, Canvey Island

9

Dear Editor

Help wanted – looking for information about the River Rib

I'm a Buntingford resident working on a voluntary basis with the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust on a project to enhance the River Rib. To start with I'm looking for some history/background on the river and would be grateful if Journal readers could help.

The River Rib is incredibly important due to its global rarity, unique ecology and threatened status. There are no more than 200 chalk streams like the Rib in the entire world, yet it faces a number of threats: low flows due to drought and abstraction; pollution from urban and agricultural sources; invasive species; and past physical modifications, such as weirs and dredging. As part of the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s ‘Living Rivers’ project I am trying to raise awareness of the threats that face our river. I am firstly looking for information, so if anyone knows any history about any aspect of the river then please email me at:

theriverribproject@yahoo.co.uk

In time, we are hoping to emulate the success of the Beane and Mimram rivers project – for more details of what was achieved there go to:

www.beaneandmimrampartnership.org.uk

Many thanks, Chris Beach email: theriverribproject@yahoo.co.uk

Hi Christine

I do not know who you are Vyse but I read all your articles in the Journal each month and I agree with every word you write. Keep up the good work!

Ashley Cantor, 49 Fairfield, Buntingford Dear Editor

With regard to Aliya Chowney's letter in last month's Journal. I also was not satisfied with a Buntingford NHS dentist and changed my dentist to Nicola Davy. I am very satisfied with her treatment and, as in Aliya's case, she only carried out work that was necessary. Although she is not an NHS dentist I have found her charges very reasonable. Nicola is based in Ware close to a bus stop, if travelling by public transport from Buntingford; or Tesco's car park if travelling by car. Her telephone number is 01920 460190.

Robin Southgate Dear Christine

Recently I was going on holiday with Richmonds Coaches and was picked up with my luggage at the bus stop in Buntingford. All was going according to plan until I noticed I no longer had my small holdhall with me. Panic! This not only had my purse and keys but also my regular medication, which I couldn’t go without. Anne from Riverside Taxis and Michelle at Richmonds Coaches could not have been more helpful, taking me back to Buntingford to see if my bag was still at the bus stop and coordinating with the driver so I could still catch the coach. But the person I really want to thank is the one who handed my bag in at the Manor House, where it was waiting for me. Unfortunately, that kind person didn’t leave their name, so I don’t know who you are. If you would like to get in touch I would love to thank you in person for saving me a lot of worry – and my holiday!

Irene Jones, 17 Meadow View, Buntingford 01763 273727

10

Buntingford Civic Society

(Reg. Charity No. 1014873)(Reg. Charity No. 1014873)(Reg. Charity No. 1014873)

www.buntingfordcivic.org.uk

As this is my first article for the Buntingford Journal, I thought I would like to try something slightly different from what has gone before. However, at present trying to write about a subject other than Planning is difficult, as it is a fact of life that Buntingford is being attacked by developers and land owners, who know that the land they would like to develop does not form part of the emerging EHDC District Plan. One instance of this is Wheatley Homes. As you probably know they, along with Taylor Wimpey, took EHDC to a Planning Inquiry and won, although it is widely felt that the Inspector would have reached a different decision if EHDC had an up-to-date District Plan and had defended their original decision. Flushed with their success Wheatley have submitted two more outline planning applications to develop the rest of the land south of Hare Street Road, east of Snells Mead, with a further 180 dwellings. In an effort to force these applications through they have advised EHDC that they will appeal to the Inspectorate for non-determination on 20th June, a flagrant use of ‘bully boy’ tactics and an example of just how much they care about the town and its existing residents.

The Journal has been, and will continue to be, one of the instruments for informing Buntingford residents and BCS members alike as to the different stages of the various housing developments proposed for the town. We have been working tirelessly alongside the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce and BARD to try to get the best deal we can from the developers to benefit the people of the Town at large.

On a lighter note, by the time you read this I hope we will all have enjoyed another glorious, sunny, AMAZING Carnival Day. The High Street was awash with coloured bunting, there were many and varied stalls. Street performers delighted the crowds and the variety of live music suited all tastes. The BCS stall was visited by many people, some of whom joined the Society, taking advantage of our ‘special’ deal for the day. Thanks and welcome to you all. The parade was lively and fully encompassed this year’s theme, ‘Television – Past and Present’. Let’s see if my dream comes true! Whatever happens, our thanks as a town must go to the Carnival Committee, led by Ashley Cantor, who spend many hours organising this event so it goes with a swing. Thanks Ashley, to you and your committee, along with the many others who volunteer to help on the day.

As Paul, my Co-Chairman, mentioned in the June issue, we would like your views on the Journal. What do you think of its size, structure and layout? Let us know what you think!!

And finally, the other night I watched the waxing moon ride across the zenith of the heavens like an ambered chariot towards the ebony void of infinite space wherein the tethered belts of Jupiter and Mars hang forever festooned in their orbital majesty. And as I looked at all this I thought ... I must put a roof on this toilet! Thanks for reading.

Graham Waite, BCS Co-Chairman

If you have a query about the Buntingford Civic Society, you can email the

Chairman direct at: chairman@buntingfordcivic.org.uk

Membership queries to Chris Eagle at: membership@buntingfordcivic.org.uk

11

Sports Hall officially opened The Janette Wood Sports Hall was officially opened at the beginning of May with a ceremony enjoyed by students, staff and invited guests. The ribbon to the £1.2m facility was cut by Jan Wood who has taught at the school for 38 years and recently received an MBE for services to education. Headteacher Helen Loughran said:

“I have been delighted by the impact our new sports hall has had. The students and our outstanding PE department really deserve the top quality sports facilities they now have. It is also great to share such a fantastic resource with the local community.” The ceremony was also attended by the family of David Lewis, former Head of PE at Freman 1970–97. Donations from his funeral have funded the purchase of four outdoor table tennis tables and a commemorative tree. Ms Loughran added: “It is a fitting tribute to David who made such a big impact on Freman College.”

Frankenstein In June the gothic story of Frankenstein was bought to life by Freman students in the annual Intermission play. Year 8s from Ralph Sadleir and Edwinstree enjoyed the dress rehearsal and cast and crew played to packed evening audiences who watched as Dr Frankenstein created new life in his monster. Head of Drama Jo Todd said: “The students really stepped up to the mark and gave a series of chilling performances.”

Art Exhibition 2014 Art and Photography A Level students impressed the moderators and community alike with a stunning display of creative talent at this year’s exhibition. Over 1000 people visited in the first week of June including Year 4 students from local Rib Valley Schools. Feedback included “aspirational” and “awe-inspiring”.

Freman COLLEGE

Above: Freman students in the college’s Intermission production for 2014: Frankenstein.

Below: The annual art exhibition by A Level Art & Photography students.

12

Braughing Fair and Wheelbarrow Race

Saturday 5th July

12noon to 6pm

This year: Braughing by the Beach,

Zorbing on the Ford, Giant Water Slide,

Falconry, Climbing Wall, Off-Road Segway

Course, Bungee Trampolines, Bar &

Variety of Food Stalls, Great

Entertainment, Games, Rides & Stalls

And the legendary Wheelbarrow Race!

There is still time to be part of the best-ever Braughing Fair. To book

a stall or run an event to raise funds for your organisation,

contact: braughingwheelbarrowrace@mail.com

Or Find us on Facebook

5 Years of racing

at the Ford

Aspenden Village Fete

Sunday 20th July 2014, 1– 5pm

Family Dog Show & Dog Agility

Children’s Professional Entertainer

Bar, Teas, Cake & Book Stalls

Bric-a-Brac, Ice Creams, Coconut Shy

Tug of War & many other games

Raffle – £100 First Prize

Car Boot Sale

Live Music – Beans & Biscuit

Plus All the Fun of the Fair

13

Anstey Fair

Sunday 13th July 2013, 1– 5pm

There is no better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon than to visit this

Traditional Country Fair, full of entertainment and fun for all the family.

Adults £1 / Children under 16 free / Free car parking.

There is something for everyone, whatever your age, including:

Interesting stalls A wide variety of activities and games

Bar BBQ Teas Cakes Local produce

Books Raffle Fabulous live music And much more

At Anstey Bury, nr Buntingford, SG9 0DF (off the B1368)

For more details visit our website: www.ansteyfair.org

All proceeds towards Anstey Church, Anstey Village Hall and Anstey First School

FRIARS VINTAGE RALLY FRIARS VINTAGE RALLY

ANDAND

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2014

From 10.00am to 5.00pm

Braughing Heritage with Tractors and Exhibits that worked in Braughing

and surrounding areas before and throughout World War II and after.

CARS HEAVY HORSES (if available) COMMERCIALS BARN ENGINES

TRACTORS MOTORCYCLES

CRAFT STALLS

At BRAUGHING FRIARS (off B1368) SG11 2NS

ADMISSION: Adults £2.50 Children Free

CONTACT: T. JOHNSON Tel: 07973 976995

14

Friends of Orchard Surgery will no longer be holding a craft fair in November. Instead we intend

to have a stall in Benson Hall on the first Saturday in August at the

BUNTINGFORD GIFT & PRODUCE FAIR

Saturday 2nd August, 11 am–2pm

We are also holding a FREE COFFEE MORNING

Wednesday 6th August, 10am–12.30pm In the United Reformed Church Hall, Baldock Road

Tombola Cakes Crafts Bric-a-Brac

All proceeds to charity. We welcome your support.

BUNTINGFORD

TWINNING

ASSOCIATION

An appeal for more hosts!

From 27th to 31st August 2014

a group from Olvega, our twin

town in Spain, will be coming to

Buntingford. We are still looking for

hosts for some of our visitors and

would like to hear from people who

are interested in hosting a family

or couple. It is not necessary to be

Spanish speaking.

