Category Archives: News

Memory Support Hertfordshire: a new community service

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Memory Support Hertfordshire is a newly launched community service providing local connection, support, information, and advice for everyone affected by dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Building on the strong foundations of Hertfordshire’s existing locally embedded community support services, the addition of a new information and development service will provide a welcome route for people to access support and guidance more quickly and easily.

A helpline, an email service and in-person drop-in hubs will ensure people are able to find out what they want to know, as well as support people to find and access the full range of community-based, health and social care support available in county.

Anyone interested in becoming more dementia friendly or aware will now have a point of contact to help guide them and support their development. The service will also work with partners and professionals to help them to signpost and refer more easily to available support, and over time, together we will ensure that the full scope of Hertfordshire-based resources are visible and available at www.memorysupportherts.org.uk.

Adding to the existing highly valued groups and direct support already available, there will be more opportunities to learn about living with dementia, additional specialist support for people living with Young Onset Dementia and more support for friends and family members who care for someone with dementia. All types of dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment are supported, and a formal diagnosis is not necessary to be able to use the service.

Funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS and delivered in partnership by Age UK Hertfordshire, Carers in Hertfordshire and Alzheimer’s Society, Memory Support Hertfordshire is committed to improving support available to people affected by dementia and is aligned to the Hertfordshire Dementia Strategy.

We want Hertfordshire to be a place where people affected by dementia have access to timely, skilled, and well-coordinated support from diagnosis to end of life, which helps achieve the outcomes that matter to them. According to figures from the NHS, there are more than 14,500 people living in Hertfordshire with a diagnosis of dementia and we know that this is only due to rise. Memory Support Hertfordshire aims to make it easier for people needing support around memory loss and dementia to find and access the full range of information and support available. The service has been co-produced by people who currently use existing dementia support services, so that the varied support on offer meets their needs.
Councillor Tony Kingsbury, Executive Member for Adult Care, Health and Wellbeing at Hertfordshire County Council

Key information:

  • Helpline: 0300 131 3946 (open Monday to Friday 9am–4pm)
  • Email: info@memorysupportherts.org.uk
  • Website: memorysupportherts.org.uk
  • Online referral form for professionals on website

Source: Hertfordshire County Council

News from St John the Baptist, Great Amwell

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There has been a lot going on at St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell, over the last few months. Here is a little about what it…

South African Braii

In August, in the lovely summer sunshine, we had a South African braai in the churchyard of St John the Baptist, organised kindly by parishioners Graeme and Paola McSorley. We enjoyed boerewors followed by melktert, washed down with fabulous South African wine.

Visitors come to St John the Baptist

St John’s church has been blessed this year with visitors from overseas. Recently, we have had visitors from America, who can trace their ancestry to Richard and Elizabeth Warren who were married in the church in 1610. Richard being one of the Pilgrim Fathers on Mayflower 10 years later.

Front: Tim Van Leer, Jodie Picoult, Rev’d Sarah Forrest and Eric Nye; Back: Martin Vaughan, Margaret Mellor and Sue Vaughan
Sue and Tom Dietrich

In September, came Sue and Tom Dietrich from Arizona, followed on 3rd October by well-known authoress Jodie Picoult and her husband, Tim Warren Van Leer from New Hampshire. On the same day, Eric Nye, a visiting professor at Cambridge and related to the Warrens, joined us. It was great to welcome them to St John’s and show them round the church and the churchyard.

Richard Mellor, Churchwarden

Remembrance Sunday Services: 10th November

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‘Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.’ (The Royal British Legion)

Join together this Remembrance Sunday to remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.

The 3 Churches Benefice are holding the following Services of Remembrance on Sunday 10th November:

* 9am Remembrance Sunday Eucharist Service at St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell

* 10.30am Service of Remembrance at Amwell Lane War Memorial, Great Amwell
(this service is outdoors, so please dress for the weather)

* 10.30am Service of Remembrance at St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots
(starts in the church and then moves to the war memorial outside)

The 3 Churches Benefice

Hertfordshire Health Walk Autumn Timetable

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Our Autumn Walk Timetables list more than 100 walking opportunities, including 18 short walks for beginners and many longer walks at a faster pace.  Whether you want to explore the countryside, meet new people or build your confidence walking, there is something for everyone. All walks are graded, this way you can make sure it suits your abilities.  More than 3,600 people are already walking with us.

