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From the Vicar

Revd Anne Donaldson

In August and September I heard several people saying they were lonely for all sorts of reasons, as I wrote last time (and Mad Chatters was born!) In October I found I was listening to a further set of comments. This time it was various parents of primary aged children saying they felt lonely because they couldn’t talk to their friends about their worries. When I asked why not, they said that their friends simply responded with their own problems, which they thought were much worse. 2 or 3 said it felt like it was a competition about whose life had most difficulty. One Mum’s son had just been diagnosed with autism. She was getting plenty of information and advice from the school etc, but she simply wanted some emotional support as she got her head round it. Her parents live in N Ireland, and her husband’s parents were also many miles away, so she turned to her friends – who didn’t listen. But everyone has difficulties. That’s life. That’s reality. What’s the point in comparing how difficult it is?? Surely much better to support each other in whatever situation they are struggling with? It was because God is realistic about life that He wants to support us. He gave up His comfort in heaven and was born as a helpless baby in a stable in Bethlehem. He grew up in a family with all the normal family stresses, and a community with all the usual illnesses and working problems etc etc. He knew ordinary human life (not comfortable life in some palace as might have been expected for God Almighty). He came to bring light to dark lives. So. what are the difficulties in your life? Try telling your friends about it – and listening to their difficulties . Try telling the good Lord about it. He understands – probably better than you do! – and he wants to help. He won’t try to top it with His own!!!! He is the best friend ever. He loves us so much that He longs to help us. And it’s amazing what He does. He can give strength to cope. He guides us through the complications of our lives. He gives us peace like nothing else can. Sometimes I think there’s such a knot that it’s impossible and yet He somehow unties it! And it’s His loving arrival in our human race that we celebrate at Christmas, bringing light into our darknesses if we would but ask Him. Happy Christmas to you all

Church News Lunches for Charities: Thursday 3rd December for the British Heart Foundation, 7th January for Caris Islington and 4th February for 1 st Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Scout Group Come and join us – everyone, of all ages, is welcome to these free lunches at 1pm in the Wilshere Hall, Stanstead Abbots. Please invite friends to join you. The lunch in November raised £130 for The Royal British Legion.

February 2016 Parishes Magazine Items for the next edition should preferably be emailed to admin@3churches.net or left at the Vicarage by 14th January at the latest please. Copy can also be given to Lynne Heraud.

Transport to Church. If you would like a lift to church please phone one of the Churchwardens (see back cover of this magazine).

From our Registers

We offer our condolences to the families and friend s of Peter Bonner Roydon Road 15th October (Parndon Wood) Karen Tubbs Hunsdon Road 21st October (St Andrew’s) Alan Delaney ex Dobbs Weir 11th November (St John the Baptist) Isabel Allen Dairy Farm, Easneye 12th November (St Andrew’s

St Andrew’s church is praying for:-

Roydon Road – week beginning 6th December Thele Avenue – week beginning 13th December Woodcroft Avenue – week beginning 20th December Trotters Gap – week beginning 27th December Chapelfields - week beginning 3rd January Abbotts Rise & Way, Mill Race - week beginning 10th January Cappell Lane - week beginning 17th January Hollycross Lane, Easneye, All Nations- week beginning 24th January St Andrew’s School - week beginning 31st January

Please note: The Administrator works on Mon, Wedn and Thurs from 9.15am until 2.15pm and can be contacted on 01920 870115

Need a lift to hospital?? If you need a lift to take you to a hospital appointment, hospital visiting etc or short-

term help with shopping, dog-walking (eg during or following an illness), or would like a visit or a prayer

call 3 Churches Careline: 01920 871678 between 9am and 6pm (except in an emergency)

We’ll do our best to help

Lunches for Charities in Wilshere Hall at 1pm

3rd December for the British Heart Foundation Dedicated to the fight against heart disease, they are the UK's number one heart charity, and over 50 years of funding cutting-edge research they have already made a big difference to people's lives. But the landscape of heart disease is changing. More people survive a heart attack than ever before; that combined with an ageing population means more people are now living with heart disease and need their help. As a result they have been reviewing their strategic approach and this will give them a powerful focus in their fight for every heartbeat, and enable them to lead the fight against cardiovascular disease more effectively.