For further details please get in

touch with our Olvega co-ordinator

Dave Austin on 01763 272066

or with the Twinning Association

Chairman Trevor Reedman

on 01763 272135.

… and many more … at Frogmore Hill, Hertford SG14 3RR. For full details &

tickets - ON SALE NOW - see:

www.wilkestock.com Proceeds to Leukemia Research &

Keswick Mountain Rescue

15

If you would like to advertise your event in If you would like to advertise your event in If you would like to advertise your event in The JournalThe JournalThe Journal,,,

please contact please contact please contact Christine NobleChristine NobleChristine Noble on 01763 273095on 01763 273095on 01763 273095

Or email: Journal@buntingfordcivic.org.uOr email: Journal@buntingfordcivic.org.uOr email: Journal@buntingfordcivic.org.ukkk

COUNTRY FAIR, DOG & HEAVY HORSE SHOW

IN THE PARK AT BRENT PELHAM

Sunday 31st August 2014 Preparations are well underway for this annual TRADITIONAL

COUNTRY FAIR representing various aspects of the countryside,

both from the local area and further afield. This year highlights include

a woodland management display and demonstration, as well as:

The Hertfordshire Heavy Horse Association will be running a wide

range of classes recognising the different breeds of heavy horses which

have played such an important role in agriculture in the past.

Parades in the main ring include vintage tractors, Puckeridge Foxhounds,

Trinity Foot & South Herts Beagles and the Albany Basset Hounds.

Devon sheep farmers Victor Pitts and Freddie Parker will give a sheep dog

display herding ducks. There will be a gundog display by Eddie Adams

from Hertford and a demonstration of dog training techniques by Adem

Fehmi, a dog behaviour specialist from Hare Street. Dog-owners can test

their dogs’ skills in the Gun Dog Scurry and on the dog agility course.

The English School of Falconry and Birds of Prey Centre from

Biggleswade will be giving a flying display of their owls and hawks.

The ever popular Novelty Dog Show will be judged by Sarah Allen of

Grooming Spa, Buntingford, and there will be a full range of classes for

Terriers and Lurchers. There will also be Terrier Racing.

Local gamekeeper Steve Reynolds of Hamels Park, Buntingford, will be

the commentator for the day and will be encouraging spectators to try their

hand at traditional games such as egg throwing. PLUS, there will be a

variety of stalls, refreshments and attractions for children.

GATES OPEN 10.30am, HEAVY HORSE CLASSES start 11am,

MAIN RING DISPLAYS start 11.45am.

For further details see website: www.hertsandessexcountryfair.com

Alan Herbert, Chairman, Country Fair Committee, Tel: 01438 869605

Trade Stands and other enquiries: Tony Hopkins 01763 288333

16

ST RICHARD OF CHICHESTER Catholic Church 3 Station Road, Buntingford Telephone 01763 271471

Parish Priest: Father John White

HOLY MASS is celebrated each Sunday at 9:15am Holy Days at 10am and 8pm; Weekdays at 9:15pm Saturdays at 6pm at Puckeridge

CONFESSIONS are each Saturday from 10:30 to 11am

Christ Church United Reformed Church, Baldock Road, Buntingford SG9 9AA

Minister: Rev Duncan Goldie Secretary: Peter Godbert The Manse, Meeting Lane, buntingford.urc@virginmedia.com Melbourn, Cambs SG8 6AN Tel: 01763 281359

Services at 11:00am every Sunday

July 6 Morning Worship Mr Arthur Brignall 13 Holy Communion Rev Duncan Goldie 20 Morning Worship Dr Christine MacLeod 27 Morning Worship Rev Duncan Goldie

August 3 Morning Worship Mrs Wendy Roe 10 Holy Communion Rev Duncan Goldie 17 Morning Worship Rev David Viles 24 Morning Worship Mr Keith Cakebread 31 Morning Worship Mrs Maureen Kendall

September 7 Morning Worship Dr Janet Bottoms

Tea & coffee is served in the hall following the morning service

REGULAR EVENTS

Junior Church – Sunday at 11am during term time, all young people and children

are welcome.

Bible Study – Second Wed of each month in the Hall. Lunch from 12:30pm (bring

your own, tea & coffee provided) followed by Bible Study at 1pm. Finishes 2pm.

The Bright Hour – July meetings are on Tuesdays 8th and 22nd at 2:30pm in the

Church Hall. A time for fellowship with prayers, hymns, activities and speakers.

Coffee & Company – Every Thursday from 10:30am. All welcome for a chat.

Lunches organised by Christian Aid – First Friday of the month,12:30 to 2:00pm.

www.buntingfordurc.freeserve.co.uk

17

Uni ted Benef ice ofUni ted Benef ice ofUni ted Benef ice of St. Mary 's – Aspenden

S t . Peter ' s – Bunt ingford

S t . Mary the Vi rg in – Wes tmi l l

Church of England

Reverend Ian Hill – Telephone 01763 274072

There is a full and varied pattern of worship across the three churches: St. Peter’s in Buntingford has a more contemporary style; St. Mary’s in Aspenden has a more traditional style; St. Mary the Virgin in Westmill

has a more liturgical style. Everyone is welcome at any of our churches.

Services for July & August 2014

Sun 6th July 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Morning Worship

10:00am St Mary’s, Aspenden Family Service 11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 13th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist

10:00am St Mary’s, Aspenden Morning Worship

with baptism

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

with baptism

Sun 20th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 27th

9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

with baptism

Sun 3rd Aug 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Morning Worship

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 10th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Morning Worship

9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

Sun 17th 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Holy Communion

Sun 24th 9:30am St Mary the Virgin, Westmill Sung Eucharist

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

with baptism

Sun 31st 9:30am St Mary’s, Aspenden Holy Communion

11:00am St Peter’s, Buntingford Family Worship

with baptism

18

Profile: Graham Bonner,

Buntingford Mayor Graham Bonner became our Town Mayor in May 2013 and a few weeks ago the Town Council voted unanimously to confirm him as Mayor for a second year, reflecting how well he has fulfilled the role. Many Journal readers, I'm sure, will already know Graham, but for those who have not yet had the pleasure I went to meet him to find out more about him.

Graham was born in Enfield in June 1951, and had a happy, comfortable childhood. He was the middle child of three and the only boy, with older and younger sisters, Jennifer and Judith. His dad was a self-employed plumber and builder, while his mother looked after the family and home. He attended the local Chesterfield Road Infants and Juniors school, then after passing his 11 plus went on to Ambrose Fleming Grammar. He left there in 1969 with 2 GCE ‘A’ levels and 8 ‘O’ levels to show for his efforts. University never really entered his thoughts – like many of Graham’s generation, no-one in the family had ever been to university before – and so he took a job with the Ministry of Overseas Development in London. His qualifications more than met the Civil Service entry requirements of 2 A’s and 5 O’s, but as Graham himself says, the job could have been done by a 10 year old.

He had been in the Civil Service for 2 years when, aged 21, he had a ‘road to Damascus’ moment and switched career path, finding the industry that would suit him for the rest of his working life. It was his brother-in-law John who suggested he might apply to Thorn EMI in Enfield, where John worked as a programmer. In the early 1970s computing was a fledgling industry. The first processor Graham came across was as big as a house yet had less processing power than a Smartphone! But there could not have been a better time to get involved. Graham, a self-confessed ‘non-techie’, was not a programming whizz-kid. Instead he slipped comfortably into various management roles, making sure that the techies delivered systems that did what the customers wanted them to do.

It was while working at Thorn’s that Graham met Teresa and they married in 1979. They moved out to Hertfordshire, first to Bengeo and then to Ware where they bought their first house, a 2-up/2-down where their son Sean was born in 1981. When daughter Erin came along in 1984 the house was suddenly too small, especially as it also had to accommodate the fifth member of the family – their pet boxer dog. They already knew of Buntingford through a friend who lived here and the cheaper price of property meant they could afford the space they needed. In February 1985 they became the proud owners of a house in Monks Walk, where they still live today. The children have long-since flown

Graham and Teresa Bonner attending an official function (above) and

below Graham as a boy.

19

the nest, although happily they have not gone far. Sean, now 32 and with a son himself – Ciaren, the first grandchild – lives in Stevenage, and Erin, just turned 30, in Bedford.

Graham never had to look for a job again, but a succession of buy-outs meant that he worked for different companies. The biggest takeover came in 1995 when computer giant IBM bought Data Sciences, the company he worked for, to acquire their expertise in outsourcing. Graham spent the rest of his career with IBM managing a massive portfolio of customers, firstly in the Government sector, then in Finance and finally in Retail and Distribution with responsibility for the UK, Ireland and South Africa, which may sound like a strange grouping of territories until you consider that they are on the same dateline. The work was rewarding and challenging, and in 1999 Graham’s efforts were recognised when a customer nominated him and Teresa for attendance at one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace – a day that Graham and Teresa will never forget.

Given the stressful nature of his work Graham promised himself he would retire at 55, but as it turned out he worked an extra two years and took early retirement in 2008, aged 57. The intention was to enjoy two years off completely, doing nothing more demanding than walking the boxers and playing golf whenever he felt like it, but the urge to get involved with clubs, charities and other voluntary organisations became too hard to resist.

The first organisation Graham signed up to was the committee of Buntingford Town Football Club where he is still involved. Graham was already involved with the Town Centre Management Team which organised events such as the Christmas Lights and Market and the Classic Car Show. Graham eventually took over the running of this from John Warren and merged the Town Centre Management Team with the Chamber of Commerce, and he continues to play an active part in organising various Town events. He also serves on the Buntingford Relief in Need charity and is a governor of Freman College.

Teresa had been a Town Councillor for four years when, in 2011, Graham successfully stood for election. He became a member of the Planning Committee, then chaired by John Warren, and when John resigned from the Council once again it was Graham who took over from him, becoming the committee’s Chairman, a role he still holds.

