THE
CM23 CONNECTION april 2015 ISSUE 18 DELIVERED
FREE EVERY MONTH
■■ Birchanger pub walk
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
■■ The learners community library ■■ METHODIST CHURCH GETTING MESSY . . . AND MUCH MORE!
Bringing the community together
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Grant’s Plumbing & Heating
Bishop’s Park Community Centre (by Tesco)
Weds: 9.30 11.30 1.30 5.30 7.30 Kim: 01438 364001
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07799 626411
e: info@hadhamelectrical.co.uk w: www.hadhamelectrical.co.uk
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Bathrooms, Kitchens, Plumbing, Electrics, Tiling, Flooring, Decorating, Carpentry + any small jobs that need doing. Fully insured. 01279 466443 07713 947868
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WELCOME HELLO AND WELCOME TO THe April edition of THE CM23 CONNECTION Well haven’t we been lucky with the weather and we’re being told to expect a warm Easter too. Won’t that just be lovely if it holds true for the Bank Holiday! Last year we went to Dartmouth for half term... even managed to do some “crabbing” it was heaven - no smashing Winkles or the like these days - we were given a washing tablet bag filled with ham and bread to use. Genius and no mess! I digress or day dream... back to the job in hand. There are lots of events coming up in the next few months which is reflected by the increase in the number of our Community Pages - we have a whopping 4 pages of shows and open days and events for you. Team that with the What’s On pages there really is lots and lots of things to keep us all busy and it’s all local - yey! Happy Easter and until next month,
Lorraine
THE
CM23 CONNECTION april 2015 ISSUE 18
CONTENTS ■ FEATURES & ARTICLES 9 In Person 10 Writer Way 11 Property Matters 12 Learners Community Library 22 BS Methodist Church
■ FUN & LEISURE 6 Pub Walks 14 Just for the Kids
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 PLEASE Copy deadline for all adverts and submissions in NOTE the May edition is 10th April 2015
20 Look What’s Cooking 25 Puzzles & Brain Teasers
■ IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY 16 Local Community 26 What’s On 29 The Listings 30 Useful Numbers The CM23 Connection cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, products or services that appear in this publication.
Contact: 07817 778870 Web: www.tubs12.info Email: TUBS@copyzone.co.uk
Reminder: TUBS27 will take place Saturday 9th May. Pickers, gloves, hi-vis jackets and plastic bags will be provided.
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TUBS Volunteers
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IT’s your community
Pub Walks Combining Walks in our local country side with our lovely village pubs makes for a perfect day...
Beautiful Birchanger Birchanger woods are magical in spring. This walk takes in the bluebells and anemones and explores the paths towards Stansted. Turn right out of the Three Willows pub, right again as soon as you can and immediately left along fields and playing fields until a very narrow path brings you to a scout hut. Turn right along the lane beyond it, left at the end of the houses along a field edge and then right at a concrete signpost towards a small wood. Go on, keeping trees on your right, down through two wooden gates to a new development on the edge of Stansted. Turn left along the road for about 200m, ignoring a gated track, and left again at the corner onto a country lane. At the T-junction at the end, cross the road diagonally right and take the footpath opposite. Turn right by the last house and follow the path left and left again behind the houses. At the end of the field, turn right towards trees and follow a defined track into the woods. When a path leads right to the A120, cross carefully to explore the better-known western half of the woods, then come back across the road and walk straight ahead across fields to return to Birchanger village, turning right to find the pub when you reach the road. LOCATION:
Birchanger Village, Essex
Distance:
About 4 Miiles
Pub:
The Three Willows
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.
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Special feature
local business people in person Name and Business: John Furnace from Viking Solar Ltd. Where do you live? I have lived in Sawbridgeworth for 17 years. What’s your favourite local shop? Nomad because they stock all sorts of things for an explorer holiday. What’s your favourite local venue? The Rhodes Arts Complex where the Christmas panto is always a must for our family. What do you like best about Bishop’s Stortford? The friendly people, the excellent facilities, shops and the architecture. What do you like doing when you’re not working? I love finding new tracks on my mountain bike with my cycling buddies.
I set up my business because… My wife Annelise and I have always been fascinated by renewable energy and wanted to spread the benefits to others - halving fuel bills, going green, becoming energy independent and earning from the Feed-in Tariff, all rolled into one. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently? That’s easy - Sunday lunch with all the family at Annelise’s mum’s - she’s the best cook in the world! Favourite one liner or saying? I like the one from Dory in Finding Nemo: “When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming!”
