POTTERS BAR COMMUNITY NEWS - June 2004
Community News is distributed door to door in
Potters Bar, Little Heath and Brookmans Park.
Please note that the following is a fairly crude
formatting of the articles for which we apologise with no photos. But it
may be better than nothing for those who do not get a paper copy.
For old issues click here:
Sept 2004
June 2004
Mar 2003
Nov 2003
June 2003
CONTENTS - click on the item to go straight there.
Managing Committee
Joint Editors
Ann Harrison 657379 Margaret Ohren 655013
Advertising
Judith Pelikan 654222 (10am-6pm Monday to Friday), Joy Stovell 655464
What's On
Gill Connell 851445
Chair
Geoff Rose 653135
Treasurer and Distribution
Peter Weaver 850147, John Godfrey 653992, Peter Silverthorne 655464
Potters Bar Community News Annual Timetable
Publication date 1st March 1st June 1st Sept 1st Nov
Text copy date 1st Feb 1st May 1st August 1st Oct
Northaw Medieval Fayre
Saturday 3rd July 2004
Following the success of two years ago, the Parish of Northaw and Cuffley, will again be holding a Medieval Fayre on the Village Green on Saturday 3rd July. Visitors will be able to step back in time and mingle with maidens and men dressed in costume of the period. Plenty of mouth-watering refreshments, including strawberries and cream, and a delicious Hog Roast will also be tempting the palate. A variety of stalls to browse including toys and games, flowers, raffles and tombola, including not so medieval books, CDs. Videos and DVDs will be on sale.
Fun and games for the children include face painting and why not come and join in the ever-popular Teddy Bear Parachute Jump from St Thomas’s Church Tower. Don’t forget to bring your ‘Teddie’ to add to the excitement for children, mums and dads alike. Join in the Balloon Race and see the wonderful Festival of Flowers in the church where you can enjoy a quiet moment of two listening to organ recitals in the peaceful sanctuary of this beautiful neo-Gothic Church with its unique wall paintings. In addition, come and listen to professional actors reciting Shakespeare Sonnets and singing medieval songs.
This is a not to be missed event and starts at ll.00am until 3.00pm. Proceeds will go towards the refurbishment of the parish church.
Wendy Keeling Taylor
Potters Bar Sugar Art Club
Potters Bar Sugar Art Club cake decorating
Are you looking for a new hobby or think you might like to extend your cake decorating skills? If so come along to our club, held on 1st Monday of each month at Furzefield Court social room, Mutton Lane (next to Elm Court and opposite King Charles Church). We are a small group who enjoy cake-decorating and visiting exhibitions throughout the year. Each month we have a different demonstrator, some of the better-known names including Pat Ashby, Francis McNaughton and Debbie Brown, all of whom have had books published.
Visitors are welcome and pay £3 per evening for the demonstration followed by tea or coffee, biscuit and raffle. Alternate months Bill Long visits with a substantial supply of cake-decorating equipment from his shop. Meetings start at 7.30pm till 9.30pm.
Contact Jackie Cornaby 850432.
Coach Trips from the Dutch Nursery
Fun Days Out for the garden lover - Coach Trips from the Dutch Nursery
Tel 01707 653372 for details and bookings
JUNE
Fri 11th June Bath Festival dep 8am Cost £26.50
Thurs 17th Great Dixter 9.30am £25
Thurs 24th Wisley 9.30am £22.50
JULY
Fri 2nd Beth Chatto Garden 9.30am £22.50
Thurs 8th Hampton Ct Flower Show 9.30am £38.50
Fri 9th Bruges 6.15am £40
Thurs 15th Ventnor Botanic Gds I.O.W 7am £34.50
Thurs 22nd Biddulph Grange 8am £24.50
Thurs 29th Blenheim Palace 9.30am £26.50
AUGUST
Thurs 5th Castle Howard 7am £30
Thurs 12th Barnsdale 8am £24
Thurs 19th Boulogne 6.30am £34
Thurs 26th Chatsworth 8am £26.50
DEC
Fri 10th Bruges 6.15am £42.50
Wyllyotts Cinema
Wyllyotts Box Office 01707 645005
Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar
Passion of Christ (18)
Tues 22nd June 7.30pm
Weds 23rd June 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Thurs 24th June 7.30pm
Girl with a Pearl Earring (12a)
Tues 29th June 7.30pm
Weds 30th June 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Mona Lisa Smile (12a)
Tues 6th July 7.30pm
Weds 7th July 1.30pm & 7.30pm
<
The Company (12a)
Tues 20th July 7.30pm
Weds 21st July 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Haunted Mansion (PG)
Mon 3rd August 1.30pm
Tues 4th August 1.30pm
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG)
Fri 13th August 7.30pm
Sat 14th August 1.30pm
Sun 15th August 1.30pm
Mon 16th August 1.30pm
Tues 17th August 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Weds 18th August 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Thurs 19th August 1.30pm
The Stepford Wives
Tues 7th Sept 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Weds 8th Sept 7.30pm
Troy
Mon 13th Sept 7.30pm
Tues 14th Sept 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Weds 15th Sept 7.30pm
The Lady Killers
Tues 28th Sept 7.30pm
Weds 29th Sept 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Community FUNDAY Saturday 10th July 2004
This is a free event, free stalls, free entry - last year one group raised over £300 in four hours.
Rotary and Potters Bar in Focus are offering all schools, charities and local groups a chance to raise money for free. Book now 01707 642020
Attractions include ice cream van , Scouts barbeque, fun fair all rides £1, Rotary beer tent, police mobile unit, army careers unit, arena events, local pop groups, tombolas, cake stalls.
FREE ENTRY FOR ALL
Visitors to the Potters Bar Fun Day in Oakmere Park, to be held this year on 10th July, will have an opportunity in the early part of the afternoon, to see Tough Talk performing in the arena. This is a group of power lifters, body builders, ex bouncers and East End debt collectors.