7th January for Caris Islington – Bereavement Service Once again our lunch is hoping to raise money for a Bereavement counselling service which is part of a small Christian charity with an interest in supporting people struggling in Islington. The bereavement counselling service is for anyone in Islington who feels that they need this; many clients are referred by their GPs. They have dedicated services for teenagers and children also. The counselling is provided by some 50 volunteers who are professionally trained and supervised by professional staff and many go on to make a career in counselling. Every year there is a struggle to maintain and develop this much needed and highly regarded service so please come and support the charity by having a good lunch. Thankyou.

4th February for 1 st Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets Scout Group The group is very well supported locally with currently 48 Beavers, 55 Cubs and 53 Scouts, both boys and girls; as well as 45 adult volunteers. Each month the group does so much with the children and young people, which you can read about on page 12. With over twenty nights being spent away each year the scouts would be very grateful to put any funds raised towards replacing some of our well loved camping equipment! This will enable them to continue taking part in a wider range of activities that cannot always be possible during evening group meetings.

Dates for your 2016 diary

‘Space to Think’ day 6th February 10am – 4pm Ash Wednesday 10th February Women’s World Day of Prayer 4th March Mothering Sunday 6th March Palm Sunday 20th March Maundy Thursday 24th March Good Friday 25th March Clocks change Night of 26th March Easter Day 27th March Annual Parochial Church Meetings 21st April Stanstead Abbotts 28th April Gt Amwell with StM Ascension 5th May Pentecost (Whitsun) 15th May Madrigals to be confirmed Historic Churches bike ride 10th September Harvest 2nd October Memorial Service 9th October, 3.30pm Clocks change Night of 29th October Film Night for all ages Saturday 31st October- Halloween Remembrance Sunday 13th November Advent Sunday 27th November Christmas Eve Saturday December 24th Christmas Day Sunday December 25th

Services at St James’ Rogation Evensong 8th May Patronal Evensong 24th July

Advent Carol service 27th November 8.45am Holy Communion services in June & Sept.

Songs of Praise at St Margarets For Carers 12th June, 6.30pm Harvest 2nd October, 6.30pm

St Margarets’ church meetings 12.30pm on 11th June and 5th November

Advent Carol Service by Candlelight These are not Christmas Carols. They look forward to the coming of Christ,

rather than celebrate His arrival.

At St James’, Stanstead Abbots, 4.00pm on Advent Sunday (29th November ). This is the older church, just over the A414 on Roydon Road. It is a very historical church, with no electricity or heating and with box pews, and well worth the visit. Bring a torch to see your way out again, and dress

warmly if it’s a cold night!

Christingle Services This is about the light of Christ coming into dark lives. Children love this service and taking a Christingle home with them (the parts they haven’t already eaten!) Adults enjoy the symbolism and the children’s faces! (See page 9 for Collection information).

Sunday 6th December, 4.00pm at St Margarets’ Parish Church

Sunday 13th December, 9.30am at St John the Baptist church, Great Amwell

Sunday 13th December, 4.00pm at St Andrew’s, Stanstead Abbots

Carol Services Sunday 6th December, 6.30pm at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell

Sunday 20th December, 6.30pm, Carols by Candlelight at St Andrew’s

Sunday 20th December, 6.30pm, 9 lessons and Carols at St Margarets’

Christmas Services Everyone is very welcome at the Lord’s Table for Communion and Mass – or welcome to stay in their seats if you wish!

Children’s services on Christmas Eve (24th December) 4.00pm Crib Services at all three churches

St John’s – children who wish dress up on arrival St Margaret’s – children who wish dress up on arrival St Andrew’s – children come dressed as their favourite character in the Nativity scene, or dress up on arrival

Midnight Services on Christmas Eve (24th December) 11.00pm Midnight Communion at St Andrew’s 11.30pm Midnight Mass at St John the Baptist

Christmas Day Services (25th December) 10.15am Christmas Communion for all ages at St Andrew’s 10.30am Christmas Family Communion at St Margarets’

Missing You Trees

Are you missing a loved one and were not able to attend the Memorial service? If so, you can put their names on a ‘tree’ at the back of each of the churches from Advent Sunday 29th November . They will then be remembered in our prayers throughout the Advent and Christmas season. Tags for the names are provided.

