Anne

From the Vicar

Revd Anne Donaldson Are you planning to vote on 8th June? I do hope so. The Archbishops of the CofE published a letter, read in all the churches and chapels, which has some useful thoughts as you consider the different Parties’ manifestos www.churchofengland.org/media/3977056/electionletter_text.pdf One thing the letter calls us to do – apart from to vote! – is to pray for those who are standing and then for those who get in. ‘We live in interesting times’, as the saying goes, and that means a lot for MPs to get their heads around. Not just Brexit, but how to support the NHS under ever-increasing demands, how to provide sufficient and better care in the community (and take some pressure off the hospitals), how to improve education and prepare children for their roles in the future world, how to protect folk against on-line abuse and ransomeware etc etc. There’s so much to deal with – they need our ongoing prayers. They are but human, only God knows what the future holds, and He alone can know and understand all that is going on in the present, and how to prepare for the future. Personally, I have been praying for Brexit that the outcome benefits not just Britain but the whole of Europe. People have been saying that change in Europe is long overdue, so this may be the trigger for that. God promised to bring good out of all things for those who love Him. Britain may have only a minority of those who love Him nowadays but He does often spread His mercy wider – He loves everyone, after all, whether they take any notice of Him or not. Changing the subject – there were very few responses to the surveys by the Parish Council or the churches (April Mag) . Does that mean you are all content with the facilities provided? If not please let us know what you would like. We can’t help if we don’t know! And on yet another note – summer is here and that’s a wonderful time to get together with family and friends. Going for a walk. Sharing a BBQ or a picnic. All sorts of things. Surveys, psychologists …. so many tell us that we need our relationships for a fully healthy life, yet our busy lives often limit or stop that. God has made us sociable creatures. Some more than others, but we need each other. Children especially need time with their parents. Not just a few minutes grabbed here and there, or company while doing something else. They need ‘quality time’. It’s lovely to see families out walking, cycling, or enjoying time in the garden together. I hope you will manage to find time for your relationships, it’s so rewarding.

Church News

Lunches for Charities: Thursday for 1st June for Herts Air Ambulance and 6th July (no host at present). Come and join us – everyone, of all ages, is welcome to these free lunches at 1pm in the Wilshere Hall, Stanstead Abbots. Please invite friends to join you. The lunch in May raised £350 for ‘The Amy Wallace Magpie Trust’. July Parishes Magazine Items for the next edition should preferably be emailed to admin@3churches.net or left at the Vicarage by 14th June at the latest please. Copy can also be given to Lynne Heraud. Transport to Church. If you would like a lift to church please phone one of the Churchwardens (see back cover of this magazine).

From our Registers

We offer our condolences to the families and friend s of Marjorie Meers formerly at Willowthorpe 26th April (Woollensbrook)

St Andrew’s church is praying for:-

Pre-school groups - week beginning 4th June The Maltings and other workplaces - week beginning 11th June High St shops, surgeries etc. - week beginning 18th June Willowthorpe and local carers - week beginning 25th June

Please note: The Administrator works on Mondays, Wednesdays and

Thursdays from 9.15am until 2.15pm and can be contacted on 01920 870115

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

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

call 3 Churches Careline: 01920 871678 between 9am and 6pm (except in an emergency) We’ll do our best to help

Lunches for Charities in Wilshere Hall at 1pm

Thursday 1st June for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance They are truly a life-saving Charity kept airborne thanks to everyone who plays their lottery, makes a donation, enjoys their events, fundraises and volunteers in aid of EHAAT. Their aim is to save lives, reduce or prevent disability, or help those suffering from critical illness/injury, by delivering a first class pre-hospital emergency medical service to the people of Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Without access to National Lottery funding and with limited support from Government, they continue to rely upon the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to remain operational and keep saving lives – working together funded by you! Their first aircraft was launched in 1998, only a year after the fundraising began, and each month they continue their miraculous works which you can read about on their website at www.ehaat.org. During this March alone they responded to 81 missions; including 46 classified as medical, 32 road traffic collisions and 20 falls.

Thursday 6th July for – YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY? As yet no-one has agreed to host this lunch, would you like to do so and all donations will go to the Charity of your choice . Contact the Vicarage on 01920 870115 if you would like more details.

Regular evening Bible Study and Home Groups

Bible Study Group led by Revd Glyn Howdle held at 342 Stanstead Road at 7.30pm on alternate Monday evenings. Contact number 07769 435003.