Come and watch them performing and hear some of their amazing stories as shared on Nationwide TV. Heading the team is European Powerlifting Champion Arthur White, who was featured in December's issue of Readers Digest, but mind your feet!'
URC Church Summer Festival July 3rd to 11th inc
We start with our Fayre on Saturday 3rd July from 1-4.30pm, mainly outside in the grounds with many attractions and area events. Amongst the week’s events will be the musical drama “Wise Man, Foolish Man” at 6.30pm on Sunday 4th July. Then the return of the WI choir at 8pm on Thursday 8th is not to be missed. If you haven’t heard them before now is your chance! An organ recital on Friday 9th at 1.15pm and in the evening the Potters Bar Town Band at 8pm.
On display for three days (Thurs - Saturday) will be an art exhibition and flower display with paintings, flowers and photos showing Church life and history. There will also be an exhibition of working Meccano models. We are hoping to have a concert on the last day, Saturday 10th in the Tilbury Hall and our final Thanksgiving service on Sunday 11th at 11am. Everyone will be welcome to any or all of these events. Proceeds to Festival Charities.
Gerald Martin 664877
St John’s Church Plans
Plans for an extension to St John’s Methodist Church in Baker Street have been finally approved following protracted discussion. The Church building will be linked to the main hall by a garden of tranquillity and improved disabled access and facilities.
St Johns has been fund-raising for the project for two years, and a part of the money raised has been used to build a high school in Mozambique, which was officially opened last summer by the Minister, the Reverend Paul Beard.
Sponsored Charity Horse Ride
A sponsored horse ride will be held at Woodhall Park, Watton at Stone, Nr Hertford, Hertfordshire on Sunday 12th September 2004 to benefit the Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust.
For further details contact amurchie@rvc.ac.uk or Tel 01707 666237
St John Ambulance Building launch
.
St John Ambulance will be launching their fund raising appeal at a party at the headquarters on the 2nd June and then it will be non stop action as the fund raising committee goes out to raise the balance of funds required for its new headquarters building in The Walk, Potters Bar. Already many fundraising events have been planned and at each one they will, in addition to fundraising, be displaying a model of the proposed building as well as giving visitors the opportunity to help build another model with Lego bricks.
Fund raising committee member, Rob Loader says ‘the team will be very busy and active over the summer months promoting the good work St John Ambulance does throughout Potters Bar and the surrounding areas, and we hope that everyone will stop by at our stalls and look at the plans and help us to try and reach our target’.
In a recent interview Roger Moore, Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee, again emphasised how important it was for members of the general public to be trained in First Aid as accidents can occur at any time and it is in those first few minutes that help can be so vital and can mean the difference between life and death.
For further details of all the events planned or for anyone wishing to help or donate funds, please contact Roger Moore on 01707 650969.
Elm Court Used More and More
.
More users of Elm Court Youth and Community Centre are welcome, and more users we have. As a Youth Centre we are particularly pleased to welcome Act One Theatre School's weekly classes, and more use by Potters Bar United Youth Football with training for their girls teams and for matches come the new season. On the Community side we welcome Little Elms Montessori Nursery every morning, the Church of Worship every Sunday and Worknet's free Computer Courses Thursday afternoons. Hertsmere Leisure 50+ group who already ran 8 weekly sessions at Elm Court have just introduced Yoga on Thursday, and the Cranborne Mental Health Team have moved into the front office.
Even with our many other long established user groups and our 5 weekly Youth Club sessions we still have space. So if you need a room for your club, or for a private party, please contact the Centre or visit our website and see what good company you'll be in.
But sometimes we lose Groups, and we are particularly sorry to lose Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support (HCVS) from the Centre as they concentrate their operations in Borehamwood. This does leave a small office for rent to Community organisations or charities. Please contact us if you know someone who may be interested.
And don't forget our fortnightly Car Boot Sales which raise money for Elm Court and other local good causes. Dates on the 'What's on' pages.
Tom Shirley Chairman,
www.elmcourt.org.uk 01707 659602
Reducing Crime in Potters Bar
Ever wondered what is being done in our community to prevent crime and what action is being taken to reduce nuisance behaviour and other such problems?
The Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership was created to make Hertsmere a safer place to live, work and visit and aims to work with the rest of Hertsmere to reduce crime and disorder and has produced a strategy to try and achieve this.
The Partnership is made up of representatives from many different organisations such as the Borough and County Councils, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, Primary Health Care, Religious Groups, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Social Services to name but a few. The Crime Reduction Groups meet three times a year and some of the recent initiatives brought into action through them have been alcohol free zones, a mobile CCTV unit, a drug testing machine, boosting neighbourhood watch and Police Community Support Officers. (PCSO’s)
Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) roles and responsibilities are to be a uniformed, visible representative of the law and to reassure the public so that we can feel safe in our community. They are also there to prevent public disorder, nuisance and investigate minor crime. There are now eight in Hertsmere with the most recent appointment being Steve Harvey as Potters Bar’s PCSO.
Steve says “PCSO’s are not regular police officers. I see my role as a liaison between the police and the community. I am here to walk the streets, be highly visible and build relationships with the people who live here. Elderly people and parents in particular stop me in the street just to say how nice it is to see someone in uniform walking around.”
Steve has already dealt with a road traffic collision, nuisance youths and patrolling when pubs close at night.
If you would like to help decrease crime in Potters Bar or are interested in attending the Potters Bar Crime Reduction Group meetings then please contact the Partnership Secretary on 020 8207 7568 or email partnership.secretary@hertsmere.gov.uk
Amy Reeve
Friends of Parkfield
The next open meeting of the Friends of Parkfield Patient Participation Group will be addressed by the Matron of Potters Bar Community Hospital, Mrs Catherine Le-May who will be talking about future developments envisaged for the hospital - a subject which will be of great interest to local people. The meeting will be held in the Scout Hut in The Walk on Wednesday 14th July, starting at 8pm. Please ring Keith (656885) if you would like to come.
