Leisure - Three Rivers District...100 station gym Squash courts All weather football pitch. >> or...

m a g a z i n e

Summer 2008

T H R E E R I V E R S

Summer fun 5

LLeeiissuurreessuupppplleemmeenntt Page a-g

NEWS

page 2 C o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 9 2 3 7 7 6 6 1 1

THREE RIVERS TIMES SUMMER 2008

Chair in starting blocks

New rules allowing householders toinstall microgeneration equipmentwithout needing to apply for planningpermission came into effect in April.

Microgeneration is the production ofheat and/or electricity on a smallscale from a low carbon source.Various technologies can be usedincluding solar, thermal andphotovoltaic equipment, ground andwater source heat pumps andbiomass or combined heat andpower systems.

The amendments to the Town andCountry Planning (GeneralPermitted Development) Order 1995relax rules for householders toinstall such equipment on mosthouses; although stricter controlswill apply in Conservation Areas andfor Listed Buildings.

More information is available on theDistrict Council's website or byringing 01923 776611 (minicom 01923727303)>> www.threerivers.gov.uk

New greenplanningrules

Councillor Chris Lloyd is the new Chairman of Three Rivers District Council.The Chairman of the Council is a non-political role, similar to a civic mayor.Councillor Lloyd, Ward Councillor for Croxley North, was born in Watford,grew up in Three Rivers and went to Rickmansworth School.

Councillor Lloyd's interests include being Chairman of Governors of LittleGreen Junior School. He is a Watford FC and Saracens fan, member ofCroxley Green Baptist Church, plays badminton, enjoys walking andoccasionally runs 10K races for fun.

Councillor Lloyd said: "I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve themany communities of Three Rivers and I hope I can meet the high standardsand commitment shown by Chairman Amrit Mediratta last year. I want toencourage people of all ages to engage in sport, and I want to work withmany community groups."

Councillor Lloyd has named three charities to support. He has chosen theAmos Trust and the work of Umthombo with street children in DurbanSouth Africa, Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre for cancer support andCroxley Green Scout Group. >> www.threerivers.gov.uk

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

SUSTAINABLE

Health headlines ForumThe popular Pensioners' Forum takesplace three times per year and is opento everybody over the age of 60,resident in Three Rivers. The nextmeeting will take place on Friday 24October from 2.00pm - 4.00pm in thePenn Chamber, Three Rivers House,Rickmansworth - all pensioners arewelcome!

At a recent meeting of the Forummembers heard from CEO of WestHerts Hospitals NHS Trust, JanFilochowski, who spoke to the groupabout what he has learnt since hisarrival at the Trust and his proposalsfor the future. Mita Kanwar from

Harrisons Gardener solicitors alsoattended and gave a useful talk on theissue of Wills and Powers of Attorney.

As usual, members enjoyed a cuppa, acatch-up and homemade cakes beforethe meeting.

Call 01923 727334 or visit >> www.threerivers.gov.uk

The 5 bus goes toRickmansworth High Street fromGarston via Croxley Green. The 6 busgoes from Bedmond to Maple Crossvia Croxley Green and RickmansworthHigh Street.

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

Councillor Lloyd with members of the Amos Trust

Take part in the World's BiggestCoffee Morning on Friday 26September and help make adifference to the lives of peopleaffected by cancer. Get friends and

family together at work, home orschool anywhere in Three Riversand raise a cup in aid of MacmillanCancer Support, a charity dedicatedto reaching out to those sufferingwith cancer.

Find out more and register yourevent at >> www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee or ring 0845 602 1246.

The refurbishment of the pool andgym facilities at William Penn LeisureCentre is nearing completion andequipment is now being chosen to fitout the building. The centre isexpected to re-launch in the summerof 2008.

The District Council is determined toensure that the project is completedas soon as is practicable, within itsfixed project budget and qualityrequirements. >> www.threerivers.gov.uk >> www.williampennleisure.co.uk

SUMMER 2008 THREE RIVERS TIMES

Contents page

page 3w w w . t h r e e r i v e r s . g o v . u k

NEWS

News 2-5

Safety 6-7

Sustainability 8-9

Towards Excellence 10

Leisure supplement a-g

Community Action 11-14

Summer fun 15

Contact Your Councillors 16-19

Young Three Rivers back page

Editor EMMA ROBINSON

Supplement Editor HANNAH HENSON

Designer DIANE BUGEJA

Main photographer SUE LACEY

Communications

manager KEVIN SNOW

We welcome your ideas and feedback

on this magazine.

Ring the editor on 01923 727334

or email [email protected]

Front cover: National Year of Reading

see page 14.

If you need this informationin large print, braille or

another format call 01923 776611

Minicom 01923 727303

If you would like this information translatedinto another language please contact uson 01923 776611.

Printed on chlorine-free paper from sustainable forests.

The cost of printing and delivering ThreeRivers Times is 24p per copy.

The supplement costs an extra 8p per copy.

SUSTAINABLE

William Penn shapes up

The District Council offices will be keptcool over the summer period thanks toa new eco-friendly ground source heatpump, buried beneathRickmansworth's rose garden.

The pump can make a practical long-term difference in reducing C02

emissions, heating costs andultimately, Council Tax bills. It isestimated that the system will pay foritself in six years and will reducecarbon emissions from day one. Thenew system will cost no more thanreplacing the old system.

The new system will provide heating inwinter and cooling in summer for themain Penn Chamber.

Residents who would like more information about energy sources and energyreduction can ring Beds and Herts Energy Efficiency Advice Centre onfreephone 0800 512 012. An energy saving booklet is available from theDistrict Council on 01923 776611 or [email protected]

Make your cuppa count

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

Earth shrinks Council Tax bill

A first class leisure facility is nowavailable at Watford Leisure CentreWoodside, in Horseshoe Lane,Watford.