St Margaret’s Parish Church

Christmas Concert Monday 14th December

at 7.30pm in the church

Tickets £5 to include mulled wine and mince pies,

available from Jennifer 01992 469503 or Ruth 01992 462151

Christmas Tree Lights Switch On outside the Copping Community Building,

Hoddesdon Road, Stanstead St Margarets

4th December at 5.00pm

with Carol Singing For further information contact the office on 0300 123 1034

Getting married in 2016?

Wherever you are getting married you are invited to ‘Spac eFebruary. In all the rush of planning, this is time to come aside and think about what it’s all about! 10am-4pm in the Wilshere Hall (next to St Andrew’s church). There is no role play, and discussions are not voiced to the group unless you wish. Couples have arrived apprehensive, but gone home having enjoyed the day. Please let the Vicarage know on 01920 870115 if you are coming (for catering and for printing enough packs to take home.)

Carols at Easneye with the All Nations Choir

Wednesday 2nd

December at 7.30pm

All Welcome

attend the Memorial service? If so, you can put their names on a ‘tree’ at the back of each of the churches from Advent

. They will then be remembered in our prayers Tags for the names are provided.

St Margaret’s Parish Church

Tickets £5 to include mulled wine and mince pies,

available from Jennifer 01992 469503 or Ruth 01992 462151

Christmas Tree Lights Switch On outside the Copping Community Building,

Hoddesdon Road, Stanstead St Margarets

For further information contact the office on 0300 123 1034

e to Think’ on 6th February. In all the rush of planning, this is time to come aside and think

4pm in the Wilshere Hall (next to St Andrew’s ch). There is no role play, and discussions are not voiced to the group

unless you wish. Couples have arrived apprehensive, but gone home having enjoyed the day. Please let the Vicarage know on 01920 870115 if you are

ng enough packs to take home.)

Carols at Easneye with the All Nations Choir

December at 7.30pm

Nativity on Amwell Pool Island

The illuminated Nativity Scene will be put in place once again this year on the island in Amwell Pool on the New River on Sunday 6th December, please go and enjoy this wonderful sight.

Could I also take this opportunity as another year comes to an end, to whole heartedly thank the unsung heroes who carry, set up and maintain all the practical things we do throughout each year;

Seth Adams, Peter Cook, Bernard Murphy, Paul Elsey, Ken Whatmore, Dave Thomas, William Brown and David Hardy Ann Hardy

Memory Difficulties? Do you suffer from memory difficulties, or care for someone who does? We gather that opportunities to chat are important. So we are starting a coffee morning just for you. On 1st Thursday of every month from February, 10.30-11.30am in St Margarets Parish Church Hoddesdon Rd. There’ll be coffee and biscuits and chat, with a bit of well-deserved fun as well (scrabble, planting bulbs in pots, word searches…..!)

St Andrew’s have been evolving a new style of worship this year on the 1st Sunday of every month at 10.15am.

Folk said they would like to sing more, so we meet in the Wilshere Hall where it is easier to sing.

Everything is on a screen so no juggling with books! (though there are also paper copies for those with poor sight.) There is still a

children’s activity table (enjoyed by some parents too!) It would be great if non regulars could come along with no commitment

and ‘road test’ it for us – all comments and suggestions are very gratefully re ceived!

Please do come and celebrate with us

Daytime Study Group This Study group meets on alternate Friday mornings 11.00am until 12.00pm in St Margaret’s parish church. That means that children can play in the crèche corner in church while we have coffee and discuss. The next meetings will be 11th December, 15th and 29th January (we are now looking at parables). Revd Anne Donaldson

Ware Christmas Together

Christmas Day meal

Organised and run by members of local churches and others. Come and join with others in a Christmas Day Lunch.

