POTTERS BAR COMMUNITY NEWS - NOVEMBER 2003
Community News is distributed door to door in
Potters Bar, Little Heath and Brookmans Park. For this website copy we have
eliminated all individual telephone numbers unless permission has been given
(indicated by a *** symbol). Please get the paper version from the local library
if you require these.
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
CONTENTS
Oakmere Youth & Community Centre Re-opened
The Oakmere Youth and Community Centre working in partnership with Caretech Community Service Ltd has been completely refurbished. The Centre is in Fetherstone Close next to Oakmere School. Whilst retaining community facilities the centre will be used during the day on weekdays as a day centre for the disabled. Caretech who have moved from The Wayside Jubilee Hall are delighted with their new facilities and the extra activities they are able to offer their clients.
The 3rd Potters Bar Scouts have moved back with the Scouts meeting on Mondays and the Beavers and Cubs on Tuesdays – for more information about their activities please call Dave Sparrow on 645340 and the Footloose School of Dancing are returning with classes on Fridays from 6.00 contact Karen on 020 8441 2231.
The Centre will be available as before for community activities clubs, parties, youth activities. The centre is in the process of registering as a charity and is in need of more local people to become part of the committee. If you are interested or you would like to book the centre please phone Pam Hill on 657533.
Community News Annual Meeting and Celebration
Tuesday 10th February 7.30pm Sixty Plus Centre, Wyllyotts.
All readers, deliverers, advertisers and helpers welcome.
Charity Christmas Card Fair
Saturday 15th November 10am –1pm Wyllyotts Centre
Many charity cards, stalls, gifts, paper etc.
Details contact Hertsmere CVS 0208 207 4504
The Carnival is Over
Notices were sent out to various large organisations in Potters Bar and reports placed in the press, that the current Carnival Committee would be retiring at the Public Meeting on the 9th October and that if nobody
came forward to take over then there will be no Carnival next year. In the event only five non-committee members attended the meeting and there were no volunteers so the decision was made that the Potters Bar Carnival will not take place in 2004. This was the worst attended public meeting for many years, which may show that people in Potters Bar are not interested in the Carnival. In fact the general opinion was that people were glad to turn up on the day but not help to put it on.
One of the reasons for the committee closing is that Tim Bertram, a stalwart of the Committee for several years has had to resign for personal reasons and other members felt that they could not carry on without him. If people feel that the Carnival should not be lost and are willing to come forward, Peter and Sue Weaver, who have also been on the committee for several years, are willing to give help and advice to get a new committee get started tel 850147.
The committee made the decision at the meeting that if nobody has come forward by the date of the public meeting in 2004 then the assets will be sold and all remaining moneys will be disbursed as the committee see fit.
On a brighter note the committee gave a further cheque for £2500 to the Director of Noah's Ark Children’s Hospice, Michael McInerney, making of £3,500 given to that charity this year and a total of £5500 over the last two years. Michael thanked the committee for the work they had done and said that Noah's Ark had now raised sufficient money to pay for a nurse, who will provide a service in the local community to visit and help terminally ill children. The charity is negotiating with local councils for a site to build the hospice and hopes to start work on the building in the not too distant future.
Cheques were also given to other local organizations who helped the committee on the day, or over the year. Tim Bertram had carried out some calculations on the returns made by the charities who had stalls at the Carnival and estimated that they had taken approximately £10,000 on the day, which, with the Carnival takings, comes to around £15,000 raised for charity on Carnival Day.
Can organisations afford to lose this fund raising event?
Community News five years on
Potters Bar Community News first went to press in autumn 1998 as a four page newsletter distributed around local community centres and public places. It was a venture jointly set up by people associated with Potters Bar Council for Voluntary Service and Potters Bar in Focus because there were so few ways for local groups to publicise their activities. Hardly any notice boards, no town centre, no town hall and no local newspaper. Community News was immediately popular, supported by local businesses pleased to have a chance to advertise their services and flooded with news and information by local groups. What’s On and the list of Clubs and Organisations expanded quickly. In exchange for publicising important news from Neighbourhood Watch the foundations for establishing a network of street deliverers were built upon. Today we have about 200 deliverers who deliver door to door. We have expanded to cover South Mimms, Ridge, Brookmans Park and Northaw. Community News is now 24 pages with a budget of nearly £3,000 each issue. And apart from final layout and printing, it’s all done by volunteers. If you want to help there are many ways – contact one of the Managing Committee.
Awards for local volunteers
St. John Honours
Local resident Roger Moore was invested as a member of the Order of St. John at a special ceremony held in the historic Grand Priory Church, Clerkenwell. Mr Moore has been a volunteer for St. John Ambulance for 13 years and was admitted as Serving Brother and presented with the Insignia by the Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands, the Rt Hon The Lord Slynn of Hadley. Each award is approved by Her Majesty The Queen, Sovereign Head of the Order.
Val Preedy and her husband Mick also recently received Serving Sister and Serving Brother awards. Val is the Superintendent for the Potters Bar Division and teaches first aid at the County Headquarters in Stevenage. Both have been involved with the movement for over 21 years.
For further information please contact: 01432 272 837 Email: moiraboyceceo@herts.sja.org.uk
District Scout Leaders Honoured
Potters Bar District Scout Leaders have also been honoured for their services to Scouting. At the District Annual General Meeting County Commissioner Roger Sands awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn to Barbara Charlish, and the Silver Acorn to Alan Ward, Maureen Ward, Tom Shirley and Brenda Joscelyne.
He also awarded Ken Gamston the Medal of Merit. These awards were given for long and varied service to the Scout Movement in Potters Bar District. For information please contact 850157.
Brian Stewart.
Local Pantomimes
Dick Whittington and His Cat
16 Dec to 4 Jan Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar, 01707 645005
Wind In The Willows
19 Dec to 3 Jan The Abbey Theatre, Holywell Hill, St Albans 01727 857861
Aladdin
3 Dec to 11 Jan Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton 020 8807 6680
The Little Mermaid
6 Dec to 4 Jan The Bull in Barnet 0208449 0048
The Night Before Christmas
2 Dec to 4 Jan The Chicken Shed in Southgate 020 8292 9222
Cinderella
27 Dec to 3 Jan Broxbourne Civic Hall in Hoddesdon 01992 441946
Cinderella
11 Dec to 4 Jan Alban Arena, St Albans 01727 844488
Potters Bar Choral Society
Potters Bar Choral Society invites you to forthcoming events.
Bring and Sing Messiah Saturday 15th November, Rehearsal 2.30pm, performance 7.30pm. Dame Alice Owen School. £8 in advance or £10 on door.
Christmas Carol Concert Monday 22nd December Wyllyotts Centre. Tickets and enquiries about the choir 650076
Over 50 people attempted the recent Music Quiz and the winners were Mr Ron Edmonds of Hoddesdon and Margaret Antill of Potters Bar.
Brenda Hurford
Charity Christmas Card Fair
Saturday 15th November 10am –1pm Wyllyotts Centre
Many people like to buy charity Christmas cards so here is your chance with lots to choose from. The annual fair organised by Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support (CVS) features cards, stalls, gifts, paper etc. Not too late to book a stall either: for details contact Hertsmere CVS 0208 207 4504
Darkes Fayre
United Reformed Church, Darkes Lane. Theme ‘Sports Time’
Tombola/Bottles/Cakes/Crafts/Sideshows/Refreshments all day/Santa’s Grotto/Free Children’s Entertainment/Face Painting and much more
Come and join members and friends of the URC for another fun-filled day at ‘Darkes Fayre’. There is something for everyone and new this year is our ‘pet stall’ plus ‘Games and Puzzles’ and a ‘Candle Stall’. Everyone will be dressed to the sport theme, so come along and see if you can spot anyone famous.
Christmas Sleigh
The Rotary Club Christmas Sleigh is always an exciting part of Potters Bar celebrations. It tours most roads with Father Christmas on board and his magical lights and asking you to give a donation to those less well off. The dates and roads will be advertised and available on the potters bar website ( www.pottersbar.org ) or ring 653992.