Hertfordshire Philharmonia Orchestra Concert
On Saturday 10th July at 7.30, the Herts. Philharmonia returns to St Mary’s, Potters Bar. The concert will feature the ever-popular Grieg’s Piano Concerto, with Anna le Hair as soloist. Anna studied at the Royal College of Music, and has performed in concerts round the South East and London, including St Martins in the Field. Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Dvorak’s 7th Symphony will also be performed.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £2.50 for children.
This is the orchestra’s 10th season and its past repertoire has been wide ranging - from Bach and Mozart to Brahms and Shostakovich. If you are an experienced orchestral player and would like to join ring Peter Neville on 01438 714394 for more information.
Future concerts at St Mary’s Saturday 19th December 7.30pm with Cranborne Primary School Choir.
Something to Sing About!
The launch of the Potters Bar Community Choir took place at the Wyllyotts Centre on 20th April. As a result of a profitable year for the Hertsmere Leisure Trust, Ginny Williams, the General Manager of Wyllyotts, was awarded a grant to set up the community choir in response to the Trust’s request for new ideas for reinvestment.
At an exploratory meeting in March, some 50-60 potential choristers partook of a glass of wine and met the Musical director, Jamie Knight. His vibrant enthusiasm and playful voice exercises seemed to convince those who thought they couldn’t that they really could sing! Jamie is Head of Music at Northampton College and is also attached to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and Stagecoach Theatre Arts.
The meetings are held on Tuesday evenings during school term times form 7.30 to 9.30 at the Wyllyotts Centre and anyone who would like fun evenings singing is welcome to contact the box office on 645005.
So what is square dancing?
Well, it’s not line dancing or country and western. It’s not barn dancing or country dancing. Dancers don’t wear boots, Stetsons or check shirts, and they don’t shout “Yeehaa!” Nor do they gallop, hop, skip or jump.
As the name suggests, dancers form squares of four couples, and the dance is made up of a series of named figures and movements that are directed by a Caller. In some dances known as singing calls, there is a set order of movements in which the girls dance with each man in turn. In other dances, the caller can call anything he or she likes, but eventually bringing everyone back to their starting place with their own partner. Music usually comes on record or CD and is likely to be popular songs such as `Are you lonesome tonight? `, `Wind beneath my wings`, `Memory`, and `Take me home, country roads`.
What makes square dancing particularly attractive to some men is that there are no steps to learn. All the movements are walked and you don’t even have to keep in time! However, the movements have to be learnt at a club’s beginners' class, and over time, more and more intricate ones are introduced.
Square dance dress is quite special. Women wear very full skirts, decorated with frills, lace or braiding, over layers of petticoat, with co-ordinating blouses and belts. Men’s shirts (which should be long-sleeved) are sometimes made of material that matches their partners` skirts, and have embroidered motifs on the yokes.
Square dancing is an international activity. There are clubs and conventions all over the world, and you would be able to dance in any country as the calls are always in English. Square dancing is also great fun, and dancers will travel a long way to attend their own club or a Saturday dance.
For anyone interested in learning, there is a beginners' class at a Welwyn Garden City club called Waggoners `50, on Monday evenings. Call Mrs P Macdonald on 01707 331550. Other clubs, which may be able to accommodate beginners, are at Cuffley, Grange Park, and Batford.
Phone Joy Stovell for more information on 655464.
Local People from the past
Captain George Burdon McKean, V.C., M.C., MM
Lt Col. Claude E Thompson, D.S.O., M.C.
Major Herbert Porter, D.S.O.
John Lane T. Reynolds, M.C.
When consulting the Kelly’s Directory for 1927 I noticed that four local residents had won a total of seven medals in the First World War, which seemed interesting to me. For some awards there are readily available lists but others are not listed and one would have to view the Medals Rolls at the Public Records Office, Kew, to obtain more information.
However, after some research and a little luck, the most interesting story to unfold was that concerning Capt. G. B. McKean, born at Willington, County Durham, on the 4th July 1888. At the age of fifteen he went to Canada and worked on a cattle ranch, followed by a period on his brother’s farm. At the start of the First World War he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (C.E.F.) and came to England at the end of March 1916. By early July he was in France as a corporal in the 14th Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) and part of the 1st Canadian Division. He fought in the battle of the Somme and was awarded the Military Medal.
Following a period in England where he gained a commission and the rank of Lieutenant, he returned to his battalion in France. On the 28th April 1918, on the Gavrelle Sector, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
In the action his party was on the right flank and held up at a block in the communication trench by very heavy fire. The block was too close to call on the allies’ heavy artillery, was well-protected by wire and covered by a machine gun thirty yards behind. The whole operation was threatened so Lieut. McKean ran out into the open with utter disregard of danger, jumped over the block headfirst on top of the enemy. While lying there another solder rushed at him with fixed bayonet. McKean shot the attacker and then the man on whom he was lying. He then single-handedly engaged the enemy by fearlessly attacking a second block, killing two, capturing four others and driving the remaining garrison into a dug-out where they were all destroyed.
The citation for the V.C. stated “for the most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches” and “for had he not captured this position the whole of the raiding party would have been exposed to dangerous enfilading fire during the withdrawal. His leadership at all times has been beyond praise.”
He was sent home but on 18th August he returned to the front line. On 2nd September, at Cagnicourt, he was wounded in the leg but later that morning, with two of his men, he captured the town and several hundred Germans. As a result the main Canadian force was able to pass safely through and capture their main objective. He was recommended for a bar to the V.C., but received an M.C. for this action. Some historians believe that the capture of so many Germans played a significant part in the German High Command seeking peace a few weeks later.