Elizabeth Goldsmith (01920 422065) hosts the Home Group on alternate Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Wilshere Hall. (Please check the diary pages for the actual dates).

Have you just moved in?

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

Pentecost: 4th June

The third great Festival of the Church’s year, in which we joyfully celebrate the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to His people.

His Holy Spirit gives each of us the guidance we need day by day, and the inner power to follow it. He sets our lives on fire.

All 3 churches join together 10.30am Holy Communion for all ages together in Riverside Park (next to Jolly Fisherman). Craft for the children included. Bring something to sit on!

Everyone is very welcome to come along and join in with this event

‘Messy Church’ in this Benefice Messy Church is for primary school aged children and their families and

• is a way of being church for families involving fun, with crafts, celebration and food

• is found across the world • values are about being Christ-centred, for all

ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration

Here in Stanstead Abbots, Stanstead St Margarets and Great Amwell, we hold ‘Messy Church’ 4pm-6pm usually on the third Sunday of each month (apart from August) in the Wilshere hall next to St Andrew’s church, Cappell Lane, SG12 8BU. The whole family are welcome with older siblings and adults either chatting with each other or joining in with the younger ones doing their crafts. To ensure there are enough supplies of crafts and food, bookings need to be made with Heather Kinsman at h.kinsman@ntlworld.com or 01920 877188 before the Friday. See the diary pages each month for date.

St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell

Afternoon Teas Sunday afternoons 3pm – 5pm, throughout the summer from

4th June to 20th August Call Julia Brace on 01992 447845 for any further information.

Vacant Almshouse in the Village

If you or someone you know locally may be interested in the almshouse that has become vacant in the village, please contact Jackie Spencer, 3 Fieldway, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8BJ on 07981 40359jackiedamen@yahoo.co.uk She is Clerk to the Trustees Baesh Almshouse Trust and can answer any questions you may have.

St Andrew’s Evening Prayer Group

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

Rediscovering the Heart of Business

Evening events that seek to connect the heart of business with the most important things in life, the series concludes with: 13th June – How can we become complete business people?

Being held at All Nations Christian College and led by business consultant Peter Hanney and All Nations StaffEach evening’s format is as follows: 7.45pm for 8pm start, finishing at 9.30pm. Starting with an introduction and Biblical challenge, then small group disreal-life application, and concluding with feedback and prayer. The events are FREE. However, you can make a donation to the Student Bursary Fund at the College

Please register for your place by contacting the college reception on 01920 443500.

TICTACs This is a group for secondary school youngsters. We meet once a week in the Wilshere Hall Upper Room for an hour on Wednesdays from 6.30pm. Please do come and give it a try, no commitment to join! Just turn up

For help with debt –

CAP (Christians Against Poverty) 0800 328 0006 (free call)

Vacant Almshouse in the Village

If you or someone you know locally may be interested in the almshouse that has Jackie Spencer, 3 Fieldway,

07981 40359 or email

and can answer any

St Andrew’s Evening Prayer Group

Just turn up.

Rediscovering the Heart of Business

of business with the most

How can we become complete business people? d at All Nations Christian College and led by

business consultant Peter Hanney and All Nations Staff. s format is as follows: 7.45pm for 8pm

start, finishing at 9.30pm. Starting with an introduction and Biblical challenge, then small group discussion and

and concluding with feedback and

owever, you can make a donation to the Student Bursary Fund at the College.

lease register for your place by contacting the college reception on 01920

ristians Against Poverty)

St Margarets are planning an outing

on NEW DATE Saturday 24 th June to Wintershall Estate, Guildford, Surrey to see ‘The Life of Christ’.

The greatest story of all time is movingly recreated by the Wintershall Players – a cast of over 200 – with authentic detail, outstanding

quality sound and music. The Life of Christ is a passion play not to be missed. It is both educational

and entertaining, amusing and serious. This is an open air production which unfolds across three captivating

acts from 10am to 3.30pm To book your place please contact Lyn Paddon on

01920 318991, at the time of going to print we only have 11 places booked, therefore, we need to reduce the size of the coach to 16 and the cost wil l need to increase

slightly to £36 per person , for the travel and entry. Please bring along your own packed lunch and drinks.

St Margaret’s Parish Church is open throughout the year every

Saturday morning for refreshments

10.45am – 12.15pm Please pop in.