Don’t be
on your own on Christmas Day
The annual Christmas Day Dinner in Potters Bar will again take place at Wyllyotts Centre, cooked and organised by a willing band of volunteers. The dinner and afternoon entertainment is for anyone who wants to come. It is free, but needs to be booked. About 80 people have attended in the past and it is thus a very valuable activity. As ever – volunteer cooks, bottlewashers and general helpers are needed along with drivers at each end of the day. To come to the dinner or to offer help please ring Jonathan on 01707 851982: you may need to leave an answerphone message, leave your number, all calls will be returned.
Royal National Lifeboat Institute Coffee Morning
Wednesday 26th November 10am-12.
at KCM Church Hall, Mutton Lane
Refreshments, sales (inc Christmas cards)
Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support (CVS) AGM
Thursday 27th November 12 -2.15pm at Radlett Centre plus Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Invite an international guest for a day
HOST regularly appeals for volunteers to offer invitations to international students at British universities. Until now, as well as an interest in people from overseas and a heart for hospitality, hosts have needed a spare room to accommodate the guest.
The good news, for those who would love to welcome adult students from all over the world but haven’t the accommodation, is that HOST is shortly introducing a day-hosting scheme, putting students in touch with friendly people reasonably near their place of study. In this area, many people live close enough to an institution of Higher Education to enable them to enjoy entertaining students for a day.
…or two
Host is still in need of more hosts to invite students for a weekend, or a few days at Christmas or New Year. If you have not done this before, why not try it this year? Your Christmas will be enhanced by the curiosity and enthusiasm of your guest!
HOST is a charity of 16 years standing, backed by the British Council and the Foreign Office. If you would like to know more about offering hospitality to the people who really want to find out about our way of life, please call HOST voluntary regional organiser, visit www.host.uk.org
Councillors’ Surgeries
Surgeries are an opportunity for residents to meet their Council representative face to face and discuss matters of concern regarding Hertsmere’s services. In addition to borough councillors, local county councillors usually attend surgeries.
Councillors for the Potters Bar area will hold Surgeries on Saturday 6 December 2003, the venue is the Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane.The opening time is from 10.00 am. to 11.30 am. There is no need to make an appointment.The wards covered by these Surgeries are Potters Bar Furzefield, Potters Bar Oakmere and Potters Bar Parkfield.
Your councillors are elected to represent you and your community. If you want to comment or want to see some action on an issue or a service that concerns you, please get in touch with your ward councillor. You are free to contact your councillor at any reasonable time. If you do not know your local councillors’ telephone number, please call 020 8207 7423.
Music close to home
You don’t have to trek into London to enjoy live classical music. We have two music clubs nearby in Radlett and Cuffley. Both put on a series of live concerts over the autumn/spring period for which a subscription buys reduced entry to all concerts or you can pay a bit more on the door for individual concerts. Both produce brochures, which are available in our local libraries. Or contact details are: Cuffley Concert Club membership secretary 872973. Radlett Music Club membership secretary Mrs Penny Mauger, 01923857186.
Wyllyotts Cinema
The Italian Job Mon 10th Nov 7.30pm and Tues 11th 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Calendar Girls Tues 18th Nov 7.30pm and Weds 19th 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Love Actually Tues 13th Jan 7.30pm, Weds 14th 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Thurs 15th 7.30pm
Master and Commander: The far Side of the World Tues 3rd Feb 7.30pm and Weds 4th 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Winged Migration Tues 10th Feb 7.30pm and Weds 11th Feb 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Booking Office 01707 645005
Macmillan Coffee Morning 8th Dec
For the past 4 years Rhoda and Colin Barnett have been privileged to be part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. More than a million people are living with cancer in the UK today! Macmillan Cancer Relief provides the necessary vital service and care for both sufferers and their families.
This event has, for years, been breaking world records in not only the number of people taking part but also in the amount of money raised in one day, for the care of those diagnosed with cancer and the support of their families, in what we know is a very traumatic experience.
Rhoda and Colin were unable to support the event this year in their home on the designated day, but the good news is that they have organised and will host, with the help of the Potters Bar U3A and the helpful staff of the Wyllyotts Centre (not to mention Tesco’s), a Bring and Buy Coffee morning and Raffle on Monday December 8th at the Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar from 12 noon until 2pm after the U3A monthly meeting.
Admission is free, and tea, coffee and biscuits will be served throughout the event. A donation will be gratefully received, for what we are sure will be a rewarding experience. Bring a friend bring an unwanted gift, and above all bring some money!!
Ladbrooke School Update
Readers will remember that the previous Ladbrooke School site in the High Street is owned by Hertfordshire County Council but that Hertsmere Borough Council is responsible for planning permission for the site. Organisations from the voluntary sector had been asked to put forward proposals for using three classrooms at the back of the site. The front of the building (which is listed) was due to be put up for private leasehold by County Council. Sanctuary Housing Association are building retirement flats for rent at the side.
The latest situation is that three organisations put forward serious proposals: Furnishare (a furniture recycling charity) to use the classrooms only, Potters Bar Theatre Company to use the whole building for drama classes, rehearsals and storage and Ladbrooke Consortium (local business people) to use the whole building combining a Montessori school, community café, community facilities and offices.
Hertsmere Borough Council considered these proposals but could not make decisions because their remit only included the three classrooms, not the whole building. They have therefore passed on the proposals to the Local Strategic Partnership which includes County Council and other bodies, including the voluntary sector. County will also be independently considering the building’s future in which ‘best value’ economic factors play a part.
In the meantime the two organisations putting forward plans for the whole building could be conferring on possible co-operation. Time may be running short since the housing association flats are scheduled to be all finished in six months time and after this County Council will be looking to make decisions. A further factor is the continuing deterioration of the building which has now been empty since 1997. For further information on the proposals please contact Stan Stanbrook, Potters Bar Theatre Company 652244 and Sheila Graham, Ladbrooke Consortium 660550.
Potters Bar in Focus Integrated Transport and Town Centre Group
I am writing this article as immediate past Chairman of this group. When we started Potters Bar in Focus back in 1996 I took on the role to organise and run the Integrated Transport Group and then took on the Town Centre Group for a year – here I am six years on – what have we and you achieved for Potters Bar. The Town Centre Group worked with Doreen Scivyer from the Parks and Open Spaces Group to persuade Hertsmere Borough Council to let us take over and plant the beds in Darkes Lane with flowering plants now brightening up the whole street scene.
The Transport Group working with the County helped to develop the Potters Bar transportation plan identifying the problems with traffic movement throughout the town, leading to the redesign of the High Street junction and now working on the Darkles Lane junction. We have been consulted on parking, traffic calming, the railway station forecourt re-design, cycle routes and organised a meeting and worked with the County and others on the PB1 route.
We have worked to minimise the spread of restaurants through our shopping centres raising objections and appearing at planning meetings. We joined with the governors and parents to fight for a pedestrian crossing in The Walk at the new Ladbrooke School.
A scheme for the improvement of Darkes Lane has been developed with Hertsmere and Hertfordshire so that as money becomes available a coordinated improvement of the whole area can take place.
A major achievement has been the acknowledgement by County and Borough personnel that we are consulted over these issues and have a lot to offer them in terms of local knowledge and experience.
I would like to thank all those who have come along to the group with their ideas and support and to wish the new chair Tom Shirley every success with taking the group forward. I would also like to thank all the Hertsmere and County officers and councillors with whom I have worked over the years.
Please remember we always need new members so please contact Tom and come along and join the group.
John Godfrey
What a waste
In Hertfordshire last year over half a million tonnes of waste was produced: almost 200 black plastic sacks per household. By 2007 all landfill sites in Hertfordshire will be full. Are we doing enough to prevent this from happening? The amount of rubbish recycled in Britain is one of the least in the whole of Europe. Austria tops Europe’s recycling league table by reusing 64% of their rubbish. The UK only recycles 11% but new laws mean this must change, soon.
Rubbish is collected in two main ways: weekly bin lorry household collection organised by Hertsmere Borough Council and also local waste sites run by County Council where we can take items for disposal and recycling. Taking items to the waste disposal site is the best way to ensure items are recycled. Last year Potters Bar Household Waste recycling centre in Cranborne Road received 5879 tonnes of waste and recycled 2619 tonnes of it. That’s 44.5%, whereas the average of the 19 waste sites in Hertfordshire is 31.4%. In fact the Potters Bar site recycles the third highest amount in the county behind Ware and Berkhampstead.