At the end of the war he left the Canadian Army and joined the British Army, in the Corps of Military Accountants, leaving about 1924/5. Why he and his wife came to Potters Bar is not known but his wife, described as ‘of The Robin Hood Pub’ but not the licensee was the first owner of No 8 (now 16) Dove Lane in 1926. The following year, according to Kelly’s directory the house was called ‘Gavrelle' the place where Captain McKean won his V.C.. He had already gained an acquaintance with Mr Janes, of the Duke of York Hotel, Ganwick Corner, as they went into business in late 1925, setting up sawmills at The Ridgeway, Cuffley. On the 26th November 1926 Captain McKean was in the act of cutting a log when the saw burst with a loud report and a piece struck him on the cheek. The injuries were so severe that he died five hours later in Potters Bar Hospital. He was buried with full military honours at Brighton. The local branch of the Potters Bar British Legion was represented by Mr William Timms who carried a large wreath from the branch. Captain McKean left a widow and daughter; who soon moved from Dove Lane.
In September 2003 Captain McKean’s daughter, grand-daughter and great grand-daughter along with many French locals attended a ceremony in Church Square, Cagnicourt, when it was renamed ‘Plas de George Burdon McKean’. In front of the nearby church a plaque was unveiled which commemorated his gallantry eighty-five years earlier. The French remember him but does Potters Bar?
I gratefully acknowledge the use of information provided by John Raby, OBE.
Brian Warren, Hon. Archivist Potters Bar and District Historical Society
Cherry Lodge Cancer Care to move
Cherry Lodge, a Barnet charity providing information, professional support and complementary therapies to people living with cancer, is looking for a new home. It has been located in a temporary building since 1996 in the grounds of Elmbank at Barnet Hospital.
Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Cherry Lodge said, “We are looking for premises that will allow us to develop strategically and cater for the increasing number of patients being referred to us. We have been fortunate to have had use of facilities in the grounds of Barnet hospital, but they need to build new homes for key workers and we need more modern facilities, so it’s a good time to move.
“We want to remain close to the hospital where many of our patients are treated and to maintain the excellent relationship we have developed with the nurses, doctors and management at the Trust. This charity provides a valuable service to local cancer patients and we are keen to find premises that keep us close to our local community”.
Nick Samuels, Director of Communications for Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust said, “Cherry Lodge is a valued part of the range of care available to cancer patients in north London. Our patients have hugely benefited from the close working relationship we have with each other, and our doctors and nurses refer many patients to them. The temporary building currently used by Cherry Lodge will make way for new housing for key workers in local public services as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Barnet Hospital site. We will continue to support Cherry Lodge in all ways we can so that their valuable care continues to be available to our patients”.
Cherry Lodge is a registered charity that is almost entirely dependent on voluntary contributions. Its activities, all of which are provided without charge, include the provision of specialist information from oncology nurses and library, complementary therapies (such as acupuncture and massage) to relieve the unpleasant effects of medical treatment, weekly drop-in sessions and home visits for members, group activities such as Quigong, and benefits’ advice. Cherry Lodge is also a member of the A5 Healthy Living project working in the west of the borough. Over 1,000 people have benefited from the charity that operates through a base of 100 volunteers and therapists, and 6 members of staff.
Mike Smith of Cherry Lodge can be contacted on 020 8216 4486.
King Charles New Church Hall
With the opening of the new Hall at the Church of King Charles the Martyr, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, comes the development of a new venture as Church members continue to serve the local Community. The OPEN DOOR CAFE is now run every Thursday from 10.30am to 2pm serving teas and coffees. as well as light lunches served from 12 to 2. The Cafe, which has been open since the middle of January, has already started to attract increasing numbers of local people who are taking advantage of a good selection of soup and sandwiches, tea and coffee, as well as a warm and friendly atmosphere. For further details please phone the Church office on 01707 665579.
Potters Bar Carnival
Preparations are being finalised for this year’s Potters Bar Carnival on Saturday June 12th. The Carnival Procession will leave Mount Grace Road at approx 1.25pm, parade through Darkes Lane and into Mutton Lane
to the Fete at Elm Court Centre, arriving there around 2 o’clock. There are two bands in the procession, The Wellingborough Redwell band and the Elstree ATC band. In addition we have floats from local schools and
organisations, clowns and of course the Carnival Princesses all of which will make it a procession to remember. Leading the procession will be Alan Barth, who was Chairman of the Committee for several years and who has recently received a Citizen’s Award from the Mayor.
At the fete there will be a children’s fun fair, pony rides, Punch and Judy, ice creams, charity stalls and games for the children. In the arena there will be performances by the Redwell Band, Hawks and other attractions.
Part of the proceeds this year will go to purchasing televisions with movable stands and earphones for Tilbury Ward at Potters Bar Hospital. These are being bought at the request of the Nursing Staff at the Hospital.
There is still time for your organisation to request to take part in the Procession, Commercial, and Charity or just as yourselves. There are also still spaces for stalls at the Fete, if you wish to take part. For details on booking a stall or taking part in the procession telephone Sue on 01707-850147 or you can also find application forms on www.pottersbar.org/carnival.
Mount Grace Old Scholars 50th Anniversary Banquet
Mount Grace School was officially opened on 30th October 1954 by the then Minister of Health, Iain Macleod M.P. and now fifty years on, arrangements have been made to celebrate the occasion by holding a banquet at the prestigious Members’ Dining Room in the Palace of Westminster on Saturday 30th October 2004. By a happy coincidence the present Health Minister Melanie Johnson, Member of Parliament for Welwyn and Hatfield, has agreed to sponsor this special event.
Whilst everyone connected with the school (together with their guest) is welcome to this special occasion, it is of particular interest to those who attended the school during the fifties and early sixties. A number of former pupils and members of staff who were present at that time have already booked a place and it is hoped that representatives of the present school staff and governors will also be attending.
The organizer, John Taylor, has told the Community News that there are still spaces available and that anyone who would like to attend should contact him as soon as possible for further information.
John Taylor can be contacted at 56 Mount Grace Road, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 1RB Tel: 01707 657854 or Email: john@johntaylorpartnership.co.uk.