Madrigals

at Amwell Pool

with the

Haileybury

Madrigal Singers

for the 77th Year

FRIDAY 23RD JUNE at 9pm

All donations to go to Isabel Hospice

(The event will be held in church, if weather is poor)

Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study The next meeting is on Saturday 3rd June from 8.00am

to 9.30am in the Wilshere hall, Cappell Lane. All men welcome – of any church or none!.

For more information please contact the Goldsmiths on 01920 422065.

Volunteers Needed at St James’ Church

Do you enjoy local history, and are available some Sunday afternoons over the summer?

We would like volunteers to "man" the church on some Sunday afternoons throughout the summer when it is open, to greet any visitors, and if possible

read the guide book beforehand to answer any questions. It is a peaceful way to spend a Sunday afternoon,

2.30pm-5pm. If anyone is interested, please contact Anne Sauntson on 01279 793328.

Also the church will be open for the Heritage Weekend, September 9th/10th, so if anyone could spare a couple of hours then it would be greatly appreciated.

St James Church, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbots

Open Sunday Afternoons

St James Church will be open for visitors on Sunday afternoons 2.30pm to 5.00pm , from 4th June through to 24th September

Come and look round this beautiful historic church. But sorry - no teas as there is no electricity or water supply!

Mad Chatters A ‘drop in’ with no commitment, so folk can come and meet new friends. We just chat. It may also be that some within the group decide to go to the theatre together or whatever. So be it. Someone said it’s for church folk – it is for absolutely anyone, of any age, in the 3 villages. You are very welcome to join us on the last Monday of each month at 7.30pm in the Red Lion restaurant.

We next meet on 26th June 2017

REUNION OF ST JOHN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL

The reunion of Great Amwell pupils, circa 1945-1955 will be on

Thursday June 8th 2017 at 11.30am We will meet at George 1V Pub, have a walk round the village & the church, have

lunch in the Pub & share memories! If you are interested, or know anybody from this era who would like to join us, do be

in touch! Contact Jennifer Searle 01438 358404 for more details.

Summer Afternoon Tea Served in Easneye House

Saturday 17th June 2017 Saturday 15th July 2017

Saturday 19th August 2017 2:30pm - 5:00pm Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited Groups welcome

To book your table call Sean Watkiss Conferences Manager on 01920 443538 or email: s.watkiss@allnations.ac.uk

Would You Like to Meet

Up with Other Pre-School Children

and their Carers?

Carers of pre-school children (a parent, grandparen t or childminder) all are welcome to come along to Wilsh ere

Hall (next to St Andrew’s church)

EVERY FRIDAY 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Children can play while the adults have an opportunity to relax, chat and support each other

over a cup of tea or coffee.

FREE (no subscription or weekly fee) EVERYONE WELCOME

Need Help with a Problem??? Contact the East Herts Citizens Advice Service Meade House, 85 High Street, Ware SG12 9AD

Open: Mondays Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 2pm Adviceline telephone service is also available

Monday – Friday 10am-4pm Tel: 03444 111 444 There are also drop-in sessions in Bishops Stortford, Buntingford and

Sawbridgeworth. For details of these, check website www.ehcas.org.uk

Food Bank Collection We collect for the local Food Bank in Hertford. They would like dry foods of all sorts, long-life liquids, and tinned foods – they help people who are sent by Social Services, CAB etc, when they cannot afford to feed their family until the next cheque comes in. At the moment they particularly need washing powder (small packets), toiletries and anything for babies nappies, wipes etc. Please put your contributions in the box in the Co-op or in the churches, and we will take the contents to Hertford.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. People are bein g really generous. Please keep it coming as help is still needed in th ese particularly trying

financial times.

Did you know Dial-a-Ride transports residents living in Stanstead Abbotts to Hoddesdon for shopping trips on the following days?

Thursdays 1:30pm – 3:00pm Fridays 1 0:00am – 11:30am Dial-a-ride is a door to door transport service for Hertfordshire residents who are aged 75 years and over, or who are registered with a permanent disability, this

includes children. Further details about the Dial-a-ride service, including charges, are available on our website at www.hertsdirect.org/dialaride

Stanstead Abbotts Online www.stanstead-abbotts-online.co.uk

The best online resource for the village of Stanste ad Abbotts, with news and wide-ranging information on the amenities, events, activities and

businesses within the village. Regularly updated. Take a look and add it to your favourites!

