The CM21 Christmas Edition 2014 by Lorraine Perry

THE

CM21

CONNECTION december 2014 ISSUE 2 DELIVERED

FREE EVERY MONTH

■■ We asked our local ministers...

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

■■ Charity “Christmas Day Truce” Match ■■ Herts & Essex Samaritans . . . AND MUCH MORE!

Bringing the community together

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THE

WELCOME

CM21

HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE December edition of THE CM21 CONNECTION

CONNECTION

Wow! Thank you so much for your positive response to the first edition. You can never tell with these things can you but when I received two Sudoku entries in the first post after the first day of delivery... I knew it would be OK. Sincerely, thank you very much.

December 2014 ISSUE 2

The magazine will evolve over time into something that is uniquely yours and to facilitate that I actively welcome your feedback, comments, thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Of course the magazine is reliant on its advertisers, without whom it wouldn’t exist, so can I cheekily ask you to share your copy with anyone that you may think would benefit from advertising with us please? Thank you.

CONTENTS

And, don’t forget the community pages, what’s on and listings are all free of charge to local groups and charitable organisations - if that’s you, do please get in touch, tell us about yourself and/or an event that may be coming up and we’ll include it in the magazine... but I can only do that if you tell me about it.

11 Charity Football Match

PC Russell Jones and I were hoping to bring you a regular policing article this month, however he has been seconded to Hertford; I’d like to wish you all the very best Russ! Luckily for us, PCSO Stephens Siggers has kindly stepped in and offered to contribute, so hopefully we should be able to bring you something from January.

44 Christmas Postal Dates

I’d like to welcome our new advertisers and contributors and also thank those that have offered their services - I will be in touch!

22 Just for the Kids

And finally, I’d like to wish one and all a very, very happy Christmas!

30 Look What’s Cooking

■ FEATURES & ARTICLES 7 Local Ministers 8 Samaritans 9 In Person

14 Cats Protection League 26 Christmas Traditions 34 The Christmas Truce

■ FUN & LEISURE 16 Short Story 20 Hobbies

28 Humour

32 Puzzles & Brain Teasers

Until next year, Lorraine

CONTACTING US

■ IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY

editor Lorraine Perry

38 Local Community

call 01279 410345 or 07808 000 113 email local@cmconnection.uk web www.cmconnection.uk Join us on Facebook CM Connection PLEASE NOTE

Copy deadline for all adverts and submissions in the New Year edition is 10th December

40 What’s On 43 The Listings 45 Index 46 Useful Numbers The CM21 Connection cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, products or services that appear in theis publication.

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Marguerites

Flowers & Balloons Flowers for all occasions www.marguerites-academy.co.uk 01279 639508 or 07973 788006

Weddings at Marguerites

Christmas Floristry Classes Sat 13th & Sun 14th December phone for more details

Looking for beautiful wedding flowers and balloon bouquets, expertly arranged? To add design, beauty and impact to your wedding... we can assist you with an individual consultation and provide fabulous wedding flowers and balloon arrangements designed to suit your own wedding budget and style.

Funeral Tributes

Personal tributes can say more than words when chosen carefully. You can choose from traditional bouquets or funeral wreaths or ask our florist to create a funeral tribute from your own description.

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we asked our local ministers… how will you be spending your christmas?

Frances Arnold

Gary Hanson

Great St Mary

Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church

The Christmas season used to last from Christmas Eve until Twelfth Night (Epiphany). Nowadays it starts well before then; and mine will begin this year with the popular Christingle service at 3.30pm on Sunday 7 December. There will be carol services for schools and other organisations during December, culminating in the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 21 December at 6.30pm. The children perform their nativity play at the 9.30am Eucharist that day, so there is plenty to keep me busy and get me in the mood for Christmas itself – the story of God coming into the world as a baby to share our human life. That starts on Christmas Eve with the Crib Service at 4pm and continues with Carols on Fair Green at 6.30pm. One of the highlights of the year is the Midnight Eucharist at 11.30pm. By the time we have cleared up I will get to bed about 2am and soon be up again to prepare for the Eucharist at 8am. With any luck I will grab a cup of coffee before the major service of the day, the Parish Family Eucharist at 9.30am. I will then get a cab to Stansted to catch the airport bus to London. I expect to fall asleep on the bus, but at least I won’t go past my stop. I hope I can get a taxi at Liverpool Street to take me to my sister’s for Christmas dinner; otherwise I will ask my brother-in-law to help carry my bags for the last mile or two.

Excitedly, is the short answer! Apart from Easter, Christmas is my favourite time of the year and my love of it is well known amongst friends, family and the congregation at Church! I love Christmas and everything about it - the atmosphere, the festivities, the fun and the food (of course!). Our Christmas celebrations are the same every year... on Christmas eve we go along to ‘Carols on the green’ in Sawbridgeworth. About 2000 people sing carols together and it is great fun. On Christmas morning we are normally up quite early and the kids open their presents (they seem to get a lot more than me!) We have a nice breakfast together before going off to Church. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ who came into the world as our Saviour and King... He came into a dark world to bring the light of life and God’s love. So we remember and celebrate the birth of our Saviour with lots of other people and it is always a great time and the best bit of Christmas day. The next couple of days are all about being with family and friends and it is lovely to play with the kids and chat together... before we start making our new year resolutions!

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IT’s your community

It’s Good to Talk! The herts & Essex branch of the Samaritans

Do you ever feel down, depressed or like you’re struggling to cope? Talking about whatever it is that’s troubling you can really help. The Herts & Essex branch of Samaritans has been based in Ware for over 45 years and has 120 volunteers who answer almost 40,000 calls each year. Noel Griffin, Branch Director explains: “Samaritans work is done quietly but has huge value. Sometimes it’s difficult to talk to someone you know: it feels embarrassing, personal, or you don’t want to take up their time. Sometimes there just isn’t anyone to talk to. “Samaritans give people the chance to talk in confidence about anything that is troubling them. People call about job and money worries, family and relationship issues, feeling alone, worthless, sad, angry or suicidal, or being abused. There is no typical problem or caller.

Tel:

01920 464099 (local) 08457 909090 (national)

email:

jo@samaritans.org

WWW: samaritans.org

Samaritans are there to listen at any time of the day or night, and as well as phone calls they respond to emails, texts and visitors who drop in to talk face-to-face. They also work with local schools and other organisations to encourage emotional wellbeing. You can find out more about Samaritans, including how to contact the branch in Ware, or how to become a volunteer, at www. samaritans.org. If you are interested in volunteering you can also call the local number below. If you need to speak to someone call 01920 464099 (local), 08457 909090 (national), or email jo@samaritans.org.

WARE OFFICE

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Special feature

local business people in person Name and Business: Sarah Debnam and Charlie Brent, we own Evissa hair & Extension Salon here in Sawbridgeworth. Where do you live? For the past three years Charlie has been living in Ongar and Sarah has been living in Newhall. What’s your favourite local shop? The Mint Cafe, they always provide us with a tasty lunch and also deliver when we are busy, so thanks guys! What’s your favourite local venue? We really enjoy The White Lion pub, it has a friendly vibe, has a great menu and good wine! What do you like best about Sawbridgeworth? How friendly everyone is! It has a great community feel and has some great places to eat. What do you like doing when you’re not working? We enjoy time with our families and believe it or not we spend a lot of the weekends together! People often

Hair & Extension Salon

comment on how we manage never to get fed up with each other! We set up our business because... We felt that we could provide our clients with a high standard of hairdressing at an affordable price. There is a very friendly atmosphere at the salon and it’s easily accessible with its own parking. People travel for miles to have their extensions created by us! What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently? Charlie has just gained a beautiful niece and Sarah has become a godmother! Favourite one liner or saying? It has got to be the classic: “You Only Live Once!”.

