• MiMagazine chats with... Redbourn golf professional Louis Downie
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Our top team welcomes you to come and enjoy some delicious Asian and Oriental Food Tuesdays and Wednesdays four course banquet night just £13.95 Come and experience fine Indian and Nepalese dining at its best at this multi-ward winning restaurant at the heart of Markyate 73 High St, Markyate, AL3 8PJ www.markyatespice.co.uk
Gardens wanted for return of open day
It is more than seven years since Caddington’s residents opened their gardens to visitors. Now Caddington Gardening Club has designs on making the Open Gardens event happen again next year.
But to do this it needs your help.
Would you be willing to open your garden to visitors on Saturday, 12th July, from 11am to 5pm? It’s not a competition, they are not looking for show gardens (although if you have one it would be lovely if you opened it). It is the variety of gardens – big, small, courtyard, park home, modern, cottage – you name it, that makes open garden days so interesting.
It’s a great opportunity for picking up ideas and tips and to chat and make friends with other people from the village.
Money raised from selling programmes will be split between All Saints Church and the gardening club and hopefully there will be opportunities for raising money for other charities on the day.
If you live in Caddington and would like to register an interest in opening your garden, please email nickyj.moore@outlook.com by the end of November. There needs to be a minimum of ten gardens to make the event viable.
Redbourn in Bloom’s own Open Gardens event, held every two years, has proved extremely popular with villagers, with some 20 gardens open to the public.
Now Caddington Gardening Club is hoping its own event will blossom into something similar, so put on your gardening gloves.
Elsewhere, thousands of visitors descended on Flamstead for the ever popular annual village Scarecrow Festival, while if you wanted to see some giant veg and colourful floral displays, Kensworth Flower and Vegetable Show was the place to be. And the Redbourn Classics Motor Show returned for its seventh year, attracting possibly its largest ever number of visitors. Pictures from all these events can be found in this issue.
Paul Jacques Editor pauljacques@ntlworld.com
07939 005218
Jen Jukes, of sponsors Fine and Country estate agents, presents Geoffrey Stafford with the trophy for overall points winner at the Kensworth Flower and Vegetable Show –see p10
The sun was out and thousands of visitors flocked to Flamstead for the annual village Scarecrow Festival – see p14
MiMagazine chats with... Louis Downie
Louis Downie is a golf professional at Redbourn Golf Club. He grew up in the village of Kensworth but now lives in Houghton Regis with his fiancé Abby and their two Labradors Kobe and Max.
What inspired you to take up golf? One of my friends took me to a local golf course to do some putting. From that moment on I was hooked and golf became my life. It’s a big part of who I am today and has given me so many opportunities.
How long have you been a golf pro? I’ve been a PGA Golf Professional since 2012. Before that I played junior golf for Redbourn Golf Club and also in various Hertfordshire county competitions. As a golf professional I have played professionally in the east region of the country and have crafted my coaching skills to help others over this time. Now I run a business coaching adults and children.
Most memorable golfing moment? I remember I had a 50foot putt on the last hole at Sandy Lodge Golf Club that I needed to get down in two shots to not only win my match, but to win the match for our whole team in a knockout league; thankfully I did and the team went crazy, which was a wonderful moment that created joy on so many faces.
What was your first job? It was actually working at a local horse show in the village of Kensworth where I grew up. It wasn’t the most glamorous, but I used to run that car park like clockwork, guiding all of the giant horse lorries into a tiny field! I was around 13 at the time –we all have to start somewhere!
Any hobbies or pastimes? I absolutely love spending time on a mountain with my snowboard. This is a sport I fell in love with
about six years ago and I make every effort to get away on a trip most years. A more recent hobby of mine is learning to sing, and what an absolute joy it is. Not only do I love the process, but it certainly humbles you along the way. Thankfully I can hold a note or two!
Book that most inspired you? It’s hard to nail this down to one book, but one that’s made a big impact on my mindset and life is ‘The Gap and the Gain’ By Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy. It’s helped to shift my focus and left me with more joy about where I am in life and a healthier approach to my goals.
Film/TV show you most enjoyed? If it’s anything fantasy I’m all in – ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Lord of the Rings’, anything Marvel, and you’ve got me hooked! However, two TV series I’ve watched recently are ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, both about football, but honestly, anyone would love them.