Many items are recycled in Potters Bar including some that you may not have realised. Engine oil, glass, paper, cardboard, metal, fridges and freezers, textiles materials, mobile phones, ink cartridges and car batteries are all recycled. Also, Potters Bar is one of the few sites that recycle wood. The residual non-recycled waste from the Potters Bar site is taken to landfill sites. Last year there were 633 lorry movements for this. The County Council is trying to lessen these by compacting, therefore using less lorries and petrol. This also harms the environment less, preserving it for future generations.
So are we doing enough to protect the future of Potters Bar? Ten years ago only 4% of Hertfordshire’s rubbish was recycled, whereas today 18% is recycled. This is a dramatic improvement but compared to other countries we are still doing badly. Especially since the cost of disposal is increasing: every year it costs about £30 million. Recycling helps to reduce these costs as well as helping to preserve the environment. So Potters Bar needs to keep up its good work!
More information from the Wasteaware helpline 08457 425000 or www.wasteaware.org.uk
Amy Reeve
Be prepared – use your local CAB
Every week clients say to us ‘if only I had come to see you before, things would have been easier’. Problems grow quickly. Come and speak to us as soon as a difficult situation arises when it is easier to manage. We can give information and help you to think through possible courses of action. Better still be prepared and take advice before signing on the dotted line or making major decisions. Make sure you know exactly what you are agreeing to before signing contracts. The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you details about credit and tenancy agreements, information on employment law; consumer or relationship problems and can help you complete forms. In addition we have a wide range of leaflets to look at and take away.
Our service is provided in the main by highly trained volunteers – and we have vacancies now. To find out more about this very interesting voluntary work please contact our District office on 0208 327 0006 or call in. We are open 10am – 1pm Monday to Friday and 7pm – 9pm on Monday evenings at the Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane. Or call our telephone advice line on 0870 121 2025.
Fishing at Oakmere Lakes Potters Bar
Potter Bar Angling Club in cooperation with Hertsmere Borough Council write that the two lakes off the High Street in Potters Bar are now open all year round, more fish stocks are being added, with tench and bream. Water plants are being added and the banks are to be repaired with fishing platforms added. A children’s fishing competition (with prizes) is being organised each season. Competitions for all are planned for each season. A new notice board is now in the park and will give details of all forthcoming events
Permits are required to fish these lakes: 7 day permits priced at £6 are available from the Potters Bar Angling Centre in the High Street 01707 642947. Application forms for annual permits are also available from the shop, or from The Oakmere Secretary, 7, Albermarle Avenue, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1TD, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, is required with all applications.
Prices for annual permits are: senior @ £20.00, junior (under 16) & ladies @ £15.00, senior citizen @ £10.00, family @ £25.00 and disabled is free of charge.
Roger Timms of Potters Bar competes in the TT for the first time
Stan and Margaret Stanbrook and Roy & Mabel Hammett would like to congratulate Roger on winning the newcomers award in the Ultra Lightweight Race in The Isle of Man.
RAD Ballet for Tots & Teens
September saw the inauguration of the new community hall at King Charles the Martyr Church on Mutton Lane and this impressive facility coincided with the unveiling of Goddard's Classical Ballet School. Royal Academy of Dance syllabus tuition is offered to girls and boys aged between 3 and 16 years of age. The school’s principal, Joanna Goddard, graduated at the Academy in 1993, since which time she has concentrated her teaching in North London. A resident in Potters Bar for the past four years Jo is delighted with the new venue, which enables her to lend her skills to children within the locality. Initially classes will be held on Tuesdays 2.30 - 7.30pm and Thursdays 4.00 - 7.30pm at King Charles the Martyr Church Hall in Mutton Lane. For a prospectus and enrolment please ring 01707 652744 or email jojogoddard@aol.com
Changes for involvement in the NHS
From the autumn of 2003 there will be a new way for the public to become involved in the running of the health services and for patients to get help to pursue complaints. Since 1974 this role has been done by Community Health Councils. These are to be abolished, despite a national campaign last year to retain them. They are to be replaced by several new bodies:
* Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIF) – one for each of the 571 Health Trusts in the NHS. Locally we have trusts for primary care, local hospitals, ambulance services and mental health services. The present right of access to monitor and report on NHS facilities, the right to information and the right of community advocacy carried out presently by CHCs will pass to Patient Forums.
* An Independent Complaints Advocacy Service for individual complaints which ultimately will be run through the Patient Forums.
* A new Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the local authority, locally Hertsmere Borough Council. This is very important because local authorities have not previously had a role in health.
* A Patient Advice and Liaison Service in every trust to provide information and advice.
* An Expert Patient programme to involve patients to improve care programmes.
Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support (our local Council for Voluntary Service) recently held one of their regular Voluntary Sector Forum meetings on this subject. The speaker was Malcolm Alexander, Chief Executive of the Association of Community Health Councils.
He said it is important to look at the changes positively – they will create an opportunity for communities to express their views, a specific organisation to support patients with complaints and to organise debates on NHS issues. Locally all CVS organisations across Hertfordshire County have joined together to bid for running the new Patient Forums.
If you are interested in being active on health issues locally or want to volunteer your help or expertise to the voluntary sector please contact Hertsmere Community Voluntary Support (HCVS) based at Allum Lane Community Centre, Borehamwood, WD6 3PJ, telephone 0208 207 4504 or email cvs@hertsmerecvs.fsnet.co.uk
Intermediate care service feedback
Intermediate care means services in-between hospital and home that help to rehabilitate and support patients. The services aim to allow early discharge from hospital, to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and to allow people to remain in their own homes rather than entering care homes.
A new community intermediate care service for Hertsmere residents was started in October 2002 and is run from Potters Bar community hospital. This service is being evaluated, and the needs of patients assessed, by a public health doctor at Hertsmere PCT, Chris Williams.
The views and experiences of patients, carers and Hertsmere residents in general are important in assessing and planning these services. Therefore Chris would like to ask for responses on the following points:
· What are your views on the intermediate care services offered in Hertsmere?
· What kind of services would you like to see that would fulfill the aims stated above (early discharge, prevention of admission, avoiding residential care)?
Chris Williams can be contacted at Hertsmere Primary Care Trust by post, email or telephone:
Christopher J Williams, Specialist Registrar, Public Health Medicine
Hertsmere PCT, The Elms Clinic High Street, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 5DA
Tel: 01707 622 930 Fax: 01707 647 594 Email: chris.williams@hertsmere-pct.nhs.uk
MIND East Hertsmere
New members are always welcome and both the Management Committee and the sub-committees need some new blood to enable the service to progress. If you are interested please contact Margaret Barrowcliffe, Mind Office, Elm Court Youth & Community Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3BP Tel 01707 659455
Friends of Parkfield Participation Group
One of the largest medical practices in South Hertfordshire, Parkfield, is also one of the best equipped. This is due in no small measure to the fund-raising efforts of the members of the Patients Participation Group.
Formed in 1998, the PPG includes amongst its aims and objectives the raising of funds to enable Parkfield Medical Centre to purchase and maintain medical and other equipment not normally provided on the NHS. It also includes the fostering of better communication between doctors, staff and patients, providing meetings and forums for members to be addressed by doctors and specialists on a wide range of medical conditions. This has the aim of giving members a wider knowledge and understanding of matters of health. Members also produce and circulate a newsletter containing information on health matters, the activities of the Medical Centre and other items of interest.
The PPG now has over 1,400 members and although membership fees are modest (£1.00 per patient £2.00 for a family) since inception, through donations and the generosity of members, large sums have been raised.
A wide range of equipment has been purchased, which includes 2 electrically-operated treatment couches at a cost of nearly £2,000 and a 24-hour blood pressure monitor costing £1,500, which enables patients to be accurately monitored at home. This type of equipment is normally only available following an outpatient’s appointment and visit to hospital.
The PPG has also provided a Cardiac Event Monitor to check patients such as those who may suffer ‘funny turns’ thought to be due to an irregular heartbeat. This cost £675. A contribution of £1,000 was made towards a Vital Signs Monitor. This amount, added to the Health Authority’s grant, made the purchase possible. This piece of equipment is invaluable if a patient is presented very ill, such as having had a heart attack. It monitors blood pressure, pulse, temperature and oxygen saturation until the arrival of an ambulance.