St Giles School
St Giles School in South Mimms is a very small school compared to many other primary schools in the area with only 98 pupils in total. The school strives to provide and support pupils by encouraging learning and working together as a T.E.A.M. (Together Everybody Achieves More). With this in mind the school and its supporters (The Friends & Families of St Giles) have been able to contribute to many projects within the school, such as the IT suite and more recently the adventure playground, which will open shortly. Our summer fete will prove to be every bit as innovative and exciting for all the family as last year’s. The theme is"Hawaiian Beach Party"where there will fun and excitement for everyone. There will be many stalls to keep the kids amused as well as a bouncy castle, refreshments and stalls for the adults. This really is a brilliant family event that should not be missed!!!
In September (the 11th) the school will host a family barbecue complete with live music. This event again will be open to everyone in the local area and tickets will go on sale soon.
Saturday 6th November St Giles will host the annual village fireworks display. Always a popular event, tickets sell fast and this year is not expected to be any different. Demand will be high so don't forget your’s.
The final public event for the year will be the Xmas bazaar where children and parents alike can have fun whilst they buy or win presents for their friends and family. Father Christmas intends to visit and again there will be refreshments available including seasonal hot mulled wine.
Rotary President visits India
At the end of February, Rotarian Roger Philpott and his wife Babs joined a party of 26 UK Rotarians to visit the Gujarat area of India to see for themselves the reconstruction work carried out by the local Rotary Clubs since the earthquake in January 2000. Since then the Rotary’s contribution of £400,000 has funded or part funded 314 houses in 6 new townships, 57schools and various hospitals, orphanages and centres for the handicapped. During their stay in Rajkot and Bhavnagar, where they were hosted in local Rotarians’ homes, Babs and Roger visited 8 schools, 7 medical and special needs centres and two of the townships where they were welcomed like royalty, with garlands and beating drums. The Rotarian in charge of reconstruction from the Rotary Club of Bhavnagar, Rtn Tarak Dholakia, showed the group the remains of the village of Morvi at the centre of the earthquake where 43 children died. One of the first on the scene, Tarak himself recovered 73 bodies from the rubble and wept when after 4 days he moved a boulder to find a baby unharmed. He later had a nervous breakdown, but still devotes his life to rebuilding people’s lives and future.
The group also visited the Ragpickers Trust and the Ray of Hope, sponsored by the local Rotary wives, who take children as young as 3 years old from the slum areas to clean, feed and educate them in the hope of giving them a better future.
On the last day National Immunisation Day Babs and Roger played their part by giving polio vaccine drops to children in the slums, a very emotional experience. Rotary aims to eradicate polio worldwide by 2005. To date only 4 areas remain infected, one being India. Last year Gujarat had 300 reported cases, the largest number in India, this year to date NO cases have been reported. The lasting memories of the trip will be the pride of the people who we met and the integrity of the Indian Rotarians who are managing monies collected by the Rotary in the UK.
Wood Green Operatic Society
Can you sing, dance or act (or indeed do all three!)? Wood Green Operatic Society is always looking for new members and we’d love to hear from you. The company was established in 1921 and we perform two musicals a year in March and October at the Wyllyotts Centre. We present many traditional musicals such as “Annie” and “Oliver” as well as others not so well known, for example “Man of La Mancha”.
Our most recent success was with “Liza of Lambeth” which told the tale of feisty Liza and her love for a married man. This was a real cockney romp and great fun to do. It was very exciting to have the writer, local man Berny Stringle, involved with the production. He wrote the show whilst living in Charles Lamb’s old house in Gentleman’s Row, Enfield and it was first staged in the West End in the 1970’s. Berny was thrilled to see it performed again at the Wyllyotts.
Our next show will be “Gypsy” which will be at the Wyllyotts Centre from 19th - 23rd October. Rehearsals start in early July at the Burford Centre, Fox Lane, Palmers Green on Monday and Wednesday evenings. If you would like to get involved either as a performer or backstage please contact our Membership Secretary Janet Barrand on 020 8886 8567. Tickets for “Gypsy” are on sale now from our Ticket Secretary Ian Shields on 020 8360 5288.
Working in the Community - The Home Carer
For Margaret the most satisfying aspect of her work is enabling her clients to live in their own homes. Not only does her personal care contribute towards greater independence, it also saves the Council a huge expenditure in residential homes. Likewise, the clients and their families are spared this expense.
Margaret has been a carer for 17 years. Having begun to train as a nurse, she found home caring was better suited to her family`s needs. It offered more flexibility about when and how many hours she would work, and provided the opportunity to be her own boss.
In the early days of Margaret`s career her main duties were shopping and housework, with personal care being undertaken by the District Nurse. Now, however, a carer may be responsible for washing, dressing and feeding clients, preparing meals, making beds, emptying commodes, and ensuring an environment safe from slippery floors, trailing wires or badly-sited electric fires. The carer will work to a Care Plan, overseeing medication, monitoring the client`s condition at the beginning and end of the visit, and making reports.
At times there are likely to be difficult situations such as an individual becoming incontinent, depressed or ill, involved in an accident, or dying. Margaret found her nursing experience helped a lot in dealing with all sorts of eventualities, and the brief care training informed her about hygiene, health and safety, and care practice etc. But her personal qualities and strengths are paramount in effective caring. Such work requires carers to be self-reliant, patient and communicative, and respectful of different views, practices and emotional needs. They also need to be reasonably fit and flexible with time, and a great asset is a sense of humour.
Margaret works for two agencies and has five clients, the eldest of whom is over 100 years old. Despite it being underpaid, she enjoys her work, especially the personal care aspect. Invariably her clients express their appreciation, but at the end of her visits Margaret feels rewarded enough just to see her clients ready for the day ahead.
