THE
CM23 CONNECTION february 2015 ISSUE 16 DELIVERED
FREE EVERY MONTH
■■ GETTING TO KNOW LOCAL BUSINESS PEOPLE
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
■■ Pub Walks - Snow Drops & Sci-fi ■■ local charity - Talking Newspapers . . . AND MUCH MORE!
Bringing the community together
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THE
WELCOME
CM23
HELLO AND WELCOME TO THe February edition of THE CM23 CONNECTION
CONNECTION
Happy New Year! (I think I can get away with that, as technically this is my first communication since last year, while I’m at it - I hope you had a lovely Christmas too!) Casting your minds back to December, do you remember the “Shoe Box/Gift” appeal that CM23 and Bishop’s Stortford Business Connections (BSBC) were collecting for? Well the response was brilliant and the CEO of East Herts YMCA, Robert Purcell and several volunteers, contacted us to express their appreciation - which I’m passing on to you. Well done and thank you for caring. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our contributor, Lynne Garner, for her splendid work highlighting some of our local charities - Bishop’s Stortford Talking Newspaper will be her last article for us. Thank you Lynne and good luck with all the exciting things you have planned. Until next month,
Lorraine
february 2015 ISSUE 16
CONTENTS
■ FEATURES & ARTICLES 9 In Person 11 Recruitment Matters 12 Charity: Talking Newspapers 21 Property Matters
■ FUN & LEISURE 6 Pub Walks 14 Just for the Kids 18 Look What’s Cooking 23 Puzzles & Brain Teasers
CONTACTING US editor Lorraine Perry call 01279 410345 or 07808 000 113 email lorraine@cmconnection.uk email danielle@cm23mag.net web www.cmconnection.uk Join us on Facebook The CM23 Connection
■ IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY 24 What’s On 26 Local Community 29 The Listings 30 Useful Numbers
PLEASE Copy deadline for all adverts and submissions in NOTE the March edition is 10th February 2015
The CM23 Connection cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, products or services that appear in this publication.
Grant’s Plumbing & Heating • Boiler Breakdowns & Repairs (Gas & Oil) • Boiler Installations and Upgrades • Servicing & Power Flushing • Bathrooms Designed & Fitted • All Domestic Plumbing (Leaks, Taps etc) • Tiling (all Wall & Floor Tiling) • Property Maintenance
Reliable. Professional and Ethical Tel: 01279 293294 Mob: 07956 950 707 www.grantsplumbingandheating.co.uk 4
Don’t forget to ring about advertising
01279 410345
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5
IT’s your community
Pub Walks Combining Walks in our local country side with our lovely village pubs makes for a perfect day...
snowdrops and Sci-fi This walk passes gardens full of snowdrops and the house where writer H.G Wells once lived. The gardens of Easton Lodge (eastonlodge.co.uk) are open to the public on February 22nd and March 1st, but you can follow this route from the cosy Stag in Little Easton any time. To avoid the worst of the mud, it goes mainly along country lanes and tracks. Turn right out of the Stag and follow the road through houses and then fields until you reach King’s Farm House on the right. Turn left here, along a quieter lane fringed with catkins, and follow it for nearly a mile, past a house with a tall hedge. When the road eventually swings right, turn left along a tree tunnel and then, very soon, fork left again along a path by a fence, emerging through a farmyard onto a concrete lane. Turn left once more to pass the gardens of Easton Lodge and several interesting buildings. The colourful Countess of Warwick, who inspired the song “Daisy, Daisy”, inherited the estate in 1865. Easton Glebe, the red brick house at the end of the lane on the left, was the home of the novelist HG Wells, who wrote The Time Machine and War of the Worlds. Next to Easton Glebe, you can detour along the road to the right, between ponds, to visit the pink manor house and 12th-century church, with its marble tombs; or you can simply turn left on a path parallel to a road and keep following the path ahead until you emerge onto Duck Street opposite the pub. LOCATION:
Little Easton
Distance:
About 2.5 Miiles
Pub:
The Stag
Phoebe Taplin 6
Phoebe Taplin’s book of “Scenic Walks” along the local Harcamlow Way is available for £5 from Bishop’s Stortford Tourist Information Centre or from www.amazon.co.uk.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
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Special feature
local business people in person Name and Business: James Harris from Hadham Electrical Contractors. Where do you live? The moment Stansted Mountfitchet, but have just purchased a new apartment in Gilston. What’s your favourite local shop? For food I like crimson 8 (Chinese), I’ve recently taken an interest in cooking so Steamer Trading in the middle of town is good. What’s your favourite local venue? Favourite local venue is the Old Bell in Stansted, good for after work beers! What do you like best about Stortford? The people; I know quite a few since going to Boys High back in the 90’s. What do you like doing when you’re not working? I like to do a bit of clay pigeon shooting on a Sunday morning or running off to Wales mountain
biking. Also, I’m a bit of a motorcycle fan so cant wait to take my new bike out when the weather gets a bit warmer. I set up our business because... I’ve always wanted to work for myself rather than other people. I have always been involved with construction since leaving school and the electrical side of things has always interested me. Since starting the business in 2008 I have never looked back. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently? I’ve learnt how to cook the most awesome lemon Tart, only problem is it uses 15 egg yolks so you can literally feel your arteries clogging up! Favourite one liner or saying? My girlfriend told me to go out and get something that makes her look sexy... so I got drunk!