So, with his second year as Mayor just beginning, what ambitions does he have for Buntingford? In essence, like most of us, he would like the town to stay more or less as it is. Compared to bigger towns in the area he believes Buntingford is vibrant, with diverse shops and services on the high street. A realist, Graham knows there will be more housing built. The challenge is to make sure it’s in the right places and that infrastructure keeps pace, so that new development fits in with the rest of the town. Given his working history, it is not surprising that Graham sees the provision of high-speed Broadband as vital for Buntingford’s economic future, attracting better and higher-paid jobs into the town. Behind his relaxed and easy-going manner lies a determination to make it happen.

Christine Noble

Graham in his treasured Triumph TVR.

20

BBBUNTINGFORDUNTINGFORDUNTINGFORD TTTOWNOWNOWN CCCOUNCILOUNCILOUNCIL A QUALITY TOWN COUNCIL

If you are struggling to come up with places to take the children over the summer holidays, it’s worthwhile calling into the Visitor Information Point at The Manor House. We have many leaflets and brochures for tourist attractions near to home and further afield.

A date has still not been set by East Herts Council to consider the plans for the former Sainsbury’s Distribution Centre. We understand the Reserved Matters application for 100 homes south of Hare Street Road will be considered in August. Two further applications for 180 dwellings on the Wheatley site have been submitted, again it’s not clear when these will be considered by East Herts Council. The Town Council continues to monitor and respond to the many development proposals submitted.

We have a suite of offices in the Manor House available for rent. If you are interested, please call in to the Clerk’s Office during office hours and we will be happy to show you around.

Jill Jones MILCM Cert HE, Town Clerk

Office hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:00pm; closed Fridays

Tel: 01763 272222 email: clerk@buntingford-tc.gov.uk

www.buntingford-tc.gov.uk Twitter: @buntingfordtc

Town Council meetings for July 2014

Thurs 3rd

July

Thurs 10th July

Thurs 31

st July

7:30pm – Amenities Committee

7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Resources Committee

7:30pm – Planning Committee 8:00pm – Full Council

All meetings will be held at The Manor House unless indicated otherwise. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The start time for Planning meetings has reverted to 7:30pm. Please check the website for updates.

East Herts Council is inviting applications for its

Community Activities Grants

All small local groups in Buntingford and surrounding villages are encouraged to apply to cover such costs as hall hire, insurance, marketing/publicity. Visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/grants for more details on eligibility and how to apply. All requests for funding must be submitted on an application form by Friday, 11 July 2014. We welcome high-quality applications that contribute to the Council’s corporate priorities.

Claire Pullen, Engagement and Partnerships Officer (Grants) and Scrutiny Officer (East Herts Health & Wellbeing), East Herts Council

claire.pullen@eastherts.gov.uk tel: 01992 531459

21

SCOOTS – Wheels to Work scheme If you think a brand-new scooter could help you get to work or college each day, check out the fantastic new Scoots initiative from Hertfordshire County Council. For a weekly fee of £45 (for a 50cc) or £56 (for a 125cc scooter), the offer is open to anyone aged 16 or over who is in secure employment or on a training or education placement. The payment includes everything you

need except fuel – CBT training, protective clothing, insurance & road tax, servicing & maintenance, breakdown recovery – and after just one year, the scooter and riding gear are yours. Compared to setting yourself up with a new scooter independently, the Scoots deal will save you in the region of £1,000. Interested? Then ...

CALL: 01707 695513 EMAIL: scoots@cdaherts.org.uk

Or VISIT: www.scootsw2w.org.uk

Scoots is a not-for-profit Wheels To Work Project funded by Hertfordshire County Council under the Big Herts Big Ideas Programme and managed by Community Development Action Hertfordshire, a county-wide charity.

Leapfrogs Pre-School, Great Hormead We've been thinking about our daddies this month at Leapfrogs, with daddies visiting to tell us about their special jobs. Following last month’s visit of our helicopter pilot daddy, we had Fergus our train driver daddy in to play and tell us about his job, and this week a police daddy came to visit. The

children are appreciating how important their daddies’ jobs are and how hard they work as we prepare for Father’s Day. Thank you to all our dads.

With our topic this term being ‘Nature and investigation’ we have been keeping cater-pillars. They are just forming their cocoons, so we are looking forward to seeing if they will be butterflies or moths and what colours they will be. We are busy preparing for the Buntingford Carnival and hope to see you there, at our stand or in the procession.

During the summer holidays we will be running a summer club (see right), with lots of exciting activities, from pitching tents and cooking to arts & crafts, and much more.

For information on Leapfrogs, visit our

website www.leapfrogspreschool.co.uk

Or call 01763 289942 for an informal chat with Gail or Jean, to arrange a visit, or to ask for a prospectus.

Summer Holiday Club

28th July – 15th August

Monday–Friday 8.30am–5pm

Age 3yrs – 12yrs

New Experiences, Team Work,

Self-Achievement & Fun

For information or to book,

contact: Gail Barrow at Leapfrogs

Pre-school, c/o Hormead School,

Great Hormead, Herts SG9 0NR

Tel: 01763 289942

Email: leapfrog-preschool

@btconnect.com www.leapfrogspreschool.co.uk

22

News from Your District Councillor Buntingford Regenerated

An exciting plan is in discussion to regenerate Buntingford with creative street design. I have been instrumental, along with Town Councillor Jon Ling, in bringing an independent town planner to Buntingford to give us advice on how we can improve the town. Ben Hamilton-Baillie (BH-B) visited Buntingford in April for an initial assessment of how improvements can be made, with a presentation to Town Councillors on his findings.

Hamilton-Baillie Associates Ltd is a company providing specialist knowledge of innovative solutions for reconciling traffic movement with quality public spaces in cities, towns and villages, with experience in both the UK and Europe. With creative street design, BH-B has come up with innovative ideas promoting harmony between pedestrians and traffic. He has seen similar situations around the UK where a town by-pass has been built, thinking that the problem has been solved, but the centre of the town has been neglected.

BH-B’s solution is “street vitality and place-making” resulting in “reducing speeds and promoting civility”. He feels that there are no major issues in Buntingford, but that creative street design will make it a better place to live and work. Interestingly, he feels that the High Street should not be made into a one-way system. Everybody has their own opinion of how improvements could be made, but I believe an independent expert’s view is the best way forward.

Above left: Ben Hamilton-Baillie in Buntingford High Street. Above right: Examples of innovative street design. Below: Similar projects that BH-B have carried out in the UK.

23

July& August – Care4acuppa – Summer Fundraiser

In this fun campaign supporters hold a tea or coffee event in aid of the Hospice. It can be held at home, with friends and family, or maybe at work with colleagues. We can supply invitations and fundraising pack. Call Jordan Russell on 01707 382500.

Sat 5th July – LUDFEST AT WELWYN GC FOOTBALL CLUB, Doors open 2pm

Ten up and coming bands will play at this music festival. The event has moved from the Ludwick Arms to the training pitch behind the car park (not available on the day) and there will be fairground rides, a hog roast and BBQ. Tickets £5.

Sun 13th – COLOUR ME HAPPY 5K, BISHOP’STORTFORD, 10am registration

Runners start off dressed in white and at every km marker are showered with a different coloured powder paint so they end the route multi-coloured! At Bishop’s Stortford College playing fields, age 12 and above (12–15 accompanied by an adult). £20 per adult, £15 children, plus entrants to raise sponsorship. Each entrant will receive a white t-shirt (please wear shorts and trainers you don't mind getting paint on!). For info and application form see the website or phone 01707 382500.

Mon 14th – BASTILLE DAY MARKET & LUNCH, Furneux Pelham, 11:30–4pm

Stalls, French food and live music in a lovely marquee at Furneux Pelham Cricket Ground. Tickets £15, includes two course lunch buffet and drink on arrival. Call Renee Friend on 01279 755320.

Sat 19th – JUMBLE SALE, THUNDRIDGE VILLAGE HALL, 2:30pm start

Come & grab a bargain! Entrance 20p.

Mon 28th – MUSIC ON A SUMMER’S EVENING, MUCH HADHAM, 7:30pm

Viva Live Music will perform a varied programme, from opera to popular classics, in two Acts at Carldane Court, Bromley Lane. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the interval at your allocated table in the marquee. Prize for the best dressed table – candelabras permitted. Tickets £37.50, includes a reception drink. Call Barbara Doherty on 01279 842140 or Suzanne Coleman on 01438 717406, or email

Barbara.doherty@tiscali.co.uk or rdsjcoleman@gmail.com

See website for full details of these and regular fundraising events:

www.isabelhospice.org.uk

The next phase of the plan is to bring Ben back with his team for an in-depth study and to produce a masterplan for Buntingford. The Town Council is currently seeking funding for this second phase. It is important that a plan is in place before actual work starts on the highways works that will be required with the new housing developments, and include BH-B creative junction designs.

The final phase III will be the implementation of the masterplan, where funding will be sourced to complete the project. This can be achieved through consultation with Herts Highways and funding through s106 contributions from developers.

I believe this exciting project, if approved, will revitalise the High Street, reduce speeding traffic and will make Buntingford a safer and more pleasant place to live and work.

Councillor Jeff Jones, Tel: 01763 274800, Email: jeff.jones@eastherts.gov.uk

24

Stoned Again Martin & Mandy – Part 51

Mousehole was very nice indeed and, as promised, on the way down we called in at a quarry in Cornwall that advertised granite setts. It’s true they have loads of granite setts all over the place, along with a sign at the entrance cracking the inevitable joke of ‘established 38 million years ago’. Nice bloke there meets us, but is not like Steve with the Yorkstone in that he does not really want us to look round his quarry, and to Mandy’s relief he doesn’t own any spiders. We chat about granite setts, as you do, and he scuttles off to find some 4” square setts for us along with some oblong setts. Five or ten minutes later he’s back and has obviously gone somewhere to collect them from that’s within walking distance.