Favourite drink? I’m not much of a drinker, but do enjoy a Guinness after a round of golf, but most of the time I’m pretty basic, so it’s water for me.
Favourite meal? I’m a massive foodie so trying lots of cuisines is definitely where I’m at! A quick go to meal for me is a good ramen, especially after a chilly day on the golf course.
Best holiday? I’m a lucky guy as most years I have a trip to Orlando to the PGA show to see all the new coaching tech. Aside from that, one of the best trips I’ve had was in Pathos last year where I switched off and rested, which is something most of us struggle to do.
If you could have any four people to a dinner party who would they be? Firstly Thierry Henry and Tiger Woods because they are my sporting heroes. Ricky Gervais to keep us all laughing and humble! Finally, to add a musical note to the party, it would have to be the late Freddie Mercury.
How much do I need to save for retirement?
ENSURE YOUR MONEY WORKS EFFECTIVELY TO ENJOY RETIREMENT ON YOUR OWN TERMS
How you invest in your 50s could significantly impact your quality of life in retirement. While there is still time to increase your retirement savings, a seemingly simple mistake could derail your plans. This is where obtaining professional financial advice becomes crucial.
With retirement now in sight, as you approach this milestone, ensuring your money works effectively will allow you to enjoy retirement on your own terms.
Clarify your goals
‘Saving enough for retirement’ has likely been on your list of financial goals for some time, but now is the moment to become more specific. Knowing exactly how much you need to save will give you a concrete target. This amount will depend on factors such as your intended retirement age, your retirement plans, projected investment growth and inflation.
A financial adviser can demonstrate how long your savings may last in retirement, helping you understand if you need to adjust your goals or savings habits.
Review your investment portfolio
When you are in your 50s and nearing retirement, ensuring that your investment
portfolio maintains a suitable balance between risk and reward is important. The right level of investment risk depends on how you intend to fund your retirement and how far away your target retirement date is.
For those planning to buy an annuity in a few years, moving your pension fund from stocks to lowerrisk assets such as cash may be wise. This strategy helps protect your pension pot from potential stock market crashes just before you need it.
Maintain growth potential with diversified assets
If you plan to fund your retirement through income drawdown or other savings and investments, moving into cash too early could mean your money does not last as long as required. Retaining some exposure to stocks allows your portfolio the opportunity for longterm growth. Considering that your retirement could span several decades, inflation will inevitably erode the real value of your savings and reduce your purchasing power.
One way to mitigate the impact of rising prices is to remain invested in the stock market. Historical data shows that the stock market generally outperforms cash over long periods and exceeds the inflation rate.
Diversifying your investments across various asset classes can help your portfolio withstand stock market fluctuations.
Focus on your pension
Pensions are an exceptionally efficient method of saving for retirement, particularly when you’re in your 50s. This is largely due to the tax relief you receive on personal pension contributions.
For instance, a £1,000 pension contribution costs just £800 if you’re a basic rate taxpayer, £600 if you’re a higher rate taxpayer or £550 if you’re an additional rate taxpayer. Tax relief is essentially free money from the government, significantly enhancing your retirement savings.
Most individuals can contribute up to 100% of their UK relevant earnings or £60,000, or £3,600 if there are no relevant earnings (whichever is lower) into pensions yearly while still benefiting from tax relief until age 75. However, it is important to remember that your pension annual allowance could be lower if you have a very high income or have triggered the MPAA.
Maximising unused allowances
If you wish to save more than your annual allowance, it might be possible to maximise unused allowances from the previous three tax years under carryforward rules. This strategy can considerably enhance your retirement savings by utilising every available tax benefit.
Make the most of your tax allowances
There are numerous other tax allowances investors can utilise. For instance, you can invest up to £20,000 (tax year 2024/25) into Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to benefit from taxefficient income and growth.
You can withdraw money from ISAs whenever you desire without incurring any tax; this makes ISAs a useful source of income for those retiring before age 55 (the current earliest age at which you can access your pension subject to health and certain
occupations). Additionally, ISAs form an integral part of a taxefficient retirement income portfolio.
Other allowances to consider
Other allowances include the personal savings allowance, dividend allowance and Capital Gains Tax exemption.
You can earn up to £1,000 a year in interest without paying tax if you’re a basic rate taxpayer. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can earn £500 a year without paying taxes. Additional rate taxpayers don’t receive any allowance at all.