Come as a Guest, or as a Helper who joins in with

Christmas Day Riverside Hall, Priory Street, Ware - 12 noon

If you are not able to come you can have a Christmas Lunch delivered to your home

The event is provided free of charge. ֠ Transport can be provided. ֠

Helpers are needed on Christmas Day for transport and delivery, and with cooking and serving the meal.

If you would like to help – or would like a Christmas dinner forms are available from each of the three churches.

St Andrew’s Evening Prayer Group

on the 1st Monday each month 7.30pm – 8.30pm in Wilshere Hall (next to St Andrew’s Church) Just turn up. Come in and pray for our ministry

Men’s Breakfast & Bible StudyMeeting next on Saturday 5th December and then 9th Januarythan normal) from 8am to 9.30am in the Wilshere Hall, Cappell Lane

welcome – of any church or none! For more information please contact the Goldsmiths on 01920 422065.

For more information please ring Christmas Togetheron 01920 420642

Mad Chatters Mad Chatters was born in November!! We are a group of 30s to 70s. A ‘drop in’ with no commitment, so folk can come and meet new friends. We just chat. It may also be that some within the group decide to go to the theatre together or whatever. So be it. Anyone in the 3 villages is very welcome to join us. 21st December 2015, 25th January 2016 and then the 4th

month. 7.30pm in the Red Lion restaurant.

Ware Christmas Together

Organised and run by members of local churches and others. Come and join with others in a Christmas Day Lunch.

Come as a Guest, or as a Helper who joins in with the Lunch

12 noon – 3pm.

transport and delivery, and with cooking and serving the meal.

or would like a Christmas dinner - the relevant churches.

St Andrew’s Evening Prayer Group

Just turn up.

Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study 9th January (a week later all, Cappell Lane. All men

For more information please contact the Goldsmiths on 01920 422065..

For more information please ring Christmas Together

Mad Chatters was born in November!! We are a group of 30s to 70s. A ‘drop in’ with no commitment, so folk can come and meet new friends. We just chat. It may also be that some within the group decide to go to the theatre together or whatever. So be it. Anyone in the 3 villages is very

Monday in every month. 7.30pm in the Red Lion restaurant.

Card making classes

Card-making classes are in the Wilshere Hall, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 1.00-4.00pm. All materials are provided and whatever you create is yours to take home with you. Come and give it a try. For further information please contact Janet on 01920 871262.

Food Bank Collection We have a collection for the Food Bank in Hertford. They would like dry foods of all sorts, long-life liquids, and tinned foods – that will help people who are sent there by Social Services, CAB etc, when they cannot afford to feed their family until the next cheque comes in. They also need toiletries, washing-up liquid etc. Please put your contributions in the box in Burtons or in the churches, and we will take the contents to Hertford.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, people are being really generous. Please keep it coming as help is still needed in th ese particularly trying

financial times.

Hire the Wilshere Hall The hall next to St Andrew’s Church is available for both one-off and regular bookings. The ground floor room seats 40 around tables, and up to 70 if tables are not required. It has a well-equipped kitchen area. There are toilets, including disabled, and some parking. For bookings contact:Maureen Freeman 01920 870632

Have you just moved in? Or know someone who has?

We provide a pack to welcome people into the Villages. It has information about bin days, doctors, children’s activities…. If you see someone has moved in near you, please ask the Vicarage for a pack for you to give to them, a good way to introduce yourself! They are kept at the Vicarage so we can endeavour to keep them up to date!

For help with debt – CAP (Christians Against Poverty)

0800 328 0006 (free call)

Regular events in the three churches:

