POTTERS BAR COMMUNITY NEWS - March 2004
Community News is distributed door to door in
Potters Bar, Little Heath and Brookmans Park.
We were overwhelmed with articles for this issue. We thought it
fairer to have more short items than only a few longer ones and
so the Editors have had to cut many of the articles. Apologies
to all in advance but hopefully we have retained all the essential
information in your article.
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.
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
CONTENTS - click on the item to go straight there.
Two New Theatres for Potters Bar!
Don't believe everything you read in the press! That is the message
coming from the Wyllyotts Centre. Brand new theatre seating has just
been fitted and the café has been refurbished. Some recent reports
implied that the Centre was about to be closed or sold off. In order
to explain the true situation, Phil Collins, Chief Executive of
Hertsmere Leisure issued the following statement:
"When Hertsmere Leisure was created, a ten year lease was entered
into with a break clause after three years. This would enable new
leases to be negotiated after there had been some experience of
operating under the new arrangements. The Trust was offered the
option of deferring this break clause for 12 months as the initial
Trust formation had taken nearly a year. But the Trust preferred
to begin negotiations to secure longer term leases as soon as
possible. As a part of this process and wholly expected, the
Trust was served with notice to terminate the current leases with
effect from 31st January 2005. The Trust is now busily preparing
a new Business Plan and commencing negotiations with the Borough
Council to secure a longer term management agreement."
The Wyllyotts Centre is part of Hertsmere Leisure along with the
Furzefield Centre and facilities in Bushey and Borehamwood.
Wyllyotts has a thriving programme of theatre, cinema and events
as well as rooms for hire, a café and bar. The Citizens Advice
Bureau, Museum, Capital Arts, Sixty Plus Centre and Council
Information Office are all housed in the complex creating a
busy environment, which attracts over 100,000 visitors per year.
The Wyllyotts Spring brochure is now available from reception.
To join the mailing list and receive the entertainment brochure
free of charge please call the box office on 01707 645005.
Drop in for a cuppa or something more substantial at lunchtime
or book for a show or a film at your local theatre.
More good news for Potters Bar at the Community Hospital where
a 'new' theatre for cataract operations is to be built along
with extensions of clinic services: see below for details.
Future development of Potters Bar Community Hospital
Hertsmere Primary Care Trust (PCT) has been successful in securing
£1.2 million from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Health
Authority to extend the range of services currently available at
Potters Bar Community Hospital. This money will enable more
diagnostic services to be provided for local people at the Hospital,
including endoscopic examinations, simple blood and urine tests for
diabetic patients. The improvement to the existing operating theatre
will also mean that people will no longer have to travel into
London for day-case cataract operations instead consultants from
Moorefield's Eye Hospital and East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trusts
will work in the local hospital.
These extra services will add to the existing 45 beds, out patient's
department and diagnostic services.Thus local residents from Potters
Bar and across Hertsmere PCT will receive quality health care services
in their local community. Beth Kelly, Chair said "This is a great
opportunity to develop more services locally and will enable
Moorfields and East & North Herts Hospitals Trust Consultants
to perform follow up surgery in our local environment. This means
less travel time for local residents on a whole range of extra
services".
Films and Other Forthcoming Events at Wyllyotts
Films coming up include a special showing of Calendar Girls on Sunday March 14th,
a performance in aid of Leukaemia Research in conjunction with the Rotary Club
of Potters Bar. Drinks from 6.30pm, film starts at 7.30pm. Advance booking
recommended.
A monthly Jazz Club - Jazz in the Café - starting on Thursday March 18th
(also on April 15th and June 3rd) features award-winning alto saxophonist Martin
Speake with Barry Green (piano), Simon Thorpe (double bass) and Dave Wickins
(drums) giving a personal interpretation of some of the greatest music in the Jazz
repertoire. No need to book in advance as tickets are available on the door.
On Tuesday 23rd March at 4.30 pm 'Dream Idol Open Auditions' - for 8-14 year olds:
a chance to come along a sing a verse or chorus from a favourite pop hit. Free
to enter, winners will take part in a concert on 6th April. Call the box office
for more details and to register.
The Gas Man Cometh - a tribute to Flanders & Swann Wed 24th Mar 2.00pm and 8.00pm
Other events include The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, A tribute by Giles Brandreth to
100 musicals, Tea Dances and a host of children's activities. Phone 645005 for
more details.
Films at Wyllyotts
Cold Mountain (15)
Tuesday 16th Mar 7.30pm
Wed 17th Mar 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (12A)
Tuesday 13th Apr 7pm
Wed 14th Apr 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Something's Gotta Give (12A)
Tuesday 20th Apr 7.30pm
Wed 21st Apr 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Fri 23rd Apr 1.30pm
Big Fish (PG)
Tuesday 4th May 7.30pm
Wed 5th May 1.30pm & 7.30pm
House of Sand & Fog (15)
Tues 11th May 7.30pm
Wed 12th may 1.30pm & 7.30pm
Aiming for quality for Hertfordshire children
Local childminders who meet every Wednesday at Our Lady of Assumption Church
successfully gained their Hertfordshire Quality Standards Award at a ceremony
at County Hall Hertford in November 2003. The awards scheme is designed to
recognise and celebrate high quality early years care and education and spread
good practice around the county.
Among the childminders were Irene Burnham, Nicola Brown, Eileen Geoghagan, Sallyanne
Nash, Amanda Pink, Lorraine Randles, Menchu Soriano-Vilchez, Karen Tyler,
Anne Ward, Lisa Wilson.
These successful candidates took a period of six months to fulfil the scheme's
requirements. They worked together towards this award to gain the HQS Kitemark.
To find out more about the Quality Standards Awards contact the HQS Team on
01582 830281.