Welcome to Evissa... At Evissa we pride ourselves on delivering top quality hair extensions, and it doesn’t always have to be for length; perhaps you want fuller hair or to extend a bob?

Pop-up restaura nts on... 11th December 2014

Please check website locations lessons or Gift vouchers forforcooking tickets for a pop-up event make a great Christmas gift!

And when you have a set of our extensions you get your colour FREE!

Get your winter locks in time for Christmas!

01279 724665

4 Hoestock road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0DY (turning next to Mark David’s kitchens) Parking outside salon Check the website for further pop-up dates and locations

www.facebook.com/evissasalon

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community

The christmas day truce Charity Football Match Words by Gary Hanson

After several months of bitter trench warfare an unofficial truce broke out between the German and Allied armies on Christmas Eve 1914. It began with German soldiers singing carols to celebrate the 24th... this lead to soldiers from both sides meeting in No Man's Land to shake hands, exchange gifts, talk, sing carols before taking part in an impromptu game of football... The ceasefire held until Boxing Day when senior officers ordered them back into their trenches and for hostilities to restart. For a brief moment, peace threatened to defeat war... On Sunday 14th December 2014, at Sawbridgeworth football club, a special

charity match has been organised between Sawbridgeworth FC and a team made up of representatives from local organisations, to honour and remember this unique, poignant moment in the midst of that horrific war. Kick off is 2pm and at half time there will be a chance to remember the fallen with a minutes silence and join together and sing 'Silent Night'. There will be a display about the truce and WW1 in the club house, where people can buy food and drink. It is a free event, but is raising money for a memorial being set up in 2017 in Belgium in memory of the Hertfordshire regiment.

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07725 341251 12

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

recruitment column What impact can you make in 10 seconds?

Research shows this is how long the average employer takes to make the decision if you are right for the job. So here at J&HRecruitment we have compiled our Top 10 Tips to help make your CV stand out in a crowded candidate market.

PPWrite a comprehensive profile - this is the first impression and the most important part of any CV. Our advice is to include a brief overview of your career, your relevant qualifications and a line on what you are looking for. Your profile should be no more than 5 lines long.

PPWrite it in the third person - CV’s are a professional document and should be composed in a way to reflect this. It shouldn’t be “I did this/I did that”, it doesn’t demonstrate your business acumen.

PPDo not include a photograph - everyone has an opinion on this but we advise not to include a photograph. Employers are trained to focus on skill set not appearance, we’re often told by employers they remove them straight away.

or hard to read fonts give a bad impression. People who use simple clear language are rated as more intelligent. Also, bullet point your duties for each role.

PPOne size does not fill all - tailor your CV to the role you are applying for but try not to just produce a list of adjectives, reinforce your skills with examples.

PPHonesty is the best policy - everyone wants to get their CV noticed but if you exaggerate the truth you will get found out! Be proud of what you have achieved in your career, there is a job for everyone and there will be an employer that feels your experience is right for them.

PPCheck, check and check again - believe us, the amount of CV’s we see with mistakes is staggering so please proof read it and get someone else to double check it for you.

PPFill in the gaps - make sure your employment history is fully complete, if you took a year out to go travelling ensure you include it rather than leave a gap as employers worry if there are unaccountable dates.

PPInclude your contact details - this may sound obvious but make sure you include your mobile number and home number, ensure both are correct (and make sure you have a voicemail set up). It’s also important to have a sensible email address.

PPKeep it relevant - We all like to show off what we have achieved and your CV is the perfect platform for that but it’s imperative to keep your CV significant to the role you’re applying for.

PPLayout - Unnecessary use of complex words

J&HRecruitment is a vibrant and exciting recruitment consultancy, perfectly matching clients’ employment requirements with exceptional candidates. With over 20 years’ combined experience, Directors Debra Harris and Claire Jose, bring an abundance of knowledge, skill sets and professional know-how from the bustling City of London transferred to Bishop’s Stortford and surrounding areas to support local businesses.

For more information contact: 01279 293 123 Email: hello@jandhrecruitment.co.uk Facebook: JandHrecruitment Twitter: JH_Recruitment www.jandhrecruitment.co.uk 13 PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

IT’s your community

LOCAL CHARITIES Lynne Introduces: Cats Protection

Although the branch is officially called the Harlow, Epping Forest & District Branch it covers a wider area and includes CM21 (with some very loyal volunteers living in the area). This local branch was founded in 1993 and rehomes around 150 cats and kittens per year. Although part of a national organisation the branch is totally selffunded.

will help with the cost of neutering for cat owners on limited means. Every year or so they run a neutering promotion and work with some of the local vets to provide free or subsidised neutering. In their 2013 campaign they neutered over 300 cats.

All their cats live with fosterers in cattery-style cabins in their gardens; they don’t have central premises. This allows their fosterers to give personal attention to each cat and to get to know its personality. Cats come into their care for a variety of reasons: some are strays, some are abandoned in horrendous circumstances - we have rescued from several locations kittens that have been dumped in boxes. Sometimes people can no longer look after their cats due to age, illness, family break-up etc.

• Becoming a branch member for a modest annual sub

Whilst in their care all cats if old enough are spayed or castrated before being rehomed. They

• Or why not provide a cat or kitten with a forever home.

LOCATION: Web: FacebooK: TEL:

The group are always in need of support, which can be given in a number of ways including:

• Sponsor a cat cabin for just £4 per month • Attend one of their events – details via their newsletter, Facebook page and website • Become a volunteer – they are always in need of people to undertake home visits, foster, become a speaker at local community groups, assist with fund raising, help with publicity and donate items to sell

PO Box 7360, EPPING CM16 7XZ Cats.org.uk/harlow CatsProtectionharlow 01279 503108

Lynne Garner Lynne Garner is a local author who has written over 20 books and over 200 magazine features. Her books include non-fiction (often craft related) and four picture books. She also teaches creative writing and craft related subjects. When not teaching or writing Lynne visits local schools and organisations. If you'd like to book a visit contact her via her website www.lynnegarner.com - Social media: Facebook page (lynnegarnerauthor), Twitter @lynnegarner

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Bryson Gas Services

Central heating, repairs & installations Landlord certificates Cooker/hob installations Gas fire installations General plumbing work No call out charge (free estimates)