In the practice waiting room, a library of easy-to-understand medical books and videos has been provided for patients to borrow, as well as a Monster Mountain Table to keep young children amused. All of the equipment listed above is for the benefit of all Parkfield’s patients.
New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at the Medical Centre’s reception desk. The greater the number, the more good can be done, and with all of the changes taking place in the Health Service, it is important that there are such organisations as the PPG, which can represent and put forward the views of patients to those who administer the NHS.
Dr Caroline Dain
The British Red Cross Provide ‘Home From Hospital’ Service
For people who live on their own or who have a caring responsibility for another person the time following discharge from hospital can be a difficult experience. The reassurance that someone will visit to help in those first days or weeks is invaluable and aids recovery and rehabilitation at home. Many people are able to rely on family or friends for help. Others however are not so fortunate at this difficult time. This is why the Home from Hospital service was established.
The Red Cross set up a Barnet Home From Hospital service with funding from Barnet Social Services in May 2000. Hertsmere Social Services funded the Hertsmere Home From Hospital in April 2003 and they are recruiting volunteers in the area at the moment. The service is aimed at patients discharged from Barnet General Hospital and Potters Bar Community Hospital, living alone and in need of basic social support, such as shopping and companionship. The majority of referrals are aged 65 years or over.
For further information please contact Anne Kamale and Linda Johansson on 020 8216 5040 or Patti Marston at the Hertsmere Volunteer Bureau on 020 8207 4504.
Disability New Venture
The Disability Employer Outreach Service (DEOS) is now working with Business Link Hertfordshire to continue providing local employers with advice on disability issues and legislation changes in 2004. Now local businesses will be able to seek advice on recruitment and training to ensure that they comply with current and future disability legislation, obtaining financial assistance and how to improve products or services for disabled customers. The service will support employers in adopting good employment policies and practices in the recruitment, retention, training and career development of disabled people. Help complying with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will also be provided as part of the service. Services can be accessed through Business Link Hertfordshire's Information Line 01727 813813.
Grants to improve Open Spaces
As long as your space is open to the public and near to where people live, you could benefit from a grant worth up to £100,000. Think about the place where you live. Does it lift your spirits or make your heart sink? Is your environment scruffy, neglected, overgrown, dirty, dangerous or just a bit boring? Do you have an idea that will help improve your surroundings? Do you need some help to make things happen?
Living Spaces provides grants to help people improve open spaces in their neighbourhood and create valuable places for the whole community to enjoy: play areas, community gardens, parks, village greens, ponds, courts and squares, kick-about areas. Living Spaces will also help by allocating an Enabler to provide advice on the project. It is part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Ring 0845 600 3190 (local rate) for details.
Funding for local groups
Application forms and information on the latest round of County Council funding for groups is now available from County Hall on 01992 556222. Strict deadline for applications is Friday 5th December.
Ordnance Survey Maps for Planning Applications
A new useful service: ‘Latitude’ the Potters Bar based map specialists can now plot large-scale Ordnance Survey maps centred on your property or area of interest for your planning applications, architects drawings, conveyancing or land management. They are an Ordnance Survey Options outlet and as such stock the complete range of business, graphic and leisure product. They can be found at 27-28 The Service Road and customers will be able to see the mapping on screen before purchasing and it can be supplied as data or as a paper plot. Contact Nick Bullmore 01707 663090
The Way We Were
Can you imagine what life was like in Potters Bar the years before and after World War II? Well, old photos give us a good idea but old movies are even better. Quite recently, some very old 9.5mm black and white films were found in the vestry of St Mary the Virgin and All Saints Church, The Walk. They are believed to have been taken in the early 1930s by the Revd Andrew Robinson, vicar at the time. The films were shot on location in the town and its environs and being full of local interest make fascinating viewing.
John Parkes, a member of Potters Bar Cine and Video Society, has transferred the films to video. He says it is like having discovered a time capsule! He is at present busy researching the background and making contact with local people whose connections with the district go back a long way.
Autumn Gardening
Autumn for me is the time to reflect on the past season and plan and organise for next year. Take a stroll in your garden with a critical eye and note the successes and disappointments. Look at the shrubs. Are there any in the wrong place which could be moved now? Or gaps to place new ones? Autumn is the perfect time for planting, as roots will quickly establish before the soil cools. Are there any perennials which have become tired in the centre and need dividing? This will not only rejuvenate but also increase the number of plants. Are there any seeds which can be harvested to sow next year or cuttings to take indoors of less hardy plants?
Although flowers may have lost their colour they may have seeds to provide valuable winter feed for the birds and will also look stunning covered with frost on a cold morning. Remove canes and supporting sticks from perennials but remember to label plants such as hostas which could be forgotten when they die down completely for the winter. Then cut down foliage to 3 inches from the ground and pull up any annuals and place in a compost heap. Those in the Welwyn Hatfield area can use the clear bags for council removal (£3.90 for 5 bags – enquiries 01707 357815). Hertsmere Council provides green compost disposal at the waste disposal site in Cranborne Road. Any leaves from deciduous trees can be kept in perforated bin liners and used as a rich leaf mould in 12 months. Rake leaves regularly from the lawn and increase the height on your mower. Prune any whippy new growth which could rock and damage shrub roots in the wind.
So with the garden cleared of anything, which would rot in the cold and wet months ahead, and existing plants moved or divided, does your garden still have colour and structure? Evergreen shrubs retain interest all year round but deciduous shrubs can be even more valuable for fresh interest each season. My favourites for autumn are ‘Eunonymus alatus’ (spindle bush) which has spectacular red leaves and ‘Leycesteria formosa’ which has wonderful long bracts through the summer, which turn to purple berries into the autumn. Other plants to consider include ‘Crocosmia paniculata’ with fiery red pendant blooms and cyclamen, especially ‘Cyclamen hederifolium’ under trees and ‘sedum spectabile’ the butterflies love it.
Lastly the garden centres will now be temptingly full of bulbs. Time to give some thought to Spring . . . .
Mim Chapman, Garden Angel 643994
Debate on Genetically Modified Food
In September, between 90 and 100 people took part in a riveting debate organised with the help of churches in Potters Bar on the implications of allowing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) in UK agriculture, which would have been part of the government’s GM nation debate had enough notice been given.
There were six speakers, with three supporting GMO’s and three opposing GMO’s. They looked at the issue from farming, scientific and environmental perspectives. There are two full reports of the meeting posted on our local web-site (www.pottersbar.org) ranging over all the issues. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact Kevin Pressland via Community News.
New Head for Cranborne School
Hello! My name is Terri Bailey and I am the newest recruit to headship in Potters Bar having just been appointed to The Cranborne Primary School. I would like to take a few minutes to tell you a little about myself.
My teaching background has been quite varied, ranging from a senior boarding school environment in the private sector to teaching across the whole primary age range in a variety of schools and settings. The vast majority of my experience has been in primary schools, with four years spent as a deputy head in a junior school with a unit for children with behavioural difficulties and then six and a half years as a head teacher in a JMI with nursery. Needless to say they were very enjoyable (and challenging!) years. In January 2002 I joined Hertfordshire’s school improvement and advisory service as a school development advisor with responsibility for 32 schools. This has been a tremendous experience and one which I again thoroughly enjoyed. Working closely with so many different schools and in particular their head teachers and governors has been some of the best professional development I have had. It is amazing how many dedicated and hard working professionals there are out there doing such a good job! BUT I missed being part of a school community; of watching children learn and experiencing all the ups and downs that school life has to offer. Hence my decision to return to headship and my real pleasure in being chosen to lead Cranborne.
On a personal note I have two ‘grown-up’ children aged 25 and 21 and have weathered (most!) of the highs and lows of parenthood: my son lives and works in Hertfordshire and my daughter is just entering her final year at university. Needless to say I am like any other parent in that I think they are wonderful people (most of the time!).