The annual Capital Gains Taxexempt amount from 6 April 2024 is £3,000. If the total of all gains and losses in the tax year fall within this exempt amount, no tax will be payable. Gains above the annual exemption will be taxable. The exempt amount cannot be carried back or forward. The unused amount is lost if it’s not used, in part or full.
A PENSION IS A LONGTERM INVESTMENT NOT NORMALLY ACCESSIBLE UNTIL AGE 55 (57 FROM APRIL 2028 UNLESS THE PLAN HAS A PROTECTED PENSION AGE). THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENTS (AND ANY INCOME FROM THEM) CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP, WHICH WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE LEVEL OF PENSION BENEFITS AVAILABLE.
YOUR PENSION INCOME COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THE INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME YOU TAKE YOUR BENEFITS. THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY DOES NOT REGULATE TAX PLANNING.
THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH.
Once again the exhibitors turned out in good numbers to produce a colourful display at the Kensworth Flower and Vegetable Show held in the Village Hall on September 7.
“It was particularly pleasing to see exhibits from those who had not entered previously and the overall high standard received complimentary comments from the judges,” said the show’s chairman David Manton.
The show was sponsored by Fine and Country estate agents and Jen Jukes kindly represented them to present the awards.
Best in Category were Sue Moynes (Floral Arrangement); David Foster (Fruit); Louise
and Mario CostaSa (Preserves); Anne McDonald (Cookery); Lucy O’Hare (Craft); Billy Moynes and Kerrie O’Brien (Allotments); and Jessica Stafford (Children’s).
The major awards were given to Jacqui and Jimmy Harrison (Front Garden), Stephen Beament (Best Flower) and Geoffrey Stafford (Best Vegetable). The overall points winner was a close run thing, but in the end Geoffrey Stafford reclaimed the trophy, with Stephen Beament a credible runner up.
“The committee are grateful to Fine and Country for their sponsorship and the many local businesses that kindly provided raffle prizes,” said Mr Manton.
The main award winners with overall points winner Geoffrey Stafford pictured centre.
SERVICE & REPAIR
Routine Servicing
All repairs undertaken
Air-Con Servicing Diagnostics
New Tyres, Brakes, Clutches
SALES
New cars and light commercial vehicles from ANY manufacturer
Used vehicles WE SERVICE CARS AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Be car warranty wise
By Melanie Wooding Jones – Redbourn Auto Solutions – Caring for you, and your car
It is always good to know that if something goes wrong with your car, your warranty will cover all the repair and maintenance costs, leaving you with worry free motoring for the duration of the warranty... but is this what your warranty covers, or will you be facing a higher repair bill than expected?
What is a car warranty?
Modern cars are more complex and reliable than they have ever been. But even the latest of cars are not immune to breaking down or having issues.
Warranties are an insurance policy covering the repair costs of a vehicle should it go wrong. Cover differs according to the policy you purchase but may cover all or some or none of the repair costs dependent on the policy.
Types of warranty
New car/manufacturer’s warranty
Every new car bought in the UK is covered with at least a threeyear/60,000mile manufacturerbacked warranty and is designed to protect you from having to pay for issues caused by a manufacturing error or fault. It is usually free and extends between three to seven years dependent on manufacturer.
Some manufacturers also add a mileage limit so that the vehicle is covered for a time or distance covered, whichever comes first.
Extended warranty
Extended warranty usually refers to the dealership offering you an extended manufacturer warranty before the original one ends. Or some of the larger dealer groups will offer you their own warranty package. This extends your protection by either a longer time or more miles. Sometimes this will not be as comprehensive as the original warranty. This term is also used when you purchase a new car and the new car warranty does not
cover as much as you’d like it to. You have the option to upgrade for extra cover.
Approved used car warranty
These cars are often in immaculate condition, low mileage, usually under three years old, and sold through a main dealer network. They are often partexchanges or returned finance cars where the history is known.
These warranties typically run for 12 months or there may be mileage limited alternatives. They usually cover the same as the new car warranty, but it is always best to check.