All electrical work undertaken. Lights, sockets, showers, fuseboards, extractors, outside lighting, cookers etc. No job too small! Call James on:
07799 626411
e: info@hadhamelectrical.co.uk w: www.hadhamelectrical.co.uk
Local PROFESSIONAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Approved Scotchgard Contractor 01279-771030 | 07971-786123 PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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MARRIAGE IS THE CHIEF CAUSE OF DIVORCE - G MARX
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
recruitment column Top 10 Interviewing tips
First impressions DO count. With interviews being the most common way to assess potential employees and employers we thought it would be useful to share our top tips for interviewing;
üü
üü
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Prepare meaningful questions that are relevant for the recruitment process, obscure questions might be fun to ask but we have found they don’t add value to the process for either party. Have a consistent way of comparing candidates for the same role, it doesn’t have to be a formal grading system but just something that qualifies why you picked one candidate over another. Don’t spend the whole interview talking, it should be a 50/50 split conversation and make sure you are taking the lead not the potential employee. Give meaningful timely interview feedback, businesses work so hard to build a great brand in the market but if potential employees don’t hear back it is one of the easiest ways to damage your reputation. Enjoy interviewing, its not a case of ‘grilling’ people. If you want to get the best out of them ask challenging questions that provoke thought but you don’t have to play the bad cop as remember employees have the choice if they want to work for you.
Interviewee:
üü
Be yourself, there is no point pretending to be something you are not as you want to get the job on your own merits.
üü
Remember this is a 2 way process so you are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you.
üü
Preparation is the key, don’t go in with a script but have a good examples of what you have done.
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Ask meaningful questions and don’t forget to tell the interviewer you are interested in the role (as long as you are!)at the end.
üü
Don’t be early or late - may sound an obvious one not to be late but turning up too early although demonstrates your interest puts your interviewer under pressure to see you sooner.
Our most valuable tip for everyone is that a firm handshake can make all the difference! If you would like a copy of our complete interview guide for interviewer’s and interviewee’s please get in touch. J&HRecruitment are 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 Debra
Claire www.jandhrecruitment.co.uk 11 PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
IT’s your community
LOCAL CHARITIES
Lynne Introduces: Talking Newspapers
If you have a small local charity, non-funded or not-for-profit organisation you feel deserves some exposure contact us and we’ll see what we can do.
It’s that time again when I have the pleasure in highlighting another great organisation. This month the organisation in question is the Bishop’s Stortford & District Talking Newspaper. The Talking Newspaper is an entirely free service for visually impaired people. Volunteers record local news and that recording is delivered by post, so those who receive it don’t even have to leave their home. Anyone who has difficultly holding and reading a newspaper is also eligible. The idea for starting a talking newspaper for Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding are was first suggested in October 1978 and the first edition went out in February 1980. A number of people and organisations worked together to make it a reality including Rotary and Inner Wheel and East Herts District Council. Their first studio was a portakabin, which the Herts and Essex Hospital kindly allowed them to locate in their grounds. Following the redevelopment of the site in 2003 the hospital now provides two small rooms in the new building. This organisation takes local news from the Herts and Essex Observer newspaper, creates a recording then sends this recording free of charge to visually impaired people. Recordings are placed on a USB memory stick and listeners can be supplied with a high quality mp3 audio player if they do not have their own. Recordings can also be listened to online, simply visit their website and click on ‘Listen Online’ in the navigation bar.