Over 20 years Experience

Tel: 01279 321396 Mob: 07738 362970

Based on Church Langley

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Fun & leisure

short story the last present

“I’ll lock up while you get the first round in”, Trevor told Barry, scratching his beard. “Aren’t we changing out of our work clothes?” Barry said. “Not tonight”. This was his Christmas Eve ritual, the pub regulars expected it. Once Santa and his elf arrived at the bar everyone knew Christmas had finally arrived. Trevor had been the Santa at the precinct grotto for years. The kids he’d once bounced on his knee now brought their own kids to tell Santa what a good little boy or girl they’d been. “Busy year”, Trevor said, “there’s only one present left, we were cutting that a bit fine”. “What’ll happen to it?” Barry asked. He was new to the elf game, slightly scatterbrained, but good with crowd management Trevor thought. “It’ll go in storage until next year”. The grotto was no more than a shed decorated with tinsel, but for the last ten days over-excited kids had been queuing out the door. “Off you trot now, mine’s a pint”, Trevor said switching off the lights. Left to himself, Trevor locked the door and dropped the key in his coat pocket. A job well done he thought. As he turned to go he felt something pulling on coat. “Excuse me Santa is the grotto still open?” a young lad said. He was just a scrap of a thing, Trevor nearly tripped over him. “Sorry lad, we’ve shut up shop”. The boy’s bottom lip began to wobble. “But I wanted to see Santa”. The boy whimpered. Just what I need, thought Trevor, a blubberer on Christmas Eve. “Well, you’re seeing me now aren’t you?”. Trevor said and ruffled the boy’s hair. “And get a present”, the boy added. “Well you should’ve come earlier”, Trevor said gruffly. It was more than his job’s worth to let the lad into the grotto without his elf present; health and safety and all that. “I did, but your elf said I had to pay and I didn’t have any money”, the boy said rubbing his eyes.

Trevor softened. Poor kid. “Listen lad, don’t cry”. He crouched down, “tell me, have you been a good boy this year?” The boy nodded uncertainly. Trevor chuckled. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out all his loose change. “Here, find yourself something nice with this”. The boy held out his hand and grinned, “Thanks Santa”. Trevor stood up slowly, his old knees ached. “Happy Christmas”. He waved, and headed towards the pub. There was a cheer from the regulars as he walked in. Barry was standing at the crowded bar looking sheepish. “Where’s my pint?” Trevor said. “I left my wallet at the grotto”, Barry said. “There’s no pockets in these tights”. “We’d better nip back for it”, Trevor sighed, “I’ve got the key here”. He dug his hand into his pocket, and knew straight away what he’d done. The pocket was empty. “I’ve dropped a real clanger”. He groaned and bundled Barry out of the pub. The boss would have his guts for garters for this. “Oh no!” Barry gasped as they reached the grotto. Trevor was afraid to look. “You’ve left the key in the door”. Barry panted. “Did I?” Trevor could breathe again, “Must have been distracted by that kid.” He scanned inside the shed as Barry retrieved his wallet from behind the inflatable Rudolph. “No harm done”. He smiled, putting the key safely back in his pocket. He was ready for that pint. It was lucky, he thought, that his elf hadn’t noticed the pile of small change where the last present used to be.

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NEW SHOWROOM OPENING SOON!

Visit our showroom from Monday - Saturday between 9.00am to 5.00pm 1 Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9JP

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NEW SHOWROOM OPENING SOON!

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Fun & leisure

HOBBIES - fishing Fishing: the hobby that’s just on the tip of your tongue!

“Hook, line and sinker”, “Cold fish”, “something fishy”, “fishing for compliments”: the British language is peppered with colourful expressions that celebrate our traditional love of fishing. Catching fish with a rod and line may have been a matter of survival for our ancestors, but these days it is mainly regarded as an enjoyable hobby or sport. If you’ve longed to try your hand at fishing, here’s a quick guide to get you started:

What is angling? By definition “angling” is any kind of fishing that uses an “angle” or fish-hook. Over time this activity has evolved into three different types: coarse fishing, game fishing and sea fishing. “Game fishing” is limited to catching of trout and salmon, while “Sea fishing” applies to any species of fish that lives in the sea. The term “Coarse fishing” is used for any freshwater fish apart from salmon or trout. What’s it like to go fishing? Angling can be hobby, a competitive sport or the focus of a relaxing holiday. It can also be a gateway to learning about, and caring for, the environment. What does it cost? It’s possible to start out on a relatively modest budget and upgrade over time. You can buy a basic coarse fishing kit, with nets, rods and accessories, for about £60. Do I need permission to go fishing? If you are older than 12 you will need a licence to fish with a rod and line for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt and eel in England (except the River Tweed), in Wales and the Border Esk region of Scotland. You can buy your rod licence at Post Offices, over the phone (telephone 0844 800 5386) or online. An annual licence currently costs £27 (or £72 if you want to fish for salmon and sea trout).

When can I fish? The “close season” is between 15th March and 15th June each year and during that period fishing is not allowed. The coarse fishing close season applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England and Wales but not most stillwaters (although there are exceptions). Where can I fish? You’ll discover thousands of urban and rural locations online. You can find information at www.rod-and-line.co.uk and www. fish-uk.com or join the Environment Agency’s page on Facebook to discover waterways that have recently been cleared. What do I do once I’ve caught a fish? The anglers’ website www.fish-uk.com states that a fish should always be returned to the water after it has been caught. Fish should be handled as little as possible or they will lose their protective, slimy coating. Never throw one back into the water: instead you should slowly immerse the net and let the fish swim away. Many anglers like to measure their catches, weigh them or take photographs before putting them back. Anyone who has listened to anglers’ tales about “The one that got away” will know that patience and skill plays a large part in fishing and it may be helpful to learn from an experienced angler when you are starting out (a list of instructors is available at www.fish-uk.com). As an island nation, it’s hardly surprising that fishing has become embedded in our language and our culture. Angling is growing in popularity, so don’t be a fish out of water: it won’t be long before you are well and truly hooked!

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THIS VOUCHER ENTITLES THE BEARER TO A PART EXCHANGE OF UP TO £175 PER WINDOW OR £225 DOOR REPLACED BY

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£175 PLEASE QUOTE reference “CM17” when speaking to the consultant. Offer only applies to new quotations

(8 WINDOWS AND 2 DOORS COULD SAVE YOU UP TO £1850 OFF OUR LIST PRICES) BENNBROOK WINDOWS UNIT 1, ESGORS FARM HIGH ROAD, THORNWOOD CM16 6LY

01992 574555

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EE FR Sh

Lilywhites

ip pi ng

Personalised Gifts for all occasions Unique Jewellery Hair Accessories Fancy Dress

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Vinyl Wall Art

■■ Key Stages 1 and 2

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■■ English, Maths and more

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Hub + Spoke

Fun Educational Cookery & Cake Decorating Lessons for all ages and abilities Tel: 07906 158895 www.cookiescookingschool.co.uk cookies-cooking-school

Bike Recycling

Workshops

Maintenance & Repairs

Cycling Skills

Led Rides

Bikes & Accessories

10% discount in December quote: SW2

Call us on 01279 431333 or visit www.hubandspokeharlow.co.uk 7, The Corner House, Bush Fair, Harlow, Essex CM18 6NZ

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The Tudor House Studio & Gallery

WINTER 2015 WORKSHOPS LEARN A NEW SKILL OR ENHANCE ONE YOU ALREADY HAVE!!