Used car warranty
Independent car dealers use a thirdparty warranty company and is offered outside of a dealership or manufacturer. It is an agreement between the buyer and seller of a vehicle, that outlines the terms under which the seller agrees to repair or replace certain parts within a given timeframe. If you are purchasing from a main dealer, independent car dealer or sales centre, all vehicles come with a threemonth warranty, which is the basic legal requirement, although some offer longer warranties
Private car warranty
You can purchase these at any time for the level of cover you require. Providers such as RAC or Warranty Wise will help you find the right level of cover for your pocket.
Electric car battery warranty
Useful for EV drivers to protect from battery degradation beyond the car’s warranty. This is a process that permanently reduces the amount of energy a battery can hold.
Paintwork and perforation warranties
Paintwork guarantees the quality and finish of a car’s bodywork and perforation guarantees the vehicle against any rust or corrosion.
Both protect you against poor manufacturing.
Statutory rights
By law, any car dealer must sell you a vehicle that is roadworthy and as advertised. The car
will be sold with three months cover and will be free of charge. It will cover a limited number of faults but will not cover wear and tear.
What do policies cover?
The newer the car, the more comprehensive the cover as the risk is lower. The older a car is, the greater the risk, so the insurer restricts what they are prepared to cover and charge commensurately to your requirements.
It is important to read the small print before you sign up for a policy as they differ vastly in what they cover and any restrictions.
However, there are several items that most policies will not cover, such as routine maintenance, repair to general wear and tear, preexisting issues, and damage caused by neglect or poor driving. The majority will also not cover a modified vehicle and some do not include major components.
Drivers will be expected to keep to the manufacturer’s schedule of servicing and maintenance of the vehicle with manufacturer original or equivalent parts being used. If there is no proof that this has been carried out, the policy will be void.
Benefits of having a warranty
The biggest benefit is peace of mind should something go wrong – and could save you hundreds of pounds in unexpected costs. It reduces stress and anxiety, especially if your policy is very comprehensive. And it encourages regular servicing by a reputable garage, therefore retaining a good resale value. You can normally tailor policies to suit your needs and budget.
Are there any negatives to having a warranty?
They can be an expensive addition to the running costs of a vehicle especially if only small repairs could be needed.
You should take into consideration the condition, mileage and age of the car and weigh up the costs of a warranty against any repair bills. Ask yourself if it would be cheaper to set the money aside every month instead.
PLUMBING SPECIALISTS
The sun was out and thousands of visitors flocked to Flamstead for the annual village Scarecrow Festival, held on August 16, 17 and 18. The votes for best scarecrows have now been counted and this year’s top three were:
1st: Entry 7 – Bee Fest, by Sue and Tim Wright in River Hill.
2nd: Entry 67 – Mary Scary Crowppins, by Mark Ridley in Trowley Hill Road.
3rd: Entry 36 – Wizard of Oz, by Nicky Sanders in Parsons Close.
Organisers said a “huge congratulations” to all the competition winners and to everyone else for “so many incredible, imaginative scarecrows”, and to the public who came, judged and voted.
The Flamstead Scarecrow Festival has been running since 2002. Each year, residents create fabulous scarecrows and display them in their front gardens or around the village. The festival raises money for the Friends of St Leonard’s Church and other local charities and organisations.
Deep sea holiday fun
A giant octopus was among the imaginative creations by youngsters as the Holiday Club returned to St Mary’s Church in Redbourn in August.
The theme of the week was deep sea divers, with 28 children creating underwater
creatures using repurposed or recycled materials.
The funpacked activity week is led by the vicar, Rev Rachel Wakefield, helped by a team of volunteers.
Children also enjoyed some fun oneoff activities and thinking sessions.
Classics on the Common
Back for its 7th year, Redbourn Classics Motor Show and Village Fete attracted a bumper crowd with an amazing turnout of more than 300 classic vehicles, including vintage cars, vans, motorbikes and tractors.
There was live music all afternoon from The BarnEttes and Missing The Ferry, who carried on playing past 5pm as the crowds still wanted to party.
Great street food, a licensed bar, children’s funfair rides and a miniature railway made it a real family fun day.
The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire was in attendance to present one of the prizes, and the show raised more than £20,000 for local charities and groups – the most it has ever raised – with Woolsey’s Miniature Railway raising £300 for the Redbourn Village Museum.
There was also a big ‘thank you’ from the organisers to the 125plus volunteers who help make the event such a success.