Regular events in the three churches:

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

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

Evergreen Club of the Three Villages

Ten members have been to Capel Manor to explore the wonderful gardens and landscaping. The "pretend houses" and their gardens are a delight. Note: On June 19th we are going by coach to Broadstairs - a pretty seaside town with many small interesting shops and a lovely sandy beach. We leave at 10am and here is the very special bit: we are going to visit Margaret Peterkin in her new home for tea! We will leave at 4pm to get home again around six. You are welcome to come but I must have firm numbers by June 12th. The cost will be about £20 but has yet to be confirmed. Telephone me (01920 424140) or email r.imroth@ntlworld.com but we are limited to 29 - first come, first served. £10 deposit will be required to reserve your place. Hurry! Hurry!! Hurry!

Rosemary Imroth

Would you like to come along and join us? Do come and join us on a Monday afternoon from 2-4pm if you are lonely, in Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, Roydon Road. Let me know if you would like to come, Rosemary Imroth, 01920 424140. And if you would like to be collected, phone Ann Hardy, 01920 870526 A nice tea and good company costs £1 each time you come.

News from the

Wider Church

Faith has a central role to play in politics and this general election , the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written.. They urge people to set aside "apathy and cynicism" and draw new inspiration from the ancient Christian virtues of "love, trust and hope". It calls for shared British values based on cohesion, courage and stability It upholds marriage, family and households as the building blocks of society which should be "nurtured and supported" as a "blessing". The Archbishops highlight major concerns over poverty, housing and the dangers of "crushing" debt among other issues. They call for a generous and hospitable welcome to refugees and migrants, but also warn against being "deaf to the legitimate concerns" about the scale of migration into some communities. They also single out the importance of standing up for those suffering persecution on grounds of faith around the world. "Parishes and Chaplaincies of the Church of England serve people of all faiths and none". Their contribution and that of other denominations and faiths to the well-being of the nation is immense - schools, food banks, social support, childcare among many others - and is freely offered. But the role of faith in society is not just measured in terms of service delivery. "The new Parliament, if it is to take religious freedom seriously, must treat as an essential task the improvement of religious literacy." www.churchofengland.org/media/3977056/electionletter_text.pdf

Saturday 9th September 2017 - 10am – 6pm

The Bike’n’Hike is a national fundraising event. Half of every cyclist’s and walker’s sponsor money goes to the Historic Churches Trust and half to the church of their choice. Consequently, the more cyclists and walkers who take part, then the greater the direct benefit to that church. There is also an indirect benefit, because the Trust could give more in grants in support of church repair projects across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. To enter and support your local participating churches, get your sponsor pack from 01767 312966 or online at bikenhike@bedshertshct.org.uk.

Autumn Garden Show for all the family.

Come to St. John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell, on

Saturday, 23 rd September 2017 All entries to be submitted between 9.00am - 10.30am

2.00pm – 4.30pm show open to all

Display your fruit, vegetables and flowers. Family fun, refreshments and competitions.

Listed below is the Category listing; this and the Entry Forms are also available in each church

(or from Bryan and Julia Brace on 01992 447845 or bjbrace122@gmail.com)

Start growing now!

Categories

1: Flowering Chrysanthemums single heads- 3 Stems

2: Spray Chrysanthemums - 3 Stems

3: Dahlias - 3 Stems

4: Vase Of Mixed Garden Flowers, Leaves & Berries - Not Exceeding 18"×18"×18"

5: Pot Plant - Foliage - Pot Not Exceeding 7 " Inside (1 year in possession)

6: Runner Beans - 5 with Stalks

7: Potatoes - 3

8: Courgettes – 3

9: Beetroot - 4 with 4" Foliage On

10: Onions - 3

11: Leeks - 3

12: Tomatoes - 3

13: Tomatoes – vine of cherry tomatoes

14: Dessert Apples - 3

15: Cooking Apples - 3

16: Dessert Pears - 4

17: Peppers - 3

18: Basket/ Trug Of Mixed Vegetables

19: Boiled Fruit Cake

20: Victoria Sponge Cake

Children's Categories ( Age 10 And Under )

20: Miniature Garden - Size Not Exceeding 9"×15"

21: Bunch of Flowers in a Jam Jar

22: Animals made from Fruit and/or Vegetables

23: Edible Necklace

Please return entry forms to Bryan & Julia Brace via the church or contact

them for alternative options, once you know what you will be entering on

01992 447845 / bjbrace122@gmail.