Three Rivers District Councilcontributed £2 million to helpachieve a competition sized pool.Three Rivers residents will benefitfrom being charged the same rateto use all the facilities as Watfordresidents.

Facilities include:� 8 lane, 25 metre competition

swimming pool� Learner pool� 8 court sports hall� Dance studios� 100 station gym� Squash courts� All weather football pitch.

>> www.threeerivers.gov.uk or call01923 779392.

Three Rivers CVS's successful lotterybid has meant that a new full-timeVolunteer Centre Manager has beenappointed.

Jeanette Harley started working withthe CVS in March. Jeanette has hadextensive experience in thevoluntary sector, working with arange of charities including theRSPCA, a rape crisis centre, theNational Society for Epilepsy andHillingdon Association for VoluntaryServices. She has also volunteeredwith various charities over the years.

To find out more about the voluntaryopportunities on offer in the localarea call the CVS on 01923 711174 ordrop in: Basing House, 46 HighStreet, Rickmansworth, WD3 1HP.

>> www.threerivers.gov.uk>>www.cvs-threerivers.org.uk

NEWS



The District Council's Scores on the Doors scheme gives residents the chanceto find out how clean their local pubs and restaurants really are.

Residents can now view hygiene inspection ratings for local eateries on theDistrict Council's website at www.threerivers.gov.uk or call 01923 776611.

Each venue is given a rating ranging from Excellent (five stars) to Poor (no stars).

How clean is your local?

Spotlight:CVS

SAFE

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

Thousands of people are set tobenefit from a regenerationprogramme by Thrive Homes - thenew organisation that took overThree Rivers District Council'shomes in the spring. Thrive Homes,a not-for-profit organisation, willspend more than £41 million overthe next five years, transformingthe former council estates -including South Oxhey.

£41M forestates

SUSTAINABLE

Update: Woodside

Staff of the Pennsylvanian

NEWS


w w w . t h r e e r i v e r s . g o v . u k page 5

Local development: Governmenttargets for house-building requirethe District Council to build 4,000new homes in the district over thenext 13 years. It is really importantthat residents have their say onwhere this future developmentshould be located.

A report will set out the locationsthe District Council thinks are leastunsuitable for development. Thereport will also give detail about thespecific sites needed toaccommodate housing, retailing,open space, community facilities andsites for gypsies and travellers.Consultation will begin shortly >> www.threerivers.gov.uk or call 01923 776611. For updatessend your postcode [email protected]

We needyour help!

Rickmansworth Local Area Forum Three Rivers House, Northway,Rickmansworth 7.30pm

Watford Rural Local Area Forum Watford Rural Parish Council,Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey 7.30pm

Croxley Green Local Area Forum Harvey Road School, HarveyRoad, Croxley Green 7.30pm

Sarratt Local Area Forum Sarratt Village Hall, The Green,Sarratt 7.30pm

Chorleywood Local Area Forum Chorleywood War Memorial Hall,7.30pm

Call 01923 776611

Tuesday 24 JUNE

Thursday 26 JUNE

Monday 30 JUNE

Tuesday 16 SEPTEMBER

Monday 6 OCTOBER

Diary dates

SUSTAINABLE

Watersmeet has had some helpfrom Aladdin and his genie andundergone a magical transformation!The old auditorium seats have beenput to good use and are now beingused by congregations at St. Mary'sChurch and The Baptist Church,Rickmansworth.More on Aladdin - see page f.

>> www.threerivers.gov.uk

There is a desperate need for moreorgan donors of all ages andbackgrounds; last year more than 400people died waiting for a transplant.

In particular, people from black and SouthAsian backgrounds are being urged to considerorgan donation, in a bid to tackle a growing ethnicminority 'donor gap'.

Transplants tend to be more successful when donor andrecipient share the same ethnic background. Figures show that patientsfrom black and Asian backgrounds in urgent need of transplants typicallywait twice as long as others for a suitable donor to become available andsome can die waiting.

Actor and campaign supporter Asif Khan, who has featured on popular TVprograms such as Coronation Street and Dalziel and Pascoe, said:

“When I was told that Asian people are thirteen times more likely than therest of the population to develop kidney failure, it really made me aware ofthe importance of organ donation. I was pleased to lend my support to theCan we count on you? organ donation campaign and hope it encouragesmore Asian people to give the gift of life and sign up as organ donors.“

All the major religions in the UK support the principles of organ donationand transplantation, including Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.

You can find out more about organ donation and join the NHS Organ DonorRegister by telephoning 0845 60 60 400 or visiting >> www.uktransplant.org

The donor gap: can you help?

New seatsfor old!

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

SAFETY

page 6


C o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 9 2 3 7 7 6 6 1 1

Hertfordshire Trading Standards,the Police and Three Rivers DistrictCouncil are advising residents toalways say NO to traders who turnup uninvited on the doorstep.

Rogue builders and gardeners oftentrick residents into paying highprices for unnecessary or shoddywork and can give false names andaddresses.

To stay safe from rogue traders,residents are advised:� Only deal with callers by

appointment� Always ask for ID and check it

carefully� Keep front and back doors locked� Fit a door bar/chain and use it � Do not keep large sums of cash

in your home � Do not buy goods or services at

the door� If you are cold called and not

given a cancellation notice thenthe contract is unenforceable -you don't have to pay

� Don't be a victim - say NO todoorstep callers.

For advice and to report coldcallers, residents can ring TradingStandards (via Consumer Direct) on0845 60 444 66.