Bus Garage Problems
There seem to be increasing numbers of buses coming out of the bus garage with
'Not in Service' and parking in the High Street, especially at night blocking
the road. Now the County Council plan to alter the public lay-by outside the
garage to accommodate bus parking apparently with little consideration for
residents. We intend to take this forward and need to monitor the parking,
pollution more closely. We can only do this with your help. If you see buses
at night in the High Street please phone the police on 01707 638100 and insist
they log it and give you a reference number. Then please write to Malcolm Souch
who is a Senior Planning Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council also monitoring.
Please do not leave it to someone else to complain.
John Godfrey
Potters Bar Carnival 2004
Place: Elm Court. Date: Saturday 12th June.
Marching Band, Fair and other
attractions. Ring Sue Weaver for more details.
Princess Competition in Welwyn Hatfield Times from mid March.
Have you had a letter about the M25 widening?
Several people have brought letters in to the CAB in the last year which have
targeted residents in roads near to the M25. They are from solicitors seeking
to take group compensation claims all around the motorway if the M25 is widened
in the future. The solicitor would take a percentage of any claim won. Should
they sign up? The advice from Potters Bar Society is that any widening here will
not take place for a number of years and the present law is that residents in
the affected areas can get legal advice and representation for free, paid for
by the government at the time. The government will write to all affected if and
when it may happen. CAB would like to know of other such approaches in order to monitor.
Weather Summary for Potters Bar 2003
Following a three-year annual rainfall average of 37.35ins we came back down
to earth in 2003 with only 21.81in (554.25mm). Our average seems to be about
28in. Some extremes, particularly in temperature occurred, reaching the highest
in living memory locally on the 10th August; 36.4C (97.5F). Thundery activity
was at a low level too, despite the high temperatures. Atmospheric conditions
have to be right for this phenomenon. A high temperature is secondary where
thunderstorms are concerned. The air must be moist and have a lapse rate
(decrease in temperature with height) in excess of 3 deg F per 1000ft.
Thunderstorms can be the result of convection, the passage of cold or occluded
fronts, sometimes warm fronts.
Reverting to the statistics for Potters Bar, November was the wettest month
again with 128.60 mm (5.06in). The driest month was August with only 7.15mm
(0.28in). With high evaporation in hot summer months this must have reduced
the level of our water table considerably. 183 days were rainless. Brogale in
Kent is understood to have reached 36.4C (101.3F), which is a national record.
This is a far cry from the highest temperature ever recorded world wide of
58c(136.4F) at Al'azizyah Libya on September 13th 1922.
Our lowest night minimum was minus 6.7C (19.9F) on the 12th January while the
lowest grass minimum was minus 7.8C (18.0F) on 6th February. The mean annual
maximum temperature was 15.5C (59.8F) and the mean annual minimum was
6.1C(43.0F) with a mean annual grass temperature of 3.6 (38.5F). The temperature
did not fall below 18.2C (64.8F) over night on 5th and 6th August. Thunder and
lightning occurred on 13 separate days only and hail was only observed on four
occasions. With more clear nights, ground frosts totalled 111 rivalling 1996,
with air frosts at 52. There were eight days of snow falling with five days of
snow lying. The wettest day was November 22nd with 28.20mm (1.11in). The mean
temperature for 2003 was 10.8C (51.4F).
The first ground frost was very early on 24th September minus 2.9C (26.8F), with
the first autumn air frost minus 1.7c (28.9F) on the 24th October. Be on your
guard when confronted by clear still nights outside June, July and August.
Eddie Harvey
Arts & Science for Kids
After the great success over the past few years of the annual 'Schools Art' exhibition
the Potters Bar in Focus Community & Communications Group decided it was time that
science and technology got a look in. So this year in conjunction with SETPOINT a
'SCIENCE CHALLENGE' for primary school children is being organised. In June a group
of children from several Potters Bar primary schools will spend a morning trying to
solve a technological challenge. The challenge will be devised and run by SET POINT
who are a Hertfordshire educational charity whose aim is to inspire young people
about science, engineering, mathematics and technology. A trophy will be presenting
to the winning school.
The 'Schools Art' exhibition is taking place again this year at Sunny Bank School,
in the Infants Hall, on 4th to 6th March from 10am to 5pm daily.
Launching Potters Bar Community Learning
Are you involved with a group or organisation with an interest in learning?
Would you like to be involved in creating additional learning opportunities
in the Potters Bar area? Potters Bar Community Learning is a friendly working
group which aims to prioritise needs, identify funding and create new learning
opportunities in the area.
Potters Bar Community Learning is having a launch event at Mount Grace School
on Tuesday 30th March at 4.00 pm. The event will include a presentation on how
schools can work in partnership to create community-learning opportunities, and
an opportunity to input your views. Refreshments will be served.
For further details, please contact Jan Guyatt, Co-ordinator Hertsmere Learning
Forum on 020 8207 4504 or at jan@hertsmerecvs.org.
pottersbar.org One Year On
Potters Bar does have its own website - have you explored it yet? Up to now it
has concentrated on information giving, with information on as many clubs and
societies we can find out about, shops and restaurants, including online menus
for most local restaurants and takeaways, a comprehensive "What's On", list of
planning applications as well as links to local weather, bus and train information.
If the information you want about Potters Bar is not on the site, then drop me an
email.
But is it time to expand the site, more along the lines of www.brookmans.com, an
excellent site that includes more local news and discussion forums? If you would
be prepared to send in news, or could help with the administration of a discussion
forum, then please email me.
Likewise, if your organisation wants some exposure on the world wide web, then
email me with details. Have a look at the website to see the sort of information
we can include.
webmaster@pottersbar.org
RSPB Coach Outings
Run by Potters Bar and Barnet RSPB Group but open to everybody. Full details
available from Fran Attrill. Phone 01438 817797
Sunday & Saturday trips are to bird reserves and the mid-week trips with a
later start include visits to gardens, leisurely days out with coffee and lunch
stops.
