Category Archives: Clubs & Societies

Ringing at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell

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The sound of bells ringing is part of British culture. Almost everyone in England lives within hearing range of bells. The first bell was installed in St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell, in the sixteenth century (called ‘Come all ye faithful’) and two more in the seventeenth century (‘Praise the Lord 1612’ and ‘Crown him lord of all’). These bells were tolled with the bell down. Three more bells were installed in the 1950s (‘George’ and ‘Elizabeth’ in 1953 and ‘Charles’ in 1954) and, along with the original three now all hung with wheels, they can be rung full circle.

The photograph shows typical bells hung with wheels: the one on the left is down and the one on the right is up and ready to ring full circle.

We have six bells, so we need at least six ringers to be able to make the sound everybody knows.

Anyone can ring and you don’t need to be a church member:

  • Ringers come from all walks of life and range in age from ten to over eighty.
  • Many ring for the pleasure and company it brings, while others think of it as their contribution to church life.
  • You don’t need to be strong, but it does provide physical and mental stimulation.
  • It is a skill for life. Once they have learnt, youngsters continue at University. Lapsed ringers can return after fifty years away and they haven’t forgotten how to ring.
  • One ringer commented, ‘When I’m ringing I forget all the tensions of the day. Even more, I couldn’t wish for a better group of friends.’

So do come and see what is involved. You don’t need to live in Great Amwell. We meet every Thursday at 7.30pm, but if this isn’t convenient please still contact us.

Frances Adams
(07876 496654 or fmadams50@yahoo.co.uk)

Rattle on the Stovepipe in Concert

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Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society is holding a music event on Sunday 19th February with Rattle on the Stovepipe. Dave Arthur (banjo, guitar, melodeon, vocals), Pete Cooper (fiddle, vocals) and Dan Stewart (banjo, guitar) have built a dedicated grassroots following through Folk club tours.

7.30pm start (doors open at 7pm) at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall on Roydon Road.

Tickets are £10 and can be purchased online at Ticket Source or ring 01920 870558.

Men’s Breakfast at The Wilshere Hall

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In November, among a generous helping of bacon, beans, bangers and eggs, we were served a fascinating discussion on biblical building. Inspired by John’s excellent testimony on life in the building industry (October) we explored teachings in 1 Peter, Ephesians and Genesis. Surprisingly, the Bible became a very enlightening instruction tool on how to build; especially interesting and challenging when we learned we are the building materials being used to create the building. It certainly induces feelings of wonder, security and responsibility (to name but a few). The God that created the universe chooses to dwell in us rather than build himself some other, far more perfect, dwelling place.

Ever felt alone, unsure of your purpose or want to be more aware of the amazing role you have to play in our world? Then do join us for a full English breakfast served with a conference of cornflakes (sorry – what is the collective noun for cornflakes?) where, next, we will be examining what the Bible has to say about building roads.

We meet next on Saturday 31 December, from 8:30 in The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church. Email the benefice administrator (admin@3churches.net) to book your bangers.

Steve Wright

Fireworks Display: 6th November

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The annual Fireworks Display at St Margaretsbury is taking place on Sunday 6th Nov. This is a very popular family event, with last year being one of the biggest attendances after 2 years of COVID restrictions.

DETAILS
Gates open at 4:00pm, along with the Clubhouse Bar and Mini-Fun Fair for the toddlers, the Beer tent, Hot Mulled Wine stall and the Catering truck. Footie Fans note – the Spurs vs Liverpool match will be showing in the Clubhouse Bar for the 4:30pm K.O.

• On-site parking (until full)

• Catering Truck for burgers, drinks and snacks

• Kiddies Mini Fun-Fair

• Hot Mulled Wine stall

• Beer tent

• Licensed Clubhouse Bar

Approximate times
Bonfire lit *6:30pm
Fireworks *6:45pm
Ends approx *7:15pm

Pay Card or Cash at gate:
£20 Family of 4
£8 Adults
£5 Under 14 yrs
FREE Under 3 yrs

Scan or QR code to be taken to the ground entrance.

Just Friends

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Just Friends is a group for widows, widowers and divorced or separated people. We meet as friends to support each other, arrange activities and share names of trusted tradespeople. People of all faiths and none are welcome.

REGULAR MEETINGS
2nd Tuesday
Lunch at the Beefeater in Ware at 12.30pm
11th October, 8th November

4th Thursday              
Coffee Morning at 10.30am
Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Joseph,
1 King Edwards Road, Ware SG12 7EJ
27th October, 24th November

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY    
Ware Operatic Cabaret Show  
Saturday 26th November at 2.30pm
Ware Drill Hall
Cost £17 includes tea and cakes

Christmas Lunch
Tuesday 10th January at 12.30pm
Bulls Head, High Road Turnford EN10 6BZ

If you are interested in joining this group please send me a text or email message or leave me a voicemail message.
Mary Hallett
maryhallett14@gmail.com     
07899 861297 or 01920 870527

(By giving me your contact details you agree that I can store your information).

St Margaretsbury Tennis Club Open Days

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Have you thought about picking up the racket again and enjoying a social, open air sport at your local tennis club?

If so, come along to the St Margaretsbury Tennis Club Open Days between 12 and 4 on Saturday 16th July and Sunday 17th July.

Try your hand at tennis and find out about the range of competitive memberships and activities on offer.

St Margaretsbury Tennis Club, Stanstead Abbotts

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