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

ART WORKSHOPS

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA Saturday 17th January - 14.00 - 16.00 - £35 Wednesday 11th February – 10.30 12.30 - £35 Wednesday 11th March – 10.30 - 12.30 - £35

LINO PRINTING Saturday 24th January – 10.00 to 13.00 - £40

Never taken your camera off automatic but know it can do more? This introductory workshop will familiarise you the key settings on your camera to help you take better photos. Suitable for all types of digital cameras, especially compacts. GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA + Saturday 31st January – 10.30 - 15.30 - £90 Saturday 28th March – 10.30 - 15.30 - £90 Ideal for digital SLR or bridge style cameras. This workshop will help you take control of camera, get you off auto and explore some of the settings and features your camera has to improve your photography skills. Includes practical photo sessions, individual feedback, guidance and reference materials. DEVELOPING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Saturday 14th March – 10.30 - 15.30 - £90 Progress your photography by exploring the more creative modes on your camera and learn how to make your images more effective with composition techniques. Explore how using Shutter Speed Priority can photograph movement in different ways and how to use depth of field effects to create different looks to your photos with Aperture Priority. This is a practical workshop with an emphasis on taking photos, receiving individual guidance and feedback from the tutor. Suitable for digital cameras with Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed priority modes. A tripod will be required.

Learn to create a series of art prints by using soft cut Lino and water based inks. You will print in multiple layers of colours all without a printing press, meaning you can continue making designs at home. All materials included, but please bring an apron. WATERCOLOUR STEP BY STEP Saturday 14th February – 10.30 - 15.30 - £52 Suitable for beginners and improvers, with expert tuition and guidance, you will learn a variety of effective techniques from creating various washes, gaining brush control to help you create different shapes, explore wet in wet techniques to inspire imagery and enhance the colours of your painting through mixing and layering. Please bring a packed lunch. OIL PASTEL DRAWING Saturday 7th March – 14.00 - 17.00 - £39 An opportunity to try your hand using this colourful medium to produce vivid images. You will spend time experimenting with colours and texture and entry level techniques on a small scale before working on your main detailed larger piece which you will complete and proudly take home.

Our workshops are very popular and spaces are limited, so book early!

www.facebook.com/tudorhouse.gallery 24

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CRAFT WORKSHOPS CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS Saturday 17th January – 10.00 - 13.00 - £35

FABRIC CRAFTS: MAKING JEWELLERY AND ORNAMENTAL HANGINGS Thursday 19th February – 13.30 – 16.30 - £28 or Saturday 28th February 14.00 – 17.00 - £28

Start to crochet using basic stitches such as; chain, doubles half trebles and trebles to make the well known granny square and if there's time a triangle. You will also learn about different yarn types, weights and the various hook sizes available.

A fun and enjoyable workshop making exquisite Springtime baubles and necklaces using fabric. You will learn to design and construct your pieces and leave armed with know how and ideas to be able to carry on the craft at home. Suitable for all ages – no sewing experience necessary!

GLASS FUSION

SEWING BEE IMPROVERS – 3 WEEK COURSE Saturday 21st and 28th February and Saturday 7th March – 10.00 – 13.00 - £135

Saturday 24th January – 14.00 - 17.00 - £49

Using specialist tools you will learn to cut, tile and layer different types of glass so you can design and create a unique hanging panel/ sun catcher and a piece of jewellery. Your workshop time will be dedicated to design, learning and making. Your pieces will be kiln fired after the workshop and available to collect 1 or 2 weeks later. CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS – 3 WEEK COURSE Thursday 5th, 12th and 19th February – 10.30 – 12.30 - £20 per class (£60 in total) This three week course will enable you to progress from basic stitches to reading patterns. You will be broadening your creative scope as you make a small bag and learn how to crochet in the round, create various textures and a flower. SEWING BEE BEGINNERS Saturday 7th February – 10.00 – 13.00 - £50 Spend the first hour getting to know or brushing up on your sewing machine settings and dials before learning how to make a tote bag. You will cover sewing and neaten seams, simple and invisible hemming, creating button holes plus you'll get hints and tips for a professional finish. Please bring your sewing machine, it's manual, half a meter of both medium weight fabric, calico/cotton (optional - for lining your bag) your sewing basket with scissors, threads, pins etc.

In three weeks you will learn how to read a pattern, alter a pattern to fit and create a garment you are proud to wear. You will be shown how to sew items according to your garments requirements such as simple open seams, collar, cuffs, waistband, fitting a simple zip and how to attach a facing. You will need to bring: a simple pattern, fabric as required for your pattern, your sewing machine, your sewing basket e.g. scissors, pins, thread, chalk, tape measure etc. FUSED GLASS SHAPING AND SLUMPING Saturday 21st February – 14.00 – 17.00 - £59 This workshop will teach you all about shaping glass and how to use moulds. You will use a range of glass and learn how to position and layer it within moulds to suit the design you want to create. You will make a small dish and free standing curved panel. Your pieces will be slow kiln fired after the workshop and ready to collect after 1or 2 weeks.

Gift & Workshop Vouchers Available

MAKING SILVER JEWELLERY Saturday 7th February – 14.00 – 17.30 - £69 Design and create from scratch an individual pendant and pair of earrings. Working with precious metal silver clay, learn to condition, texture, cut, file and polish this silver medium to create beautiful wearable jewellery. You will use a variety of tools and get valuable making tips including how you can recondition and reuse the precious metal clay.

www.tudorhouse.gallery

38 Knight Street Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AX 01279 600112 info@tudorhouse.gallery

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special feature

Christmas does the ghost of christmas past have a future? By Kate McLelland

As you stand with your overloaded trolley in a seemingly endless supermarket queue, listening to Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everybody” on a loop, it may feel as though the simple, traditional Christmases enjoyed by our ancestors have vanished completely. Times are changing and its seems that many of the festive customs that British people have enjoyed for hundreds - if not thousands – of years may not be around for much longer. Here are some Christmas traditions that have either died out or evolved to suit our 21st century tastes: The Holly and the Ivy The practice of bringing fresh evergreen branches into our homes dates back to pre-Christian times and the belief that evergreen trees had magical qualities because they didn’t die away in winter. For pagans, holly, ivy and mistletoe represented eternal life, rebirth, the coming spring and fertility. Christians later focused on the plants’ natural qualities, believing that the holly’s prickly leaves represented Christ’s crown of thorns and the red berries his spilt blood. The greenery may be gone from many houses, but it is not forgotten: modern decorations hark back to the shiny leaves and berries that once caught the firelight in our ancestors’ homes. Carols on your Doorstep Those children who bawl out two lines of “Away in a Manger” before thrusting a collection tin in your face are just a pale reflection of the bands of carol singers who would go door-to-door at Christmas time, asking for food, drink or money. In the pre-Christian era carols were simply boisterous folk songs sung at the midwinter festival. They became popular in medieval times

but the Puritans imposed a total ban on carol singing in the 1640s. Forbidden to perform in church, strolling musicians and singers would knock on doors hoping for some festive generosity. The Christmas Feast In past times people mainly ate beef and goose at Christmas. Turkey was introduced in the 19th century when well off, middle class families realised this large bird was the perfect size to feed a family gathering. By the beginning of the 20th century turkey had become the festive meat of choice, but the dwindling size of 21st century family gatherings may lead us back to eating smaller cuts of meat once more. Christmas Pudding Although the traditional Christmas pudding is still popular, our tastes are changing so there may come a time when chocolate bombes, profiteroles and trifles shoulder out the humble pud. It’s hard to believe, but this rich, spicy and fruity pudding originally began in the 14th century as a pre-Christmas fasting meal made out of porridge, meat and raisins, with the consistency of soup. Ingredients such as flour and eggs were added over the years until the recipe evolved into the dessert we know today. The pudding was traditionally made on or after “Stir up Sunday” which fell in the week before Advent (four to five weeks before Christmas), when everyone in the household was encouraged to stir the mixture and make a wish.