TICTACs (Year 7+ students): weekly in term time at 6.30pm on Wednesdays in the Wilshere Hall Upper Room. Phone 01920 870115 Prayer Meeting: Tuesday mornings 9.30am – phone 01920 870580 Monday study group alternate weeks 7.30pm. phone 07769 434 997 Tuesday Homegroup : Alternate weeks 7.30pm. phone 01920 422065 Friday study group alternate weeks 11.00am phone 01920 870115 Alpha Courses Enquires - 01920 870115 Crèche: toys and books are at the back of St John’s and St Margarets’ churches and in

the tower area at St Andrew’s Sunday School : (see Diary pages) at St Margarets’ every Sunday, 10.30am on 1st and 3rd Sundays, 11.00am on 2nd Sunday (Family Service 10.30am on 4th Sunday) at St Johns on 2nd Sundays during the 9.30am service St. John the Baptist Bellringers: Thursdays 7.30pm-9pm St. Andrew’s Music Group: one Wednesday each month, 7.30pm in Church St. John the Baptist Choir Practice : Saturdays 10.00am in Church St. Margarets’ Church coffee : every Saturday 10.45am – 12.15pm Church Tots’ Time: Fridays 1.00pm – 3.00pm in Wilshere Hall

This Year’s Christingle Collections

This year the collections at each of our Christingle Services in December will be sent to CLIC Sargent, which is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families. Each day, 10 children and young people in the UK will hear the shocking news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Being diagnosed with cancer is a frightening experience and the emotional, practical and financial implications of treatment are intensely challenging for the whole family. CLIC Sargent provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. They are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.

Regular evening Bible Study and Home Groups

Bible Study Group led by Revd Glyn Howdle held at 342 Stanstead Road at 7.30pm on alternate Monday evenings, will resume again on 11th January 2016. Elizabeth Goldsmith (01920 422065) hosts the Home Group on alternate Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Wilshere Hall. Please check the diary pages for meeting dates.

News from Stanstead Abbotts Parish Council

This year is Hertfordshire’s Year of Mental Health and Parish Councils are being asked to think of ways to promote opportunities for local residents to feel a sense of well-being. East Herts Council is also keen to help with this and projects that give opportunities for physical exercise and socialising are top of their agenda. We have been consulting on the Facebook Stanstead Abbotts Community Page to find out whether an outdoor fixed table-tennis table in the Meadow would be popular. The majority of those who responded seem keen on the plan and others think we could go further and also have exercising equipment; I have noticed that in Cambridge it is available and it seems popular. If you would like to send in your views please e-mail juliadavies890@btinternet.com or phone on 01920 877633. There are Health Walks which you can join on Friday mornings and with a little training you could become one of the leaders of these. Further information is available if you phone 01992 588433. We would like to hear what you think the Parish Council could do to help with events you might wish to organise next year. Last year saw an outdoor cinema screening in the Meadow with stalls and entertainment. Maybe somebody would like to take on the organisation of a similar event or maybe someone would prefer to begin something on-going such as a men-in-sheds scheme with volunteers repairing bicycles or tools that could be used by a charity. If you are interested in putting forward a plan then please get in touch as above. Mobile Libraries are being withdrawn this month which Hertfordshire County Council want us to see as an opportunity to have a change for good. Suggestions for the future include a book swap in the village but we are hoping that it might be possible to set up a small library run by volunteers which could possibly be combined with a one-stop district council facility. What do you think? The Parish Council currently has a full complement of councillors which is very good for the village. Councillors bring a variety of interests and skills. You will probably be aware that there is currently a proposal on CCTV being prepared by Cllr Ian White who will be keen to hear what you think about it when it is completed. Cllr Cassidy is preparing for the annual display of Christmas lights which will be attached as always to lamp-posts in the High Street. We are hopeful that approval and a licence will be granted in time for a celebratory switch-on at 4pm on December 2nd outside the Red Lion. Finally – at the November Parish Council meeting we will have the issue of a possible Town Cryer on the agenda. What do you think of this idea ?– again, please let us know.