Coach pick up points at the Odeon Barnet, Hadley Green and St. John's, Baker Street,
Potters Bar.
February Sunday 15th. PULBOROUGH West Sussex Price Coach £12
March Sunday 14th. WALBERSWICK Suffolk Price Coach £12
April Sunday 18th. BRECKLANDS Norfolk Price: Coach £12 Reserve Weeting Heath £2
May Sunday 16th. STRUMPSHAW Suffolk Price: Coach £12
June Saturday 19th. THURSLEY COMMON Surrey Price: Coach £12.
April Wednesday 21st. HERTS VILLAGES and SHAW'S CORNER Price: coach and entrance:
£12. [NT members deduct £3]Lunch extra to be paid on the day.
May Wednesday 19th. VIRGINIA WATERS / SAVILLE GARDENS Price:Coach & entrance £15
June Wednesday 16th. RHS GARDENS WISLEY Price:Coach & entrance £15 [RHS members deduct
£5.00] Price of meal tba
.
July Sunday 18th. MYSTERY TRIP Price: To include coach, entrances etc, afternoon tea
and cakes £26.50
Village Day Brookmans Park - 19th June
This is always an enjoyable afternoon, plus the bonus that while stallholders keep
their own fund-raising all other monies go directly to the primary school. Last
year's takings completely financed refurbishing of the nursery, infant and reception
areas and still had enough to install infant playground equipment. The aim in June
is to refurbish the stage and hall and relocate the library.
Apart from the usual good mix of local and national charity stalls, the main arena
event will be 'human bar football' - small teams of children or adults playing as
if they were table football teams. The PTA is looking for anyone who would like to
take part; if interested apply on the Brookmans Park Primary School website.
With thanks to Simon English, Board of Governors.
Elm Court - Free for your Committee meetings.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, Elm Court buzzes with Youth Clubs.
On Wednesday evenings we are pleased to accommodate Potters Bar and District
Horticultural Society, Hazelwood Badminton and Herts Feng Shui Society, but we
still have space for other community groups. To help community groups who have
difficulty finding a location to hold their committee meetings, Elm Court offers
its meeting rooms free of charge. This free offer is for community organisation's
committee meetings only and on a Wednesday evening. But if you'd like to hold your
regular members' night on a Wednesday, or during any daytime at Elm Court, then we
will probably be able to help, and community groups do get a good discount.
Our Youth Clubs continue to be active, but two of the clubs are desperate for helpers.
Our Junior Club is on Tuesday night between 6.30 and 8pm for 8 to 11 year olds, and
our Inters Club is on Fridays between 8pm and 10pm for 11 to 14 year olds. If
you could help, even just once a month that would be a great. Perhaps you have
a special skill or interest that you would like to pass onto young people? If you
could help at the Clubs, or want to book the Centre for your community organisation,
please phone the office, 9am to 1pm Mon-Fri, 01707 659602 or email admin@elmcourt.org.uk.
For more information about the Centre see www.elmcourt.org.uk
Tom Shirley, Chairman
Potters Bar Festival?
The Potters Bar in Focus Community & Communication Group in conjunction with
Dave Clarke of Hertsmere Borough Council is currently looking at the possibility
of holding a festival for Potters Bar between the Carnival (early June) and the
Funday (early July). At present we are looking at events which already take place
at that time of the year, that could perhaps be linked under a 'Festival' banner
and hoping to persuade groups to move events that are already taking place into
that time frame. The hope is that over the years, without a separate festival
organisation, more events will take place in that period and develop into a
festival with a logo, a programme of events, joint publicity etc.
The idea is to promote the town and events in the town, if you have any ideas or
views please contact Dave Clarke on 020 8207 7519 or e-mail
david.clarke@hertsmere.gov.uk
Hayes Hill Farm
The bright blue Fordson tractor roared into life at Hayes Hill Farm and another
trailer load of children and adults were off to see the milking at Holyfield Hall
Farm. There, they can also see, 'Liam' the old bull and 'Lapwing' the young
'Blonde D'Aquitine' bull. Normally my work is as a part time Minibus driver.
This involves driving disabled children to school during school term only. In a
word, although satisfying, it is very repetitive. And on school holidays and
weekends there is no money coming in.
This summer I tried to alter that situation and I applied for employment with Lee
Valley Park. What I found was a whole wonderment of attractions for the younger
element of the community. With over 200 animals to see, touch and sometimes cuddle,
the children are in their dream world. There are goats (some of strange breeds),
pigs (some with litters of squealing piglets), sheep with lambs, a tiny Dexter cow
with her calf geese, sometimes wandering free. Then there are the smaller animals,
rabbits, guinea pigs and chipmunks. Water buffalo and Highland cows roam in
paddocks close to the picnic and play area.
The farms are situated two miles north of Waltham Abbey on the B194 Crooked Mile
and are very easily found by following the signs for Hayes Hill Farm. The two
farms total 600 acres, although only 15 account for the Farm. Holyfield Hall
Farm is arable as well as pasture land and there are Wheat, Barley and Maize
growing. A herd of 140 milking cows, also a herd of beef cattle that in the
summer graze the Lee Valley marshes.
The trailer ride goes up and down between the two farms from 2.30 to 4.30. So
there's plenty of time to look around, even take a walk along the Lee Valley
Viewpoint trail. Then return to Hayes Hill Farm.
Prices are very reasonable. There is a tearoom, toilet facilities, hand washing
facilities and a baby changing unit. The staff cater for birthday parties.
Schools are welcome as are pre-school parties, who can have (pre-booked) a guided
tour of the farms.
I find that at the end of the tractor ride I get thanked for the 'Tractor Ride',
especially by children, making the job even more enjoyable.
For more information about admission prices and opening times.