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traditions Small silver “charms” were then added: a silver coin to bring wealth to the recipient, a silver thimble for thrift, a wishbone for good luck and an anchor to symbolise “safe harbour”. The tradition of pouring brandy or rum over the pudding and setting light to it is another ancient custom, believed to date back to the midwinter fire festivals celebrated by our pagan ancestors. Packing the Presents Once upon a time all that children could expect when Father Christmas called was a stocking filled with nuts, fruit, sweets and handmade trinkets, but our desire for bigger and better gifts eventually led us to use pillowcases rather than stockings. We now spend an average of around £30 on each present and our generosity means that we must either buy large, purpose-made sacks for gifts or put them under the tree. Boxing Day On the day after Christmas tradesmen and servants would once receive money, known as a

“Christmas Box”, in recognition of their services throughout the year. It’s believed that the custom originated in medieval times, when a box was provided so church congregations could donate to the poor. Even as late as the 1950s and ‘60s milkmen, dustmen and other tradesmen would knock on a householder’s door and wish them “Happy Christmas” in expectation of a tip to supplement their wages. While historical records show that over the past 100 years our festive traditions have changed more rapidly than ever before, this doesn’t signify the end of Christmas as we know it: it’s simply an acceleration of an evolutionary process that first began in ancient times. Historians may mourn the loss of our old traditions but it’s clear that, even though some of the customs and rituals have changed, our love of Christmas itself remains just as strong as ever.

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special feature

Humour Christmas shopping It was that time of year again, when the late autumnal chill turns to a sharper, wintery shiver. “Tom?” “Mmmm?” “What are you doing this Thursday? “I’m busy.” “Doing what.” “Er, I have to creosote the dog.” “Don’t be silly and stop hiding behind the paper. On Thursday we need to go … late night Christmas shopping.” “Listen, I hate Christmas, and I hate Christmas shopping. I’m like the condemned man shopping for rope. I’m a grown adult, I can make my own choices in life, so please find someone else, and that my dear, is my final, final word.” The Trafford Centre car park was heaving as we bumped the Mondeo up onto the pavement and joined the happy throngs. As soon as we entered, Sarah headed straight for the Christmas decorations. “Now Tom, do you think we need another Santa to stand in the corner of the front room?” I turned around and stared at the rosy cheeks and glassy eyes of the little fat man with the white beard. I felt like punching him. But instead I just pulled at his realistic whiskers. “Er, do you mind?” “I’m most terribly sorry,” I immediately apologised as the chubby old chap backed away from me, his furious wife in tow. “Tom, what have I told you about not wearing your new glasses? Look, this is going to be a long night so let’s just get on with it.” “I’ll tell you what - let’s split up. You give me a list and we can finish in half the time.” Sarah’s eyes narrowed as she ripped her brown envelope in half. “Ok ... but don’t just go to Waterstones and browse for hours.” “As if.”

The film section at Waterstones was bigger than I remembered, with huge glossy tomes full of scenes from my favourite films. One Spielberg book was as weighty as it was marvellous. But at forty quid I couldn’t justify the price. I looked over the book to see the whiskered old man whom I mistook for Santa meekly shuffling along behind his wife. He looked over at me, our differences forgotten as I held up my list. A moment of male bonding amongst the manic dash for presents. Then, as I replaced the Spielberg book, he gave me a strange, conspiratorial wink. The next destination was the perfume counter in Debenhams. A scary looking woman with cartoon eyebrows blocked my path. “Paco Rabanne?” “No, Tom Hughes, but pleased to meet you.” I offered my hand. The sales lady tried to look annoyed, but her plastered face couldn’t quite manage it. “No sir, it’s a perfume ... pour l’homme.” The sensual pout took me aback - who was this raging fire of pure epicurean femininity? Fingering the exotic bottle of scent, I rummaged for my list - Uncle Barry, aftershave. Perfect! “How much, madame? “£44.50 sir.” I was in Boots when Sarah rang. “Did you buy Barry’s aftershave?” “No.” “Why?” “Because I haven’t time to remortgage the house. Have you seen the price of Paco Rabanne?” “The Hugo Boss is on offer.”

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special feature

by tom huges “No chance.” “Why not?” “Because he dressed the Nazis.” “Tom, I don’t think we have time to discuss the ethics of Christmas - just go and buy something, anything.” I trudged back to my Gallic friend and handed over thirty quid for a tiny silver bottle of what to me smelt of catnip. I met Sarah at a generic coffee emporium. Weighed down with bags, she flopped onto the bench as I brought her a restorative skinny latte. “You’ve been busy.” “Well, I just want to finish and go home. Where are your presents?” “Here.” I held up my little aftershave bag. “Is that it?” “Well, I was distracted, the old man with the beard...”

Now reduced to a mute pack mule, I followed Sarah dutifully around the stores, sulkily accepting bundle after bundle of sparkly loveliness. And, before I knew it, it was Christmas morning and time to open our presents. Sarah had told me what to buy her and when she opened her box gave me a polite look of mock surprise. Then I opened my present - it was the Spielberg book. “How did you know I wanted this?” “I just had a feeling.” The doorbell rang. It was Uncle Barry looking for his bottle of catnip. Everyone ran out to greet him. From the hall I heard a rousing “Merry Christmas!” Now alone, I glanced over at the corner of the room, where sat a chubby, red faced Santa. So Sarah had bought one after all? And do you know something? If I didn’t know better, and if I wasn’t on my third Bucks Fizz, I could have sworn he winked at me...

Sarah, half standing, slurped her coffee. “Right, make yourself useful. Carry these, time’s marching on, let’s go.”

Follow Tom and Sarah’s wedding at Groomsdaybook.com

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

LOOK WHAT’S COOKING Roast Turkey with Leek, Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing 100g butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1 leek, trimmed and chopped 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped 75g ready to eat dried apricots, finely chopped 150g fresh white breadcrumbs 100g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 5.4kg oven-ready turkey, giblets removed

Roasting the turkey in a ’tent’ of buttered foil will keep it moist and succulent. Always allow

16 cocktail sausages

time for the cooked bird to rest in a warm place

4 rashers smoked streaky bacon

before carving.

Fresh herbs, to garnish

Ready in approx 4½ hours, plus resting time

1. Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek and shallots for 6-7 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and stir in the apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool. 2. Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roasting tin with buttered foil. Use about one third of the stuffing mix to stuff the neck end of the turkey (press the rest of the stuffing in a shallow ovenproof dish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time - allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place the turkey in the lined roasting tin and smear all over the skin with the remaining butter. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season. 3. Cover the turkey with a tent of buttered foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally. Uncover the turkey for the last 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If the juices still run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 15-20 minutes then check again. 4. Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knife and cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktail sausages, securing with a cocktail stick. Place in baking tray and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stuffing in the dish and cook in the oven at the same time as the bacon-wrapped sausages for 20 minutes. 5. Serve the turkey on a large warmed platter with the bacon-wrapped sausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stuffing separately along with all the usual festive vegetables. TIPS: For a quick gravy, simmer the roast turkey juices with a splash of red wine and a couple of spoonfuls of redcurrant jelly.

