Now the weather is getting warmer why not consider becoming a Health Walks volunteer? Not only could you make new friends, give back to your community and help others get active, but you’d also reap the health and wellbeing benefits walking has to offer.
Volunteer once a week or once a month – it’s up to you. Our next free training is on the 14th May in Bishops Stortford, which will be followed by other training events across the county during the year.
Read more about how to become a Health Walk volunteer and join one of our free, friendly and safe Health Walks HERE.
Health Walks are open to everyone. All walks are free and you don’t need to book. Just turn up at least 10 minutes before the start time as there will be a pre-walk briefing and walks start promptly. Check out the latest timetable for our area HERE.
Many of you living around Hoddesdon may have memories of the Old Highway Recreation Ground from playing there in your youth or your children and grandchildren enjoying the area.
At Hoddesdon and Rye Park Bowling Club we have been playing our sport in the grounds since 1937. Along the way we have had a lot of success with members representing England: recently a member represented Disability Bowls England in South Africa.
Many of own club competitions are still being played for trophies presented by, or in memorium to, past members. Some being recognised as persons of note from the area: Haward, Partfitt, Smailes, Howe, Blackaby, Mascot, Varney and many more.
Our membership is made up of residents from the local area and nearby towns and villages.
In April we are again hosting free sessions to come and give our sport a try. Bowls is played as competitively as you want, but it is a great game for persons of all abilities with a chance to have a social game and one where you can make many friends.
‘Bowls is not just and older persons sport it is a game that older person can play.’
Please see our flyer showing dates for the free sessions.
A community space in Stanstead Abbotts is being launched on Saturday 5th April.
WHEN: 11am to 4pm on Saturday 5th April 2025 WHERE: 2b High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts. SG12 8AB
The Hub is a space for workshops, talks and presentations on various subjects focussed on health and wellbeing, as well as an organic food hub where locals can order organic food, home produce, tins, cleaning products and personal hygiene products. All sourced in the UK.
The pet shop at dog grooming parlous will be a permanent fixture and is run by Jo, who has an established shop in South Woodford, so even your pets will get to benefit from this new space!
At the launch event, there will be… * The Nestaurant: serving delicious vegetarian and vegan food. * Phebe’s Bakes: a local pop-up chef serving curries, patties and other tasty dishes.
Please do go along to enjoy some lovely food and find out more about this new venture.
If you love walking and would like to help others experience the health and wellbeing benefits of walking, join a team of over 300 Health Walk volunteers. You don’t have to be super fit or know how to read a map. You can lead walks or provide support from the back.
Volunteer once a week or once a month – it’s up to you. The next free training is on the 11th April in Stevenage, which will be followed by other training events across the county during the year.
What you’ll be doing Typically, a walk requires a leader and backmarker, but there are other roles that are equally important. Your role during a walk depends on what you feel most able and comfortable to do. The roles and responsibilities include:
Walk leader
Backmarker
Walk support
Greeter/buddy
Adminstrative
Skills and experience Previous experience isn’t necessary as volunteers get training before starting their role. All new walk leaders will be paired up with those who are more experienced and given time to learn the existing routes.
How much time you need to give There is no expectation of time commitment – you can volunteer as little as an hour per month, or more frequently, up to several hours per week. There are many different walks throughout the week including weekends and summer evening walks.
Where you’ll be located Hertfordshire Health Walks are in many areas across the county. The district council areas with walks include Dacorum, Watford, Three Rivers, St Albans, Hertsmere, North Herts, Welwyn Hatfield and East Herts. Administration volunteers can be supported to work from home or at the CMS office.
What you’ll gain from the role Volunteering with Health Walks will give you the opportunity to keep fit, meet new people and get out in the fresh air. You’ll also be helping us to get more people out enjoying the countryside and keeping active. Area groups also arrange ad hoc social events, ranging from barbecues to pub lunches and special guided walks.
Training and support All Health Walks volunteers start by attending a free one-day course, certified by Ramblers UK. Once this is completed, you’ll be given a Progress Card to note when you have completed your practical training. This training includes shadowing an existing walk leader/backmarker and then co-leading a walk.
There is no obligation to become a walk leader. Some of our volunteers find that they prefer to serve as a backmarker and encourage/motivate participants who are walking for the social aspect more than the fitness.
Support is available during this time from fellow volunteers and your Countryside Management Service (CMS) Health Walks co-ordinator. There is also the opportunity to obtain basic First Aid training.
Equipment will be provided to ensure the delivery of safe and enjoyable walks including a Health Walks backpack, clipboard, high-vis vest, whistle and a Health Walks polo shirt.
Remaining Training dates 2025* When Where Friday 11 April 2025 Farnham/Robertson House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2ST Tuesday 8 July 2025 To be confirmed *Dates and availability are subject to change and additional dates may be added.
If you’d like to know more, you can speak to a member of the team on 01992 555888 or visit the Health Walks website.
This engaging four-week programme will be held at Community Alliance Skills and Learning Centre, 67 Fore Street, Hertford, SG14 1AL.
Dates: 19th February, 26th February, 5th March and 12th March. Sessions: Morning (09:30am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (1:00pm – 4:00pm)
What to Expect Throughout the course, you will receive a slow cooker and all the food needed to create delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank!