Right next to the office is a massive lump of granite that’s cut into the shape of a kerbstone which is all boxed up to be shipped somewhere, and there are diggers driving around moving stone about. Something, though, is not quite right and I cannot quite put my finger on it. We carry on talking about the different colours of granite that the setts come in and eventually he is forced to confess, when I end up asking him the direct question “which part of your quarry does this colour granite sett come from?”, that it all comes from Portugal. This is not a major disaster but it’s not helpful as Portuguese granite is not really what you would find in an English Medieval church, plus it looks insanely ‘new’, so it’s back to square one.

I start looking at reclaim again. Reclaim was a problem for the Yorkstone floor because you can never get any kind of consistent sizes or shapes out of the reclaim yards, but I start hunting and find a stone yard in Yorkshire that claims to have setts and flagstones in abundance. It’s close to a friend of mine that I’ve not seen in a few years so we jump in the car and hot foot it up to Yorkshire. They indeed do have a VERY big pile of reclaim granite setts in squares and oblongs – in fact their yard has this huge pile of setts which have mostly come out of a street in Leeds. They are definitely granite and, considering their age, they almost definitely come from the UK. They also have the glorious advantage of being worn on the top face through use, so I think we have found our source of setts. This yard also has a large pile of Yorkstone flags but they are like all the other sources of flagstones I’ve ever seen – all sorts of widths and thicknesses and really would not look good at all. We visit my friend and stopover in a pub for the night. We set off nice and early the following day and by chance happen across the perfect reclaim Yorkstone paving. It’s absolutely just what we are after, a consistent width, evenly worn and lightly riven and there are acres of the stuff, so it really looks like a brilliant result for the trip up North. There is one slight itsy

Portuguese granite setts

Reclaim granite setts

25

bitsy teeny weeny problem with the Yorkstone – it’s basically the paving around the stable block (which is massive) at Chatsworth House. I think, on reflection, we will use the reclaim granite setts with new Yorkstone, as we have done in the Nave of St Bartholomew’s.

Another area of materials that really surprised me was the slate for the roof. Traditionally everybody says that a conservation officer will insist on Welsh slate and that’s what I had heard before we started. Months ago, before we started on the roof, Roland turned up with three pieces of slate, one from Spain, one from India and one from Wales. All three looked really nice and were the same size and thickness, but with slight colour differences. At that time I was not so wise to the world and thought “they all look the same, why on earth should I use the expensive Welsh slate?” So I hatched a plan – I’d send all three to the conservation officer and mark them A, B & C and ask her to pick which ones I could use. I was certain she would not be able to tell them apart and I had a one in three chance of not having to using Welsh slate and thus saving some money.

I took the three slates home with me and took the Indian one out to the back garden and scored a line across the middle of it with a Stanley knife then snapped it in half across my knee, nice clean break and I have two pieces of slate which I marked ‘A’. Then I took the Spanish one and scored the line across it with the knife again, snapped that as well and marked those two pieces as ‘B’. Then came the Welsh slate. I scored a line across the slate with the knife and it marked ... but not as deep as the first two at all. I tried snapping the slate like the other two and all that did was hurt my knee and leave the slate intact. I placed the slate on a step out the back of my house and stood on one side and stepped on the other side with my foot. Very disappointing as it refused to snap. Now the slate is sitting on top of two bricks and I drop a third brick onto the scored line and I manage to break the slate – but across one corner, nowhere near the scored line! From this I determined a couple of things – firstly Welsh slate is VERY tough stuff and will outlast the competition without a shadow of a doubt, and secondly understand your materials. The people selling the Indian slate don’t tell you why the Welsh stuff is quite so good, they just want to sell you the Indian stuff, and the same applies to granite, flint, copper, jelly babies and anything else you might care to consider buying. In this day and age there’s almost always a choice if you look around – it might take more of your time but self-education is a brilliant thing. And for the slate on St Bartholomew’s – well, I told Sarah the conservation officer about my game with three slates and that because of that I was going to use the Welsh slate. She just grinned.

For more history and information related to St Bartholomew's, visit:

www.layston-church.org.uk or follow us on Twitter@layston_herts

Perfect reclaim Yorkstone (it really is a stable!)

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The annual 10k & 5k RUN FOR THEIR LIVES event, organised by Buntingford-based family charity THE

MUSCLE HELP FOUNDATION, will this year be held on:

SUNDAY 13 JULY 2014 at Haileybury School Whether in the 10k or 5k run, experienced and new runners alike will enjoy a great race in the stunning grounds of Haileybury School in Hertford Heath. Others can join in the FREE 1k Superhero Family Toddle or take part in the 1k Wheelchair Quad

Circuit Race around Haileybury quad.

All funds raised go to support MUSCLE DREAMS, a programme of transform-ational experiences for children and young people with Muscular Dystrophy.

REGISTER FOR THE RACE

AT MUSCLEHELP.COM

The Foundation is looking to recruit committed VOLUNTEERS to join our growing tribe and help out at this and other exciting events throughout the year – reach out

and we’ll help you acquire new skills, boost your CV and meet new people!

For further information contact – ceo@musclehelp.com

The Muscle Help Foundation, Registered Charity No. 1096716

www.musclehelp.com

Runners at Haileybury in a previous RUN FOR THEIR LIVES challenge

Buntingford Community Garden This is to remind everyone that there is a Community Garden in front of the Police House in Baldock Road. It’s not just the police station garden, it is there for anyone to use. There is seating and room for children to play providing they are supervised.

Recently, thanks to a grant from the Town Council, we have planted more than 120 bedding plants and quite a few new shrubs.The raised beds have been replanted with sensory plants. The grass has been improved and is cut regularly. Also poppies have been planted in the back bed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 and 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in WW2.

If you belong to a club or organisation why not have a meeting in the garden? It has been used by the WI and Herts Air Ambulance for fundraising events in the past. Or if you are waiting to meet children from school, why not sit in the garden rather than on the wall?

There is no need to book the garden but if you are planning an event there give me a

call and I will ensure the garden is given an extra special tidy.

Brian Lemay, Tel: 01763 271927

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Following the meeting on 12th June we now have some new groups. Bus Pass Outings are going to the Galleria on 15th July, the History of Churches

group will meet monthly, the Petanque group meet in the Crown 12.30–3.30 on alternate Fridays (4th, 18th July etc.). Gardens by Car have their first outing on 8th July, either to Cambridge Botanical Gardens or Capel Manor. Clay Pigeon Shooting hope to have a first outing in July. Painting for Pleasure and Snooker are still to confirm; Spanish Conversation, Tai Chi, Mah Jong, Films and Sunday Lunches start from September Details of our other 25 groups and other Buntingford U3A information can be obtained from www.buntingfordu3a.co.uk. Or you can pick up our magazine, The Banner, from

the Library or the Manor House. Or phone Jean on 01763 271783 or Val 01763 272135.

Our next speakers are Carl Gray, ‘Lottery Fraud & Fiddles’, on 14th July, and we look forward to another talk from Keith Baldwin on September 8th, this time on ‘Being a Horseguard’. We meet at the Seth Ward Community Centre, Luynes Rise, SG9 9SG, doors open 2pm. Visitors welcome £2. Half year membership is £6.25 or £4.50 for members of other U3As. Please note there isn’t a meeting in August. Some groups do meet all through the summer but others don’t, so please phone to confirm.

Can you help? If you are a student or have knowledge of either Spanish Conversation or Painting and are willing to share that knowledge with a small group of our members, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jean on 01763 271783.

NEWS FROM BALFF (Buntingford Adult Learning For Fun)

Fourteen members this week returned from a 5 day visit up to the Cheshire area. This field trip followed on from a 10 week course we had on the History of Clothes. We visited a lot of National Trust Properties but our main interest was Quarry Mill Bank, an18th-century cotton mill that has hand-spinning, weaving and machine demonstrations running daily and is home to Europe’s largest working water-wheel. We learnt about the progression of the cotton industry from the 18th to the 20th century and also got a flavour of the working and living conditions for the mill workers.

Our Summer Luncheon is on Wednesday 2nd July where our speaker is a keen metal detector who will be bringing along treasures he has found.

Our Autumn Course, starting on 24th September, is on ‘CHINA, its history and civilisation’. Details from:

Julia Peacock on 01763 272584

Members of BALFF relaxing after a walk near the Grand Union Canal.

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Attend2Health is delighted to welcome a new practitioner –Gary Webb, MChS HCPC Registered Dip SMT, a

Chiropodist and Podiatrist, who will be working on Monday afternoons and Friday mornings. As Gary is both a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist this means that not only can he remove hard skin, treat corns, ulcers, do diabetic assessments and nail surgery, but he can also prescribe orthotics and carry out biomechanical assessments. For an appointment with Gary please call us on 01763 878087. Mention the Journal to receive a 10% discount on Chiropody until the end of August 2014.

www.attend2health.co.uk

Dear everyone who’s ever been on a diet,

I don’t know how you feel about dieting, but I know I find it

challenging to say the least! What if I told you there’s a way to

EAT SMARTER, NOT LESS, to look and feel your best?

I’m a Registered Associate Nutritionist and I am passionate

about eating well to promote good health. I can show you how

to eat to reach your healthy balance and solve your dietary

issues – no diet or calorie counting required.

I am a member of the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, regulated by the

Association for Nutrition (AfN). Please take a look at my website & blog at

glownutrition.org to find out more, or call me on 07904 582712. I live locally, in

Little Hormead, and I look forward to speaking to you soon!