Julia Davies, Chairman, Stanstead Abbotts Parish Council

DECEMBER Friday 4th - A Night with The Overtures, Presdales School, Hoe Lane, Ware, SG12: 7.00pm-11.00pm A great evening of live music from the best 60s tribute band around! With their magnificent repertoire of over 400 songs. You'll hear every aspect of sixties music from the early 'Merseybeat' of The Beatles through to the 'surf' sound of The Beach Boys... Book early as last year was a sell-out gig! This is not a seated event, to leave plenty of room in the hall for dancing. Please do not bring your own food and drink as this will be available from the bar. Tickets £16 per person via www.isabelhospice.org.uk. Saturday 5th – Hertford Lights of Love, Hertford Ca stle: 4pm-5pm We would like to invite you to join us in remembering loved ones and friends who will not be with us this Christmas. Lights on the trees are symbolic in remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones at this special time of year. During our ceremonies, there will be a short service of remembrance, the singing of carols, and a countdown to the lighting of the tree. You will be able to take home a small star to keep and hang on your own Christmas tree. Names will be entered in a Book of Love, which following the ceremony, will be at the nearest Isabel Hospice shop. Make your dedication at www.isabelhospice.org.uk or 01707 382500. Tuesday 15th - Carol Singers at the Waterside Inn, Bridgefoot House, Ware, SG12 9DW Get in the Christmas mood and listen to the Lynmore Singers singing their fabulous Christmas Carol repertoire at the lovely Waterside Inn in Ware. All donations will go to Isabel Hospice. For more details please contact Mark Slowe 01920 468628 Thursday 17th - Carols in the Chapel, Haileybury Sc hool, Hertford Heath, SG13 7NU Come and sing with us and celebrate the start of the festive period. Live music performed by The Mimram Singers in the beautiful candlelit setting of the prestigious Haileybury College Chapel. Last year this event was a sell out so be sure to get your tickets in good time. There are will be festive refreshments and the winner of Win A Car For Christmas will be announced. Tickets £15 per person in aid of Isabel Hospice at: www.isabelhospice.org.uk

Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society

November was fireworks month – so appropriately we had a fascinating account of the 250 year history of The Royal Gunpowder Mills, situated near Waltham Abbey. Our speaker, Andrew Thomas, reviewed the long and highly explosive history of one of our great local sights. Sadly the area is at risk of development and those who wish to save it are encouraged to go to www.save-rgm.org. Also last month our Society joined the packed St Andrew’s church to participate, with all the other village organisations, in the annual Remembrance Day service and to lay a wreath. SALHS is proud to have played an active part in keeping alive the debt of gratitude we owe to those villagers who died in the First World War by the erection of street plaques, cleaning the war memorial, the Terry Collins lectures in schools and to the Scouts etc.. Our programme for 2016 is now almost complete – but what comes next is our annual Christmas Social which will be on December 11th in the Parish Hall at 7.30. (This is for members only). Besides the usual food and entertainment the residents of Cappell Lane will be introducing us to the long and fascinating history of their location. Next up will be our January meeting at 7.30 on Jan. 8 th when Ann Rowe will be sharing insights into the “Landscape History of Hertfordshire” Ann is an excellent speaker and this is one of her areas of expertise. We have an appeal to you readers this month. • It is about a local activity that began during the World War II period – the caring for

babies orphaned by the London blitz which was undertaken at Easneye Mansion

and which continued into the 1950’s. We know that many local folk were employed

in the care of these children and we would love to build up our archives with the

memories of those engaged in this.(Contact: admin@salhs.org.uk)

Finally, a further reminder about our ‘addictive’ archives which you can find on our website (www.salhs.org.uk). An enquirer from Australia found us on this site last month so we hope that we locals enjoy ‘hitting’ it too! Bob Hunt

Need Help with a Problem???

Contact the East Herts Citizens Advice Service Temporarilv located at the United Reform Church in Hertford

Open: Mondays and Wednesdays 10am – 2pm or 20 Tudor Square, West Street, Ware SG12 9XF on Tuesdays 10am – 1pm

Adviceline telephone service is also available Monday – Friday 10am-5pm 03444 111 444

There are also drop-in sessions in Bishops Stortford, Buntingford and Sawbridgeworth, for details of these, check website www.ehcas.org.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Future events to Rosemary Imroth (01920 424140) by 11th January

DECEMBER 2015 Monday Evergreen Club: NO OUTINGS PLANNED

JANUARY 2016 Monday Evergreen Club: NO OUTINGS PLANNED

Friday 29th Amwell Society: In Great Amwell Parish Hall, time to be advised. January Japes – BOOK NOW