Local PROFESSIONAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Approved Scotchgard Contractor 01279-771030 | 07971-786123
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treat them as raw material and let them steep awhile. Play with the words on the page. No one else will see them until you want them to, unless you leave your notebook behind in a pub, like I did. ‘Angry barmaid could be a serial killer’ was not well received.
Ideas Where do writing ideas come from? Anywhere, anything and anyone. The best ideas, like fine wines, mature with age. They’re cheaper of course, and more plentiful. Ideas can creep up on you unawares, so it’s as well to be prepared. Here are four tools to help you: a pen and paper, your eyes and your ears. Your notes may be snippets of overheard conversations, stray thoughts, observations, news headlines or song lyrics. Let public transport become your hunting ground and let the world inspire you! Still stuck? Try picking three random words from a dictionary, or any other book, and see where it takes you. Don’t judge your notes –
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By way of example, I saw a car pull up and a couple emerge to continue their screaming match outside. Frankly, my sympathy was with the car. I wrote it like this: Emergency Services No one heard their screams as the car skidded. A shimmering Angel appeared and bestowed its grace, translucent light soothing the screeching tyres. “Glory to God,” the driver cried, as they emerged. “You’ve saved our lives!” “Not yours,” the Angel replied, as she got into the driving seat and drove away. How would you write it? By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
property column The home-selling process for first-time buyers It’s often assumed that when it comes to selling a property in Bishop’s Stortford everyone sort of knows what they’re doing and how to go about it. Most people sell things all the time on Ebay or Facebook, so the concept of selling something a bit bigger on a different portal must be relatively similar- right? Wrong! Selling your home whether you’re a first time seller or an experienced property guru can be a total nightmare because there are so many different factors at play. So for a first time seller it can be really daunting knowing where to start. Hopefully our handy checklist below will help you to get your affairs in order and get your home sold faster and for the best price!
1. Where are you going? When you’re thinking of moving you need to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a new property, where you want to move to and the cost of the next property. Sit down and work out what your new home will cost you and work out if you’re likely to need to get a mortgage for it. 2. Find yourself a good solicitor. If you haven’t got one already- or perhaps aren’t too fond of the one you have then ensure that you find yourself a great solicitor who is on your level and will do their best to help you with the sale of your property. You need to be open and honest with them so they can help you to full effect! 3. Give your home a once over. If you’re looking to sell, it’s a great idea to give your home a bit of attention before you list with an agent. Ask a friend or neighbour to go around the house with you and make notes on what needs to be done in each room- don’t forget the garden either. Your friend’s fresh eyes will help to see the things you might look past day-to-day. This will ensure that your home is de-cluttered and given some TLC before you think about photo-shoots and viewings!
4. Instruct an agent. Make sure you interview at least 3 agents and get 3 valuations done on your property. Not only will this help you to solidify in your mind what your property is worth but it also gives you the chance to meet and choose the agent whose practice you like the most and who you have a good rapport with. Getting your property valued will also help you to see how much money you could have to play with which will help you sort your moving finances. 5. Professional Photos. Make sure you instruct an estate agent who champions professional photography. In order to make your home look as appealing as possible you must ensure your photos are top quality. 6. Let your agent do their job. It is your agents’ job to advise you on how best to sell your property in your area and in the current climate. So listen to their advice and ensure that where possible you can cooperate with them. They know the property market like the back of their hand so allow them to spearhead selling the property for you. We also recommend that where possible you allow your agent to conduct viewings as often potential buyers don’t show their true thoughts and feeling on a property if they’re shown around by the current owners. Hopefully our hints and tips will stand you in good stead to sell your property faster and for more. Still confused? Don’t panic! If you’re thinking of selling your first home but have no idea where to start, just pick up the phone and give us a call on 01279 719193, we’d love to offer you some more helpful advice to help get your home sold.
For more information contact Angela: 01279 719193 or 07725 263136 Email: angela@thepersonalpropertyshop.co.uk Facebook: Thepersonalpropertyshop Twitter: PPropertyShop
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IT’s your community
LOCAL CHARITIES Introducing: The Learners Community Library (LCL)
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.