Healthy Regards,

Claire Thornton MSc ANutr

Registered Associate Nutritionist

t: 07904 582712 e: glownutrition1&gmail.com www.glownutrition.org

BUNTINGFORD FITNESS Two new weekly classes for all abilities: Fat Burner - Wed 9:30am & Thurs 7pm - £5 per class 50-minutes - Cardio workout to burn calories

Ab Attack - Wed 10:30am & Thurs 8pm - £3.50 per class 30-minutes - Complete core training for a strong, flat tummy

Wednesdays (term-time only) @ The Scout Hut, Bowling Green Lane Thursdays @ Millfields School, Monks Walk

CALL JEM on 07830 521 527 or email: jem_dixie@hotmail.co.uk

Both classes

£7

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Royston and Distr ic t Ramblers Group

For meeting points and starting times, contact the walk leader or visit the website:

www.ramblers-herts-northmiddlesex.org.uk

Click on ‘Groups’ and then on ‘Royston’ to find full details

Walks for JULY 2014 Tues 1st Gosmore, 6 miles, leaders Roger & Linda 01462 453752 Thurs 3rd Preston, 6 miles, leader David 01462 679047 Fri 4th Evening walk: Wallington, 4 miles, Christine 01462 734298 Sun 6th Berden,11 miles, Paul 01763 244038 Mon 7th Evening walk: Aspenden, 3 miles, John & Lesley 01763 241525 Tues 8th Balsham, 7 miles, Alan 01223 840963 Thurs 10th Abington Pigotts, 6 miles, Jane 01763 261565 Sun 13th Tewin, 5½ + 5 miles figure-of-eight, Roger & Lin 01763 261405 Tues 15th Harlton, 6 miles, Ian 01223 872243 Tues 15th Evening walk: Westmill, 4 miles, David 01763 242677 Thurs 17th Litlington, 5 miles, Vince 01763 241092 Sun 20th Balsham, Fleam Dyke & Six Mile Bottom, 14 miles, Alan 01223 835908 Tues 22nd Sutton, 6 miles, John & Hilary 01223 871244 Wed 23rd Evening walk: Sutton, 5 miles, Roger & Lin 01763 261405 Thurs 24th Preston, 6 miles, Roger & Linda 01462 453752 Sun 27th Whitwell, 10 miles, Roger & Linda 01462 453752 Tues 29th Great Chishill, 6 miles, Jackie 01763 260809 Thurs 31st Standon, 6 miles, John & Lesley 01763 241525 Thurs 31st Evening walk: Odsey, 3 miles, David 01763 242677

Walks for AUGUST 2014 Sun 3rd Baldock to Rushden to Buntingford, 10 miles, David 01763 242677 Tues 5th Wadesmill, 6 miles, Roger & Mary 01763 281368 Thurs 7th Sandon, 6 miles, Paul 01763 244038 Fri 8th Evening walk: Chipping, Buckland, 3 miles, Eric 01763 848576 Sun 10th Pirton, Lilley,10 miles, George 01763 242281 Mon 11th Evening walk: Therfield, 4 miles, Jackie 01763 246700 Tues 12th Ashdon, Essex, 6 miles, Alan 01223 840963 Thurs 14th Arrington, Croydon, Wendy, 6 miles, David 01763 242677 Sun 17th Royston, Barkway, Therfield + breakfast 11 miles, David 01763 242677 Tues 19th Shepreth, 6 miles, Rama 01763 260565 Tues 19th Evening walk: Chrishall, 3 miles, Jenny Gilson 01763 245969 Thurs 21st Wrestlingworth, 6 miles, John & Hilary 01223 871244 Sun 24th Standon, Hadham Ford, 11 miles, Paul 01763 244038 / 07960 957432 Tues 26th Great Hormead, 6 miles, Paul 01763 271896 Wed 27th Evening walk: Fowlmere Nature Reserve, 4 miles, Liz 01763 263107 Thurs 28th Great Chishill, 6 miles, Jenny 01763 245969 Sun 31st Buntingford, Nuthampstead, 12 miles, David 01763 242677

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

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THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY CURWENS LLP, A LOCAL FIRM OF SOLICITORS WITH OFFICES IN ROYSTON, HODDESDON AND ENFIELD

HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

The economy seems to be recovering, and things are looking up – so maybe now is the time to reach that secret goal of being your own boss.

Starting up your own business can be exciting and challenging, but you need to be prepared. Ask yourself some basic questions:

Where is your funding coming from / have you done a Business plan?

If you are hoping for assistance from your bank they will want to see that you have planned the way ahead.

Are you going to be a sole trader / a partnership / a limited company?

You will need the paperwork in place to clarify who owns the business and what powers they have (often dealt with in Partnership or Shareholders Agreements). If you are formally incorporating a company, you will need specialist documentation including the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Do you need premises and / or staff?

You will ideally need a formal lease agreement for the premises – to ensure you cannot be evicted without reasonable notice and also the correct ‘use’ for those premises (such as ‘retail’ or ‘office’). Every member of staff should have a contract of employment – to protect both you and them. Also, remember the implications of Auto-enrolment in respect of employee pensions.

Have you got a friendly accountant to provide you with tax advice?

It is important to know what tax you should be registered for and are liable to pay – otherwise how can you calculate what to charge for your products or services to ensure you make a profit?

Have you taken any legal advice?

The days of relying on a ‘gentleman’s handshake’ are gone. Ensure any supplier contracts or Terms and Conditions protect your business as far as possible.

Have you considered marketing and / or a website?

This will need to be budgeted for and you need to be aware of what statutory information is required on emails and websites

Have you got insurance?

Most people consider it vital to insure their premises and stock, but what about equipment and even key members of staff?

At Curwens LLP, we are always happy to have an initial chat with you on the telephone to run through exactly what help you need. So if you have any

questions just give us a ring on 01992 463727 or have a look at our website:

www.curwens.co.uk

31

EAST HERTS CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU The Manor House, Buntingford

Drop-in: Telephone:

Monday 10:00am – 4:00pm 08444 111 444

Tuesday 10:00am – 1:00pm Monday – Friday

Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm 10:00am – 4:00pm

What is the CAB? For 75 years, the Citizens Advice service has provided free, confidential advice, and influenced decision-makers to make a lasting difference for our clients

So, what does that mean? Well, first and foremost, we are here to help people solve their problems. We offer a completely confidential place where people can discuss the problems that money, benefits, employment, relationship breakdown, neighbour and consumer issues are causing them. These are just the most common subjects that we are asked about.

We have access to an information system that is very wide-ranging and if we can’t find the answer to a particular query, we can usually find someone else who does.

We aim to help people find the tools they need to manage their problems – sometimes on their own and sometimes with the help of an adviser.

Because we are a charity, this service is completely free. Our advisers are volunteers and it takes over a year to train to the standard required. Also, because we are a charity, we are completely independent. We are not tied to, for example, the Government or the local council or the JobCentre.

Sometimes, the same problems crop up again and again. When this happens, Citizens Advice gathers statistics about these problems. This information is used to campaign in the media and to raise the problem with the Government. For example, last year this campaigning helped to bring in rules to curb some of the excesses of payday lenders.

In Buntingford, we are in the Manor House, where we have been for over 15 years. We are open 10am–4pm on Mondays, 10am–1pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You don’t need to make an appointment – just drop in. If you can’t get to us in person, you could phone our Adviceline 08444 111 444 which is open 10am–4pm Mondays to Fridays. We

also offer an email service for East Herts residents via our website www.ehcas.org.uk

If you are housebound for one reason or another, we have a visiting service which can help with filling in benefit claim forms for adults of any age. It is not restricted to older people. You can access this service if you live in East Herts by phoning 07733 416 292

or emailing benefittakeup@ehcas.org.uk.

For other areas of Hertfordshire, you should call the Adviceline or contact your local CAB. Details of all CABs, plus a lot of other information, can be found at:

www.adviceguide.org.uk

The views expressed in the letters and articles in the Buntingford

Journal are not necessarily those of the editor.

32

ANSTEY FIRST SCHOOL

www.anstey.herts.sch.uk

We finished last half term with an art exhibition featuring art by the children that was very much inspired by nature. The event concluded with an assembly at which Freddie was the recipient of our Dimsdale Award for demonstrable excellence (right). Freddie is a good all-rounder who always sets a good example and this term has excelled in maths. Well done Freddie!

As part of our ‘Other Fours’ Scheme, we have welcomed our five new children into school for regular afternoon sessions leading up to September, when they will start Reception full-time. They have very much enjoyed coming in to ‘Big School’ and are clearly going to be active learners.

This term our topic is SPLASH and we suspect it will be as exciting as our previous GREEN topic, just with a blue theme. Our outside classroom, The Cabin, has been re-created as a sea scene with nets, fish, a beach and even a lighthouse.

Wise Owls (Y3 Y4) will be creating Powerpoint talks based on leisure activities and sports which take place on rivers, for example fishing, white water rafting, camping, or just exploring. Little Owls’ (R Y1 Y2) talks will be based around recollections of favourite seaside activities using good descriptive language. The children will be comparing their own seaside experiences with that of an older relative when they were young.

Craft Club continues to be popular – so far we have created watercolours, miniature houses in a shoebox and fathers’ day cards with real bunting. Walking club also continues this half term, during which we are seeing a different landscape as the crops ripen and the hay begins to be harvested.

Our raised beds are nicely in bloom with herbs, marigolds and glorious pink and purple poppies, all creating a riot of colour. We have enjoyed picking and arranging vibrant, hand-tied posies to brighten the school and to take home and share with our familes.

The recent summer days have been perfect for interschool sports competitions which we have attended, helped by the enthusiastic sports leaders from Edwinstree and Freman. We have enjoyed participating in a range of activities including trigolf, tennis and cross country running at which we succeeded in securing 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings. Catch us if you can!

Our chickens have been joined by some very clever crows who are adept at operating the automatic feeder. Cheeky, but entertaining. We have also made several sightings of a cuckoo who likes to perch on our climbing frame when it is not in use.