Please telephone Hayes Hill Farm
John Wise
A new venture for Abbeyfield in Potters Bar
Abbeyfield have been offering very sheltered housing to the elderly of Potters Bar
for 35 years. This has been a successful venture and they have two large houses
in the area giving accommodation for up to some 25 residents. Meals, cleaning of
personal rooms and laundry are included.
They are now offering furnished short-term stays to those in need. Of course if
the resident finds the accommodation to their liking, then it may be possible to
offer a more permanent place within one of the houses. This is a new venture and
it would be wonderful to see an extension of work in this way as the community is
badly in need of such accommodation.
Are you involved with a local community group or organisation?
Could your group benefit from: advice and information on fundraising;
help finding new volunteers; training for volunteers, paid staff and
trustees; receiving an informative newsletter on a regular basis; opportunities
to 'network' with individuals from other community-voluntary groups and seek
solutions to common problems
Hertsmere CVS, THE support agency for the community-voluntary sector in Hertsmere,
provides these and many other services. We would like to make contact with groups
and organisations that are not currently members of Hertsmere CVS. New members
can join FREE OF CHARGE. For further information about the full range of our
services and projects, and a copy of our current newsletter, please contact us.
Luisa Gorry Member Administrator - Hertsmere CVS 020 8207 4504 info@hertsmerecvs.org
100 years of powered flight
To commemorate the centenary of Orville Wright's first flight under power
at Kittyhawk on 17th December 1903 the Potters Bar Museum has mounted an
exhibition tracing the development of aircraft and aviation in those hundred years.
Special emphasis is given to de Havilland and Handley Page history since so many
local residents have worked for these companies and their successors. The museum
is located in the Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane and is open from 2.30pm to 4.30pm
on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays. Also open all day
Sunday once a month when the Antiques Fair is held in the Centre. Admission is
free and the exhibition will continue until June 2004.
Hon Curator, Arnold Davey
Potters Bar Citizens Advice Bureau
Volunteer advisers needed who can offer six hours weekly, consistently and who
wish to help others in an impartial and non-judgemental service. No formal
qualifications necessary but ability to read and explain complicated documents,
think laterally, listen carefully, do simple calculations and use computers.
Comprehensive training and full support given. Hard work but very rewarding.
If this sounds like you, please phone 0870 121 2025 or 01707 665727 or call in
to CAB at Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane.
Donations to Potters Bar Hospital
I have been asked several times recently how we use monies donated: United Reformed
Church gave almost £600 at Christmas, St John's Methodist have just given £100 again.
We have another fine donor in the redoubtable Eddie Harvey from his Charities Cup
matches and Joan Redgers at Grapevine was also a donor. Individuals give us funds,
usually in lieu of floral tributes at funerals or as thanks for their families'
or their own compassionate treatment by staff at the hospital. Our most munificent
donor was a Mr Donald Lester who left us a legacy.
Using some of this has enabled us to air-condition two indoor bathrooms, buy equipment
for the bladder clinic, a phlebotomy chair for blood taking so patients can sit
comfortably, a state of the art photocopier mainly for nurses use to save a lot of
running-around between wards with patients' notes; we have had the piano tuned and
have purchased three electronically operated beds. Enough? Not quite - we have agreed
to buy two wheelchairs and a sofa bed for the overnight visitors room. Oh, and we
donated £10,000 to Moorfield's last spring so that more people could use their
outpatients Eye Clinic at the hospital. This was not all the money raised by outside
means: the committee have held a coffee morning , collection at Tesco, a stall at the
Carnival, and Autumn Event and a stall at the PBUR Christmas tree-dressing weekend.
We have more events being planned and have been advised of further requirements not
funded by the NHS. Please help us to achieve all we aim for and keep donations coming.
Grateful thanks to all who give their time, thought and effort on the hospital's
behalf. We could not have done most of the above without you!
Judith Pelikan, Hon. Secretary to The League of Friends.
New Years Resolution? Come and Volunteer.
VOLUNTEERS are urgently needed by many Potter's Bar voluntary organisations who
offer interesting and varied opportunities such as: visiting and befriending,
administration and IT, secretarial and treasurer's posts, swimming with the disabled,
bowls club for the blind, activities with children and young people, Guides and
Scouts, lunch club and support for those returning from hospital.
For further information and/or an informal interview in Potters Bar please phone
Patti Marston at the Hertsmere Volunteer Bureau on 0208 207 4504.
Potters Bar and District Photographic Society
New camera for Christmas and not sure what to do with it??!! Have you thought about
joining your local camera club? There has been an enormous increase in sales of
digital cameras recently but many people are not sure how to get started to make
the most of this wonderful new technology. At your local camera club you can join
other enthusiasts. Our programme is very varied and apart from competitions and
visits from lecturers we have discussion evenings, outings and workshops. We meet
every Monday evening in the Wyllyotts centre 8pm and membership works out at less
than £1 per evening. So get that camera out of the box and give one of us a ring.
Details of our programme of events can be found in What's On.
Geoff , Ann , John
Local feng shui meetings
Hello everyone, it's time to talk about Feng Shui again. Due to the tight schedule,
I am sorry the Feng Shui meeting is going to be bi-monthly instead.
But that will also mean that there is more time to make the meetings even more
interesting. All meetings at 7pm at Elm Court Community Centre, Mutton Lane.
24th March Interior Design by Carol Holden
19th May Chinese Medicine by Shun Au (TCM)
14th July Crystal Healing by Philip Salmon & Anna Jeoffrey
15th September Feng Shui by Sylvia Bennett (UK FS Society) to be confirmed
See you in the next meeting.
Eddie
Some enchanted evening...
One of the best loved musicals of all time, with perhaps the finest score to
come from the partnership of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is South Pacific.