The Learners Community Library or LCL are based at the Herts and Essex hospital and are set up with a large range of toys, books and resources professionally selected to stimulate and develop young minds, as well as information and advice to help all children have fun learning and to prevent or minimise future learning problems developing. LCL is a local resource which is open to all and relies on the commitment of volunteers from a range of professional backgrounds (including educational psychology, specific learning difficulties and autism), as well as local students, school staff and parents. It provides equipment, materials, support and advice in an informal setting to children, parents, carers, professionals, school staff and Early Years staff, SENCOs, and others working with children and young people. Membership of the library entitles you to borrow from over 2000 items, access software between sessions by arrangement, identify items you would like to be ordered, make and laminate resources and also seek advice from LCL’s Educational Psychologist, Autism adviser, SPLD adviser and other professionals. There are even refreshments and a play area to entertain the children while the adults browse and a car park pass! The range of resources have been extended from the original area of speech, language and communication to cover areas
Email:
learnerscommlib@hotmail.co.uk
Tel:
07940 115943
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Chloe Noel aged 9 says: ‘I would recommend the library far and wide...’ such as fine and gross motor coordination, behaviour management and social skills. The library is currently open one evening and one afternoon per month (other dates by arrangement) and your first visit is free. Ask your child’s school or playgroup if they are already a member then you will get a 20% discount on your yearly subscription. (Concessions for those on income support.) For more information email learnerscommlib@ hotmail.co.uk or phone Teresa Furze on 07940 115943. If you would like to donate to support this work then please go to: www.localgiving.com/charity/ learnerscommunitylibrary
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Is your loved ones’ inheritance at RISK?
Peace of mind comes from knowing that the ‘What ifs’ in life have been taken care of: Divorce Financial Hardship Loss of Capacity Probate fees Remarriage Loss of benefits Deputyship fees Generational tax Good Legacy Planning can prevent the needless loss, diversion and dilution of inheritance that affects thousands of families through careful drafting of Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
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Stortford Gardens
Call Mary Spencer on 07545 889996 your local registered Barrister Intermediary mary.spencer@lsgmember.co.uk www.legalservicesguild.co.uk
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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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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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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IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY
LOCAL NOTICES, EVENTS, AMENITIES
Our open days are on Friday 17th & Saturday 18th April 2015, 2-5pm. Why not come along? We are situated some 400 yards south of Bishop’s Stortford Post Office.
Havers Park Bowls Club We are a small friendly bowls club. We are looking for new members of all ages, both sexes. You will always get a game at Havers. You may like to bowl a few woods on our super green. We have the woods, just bring a flat air of shoes. The first year’s membership is half price. Chat with some of our experienced bowlers over a free cup of tea/coffee & biscuit. You will be very welcome. If you have any questions please contact Bill Brown on 01279 657176
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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 at:
amwinship@hotmail.co.uk
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IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY
LOCAL NOTICES, EVENTS, AMENITIES
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TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY
AND ATTRACTIONS
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
LOOK WHAT’S COOKING Greek Vegetable Bake 2 large potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced 1 large aubergine, trimmed and sliced 3 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 150ml vegetable stock 1 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp tomato puree 300g thick Greek yogurt 2 medium eggs, beaten 1 tbsp cornflour
This
ďż˝ tsp grated nutmeg
hearty veggie dish makes a great
family midweek meal.
Serve
with a crisp
1 large tomato, sliced
green salad or some crunchy home-made
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
coleslaw
1. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the sliced potatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes until almost tender. Drain well and refresh under cold running water. Set aside 2. Place the aubergine slices in a shallow bowl and drizzle over 2 tbsp of the olive oil. Heat a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the aubergine slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until tender and just golden. Remove and set aside 3. Add the rest of the oil to the pan and gently fry the garlic for 1 minute. Whisk in the vegetable stock, oregano and tomato puree and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat. Preheat the oven to 190C, 170C fan, Gas Mark 5 4. Layer the potato and aubergine slices in a large ovenproof dish (at least 8cm deep). Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper between each layer. Pour the stock mixture over the vegetables. 5. Place the yogurt, eggs and cornflour in a bowl and beat together until smooth. Add the nutmeg and season lightly. Spoon the mixture over the layered vegetables and top with the tomato slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
TIP: Sprinkle with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or thin slices of mozzarella cheese before baking to make this dish even tastier!