WWW:
bstalkingnewspaper.co.uk
Email:
secretary@bstalkingnewspaper.co.uk
The Talking Newspaper is always looking for volunteers and there are a range of ways you can help. The production is organised on a rota basis, which means volunteers involved in the production process will only be called upon approximately once every five weeks. Volunteers for the usual administrative jobs are also needed. So if you have these skills or perhaps experience in publicity or interviewing then please contact them. Last but not least if you know someone who is visually impaired or has problems holding a newspaper please let them know about this great free service.
amilybarnett24@hotmail.com
Tel:
01279 651270 or 01279 651313
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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A Barrister run organisation
Call Mary Spencer on 07545 889996 your local registered Barrister Intermediary mary.spencer@lsgmember.co.uk www.legalservicesguild.co.uk
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
NE W St Tue class sda Ba e rn ys s Ch abas at ur Ce c Th h La ntre, n orl ey e
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15
Stortford Gardens
Custom Built
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Professional Design
We operate the following garden services, this list is not exhaustive if your garden work is not shown below, please ask: l l l l l l l
Landscape gardening Garden design Garden turf Fence Installation Watering systems Raised beds and borders Garden sheds
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l l l l l
Tree / shrub pruning, planting reductions, removal Hedge work Decking Patios Ponds Shed base installation & removal
Tel: 01279 659 148 | Mobile: 07921 003 223 | Email: info@stortfordgardens.co.uk
www.stortfordgardens.co.uk
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
LOOK WHAT’S COOKING Peppered Rib Eye Steaks with red wine glaze 150g baby new potatoes 2 tsp black peppercorns 2 x 250g rib eye steaks, trimmed of excess fat 2 tsp olive oil 3 tbsp redcurrant jelly 3 tbsp red wine 1 tsp cornflour blended with 1tbsp cold water 15g butter 2 tsp fresh chopped parsley
Treat
Steamed baby carrots, mange tout and peas, to serve
to
the one you love on
succulent
pan-fried
February 14th steak
with
a
luxurious sweet red wine sauce.
1. Cook the baby new potatoes in a pan of lightly salted water for 10-15 minutes until just tender. 2. Meanwhile, crush the peppercorns coarsely using a pestle and mortar or the end of a rolling pin. Press firmly over both sides of the steaks. Set a griddle pan over a medium heat to preheat. 3. Brush both sides of the steaks with oil. Place the steaks on the hot griddle pan and cook over a high heat for 1 minute on each side until seared. Reduce the heat and continue cooking for a further 2-4 minutes on each side until the steaks are cooked to your liking. Remove the steaks and cover and leave to rest for 2-3 minutes. 4. Place the redcurrant jelly and red wine in a small pan and heat gently until the jelly has completely dissolved. Stir in the cornflour mixture and simmer for a further minute until slightly syrupy. 5. Drain the potatoes, toss with the butter and parsley and season to taste. Transfer the steaks to warmed plates and spoon over the sauce. Serve with the potatoes and steamed vegetables. TIPS: Sirloin, fillet or rump steak be used in place of the rib eye. Make sure both steaks are an even thickness and always bring the steaks to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. Resting the steaks for a few minutes after cooking will also help to ensure they are meltingly tender.
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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
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
property column stamp duty reform December 2014 Back in December, George Osbourne surprised us all by creating a huge shake-up to the way Stamp Duty works in the UK. As an estate agent I have been lobbying for a change in the stamp duty rules for some time so we’re thrilled about the changes. However, this pesky property tax can be a confusing subject (even for us estate agents), so here is our guide to understanding the changes. For the vast majority of home buyers in Bishops Stortford (around 98% of us) the changes are great news because if you’re buying a property under £937,500 you will be paying considerably less tax than you would have done under the old rules. So What are the New Rules? The stamp duty land tax you pay is now set in chunks rather than on the whole value of the property. Here is the table released by HMRC that details how much tax you pay in each chunk.
Purchase Price of Property
New rates to pay within each tax band
£0-£125,000
0% (Chunk 1)
£125,001-£250,000
2% (Chunk 2)
£250,001-£925,000
5% (Chunk 3)
£925,001-£1,500,000
10% (Chunk 4)
£1,500,001 and over
12% (Chunk 5)
Stamp duty now works in much the same way as income tax.
• You will no longer pay a flat % based on the final selling price.
• Buyers purchasing properties under £125,000 still won’t have to pay stamp duty at all.
• The percentage of tax you pay will change as you go up the scale.
• You won’t pay any stamp duty on the first £125,000 of the value of your property, just like your income tax allowance.
• Properties over £1million will see an increase in stamp duty.
Here’s an Example for you: If you purchase a property at £185,000 under the old rules you would have to pay 1% tax on the whole price, that’s £1,850. Under the new rules, you don’t have to pay a penny for the first £125,000 of the property value and you pay 2% on the remaining £60,000, which is £1,200. Much cheaper! For more information and help working out what stamp duty you owe on a new property, check out HMRC’s calculator. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/tools/sdlt/land-andproperty.htm The Advantages The great thing is that properties between about £250k and £925k can save thousands of pounds using the new system, so if you’ve been thinking about moving home but have been put off by high moving costs then there’s no better time than to reconsider now. This is particularly good news in Bishop’s Stortford as the average asking price has now reached a whopping £425,000. Apart from the obvious cost saving when moving home there are some other advantages too. No longer will properties struggle to sell when priced just above a stamp duty band change. For example a property valued at £260,000 would achieve far less interest than one priced at £250,000 simply because there was a huge jump in stamp duty. This ‘slab’ style tax was ineffective and often meant properties were sold for under their value due to the old stamp duty structure. Angela shares more top selling advice on her blog at: www.thepersonalpropertyshop.co.uk/blog - check it out for more great tips!