Potters Bar residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the show for the first
time in over ten years at the Wyllyotts Centre this spring when Green Room
Productions present this celebrated story from 18th to 22nd May. The sweltering
and vividly tropical score includes Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than
Springtime, There is Nothing Like a Dame, I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa
My Hair, Happy Talk, Honey Bun, Bali Ha'I and This Nearly Was Mine.
South Pacific follows Green Room's much praised recent production of Underneath
the Arches at Wyllyotts and marks a double bill of Rodgers and Hammerstein for
the company in 2004, as in November Green Room will be presenting The Sound of
Music, never before seen at Wyllyotts.
Tickets for South Pacific can be reserved by calling George and Shirley Sugden
on the Green Room Box Office number, 020 8360 1957.
Alastair Woodgate,
Chairman, Green Room Productions
Free Computer Taster Courses come to Potters Bar
In our modern age everybody can make his or her life easier or more enjoyable
by being able to use a computer. Hertsmere Worknet together with Oaklands
College are now able to offer a range of FREE computer based starter courses
in Potters Bar.
Whether your interest is to surf the net, to improve your garden, to start internet
shopping or banking, to start making jewellery, to study your family history or
just to improve your computer skills, there is something for YOU. If you know
little or nothing about computers then why not take a beginners course?
If you are interested, come along to MOUNT GRACE SCHOOL (side entrance in Church Road)
any Tuesday or Wednesday between 15.00 and 20.00 and sign up for your FREE
three-hour session in your subject of choice.
We are also able to offer a range of courses to improve your IT skills (surf the net,
word processing, spread sheets, presentations etc.) at ELM COURT every Thursday
between 14.00 and 16.00 (phone Worknet on 020 8236 7600 and ask for Paul).
Free Help is at Hand for Local Retailers
Wenta Business Services, the local enterprise agency for south and west
Hertfordshire are offering a free helping hand for small retailers in
and around Potters Bar. Whether you're starting and developing a new retail
business or simply wishing to improve and expand an existing one, Wenta's
pecialist retail advisor Norman Ewing can provide customised support to help
you improve the profitability and success of your business.
This service is part of Wenta's ongoing commitment to support the small business
sector, and is completely free of charge. It forms part of a project co-financed
by the European Union's Social Fund.
Typical areas of support include: one-to-one specialist retail advice; visits to
your premises arranged at your convenience; review of your retail objectives,
plans and performance; access to free specialist training including marketing,
promotions and computers skills. There are many areas Norman can help retailers
with. For example: retail marketing; promotions; customer service; store
layout/merchandising; profit improvement; recruitment and people management;
to name but a few.
For further information or to take advantage of this unique service call
0870 870 0891 or visit the Wenta website www.wenta.co.uk.
WEA Potters Bar Branch
After Easter, the WEA will be running a six-week study of a classic of English
Literature. The class is held at Potters Bar United Reformed Church on Thursday
mornings, 10am to 12 noon. Beginning 22nd April. For further information contact
Daphne Sandilands after 18th March.
WEA SOS
The WEA has been organising Adult Education classes in Potters Bar for 60 years.
There is a paid overall umbrella organisation, but the local Branch, which
organises the classes, is run by volunteers. We need a new Branch Secretary
and Treasurer if the Branch is to continue. If you are interested in either
of these voluntary posts, phone Daphne Sandilands after 18th March.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - Hertfordshire Branch
The Hertfordshire Branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People was founded in
May 1998 and is dedicated to the dual aims of raising funds to train dogs
for deaf people and to raise public awareness to the work of the Charity.
The Branch has six speakers who travel all over the County giving illustrated
talks to groups: anything from Brownies, Cubs and Schools to Women's Institutes,
Rotary Clubs and Church Groups. Every visit includes a working dog and the
speakers are always happy to answer questions.
During the summer months the Hertfordshire team attends a large number of
village fetes, fairs and County events, where they set up a stall selling
novelty goods, to raise funds for the training of more dogs. We were very
pleased to be invited to attend the Potters Bar charity fair for the first
time this year and, as always, our dogs proved to be a great attraction.
The Branch also holds a number of Flag days each year aimed at fund raising
and publicity. Volunteers are always needed and welcome at all our events.
There are at present about 24 dogs working with deaf recipients in Hertfordshire.
In the five years of its existence the Branch has raised over £125,000, which
includes sponsorship of six dogs. The Branch publishes a quarterly newsletter
called "Dog 'eared" which is circulated to all the 120 members and to interested
individuals and groups. Membership of the Branch is £5 per year and details are
available from the Branch Secretary, Don Alvarez on 01923 404158. Please do not
hesitate to contact him if you would like further information. Your support and
interest will be welcomed and appreciated.
Why not visit our website on www.herts-hearing-dogs.org.uk
Local farmers Market
Hatfield Farmers & Craft Market is now in its 5th year of trading and has more
than doubled its size since it opened in September 1999. It is a fully Certified
Farmers Market which means that it fully complies with the Farmers Market
principles and has a certificate to prove it!
Up to 60 stall holders can be visited on the first Saturday of the Month
(except January) in White Lion Square, Hatfield Town Centre with free parking
in the Town Centre car parks. It is a short walk from the Asda Store and the
general market. The market attracts thousands of visitors and has been named
as the Best Farmers Market in East Anglia. Shopping starts from 9am.
The number and mix of the stalls varies according to the season as no bought
in goods are allowed. Only produce made or grown by the stall holder can be sold.
A wide range of meat, dairy products, vegetables, groceries and plants are
available. Should you feel in need of refreshments there are, depending on
the time of year, ice creams, soup, hog roast rolls, ostrich burgers and
fruit smoothies for you to purchase and enjoy while considering what to buy
from the wide range of craft items also on sale.
Information line 01707 357547
Margaret Donovan can be contacted at Welwyn Hatfield Council 01707 357377.