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IT’s your community
Getting Messy Bishop’s Stortford Methodist church On Sunday 12th April 2015 Bishops Stortford Methodist Church will be holding their first Messy Church Event. It starts at 4 until 6pm at the church in South Street (opposite the 99p store). This is an afternoon of fun for all the family & all ages. It will start with activities which all the family can get involved in. This will be followed by a story & song time whilst our catering team put the finishing touches to a family meal. We will then all come together for a meal. There is no charge for this event although all donations will be gratefully received. If this is a success, it is hoped to make this a regular event.
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Tel:
Rev David Mullins: 01279 654475 Karen Quelch: 01279 507379
WWW:
www.bsm-church.org.uk
For more information please contact either Rev David Mullins on 01279 654475 or Karen Quelch on 01279 507379.
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Don’t forget to ring about advertising
01279 410345
LT LANDSCAPES
DESIGN - CONSTRUCT - MAINTAIN Office 01279 410453 Mob 07775 610735 www.lt-landscapes.co.uk Fencing Gates Patios Decking Driveways Brickwork Play Areas Cabins & Sheds Water Features Tree Care & Garden Maintenance
Contract Disputes
Contemporary Professional Approachable
Employment
Free 30 minute consultation
Property Disputes Wills & Probate
Fixed Fees available NOW offering Conveyancing
Conveyancing
Contact us for a no-obligation quote
& More
Legal and Mediation Services for Individuals and Business 1 Ducketts Wharf, South Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3AR
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Tel: 01279 466910 www.watson-legal.com info@watson-legal.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
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 10th April 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
Congratulations go to Miss T King from Manston Drive, who won the March £25 cash prize Sudoku competition. Thanks to everyone else who entered!
DOGS
WORDSEARCH
Find these words in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase
Akita Basenji Beagle Bichon Frise Bloodhound Borzoi Boxer Cairn Chihuahua Collie Doberman Greyhound Husky Labrador
Lurcher Papillon
Pointer Poodle Pug Samoyed Sheltie Spaniel Westie
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UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WHAT’S ON ■■ until December 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 ■■ Wed 1st April AGM & Mini Flower Show Mountfitchet Garden Club, Day Centre, Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet Time: 7.30 for 8pm start, visitors £2.50pp, membership available, www.mountfitchetgardenclub.co.uk ■■ Wed 1st April Live Midweek Music Rhodes Art Complex Our resident Jazz Quartet, Que Pasa, visit The Rhodes once more playing Latin jazz, classic standards, originals, contemporary jazz and more. Featuring internationally renowned players, who between them have worked with acts such as Nina Simone, Grace Jones and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Relax with a glass of wine on a Wednesday evening at Rhodes whole listening to the very best from the vibrant local Jazz scene. Time: 7.30pm, FREE ENTRY, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Thu 2nd April Bishop’s Stortford Art Society Thorn Grove Primary school Demonstration by Geoff Thorpe of oils with a palette knife. Time: 7.30 - 9.45pm, members: £4, visitors: £5, free tea & coffee. See website for full month’s programme www.bsartsociety.co.uk ■■ Thu 2nd April Quiz Night Rhodes Centre Fancy putting your general knowledge to the test? Come and join us for an evening of fun and
26ART HISTORY
try out your skills against the other teams in Stortford. Time: 8,30pm, teams of 2 to 8 max, £1 per person to enter the quiz, www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk ■■ Fri 3rd to Mon 6th April Easter Adventure Quest Audley End House and Gardens Adventurers wanted this Easter weekend! You’ll meet characters from the past with stories of time gone by - maybe a King, a butler, a Roman centurion or even a monk. These honourable folk will be happy to help you on your quest as you explore Audley End and crack the clues. Rise to the challenge and win your chocolate reward. It’s time to get hands on with history. Time: 11-5pm, members free, adults: £16, child: £9.60, concs: £14.30, family £41.60, www.englishheritage.org.uk ■■ Sat 4th April Hatfield Forest Park Run Hatfield Forest This 5km event takes place every Saturday at 9am. It is a free event but please register before your first event and bring a printed copy of your barcode with you. Run for your own enjoyment and join in whatever your pace. It is entirely run by volunteers and welcomes new help. Time: 9am, FREE, www.parkrun. org.uk ■■ Sun 5th April Easter Day Easter Egg Hunt Gibberd Garden, CM17 0NA An opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the Garden with activities for children, including an Easter Egg Hunt. Refreshments available in the Barn tea room as well as our usual coffee, tea and cakes. Time: 2-6pm, adults: £4, concs: £3, accompanied children: £1 (5-16), www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk ■■ Mon 6th April Bank Holiday Tea Dance Thorley Community Centre Ballroom - Latin - Sequence.