For more information contact Angela: 01279 719193 or 07725 263136 Email: angela@thepersonalpropertyshop.co.uk Facebook: Thepersonalpropertyshop Twitter: PPropertyShop
21 PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS www.thepersonalpropertyshop.co.uk
N.L.A
PRIVATE HOME CARE
01279 493285 07871 390181 NLACARE@OUTLOOK.COM
N.L.A Private Home Care is here to assist you with both long-term or respite solutions, providing excellent, professional and friendly trained staff or live-in-care We offer a range of packages from 15, 30, 45 & 60 minute calls, through to 24 hour care. Please call us for a confidential chat or a free non obligated assessment. Areas covered are: Harlow, Epping, Bishop’s Stortford and surrounding areas.
01279 49 32 85 07871 39 01 81
NLACARE@OUTLOOK.COM WWW.NLACARE.CO.UK 22
AP & R D OMESTI C S
Repairs & Service All makes & models
Ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble driers, etc. No call out charge Fixed labour charge
Tel: Paul 07973 282 240
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COFFEE BREAK FUN
PUZZLES AND 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 CM23 office: 27 Church Manor, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 5AF. First correct entry drawn on 13th February 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 CM23 office
Last month’s
Sudoku prize
winner
WORDSEARCH
Congratulations go to Mrs Avril Al-Rousi from Norfolk Way, who won the Dec/Jan £25 cash prize Sudoku competition. Thanks to everyone else who entered!
Astrology
Find these words in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase
Aries Aspects Cancer Capricorn Conjunction Forecast Gemini Leo Libra
Mars Mercury Moon Neptune Opposition Pisces Pluto
Saturn Scorpio Sextile Sun Taurus Trine Uranus Virgo
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UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WHAT’S ON ■■ until mon 28th Dec 2015 Bishop’s Stortford and District Health Walks Southern Country Park Meet alternate Mondays in the car park off Thorley Lane East, Grid reference TL476193. The walks are generally 5-6 miles long and normally last between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. Time: 10am, www.hertslink.org/cms/ healthwalks ■■ until Sun 1st February Season’s Greetings Rhodes Theatre Contexture Theatre present Alan Ayckbourn’s riotous festive comedy, “Season’s Greetings”. The perfect Antidote to Christmas - Christmas should mean a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company. But peace and goodwill don’t last long. Take a frustrated housewife, a seductive stranger, an eccentric puppeteer and a gun-mad uncle - mix in Santa, too much alcohol and some annoying mechanical toys - and you have a recipe for one truly dysfunctional Christmas. Time: 7pm (Tues 29th, Sat 31st and Sun 1st 3pm), tickets: £17 adult, £15 concs, and £12 groups, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org ■■ Until Fri 6th February Festival of Literature Bishop’s Stortford College Discover the magic of words whatever your age. Evening events open to everyone of all ages. Featuring David Starkey, Nicholas Crane, Steve Richards, Steve Cole, Robin Ince and Luke Wright plus a host of other exciting authors. Time: evening events, book your tickets by email: bookings@ bishopsstortfordcollege.org ■■ Wed 4th February Lunchtime Lecture: In Every House A Soldier Bishop’s Stortford Museum During WW1 thousands of homes billeted soldiers, men from different areas of the country descended on
24ART HISTORY
small communities and changed their lives completely. Find out how this impacted Bishop’s Stortford during the First World War and hear some of the stories from the time. Time: 2-3.30pm, tickets: £3.50, contact box office: 710200, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Wed 4th February Live Midweek Music Rhodes Complex Relax on a Wednesday evening at Rhodes while listening to the very best from the vibrant local music scene. Our midweek Live Music events are now established as a “must-see” night for music fans of all ages- so unwind kick back and listen to Que Pasa jazz with a difference to get your foot tapping with exciting upbeat rhythms and smooth slow numbers all infused with a Latin flavour. Time: 7.30pm, FREE entry, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Wed 4th February Demonstration: Glorious Canna Mountfitchet Garden Club, Day Centre, Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet “Glorious Canna” by Christine & Keith Hayward. Time: 7.30 for 8pm start, visitors £2.50 pp, membership available, www.mountfitchetgardenclub.co.uk ■■ Thu 5th February Bishop’s Stortford Art Society Demonstration by Keith Hornblower Thorn Grove Primary school Join us for a demonstration by Keith Hornblower, watercolourist showing Urban Building Townscapes. Time: 7.30-9.45pm, members £4, visitors £5, free tea & coffee. See website for full month’s programme www.bsartsociety.co.uk ■■ Thu 5th February The Property Advice Evening Bishop’s Stortford Football Club The property advice evening is the event for all home owners in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding towns. Hosted by The