Bewareroguetraders

Bullying has entered the computer age through mobile phone textmessages, e-mails and websites. This can take many forms, for example:sending threatening or abusive text messages or e-mails, personally oranonymously; making insulting comments about someone on a website,social networking site (eg MySpace) or online diary (blog); or making orsharing derogatory or embarrassing videos of someone via mobile phone ore-mail (such as happy slapping videos).

What to do if you are a victim of cyber bullying:� Turn off incoming text messages for a few days� If bullying persists, change your mobile phone number� Don't reply to abusive messages� Don't delete messages as they can be used as evidence� When messages are annoying, tell a teacher, parent or carer� When messages are threatening or malicious, tell the Police� Don't give out your personal details to people you don't know or trust� When you answer the phone, just say “hello”, don't say your name� Remember that nearly all calls can be traced� Never reply to unwanted e-mails� Keep bullying e-mails as evidence.

What to do if your child is being cyber bullied:� Don't wait for something to happen, be certain that your child

understands how to use technology safely and knows the consequencesof misusing it

� Make sure your child knows what to do if they or someone they know arecyber bullied

� Encourage your child to talk to you if they have a problem� If there is a problem, contact the school, the mobile network provider or

their ISP.For a young person's view, see the back page.

Cyber bullyingBy Phil Barham

Against cyber bullying -the cast of High SchoolMusical at Watersmeet


SAFETY

"My son would probably still behere today if the tea light whichcaused the fire at Harrow Courtin Stevenage had been in aholder." This was the poignantmessage from Cyndy Harper asshe launched Hertfordshire Fireand Rescue Service's tea lightcampaign. The fire was started bya tea light left burning on atelevision without a holder. Threepeople died tragically in the fire.

Tea light safety advice includes:

Always burn tea lights in or on asuitable, non-flammable holder on a heat resistant surface.

Don't let anything fall into the hot wax, including spent matches.

Never place tea lights directly on plastic surfaces such as TVs, computers or baths.

Never leave a tea light unattended and remember to extinguish before going to sleep.

Ensure candles are stable andcannot be knocked over.

Keep away from drafts or blowing curtains.

Keep tea lights awayfrom children and pets.

Tea light tragedy

Seven teenagers from Parmiter'sSchool in Garston and fourpensioners from around the districthave joined together to create afilm about anti-social behaviour.Pensioner volunteer, AliceThackham, said: "I thoroughlyenjoyed it. I thought the teenagerswere wonderful. The way theythrew their hearts and souls intothe film was brilliant.”The project was funded byHertfordshire Police Authority andorganised by Three Rivers DistrictCouncil and the Community SafetyPartnership.The other volunteers wereteenagers Cameron Chalmers, MollyDownes, Antonia Laporta, AntonioPacelli, Eleanor Austin and AlexJoiner, together with pensionersRoy Underwood, Barbara Dennis,Gladstone Providence and AliceThackham. All played a partdesigning the film and script, aswell as thinking up the questionsfor the interviews. The documentary has beensupported by professional filmmakers Sav Kyriacou and MattRosenberg. The film will be shown in shelteredhousing schemes and schoolsacross the district and will appearon the Council's website from 1July.Schools, pensioner groups andother community groups canarrange a presentation of the filmby ringing 01923 727255 (minicom01923 727303).

On screen:anti-social behaviourBy Kristian Martin

Latest figures from the BritishCrime Survey (BCS). Figurescompare last year, 1 April 07 - 31March 08, with the previous year.

� All crime: down 12.4% (655 fewer crimes)

Herts comparison: This is the lowest crime rate in the county

Burglary (residential): up 46.1%(135 more crimes)

Herts comparison: sixth in thecounty

� Robbery: down 5.3% (2 fewer crimes)

� Herts comparison: lowest robbery rate in the county

� Vehicle crime: down 8.5% (71 fewer crimes)

Herts comparison: secondlowest level in the county

� Violent crime: down 21. 6% (200fewer crimes)

Herts comparison: lowest in thecounty

� Criminal damage: down 24.2% (327 fewer crimes)

� Herts comparison: lowest rate ofcriminal damage in the county.

Burglary up, total crime down

�


For advice to prevent burglary ring the Police on 0845 3300 222.

C o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 9 2 3 7 7 6 6 1 1

Monumentstructures

The District Council is applying for a faculty to inspect the memorials in bothChorleywood Road and Woodcock Hill council-owned cemeteries for safety andsecurity purposes. The inspection will allow the District Council to carry outremedial and safety works and take down unsafe memorials. Any objections to this inspection should be put in writing by 24 July 2008 to Alison Page, Environmental Protection Manager, Three Rivers House, Northway,Rickmansworth, WD3 1RL. >> www.threerivers.gov.uk

CountryjamRita Cook makes preserves fromplums, gooseberries and damsons,occasionally selling jars at her gate inSarratt. Apples will be harvested atthe end of August for blackberry andapple jam and for mint jelly. Mrs Cooksays: “I try and use all our own fruit.Homemade produce has zero foodmiles meaning no C02 emissions andwe also avoid spraying.”

>> www.threerivers.gov.uk or ring01923 776611 for a list of local producers.

Three Rivers District Council isthanking residents for their hardwork in making sure only the correctitems are placed in the kerbsidebrown bins.

Using the brown bins correctly isimportant because if unsuitablematerial is put in the brown bins thequality of the load is jeopardised andentire loads may need to bedisposed of.

Most residents make an honestmistake when putting the wrongmaterial in the brown bin and thefirst time this happens the DistrictCouncil will send a letter detailingitems that can and cannot be accepted in the bin. Residents who continue towilfully contaminate their brown bin despite written and verbal warningsmay be subject to a fine, as a final resort.