Last date for entries is Thursday 20 th September

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

JUNE – MORE DETAIL ABOUT THESE EVENTS ON WEBSITE Wednesday 7th - Midsummer Dinner for Isabel Hospice at the Lemon Tree with musical interlude: 7.00pm – 10.30pm Lemon Tree Restaurant, 14-16 Water Lane, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2JZ. Tickets are £30 per person. Contact Renee Friend for more information, or for you buy your tickets on 01279 755320. Saturday 17th - Garden of Memories for Isabel Hospi ce, Van Hage Garden Centre, SG12 9RP: 3.00pm – 5.00pm The symbol of the Garden of Memories ceremony is the sunflower. Sunflowers remind us of happiness and love, always turning to the sun. Please join us for this short uplifting ceremony which will include poems and songs. Upon receipt of your donation, we will hand write the name of your loved one on a sunflower symbol, ready for you to collect on the day, and place in the Garden of Memories. After the ceremony you can take your sunflower home with you. Make a dedication at www.isabelhospice.org.uk Friday 23rd - Open Garden at Open Garden Mackerye E nd, AL5 5DR: 6.00pm – 9.00pm This is part of the NGS open gardens. Raffle and money from the teas will come to Isabel Hospice. C16 (Grade 1 listed) Manor House (not open) set in 15 acres of formal gardens, parkland and woodland, front garden set in framework of formal yew hedges. Contact Renee Friend on 01279 755320 for more details Sunday 25th - Hertford Carnival at the Castle! 12no on – 5.00pm Event Location: Hertford Castle and town, Hertford, SG14 1HR, Hertford Carnival where Isabel Hospice has been chosen as a beneficiary charity for the event. For more details, visit the Hertford Carnival website. We hope to see you there! Sunday 25th - Open Garden in aid of Isabel Hospice, 31 Mill Lane, Welwyn, AL6 9EU: 2.00pm – 6.00pm Come and view one of the beautiful gardens of Welwyn; where there will also be a plant sale. Admission is £2. For more information, please contact Renee Friend on 01279 755320. Friday 30th - Bill Harris Pro-Am Golf Day, Charity golf day at East Herts Golf Club: 8.00am – 5.00pm Charity golf day, play all day with pro, Daniel Field and have dinner late afternoon. A silent auction will also be taking place where you can get some great prizes! All money raised from this event is being given to both Isabel Hospice and The Willow Foundation. To book your place, please call Daniel Field on 01920 821978.

1st Stanstead Abbotts

& St Margaret’s Scout Group

A total of 109 boys and girls from our Scout Group took part in this year's Ware and District Scouts and Guides St George’s Day Parade, accompanied by our teams of Young Leaders and adult volunteers. Flag bearers (Colour Guards) from each section led our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts behind our Group Scout Leader Paul Stretch, as they paraded along

Ware High Street, along with 100’s of other boys and girls from other Scout and Guide Groups, to renew their Beaver, Cub and Scout Promises at The Priory. Huge crowds lined the route along with the Mayor of Ware and the Herts Scouts County Commissioner taking the salute half way down the High Street, making it a truly memorable event.

Our Jaguar Cubs have been celebrating coming 2nd at this year’s District Cubs Go Kart Competition. Both Cub Packs took part in some very exciting races pushing their karts around the course and demonstrating some excellent driving skills resulting in Panther Pack taking 12th place and Jaguar Pack, 2nd, just behind this year’s winners, Hunsdon. Meanwhile, our Scouts took part in a local night hike across the countryside around the village one night and on another travelled down to Gilwell, the home of UK Scouting.

for an action pack activity night – zip wiring, Freefall, 3 G Swing and Dry Ice climbing. Then, with our Forest Beavers taking to the River Lee for an evening cruise to learn about Water Safety and the animals living along the banks of the river, and a team of Scouts climbing, biking and hiking in the Peak District it’s been another very varied and interesting few weeks for our girls and boys. Please come along to our Open Evening and

AGM on June 16th or visit the website to find out more about how to join in the adventure – girls, boys and adults! stansteadabbottsscouts.org.uk

Fiona McKenzie-Smith

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN READ

IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Can you spare an hour or two a week to listen to children read in a local primary school? “Schoolreaders” is looking for more volunteers to carry out this important role. Reading time for many children at home and at school is often insufficient, and one in four children are now leaving primary school unable to read to the required standard. This can have a lifelong consequence. No qualifications are necessary, just a good command of spoken and written English. “Schoolreaders” is flexible and will match your availability to an appropriate, local school. Our volunteers find the scheme incredibly rewarding, knowing that a few hours helping a child learn to read each week can have such a great impact on their life chances. Please visit the website www.schoolreaders.org to join or call 01234 924111 for further information.