Personal Property Shop- Bishop’s Stortford’s newest estate agency, you’ll find out the secret to selling your home in the shortest amount of time and for the highest price. Is your home currently on the market? Come along and find out why your home hasn’t sold yet and what you can do about it. We’ll also be holding a raffle to raise money for Grove Cottage on the night. Time: 7 for 7.30pm, FREE event, tickets: www. thepropertyadviceevening. eventbrite.co.uk ■■ Sat 7th February Salsa Night Hockerill Anglo European College Hockerill parents and friends invite you to their Salsa night! Salsa dance demonstrating simple moves everyone can do at 8pm and Sexteto Café, an authentic 6 piece from London, will play 2 sets. Licensed bar and Mojito bar. Time: 7.30pm, tickets £25 (including South American food) available from Hockerill reception. ■■ Sat 7th February Get to Know Your Camera Photography Workshop Rhodes Centre Want to know a bit more than just the basics and have a digital SLR or bridge style camera? This one day workshop helps you to take control of your camera and take better photos. Come off Auto and explore some of the best settings and features that your camera has for helping you to take great pictures! This workshop includes several practical photo sessions with individual feedback and guidance from the tutor. Suitable for all levels of experience. Time: 10-3.30pm, cost £90 to include all materials, contact box office to book 01279 710200, www. sarahstephensphotography.co.uk ■■ Sun 8th February Bishop’s Stortford & District Footpaths Association - Winter Walks
COMMUNITY EXHIBITIONS ENTERTAINMENT TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
FAIRS & FETES
FOOD & DRINK
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
IN february 2015 Meet at Queens Head, Allens Green. GR: TL455169 postcode CM21 0LS The walks are generally 5-6 miles long and last between 2 and 2 ½ hours. The BSDFA now has public liability insurance. This applies to all members and anybody wishing to join. Non-members are welcome to join but do so at their own risk. Time: 10am, contact walk leader: John 07799 804429, www. walksaroundstortford.org.uk ■■ Tue 10th February Isabel Hospice Coffee Morning Markwell Pavillion Once a month coffee mornings that raise money for Isabel Hospice. Everyone welcome. Time: 10-12.30pm. ■■ Wed 11th February Sniff the 20th Century Rhodes Centre In this interactive lecture, fragrance expert Odette Toilette immerses you in the past century, through your sense of smell. As you sample scents for men and women created between 1900 & 1939, you’ll learn how they related to the story of their time, across fashion, music, film, food, science and social change. Time: 7pm, tickets: £7.50, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Thu 12th to Sat 14th February Allo’ Allo’ Rhodes Centre Presented by the Water Lane Theatre Company and written by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd the stage play has all the favourite characters and all the humour everyone will expect from one of the most popular and most successful TV comedies. It is set during WW11 and tells the story of Rene Artois, a French café owner in the village of Nouvion. The Germans have occupied the village and stolen all of its valuable artefacts. Expect slapstick, accents galore and a vast array of characters from war-torn France - a fantastic non-PC night
LEARNING
out! Time: 3pm and 7.30pm, tickets: £15/£12.50, call box office: 710200, www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Sat 14th February Isabel Hospice Fundraiser Leventhorpe School, Sawbridgeworth In aid of Isabel Hospice and organised by chairman of the EHDC with Elvis tribute Paul Lillie. Time: 7.30pm, contact Cllr Roger Beeching: 722496 or email roger@ rogerbeeching.com ■■ Sat 14th february Saturday Night Ballroom Dancing Havers Hall Every second Saturday of the month, 50-50 Ballroom Latin - Sequence. Time: 8-10.45pm, £6 including tea and biscuits, bring your own drinks, contact Rod or Sheila 759153. ■■ Mon 16th to Friday 20th February Victorian Games Galore! Audley End House & Gardens From skittles to quoits, croquet to chess, play like a Victorian as you step back in time. Discover games that time forgot and master the skills needed to outmanoeuvre your opponents and astound your family. Time: 11-4pm, prices on website www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley ■■ Sun 15th & Sun 22nd February Snowdrop Sunday The Gibberd Garden, CM17 0NA Come and see the carpet of snowdrops in the wooded areas of the garden. Homemade soup and crusty bread available in the Barn tea room as well as our usual coffee, tea and cakes. Time: 11.30-4pm, adults £4, concs £3, accompanied children £1, www. thegibberdgarden.co.uk/ ■■ Thu 19th February Family Bushcraft & Tracking Day Hatfield Forest, CM22 6NE Learn the basics for surviving in the wild with only the bare necessities.