Two local agencies are: Carewatch (01442 219217) and Westminster Homecare (020 8343 8855)
Joy Stovell
Help the Aged Handyvan
Monies raised by the Help the Aged charity which has a shop in Darkes Lane, helps fund a Handyvan which has been used by around 1500 people in the last couple of years. Advice is given on security in the home such as door-chains and smoke detectors, door and window locks. Spyholes in front doors can also be installed enabling residents to view callers before opening the door. The number to call is Seniorline 0808 800 6565.
The shop, run by manager Karen, is open between 9am and 5pm when volunteers offering to help can drop in for a chat to see how things are done. The shop number is 01707 664384.
St Mary’s Church North Mymms
Summer is here , the weather is glorious so we continue to invite you to out Oasis on Wednesday from 12 noon to 2pm until 27th October. Do come, enjoy our tranquillity, beauty and our setting in wonderful countryside. Tea and coffee available.
Tips From Your Local Chiropractor
Pull Your Weeds, Not Your Back - Tips From Your Local Chiropractor
The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all the major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb. Performing these simple stretches before undertaking any garden task will help prevent injuries, pain and stiffness.
Garden Fitness Stretches
Before stretching, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Breathe in and out slowly throughout each stretching exercise until the muscle is stretched to its furthest point. At that point, hold your breath in. When you relax, breathe out. Stretch gently and smoothly. Do not bounce or jerk your body in any way and stretch as far as you can comfortably. You should not feel pain.
Stand up and prop your heel on a back door step or stool with your knee slightly bent. Bend forward until you feel a slight pull at the back of the thigh, called the hamstring. You may need to stabilize yourself by holding onto a garage door handle or sturdy tree branch. Hold the position for 20 seconds, then relax. Do it once more, then repeat with the other leg.
Stand up and put your right hand against a wall or other stable surface. Bend your left knee and grab your ankle with your left hand. Pull your heel toward your buttocks to stretch the quadricep muscle at the front of your thigh. Hold that position for 20 seconds, relax and do it again. Repeat with the other leg.
Weave your fingers together above your head with your palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds to stretch the side of your upper body, then reverse. Repeat two or three times.
"Hug your best friend": Wrap your arms around yourself after letting your breath out and rotate to one side, as far as you can go. Hold it for 10 seconds. Then reverse. Repeat two or three times.
Christopher A Pickard 01707 662 704
Cranberries at Cranborne
The Cranberries Parent/Carer and Toddler Group on Friday afternoons at Cranborne Primary School is a great success with approximately 30 people attending every week. A baby corner, tunnels and tent, home corner, lots of cars and dolls along with an art table and play dough amuse the toddlers. If you are a parent/carer with a child/baby from 0-5 they would love you to join them on a Friday at 1.45 to 3pm, term-time only.
Stagecoach Holiday Workshops
Stagecoach, the part-time Theatre Arts school in Potters Bar and Welwyn will run similar activities to those run on Saturdays in the summer holidays. The Holiday Workshops will last 5 days in August and with a full compliment of singing, dancing and acting tutors will produce a show at the end! The production will be held in the magnificent Great Hall at Queenswood School. The workshops will cater for young people aged 8 to 16.
Contact Stanley Morris 01727 828345
Potters Bar Bereavement Service
The Potters Bar Bereavement Service is now in its 6th year. Since its launch, the service has been able to help many people who have had a bereavement. Referrals can be by the bereaved person themselves, a relative or a carer, or via others eg. GPs or Social Services.
The Bereavement Service is a community based service allied to the South West Herts Bereavement Network. Our visitors are all volunteers from various walks of life, who are trained in listening skills and who visit the bereaved free of charge in their own homes for about an hour a week.
We are aiming to recruit more visitors, and if you feel you would be interested in this type of caring voluntary work, and have not had a close bereavement for two years, we would love to hear from you to discuss the training and commitment of being a bereavement visitor.
For all enquiries about the service, please phone 01707 643339 and leave your contact details on our answer-phone or write to PO Box 106, Potters Bar, EN6 2ZG.
Dr Catherine Munro
GP at Highview Medical Centre
Fun Run Fitness
Nearly a thousand athletes from nine Potters Bar primary schools ran in a very successful fun run this year watched by many spectators. Oakmere School has organised the mini-marathon for eighteen years and it is now an established event challenging children between seven and 11 years old to keep fit and healthy. The support of parents, friends, police and the Red Cross with Oakmere staff make a formidable team. The local Tesco store donates litres of mineral water to refresh the children after the run. The course includes Tiverton Road, Torrington Drive, Tempest Avenue, Carpenter Way and Gregory, Oakmere and Chace Avenues. Marathon Day is electric and we are all looking forward to next year.
Lynda Dyton
Headteacher, Oakmere School
The History of Temple Bar
.
Nine miles from Potters Bar at junction 25 on the M25 is a piece of our Heritage, in a place called Theobalds Park near Waltham Cross. Sir Christopher Wren’s Temple Bar is now the only surviving Gateway to London. The other City of London gates - Aldgate, Aldersgate, Bishopsgate, Cripplegate, Ludgate, Moorgate and Newgate - were all demolished before the end of the 18th century.
A patent roll of 1293 mentioned"the Bar at the New Temple, London"at which time it was probably no more than a chain between wooden posts. By 1351 a gate had been built with a prison above it, probably consisting of a central arch, flanked by smaller side arches, and built of timber. The Bar was damaged in the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381. In the 1630s Inigo Jones drew up plans for a new gateway at Temple Bar but they were never carried out. In 1662 an Act of Parliament provided for the widening of a number of bottlenecks in the Cities for London and Westminster, including the Temple Bar, but nothing was done. The old gate survived the Great Fire of 1666. However, King Charles II made it abundantly clear that he wanted Temple Bar rebuilt. In July 1669 he summoned the Lord Mayor to appear before His Majesty in Council to explain why the Bar had been allowed to get into such a poor state of repair. The use of the highly-prized Portland stone from the Royal quarries in Dorset demonstrates the importance that King Charles placed on the project, and who better to design the new Bar than Christopher Wren. Payment for the new gateway began on the 14th August 1669 and ended on the 10th March 1672.