Pantomime season is fast approaching
Tickets for Redbourn Players December Pantomime, ‘Treasure Island’, are on sale now and already selling fast.
Silver and the fearsome crew of the Hispaniola may think that treasure is within their grasp, but they have reckoned without Jim Hawkins and the ladies of the Smugglers Cove Women’s Institute! A swashbuckling adventure filled with mischief, song, dance, laughter and the usual bad jokes, this is a voyage into panto mayhem that you definitely will not want to miss.
It has a great cast, a live band, innovative staging, special effects, in fact everything you need for a fantastic family show.
There are six performances in all, including two matinees, and the production dates are Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th December.
Tickets are available online through Ticketsource and are priced at £13 –www.ticketsource.co.uk/redbournplayers
All seats are selected and reserved at the point of booking, so book early to ensure you
get the best choice. All performances take place in Redbourn Village Hall, with the bar open before and after the show and during the interval. This is an awardwinning drama group, and if you have not been to one of the shows before, they very much look forward to welcoming you.
Redbourn Players won a record five ‘highly commended’ awards at the NODA East District 3 amateur theatre awards, recognising both its productions over the past 12 months – ‘Once Upon A Time’ and ‘In Flame’. Chair David Howell also received a Special Achievement Award while the late Trevor Oakes was posthumously awarded a Special Achievement Award.
(5)
(5)
tion (5)
Russian sleigh (6)
Defence covering (6)
Having the form of a song (5)
Sister of Mary and Lazarus (6)
Resident of, eg, Nairobi (6)
Stage play (5)
Scratched (6)
Plan (6)
Cuban dance (5)
Die from lack of food (6)
Professional killer (6)
Locations (5)
Workshop machinery (6)
Pressed (6)
Grecian architectural style (5)
Go back (6)
(6)
Porridge (5)
eg, Tarka (5)
Is inclined (5)
Rill (9)
Throw out (5)
Not in any circumstances (poetical) (4)
Recall past experiences (9)
(5)
(5,8)
(13)
(5)
building (9)
(9)
Representative (5)
(5)
(4)
Easy level Sudoku
Fill in the grid in such a way that every row and column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 19.
Brainteaser
Many have heard me, but nobody has seen me, and I will not speak back until spoken to. What am I?
And finally, a joke...
I popped down the village this morning to buy a new first aid kit. Thought I’d treat myself.
Community news...
Flamstead Village Choir is looking for some volunteer instrumentalists to play with the choir over some quite informal Christmas events – if you love Christmas music of all kinds and can play an instrument above grade 5, then please get in touch. The choir would also love to find guitarists to join them occasionally across their annual calendar of events, not just for Christmas. If you are interested, email flamsteadvillagechoir@gmail.com
1st Redbourn Scout Group needs your skills. Every section from Beavers up to Scouts is looking for more help at meetings and behind the scenes too. Even an hour a month is a great help and they would love you to join them in providing invaluable experiences for their members. For more information email
scouts@redbournscouts.org.uk. The group is located at the Scout Hut, Greyhound Meadow, Redbourn.
All Saints Church, Caddington, Remembrance Day Service will be held on Sunday 10th November. There will also be a short service at 11am on the Green on Monday 11th November. As usual wreaths will be laid at the village War Memorial in All Saints Churchyard at the Service on the Sunday.
The Good Neighbour Scheme & St Andrews Church, Slip End, is holding ‘Soup & a Sarnie’ at The Rising Sun on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 2pm – October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th. Featuring quizzes and bingo. £3 for ‘soup & a sarnie’ and £1 for tea or coffee. If you need a lift call 07513 372415.
Markyate
Care Group Helpline – 07972 152279
Care Bus – Sue Davies 01582 840554
Markyate Singers meet every Wednesday 7.30‐9.30pm at the village hall.
If you enjoy singing and can hold a tune you are welcome to join our friendly group.
We sing for fun but also enjoy a challenge! Please call Lin on 07969 322726 if you require further details.
Slip End
Tennis Club – We are a small, friendly club open to all ages. Membership enquiries: Steve Lyons (01582 414162)
Coaching enquiries: Sally Parry (07979 433688)
Gardening Club: We are a small, friendly club which meets five times per year, 8pm Slip End Village Hall. Guest speakers on gardening topics are booked for meetings. We organise the Village Open Gardens’ Day and Plant Sale in alternate years. Enquiries to Rosemary Wickens 01582 423622.