Includes an introduction to shelter building, fire lighting, track recognition, water collection and foraging. Bring a hearty packed lunch and wear wellies and warm waterproof clothing. Time: 10.30am-3.30pm, meet at the main entrance car park to then drive down to lake area, contact Brian Dunn: 870678 for prices and more information, www.nationaltrust.org/ hatfield -forest. ■■ Sun 22nd February Bishop’s Stortford & District Footpaths Association - Winter Walks Start at Furneux Pelham Church GR: TL432279 postcode SG9 0LH The walks are generally 5-6 miles long and last between 2 and 2 ½ hours. The BSDFA now has public liability insurance. This applies to all members and anybody wishing to join. Non-members are welcome to join but do so at their own risk. Time: 10.00am, contact walk leaders Sue & Brian: 07889 046723 www.walksaroundstortford.org.uk ■■ Sat 28th february Hatfield Heath Farmers Market Hatfield Heath Village Hall Hatfield Heath farmers market is a traditional farmers market where all stallholders have handmade or homegrown the produce they are selling. The market is held the 4th Saturday of every month. Time: 9.30am-12.30pm, FREE entry & parking, contact: 07956 563710. ■■ Sat 28th February Civic Dinner and Theatrical Evening Rhodes Centre Held by the Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, Cllr Diane Hollebon. In aid of Isabel Hospice. Time: 6.30pm, for further information and tickets please contact Hilary Mitchell, Hilary. mitchell@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk
Watch out for many more events in our next issue.
HEALTHMENTION & FITNESSTHELIVE MUSIC LOCAL HISTORY THEATRE TO ADVERTS WILDLIFE & NATURE 25 PLEASE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING
IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY
LOCAL NOTICES, EVENTS, AMENITIES
Thorley Social Club
B. S. C. C. The Bishop’s Stortford
Chess Club www.stortfordchess.co.uk
Tel: 07510 518737
We are looking for new members. Mainly for over 55’s, but everyone is welcome! We have a good mixture of 13 speakers this year. Our activities include: ●● a garden party with a strawberry tea in the Summer ●● a Harvest bring and share tea ●● auction ●● competitions
Call Linda on 01279 461 400 for further information
The club meets once a fortnight for people who have suffered a stoke. We are a friendly group of people who share common problems. We are always looking to welcome new members. We have a very varied programme, including: Lunches Musicians Easter Quiz Cake Decorating Fun Horse Racing Game ●● Afternoon Tea
●● Garden Party ●● Flower Festival Trip ●● River Cruise ●● BBQ, ●● Speakers ●● And many more...
Come along and see for yourself...
Bishops Park Community Centre Every other Thursday 2-4 Contact Kath on 01279 724285 for further details Affiliated to The National Stroke Association
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●● quizzes
Thorley Community Centre 2nd and 4th Thursdays in the month 1.30-3.30pm
THE PHOENIX STROKE CLUB
●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
●● days out
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY
AND ATTRACTIONS
New Members Welcome Silver Leys Scout Group (next to Bishops Stortford Rugby club)
Spaces now available – no waiting list! ◆◆ Cubs ( 8 - 10½ years), ◆◆ Scouts ( 10½ - 14 years) ◆◆ Explorer Scouts (14-18 years) Contact Anne Winship via:
silverleysscouts@outlook.com
Little Buddies Parent and Toddler Group Meet Thursdays 1.30-3pm at Thorn Grove Primary School Contact Lisa Camp:
01279 653002
Blood Donor Dates: Wed 4th, Wed 25th February 1.30-4pm & 5-7.30pm at Rhodes Centre, Bishop’s Stortford PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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#
THIS VOUCHER ENTITLES THE BEARER TO A PART EXCHANGE OF UP TO £175 PER WINDOW OR £225 DOOR REPLACED BY
#
BENNBROOK WINDOWS
£175 PLEASE QUOTE reference “CM23” 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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TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
the listings Arts & Crafts
Health & Family Care
Herts & Essex Boundary Flower Club Meet 1st Tue of every month at The Barnabus Centre Contact via: herts_essexboundaryflowerclub@yahoo. co.uk
Mad Hatters Toddler Group Meet Wed at St Michaels Mead CC Contact: madhattersgroup@btinternet.com
Bishops Stortford Knit & Craft Club Meet Tue 2pm at South Street Pantry Contact Jodie: 07734 209999