The District Council would urge all residents to check the leaflets detailingwhat the brown bins can and cannot accept, to avoid contamination. Thisinformation is also available on the District Council's website. >> www.threerivers.gov.uk or over the phone on 01923 776611.

SUSTAINABILITY


HouseholdrecyclingThere are nineteen HouseholdWaste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)in Hertfordshire. Riverside DriveHWRC in Rickmansworth andWaterdale HWRC in Garston arelocated in Three Rivers, withWiggenhall HWRC (Watford) on theborder of the district.

HWRCs accept a wide range ofmaterials for recycling, including:cans and foil, cardboard,fluorescent tubes, glass, householdbatteries, paper, scrap metal, tonersand inkjet cartridges, wood, carbatteries, engine oil, fridges andfreezers, green garden waste,mobile phones, plastic bottles,textiles, tyres, Yellow Pages,electrical items and low energylightbulbs.

More information about these sites,a full list of materials they collectand how the materials are recycledcan be found by visitingwww.wasteaware.gov.uk or bycalling 08457 425000.


Summer soil

SUSTAINABILITY


Recycling: you said itGlass bottles are the number one recycled item in Three Rivers, followed byglass jars, paper and then magazines. Close behind are junk mail, whitedirectories, food cans, aerosols and drinks cans. Out of 813 people whoresponded to the recycling survey in Three Rivers Times last autumn, 157 felttheir boxes were too small. More recycling boxes are available from theCouncil on 01923 776611 [email protected]

720 respondents felt that the autumn recycling supplement was quite or veryuseful. Thank you to all who took the time to respond.

Green fun

Croxley Common Moor, like many ofThree Rivers' six Local NatureReserves, is lucky enough to have adedicated team of volunteerslooking after it all year round.

Local volunteer and Secretary ofFriends of Croxley Common Moor,Graham Everett, is a regular at theMoor's voluntary work sessions.Graham said:

“Soon after moving to CroxleyGreen five years ago I saw a posteradvertising scrub clearance onCroxley Common Moor. I found theatmosphere at the work sessionvery friendly and quickly became aregular. I would recommend thework sessions to anyone who likesworking in the open air and caresabout nature conservation.Removing ragwort on a sunny day,surrounded by wild flowers, isidyllic!”

Everybody is welcome to comealong; you don't need to be super-fit to help!

Ring the District Council on 01923776611 for more information on howto get involved in environmentalvolunteering or visitwww.threerivers.gov.uk. For moreon volunteering see >> www.cvs-threerivers.org.uk orring 01923 711174.

Aquadrome:£75,000 faceliftThe popular Aquadrome local nature reserve in Rickmansworth hasbenefited from a £75,000 makeover thanks to a generous grant from theAggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, which is administered by NaturalEngland, the Government agency dedicated to conserving landscapes andwildlife for everybody to enjoy.

The grant money allowed Three Rivers District Council and the CountrysideManagement Service to carry out extensive maintenance work around thepopular site in time for the summer season.

Visitors will now be greeted by six new welcome boards, which includegeneral information about the Aquadrome and the wildlife that calls the sitehome. Brand new benches, litter bins and dog mess bins have also beeninstalled around the site to replace old and broken equipment.

A new wet meadow area has been created, with wildflowers such as raggedrobin, meadow buttercup, cowslip and oxeye daisy, just a few of manywildflowers planted to attract butterflies and other wildlife during thewarmer weather.

Larger trees around Batchworth and Bury lakes have been pollarded, atraditional management technique where the top quarter of the tree isremoved to encourage fresh shoots and prolong its life.

The development of the reed bedareas has also helped to strengthenweaker sections of the bank, whereerosion has been a problem. Waterquality will be improved by theestablishment of the reed beds and awide variety of nesting birds,spawning fish and invertebrates, suchas dragonflies and damselflies will relyon this vital habitat.

For more information ring the DistrictCouncil on 01923 776611 or visitwww.threerivers.gov.uk

Dancers from the Vienna FestivalBallet at the Café in the Park. TheCafé in the Park will form part of themajor improvement programme at theAquadrome.


Grahamclearing uplitter aftera group offishermen

C o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 9 2 3 7 7 6 6 1 1

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE


Voting onthe frontline

Voting onthe frontline

Faster and better. Two words which might bewelcome to anyone who is making a claim for Benefits.

The District Council's Benefits expert, JaneWalker, is enthusiastic about new andupcoming improvements: “People makingBenefits claims are entitled to a first classservice. I've learned that anyone can fall on hard times, suchas through illness or redundancy, and the majority of people who comealong to our surgeries for advice or to make claims are entirely genuine.

“We are one of the fastest councils in the country for processing claims,which helps people when they may be in real financial need. We work withabout 200 people a week at our surgeries in South Oxhey, Rickmansworthand Abbots Langley.

“I'm especially proud of our work with new claimants. We can visit people athome and then process a valid claim on the same day as the visit. We willshortly be launching e-mail claims which will also offer a very fastresponse.”

Would you like to decide how largeamounts of money are spent oncommunity activity? Each yearresidents have a chance to decide onhow grants are spent through theirLocal Area Forum. Grants which havebeen awarded in the last year haveincluded £1,000 for 1st Sarratt Scoutand Guide Group for repairs to theirbuilding, £1,250 for improvements atLeavesden Country Park and £2,000for community group ASCEND inSouth Oxhey.

Benefits surgeriesare held at: Three Rivers House,Northway,Rickmansworth. Mon - Thurs 8:30am to 5.30pm; Fri 8:30am - 5.00pm.

Thrive Homes office(previously SouthOxhey Area Office)Mon - Thurs 9.00am to4:30pm; Fri 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Abbots Langley ParishCouncil. Tuesday9.00am - 1.00pm.