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COFFEE BREAK FUN

PUZZLES AND QUICK CROSSWORD 1

Across 7. A red fruit (6) 8. On every side (6) 9. Deceased (4) 10. Hold back (8) 11. Sprinkle (7) 13. Weeps (5) 15. Concerning (5) 17. Farewell (4-3) 20. Acquainted (8) 21. Require (4) 23. Disclose (6) 24. Thick, oily substance (6) Down 1. Finished (4) 2. Outlaw (6) 3. Expedition (7) 4. Severe (5) 5. Terror (6) 6. Completely (8) 12. Green vegetables (8) 14. Bravery (7) 16. Allied (6) 18. Beast of burden (6) 19. Feminine (5) 22. Simple (4)

13 14 16

19 21

TWO MINUTE TRIAL

HIDATO

You have two minutes to find all the words of three or

Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

AL D E C N

5 14

34 16

You should be able to find the following number of words at each length: 3 letters: 14 4 letters: 16 5 letters: 8 6 letters: 1

25 30

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

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COFFEE BREAK FUN

BRAIN TEASERS SUDOKU COMPETITION

How to Play Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition!

Win

£2s5 h! Ca

Send your completed puzzle with your name and address to the CM21 office: 10 Fenton Grange, Church Langley, CM17 9PG First correct entry drawn on 15th December wins!

It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s addictive so have a go and enter. Good luck! For last month’s answers please contact CM21 office

Last month’s

Congratulations go to Mrs S Hunter of South Brook who won November’s £25 cash prize Sudoku competition. Thanks to everyone else who entered!

Sudoku prize

winner

Christmas

WORDSEARCH

Find these words in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

Angels Bells Cards Carols Crib Decorations Frankincense Gifts Gold Holly Kings Lights Manger Mistletoe Myrrh Pudding

Rudolph Santa Sleigh Snow Stable Star Toys Tradition

Tree Turkey Wreath

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special feature

remembering at the christmas truce By Alison Runham

Christmas Eve 1914. The Western Front. Weeks of persistent rain have given way to a freeze, mud is turning to ice and Pope Benedict’s call for a Christmas ceasefire has fallen on deaf ears; fighting has continued throughout December. But today, in many places fighting has been sporadic and half-hearted. Staff Sergeant Clement Barker is huddled in his trench with his fellow Grenadier Guards. They’ve received a little Christmas cheer recently: letters and gifts from home, including cards from George V, sweets from Princess Mary, and plum puddings. Across No Man’s Land, the German troops whose celebrations traditionally focus on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, are putting candles on tiny trees they’ve received from home. The sound of their carol singing drifts over the English trenches as they break into Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night). “The trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees,” one soldier recalled, “and our sentries were regaled for hours with traditional Christmas songs.” This is happening at other places too, and some English troops respond. “They finished their carol and we thought that we ought to retaliate in some way, so we sang The First Noël... they all began clapping; and then they struck up another favourite of theirs, O Tannenbaum,” wrote another young soldier. Back in Sergeant Barker’s trench, the soldiers receive a surprise visit from a German soldier. “He said that if (we) did not fire, they wouldn’t in the morning.” When morning comes, after some cautious showing of heads trust is established. English solders venture into No Man’s Land to retrieve and bury their dead, and when no shots are fired, they begin laughing and talking. Soon the Germans join them, shaking hands and exchanging gifts, and then “a football is kicked out of our trenches, and Germans and English play football”,

German soldiers of the 134th Saxon Regiment and British soldiers of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment meet in no man’s land, December 26

Barker wrote. Henry Williamson, who later wrote Tarka the Otter, is also at the Western Front on Christmas Eve, patrolling just 50 feet from enemy lines. In an interview for the BBC’s series The Great War, he too recalled football matches, but these were played behind German lines and he made no mention of British and German troops playing together. However, despite the myths surrounding Truce football matches between the two sides, some are well-documented in letters home. Two soldiers of the 6th Cheshires described a huge, free-for-all match that took place in Wulverghem in Belgium, where No Man’s Land was less damaged by shell fire. Williamson also described how the truce started for him and his fellow soldiers: “we crept out, trying to avoid our boots ringing on the frozen ground, and expecting any moment to fall flat with the machine guns opening up. And nothing happened.” There, too, the Germans sang Silent Night before inviting the English troops closer. Williamson’s unit suspected a trap at first and were cautious, but were soon exchanging gifts. These are heart-warming moments for Barker and Williamson, but similar scenes are occurring at many points along the Front. Cigarettes, rations and uniform buttons are exchanged, some English ex-barbers give German troops a haircut and one English trench receives a German chocolate cake, together with a ceasefire request and an invitation

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christmas to an impromptu concert. “Just think,” wrote one

soldier to his family, “while you were eating turkey I was talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!” The truce at Williamson’s position held for four days. No Man’s Land was “grey and khaki... they were smoking and talking, shaking hands, exchanging names and addresses for after the war, to write to one another.” But then orders arrived for fraternisation to stop. The Germans, too, were told senior officers would be arriving, and sent a message across to the English: they would have to fire their machine guns, but would fire high to try and avoid hitting anyone. Barker and his men enjoyed peace for a little longer as well. “Night came and still no shots. Boxing day the same, and has remained so up to now,” he wrote a few days later. Gradually, open fraternisation lessened and

fighting resumed. Captain J C Dunn, Medical Officer in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, wrote a poignant account of how hostilities resumed at his position. “I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with “Merry Christmas” on it, and I climbed on the parapet...[the Germans] put up a sheet with “Thank you” on it, and the German Captain appeared on the parapet. We both bowed and saluted... he fired two shots in the air, and the War was on again.” Truces had happened before. During the Crimean War and the Peninsula War, troops from both sides sometimes socialised and shared rations around the same fire, and during the Boer War there were football games too. So why do we find the 1914 Christmas Truce especially memorable and moving? Perhaps because in the midst of a war that cost over 10 million lives, it was, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “one human episode amid all the atrocities.”

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR COMMUNITY

LOCAL NOTICES, EVENTS, AMENITIES

Harlowbury Chapel Christmas opening

This is where Christmas begins! Please join us at Harlowbury Chapel, Old Harlow on Sunday 14th December from 2.30pm. Mary Evans on flute and carols for all at 3pm with the Demerc Choir. Mulled wine, mince pies, refreshments and raffle. Proceeds in aid of the Ebola Disaster Emergency.