Community
Stortford Kickstart (for CVs etc.) Meet Thu and Fri 10am to 12.30pm at BS Methodist Church Contact: 501745 or 656381 www.stortfordkickstart.org.uk TUBS (Tidy Up Bishops Stortford) Meet every other month Contact: 07817 778870 or visit: www.tubs12.info
Fine Art & Literature
Bishop’s Stortford Decorative and Fine Arts Society Meets 2nd Tue of the month at The Rhodes Contact via website: www.bishopsstortforddfas.org
Guides & Scouts
1st Bishops Park Rainbows Meet Tue at Bishops Park CC Contact: www.girlguiding.org 7th Bishop’s Stortford Guides Meet Thu at Havers CC Contact: www.girlguiding.org 1st Bishop’s Stortford and Hockerill Scout Group - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Contact via website: www.1stbishopsstortford.org.uk 1st Hockerill Brownies Meet Fri Parsonage CC Contact: www.girlguiding.org 2nd Hockerill Brownies Meet Thu Parsonage CC Contact: www.girlguiding.org 1st Thorley Guides, Brownies & Rainbows St James Church Thorley Contact: www.girlguiding.org 1st West Bishop’s Stortford Rainbows Meet Tue at Havers CC Contact: suelatto@hotmail.com Silver Leys Scout Group For Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Contact: Anne Winship silverleysscouts@ outlook.com
STMM Brownies Meet Thu at St Michaels Mead CC Contact: Janet Gordon: jan@jkl2000.co.uk Voyager Explorer Scout Unit Explorer Scouts aged 14-18 Contact via website: www.voyageresu. co.uk
Alzheimer’s Support Group Meet 2nd Thu of every month Contact: 508448 or email: june. iliffemunns@alzheimers.org.uk
P.A.C.T Parents of Autistic Children Together Meet 1st Wed of every month at All Saints School Contact via website: www.pactforautism. org.uk/index.php/services/parent-meeting St John Ambulance Meet Wed at Havers CC Contact via website: www.sja.org.uk/sja/ counties/hertfordshire/units/bishopsstortford.aspx Thorley Manor Mother & Toddler Group Meet Tue & Fri at Thorley CC Contact: thorleytoddlergroup@live.co.uk Windhill Children’s Centre Contact via website: www. windhillchildrenscentres.org.uk
Music & Performing Arts
Bishop’s Stortford Choral Society Contact via website: www.bscs.org.uk Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company Contact via website: www.bsmtc.org.uk Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company - Juniors Contact via website: www.bsmtc.org.uk/ juniors.html Bishop’s Stortford Town Band Meet Tue at Markwell Pavilion Contact Sue Swan: 506123 Bsus (Bishops Stortford Ukulele Society) Meets every Wednesday 7.45-10pm at the British Legion Contact via website www.bsus.co.uk
Social & Meeting Clubs
Bishop’s Stortford Age Concern Open Mon to Fri at The Apton Centre Contact: 504748 or visit: www.theaptoncentre.org.uk Bishop’s Stortford Railway Society Meet on Tue and Thu Contact: 503511 or visit: www.tinyurl.com/bsrailsoc
Stortford Mencap Various clubs throughout the week Contact: 656085 or info@mencapgrovecottage.org The Phoenix Stroke Club Meet every other Thu 2-4pm at Bishops Park CC Contact: Kath 724285 The Rotary Club of Bishop’s Stortford Meet Mon 12.55pm at Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club Contact via website: www.rotary-ribi.org The Rotary Club of Stort Valley Bishop’s Stortford’s Evening Rotary Club. Meets every Tuesday at The Lemon Tree, 7 for 7.30pm. Contact: stortvalleyrotary.com The Thorley Social Club Meet the 2nd and 4th Thu of the month at 1.30pm-3.30pm at Thorley CC Contact: 461400 Thorley Women’s Club Meet every Wed 8-10pm at The Christian Centre (opposite Sainsburys) Contact: Barbara Martin 303225 The University of the Third Age Contact via website: u3asites.org.uk for information on local groups and classes
Sport & Fitness
Bishop’s Stortford Badminton Club and Junior Badminton Club Contact 654464 or visit www. stortfordbadminton.net Bishop’s Stortford Bowling Club Contact: 755887 or visit: www. bishopsstortfordbowlingclub.org.uk Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club Contact: 654463 or visit: www. bishopsstorfordcricketclub.com Bishops Stortford and District Angling Society Contact club secretary: David Tadgell 654154 Bishop’s Stortford Football Club Contact: 306456 or visit: www.bsfc.co.uk Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club Contact: 01279 654715 and website www. bsgc.co.uk Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club Contact: 654463 or visit: www.bshc. hitssports.com Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club Contact: 652092 or visit: www.pitchero. com/clubs/bishopsstordrfc