Flamstead
Computer Friendly Drop‐in – for free and friendly help for your computer, tablet or smartphone. First Wednesday of the month at the Spotted Dog, Flamstead 10.30‐12.30. Our contact details: Office 01727 617359, www.computerfriendlystalbans.org.uk
Caddington
Caddington and Slip End Runners – Front Street, Slip End 8pm Call 07587 189260
CaddingtonCare Good Neighbour Scheme
CaddingtonCare continues to run its core service Monday‐Friday between 9am and 4.30pm. Please call 07548 264672. The Library in Caddington, held in the Allotment Hut off Folly Lane runs from 10am to 12 noon on alternate Thursdays. There is a large selection of books and jigsaws. Coffee, tea and biscuits are also available.
Caddington WI
Now meets 1st Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm at the Caddington Sports and Social Club. Call Linda Edwards 01582 737036. We do a small amount of business followed by some entertainment or a speaker. Sometimes a quiz but always a cup of tea or coffee and cakes to enjoy. Do join us –we look forward to it.
Caddington Local History Group
We meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7.30 pm in the Heathfield Centre. Contact John 07763 832245 Tai Chi
CADS is an amateur dramatics group that meets every Tuesday from 8pm‐9.30pm at the Heathfield Centre, Caddington. We are a friendly bunch and welcome new members both onstage and off
Kensworth
Village Hall, off The Chilterns, Common Road, LU6 3RJ –Sylvia Inns 07831 538682
Basils Farm Café at the Village Hall – Friday mornings. Call 07940 738383
Kensworth Art Club – Tuesdays 1pm‐4pm at the Village Hall with Sonia Aldridge. 01582 872115
Dog Training at the Village Hall. 6pm‐10pm Wednesday evenings with Pat Gregory. Call 01582 873614 or email patgregory@2023@gmail.com
Baby and Toddler Group – Jenny 07515 704404 or find us on Facebook. Meet Weds 9.30am‐11am, term time only in the Village Hall. £2 for the first child and £1 for each sibling. Millie DanceSpace at the Village Hall. Tuesdays from 4.15pm onwards, in 30 minute group classes. Ballet to Street Dance. Email millie.dancespace@gmail.com or call 07429 120383.
Kensworth Drop‐In at the Village Hall. Thursdays from 9am to 11am. Tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat. Email joanmoran6@yahoo.co.uk
Friday morning snack and chat at the Village Hall. Home‐made soup, sausage rolls, chocolate biscuits and a good old natter.
Neighbourhood Watch – Caroline Streek 872410
Cricket Club – Duncan Wingfield 872743; Parish Council – Pat Mitchell 871178
Community Scheme – 07919 081473
Local History – Julia Holder 873465
Studham
Friends of Studham Common See website www.foscomm.org
Studham Village Hall – Main hall and a meeting room available for hire. Modern kitchen. Activities include Art Club, Bingo, Carpet Bowls, Scrabble, Seniors Table Tennis, Women’s Institute (WI) Yoga. Contact: Des Salmon, 01582 872082 desstudham@btconnect.com
Tennis Club – Open to members and non‐members. All welcome. Contact Andrew Jones at Andrew.jones@ expressvending.co.uk / 07833 111682. See www.studhamtennisclub.co.uk
Neighbourhood Watch – Richard Hodge 01582 873630
Studham Mums and Tots Village Hall – Tuesdays 9.30‐11.30, friendly group.
Whipsnade Parish Council
Ken France 01582 872375; Village Hall – Sam Burr 07921 761730
Redbourn
Redbourn u3a meets every month in the village hall and with more than 45 Interest Groups, there is something for everyone in their third age and no longer working full‐time. For more information visit our website at http://u3asites.org.uk/Redbourn, email our membership secretary at redbournu3amembership@gmail.com or speak to the chair on 07956 400493
Tennis at Redbourn Club – Join our friendly club off North Common in the heart of the village. Annual membership fee entitles play all year round. New easy to use court booking system. More details on new website – clubspark.lta.org.uk/ RedbournTennisClub
Redbourn Community Group RCG volunteers offer transport to medical appointments, outings in the minibus, practical help such as shopping and prescription deliveries, friendly talks and walks, and welcome packs for new residents. Call 01582 794550 or email: info@redbourncg.org. More volunteers are always welcome.