MERRY WIDOWS (and widowers!) We meet on the second Wednesday of each month for coffee at the Parish

Centre, Sacred Heart, King Edwards Road, Ware at 10.45am. We also have

outings and visits to the cinema, theatre etc. Please contact Judy Heilpern

Brown 01920 871743 or Mary Hallett 01920 870527 for further

information.

Wednesday 14th June meeting at Ware Catholic church.

Wednesday 28th June Van Hages 10.30am onwards.

Don’t forget anyone who is divorced or separated is also welcome at any of

our meetings.

STANSTEAD ABBOTTS CEILIDH SOCIETY

PRESENTS……SPRING CEILIDH (BARN DANCE!) with the exc iting 'TAKE THE BISCUIT' and guest caller, Mary Panton Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, Roydon Road Sunday 18th June from 6:30-10:00 p.m. tickets £8 on the door, £6 in advance. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £15. Online from www.ticketsource.co.uk or phone 01920 870558/ 01920 877588. Soft drinks and snacks available. Please bring your own alcoholic drinks. Thank you to all of you who have supported us so far and we hope to see some new faces too.

Daytime Study Group This Study group usually meets on alternate Friday mornings 9.30am to 10.30am in St Margaret’s parish church. That means that children can play in the crèche corner in church while we have coffee and discuss. We are currently working our way through the book of Acts. We next meet on 2nd and 16th June Revd Anne Donaldson

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

NEW HOME NEEDED FOR: A riser-recliner lounge chair in blue, if you are interested, contact the Vicarage vicar@3churches.net or 01920 870115

Are You a Local Carer? Do You have a Favourite Hymn or Worship Song?

We are having a

‘Songs of Praise for Carers’ at

St Margaret’s Parish Church,

Hoddesdon Road on

Sunday 11th June at 6.30pm Let us know your prayer request and/or

hymn/song choice by 10th June on 01920 870115 or vicar@3churches.net

Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society

May 12th was the date of our Annual General Meeting – the 5th since our foundation in 2012 under the leadership of Chair, Ian White. It provided a good opportunity, via an excellent PowerPoint presentation and interviews with long-standing residents, to reflect on our village’s impressive ancestry from pre-historic times to today. It also provided an impetus to consider and reflect on how far our Society had come in the five years. Our regular feature is our monthly meetings. An average attendance of about 50 shows the keen interest there is in learning about our neighbourhood’s past. Visiting speakers tells us how remarkable this turn-out is; so a very big thanks to all who attend. So, if you’ve haven’t been yet, how about joining us on the second Friday of each month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, Roydon Road? We’ve also enjoyed Quiz Nights, Barbeques and Christmas Socials plus the organising of trips out to prominent sites of local interest. Our second achievement was the publication of our village’s history. Our President, Ron Dale, won an award for his authorship of this seminal book. It continues to sell at £9.99 and is available in the Village Pharmacy. Makes a great present! Alongside the book goes our incredible website (www.salhs.org.uk). Thanks to Brian Johnson this contains a wealth of photos, documents, maps, articles etc. We know that it is consulted by researchers and enquirers from all over the world. So it’s a “must” for you to go and consult and enjoy. We’ve also wanted to be involved in a “hands-on” way in the on-going life of the village. So we’ve purchased a bench (adjacent to the playground) in honour of our first secretary, the late Charlie Lovick and we also surveyed and maintained some of the donated benches that are located around the village. To commemorate the centenary of the First World War we placed plaques along the main village roads naming the men from those roads who died in that conflict. We also scrubbed and cleaned the War Memorial at St Andrew’s Church. Among our future targets are the installation of a village museum and the erection of a village notice-board – or two. Watch this space! But the next date to save is that of June 9 th when we’ll hear all about the exciting events that went on at the Hunsdon airfield during the war. David Gibbs will be coming to share his expertise and knowledge about that. All our meetings are advertised on our website. Additionally there is a hard copy of our meetings on the board at the entrance to the car park.

Bob Hunt