Evergreen Club of the Three Villages

December - the end of the year, and January, the start of exciting beginnings again. In November we look back on our most successful events and plan maybe to do them again next year - perhaps with some adjustments. We will have enjoyed our weekly meetings - the companionship, the comfort of Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, the welcome teatime bread and butter, cake and a cup of tea (for 50p!) Each month we try to have an outing, or a visitor comes to us. We find that going out in the winter is not always a good idea, so this year we had a tea dance in November, and are looking forward to our Members-only Christmas Tea Party. Shall we repeat 2015 in 2016? Shall we try something different? Do we want to explore new venues? It is up to you, the members, to choose what you want. It is your Club. There are so many people to thank - in particular we couldn't manage without our volunteer drivers, the folk who invite us to tea in the summer, the coach drivers who care for us so well, the Parish Councils’ and East Herts Council who make our outings possible by giving us grants and other friends who donate monies to us. Thank you all the members who swing into action and help the club enjoy "home" functions, and thank you specially to Grahame, who sets out and puts away the chairs and tables each week (helped by others as well) and to Mary and Shirley for making and serving tea each week - (again, helped by members). The EVERGREENS have existed for over 55 years now and we are still going strong! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all!

Rosemary Imroth

Local Allotment Has Become Available If you would be interested in applying,

please contact Mrs Buxton on 01920 463673

1st Stanstead Abbotts

& St Margaret’s Scout Group The last few weeks have been amazingly busy, with our girls and boys enjoying a huge range of activities and challenges.

Our Scouts had a very busy evening boxing up 15,000 Poppies and then delivering them to businesses around the village ready for the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal. Then, the entire Scout Group joined members of our local community at the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at St Andrew’s Church. With 133 boys and girls plus all our adult volunteers taking part, the Church was

packed. We are very grateful to Hertford Fire Station who gave our Jaguar Cubs a fantastic evening at their HQ, teaching them all about fire safety, letting them work their ‘hoses’ and then dressing one of the Young Leaders in their safety equipment. The Beavers were delighted to welcome 3 new volunteer leaders to their Colonies at their Family Bonfire Night event. Everyone has been welcoming Colin, Mickey and Tim and we hope they really enjoy being part of the Scout Group. Meanwhile, the Cubs went on an Night Hike with other girls and boys from around the District. Then, as part of their Remembrance Weekend activities, they visited Duxford while the Beavers visited the British Schools Museum in Hitchin before having some great sleepovers! We are also very grateful to Jonathan Trower who gave a fascinating talk to the Scouts about his role as The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. They were particularly interested to hear about his duties and powers and to see his Sword. With lots of fun, adventure and activities taking place every week in all the Sections, please visit www.stansteadabbottsscouts.org.uk for more news and how to join or volunteer with the Scout Group.

Fiona McKenzie-Smith

The Role of Local Women in World War Two

The Local History Society (www.salhs.org.uk) is looking for stories and information on the role of women in Stanstead Abbotts during WW11. Do you have any stories, memories or photographs that you'd be willing to share with us or do you know anyone who has? We would love to hear from you. Please contact Lynne Heraud on 01920 870558 or email lynneheraud@yahoo.com

St Margaret’s Parish Church is open throughout the year

every Saturday morning for refreshments

10.45am – 12.15pm Please pop in at any time.

Stanstead Abbotts

New Year Litter Pick

We are having another litter picking morning on Saturday 23rd January which will begin at 10.30am at the High Street car park. Volunteers should come with gloves and we will provide bags and litter-pickers. Snacks at 12.30pm in the Red Lion.

Julia Davies, Chairman, Stanstead Abbotts Parish Council

Poppy Collection 2015

A huge thank you to everybody who helped with the Poppy Appeal in November – to the Scouts who made up and distributed all the poppy boxes, to all the collectors who gave up their time in a variety of

weathers, the businesses who allowed us to leave a box with them, and to the helpers who counted the takings. The initial result for the Poppy Appeal 2015 is £7,231.23, but there are several further amounts to come in before we reach a final figure. We hope to match the record-breaking amount we raised last year and are very grateful to everyone in the village who so generously contributed to this fantastic total.

Anne Sauntson