For more informationring 01923 776611(minicom 01923 727303)[email protected]

Advice is also availablefrom the CitizensAdvice Bureau:

Abbots Langley 01923 267949

Oxhey and District 020 8421 0911

Rickmansworth 01923 720424

www.threerivers.gov.uk

page 10

Here to help

Want to find out more about what'sgoing on in your area? Feel stronglyabout a local issue?

Local Area Forums are heldregularly in Rickmansworth, AbbotsLangley, Chorleywood, SouthOxhey, Sarratt and Croxley Green.The forums give residents thechance to meet their Councillors,have their say on hot local issuesand find out more about what'sgoing on in their home town. Formore information see page 5 or call01923 776611.


Your street,your say

District Council key expenditure

Income

Housing Benefits£21,078

HousingBenefitsgrant (fromGovernment)£20, 579

Fees, charges and other income(including car park and planningapplication fees) £5,926

Interest £2,110

CouncilTax£7,203

Contributions from reserves £521

Revenue Support Grant and National Non Domestic Rates ('business rates') £5,642 (all NNDR raised by the Council issent to the Government. This figureis a sum provided back to theCouncil from the Government).

Wastecollectionandrecycling£3,658

Leisure£3,521

Local transportation£2,736

Planning and economicdevelopment £2,771

Other services(including electionsand communitysafety) £9,801

All figures are in £000s.

Market day Every second Saturdayof each month, the Rose and Crownin Woodcock Hill holds a Farmers'Market, selling beef, bread,vegetables and other local produce.Traditional breakfast is served from9am. Ring 01923 897680. For a listof local producers visit >> www.threerivers.gov.uk

COMMUNITY ACTION



The Three Rivers district is over77% Green Belt, meaning there areplenty of great walking routesaround for residents to enjoy. Fromlong adrenalin-pumping hikes toshort relaxing rambles, there issomething nearby suitable foreverybody.

A small selection of the walksavailable include the Chorleywoodcircular walk, the Croxley Greenloops, the South Oxhey circularwalk, the Swillet and Heronsgatewalks and the Abbots Langley walk.

Information cards for each of thesewalks (including detailed maps)have been created by TheCountryside Management Service(CMS) in partnership with theDistrict Council. These can becollected from the District Counciloffices by ringing 01923 776611 orresidents can view the informationat www.threerivers.gov.uk on theCountryside pages.

These walks and further walkingroutes can also be found on theCMS website athttp://enquire.hertscc.gov.uk/cms/default.htm

For organised health walks, seepage a.

SummerramblesSummerrambles

Shed loads of fun Growers atBarton Way Allotment Associationare hoping to rake it in this summerwith a special food stall at theCroxley Revels (21 June) and anopen day with stalls at the siteduring National Allotments Week(16 August 10.00am - 12.30pm).

Ring 01923 721067.

This year the Rickmansworth BowlsClub celebrates its 105th bowlingseason in Rickmansworth.

The Club was inaugurated by theRickmansworth Cricket Club in 1903and games were played in front ofthe old cricket pavilion inScotsbridge Meadows. In 1937 theClub moved to the present daybowling ground, at Basing Gardens,opposite the District Council offices.

Today the Club is still going strong,with over 70 members of all ages,ranging from teenagers tononagenarians!

Residents of all ages and abilities arewelcome to come along and try theirhand at bowls throughout thesummer, both the Men's and Ladies'

Bowling into summer

sections are always keen towelcome new recruits. For moreinformation, contact Sam Thomason 01923 449917.

C o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 9 2 3 7 7 6 6 1 1

COMMUNITY ACTION

page 12


Enjoy the countryside responsibly

If you're spending time outsideenjoying the countryside overthe summer months you maywant to look out for these…

� Moles - the warmer weathermeans young moles are startingto leave their mothers andtunnel for their own territory.

� Butterflies - the Marbled White,Common Blue and Peacock areamong the majestic butterfliesthat will be fluttering aroundduring the summer season.

� Hay harvest - the summer hayharvest has begun. Look out forbales scattered across the fields,drying out in the sunshine.

Summer fact file

If you find a stray dog and it's in your possession the DistrictCouncil can help. Ring 01923776611 during office hours orring 0782 6868902 between6pm and 9pm seven days a week. The Police no longerdeal with stray dogs.

Going astray

A new fitness scheme has beenlaunched this summer, which aimsto improve the health and wellbeingof residents in shelteredaccommodation. The year-longprogramme aims to help residentsincrease their flexibility, balanceand strength through gentle andfun exercises such as Movement to Music.

The programme, which will run untilMarch 2009, will take place at thesheltered housing schemes atFrogmoor Court, TannerswoodCourt, Grove Court and ClitheroeGardens. For more information,residents can ring 01923 779392.

Do you know?� 1 August marks the Feast of the

First Fruits, known as Lammas inthe Celtic calendar. In Englishtradition this day celebrates thefirst harvest and it wascustomary to bring to church aloaf made from the new crop.

� European Bat Weekend takesplace over 22 -24 August. Batsmake up a third of the UK'smammal population.

Activeschemes

w w w . t h r e e r i v e r s . g o v . u k

Run for alocal cause

We are all responsible forlooking after ourcountryside; make sureyou and your family knowthe Countryside Code. The Code is available fromwww.countrysideaccess.gov.ukor Three Rivers TimesExtra at>> www.threerivers.gov.uk

Fancy taking in the sights ofLondon, running alongsideOlympic athletes and raising vitalcash for charity? The PaulStrickland Scanner Centre needsyou!

The British 10K London charity runwill take place on Sunday 6 Julyand will raise millions of pounds forhundreds of participating charities.A host of famous athletes andcelebrities from stage and screenwill be taking part, as well asthousands of recreational runnersaiming to raise plenty of cash forlocal causes.