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IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY

AND ATTRACTIONS

Sawbridgeworth & District Rotary Club Invites you to Fair Green this Christmas Eve at 6.30pm for their annual Carol’s on the Green

www.youthcreate.co.uk

Blood Donor Dates: Tue 30th December 12.45-3pm & 4-6.30pm at Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall

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UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

WHAT’S ON ■■ Until fri 19th december Harlow Open 14 The Gibberd Gallery, Civic Centre, Harlow Enjoy artworks in various medias and styles by local artists. Contact: 446404, visit: www. gibberdgallery.co.uk ■■ Until Wed 31st December Isabel Hospice Care4acuppa With over 165 million cups of tea and 70 million cups of coffee drunk every day in the UK why not put yours to work for us by holding a fundraising tea party or coffee morning where you can have a bake sale, hold a raffle or organise a bring and buy sale. Contact: Beth Hardy 01707 382500 for more details. ■■ Until Thu 29th January 2015 On the Beat: Stories from 1914 - 1918 Rhodes Centre This special exhibition showcases work by students and ex-students from Middlesex university’s illustration department, who will use the medium of graphic novels to bring the stories of the home front to life. Contact: the museum via email museum@ rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Tue 2nd December Canapes, Fizz & Good Causes Mark David We would like to invite you to sample a mini cooking class combined with some Christmas cheer and raising some money for worthwhile causes. Our cooking class teacher, Katherine Garner, the Mustard

40 ART HISTORY

TO COMMUNITY

Seed Cook will be here cooking up canapés - normally her classes cost £20. This time, we ask you to come as our guest but to bring along a minimum donation of £5 towards the mental health project called Rethink Your Mind AND a food item or 2 that can be donated to the Harlow Food Bank. There will also be a raffle. Time: 7.30pm, cost: min £5pp, donations welcomed, book: via email@markdavid.co.uk ■■ Fri 5th december Christmas Fayre Mandeville Primary School Christmas market, mulled wine, Santa’s Grotto, crafts, cakes, raffle and much, much more... Time: 5-7pm. ■■ Fri 5th December Christmas Cracker Variety Show Hatfield Broad Oak Village Hall Hatfield Broad Oak players present “Christmas Cracker Variety Show” - includes ploughmans supper. Time: 7.30pm, tickets £5, box office 718186. ■■ Sat 6th December Night Photography The Tudor House Gallery Learn to capture atmospheric night shots using the long exposure settings on your digital camera with expert guidance on hand. If there is snow on the ground it may not be too late to use your own images to create your Christmas cards. Time: 3.30-5.30pm, cost: £35, contact: 600112. ■■ Sat 6th, Wed 10th & Sun 14th December

St Clare Light up a Life Hastingwood & Harlow Time to pause and remember someone special... and support your local hospice. Contact: 773750, www. stclarehospice.org.uk ■■ Sat 6th December Sawbridgeworth Mayor’s Christmas Party The Memorial Hall Eric and Ruth Buckmaster invite you to a Christmas party. All proceeds of the evening go to Youth Create. Time: 8pm-12am, tickets: £15 per person including buffet and band, raffle and licensed bar. Tickets available in advance from Joanne Kerry, Sawbridgeworth Town Council: tel 724537 or email joanne. kerry@sawbridgeworth-tc.gov. uk ■■ Sun 7th december Isabel Hospice Lights of Love Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford We would like to invite you to join us in remembering loved ones and friends who will not be with us this Christmas. Lights on the trees are symbolic in remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones at this special time of year. During our ceremonies, there will be a short service of remembrance, the singing of carols, and a countdown to the lighting of the tree. You will be able to take home a small star to keep and hang on your own Christmas tree. Names will be entered in a Book of Love, which following the ceremony, will be at the nearest Isabel Hospice shop. On-line entry for the Book of Love will open

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FAIRS & FETES

FOOD & DRINK

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

IN december 2014 nearer the time at http://www. isabelhospice.org.uk Time: 4-4.45pm. ■■ Sat 13th & Sun 14th December Santa is coming to Parndon Wood Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, Harlow Christmas trail hunt, donkey, arts & crafts, face painting and more! Tickets: £3 per child, contact: 430005 or email josey.travell@ ecco.org.uk ■■ Sat 13th & Sun 14th December Christmas Trail Hatfield Forest Follow the magical trail through the woods to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Gather craft items on the way to make festive picture. Gift, craft, activity, drink and a biscuit all included in the price. Time: 10.30-2.30pm with staggered starts, £6.50 per child, www.nationaltrust.org.uk ■■ Sat 13th December to Sat 3rd January 2015 Dick Whittington & His Magical Cat Rhodes Theatre From the record breaking team that have brought you the last 4 pantomimes at Rhodes comes a family adventure to take your seasonal holiday soaring to new heights! The region’s former favourite baddie dispenses with the black and dons a dress as Sarah the Cook to assist our hero Dick Whittington played by Olympics opening ceremony choreographer and international hip hop artist Sunanda Biswas. Time: times vary, tickets:

LEARNING

£17.50/£16 adults (concs £15.50/£14.50, family ticket £60/£56), group booking also available, contact: 710200, www.rhodesbishopsstortford. org.uk ■■ Sun 14th December Harlowbury Chapel Christmas Opening Harlowbury Chapel, Old Harlow Mary Evans on flute and carols for all at 3pm with the Demerc Choir. Mulled wine, mince pies, refreshments and raffle. Proceeds in aid of the Ebola Disaster Emergency. Time: 2.30pm. ■■ Thu 18th to Sat 27th

december

Sleeping Beauty Victoria Hall Theatre Old Harlow A magical adventure for all the family. Two matinee shows Sat 20th & 27th. Time: 7.30pm, (matinees 3pm) tickets: £11 (concs £9), booking: www. victoriahalltheatre.ticketsource. co.uk or call: 0844 8700 887. ■■ Sat 20th december Matching Farmers’ Indoor Market Matching Tye Village Hall Third Sat of the month. 19 food and drink stalls, plus a few craft stalls. Enjoy good quality fresh produce from farmers and other producers from within a 40 mile radius. Why not give it a try? Time: 10am to midday, FREE entry. ■■ Sun 21st december Sawbridgeworth Farmers’ Market Bell Street Car Park Time: 9am-1pm, contact: 724537 or email: mail info@

sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk ■■ Sun 21st December Carol Service Sawbridgeworth Congregational Church Time: 6.30pm, www. sawbridgeworthevangelical. org.uk ■■ Wed 24th december Carols on the Green Fair Green The annual Sawbridgeworth & District Rotary event bringing Sawbridgeworth together to sings hymns on Christmas Eve. Time: 6.30pm. ■■ Fri 26th december Bishop’s Stortford & District Footpaths Association Winter Walks Sawbridgeworth, Pishiobury Park car park TL479138, CM21 0AF The walks are generally 5-6 miles long and normally last between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. Time: 10.30am, contact Sarah: 07411 411104. coming next month... ■■ Tue 27th January to Sun 1st February Season’s Greetings Rhodes Theatre Contexture Theatre present Alan Ayckbourn’s riotous festive comedy, “Season’s Greetings”. Time: 7pm (Tues 29th, Sat 31st and Sun 1st 3pm), tickets: £17 adult, £15 concs and £12 groups, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org

Watch out for many more events in our next issue.

41 PLEASE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING HEALTHMENTION & FITNESS THELIVE MUSIC LOCAL HISTORY THEATRE TO ADVERTS WILDLIFE & NATURE

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INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

the listings Arts & Crafts Herts & Essex Boundary Flower Club

pactforautism.org.uk/index. php/services/parent-meeting

Meet 1st Tue of every month at The Barnabus Centre Contact via: herts_ essexboundaryflowerclub@ yahoo.co.uk

The Self Help Group for the Visually Handicapped

Sawbridgeworth Flower Arrangement Club

Contact: Mrs G Hawkins 01279 721219

Contact: Mrs Hayward 01279 723076 Sawbridgeworth Lacemakers

Contact: 01279 423233 or 833158 Community Country Market

Contact: Mr A Jackson 01279 600251 Lifeline Romania

Contact: Mr & Mrs Amos 01279 723934 Guides & Scouts First Sawbridgeworth Scouts

Contact: Mr Nick Jones 0773 677 0736 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers

Contact: Mrs Joyce Vincent 01279 723649 Music & Performing Arts Youth Create

Sawbridgeworth Players

Contact: Iris Jones 01279 722020 Social & Meeting Clubs Grove Cottage the home of Bishop’s Stortford Mencap

Various clubs throughout the week Contact: 656085 or info@mencapgrovecottage. org Fiddlers Brook Morris Dancing

Contact: Mrs G Munro 01279 723707 Hailey Centre

Meeting Place for Over 55s Contact: 01279 721221

Contact: Mrs Gilly Squire 07752 303437

Friends of Great St Mary’s

Health & Family Care Saplings Parent & Toddler Group

Sawbridgeworth Bridge Club

Meet every Fri 9-11.30am at the Memorial Hall P.A.C.T Parents of Autistic Children Together

Meet 1st Wed of every month at All Saints School Contact: via website: www.