Redbourn Bowls Club always welcomes new members. If
you would like more details, please contact our Chairperson Shirley Brooke, on 07866 149891, email shirleyhagart@hotmail.com, or Jez Cronshaw, Coach, on 07525 867450.
Redbourn Community Library – open 6 days a week in our purpose‐built centre beside the Fire Station offering great reads for adults and children, public computers, photocopying and scanning facilities and free wi‐fi. If you would like to know more about joining our team of volunteers, pop in and see us, contact us via our Facebook page or email redbournlibraryvolunteers@gmail.com
Redbourn Players is an active amateur dramatic society performing two major productions every year in spring and autumn as well as other local drama events. We are always looking for new members of all ages, whether you want to act, help backstage, build sets, make costumes, paint scenery or help with publicity. If you are interested, or just want to find out more, please email redbourn.players@gmail.com for details.
Redbourn Village Museum Silk Mill House The Common Redbourn Herts. AL3 7NB
Patron: Sir Simon Bowes Lyon Museum open February to November Saturday & Sunday 2pm to 5pm Last admission 4.30pm Tel: 01582 793397
Email: redbournmuseum@gmail.com. Visit us on the web at www.redournmuseum.org
Redbourn in Bloom Horticultural Society Gold Award winner and Best Small Town in Britain in Bloom 2023. Besides planting schemes to enhance the village, we have all‐year‐round activities, including talks, trips, local awards, Autumn Show and Craft Fair. New members and volunteers always welcome. Join via our website, www.redbourninbloom.org.uk or contact Hilary Brown on 01582 793764, email ribmembership@gmail.com To volunteer, please contact Ann Davis, 01582 792518,email ribhelpers@yahoo.com
Redbourn WI meets at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Redbourn Village Hall. For further information call Beth Bradley on 07852 452303.
Harpenden
Young Miscellany Folk Dance Group
We meet two Sundays a month at Park Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden AL5 2LX 10.30am‐12.30pm during term time. Girls and Boys age 6‐18 welcome, no experience required. We dance a range of Morris and Folk dance styles and display at many local events & folk festivals in the South East, & occasionally travel abroad. Come and join the fun! No need to pre‐book. (free parking behind the hall).
Website www.youngmiscellany.co.uk and email info@youngmiscellany.co.uk for more details.
Gaddesden Row
Baby and Toddler Group/Coffee Morning running from 9.30am‐11.30am every Wednesday.
Gaddesden Row Village Hall, Clements End Road
Parents/carers and toddlers/babies , plus anyone else that might just fancy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. All welcome. Parent/carer plus one child £3 – additional children 50p each. Coffee/tea and biscuits included plus snacks for the children.
For editorial and advertising call 07939 005218
Coffee mornings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month 10.30am 12 noon
Caddington Baptist Church Luton Road LU1 4AF
Registered Charity No. 1181111
Redbourn in Bloom’s annual Craft Fair is on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October at the Village Hall. This well‐established event has good quality hand‐made crafts, ideal for Christmas presents, with refreshments available throughout the weekend. There are only a few stalls remaining! To book contact Pat Schofield: email pandjschofield@talktalk.net or telephone 0781 505 9882. To find out more, please have a look at our website: www.redbourninbloom.org.uk
We always welcome new members and volunteers. Please see our entry on the Groups & Societies/ What’s On pages.
Caddington Gardening Club is a friendly group, meeting monthly to enjoy a shared interest in gardening, swap ideas, discuss gardening successes, the odd failure and pass on advice. We have monthly speakers, some social events and summer trips to fascinating gardens – meeting at the Baptist Hall on Luton Road 7.30 pm. Contact Sarah on 01582 419 793 October 8th – AGM followed by social fun and quiz November 12th – Talk by Christopher Bamforth Damp about the ‘National Garden Scheme’
What’s
on at Kensworth Village Hall
Sunday 1st December
Christmas Fayre 1pm to 4pm
Friday 6th December
Christmas Bingo Evening 7pm
CLASSES
All Saints Church Caddinton
Community Event
Saturday 19th October, 11am to 3pm
Free homemade soup, bread, tea, coffee
Clothes swap, Toy Swap, Cake stall, Gifts, Books, Jigsaws.
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 7.15pm at Studham Village Hall