The Paul Strickland Scanner Centre,based at Mount Vernon Hospital inNorthwood, has 13 runners alreadytaking part but five more spacesare yet to be filled. The Centreprovides vital services in medicalimaging and scanning technology,which helps to diagnose accuratelypatients suffering with cancer andother serious diseases.

To take part and help raise much-needed cash for the Centre, pleasecontact the Paul Strickland ScannerCentre Appeals Office on 01923 844290.

COMMUNITY ACTION


Youngsters at Tanners Wood JMISchool now have the opportunityto learn in the great outdoors, withthe addition of a brand newWildlife Area in a disused sectionof the school grounds.

The Wildlife Area, which wasfunded by Three Rivers DistrictCouncil, the Parent TeacherAssociation and Abbots LangleyTough Ten Committee, boasts aclass space, tool store, woodpiles,a scrape for finding minibeasts andnative plants that encouragewildlife. The school chose to givethe area the motto 'peace and

quiet, awe and wonder'.

The Wildlife Area will be used toenhance learning across allsubjects on the curriculum,particularly subjects such asscience and geography. Wholeclasses will spend some lessontime in the area and it will also beavailable for groups or individualsto use at break and lunch times.The Wildlife Club, made up of keenchildren and teachers, takes overthe area after school once a week.

>>www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk

Peace and quiet, awe and wonder

Local parksand green

spacesA great place or a waste

of space? Tell us what you think -

www.greenstat.org.uk or ring 01923 779392.


COMMUNITY ACTION



Year of the book-worm2008 is the National Year of Reading, meaning there are plenty of funevents on offer designed to help the whole family enjoy the benefits of books.

The NYR campaign aims to change the nature of reading in the nation andhave a lasting impact on people's lives for years to come. It wants to reachhesitant readers, reluctant readers, those who do not consider themselvesreaders (but who are!) and those who are in a position to influencesomeone's future reading - and make a compelling case to them all forgreater engagement with reading.

NYR is a top priority for Hertfordshire Libraries. The coming months willsee special visits to local libraries by acclaimed writers such as Ken Follett,Jacqueline Wilson, Sophie King, Deborah Moggach and Janey Lee Grace. Ahost of other special events will also be on offer, from travel writing andromantic fiction, to films, talking books and the Summer Reading Challenge.

It's going to be an exciting year! There's never been a better time to visityour local library.

For information on events happening at your local library, ring 01923 471333or visit >> www.hertsdirect.org for details of upcoming activities.

Budding bards may be interested in the six week creative writing courserun by the District Council. To find out more about times and locations,residents can contact the Leisure department on 01923 779392 for detailsand an Everyday Active brochure.

A £250 grant from the DistrictCouncil earlier this year has meantnew toys for Rickmansworth ToyLibrary during the popular summermonths. The service lends toys tochildren aged from birth to eight years.

The new toys include a teddy bear ina wheelchair and a guide dog. Otheravailable toys include: activitiescentres, musical toys, water play,board games, jigsaws, slides,electronic learning games, tunnels,pop-up houses and ride-on toys. CDRoms are also available. The toys aresuitable for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, as well as educational toys, in line with theNational Curriculum Key Stage 1.

Hire charges for the service rangefrom 50p to £5 per toy. Two forms of ID are requested upon joining the library.

For more information aboutvolunteering or joining the Library,residents can ring 01923 710633.

Toy story

Oxhey Jets Football Club hasbeen awarded a £35,000 leisuregrant by the District Counciltowards the cost of its new pitch.

Jets’ Chairman John Elliottsays: “To its credit Three RiversDistrict Council has worked withus to understand the problemwith the pitch and give us help

and support. We were delightedwith the attitude and responseof the Executive Committeetowards Oxhey Jets and theenthusiasm with which theymade this grant award. We havehad a great result about thepitch; now it's time to havesome more great results on it!”

The South Oxhey based club,which has over 280 members,has been established since theearly 1970s and plays a pivotalrole in involving the localcommunity in sport.

More information on Oxhey JetsFC >> www.oxheyjets.com

Grant gets Jets 'out of the mud'

w w w . t h r e e r i v e r s . g o v . u k


Summer funWant to find out more about free and low-cost activities to keep the whole family busy

during the summer months? Here are a few ideas to get you started . . .

page 15

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Saxons and Vikings 26 & 27JulyMeet Viking and Saxon soldiers!Learn about their way of life andwatch thrilling combat displaysdemonstrating Viking and Saxonarmour, weapons and fightingtechniques.

Meet Sovereign the Shire Horse30 & 31 August Friendly residentSovereign the Shire Horse will begreeting visitors throughout theweekend. Horse lovers will be ableto groom Sovereign and watch himin action around the site.

All day admission from £7.50 peradult and £5.00 per child. Familytickets and concessions available.Under 5s go free. Much more atwww.coam.org.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum, NewlandPark, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont StGiles, Bucks, HP8 4AB, 01494 871117.

Langleybury Children's Farm

Pay a visit to Langleybury to meetgoats, sheep, calves, deer, pigs,ducks and geese. Open throughoutthe school holidays, admissionprices are £3.00 per adult and £1.50per child. Ring 01923 270 603 formore information.

Langleybury Children's Farm,Langleybury Lane, Kings Langley,Herts, WD4 8RW.

Chorleywood Village Day

Chorleywood's annual villagecelebrations will take place onSaturday 12 July, in the fire-ride onthe common (behind the cricketpavilion situated off RickmansworthRoad). From 12 midday until 5pmthe entertainment will include craftsstalls, woodturning demonstrations,fair rides, jewellery and glass, freshproduce, ferret racing, rare breeds,pets, longhorn cattle and muchmore. Call 01923 282668 for more information.