Parenting Courses and Support in and around Hertsmere
Hertsmere PCT in Partnership with Children, Schools and Families and the
Borehamwood Community Partnership offer a range of parenting courses and support
groups during term time. You could share your experiences with other parents,
achieve a better understanding of your child and or perhaps resolve conflict.
The 0-6 Pram to Primary School programme is a 6 - 7 week course. It is suitable
for anyone caring regularly for young children.
The 5-15 programme is a 7-8 week programme. It looks at many of the issues faced
by school children.
Parenting and Sex is a 5 week programme for parents to discuss issues relating to
their growing children.
Teen parenting Programme is a 6 week course looking at many of the dilemmas involved
in parenting a teenager.
Shareplus is a course with over 40 sessions that can be chosen to meet the demands
of a group. Recent popular sessions have included food and how it affects
behaviour, play, learning and getting on at school, ages and stages of development,
what is a parent?
For details of the next sessions near you, please contact Teresa Newcombe or
Trudi West at: Elms Clinic, High Street, Potters Bar, Herts. EN6 5DA. 01707-655869.
A challenging children support group is held monthly at Allum Lane Community
Centre for further details please contact: Sue Friend, Child and Family Social
Worker on 0208- 953- 6431
Please contact Teresa or Trudi if you would like to add your name to a database
to receive regular information on courses available.
Little Heath and Brookmans Park Chess Club
The Club members are enjoying another successful season. The first team,
which hasn't lost a match since their first season, are currently leading
the Herts League Division 4 with a perfect 6 wins out of six. The new second
and third teams are battling away in their divisions. The second team have
hopes of promotion to Division 5. The third team which consists almost
exclusively of juniors (average age 11 for one match) have lost every match
but have gained invaluable experience.
The club recently ran its second Chess Week with Learn Chess sessions for adults
and juniors and a UK Chess Challenge tournament.
The club has a website at www.littleheathchess.co.uk. New members are especially
welcome at Little Heath on Wednesday evenings. The Brookmans Park club evening
on Thursdays is usually full of keen juniors. Chris Cook
Potters Bar Bereavement Service
Since its launch, 6 years ago, 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.This 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
What can massage do for you?
Many people are forced to work long hours in stressful jobs and find little time
to relax. Massage can create an atmosphere where people feel they can leave the
outside world behind. There are many types of massage for example sports massage,
Swedish massage, Indian Head massage and Thai massage. Research shows that stress
and sickness go hand in hand and the more relaxed you are the healthier you will
be. Massage can lower blood pressure, improve productivity at work, relieve pain
and even help banish cellulite.
Tiffany Thompson
Life coaching
Life Coaching has suddenly appeared in the headlines in 2003. If it's not the
prime minister's wife, it's a pop or soap star, meeting with their guru to help
them realise their goals, from careers to weight loss. So what's this coaching
lark all about? Coaching has emerged over the past decade from a background in
sports. Now few top sports performers would be without a coach to help them
manage the mental aspects of performing at the top level. From sports, coaching
crossed to business to work with companies and senior executives on work
performance. So what should you do if you are looking for a coach?
A good coach in 6 to 10 sessions of 60-90 minutes should help you to clarify your
goals, help you to understand what gets in the way of you realising them and get
you working to these by yourself. The best coaches will also help you change the
way you think, using new thinking to raise your game at work, in sport or in
retirement.
Jonathan Passmore
Cranborne Primary School - 70 Years On
Cranborne Primary School is 70 years old this year and is named after Viscount
Cranborne, who opened the School on 16th March 1934. Many activities are planned
for this school year, in conjunction with the fund-raising efforts of Friends of
Cranborne and our May Fayre will be held on Sunday 16 May 2004. This year the
Fayre will be marking the School's 70th birthday, and organisers would like to
invite all former students and staff to attend. They would also welcome any
photos or other memorabilia for a proposed exhibition at the Fayre. For details
of how to contact the organisers and on all other events, please contact the
School office at 01707 652714, or check out the School's website, at
www.cranborne.herts.sch.uk
Andrée Sheehan-Evett, Friends of Cranborne
Barracuda Swimming Club
The Barracuda swimming club meet every Sunday morning at the Furzefield Leisure
Centre between 11.30am and 12.30pm. They have the sole use of the pool for
the hour. It helps people with physical disabilities and learning problems
to be safe in water and to swim if they are able. For some members this is
the only time they can go swimming, as there are helpers there to ensure every
person who needs one to one help gets it. For many the sensation of being in
water is special and they can exercise and move in ways they cannot necessarily
do out of the water. It is also a social time for the members meeting weekly and
sharing an interest, and building up friendships. The club holds their own
gala, when all swimmers adults and children who can swim a length are,
encouraged taking part in. Swimmers are also taken to galas at Enfield, Watford,
Southgate and other pools in the local area.
A social event is organised every year with games, last year it was a family
bingo night this year it's a night at the races incorporating fancy dress.
The club is in need of helpers to get in the water with the children and adults.
Barracudas would welcome any volunteers from in the community so if you have an
hour to spare please consider taking part in this worthwhile charity. It is not
expensive only £3.00 a YEAR and you get to swim and help your own fitness at
the same time. There is no age limit on helpers, volunteers have been as young
as 14. Training is incorporated within the sessions and you will not be asked
to do anything you are not comfortable with. In the past we have had volunteers
who have used the experience to count towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards
and Millennium Volunteer hours. Whilst we like regular attendance, even
helping once or twice a month would really help the amount of people we can
get in the water swimming.
For more information contact Gillian Harris or David Miller
Half way to becoming 'First in First Aid'
Since our last update St John Ambulance, we have been busy trying to secure
funding to rebuild our headquarters in The Walk. We have decided to scale
back our previous ambitious plans and build a smaller building but one that
is still capable of being used to teach a variety of First Aid courses,
provide a divisional headquarters and give us storage for our ambulance.