And my plans for Cranborne? To bring stability, to build on all that is good in the school and to support change where it is needed. I have been excited for weeks about taking up the post because Cranborne has such huge potential and has a dedicated and talented team for me to work with. I believe passionately in the rights of all children and mutual respect between adults and children. I am committed to giving every child the opportunities to feel successful, to feel valued and to believe in themselves. It is my role to ensure that Cranborne delivers the right education to make this possible. It is a role I look forward to!
Mount Grace School - Sixth Form Courses
Mount Grace Sixth Form offers a full range of new vocational and traditional courses for post-16 students from September 2003. Class sizes will be limited to a maximum of 12 students to ensure quality.
Classes range from Level 2 Intermediate Level Catering and Hospitality, Physical Education and Media Studies to Level 3 Business Studies, ICT and Music Technology. Plus traditional A-levels.
A major investment programme has been made in post-16 courses with experienced and highly-qualified teaching professionals. Comprehensive career and higher education guidance is available.
For further information please contact Gill Davies or Sarah Wells on 01707 655512.
Mount Grace School Reunion
Yes! The Mount Grace 50th Anniversary Reunion last year was an outstanding success with over 800 ex-pupils and teachers attending. The reunion was an excellent opportunity to discover what had happened to old classmates and many friendships were renewed.
The organisers are now looking for any old scholars able to assist with the running of the association. Any assistance or ideas would be welcome. The group meet three or four times a year at the school. If you can help please contact e-mail: gill@joec.dircon.co.uk or phone 655512.
Potter Bar Sea Cadets
WHAT WE AIM TO DO - give you the best fun you’ve ever had - with a serious side too. Along the way we’ll teach you life skills from cookery to computers, engineering, navigation and the art of seamanship.
TRAINING - GET FIT THE FUN WAY - fit for life. There are sports and outdoor activities to get involved in and you will be able to impress your friends with newfound skills, make new shipmates and put your talent to the test. And there are plenty of opportunities to get away from it all by taking a trip on a real Royal Navy warship, sail before the mast aboard the Sea Cadet’s square-rigged flagship TS Royalist or fly in a Navy helicopter. With 400 units nation-wide, the Sea Cadets offers plenty of scope to see other parts of the country and learn new skills on specialist courses at our regional training centres.
THERE’S LOADS TO DO – THE CHOICE IS YOURS - when you drop in at your local Sea Cadet Unit you’ll find lots of friendly faces waiting to welcome you aboard. The officers and instructors are all highly trained to make sure you enjoy every aspect of Sea Cadet life – a cut above the local youth club. If you like what you see, and you’re aged 12-18, you can join as a Cadet and start learning the Navy way of life, earning promotion up to Cadet Petty Officer, really the tops!
So if you’re bored with computer games and TV, why not try a taste of the real thing? Don’t miss out on a chance to make the most of your quality time – get a bit of the action. Want to know more? Come along. We’re waiting to welcome you aboard.
Potters Bar Sea Cadets meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7.25 –9.30 pm) at the Ingram Cadet Centre on Mutton Lane opposite the Fire Station.
Contact: 01707 651600 email: tsforbes@ntlworld.com www.geocities.com/potbar1/tsforbes.htm
Local People From the Past Sir Banister Flight Fletcher (1866-1953)
Though Sir Banister Fletcher did not live locally three of the distinctive houses he designed still stand in The Avenue and Darkes Lane.
He was the son of Professor Banister Fletcher (1833-99) who had designed industrial buildings in Newcastle-upon-Tyne before settling in London in 1870. Professor Banister Fletcher and his son published in 1896 ‘A History of Architecture on the Comparative Method’ regarded by Pevsner as “an indispensable historical compilation of architectural history”. It was the standard work for generations of students, following numerous later editions.
Sir Banister Flight Fletcher was educated at Kings College and University College, London and articled to his father’s architectural and surveying practice in 1884. Not only was he a talented architect but a barrister- at-law, who was called to the Bar of the Middle Temple in 1908. As a senior Sheriff of the City of London he was knighted in 1919 and served on the Court of the Common Council of the City of London. Professionally he served on the committee at the Royal Institute of British Architects, later becoming a Member of the Council, a vice-President and finally President 1929-31.
His first notable work started with 111-125 Oxford Street in 1887 but in the first years of the twentieth century he became involved in the Potters Bar Garden Estate development. The South Mimms Rural District Council’s Planning Book indicates that conditional approval was given for ‘Seldown’, The Avenue in March 1903; ‘The Three Gables’ May 1907,’Tiverton’ May 1908 and ‘Chestnut House’ December 1908, the last three were in Baker Street, now Darkes Lane. Banister Fletcher was recorded as owner of them but the last house he designed was ‘Homeleigh’ The Avenue 1909 owned by Messrs. Lockhart Brothers.
‘Seldown’ now 23 The Avenue was the first house to be erected on the Potters Bar Garden Estate, which was being developed to provide detached houses of an economical description with easy access of London. The accommodation on the ground floor consisted of a dining room, sitting hall, a large drawing room, kitchen and usual offices. The first floor contained five bedrooms, a dressing room, bathroom and lavatory, with two bedrooms and a linen cupboard in the attic. The house had 14-inch external walls and the roof was covered with grey-green Lancashire slates. The builder was a Mr Newton and the sale price was £1,160.
‘The Three Gables’ later ‘The Gables’ was erected for Mr FJ Philps, one of the Directors of the Potters Bar Garden Estates Company. The house was built by a Mr Grover and the price of the house was £1,585, including the entrance gates and drive. In September 1969 plans were approved for the erection of the present five houses on the site. No 246 Darkes Lane still retains the name of ‘The Gables’.
The last three properties designed by Banister Fletcher were all built by E Lawrence and Son. ‘The Fourth House’ which became ‘Tiverton’ was somewhat similar in design to ‘The Three Gables’ except in addition it had a smoking room, lavatory and WC included on the ground floor and there was an extra bedroom in the attic. The roof was covered in heavy green Westmoreland slates and the price was £1,570, including the entrance gates.
‘The Fifth House’ which became ‘Chestnut House’ and is now ‘Chestnut Tree House’, Darkes Lane had a roof of thick Gloucestershire stone slabs. The asking price was £1,552, including the entrance gates.
‘Homeleigh’ now 22 The Avenue had 14 inch walls treated with rough cast and roofed with red tiles. In the interior the joists were visible throughout because there were no plaster ceilings in the house. The cost of this house was £1,300. It is interesting to note that this house was occupied by a Mr Alfred F. De Waelin in 1927, as he was President of the original Potters Bar Bowls club from 1919 and President of Potters Bar Cricket Club 1925-29.
The surviving records of war damage in Potters Bar show that a high explosive bomb demolished ‘Homeleigh’ and damaged Nos 18,21,’Seldown’ and 24 The Avenue on 26th February 1941.
Perhaps many readers will remember the Gillette factory, on the great West Road at Osterley that was designed by Sir Banister Flight Fletcher in 1936-37.
Brian Warren
Hon. Archivist Potters Bar and District Historical Society
Memories of Potters Bar
My father, Mr Pond was born in Southgate Road Potters Bar in 1906. When he was 90 and having often said he could write a book about Potters Bar I gave him a tape recorder and he started to put together his memories of Potters Bar. It took a lot of time, we started with Southgate Road, which we made into a booklet and sold for £1 with the proceeds going to Potters Bar Hospital raising over £100. Then we tackled the High Street and so this booklet has raised £50 for the hospital. Copies of both booklets are still available at £1 from Hair Design 246 High Street.
Cynthia Meadows
Sharks Infest Potters Bar
Well, not recently! It’s hard to imagine Potters Bar being under the sea, but in May this year, a shark’s tooth was discovered in a garden in Tiverton Road. This tooth, estimated to be some 65 million years old, is displayed in the Wyllyotts Museum alongside other teeth, fossils and Mesolithic stone implements found in the local area.
The Museum has a large display of Iron Age, Roman, and later items from excavations such as the Wyllyotts Manor, the motte-and-bailey castle at South Mimms, the Canada Life building, and the M25. Many items found in gardens, fields and ditches indicate that Potters Bar has been inhabited for hundreds of years, and in the first known reference in 1387, it was called `Potterbare`. The `Bar` referred to a point where the main road entered or led to an estate, which in our case may have been Enfield Chase.