National Trust houses and gardens

Why not soak up some localhistory? National Trust houses andgardens residents can visit in thelocal area include the beautifulCliveden Estate near Beaconsfield,the Ashridge Estate nearBerkhamsted and Hatfield Forestnear Bishops Stortford. Ring theCliveden Information Line on 01494755 562, the Ashridge EstateInformation Line on 01494 755557and Hatfield Forest Information Lineon 01279 874 040 or visitwww.nationaltrust.org.uk for moreinformation.

Rickmansworth Toy Library

A great way to keep youngstersentertained throughout theholidays, this local toy lendingservice is suitable for children aged0 - 8 years old. The library is openfrom 9.30am - 11.00am everysecond and fourth Wednesday ofthe month. WRVS Project Centre,Bury Meadows, Bury Lane,Rickmansworth, WD3 1DP. Phone01923 710633.

Free skating!

Enjoy free skating this summer atCroxley Green Skate Park. A fun and friendly park ideal forbeginners, facilities for skating andBMX-ing are on offer for the over8s. Qualified first aid staff will be on site during supervised sessions.Under 18s must wear protectivehead gear. For information onopening hours and supervisedsessions visitwww.threerivers.gov.uk or ring01923 779392. Croxley Green Skate Park, Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, Herts.

Three Rivers Museum

This popular museum containsitems of local history from all partsof Three Rivers, including oldphotographs, archaeological findsand architectural items salvagedfrom demolition. Three RiversMuseum of Local History, BasingHouse, High Street, Rickmansworth,Herts WD3 1HP. Visitwww.trmt.org.uk or call 01923 727333.

Revels on the Green 2008

Croxley Green's annual celebrationof mid-summer will take place onSaturday 21 June from 2.00pm to5.00pm on The Green. Family-friendly entertainment will includecarnival processions, stalls,sideshows and arena activities. Visitwww.croxleyrevels.co.uk or [email protected]

For more on free and low costsummer activities such as freeswimming, see this magazine'sLeisure supplement.

For the Summer Brochure call the Leisuredepartment on 01923 779392

BARTON Tony Sarratt Conservative T 01923 [email protected]

BARTRICK Sue Leavesden Liberal Democrat T 01923 [email protected]

BEDFORD Matthew Deputy Leader Abbots Langley Liberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

BEDFORD Sara Abbots Langley Liberal Democrat T 01923 [email protected]

BRADING Phil Croxley Green South Liberal Democrat T 01923 [email protected]

BUTT Kemal Moor Park & Eastbury Conservative T 01923 [email protected]

BUTWICK Malcolm Northwick Conservative T 01923 [email protected]

CONNOLLY Mary Carpenders Park Liberal Democrat T 020 8428 [email protected]

CROSS Kerron Hayling Labour T 01923 [email protected]

DANN Leighton Dr Croxley Green Liberal Democrat T 01923 [email protected]

DAVIES Harry Chorleywood West Liberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

DENMAN Graham Ashridge ConservativeT 01923 [email protected]

DRURY Steve Croxley Green North Liberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

DUNNE Geoffrey Carpenders Park Liberal DemocratT 020 8428 [email protected]

DUNNE Seamus Ashridge British National Party76 Alva WayCarpenders Park WD19 5EA

CONTACT YOUR COUNCILLORS



Three Rivers District Councillors Three Rivers House, Northway,

Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 1RL

Telephone 01923 776611 (minicom 01923 727303)[email protected]

Opening times: our call centre is open from 8am to 6pm,Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)

Our One Stop Shop is open for visitors from 8.30am to5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 5pm on Fridays

(excluding Bank Holidays)

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

DURHAM Francis Northwick LabourDeputy Group LeaderT 01923 [email protected]

GILES-MEDHURST Stephen Leavesden Liberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

GOGGINS Paul Langleybury Liberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

GREEN Barbara Chorleywood West Liberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

HAMES Pam Carpenders Park Liberal DemocratT 020 8428 [email protected]

HAYWARD Chris Chorleywood East Conservative

Deputy Group LeaderT 01923 [email protected]

HISCOCKS Paula Rickmansworth ConservativeT 01923 [email protected]

LAMB Barbara Rickmansworth WestConservativeT 01923 [email protected]

LAVAL Richard Bedmond/ Primrose HillVice-ChairmanLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

LLOYD Chris Croxley Green NorthChairmanLiberal DemocratT 01923 231297chris.lloyd @threerivers.gov.uk

MAJOR David Abbots LangleyLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

MANN Joy Bedmond & Primrose HillLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

MEAD Les PennLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

MEDIRATTA Amrit Moor Park & EasturyConservativeT 01923 [email protected]

NELMES Sarah PennLiberal DemocratT 07714 [email protected]

NORMAN Brian Croxley GreenLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

PEUTHERER Keith LangleyburyLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

RAY Peter Oxhey HallLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

REDSHAW Phil HaylingLabourT 01923 [email protected]

SANGSTER RalphMoor Park/EastburyConservativeT 01923 [email protected]







SANSOM DavidRickmansworthConservativeGroup LeaderT 01923 [email protected]

SCARTH Alison Oxhey HallLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

SEABOURNE Roger Croxley GreenLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

SHAW Ann Council LeaderLiberal DemocratGroup LeaderT 01923 [email protected]@threerivers.gov.uk

SMITH RussellRickmansworth WestConservativeT 01923 [email protected]

SPELLEN RonNorthwickLabourGroup LeaderT 020 8421 [email protected]

SPENCER LeonardChorleywood EastConservativeT/F 01923 [email protected]