The cost of this new scheme is around £200,000 and this will give us a
teaching hall, support areas and provide us with all modern facilities to meet
current legislation. We have already secured about half the funds from
County St John and Hertsmere Borough Council and are now looking to
businesses and individuals in Potters Bar for the balance.
A fund raising team has been formed and, in co-operation with Potters Bar
Rotary Club, who have chosen St John Ambulance as their primary local charity
for the next two years to mark the centenary of Rotary worldwide, they
will be running a series of events in the town to make people aware of the
work St John Ambulance does and its needs.
Teaching remains a vital part of St John work. Accidents can happen at any
time to anyone and it is in those first few minutes, before emergency services
arrive, that First Aid can be vital. The more people that are trained in First
Aid the better the chance of a life being saved or a serious injury being
immediately attended to.
Fund raising committee member Rob Loader says 'most people in the town know
about the work of St John Ambulance but assume it is somehow government
funded and but St John Ambulance, entirely reliant on voluntary contributions."
In the meantime the committee would welcome all offers of help or money.
Please contact Roger Moore
Potters Bar & District Horticultural Society
Our Society meets at Elm Court on alternate Wednesday evenings from 8.00 pm
until 10 pm and we would love to welcome more members and visitors.
Some of our members are quite new to gardening, others have more knowledge
but we all have plenty to learn and plenty of fun.
Our programme, (see events list in What's On), is varied and not necessarily
strictly horticultural. We engage a range of speakers who have a wealth of
knowledge to impart and they all enjoy talking with us and answering questions.
We have "At Home" evenings when we take a plant to exchange, share tips and
expertise and focus on a topic such as House Plants. This year we are holding
two Quiz evenings, (questions on general topics), and we have planned two
evening outings.
We run three Shows where members exhibit their best blooms, pot plants and fruit
and vegetables. They are open to the public - why not come along? 3rd April
Spring Show, 26th June Summer Show.
Early records of our Society have been mislaid and we would appreciate some help.
So if you know anything about early members who belonged to our club in the
1960's, 1970's or 1980's we would love to hear from you. We would also like to
know about those who donated trophies and any photographs would be a fabulous
bonus. Please do get in touch. Thank you.
Gillian Sewell
Cancer - what do you know about it?
Anyone affected by or concerned about cancer is able to access information
and support by calling CANCERi on 01923-335360 or 01727-897490.
CANCERi has access to subjects relating to: cancer, treatments, side effects
and how to manage them. But also about the practicalities of living with a
diagnosis - benefits, travel insurance, loan equipment, home nursing support
and much more.
CANCERi is able to provide information and support at any stage of a cancer
journey.
Helping ourselves - Literature highlighting cancer awareness and health promotion
is also available. How can we be more aware of lifestyle? How can we adapt
and improve the way we live? Ring for health promotion information, including:
self-examination, healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, sun
awareness and more, on 01923-335360 or 01727-897490.
Ring today for an informal chat to find out what choices and options there are
for you. Be informed call CANCERi.
Badminton at Owen's School
Owen's Badminton Club at Dame Alice Owen's School, Dugdale Hill Lane,
Potters Bar. We are looking for badminton players for our friendly club.
We play on Friday evenings from 8-10p.m. Please ring Lis on for full
details.
From 8 to 63 Shotokan Karate
This is the age range of students training at the Potters Bar Shotokan
Karate Club on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at the Furzefield
Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar. Why not make 2004 the year when you get
fit, meet new friends and learn the most effective form of self-defence.
Beginners' courses will be starting in March on Wednesday evenings. For
further details please see leaflets at Furzefield or call in and see our
Secretary on a Wednesday evening.
If you would like more information please ring the Shotokan Karate
Association on freephone 0800 7832821 or visit our web site on www.ska.org.uk.
Lis Torry
It's Capital at Chequers!
The Capital Arts Children's Choir is currently performing in Puccini's
magnificent opera, 'La Bohème', at the Royal Albert Hall working with American
director, Francesca Zambello and an international cast of singers and actors.
The choir is also continuing its role as the children's chorus in 'Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane, until
April 2005.
In addition to its theatre and concert work, the choir recently gave a recital
at 'Chequers', the country home of the Prime Minister, performing at a dinner
hosted by Cherie Blair. Security was very tight with all the performers having
first to be cleared by 10, Downing Street. Choir director, Kathleen Shanks said,
It was a very exciting evening performing with actor John Hurt, and jazz pianist,
Confrey Phillips. Whilst we were at Chequers we were able to explore the house,
which was very special as it is never open to the public. We also waited to go
'on stage' in the
room where Churchill recorded his famous wartime speeches.
Quite an evening!
The choir is based at the Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar and any child interested
in joining the choir should phone 020 8449 2342. Classes take place on Friday
evenings at Tilbury Hall, Darkes Lane, and on Saturdays at the Wyllyotts Centre.
The Capital Arts children also receive training in dance and drama and will be
performing in their own production of 'Bugsy Malone' at the Wyllyotts Centre on
Saturday July 3rd.
Be a Friend of the Potters Bar Parks
We are seeking active people who wish to become Friends of Potters Bar Parks.
If you are interested contact Tony Morris, Hertsmere Parks Officer, on
0208 207 7519.
Potters Bar Cricket Club
Potters Bar Cricket Club start their ECB Home Counties Premiership programme
at Slough on the 8th May and would welcome support during the season. Entry
to The Walk ground is free. Social membership, which includes the use of the
clubhouse and bar, is £25 and application forms are available from the Duty
Steward on match days.
The 1st XI league fixtures home fixtures can be found in What's On.