Wren’s Temple Bar stood in Fleet Street for just over 200 years. The Court of Common Council resolved to take the Bar down, numbered stone by numbered stone, and put it in storage in January 1878 until a decision for its re-erection could be reached.
In 1880 Sir Henry Meux, the brewer, bought the stones and assembled them to form the gateway to his park and mansion house at Theobalds, between Enfield and Cheshunt. In the 19th century Messers Childs Bank used the room over the arch as a Ledger Room for their adjacent premises. On arrival at Theobalds Park, Lady Meux used it as an additional dining-room for entertaining her guests. Sadly Theobalds is no longer a country mansion and Temple Bar has long since ceased to be a gateway to anywhere. It stands forlorn and fenced off.
The Temple Bar Trust was established in 1976 with the intention of returning Temple Bar to the City of London. In 1984 the Temple Bar Trust became owner of Temple Bar and permission has since been granted for the removal of the Bar from Theobalds Park to Paternoster Square, adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral. It has not happened yet, but soon Temple Bar will be moved and restored to its former glory.
John Wise
Carol Singing for Charity
The 3rd Potters Bar Scout Group including Beavers Cubs Scouts and parents went carol singing on December 16th. We went around the local streets for about an hour near the Oakmere Centre, where we meet. A large group sang carols while the Scouts and parents collected money from the houses. On 13th February we took 2 Beavers, 3 Cubs and 2 Scouts to the premature baby unit at Barnet Hospital where we donated a total of £200 and we thank the local residents who donated money. The unit at the hospital were please to show us around the unit where we saw the incubators and the tiny babies inside.
We are a very active group, meeting at the Oakmere Centre Fetherstone Close.
The Scouts meet on Mondays 6.30 - 9.00pm for 11-15 year olds, the Beavers on Tuesdays 5.00 - 6.00 pm for 6-8 years olds and the Cubs on Tuesdays 6.30 - 8.00pm for 8-11 year olds.
If you would like details about our Group or if you would like your child to join any of the sections, please contact Scout Leader Dave Sparrow on 01707 654340.
Bowls Club Celebrates 75 Years
Potters Bar Bowls Club Celebrates 75 Years Serving the Community
Now in its 75th summer season the ‘local’ Bowls Club, just off The Walk, continues to provide a very successful social meeting point for its many members in addition to an excellent competitive bowls programme. It was not until 1998 that PBBC moved out of the Middlesex and into the Hertfordshire Bowls Association. However, the warmest relationship continues and is best expressed by the recent message from Russell Grant, star gazer and Executive Director of the Federation of Middlesex & City of London Sports who describes himself as “a Potters Bar Patriot”. Russell’s family ties with Potters Bar go back many years and he adds “it’s with great pride and pleasure that I have been asked by the fellow directors of the Federation of Middlesex Sports to send congratulations to one of our founder member clubs. We are most impressed how the Club, far from being Potters Bar BC is Potters Bar AD, with a website (www.pottersbar-bc.com ) that attracts people from all over the globe and proves that age and experience combined with a wealth of foresight and vision makes for a club whose administration is admired throughout the bowling world and is a credit to sport not just in Middlesex and Hertfordshire”.
To celebrate our 75th Anniversary a special match programme has already welcomed the Presidents of the English Bowling Association (EBA) and Hertfordshire B.A. with their teams. The EBA President, Ian Morrell’s visited the Club on the 13th May and brought a team of player drawn from 13 Counties.
Future celebratory matches include welcoming the English Women’s Bowling Association President, Kay Kerley and her team {27th June}. Reflecting on the Club’s past 75 years the recipe for our success has been the voluntary and sustained efforts of our members to provide very good social and playing facilities. The underlying club spirit gives the greatest confidence that we can look forward to our next mile stone, our 100th birthday in 2029!
Potters Bar's Air Cadets
are currently busy training for the 2004 Herts & Bucks Wing Exercise. The event lasts over three and a half days over the second May bank holiday. Having come 2nd for the last 2 years the team of eight cadets is determined to come out on top this year.
Since the last report four Potters Bar cadets completed parts of their gliding training programme using some of the Corps' Vigilant motor gliders. 13 year old Cadets James Barnett and Christopher Dyke completed the first part of their Gliding Induction Course (GIC) at the ATC's 613 Volunteer Gliding School at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. Following that 15 year old Cadets Steve Dyer and Bradley Kendall completed the 3rd, and final, part of their GIC and have been awarded the GIC certificate. Each cadet had plenty of opportunity to fly the aircraft themselves. When cadets reach 16 they can apply for a gliding scholarship that will teach them to fly a glider solo.
The flight was the first in a light aircraft for Christopher Dyke; his reaction to the experience?.."it was brilliant". Flying training is free to members of the Air Cadets.
Hertsmere Borough Neighbourhood Watch
A CARING COMMUNITY
by Angela Saunders, Chair, Hertsmere Borough Neighbourhood Watch
As you are no doubt aware the main purpose of Neighbourhood Watch is to turn your street into a Caring Community and the only way to do this is to get to know your neighbours, particularly looking out for the old and vulnerable. We as Watchers must keep our eyes and ears open, make sure that everyone who sees anything untoward or experiences any sort of incident or crime reports it to the Police. When reporting, Watchers must state that they are part of Neighbourhood Watch and make sure that they are given a Log number. This will enable them to make enquiries at a later date. When telephoning the police 999 should only be used when a crime is in progress. If the felons have fled ring your local police station and hold on. Be patient, these lines are very busy but your call will be answered.