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Thank you to everyone who attended our Quiz Night in early June, helping us to raise a very respectable £400. This will be put to good use building a replacement sandpit in the shade of our honeysuckle arbour. Next in the diary is Anstey Fair supported by the whole village – 13th July, 1–5pm in the grounds of Anstey Bury.

Paul Larkey, Headteacher

Anstey is a very small school in a wonderful setting with our own pre-school, nursery (from Sept 2014), wrap-

around care, community centre and holiday play scheme. If you would like to find out more about us, or offer to help

as a volunteer, please call on 01763 848 346.

Bramble Hill Children’s Centre is based in

Mill Close in Buntingford and we offer access

to services for children under 5 years of age

and their families.

We are running a ‘Hook a Duck’ stall at this year’s Braughing Wheelbarrow Race on the afternoon of Saturday 5th July. We are hoping to raise money to enable us to subsidise more trips and run more affordable courses for our families.

For details of our Summer Holiday activities, which will be happening between Monday 28th July and Friday 22nd August, please check our website at

www.bramblehillchildrenscentre.org.uk or give us a call on 01763 273008.

Our What’s On Guide includes details of all the sessions, workshops and courses we are running. It also has useful local information for parents and carers. Let us know if you would like one sent to you by email or post.

There are loads of ways to keep up to date with what’s happening at the Bramble Hill Centre: search ‘Bramble Hill Children’s Centre’ on Facebook and ‘like’ the page; call us on 01763 273008 or email us at bramblehill@ymcacentralherts.org.uk to go on our mailing list; or there’s info on our web pages at:

www.bramblehillchildrenscentre.org.uk

Cream Teas & Cakes in Ardeley 6th July, 3rd August & 7th September, 2.30–5.00 pm

Have you visited us yet, here in our picturesque village of Ardeley, 3 miles outside Buntingford (sat nav SG2 7AH)? Come and treat yourselves to a cream tea and delicious homemade cakes. Then wander over the road and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our beautiful 13th century church. We look forward to welcoming you. For further information contact Wendy Waygood on 01438 861260.

Proceeds in aid of St Lawrence church funds.

34

Millfield First and Nursery School

www.millfield.herts.sch.uk This has been a very busy and exciting few weeks here for us at Millfield. We were absolutely delighted to hear that we have been awarded the prestigious Governor Mark following an assess-ment visit. To celebrate this we were pleased to welcome Mr Oliver Heald, our MP, to present the Governor Mark to our Governors at our Friday Celebration Assembly on 6th June. A group of our Governors came along and Mr Heald spoke to everyone about how important the award is.

On Thursday 22nd May our KS2 pupils had a great time when they took part in the annual Cross Country Festival at Edwinstree School organised by the School Sports Partnership. Many of our children won medals for their performances and we were proud of how well all our pupils did.

KS1 had a wonderful time when they went to Walton-on-the-Naze, also on Thursday 22nd May. The sun shone and all the children loved playing on the beach. The children were a credit to Millfield and we were proud of their conduct.

On Tuesday 3rd

June our KS2 pupils went to

Oliver Heald MP (left) presenting the Governor Mark award on 6th June at the Friday Celebration Assembly.

Our KS1 children on their trip to Walton-on-the-Naze.

35

Freman College to take part in the School Sports Partnership Tri-Golf Tournament. The pupils had great fun despite the damp weather!

On Friday 6th June the Oak and Cherry Classes

enjoyed a visit to Shepreth Wildlife Park. The weather was fine and they all had a fantastic time. Everyone commented on the exemplary behaviour of the children.

Our KS2 children had a wonderful time on their residential trip to Lincolnsfields Children’s Centre near Bushey. The children arrived at the Centre on Wednesday 11th June and slept there for two nights which was a great adventure for them. During their time there they undertook a range of activities such as orienteering, a treasure hunt and a visit to a soft play barn. They returned home happy but exhausted!

To celebrate Father’s Day the Nursery Class invited their dads and grandads along for a ‘Stay and Play’ hour and the Reception Classes invited dads and grandads along to share books together. Lots of our dads were able to come and both occasions were very successful.

Our Nursery Children are very excited to be visiting Standalone Farm on 19th June. On Thursday 26th June we are holding another Open School session from 9:30 to 10:30am. Year 4 pupils will be waiting to show visitors around so they can see a range of lessons across the school. We are hoping that lots of people will be able to come along.

We are all looking forward to our PTA Summer Fair on Friday 4th July, 4 to 7pm, and hope lots of people will be able to come and visit our range of stalls and activities.

If you would like to know more about our school, Breakfast Club, After School Fun Club or Little Stars Nursery, please visit our website or call us on 01763 271717.

Kathy Willett, Headteacher

This hugely popular annual event put on by Buntingford Chamber of Commerce will this year be on:

Saturday, 6th September 2014 Anyone wishing to exhibit a classic vehicle on the day can register now at:

www.buntingfordclassic.com

Entrance fee £3 which can be paid online via Paypal. Alternatively, old-fashioned paper entry forms are available from the Manor House.

Put the date in your diary now. This is an event not to be missed.

Millfield’s Oak and Cherry classes at Shepreth Wildlife Park.

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

This term we have packed in lots of hands-on learning and taken advantage of the fine weather to work outside as much as possible. So here’s a snapshot of some of the things the children have been doing, some of it in their own words.

RECEPTION When we came back after the Easter break we took a trip into space. We loved going into the Space Dome and as we zoomed across the night sky even the adults shouted ‘Oh wow!’ We looked visited some planets in our solar system. We found out that Earth looks blue because of the water on our planet and Saturn has rings around it.

When we came back to Earth we read ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ and decided to make our own underpants and aliens. We worked in pairs to make underpants. It was great fun as we had to talk to each other all the time to make sure we were making the front and back the same.

We also designed a new flag for England as part of our St George’s Day celebration, using the colours red, white and blue.

YEAR 1 Year 1 have been learning about plants and colours in nature: “No one painted the flowers, they grow like that. If you painted them they would die!”

“The sky is naturally blue, the bins have been painted by Mr Kingsley.”

Also sounds: Sticky Feet! “The grass crackles when I lie on it like a paper bag.”

“We water the plants to help them grow.”

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YEAR 2 In our topic Get Set Go we have been talking about other countries and have written about our own dream holiday. We wish we really could go to Florida on a Unicorn to swim with dolphins! We created our own world map to understand where different countries are located and used our ICT skills to cut and paste pictures of famous landmarks in each country.

In preparation for International Day we staged a flight to Ghana. “We had to show our boarding pass and passports too!” On International Day itself we covered our class in Ghana decorations and teachers wore African outfits! “We got to dress up too!” We also made Ghana fact files and cooked (and tasted) Jallof rice! “It was actually quite nice!”

We had a visit from a man who brought in an inflatable Science Dome that filled the whole hall and we watched a film about Sally who wanted to visit the planets. “The dome looked like a giant blueberry but it was great going inside. I loved it when the man pressed the controls and we shot through space really, really, really fast!”

In RE lessons we discussed the word ‘Reverence’ which is our school value for this half term, and also the Holy Trinity. We made trinity decorations for our prayer tree.

YEAR 3 Interesting things this month included learning about different states in science by making cornflour slime, which has some very interesting properties: “When you applied pressure it went hard. When you stopped it went into liquid and felt slimy and mushy in your hand.” We learnt about space in the Science Dome, then went outside to get an idea of the relative distances between the planets. After showing the children the distances for Mercury, Venus and Earth, they estimated where Pluto would be – it was a bit further away than they originally anticipated! “Pluto was ridiculously far away!” Also, taking advantage of the fine

weather, we shared the children’s wonderful poetry in the amphitheatre, and we practised what we have learnt about the eight compass points. Starting in the middle of the field, the children had to find eight hidden shapes by following compass directions.

YEAR 4 On 7th May we had a K’NEX Challenge to design and build a safety helmet that would be strong, stable and protect the head. After drawing a design we had an hour to make it and the winners were announced at the end. Everyone received a certificate. It really tested our design and building skills!

We are a friendly Church of England school at the heart of the Buntingford community and all visitors are most welcome. Phone 01763 271235 or email admin@layston.herts.sch.uk to make an appointment, or see our website for details: www.layston.herts.sch.uk

Myra Bloomfield, Headteacher

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Edwinstree

Middle School

Our school association staged ‘Edwinstree’s Got Talent’, showcasing an amazing array of acts including singers, dancers, magicians, pianists, an impressionist, a saxophonist and a hula-hooper! It showed that Edwinstree certainly does have talent and gave Ms Rondel and Mrs Cresswell from our music department a preview of the many capabilities our pupils possess for our biannual concert being staged next year. Lee Morris had the unenviable job of choosing three of the performances to appear at Buntsfest, but in the end the range of acts was so impressive he opted for six winners. Ella and Elizabeth performed a very professional rendition of ‘What Is This Feeling’ from Wicked, Ellena sang ‘I Have a Dream’ from Les Miserables and Jasper played his own composition on the piano; dancers Chloe and Josie, impressionist Jude and singer James were the other victors. We would like to thank everyone involved in the show and hope that it will become an annual event in the school calendar.

Tutor group 6BM gave us a Collective Worship on the anniversary of D-Day, commemorating the landings on the beaches of Normandy and how the operation turned the tide of the Second World War and marked the beginning of the end of the conflict.

Edwinstree's summer sports have been well underway this term, despite some unfavourable weather. Year 5 and 6 Rounders teams played in a friendly match against Ralph Sadleir. This was in preparation for the upcoming Sainburys School Games level 2 festival at which 80 pupils from Edwinstree will be attending. Held at Freman College, the festival is an excellent opportunity for our pupils to be involved in inter-school sport. Year 7 and 8 Rounders teams had friendly fixtures against Birchwood and Ralph

Performers in the ‘Edwinstree’s Got Talent’ show, some of whom will

now perform at Buntsfest.