Time: 2.15-4.45pm, £3 including tea and biscuits for full details contact: Sheila or Rod, 759153. ■■ Thu 9th April Museum History Walk - River Walk Rhodes Arts Complex A new walk for 2015. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the River Stort with our guide, whilst discovering the history of the river and its importance to the town. There will be some walking but none will be strenuous, Suitable outdoor clothes/ shoes will be essential. Time: 7pm, tickets: £4, contact the Box Office: 710200. ■■ Sat 11th & Sun 12th April Art & Photographic Exhibition Memorial Hall, Sawbridgeworth This varied art and photographic competition is open for viewing and exhibitors. There will be a hanging fee of £1 per item including unframed canvases to be hung, Un-framed art exhibits will be placed in browsers around the hall at a fee of 50p per exhibit. The Sawbridgeworth WI who are organising it will take 20% commission on work sold. Time:10.30-4.30pm, admission: £1, raffle in support of Isabel Hospice. ■■ Sat 11th April 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. ■■ Sun 12th April St Clare Hospice 10K Run St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood, CM17 9JX Whether you’re a club runner looking for a personal best or someone who would like a 10K running challenge, this is the perfect event for you! The Hospice run covers 10K (approx. 6 miles) over road surfaces. You can pre-register
COMMUNITY EXHIBITIONS ENTERTAINMENT TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
FAIRS & FETES
FOOD & DRINK
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
IN april 2015 for the run and registration closes by post and online at midday on Wednesday 8th April at a cost of £12 (£10 for affiliated runners). Registration will reopen on the day from 9.30am at a cost of £15 (£13 for affiliated runners). The event is open to those aged 15 and above. Time: 10.30am, if you have any questions please contact the fundraising team on 773750 or fund@stclarehospice.org.uk ■■ Sun 12th April Bishop’s Stortford & District Footpaths Association - Winter Walks Meet at Tesco car park (top left), Bishops Park. GR: TL47102180 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: Sue & Brian, www. walksaroundstortford.org.uk ■■ Tue 14th april Isabel Hospice Coffee Morning Markwell Pavillion Once a month coffee mornings that raise money for Isabel Hospice. Everyone welcome. Time: 10-12.30pm. ■■ Wed 15th April How to Run a Reading Group Bishop’s Stortford Library We are inviting members of reading groups or those who would like to join or start a reading group along, to share ideas and best practise. We will also be sharing ideas of books to read. Time: 7.30pm, FREE but please do book your place at the library. ■■ Thu 16th April Bishop’s Stortford History Society: What is a History Society For? Apton Road Centre We warmly welcome new members to our monthly talks held at the Apton Road Centre.
LEARNING
Time: 7.30pm, contact 01279 655396.
concs, £12 groups & schools, www. rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk
■■ Fri 17th & Sat 18th April Havers Park Bowls Club: Open Day Havers Park Bowls Club A warm welcome awaits. A great opportunity to find out more about the club and bowls. Time: 2-5pm, contact: Bill Brown: 657176.
■■ Tue 21st April Museum History Walk - Cemetery Walk Rhodes Arts Complex Old inscriptions, monuments, well-known names - it might sound strange to think of cemeteries as works of art, but this is exactly what they can be! The cemetery on the Cemetery Road in Bishop’s Stortford is filled with historical monuments of local importance. There will be some walking but none strenuous, Suitable outdoor clothes/shoes will be required. Time: 7pm, tickets: £4, to book your place on the walk contact the Box Office: 710200.
■■ Sun 19th April Open Day & Rock Choir Gardens of Easton Lodge This is the first day of the main season and we hope that Dunmow Rock Choir will be performing. There will be guided tours at 12.30 & 2.30pm and homemade refreshments will be available. Time: 11.30 -5pm, adults: £3.50 and children: free of charge, www. eastonlodge.co.uk ■■ Tue 21st April Meet the Author: Dorothy Koomson Bishop’s Stortford Library We are very lucky to welcome bestselling author Dorothy Koomson to talk about her writing and her new book “That Girl from Nowhere”. Time: 7.15pm, tickets: £7/£5 concs available online from www. hertsdirect.org/libaryeventtickets or by phone: 01707 281533. ■■ Tue 21st April Contexture Theatre Presents: Stones in His Pockets Rhodes Arts Complex The second play of the season is the hilarious and moving tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot. Seen by over 2 million people and universally loved by all that see it, this play is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them. Although the play centres on two down on their luck Irish lads, the comedy is mainly found in the offbeat and outlandish characters they dexterously step in and out of. Time: 7.30pm (3pm matinees on Thurs, Sat & Sun), tickets: £17, £15
■■ Sat 25th April Parsonage Residents’ Association AGM Parsonage Community Hall After the main business of the Meeting there will be an open forum. Time: 3pm. ■■ Sat 2th April 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 25th April PRA Team Quiz Night Parsonage Community Hall Join us for a fun filled quiz night. Teams are made up of 4-8 players and the price includes a Fish or Chicken & Chips supper and table snacks. Time: 7.30pm, tickets: £10 per person, contact: Katie on 07845 694419 or Katie.richard@ btopenworld.com Watch out for many more events in our next issue.