Another recent find is part of a tegula (Roman roofing tile) on which the craftsman’s signature matches that on a similar tile found at Sandridge. The tegula was probably produced at the Roman tile-kiln which was first discovered in Parkfield in the 1950`s.
Of particular interest to many visitors are the exhibits connected with the crash of the German L31 Zeppelin in 1916. Lieutenant Wulstan Tempest shot down the Zeppelin from a bi-plane, which he had to fly at a much greater height than was safe for his aircraft. The Zeppelin landed in Oakmere Park, killing its 20 German crewmen, and Lieutenant Tempest was awarded the DSO, as well as having Tempest Avenue named after him.
The Museum houses many photographs of people, places and events from our local history, and one memorable event occurred in December 1927. This was when South Mimms Village was cut off by huge snowdrifts for three days. Photographs show several stranded motorbuses and cars, and reports say the drifts were up to ten feet high. Mutton Lane also was impassable for two days above the bridge, until a passage could be dug out of the six-foot high snowdrift.
In addition to the magnificent collection of exhibits, the museum sells maps, local history booklets and postcards published by the Potters Bar and District Historical Society. Currently there is also an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Potters Bar Theatre Company, and costumes, props and programmes from the shows are on display. A new exhibition is mounted twice a year, and local organisations who have something to celebrate are invited to contact the Honorary Curator on 01707 645005 for details.
Wyllyotts Museum and Local History Centre is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2.30 to 4.30 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm.
Joy Stovell
The Italian Circle of Mid Herts
has just completed its sixth year of evening presentations about things Italian. Amongst them members and visitors heard about how the Leaning Tower of Pisa was rescued from collapse by a British engineer, how Canaletto's paintings can still be recognised in modern Venice, "an Italian Volcano in a Dutch Garden"(you'd never believe that this was about the Italian founder of the British Library - you should have been there!), and their Annual Concert of Italian Music by graduates of the Royal College of Music was held in March.
The next programme of meetings starts with a talk about the gardens at La Mortella on the Island of Ischia (Lady Susana Walton's home), and includes talks on the flood defences of Venice (by another British engineer) amongst other fascinating subjects. Meetings are held in Welwyn Garden City, monthly on a Monday, using the latest audiovisual equipment. Details can be had from 01707 658311 or 01707 372264."
Home Start – urgent call for volunteers
Home Start Borehamwood and District, a local charity that helps families in difficulties, urgently needs volunteers.
Home Start helps families to overcome difficulties and prevent them from reaching crisis point. It provides support through a team of trained volunteers who are all parents themselves and who understand the stresses and strains that can occur within a family. These volunteers offer friendship; support, both emotionally and practically, for as long as it is needed. They visit families in their own homes once a week for a couple of hours and help by listening, taking the children out, assisting the families to reach other services or just catching up on lost sleep. Last year Home Start Borehamwood and District supported 20 families, but there are many more still waiting to receive help.
We are currently looking for a Treasurer to replace Carol, who stepped down from this post after supporting the scheme for three years. The post is not time consuming as basic standing orders and payroll set-ups are in place. No particular qualifications or experience are required, but basic maths and money management skills would be useful. This position is unpaid but there are opportunities for free training with expenses paid. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, gain experience and know you have helped make a difference in the community.
To find out more please call Bridget Shaw or Sarah Harris on 0208 953 5082.
Crumblies table tennis
A few "crumblies" get together on Friday mornings between 10 and 12 at the Hatfield Leisure Centre to play ping-pong just for fun, strictly non-League stuff. The cost is just 75p if the person has the Leisure Centre Seniors Discount Card. So just come along and join in.
Little Heath Parent & Toddler group
We are a friendly group who meet each Monday morning from 9:30am to 11:30am in the large Parish Hall at Christ Church, Thornton Road, Little Heath. The purpose of the group is to provide a suitable environment in which babies and toddlers can interact whilst enjoying play, crafts and singing. Furthermore it is a place where parents can chat and enjoy refreshments during the morning. We are fortunate to have our own arts and crafts lady who encourages the children to participate in a variety of creative art activities and our session ends with a song time.
We would love to welcome you at the group, so why not come along and try us out - the first session is free! For more information please contact Gill Over on 01707 654552.
Dads and Daughters' Dance Week
Mountview Dance School has just successfully held a week-long fundraising activity, raising over £600 for two charities - The Cecchetti Society Scholars and St John's Methodist Church Building Development Fund.
The school, which holds its classes in St John's Methodist Church hall, challenged all fathers to come and join in a Cecchetti ballet class with their daughters and sons! They were sponsored by friends and relatives for their efforts and the audience was asked for a donation in return for watching the spectacle! All Dads were invited to come in an improvised ballet costume if they were really game for a laugh! Well done to all those concerned and a big thank you for all your support, from the Principal, Lisa Christian B.Phil. (Hons.)., FISTD., Dip.LCD., Enrico Cecchetti Diploma
What’s going on at Christ Church
All are welcome when Christ Church, Little Heath, meets for Sunday Worship at 8.00am and 10.00am (main family worship and children’s groups) and 6.30pm. For children there is a Mother & Toddler group, Kaleidoscope for the under 5’s and the Sunday children’s groups.
For further details please contact the Church Office on 01707 662460 or www.cc1h.org.uk
Arthritis Care – Potters Bar Branch
The Potters Bar branch of Arthritis Care is a social club for those suffering from arthritis and on
5th June forty members enjoyed a trip to Clacton, including a 3-course lunch at the Parade Hotel on the sea front, followed by a ‘sing-along’ entertainer, finishing the day with tea and cakes. The Club which has been established for more than 25 years meets on the first Friday of every month at Christ Church Hall in Little Heath from 2.00 to 4.00pm and has two outings every year. New members are always welcome, so just come along or call 657743 or 020 8804 5792 for more details.
Potters Bar Theatre Company Jubilee
On Saturday 17th May the Potters Bar Theatre Company celebrated their 50th anniversary. Some 170 past and present members from as far afield as Switzerland, Wales, Cumbria and the Isle of Wight were addressed by the Chairman, Graham Bishop, President Basil Edmond, and Honorary Vice President, the Mayor of Hertsmere.
A cake-cutting ceremony was followed by a cabaret in which children as young as 10, to the more mature Old Stagers, took part. Former members Colin Clarke and Rob Walsh joined in the songs and drama excerpts from productions such as Carousel, South Pacific, Half a Sixpence, Oliver, Table Manners and The Importance of Being Earnest. Of the six cast members of Table Manners, previously staged in 1979, five played their original roles on this occasion.
The Company currently has a celebratory exhibition of costumes, props, programmes and photos at the Potters Bar Museum in the Wyllyotts Centre. They have also published `The History of Potters Bar Theatre’ which can be purchased from the museum or by ringing Jenny on 01707 642910.
PBTC’s final production in their anniversary year is the family musical ‘Me and My Girl’ which will be staged in November. ‘Me and My Girl’ was the second musical that the Company ever staged in 1954.Details of these shows can be found in our advert elsewhere in this publication. New horizons are in store for the company in February as they take a small cast play to the Wyllyotts Theatre for 3 nights only. The play is Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious comedy, ‘How the Other Half Loves’ which focuses on 2 households who both invite the same couple to a dinner party. The action takes place simultaneously at both dinner parties with all the fun, double entendres and love matches that make an Ayckbourn play so enjoyable. For more details about our productions, see our advert in this publication.
The Hertfordshire Cheshire Home
The Hertfordshire Cheshire Home, at Hitchin, has served folk from the County and from elsewhere for about 34 years. It cares for 30 residents who have physical disabilities and as well as looking after them it provides opportunities for a variety of activities and outings. Some of the people of Hitchin support the home by visiting and helping with things such as shopping for the residents or writing letters for those unable to do so for themselves. But like any residential home of that age it is no longer up to current standards. The home has two storeys with some of the residents having bedrooms on the upper floor, which would make evacuation in an emergency difficult, the rooms are quite small and there are no en-suite facilities. A new home is being built at Lavender Fields in Hitchin and when they move in next year it will greatly improve the lives of the residents. The cost of the project is £3.2M of which £2.2M has already been secured with £1M to find to complete the scheme. Mary Hayes, who was brought up in Potters Bar, has lived in the home for over 20 years and returns at holiday times and for occasional weekends. If you would like to know more or wish to contribute, Rita or Chris Hayes would be pleased to tell you about the proposals or you can speak to Francois at the Home (01462 452460).
www.pottersbar.org
First stop website for all things Potters Bar
The website continues to develop. Many organisations have taken advantage of the opportunity to have some www presence. For example the Potters Bar Photographic Society can now keep their members informed and entice new member with their webpage www.pottersbar.org/photosociety. And it’s all free. Please read the website to find out how you can get a page for your club/society/organisation. And what about publicising your events in “What’s On”?