Slow cooking is not only an energy-efficient way to prepare food, but it also enhances flavours while promoting healthier eating. This course will teach you how to minimise food waste and make the most of your ingredients.
How to Book To book email sarah@communityalliancebeh.org.uk.
Looking to explore your artistic side or reignite an old passion for art? Join Pencils at Dawn, an inspiring art class in Stanstead Abbotts led by experienced artist, Dawn Coulter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these classes offer a relaxed and supportive environment where you can develop your drawing skills, learn how to use watercolour, and discover new mediums and techniques to help fulfil your creative potential.
Dawn’s classes cover a variety of techniques, with a focus on individualised guidance, so you’ll receive hands-on support while learning to experiment, to embrace making mistakes and to develop as an artist.
When and where Pencils at Dawn meets on a Thursday, 12–1.30pm in The Lounge at The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts. A new monthly life drawing class also starts at The Lounge on the evening of Wednesday 19th February. These classes will look at clothing and movement as well as the human body. Places are limited, so book with Dawn in advance.
Dawn has taught in secondary schools and in a CAMHS unit, so is also available for home tutoring sessions for children and young people too.
Evening classes in The Red Lion will start again very soon and Dawn has plans to run more daytime classes once new local venues are found.
Don’t miss the chance to develop your artistic skills in a friendly and motivating environment. Contact Dawn to find out more and reserve your spot today.
Contact For more details or to book a class, email Dawn at dawncoulter@me.com.
Some examples of artwork produced at watercolour classes in The Red LionA few more examples of students’ work from classes in Stanstead Abbotts
The mission of Warm Welcome Spaces is to support organisations to open their doors and provide a warm welcome for those struggling to heat their homes this winter. If you’d like to know more, please visit https://www.warmwelcome.uk/ .
Hertfordshire County Council have put together lots of information on available resources to get practical help during the cold winter months…
Cold weather health advice
We’ve put together a few top tips to help you protect yourself and others from the effects of cold weather.
From drawing curtains at dusk to keep out draughts, to having at least one hot meal a day, plenty of hot drinks and using a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm (but never both at the same time), there are a few things you can do to minimise your risk.
Please check in on anyone who may struggle in cold weather
Please protect yourself as much as possible from the cold conditions and check on others who may be struggling, such as older people and those with underlying health conditions.
If you are finding it difficult to heat your home, or someone you know is struggling to stay warm at home or needs help to get shopping or medicines, please contact HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or follow the link HERE.
If you are concerned about the health of yourself or someone else, please call NHS 111, contact your GP or get advice from your local pharmacy.
Come in from the cold Our online directory of ‘warm spaces’ allows you to find libraries, family centres and community spaces near you where you can stay safe and warm this winter. Lots of the venues will be hosting additional activities, including Age UK Hertfordshire’s ‘Winter Fuel Support Roadshows’ where people impacted by the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment can access expert support and advice. You see this directory HERE.
In our local area, you can find:
The 3 Churches Benefice Coffee Morning The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Cappell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts, 9.00–11.00am, Every Monday
Come and share a cuppa and a fun activity in our free, warm and welcoming space.
The 3 Churches Benefice Community Hub Drop-In St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets 10.30–11.30am, Every Wednesday
Open to anyone who needs a cuppa and a chat, practical help or just a safe space.
Get financial support If you are worried about money, or you are in debt, help is available.
Citizens Advice can give you help and support. You may also be able to get help from the government with energy bills, transport, childcare and household costs. Never ignore bills.
If you are in immediate financial crisis, you may be able to apply for help from the Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Service. You will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for help and you can only apply once every three months.
The payment is designed to help you if:
• you don’t have enough money to meet your, or your family’s, immediate needs after an emergency or disaster
• you think there will be serious damage or risk to your, or your family’s, health or safety without the payment
Winter Welfare visits Another free scheme we’re working with Age UK Hertfordshire to deliver is the Winter Welfare Visits scheme.
A ‘handyperson’ service can help with the following: • Provide and install radiator reflector strips to maximise heat dispersion • Provide and install draught excluders for doors and windows to reduce heat loss • Provide and install energy efficient bulbs and night lights • Provide an electric blanket or a winter duvet (single size only) • Provide a Warm in Winter bag • Help to take meter readings and set heating timings and thermostats • Hang winter curtains (already owned or purchased by client)
Ware Christmas Together returns again this year: Christmas Day, 12:30pm, The Age Concern Riverside Hall, Ware.
For over 20 years, this friendly, free Christmas lunch has been providing food, company and festive cheer to those who would otherwise spend the day on their own. If you, or someone you know, is looking for a welcoming place to be this Christmas, you’re invited to join us! The meal is free, though donations are welcome and will help keep future events going.
Transport can be arranged and if people cannot make it to the hall a lunch can be delivered to their home.
To sign up, simply call 01992 531833. Thanks to Best Reception in Ware for providing this service.
We look forward to celebrating another lovely Christmas with old friends and new!
Wishing you a joyful season, Marina and the Christmas Together Ware Team
We know times are tough right now with the cost of living rising and it’s leaving a lot of people in Hertfordshire feeling overwhelmed. But the good news is there’s help available. If you’re struggling, there are plenty of local services, groups and charities ready to lend a hand.
This winter, Hertfordshire County Council want to make sure that residents know how to access advice and support to help them manage the cost of living.
The Three Villages 