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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 Bishops Park Community Centre Lancaster Way, CM23 4DA
01279 712146
South Street Surgery
St Mary’s Catholic School
Thorley Health Centre
St Michael’s Primary School 01279 810800
83 South Street, CM23 3AP 01279 465700 01279 657636
Thorley Park, CM23 2LY
Havers Community Centre
Waytemore Road, CM23 3GR 01279 712146
Hospitals
Markwell Pavillion
NHS Direct
Castle Gardens, CM23 2EL 01279 712146
Parsonage Community Centre
Parsonage Lane, CM23 5PY 07843 943492
PAH (Hospital)
01279 444455
Herts & Essex Community Hospital
01279 444455
St Michaels Mead Community Centre
Friedberg Avenue CM23 4HB 01279 329686
Pharmacies
Bishop’s Stortford West
(Central & Silver Leys Wards) Colin Woodward Email: colin.woodward@hertscc.gov.uk
(Meads & All Saints Wards) John Barfoot Email: John.barfoot@hertscc.gov.uk
Bishop’s Stortford Rural
(Includes Bishop’s Stortford Ward) Graham McAndrew - CMILT Email: graham.mcandrew@hertfordshire. gov.uk
Mayor Cllr Diane Hollebon
Mark Prisk MP
0207 219 6358
35 South Street CM23 3AG
01279 654021
Trinity Pharmacy 01279 654171
Medicx Pharmacy
Church Street Surgery
Church Street, CM23 2LY
0808 202 5469
Lloyds Pharmacy The Thorley Centre CM23 4EG
01279 507524
Bishop’s Stortford High School
Hockerill College
101
Bishops Stortford Police Station
101
Crimestoppers
Alzheimer’s Society
01279 508448
Bishop’s Stortford TIC
01279 715001
Bishop’s Stortford TC
01279 715000
Citizens Advice Bureau
0844 411 1444
01279 420059
Samaritans
0845 790 9090
01279 868686
01279 656876
01279 658451
Parsonage Surgery
Richard Whittington Primary School
01279 657778
St Joseph’s Primary School
01279 652576
St Clare Hospice Advice Line 01279 773773 Train Enquiries
TO ADVERTISE CALL 01279 410345
0845 748 4950
EMERGENCY NUMBERS Electricity Emergency
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 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. © 2015 The CM23 Connection / Connection Magazines / Lorraine Perry. All rights reserved.
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0845 555 111
MS Society
01279 757193
01279 827608
Hertfordshire Police Non-Emergency
01279 655936
Haymeads Health Centre
Herts & Essex Community Hospital, CM23 5JH
0845 782 3333
01279 836006
Manor Fields Primary School
Haymeads Lane, CM23 5JH 01279 657636
0800 800 151
Isobel Hospice Advice Line 01707 382575
All Saints Primary School
Hillmead Primary School 01279 657636
01279 652376
Other Numbers
Herts & Essex Hospital CM23 5JH
Herts & Essex High School 01279 654127
Doctors
Northgate Primary School
Police
Lloyds Pharmacy
Birchwood High School
Local MP
01279 696850
Three Valleys Water
Schools 01279 658870
Windhill Primary School
01279 652759
87 South Street CM23 3AL
Bishop’s Stortford East
Thorn Grove Primary School 01279 653002
BT Faultline
Williamson Pharmacy 1 Snowley Parade CM23 5EJ
County Councillors
01279 654496
Utilities
St Michaels Mead CM23 4FZ 01279 712146
Thorley Community Centre
Summercroft Primary School 01279 307477 Thorley Hill Primary School
111
01279 654901
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