Contact: Mrs Mary Shipman 01279 723268

Meet Mon 7.15-9.45pm) Contact: Jill Clark 01279 726524

Sawbridgeworth Garden Club

Contact: 01279 864398 or 721017

Sawbridgeworth Rotary Club

Contact: Mr P Clark 01279 726108

Sawbridgeworth Social Club

Contact: 01279 722310 Sawbridgeworth W.E.A

Contact: 01279 724303 or 724467 Sawbridgeworth W.R.V.S

Contact: 01279 659669

The University of the Third Age

Contact via website: u3asites. org.uk for information on local groups and classes Sport & Fitness

Air Training Corps 309 Squadron

Contact: Mr A Passfield 01279 724788 Sawbridgeworth Bowling Club

Contact: 01279 726414

Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club

Contact: 01279 600178

Do you belong to a local not-for-profit club, group or organisation? If so, please do get in touch and tell us all about it. We would like to know when and where the group meets and also details of how others can get in touch, thank you. 01279 410345 or email: local@cmconnection.uk

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01279 724239 www.yourperfecttravel.co.uk Holidays and travel provided by Not Just Travel Ltd, a trading division of Hays Travel Ltd. Agents for ATOL holders. Members of ABTA - K9413

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345

INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accountants & Bookkeeping

Cookery Schools

Phillips & Co.

Cookies Cooking School Small Aubergine

Aerials & Satellites

Digitize 15 Mediacoms 6 Artisan Gallery/Studios

The Tudor House Gallery

24-25

Bathrooms/Kitchens & Design

Essex Bathrooms & Kitchens Ltd 18-19 FreemanPaul 17 Mark David Enterprises Ltd 47 Beauty/Cosmetic Therapy

Shwe Tan ■ 3 The Aesthetic Practice 12 Building Services

FreemanPaul 17 Grabco 15 JMG Property Services 35 LT Landscapes 35 M.R Carpentry 31 Business Services

J&HRecruitment 13 Sincerity Personnel 5 Bicycles & Accessories

Hub + Spoke ■ 23 Carpentry Services

M.R Carpentry

Children’s Activities

Cookies Cooking School 23 Hub + Spoke ■ 23 Ruggerbugs 10

Plumbing & Heating

23 9

Domestic Services

AP & R Domestics Clear Ovens Oven Clean

29 5 31

Floristry & balloons

Marguerites 5 Garden Services

JMG Property Services LT Landscapes

35 35

Gifts

Fine Country Fare 42 Lilywhites ■ 23 The Tudor House Gallery 24-25 Twinklebell Gifts 12

Bryson Gas Services 15 Essex Bathrooms & Kitchens Ltd ■ 18-19 RCJ Plumbing & Heating 31 Poultry Farmers & Suppliers

SJ Fredericks & Sons Temple Farm

Restaurants

Small Aubergine

Schools & Learning

Cookies Cooking School 23 Eureka! Tutoring 23 Marguerites 5 Small Aubergine 9 The Centre of Wellbeing 23 The Tudor House Gallery 24-25 Security

Hair Dressers

Evissa Hair & Extension Salon ■ 9

Mediacoms 6 Travel Agencies

Handyman Services

Jobsworth 35 Health, Fitness & Wellbeing

Hub + Spoke ■ 23 The Centre of Wellbeing 23

Your Perfect Travel

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Bennbrook Windows ■ 21 Sovereign Windows 48

Home Interiors/Furnishings

Stort Blinds Ltd

Online Shopping

Fine Country Fare 42 Lilywhites ■ 23 Twinklebell Gifts 12 Painting & Decorating

Cornell Decorating Ltd

Complimentary Therapy

Infinite Possibilities ■ 23 The Centre of Wellbeing 23

■

Special offer advertised

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INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

USEFUL NUMBERS ALL IN ONE PLACE Community Centres

Places of Worship

Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall The Forebury CM21 9BD 07952 475839

Church of The Most Holy Redeemer Sayesbury Avenue CM21 0ED 01279 842354

Bullfields Centre Cutforth Road CM21 9DE 07879 861261

Doctors Central Surgery Bell Street

01279 603180

Hospitals NHS Direct

01279 655191

PAH (Hospital)

01279 444455

Local MP 0207 219 6358

Mayor Cllr Eric Buckmaster

01279 725428

Pharmacies Bell Pharmacy 3 Forelands Place CM21 9QD Village Pharmacy 7 Bell Street CM21 9AR

01279 722201

Hertfordshire Police Non-Emergency 101

Crimestoppers

101 0845 555 111

Cllr Peter Mitchell

01279 654190

Cllr Will Mortimer

01279 722294

Cllr Tom Reeks

01279 831830

Cllr Joyce Vincent

01279 723649

Cllr Andrew Wincott

01279 726062

Utilities

Schools

Three Valleys Water

Fawbert & Barnards Infants School

01279 722357

High Wych C of E Primary School

01279 722109

BT Faultline

0845 782 3333

Other Numbers 01279 508448

Citizens Advice Bureau

0844 411 1444

01279 836633

Isobel Hospice Advice Line

01707 382575

Mandeville Primary School

01279 723737

MS Society

01279 420059

Reedings Junior School

Samaritans

0845 790 9090

01279 722578

St Clare Hospice Advice Line

01279 773773

Train Enquiries

0845 748 4950

Leventhorpe Secondary School

01279 723204

Town Council

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Electricity Emergency

Town Councillors Cllr Mrs Angela Alder

01279 722360

Cllr Eric Buckmaster

01279 725428

Cllr Ruth Buckmaster

01279 725428

Cllr Pat Coysten

01279 723425

Cllr Derek Filler

01279 730146

0800 783 8838 Gas Emergency

0800 111 999

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, the Editor cannot accept any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions. All adverts are published in good faith. The CM21 Connection is an independent organisation. The magazine and content, including all in-house artwork, advert design and editorial, remains the copyright of the Publisher and under no circumstances may be copied or reproduced in any format without the prior consent of the Publisher. © 2014 The CM21 Connection / Connection Magazines / Lorraine Perry. All rights reserved.

0800 800 151

Alzheimer’s Society

Town Clerk: Richard Bowran 01279 724537

01279 722393

01279 723189

St James’ Church (High Wych) High Wych Road CM21 0JB 01279 600894

Spellbrook C of E Primary School

Police

Sawbridgeworth Police

Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church London Road CM21 9EH 01279 724173

111

Herts & Essex General Hospital

Mark Prisk MP

Great St Mary’s Church Church Street CM21 9AB 01279 726269

Cllr Barry Hodges

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345

PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345