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Sadleir. Meanwhile the Year 5 and 6 cricketers have been busy with Sainsburys School Games level 2 festivals of their own! The girls U12 side played at Roysia and finished second, narrowly missing out against Ralph Sadleir.

Ahead of the Queen’s visit to France on June 6th, Year 7 had an early start for their educational day trip to Boulogne travelling by coach and Eurotunnel. They started their day at the war memorial in Boulogne commemorating townspeople and Allied servicemen who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. A walk through the old walled town then took them to the bistros and shops where they practised their French speaking skills to purchase crepes, ices and souvenirs. The visit was a first trip abroad for some pupils and was a very enjoyable day, helped by the lovely weather.

Other school visits in June were a trip to Kew Gardens for Year 5, the Science Museum for Year 8, and a small group of mixed-year pupils visited the Houses of Parliament.

Looking ahead, our Sports Day takes place on Monday 21st July, followed by our Celebration Evening for Year 8 students on July 22nd and prize-giving on the last day of term, July 23rd. We would like to give all of our eldest pupils in Year 8 our very best wishes as they leave us to continue their studies and we look forward to welcoming our new pupils to Year 5 in September.

Diane George

The pupils of Tutor Group 6BM who delivered a special Collective Worship on the anniversary of D-Day.

An inscription on the War Memorial in Boulogne (above) and enjoying a drink on a walkabout through the old Town.

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Fully Intrusive?

Being a big fan of Spoonerisms, Malapropisms and Unwinisums, and of course terrible puns, along with my brothers I was not surprised when one of my siblings rang me to say he was off on holiday again and, with a smile in his voice, he said “apparently it’s fully intrusive, according to the travel company representative”. The way they seem to pack everybody onto flights, excursions and cruises there may be some truth in the booker’s mispronunciation. Everybody appears to be visiting places foreign, but I think I have missed something in this unseemly dash to faraway lands. You can’t get away from it as every week the Sunday papers are jammed with must-do cruises and exotic getaways.

Way back in the early sixties when the great unwashed like myself first experienced the siren call of sun, sea and sand, it was mysterious and exciting. We had seen Technicolor travelogues on the cinema screens (three different programmes a week, 3/9d) and read Ian Fleming’s backdrop to the latest Bond adventure. But nowadays these holidays seem more akin to a charabanc outing to Southend with all participants vying to see who can consume the most ‘all intrusive’ alcohol and food and tick off places of interest to impress neighbours and friends when they return.

“We went trekking to Everest base camp before taking a cruise to the Antarctic and then moonlit bathing in the Ganges” (ugh!). “Next we went ‘off grid’ in the Amazon rain forest, and the local bar owners on some far off Caribbean isle were so pleased to see us again, they are like old friends you know, and the island, with every mod con, it’s so unspoilt!” Well it was until you traipsed all over it leaving piles of junk behind you and burning even more carbon fuels on giant liners fouling up the pristine oceans and contaminating the atmosphere with the contrails from airliners.

It also seems that wrinklies like us are hellbent on this getaway frenzy, spending their children’s inheritance. However, like many things in this life these trips, or ‘adventures’ as the advertisements would have it, were once something to look forward to, like a restaurant meal, a bottle of wine, a trip to the theatre, or Christmas. Now it is a ‘must-do’! To my mind the novelty, anticipation and excitement has all gone. Yes, I know, it’s me, grumpy old whatsit! But holidays for me were something you planned, dressed appropriately for (always a three piece suit, crisp shirt, knitted silk tie and highly polished shoes) and conducted yourself with a modicum of dignity. Of course the appropriate wear was used for the beach, but one never ventured into dining rooms, cafés, shops or churches without covering up the lobster hues of bare tattooed flesh. Now it would appear all that has gone out of the window, especially in this aforementioned ‘all intrusive’ world.

I cringe when I have the misfortune to be in the same area when one of those supersized cruise liners arrives in port whilst I am on one of my infrequent escapes. I don’t want you thinking this is some dog in a manger moan as I like a new vista from time to time under some foreign sky as much as the next guy, but I try to avoid these organised scrums, and I don’t do foreign forays on a regular basis, reasoning that less is more. Besides, it fascinates me how it can be afforded? They can’t all work for the council, can they?

Perhaps our best holidays were with the children, on a beach all day when rain never stopped play. The food wasn’t the Mediterranean healthy diet we are fed (literally) today, it was good old British grub – spam or corn beef rolls, crisps, ice cream cornets, Cream Soda and fish & chips, with a lot of sand as a garnish. Let’s be honest here, Mediterranean fare? It’s flour and water with a few scraps of veg, or a meagre portion of meat, just like our old wartime fare, but wrapped up to look exotic! Given enough television chefs, we will eat anything!

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It’s encouraging to see that with climate change there is more of what is referred to as the ‘Staycation’ holiday, which I hope will revitalise our UK holidays, harking back to those former days where the holiday was about quality and not quantity. Yes, I know, a wet week in Walton on the Naze in a pre-war caravan has its drawbacks, but you know what I mean. There’s something nostalgic and certainly atmospheric about the perfume of CALOR Gas and damp cushions! These home country breaks for the most part have not yet been rediscovered by the majority of holiday hoards, still trying to recapture long ago youth and adventure in faraway places with strange sounding names, blazing sun turning aging skin to the consistency of a paper bag, whilst the locals keep covered up.

The current craze of cruising seems all the rage but being trapped on a floating tin can for a fortnight with optional gastroenteritis, along with several hundred geriatric ravers, trying to consume enough calories to keep an African country for a year, is not my idea of having fun. But there again, we all enjoy different things.

When people try and convince me of the joys of this mass nautical touring, they say things like, “there is food and drink on tap all day and entertainment round the clock”!! Does that include extra Statins, expanding trousers and ear plugs then? Now, I am sure that many a restful and informative holiday on one of these ‘fully intrusive’ galleons is just the ticket for some, but as a non drinker (since the lost Christmas of ’69) on a diet and a bit fussy of the company I keep, I don’t think it would be for me. But you guys go ahead and enjoy.

In fact another of my brothers, who is a veteran cruise aficionado of many years and recently returned from one of these sea-bound excursions, was honest enough to say they were a few days out from Southampton when there were 40foot waves! Only the salvation of a severe migraine which confined him to his bunk in the bowels of the hulk saved him from enjoying the excitement of consuming ‘all intrusive’ six meals a day with synchronised projectile vomiting due to the undulations of the queen of the seas, all no doubt to the accompaniment of the ship’s orchestra. Now you don’t get that with two weeks in Southwold, do you?

So as I flick through yet another travel catalogue which has been shoved through my letterbox I cannot help but reflect on all that I have been missing on an ‘all intrusive’ getaway of a lifetime? My mind made up, I realised what has to be done and without further ado (I have yet to discover what an ‘ado’ is) place aforesaid weighty document in the only place suitable, the recycling bin. Walberswick here I come! Deep Joy!

Have a great holiday folks, whatever you are doing. Vyse 2014

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B A L AB A L AB A L A Bunt ingford Act ion for the Less Able

Registered Charity No. 1094426

FOR MORE TRIPS IN AUGUST PLEASE SEE POSTERS. To book a seat or for more information phone:

01763 273623 or 01763 271708

Minibus trips for July 2014

Thurs 3rd

Sat 5th

Tues 8th

Thurs 10th

Fri 11th

Tues 15th

Thurs 17th

Wed 23rd

Thurs 24th

Fri 25th

Mon 28th

Thurs 31st

AUGUST

Thurs 7th

9:30–12ish

2:30pm

10am–3pm

9:30–12ish

10:30–3pm

10:30–3pm

9:30–12ish

10am–3pm

9:30–12ish

10:30–2.30

10:30–3pm

9:30–12ish

9:30–12ish

Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre – Market Day

‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Gordon Craig. Tckts £13

Imperial War Museum, Duxford. OAP £10.80

Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford

Brookfield Centre – Boots, M&S, Argos, Next, Tesco etc.

Garden of the Roses, near St Albans. Entr: £6

Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre – Market Day

Cambridge Shopping / Fitzwilliam Museum.

Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford

Country Homes & Gardens & Bury Lane Farm Shop, Melbourn – Cotton Traders, Shoes, Edinburgh Woollen Mills, Plants, Deli etc

Welwyn Garden City – John Lewis, M&S, Debenhams, WHSmith, Boots, Waitrose etc.

Bishop’s Stortford Town Centre – Market Day

Tesco at Bishop’s Stortford

£4

+ Bus £4

+ Bus £5.50

£4

£6

+ Bus £8

£4

£7

£4

£4.50

£6

£4

£4

COFFEE MORNING at Benson Hall, Buntingford

Wednesday 16th

July

10:30–12noon Cakes / Bric-a-Brac / Books / Raffle / Marmalade

Proceeds for the B.A.L.A. Minibus

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The Buntingford Journal is delivered FREE to members of the

Civic Society or it can be purchased from:

A CUT ABOVE BASRA’S SUPERMARKET THE CO-OP

COUNTRY FLOWERS DELISSIMO MARK DOEL

PIGGOTTS THE FOX AT ASPENDEN

BUNTINGFORD GARDENERS CLUB It was certainly hectic this month at the club meeting. What with collecting monies for the trip in July (seats still available from Janet Murrell, see last paragraph below) and all the usual – the competition, plants, raffle, speaker's tables and chairs for members – we were rather late starting. However, what a marvellous evening we had.