And if you want to know what is happening the local weather, the buses, the shops, restaurant menus, in fact anything Potters Bar, then this is the site you need. If you looked and it’s missing, then email us and we’ll see if we can add it. webmaster@pottersbar.org
Telephone contacts on the web site
The Community News is working with the Potters Bar website (pottersbar.org) to help publicise events and organisations in the town. Community News text is now available on the site and we would now like to add What’s On and the list of Clubs and Organisations. We will not be sending telephone contacts to the site unless we have your permission. So if you would like your contact number to be added to the web site please tell Community News – either by writing to us or telephoning one of the Committee (see page 3) or filling in the form on the Clubs page. Or contact webmaster@pottersbar.org.
Town Twinning News
Potters Bar Town Twinning Association has had a busy past few months. Some of the events organised included a visit to our twinned town of Viernheim in Germany to run our usual ‘spirit’ stall at the Inastedfest, a grand historical weekend taking our visitors from Viernheim and Franconville near Paris to Stonehenge, and further visits to Viernheim for the yearly picnic and the annual twinning conference between the three towns. In August Potters Bar Petanque Club hosted its annual weekend at Oakmere Park when 10 teams from the three towns played matches throughout the day and enjoyed an excellent barbeque. The Petanque Club is still gathering new members and would welcome anyone interested.
All are welcome to the Town Twinning Association Christmas Warm Up - Wyllyotts Centre (basement) Sunday December 14th 12-3pm. The Committee members organise this friendly event for the community of Potters Bar. Why not come along and meet us and make new friends.
Potters Bar Beat the Germans at Badminton
In May Potters Bar Badminton Group played host to a strong German team from Viernheim. Each year Potters Bar town, which is twinned with Viernheim, meets to socialise with friends and to play a competitive badminton match. This year it was the turn of Potters Bar to host the event. The Viernheim party arrived on Saturday and were taken on a visit to St Albans. The evening was spent at a Barn Dance at Mount Grace School where the Germans were soon dancing and showing us their nimble footwork especially Bernard and Klaus.
The badminton match followed on Sunday morning with 21 players from Viernheim, of all ages and abilities. The competition consists of singles and doubles matches for the whole party, the object of the event being to enjoy the badminton. There is however a competitive edge to every match and this year Potters Bar narrowly beat Viernheim by 21-19.
The rest of the day was spent visiting Capel Manor where everyone enjoyed a relaxing stroll in the beautiful gardens, followed by an evening party. Everyone came including the Mayor of Hertsmere Stuart Nagler and his wife Ros. Stuart presented the Badminton Trophy to Robert Allen, the team captain of Potters Bar, he gave medals to all the children and presented T-shirts with the Potters Bar logo. The Viernheim party left for Stansted on Monday and promised to win back the trophy next year.
The Potters Bar Twin Town Badminton group has about 32 family members and meet monthly to play badminton at the Traveller Sports Centre and afterwards hold a communal supper.
Grapevine
A large number of people were amazed to see the weight-lifting strength of the Tough Talk team who paid a welcome return to Grapevine in June. More amazing were the stories of their lives being completely changed since becoming devout Christians. No longer are they hardened criminals but instead hardworking members of society who love to share their dramatic stories in such places as prisons and young offenders centres and outdoors.
Our programme continues with a variety of speakers. In September Jacqueline Davies told how she traced her daughter’s murderer. She was able to persuade the Dutch police, Interpol and the Metropolitan Police that her suspicions were well-founded, and that they should not accept the death as an accident. In October we had a visit from Cindy Kent of Premier Radio. People who attended the Town Carols and heard a little about the radio station last December will appreciate the opportunity to hear more.
Whilst Grapevine is not primarily a fund-raising organisation, we do support various charities. Two such projects are the orphanages in Bulgaria and Jamaica, and I was privileged to visit the latter this summer. One child particularly caught my attention. His mother had so many children and so few resources that he was forced to leave home. He was found on the streets looking almost like a skeleton, his body covered in sores, and very withdrawn. He was 10 or 11 years old, but looked about 6, and had never been to school. Now, however, his sores have healed, he has gained weight, and is thrilled at the opportunity of going to school. I was so pleased to think we are able to help such children have a better lifestyle.
We always welcome everyone to our Grapevine meetings, which are very friendly and informal.
Potters Bar Cine and Video Society
The Society celebrated its 53rd year recently with a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony, attended by 23 members and friends, at the Quality Hotel in Hatfield. Following the excellent meal Chairman John Astin outlined the year’s activities, with special praise for the committee members whose dedication made the Society the prestigious organisation it is today.
The presentation of the Film of the Year Awards were made by Society President Tony Loader. In the style of the Hollywood Oscars, last year’s winners opened a sealed envelope to reveal those for this year. John Astin's three films won him eight awards, with “Snapshots of Rome” achieving Film of the Year and Best Editing and Best Graphics/Titles awards. His “Land of the Pharaohs” was 1st Runner Up, and won Best Use of Sound and Best Commentary awards. “Whack it Well” was 2nd Runner Up and Best Documentary, and overall, John won Best Camerawork award.
Ken Duckitt's film “All the Fun of the Ford” was the Best Graduate Video of the Year, and Daphne Brown was awarded the trophy for Best Travel/Holiday with her “Land Below the Wind”. The club film, “Recycle Revolution”, won for Christine Collins the Best Dialogue award, and for Penny Love, the Best Actress award. The Film Maker of the Year for the second year running was Daphne Brown. The winning films were selected by the judges, Mr and Mrs Brian Harris of Hemel Hempstead Movie Makers, from 37 films made during the year by Society members.
Following the presentations, a compilation of the winning films was shown with the Society’s state of the art projector, amplifier and speakers. The quality of the filmmakers’ art was stunningly evident, both in the content of the films and the technical advances in the equipment, thereby demonstrating that the Society is going from strength to strength.
John B Parkes, Competition/Publicity Officer
Who runs and who pays for Elm Court?
Elm Court Youth and Community Centre is for the Youth and Community of Potters Bar. Priority goes to the youth who use the building four evenings every week. This leaves the weekends, daytime, and Wednesday evenings for community activity, whether it be Fifty Plus, badminton, the Horticultural Society or the many other groups who use the Centre. The building belongs to Herts County Council, who let it to the volunteer Management Committee at a peppercorn rent. The Management Committee is responsible for managing the Centre and pay for all maintenance and employ part-time staff to administer and look after the Centre.
The Centre is almost totally self-financing. £30,000 of income is from letting rooms to community groups and a few commercial lets. £13,000 is raised from car boot sales. Last year the Centre received £5000 of grants from Hertsmere and Herts CC, but this income looks more likely to be zero this year.
Herts County Council Youth Service runs three youth clubs per week, with staffing paid by County.The Management Committee runs two other youth clubs, staffed mostly by volunteers. We are always looking for volunteers for these clubs, so if you can help, even if it is only once a month, please phone the Centre.
If you need a room, whether it’s for a community group or a party, please give us a ring.The income from such lettings is the only way we can keep this centre open for the Youth and Community alike.
Tom Shirley (Chairman). 01707 659602 (9am to 1pm weekdays) www.elmcourt.org.uk
Wayside Club for the Disabled
The Wayside Club for the Disabled meets fortnightly on a Thursday from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Wayside Jubilee Centre. We have a cooked meal and then entertainment of some sort and we arrange transport to get you to and from the centre. In the summer we get out and about with visits in the locality and sometimes further afield. We always welcome new members – have you had a stroke, suffer from MS or a disability which restricts your life and would be glad to socialise with others with similar problems?