STRUCK Richard Maple Cross &Mill EndLiberal DemocratT 01234 [email protected]

TREVETT Martin Chorleywood WestLiberal DemocratT/F 01923 [email protected]

TURNER Kate LeavesdenLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

WAKELING Peter Maple Cross &Mill EndLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

WHATELY-SMITHChrisLangleyburyLiberal DemocratT 01923 268381chris.whately-smith @threerivers.gov.uk

WHITE Brian Croxley Green SouthLiberal DemocratT 01923 [email protected]

CLEMENTS Roy

OXHEY PARK DIVISION

ConservativeT 01923 223142e-mail:[email protected]

Wards/Area ServedCarpenders ParkMoor Park & Eastbury Oxhey Hall

DRURY Steve

CROXLEY DIVISION

Liberal DemocratT 01923 224381e-mail: [email protected]/Area ServedCroxley GreenCroxley Green North Croxley Green South

GOGGINS Paul

ABBOTS LANGLEY DIVISION

Liberal DemocratT 01923 264562e-mail: [email protected]

Wards/Area ServedAbbots LangleyBedmond & Primrose HillLangleybury (part)Leavesden

HOBDAY Jane

SOUTH OXHEY DIVISION

LabourT 01727 769784

Wards/Area ServedAshridgeHaylingNorthwick

R

HERTFORDSHIRECOUNTY COUNCILLORS

FOR THREE RIVERS




LAMB Barbara

RICKMANSWORTH DIVISION

ConservativeT 01923 720845

e-mail:[email protected]

Wards/Area ServedMaple Cross & Mill EndPenn RickmansworthRickmansworth West

SPENCER Leonard

CHORLEYWOOD DIVISION

ConservativeT/F 01923 282373e-mail:[email protected]

Wards/Area ServedChorleywood EastChorleywood WestLangleybury (part)Sarratt

Contact details for ParishCouncillors are available fromParish offices or from Three RiversTimes Extra www.threerivers.gov.uk

ABBOTS LANGLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Abbots Langley Parish Council,Langley Road, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0EJ T 01923 265139 and 01923 260462 www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk Office hours:9:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Thu)9:00am-4:00pm (Fri) Open to the public:9:30am-2:00pm (Mon, Wed, Fri)2:00pm-5:00pm (Tue, Thu)

CHORLEYWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Chorleywood Parish Council, South Lodge, Rickmansworth Road, Chorleywood, Herts, WD3 5SLT 01923 285594www.chorleywood-pc.gov.ukOpening times:Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm

CROXLEY GREEN PARISH COUNCIL

The Council Offices, Community Way, Croxley Green, Herts WD3 3SUT 01923 [email protected] times:Mon - Thurs 9am - 5:30pmFriday 9am - 3pm

SARRATT PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Office, Village Hall, The Green, Sarratt, Herts, WD3 6ATT 01923 [email protected] times:Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 2:30pm

WATFORD RURAL PARISH COUNCIL

Watford Rural Parish Council, Parish Council Offices, Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey WD19 7SBT 020 8428 [email protected] times:Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm

PARISH COUNCILS

Information about District CouncilCommittees and services isavailable fromwww.threerivers.gov.uk 01923 776611.

Information about County, Districtand Parish services is availablefrom our A-Z of Services booklet,ring 01923 776611 (minicom01923 727303) for a copy.

The Three Rivers District Guide is available from the DistrictCouncil, ring 01923 776611(minicom 01923 727303)www.threerivers.gov.uk


YOUNG THREE R IVERS

A group of local teenagers have recently finishedfilming a DVD about the 3 Rs - reduce, re-use andrecycle, which is now available to watch on the ThreeRivers District Council website www.threerivers.gov.uk- just search 'youth DVD'.

From planning the news-style format, to scripting, tochoosing locations and finally to hands-on filming,editing, directing and sound; the group of teenagers didit all.

One of the group, 14-year old Hayley, says:

“The studio filmingpart of the project wasespecially fun; welearnt loads of newstuff. I didn't realisehow much rubbish wethrow away, lots of itcould be recycled. Ihope the video willshow people our agewhat they canrecycle.”

Happy viewing!

Bullying is an act of intimidation that can takemany forms. The main aim of the bully is either tophysically, emotionally or psychologically damagethe victim. In the case of cyber bullying the bullycan humiliate, threaten, or embarrass the victimthrough nasty text messages, e-mails, instantmessages such as MSN or Yahoo, or blogs such asMyspace, Facebook and Bebo. Some bullies mayeven set up a website to mock their victims.

The effects of cyber bullying can be really serious. It can cause the victimlong-lasting emotional wounds and damage their self-esteem and confidence.Victims of bullying often suffer in silence because they are either afraid orembarrassed to tell their parents or teachers.

If you're a victim of cyber bullying, don't be afraid to speak out about it.Please talk to someone you can trust; a friend, a family member or a teacher.If you feel you can't talk to them about it, then forward them the bully's e-mails and text messages and direct them to any websites containing theoffensive material about you. Do not delete any of the evidence against thebully otherwise people in authority will find it hard to deal with the bullyeffectively.

There is help available; make sure you take it.

Cyber bullyingBy Alia Musa

w w w . t h r e e r i v e r s . g o v . u kC o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 9 2 3 7 7 6 6 1 1

Camera,action!

Want to have a say in what goes onin your area? Want to meet newpeople and make new friends?

If you are aged 11 - 18 and interestedin having your say, come along tothe next meeting of the YouthCouncil. Every young person isinvited and new faces are alwaysmade very welcome. Free pizza anddrinks are available from 5.00pm.

The next meeting takes place onTuesday 7 October from 5.30pm -7.00pm. Bring some friends andcome along to see what it's allabout!


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