Bishop’s Stortford WI Meet 1st Thu of every month at Charis Centre from 7.30-9.45pm Contact: bishopsstortfordwi@yahoo.co.uk
Bishop’s Stortford Running Club Meet at Hockerill Sports & Social Club Contact Ian McClymont: secretary@bsrc. org.uk
Bishop’s Stortford VIP Club for Blind and Partially sighted people Meet 1st Tues afternoon of each month in Havers CC Contact: 832837
Sunday Smashers Badminton Club Meet at Bishop’s Stortford High School sports hall Contact 652980 or visit www. sundaysmashers.blogspot.co.uk
Grove Cottage the home of Bishop’s
PLEASE MENTION THE CM23 CONNECTION WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS
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INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
USEFUL NUMBERS ALL IN ONE PLACE Community Centres
Thorley Health Centre
01279 657636
Thorley Park, CM23 2LY
Bishops Park Community Centre
01279 501867
Lancaster Way, CM23 4DA
Waytemore Road, CM23 3GR 01279 712146
NHS Direct
Parsonage Community Centre
PAH (Hospital)
Parsonage Lane CM23 5PY 01279 503918
Summercroft Primary School 01279 307477 Thorley Hill Primary School
Hospitals
Havers Community Centre
St Michael’s Primary School 01279 810800
111 01279 444455
Windhill Primary School
01279 696850
Northgate Primary School
01279 652376
St Michaels Mead Community Centre
Herts & Essex Community Hospital
Thorley Community Centre
Pharmacies
BT Faultline
Williamson Pharmacy
Three Valleys Water
01279 444455
St Michaels Mead CM23 4FZ 01279 712146 Friedberg Avenue CM23 4HB 01279 329686
County Councillors
Utilities
1 Snowley Parade CM23 5EJ
(Central & Silver Leys Wards) Colin Woodward Email: colin.woodward@hertscc.gov.uk
35 South Street CM23 3AG
Bishop’s Stortford East
87 South Street CM23 3AL
(Meads & All Saints Wards) John Barfoot Email: John.barfoot@hertscc.gov.uk
(Includes Bishop’s Stortford Ward) Graham McAndrew - CMILT Email: graham.mcandrew@hertfordshire. gov.uk
01279 658870
0207 219 6358
Church Street, CM23 2LY
01279 654171
Medicx Pharmacy
0808 202 5469
Lloyds Pharmacy The Thorley Centre CM23 4EG
01279 507524
Schools 01279 836006
All Saints Primary School
01279 655936
Bishop’s Stortford High School
01279 868686
Herts & Essex High School 01279 654127
Doctors Church Street Surgery
Trinity Pharmacy
Birchwood High School
Local MP Mark Prisk MP
01279 654021
01279 656876
Hillmead Primary School 01279 657636
Hockerill College
01279 658451
Haymeads Health Centre
Manor Fields Primary School
01279 757193
Parsonage Surgery
Richard Whittington Primary School
01279 657778
Haymeads Lane, CM23 5JH 01279 657636
Herts & Essex Community Hospital, CM23 5JH
South Street Surgery
Hertfordshire Police Non-Emergency
101
Bishops Stortford Police Station
101
Crimestoppers
Other Numbers Alzheimer’s Society
01279 508448
Bishop’s Stortford TIC
01279 655831
Citizens Advice Bureau
0844 411 1444
01279 827608
MS Society
01279 420059
Samaritans
0845 790 9090
St Clare Hospice Advice Line 01279 773773 Train Enquiries
Electricity Emergency
0800 783 8838 Gas Emergency
0800 111 999
St Joseph’s Primary School 01279 652576 St Mary’s Catholic School 01279 654901
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 CM23 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 CM23 Connection / Connection Magazines / Lorraine Perry. All rights reserved.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
0845 748 4950
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
83 South Street, CM23 3AP 01279 465700
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0845 555 111
Isobel Hospice Advice Line 01707 382575
Mayor Cllr Diane Hollebon
Police
Herts & Essex Hospital CM23 5JH
Bishop’s Stortford Rural
0800 800 151 0845 782 3333
01279 652759
Lloyds Pharmacy
Bishop’s Stortford West
01279 654496
Thorn Grove Primary School 01279 653002
SAINT NICHOLAS SCHOOL
Independent day school for children aged 2½ – 16 years
OPEN EVENING Thursday 5th March 2015 from 6pm – 8pm
Pupils are extremely well educated, extremely articulate, have highly positive attitudes and achieve high standards. Independent Schools Inspectorate
Hobbs Cross Road, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0NJ t: 01279 429 910 e: admissions@saintnicholasschool.net www.saintnicholasschool.net
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345