The Structure of Borough Watch
The Structure of Borough Watch - How it works
Hertsmere Borough consists of Potters Bar, South Mimms, Ridge, Shenley, Radlett, Elstree, Bushey, and Borehamwood which in total contain approximately 90,000 people. The Borough Watch Committee is made up of Co-ordinators and Councillors. This Committee meets bi-monthly in a house when numbers allow, or at the Civic Office and its function is to distribute information and literature, attend Crime Reduction Group meetings, Crime Disorderv Reduction Partnership meetings and Police Authority Meetings. There is also an Association Meeting which is held quarterly at the Civic Offices to which all Area and Ward Co-ordinators are invited but is open to any Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator wishing to attend. It is The Borough Watch Committee’s role to try to assist residents with the police and housing authorities, etc. and generally to keep in touch. It is also their duty to advise and consult with Ward, Area and Street Co-ordinators.
Borough Watch is the holder of funds for the whole of Hertsmere Borough Neighbourhood Watch. Any reasonable expenses incurred by Co-ordinators in the execution of their Neighbourhood Watch duties will be re-imbursed by the Committee.
As a ‘thank you’ to all our Watchers, Cheese and Wine Socials/Conferences are to be held in every Ward in the coming months. Invitations will be issued by Ringmaster and we hope that you will all attend to make the evening both informative and enjoyable.
Hertsmere Borough Council, the Police and the Borough Watch Committee very much appreciate the effort the Watchers put in to make the Neighbourhood Watch so successful. However more Watchers are always needed so please come and join us. Everyone is welcome and remember this may enable you to obtain reduced cover for your home insurance. If you are already a Street Co-ordinator why not upgrade to Area or Ward Co-ordinator? There is little extra effort involved. In this troubled world it is very rewarding to know that you are doing something not only for yourself but forming a safer, more caring Community for us all.
If you are interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch please ‘phone
Derrick Sweeney on 01727 796087
60 Plus Lunch Club
The Club is now in its 30th successful year providing lunch, company and transport if required. Our aim is a nutritious lunch at an unchallenged price, a break from routine and if needed we can provide door-to-door transport for whatever the person’s needs. If you, your relatives or carers would be interested to sample our hospitality please ring Shirley or Geraldine on 01707 643602 between 9am and 1pm on any weekday. We look forward to your call.
Potters Bar Society Local Walks
Want to walk, with some company? Potters Bar Society organises regular Sunday walks using local footpaths. Mostly walks are about 6 miles, lasting about 2-3 hours and circular. All are welcome, wear suitable clothes and rugged footwear. For general details phone Walks Organiser 659478 or the individual walk leader below. Transport can be arranged.
13th June meet 2.15pm Northaw Church 659478
27th June 2.15pm White Hart, S Mimms 655732
11th July 2.15pm Waggon Road, junction A111 0208 882 5812
25th July 2.15pm Northaw Church 663708
8th August 2.15pm Brookmans Park Station 264689
22nd August 2.15pm Potters Bar station 659833
More details on the Potters Bar Society website www.pbsoc.org.uk.
The Town Group meets on first Thursday of the month at Tilbury Hall, Darkes Lane, 7.30pm and the Country Group on third Tuesday at Tilbury Hall 7.30pm. Local issues and planning applications are considered.
Help for Leukaemia Research
A Dinner Dance in honour and memory of Diane Macierzynski has been organised by her children, Amanda, Nicola and Gary. It will be held at the Brookmans Park Hotel on 21st August. Tickets are £50 for a 4 course meal with a raffle, auction and dance. All proceeds to Leukaemia Research. Ring 664089 for details. All very welcome.
Toc H - What is it?
Just past the shops on the Barnet Road, going from the Lion Public House, on the left
is a small hall run by ‘Toc H’. It seems very few people know what Toc H is.
It was founded in 1915 on the battlefields of the First World War by an Army padre Tubby Clayton in the small town of Poperinge, just behind the front line at Ypres - ‘Wipers’ to the troops. Established in ‘Talbot House’, which is still there, it became a refuge for the men out of the line for rest periods from the horrors of the trenches. Open to all ranks - which was unique at that time - men could find peace and friendship with people different from themselves by background and outlook. The name Talbot House was shortened to Toc H - the code given to the initials TH by army signallers. Soldiers returning to the UK sought to recreate its spirit by establishing Toc H. The movement was granted a Royal Charter in 1922 and has gone on to develop a tradition of pioneering community programmes for the benefit of all. It has had a hand in establishing a number of highly successful schemes, including the Blood Donor Service, Hospital Radio and Lepra. Toc H is now a charity and has spread throughout the world regardless of religion. It does many good works supporting and encouraging individuals and communities to understand themselves and others, face their prejudices and takes responsibility for their lives and the world we all share.
The hall in Barnet Road is available for hire, it has a small kitchen, toilets and its own parking. Contact Pat Millar on 01707 659787.
For more details of Toc H freephone 0800 018 2139. Website: www.toch.org.uk
Ladbrooke School Summer Fair
Ladbrooke School Summer Fair Saturday 19th June 2-5pm.
The theme is ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ - so come on me hearties, don’t miss out on the fun, see you on the 19th. For more information call 01707 652882.
Town Twinning
Town Twinning coming events Potters Bar is twinned with Viernheim in Germany and Franconville in France.
Strawberry Tea 13th June, tickets £3.50 and Garden Party 11th July tel 659871.
Viernheim Picnic Weekend 30 people invited to Viernheim, 25-28th June, 659871.
Innenstadtfest 3-6th September, Viernheim can you help on our stall - ring 658887.
If you want to practice your languages, visit France and Germany, meet others then consider joining.
Volunteers Week 1-5 June
A week for thanking volunteers and recruiting more for our local organisations. On Thursday 4th the Hertsmere Volunteer Bureau will be at Tesco’s with lots of publicity about voluntary opportunities. Ring the Volunteer Bureau on 020 8207 4504 for details.
Ways to Raise Money Through Local Events
Successful Ways to Raise Money Through Local Events
Tuesday 6th July 9.30 am - 3pm Niland Conference Centre, Bushey Heath
A free course for local groups and charities with loads of ideas, organised by Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support. Ring 020 8207 4504 for details.