Our speaker was Chrissie Leigh-Walker from Bushuken Bonsai Nursery in Hockley, Essex. We were given a brief résumé of how she got into bonsai, which is her passion. She exhibits at Hampton Court Flower Show, NEC Birmingham, Malvern and Chelsea, to name just a few. She has been awarded several silver medals and achieved a gold at Chelsea in 2009 for her garden entitled ‘East meets West’ showing an eastern garden contrasting into a typical English style, a design she first show-cased at the Malvern Flower Show prior to presenting it at Chelsea. Apparently there are no hard and fast rules in the judging and show gardens are open to interpretation by the judges. This must lead to lots of tears at bedtime!

Bonsai originated in China but the art is also practised in Korea, Vietnam and where we usually think of in connection with bonsai – Japan. In fact Japan includes this ancient craft in the school curriculum in order that the art is not lost forever. Bonsai means ‘plant in a tray’ and it is the manipulation and control of plant size, but in every other respects the plant is as in nature. It is therefore important that the bonsai is housed outside during its growing period, just as the life-size tree or shrub would be. It is helpful if you have an artistic flair and horticultural knowledge but not essential. Why not give it a try? Water daily and feed weekly. Re-pot every three to five years – soil should be carefully teased from the roots, a chopstick is a good tool for this. Roots and top growth are pruned by a third, sharp scissors essential. Courses are available.

Chrissie is enthusiastic and eager to educate others and has also progressed to producing clay pots to house her precious plants. Presently she is in the process of creating a Japanese garden with garden size bonsai. If the specimens she brought along to the club are anything to go by, then it will be a delight. Unfortunately we ran out of time and did not have the opportunity to purchase any. Maybe we can have a trip to Hockley next year. Hint, hint, to the committee!

There is no club meeting in July as we are off to Swaffham in Norfolk for lunch followed by a visit to the Water Gardens nearby. Details from Janet on 01763 274341. We meet again on the first Wednesday in August (August 6th) for our Evening Show, 7:45pm at URC Hall. Visitors welcome. If you are off on your holiday, have a great time with smashing weather too (fingers crossed).

Heather Pope

Club enquiries to our Chairwoman Janet Murrells on 01763 274341

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R.I.P. Billy Boiler

The heart of our home is quiet and still, The pipes that have warmed us, no more will they fill. At 6 every morning you'd hear it click on. There’s no more of that now ... the clicking’s all gone. It’s now been a month since Billy Boiler’s demise. He’s out there somewhere in boiler heaven’s skies. Very soon a new one will be fitted. All singing, all dancing ... it comes super kitted! But I can’t help but feel sad for my old pal Billy, Even though for three years he’s played up something silly!!! He worked his pump out giving hot water and heating So I gratefully thank him ... I will not forget him!

Teresa Bonner

The Royal British Legion AUTUMN QUIZ

will be on Saturday 25th

October @ 7.30pm

in Benson Hall, Buntingford

Fish or Chicken & Chips. Licensed Bar & Raffle.

Tickets £10 Contact Di Bamford on 01763 848481

Buntingford & District Flower Club would like to invite visitors and former members to join us in

celebrating the Club’s 45th Anniversary on Wednesday 24th September 2014 at Benson Hall, Buntingford.

National demonstrator David Thompson will present ’This, That and the Other’. Celebratory refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to win David’s floral arrangements in our raffle. The entrance fee of £9

for non-members includes refreshments. Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start.

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B U N T I N G F O R D W . I .B U N T I N G F O R D W . I .B U N T I N G F O R D W . I . Our advertised speaker for June had to cancel at the last minute but we were very lucky that PCSO Neil Major stepped in. He said he’d received the phone call the previous day and they said “What are you doing tomorrow evening?” “Watching the World Cup Opening Ceremony” he replied, so we were particularly delighted that he gave that up for us!

Neil became a PCSO 9 years ago when his family’s motor trade business was sold and he said he thoroughly enjoys it as every day is different. His current patch is the A10 corridor and all PCSOs are part of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, looking after the community and working with police officers.

Neil gave us a few tips on crime prevention and some examples of what to look out for. Distraction burglaries are common and we should be suspicious if someone comes to our door saying, for instance, that they are from the ‘Water Board’ or ‘Electricity Board’ – these no longer exist. There is a password system in place whereby householders can give their supplier a password to be used if necessary. We should also be aware of phone scams involving credit cards.

There were tips on how to secure your home – apparently 25 per cent of burglaries are not as a result of someone breaking in. Neil also explained that some upvc doors are easy to break into and when you lock your door from the inside you should never leave the key in the lock. Apparently the newer ones, which carry a three star rating, are more secure.

When out shopping, be aware of ‘purse dipping’ and make sure you keep your purse in a zipped bag on your shoulder. We were given some little bells to clip on to our purses – they make such a noise when the purse is touched, which may deter a pickpocket but I’m sure it’s going to get on my nerves before not too long!!

Our next meeting is on Thursday 10th July when Lyn Croot will be coming to talk to us about Tobago. The competition for members is ‘something from the Caribbean’. August 14th will be a Members’ Meeting when we are hoping to have a bring-and-share Summer Supper. We meet at the URC Hall in Baldock Road at 7:45pm and visitors are always welcome. If you would like to join us or would like further details about the Buntingford W.I. please telephone Pat Webb on 01763 271305.

Val Hume

CARE QUALITY COMMISSION

REGISTERED

DO YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, NEED

SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING?

We understand that support in the home can go beyond

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For more details contact SARAH JACKSON:

07582 742487 01920 822368 Sese1971@live.co.uk Primrose

Rural Care

46

The season finally came two a close on 24th May, some two weeks late, and our First Team faced Evergreen who needed a win to secure promotion. Two goals from Luke Smith and one from Louis Gilbert crushed their dreams and the final score of 3-3 saw Hertford Heath promoted to the Premier Division instead.

Buntingford’s first string finished 9th in the league, mid-table; a close inspection of the stats shows that we conceded just 40 league goals in 24 games, a feat bettered by just 4 other teams in the league, each of them finishing in the top 5. Defensively we were great, but we lacked potency up front. This, I have been assured by manager Laurence Salmon, will be addressed next season!

The Reserves finished in a creditable 4th in the league, a fitting end to an excellent first season in senior football for manager Andy Calvert. What has pleased me most this season is the number of young players who are now joining the club, and the subsequent fluidity between First and Reserve squads. County League football is demanding, but our youngsters are definitely up to the task.

The Veterans, under the stewardship of Gary Cropper, probably had their best ever season, although I will have to look closely at the stats to confirm this! They won 15 of their 25 games, and highlights were notable victories over Standon & Puckeridge, Knebworth and Bengeo, each of which are tough teams to beat.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laurence, Andy and Gary for their efforts over the past 12 months. All three have confirmed their intention to carry on in their posts next season and we can look forward to even better things during the 2014/15 campaign.

Thanks are also due to a number of people who work hard behind the scenes. Dean Howard and James Neill must be congratulated on thumbing their noses at the bad weather and organising our fixture arrangements. Barry Tokely and his team at The Bury have given us an excellent playing surface and pre/post match facilities. My committee have, as usual, offered unstinting support all season and I would like to thank them too.

And let’s not forget our sponsors for the season. Entourage, Scott & Scott, Brian Simmons and J Collyer Services provided 4 new kits between them, and Mark Doel Butchers and J Oliver Radley provided our first aid kits and presentation trophies. It is help like this from local businesses which keeps us going and on behalf of everyone at the club I would like to record my thanks and appreciation.

Next season we will once again have 2 sides in the Herts Senior County League, who will be playing in Senior Division One and the Reserve & Development Section North & East Division. The teams will also be competing in the Herts FA Intermediate and Junior Cups, the Aubrey Cup, the Cecil Hudson Cup, the Bingham-Cox Cup and, subject to confirmation by the HSCL, the Greg Cup. The Veterans will once again be playing in the Herts FA Veterans Cup, as well as friendly matches every weekend.

So, another season comes to an end and on the whole it has been most satisfying. With preparations already underway for 2014/15 we are looking forward to the next campaign with anticipation…. Enjoy your summer … I certainly intend to!

Chris Thurgill, Chairman, BTFC

BUNTINGFORD TOWN FC w w w . b u n t i n g f o r d t o w n f c . c o m

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BUNTINGFORD AND DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB C.I.U affiliated — 6 Church Street, Buntingford, Herts SG9 9AS

Tel 01763 271889 www.lemonrock.com

EVERY MONDAY BIG CASH BINGO Guaranteed £150 snowball prize. ALL WELCOME. Start time 8pm

WE HAVE SKY SPORTS AND BT SPORT ALL MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS SHOWN (times permitting)!

Darts, Pool, Snooker,

Wii console, Free WiFi

COME AND JOIN US FOR

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HAPPY HOURS EVERY DAY

3—7pm AND ALL DAY

FRIDAY, SAT & SUNDAY

IN-HOUSE KNOCKOUTS

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& CRIB — members only.

Entrance form on sports

notice board NOW.

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pay just £15 (no joining fee).

Ask at the bar.

ENTERTAINMENT for JULY/AUG

5th July — NOT TONIGHT JOSEPHINE

19th July — THE DUVETS

2nd Aug — CHRIS (’the hat’) TALBOT

16th Aug — UPTOWN DISCO

NO ENTERTAINMENT on 12th &

26th July & 9th, 23rd & 30th Aug, but

FREE Pool, Snooker & Juke Box

Entertainment starts at 9pm unless

stated otherwise.

MEMBERS FREE, GUESTS £1 or £4 on

Special Entertainment night.

CHECK OUT our Facebook page and

website: www.lemonrock.com

BUNTINGFORD COUGARS ARE

LOOKING FOR PLAYERS

Buntingford Cougars are keen to grow their squads at Under 11s (school year six from September)

& Under 14s (school year nine from September). If you are interested in joining please give us a

call for details of training times and venues.

Call Richard on 07944 237400

or email secretary@buntingfordcougars.co.uk

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Carnival Characters

2014