Continued Progress For Potters Bar Town FC
In what could be a vital season, an excellent start has been made with the Team top of the Minerva Spartan South Midlands League, after 9 games, still unbeaten in the League. Success in the League this season could see the Club gain promotion to its highest standing ever in the Non League Pyramid, entering the Ryman League. This would be a tremendous achievement for your local team and would see them rubbing shoulders with the likes of Enfield, Wealdstone and Borehamwood, clubs that have won many of the major honours in the Non League game. Manager Steve Smart has assembled a talented side, based upon a nucleus of local players, and the first team is supported by Reserve and Youth teams where the accent is on nurturing promising youngsters from Potters Bar.
Given success on the pitch, to gain promotion some improvements would need to be made to the Parkfield Centre Ground to comply with Ryman League requirements. Whilst it is possible that the Football Foundation may give some assistance, the Club would be expected to fund most of the cost itself. Finance, therefore, is particularly important at the moment and the Club’s successful weekly lottery (Top Draw) provides a useful source of income. There are still vacancies for Potters Bar residents and if you would like to join in, please contact Pete Waller on 020 8360 7859 or pbtfc@aol.com
One potential money-spinner has unfortunately disappeared with the early exit from the FA Cup. A defeat resulting not only in the loss of possible cup glory but precluding payments from the FA, which increase round by round. There is still, however, the FA Vase to look forward to, with the ambition of repeating and improving on the excellent quarterfinal appearance in 1998. The Club is well organised, the ground in fine shape, with a new stand and a clubhouse which is open to all at home games. This facility is also available for private parties and may be booked by contacting the Secretary.
The Club’s website (www.pottersbartownfc.co.uk) is attractively presented, containing recent match reports, playing statistics and forthcoming fixtures, etc. It also has a very interesting club history, tracing the development from Mount Grace Old Scholars in 1960 through to the present day. As with all clubs, a number of people have given sterling service over the years but perhaps none more so than the current Chairman, Pete Waller who has been associated with the Club since 1968. Another stalwart is President, Bert Wright, who was a founder member, having been the School Caretaker at that time.
Exciting times, therefore, for the Town. Why not come and share that excitement with a visit to a home game? You are assured of a warm, traditional Non League welcome and the realisation that football at the grass roots level is thriving.
Admission is £4 but the Chairman has generously agreed that anyone producing this edition of Community News at the turnstiles will be admitted free for that game.
John Connell
A ‘Funday’ in the Park
Upwards of 3000 people joined in the fun in Oakmere Park. The Funday organised by Potters Bar Rotary and Potters Bar in Focus attracted over 30 local organisations who had their wares on display. There was entertainment all afternoon in the arena and plenty of games and fairground rides for the youngsters. In the blazing sunshine the ice cream man and the beer tent did a roaring trade though the tea tent wasn’t quite so busy. Next year’s event will be on Saturday July 10th. So if you belong to a local organisation which would like to be better known and sign up more members put the date in your diary or just make a note to come along and have some fun.
Volunteers’ Week in Potters Bar
Visitors to Furzefield Leisure Centre saw a large display in the foyer, promoting volunteering in Volunteer’s week. It was a great way to raise the profile of volunteering and to show the wide range of opportunities from so many agencies. Many people took brochures away to read and digest, and we hope that they will feel inspired to volunteer.
We were joined by Age Concern, The British Red Cross, Herts Wildlife and Abbeyfield Care Homes. All are currently looking for volunteers locally and have a range of interesting opportunities to offer. Together we created a colourful display and gave members of the public a greater knowledge of what we all do.
For further information on volunteering, or any of the above opportunities, please contact Patti Marston Hertsmere CVS Volunteer Bureau, who is now working out of the Borehamwood Office, although outreach visits will still be a priority. Tel 0208 207 4504.
Cricket Club – Champions
Potters Bar Cricket Club crowned another successful campaign by dramatically pipping rival Welwyn Garden City the ECB Home Counties Div 2 (East) title in the last league Saturday of the season. Jared Norman’s men from The Walk will now be playing their cricket at the very top level via the ECB Home Counties Premier Division 1 league, travelling to clubs as far afield as Basingstoke, Oxford and Banbury. Also, the club’s much envied colts set-up produced two more 17 year olds in Paul Barker and Nick Lamb who made their debuts for the senior Herts Minor Counties side during the summer. Not only did the 1st XI take the Championship but Dave Pett’s 2nd XI also won promotion to Div. 3 of the Herts leagues whilst John Erroll’s 3rds and Ian Breeze’s 4th consolidated their respective positions.
Meanwhile the Club’s new ladies team, the Fillies, started with some friendly matches with the intent of entering a league next year. They would welcome new recruits.
The Colts section also enjoyed a busy season. Over 120 boys and girls from the Nursery group under 17s played stacks of cricket – the under 10s upwards participated in the Middlesex cup and leagues – under the guidance of the club’s twelve ECB CA qualified coaches, headed by The Walk resident and former Herts. Essex and England player, Mark Ilott. The Under 17s capped a great run of victories by lifting the prestigious Middlesex County Cup. The local Primary Schools Festival in June and July was another hit. Ladbrooke, Sunny Bank, Little Heath, Oakmere, Wroxham, St Giles, Cranborne and Pope Paul all took part and the festival will be repeated next year.
On Sunday afternoons from December, the club is holding nets and coaching for both current and prospective colts in the new state-of-the-art cricket hall at the Hertfordshire Sports Village on the Hatfield Business Park. Details are available from the Colts Administrator, Cheryl Seaman, on 659680, as is information regarding registration for next season.
Acclaimed by the Welwyn & Hatfield Times, ‘Potters Bar have now established themselves as one of the leading clubs not only in Hertfordshire but also in the region’. The club is always looking to forge new links with businesses in the area. The Secretary can provide a Sponsorship Prospectus to any interested individual or company.
Potters Bar Bowls Club
The outdoor bowls season in the UK lasts only five months from April through to September. In that time our Club, just off The Walk, plays over 95 matches! With so much activity at the Club and on the Bowling Green this calls for an army of volunteers to maintain the facilities in A1 condition. The economics of running a Bowling Club require voluntary effort and unless over the age of 75 years, every member is allocated a task to perform. 75 is a key number for in 2004 the Club will reach its 75th birthday and has come a long way since opening the first green in 1929. You can access, via the Internet, the story of the Club’s first 60 years at www.pottersbar-bc.com. Our web site also changes daily and carries all of the Club’s activities and we would enjoy receiving your feedback on our Site. This year’s Open Days were particularly well attended and attracted a good crop of new members bringing our Men’s section up to 80 players and the Ladies’ section to their upper limit of 50 players. We will be delighted, to continue to receive enquiries to join your ‘local’ bowls club.
Last year we wrote about the flowers that adorn our Green and the annual donation from the Dutch Nursery, and we are delighted to acknowledge this year’s gift of bedding plants. With so many matches it’s difficult to single out one particular event or adequately summarise the programme to date. However, a good example of our whole Club working as one, to deliver a splendid occasion, was the Ladies Gala held in July when 28 visiting Clubs attended a truly successful day.
Blues strike Gold - twice!
The Marching Blues struck gold not once, but twice at the Midsomer Norton European Concert & Showband Championships last weekend. The band travelled to Bath to take part in a concert style competition on Saturday gaining a much sought after gold medal with a score of 84 per cent. This was the first time that the 'Blues' had entered a concert competition putting on a superb performance to a very appreciative audience. On Sunday, the band performed their award winning marching routine scoring a magnificent 88.5 per cent, gaining another gold medal to add to their collection. Ian McDermott also won the best Drum Major award. Bandmaster Terry Barnes said " I have never seen or heard our band perform so well, EVER!"
The Marching Blues’ next public performance will be their annual Christmas concert at the Wyllyotts theatre in Potters Bar on Dec. 7th. For further information regarding the Marching Blues visit the website; www.marching-blues.co.uk or ring bandmaster.
Motorised Marrow Mover
Terry Winter (Ensign Motors) has added a lawn mower petrol engine to his wheelbarrow, making it easier to move anything from manure to marrows. Terry has a very well kept allotment growing lots of organic food plants on the Southgate Road Allotments.