The colts begin outdoor practice on Tuesday evenings from 6th April, the under 15s
and 17s on Thursdays from 8th April. Registration for Colts and Seniors alike
is on Sunday 28th March from 1.00pm at the club. The clubhouse facilities are
available for hire for social events and private parties/. Contact the
Premises Manager on 07791 156304. A repeat of last year's popular reunion for
former players will be held on 19th June.
Heart Throb - Cardiac Support Group
Started in 1990 by Sister Noirin Egan and a small group of heart patients at
Chase Farm Hospital, Heart Throbs Cardiac Support Group is now one of the
largest and most active independent support groups in North London affiliated
to the British Heart Foundation.
The Group offers help and guidance to local people who are affected by heart
disease or who have had heart surgery and want to return to a normal and
active life. Partners and carers are most welcome.
At our monthly meetings, which are friendly, informative and free, members
can discuss any worries they have with other members who have had similar
experiences. Our speakers cover a wide range of health-related topics and
question and answer sessions are always lively.
Meetings are held at 7pm on the second Wednesday of every month except August,
in the Lawns Suite of the David Lloyd Club in Carterhatch Lane, Enfield
(behind the Beefeater pub/restaurant on the A10). There is plenty of free
parking.
Many members belong to the exercise group, which runs six sessions a week at
the David Lloyd Club. Professional fitness trainers, specialists in cardiac
rehabilitation exercises, take one hour sessions on Monday evenings at 6.00pm, Tuesday afternoons at 2.30 and 3.30pm, Thursday evenings at 5.00pm and Friday afternoons at 2.00pm and 3.00pm. Cost per session is £3.50 for a patient and £2.50 for a partner or friend if they accompany you.
So come and join us. Meet people like you who have gained new confidence and re
turned to a fitter happier and more active life.
For more information, telephone Harry Plumb, chairman, or Peter Leighton,
secretary, who runs the exercise group.
Visit our web site: www.heart-throbs.org.uk.
St Mary's Church North Mymms
Welcome to our oasis on Wednesdays in 2004, 12 noon to 2pm. Come and enjoy
our tea, coffee and biscuits in an idyllic setting As we enter our sixth
year we look forward to meeting old and new friends. Do come, you will not
be disappointed. Come here especially, or drop in via a walk from Potters Bar
along many of the adjoining footpaths. We re-open on Wednesday March 3rd to 27th
October. If you have any queries or would like more information please phone
01707 654633.
Christmas Sleigh Thank You
The Rotary Club of Potters Bar say a big thank you to Potters Bar residents
for the generous donations to the Christmas sleigh which completed 11 nights
around local roads and 4 days at Tesco during which £5,400 was raised. The
money will be going to the Isabel Hospice and other local charities - it
really improves your community.
A big thank you to all the Club members who gave up their time to collect,
plus some special residents who helped, also Hertsmere Council, Hertfordshire
Police and Tesco stores for their co-operation and Soundcraft Audio.
Rtn Pam Rodgers and Rtn John Godfrey
Cubs & Brownies run Bring & Buy Sale
The 5th Potters Bar Cubs & Brownies ran a very successful Bring & Buy
sale after their parade service at King Charles the Martyr Church, Potters Bar,
& raised £107. Between services the congregation were able to buy cakes &
biscuits as well as toys, games, videos & ornaments that had all been donated.
The money will be equally divided between the "New Church Hall" appeal at
King Charles & the Blue Peter "Get Together" Appeal.
Potters Bar Carers Support group
For carers looking after people with Alzheimer's and related disorders. Meets
the last Friday of each month, 2-4pm at Furzefield Court (next to Elm Court
Community Centre), Mutton Lane. For further information contact Angie
Chew or Rani Chandran
A National Charity with a New Shop in Darkes Lane
Hello. My name is Karen and I run the Help the Aged shop next to Woolworth's.
Firstly I would like to thank all the customers who have supported us for
the few months we have been here. Some of the money raised through our
shops goes towards a Handyvan which about 1400 people have used during the
last couple of years to help security in their homes: we can advise on door
and window-locks, spy holes which enable people to view their caller before
opening the door and smoke-detectors.
The Charity also runs Seniorline a telephone response unit providing unbiased
and free advice on welfare and benefits and various other issues. To register
for this ring 0808 800 65665 between 9.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
The shop offers good quality second hand clothes and general stock - books,
games, bric-a-brac etc at fair prices and offers good customer service.
If you would like to work for Help the Aged and have a couple of hours to
spare come in for a chat. We are grateful for the quality goods brought to
us, which our customers appreciate.
Help the Aged Team shop 664384.
Big Ideas for Tiny Gardens
Peaceful and secluded but also a place of mystery and fun for the children,
big, lush foliage turns a tiny garden into a dramatic statement.
High fences to screen overlooking neighbours can give a boxed-in appearance
and by using tall plants the boundaries are hidden The effect, both in the
garden and from the window, is stunning.
Next to the warmth of the house my first choice would be the japanese banana
Musa basjoo. Hardy in a sheltered spot, the vast 6' leaves look majestic
as does a large tree fern Dicksonia antartica.
Plants for an all-year-round jungle could include bamboo, particularly the
tall black bamboo Phyllostachys nigra and Pleioblastus auricomus which has
striking yellow and green striped foliage although it will need a barrier
around the roots if you don't want it to spread too much. A narrow path
between the bamboo is great fun for children. Also spectacular, the fan-leaved
Trachycarpus fortunei and glossy leaf of Fatsia japonica. Squeezing in a
man-made boggy area to grow the massive perennial Gunnera manicata amongst
the evergreen will impress every year.
Lower to the ground hostas will always make an impact especially those with
big tough leaves such as Hosta 'Francis Williams' or ferns such as
Matteuccia struthiopteris .
An immaculately shaped path to an enticing bench completes the picture where
you can sit amongst the towering foliage, close your eyes and listen to the
gently rustling leaves.
Mim Chapman