To see the Autumn Timetables click HERE.

Or download the East Herts Timetable below.

east-herts-health-walks-timetable-sept-dec-2024Download

All walks are free with no booking required. Just turn up at least 10 mins before the start time shown, as they set off promptly and there will be a pre-walk briefing.

Save time on the day by registering as a new walker online or arrive 10 mins early before your first walk to complete a New Walker Form. Our walk leaders are ready to welcome you and will keep to a pace that is comfortable for you.

To register, please click HERE.

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Hertfordshire Health Walks are coordinated by the Countryside Management Service. Our schemes are accredited by the national Walking for Health campaign.

The Three Villages Magazine ‘Future Plans’ Survey 2024

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The December issue (that we are busy working on now) marks the conclusion of three full years of The Three Villages in print and online! We are taking this opportunity to reassess how we can best share, showcase and support our three villages in future publications.

We want to hear from you!

If you could take 5 minutes to complete our online survey, we would really appreciate it. Have your say and shape the future of our publication.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE

The survey will be open online until 14th December.

Thanks in advance,
The Three Villages Team

Slipper swaps are back!

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Slipper swaps are back in Hertfordshire County Council’s libraries this autumn. If you or someone you know is older or has a disability, please come along to one of the events where you can claim a free pair of slippers, get advice on keeping well this winter, and lots more.

•           Cheshunt Library: Tues 22 October, 10am–1pm

•           Borehamwood Library: Wed 6 November, 10am–1pm

•           Berkhamsted Library: Thurs 21 November, 10am–1pm

•           Baldock Library: Tues 26 November, 10am–1pm

•           Ware Library: Mon 2 December, 10am–1pm

There is no need to book! Just go along to participating libraries between 10am and 1pm, and library staff will be there to help/direct you as needed.

To find out other ways Hertfordshire County Council are helping residents this autumn/winter, visit their website HERE.

Source: Hertfordshire County Council

New D-Day Commemorative Bench in St Margarets

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As some of you may have noticed, there is a striking new bench in St Margarets!

St Margarets’ Parish Council received a request from a resident asking if they could provide a bench at the bus stop opposite St Mary’s Church on Hoddesdon Road. They agreed that a bench would be useful for residents, so chose a commemorative bench to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944.

Permission was sought from the Bus Infrastructure and Network Infrastructure Team within the Highways Department at Hertfordshire County Council to place the bench in its location and it was purchased from David Ogilvie Engineering Ltd who specialise in street and park furniture. It was part funded with a £500 Locality Budget Scheme Grant awarded by Cllr Jonathan Kaye at Hertfordshire County Council and the remainder paid for by the Parish Council.

Local resident Matthew King of MK Independent Ltd kindly donated materials and installed the bench. Cllr Jonathan Kaye at Hertfordshire County Council also generously provided a grant towards the cost.

It is really very beautiful and will give residents a place to stop and rest, while also remembering the brave souls who fought for their country and gave their lives for others.

I am sure you will all agree that this bench is a lovely and poignant addition to the village. Thanks go to the resident who suggested it and to the Parish Council for taking up the request.

(Images courtesy of Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest)

The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society: 2024/2025 Season

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The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society have some exciting events coming up over 2024/2025 season! So get these dates in your diary…

The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society meets on the third Sunday of each month at The Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB.

Doors open at 7.00pm, for a 7.30pm start and the evening ends at 10.00pm.

Soft drinks are available but please bring your own alcohol.

Tickets are £10 and are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk or call 01920 870558.

Get up to £3,000 for your nature improvement project

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We are on the lookout for projects to support with our Environmental Improvement Grant, with up to £3,000 in funding available for people or groups who are hoping to improve nature on their land and in their local communities.

Any project delivering improvements for biodiversity could be eligible, for example tree planting, hedgerow creation, wildflower meadow establishment or pond creation.

The grant is available for Hertfordshire community-based organisations, Parish and Town Councils, and to private landowners and land managers

Find out more about the grant and watch video case studies featuring previous recipients HERE.

Source: Hertfordshire County Council

Help Keep Your Local Air Ambulance Flying: Volunteer at EHAAT’s Stevenage Charity Shop!

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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join their team at the recently opened charity shop at 14 The Forum in Stevenage, which has been welcoming the community since July. They need enthusiastic individuals to help support this vital life-saving service.

EHAAT’s charity shops are essential in raising funds to keep their helicopters flying, providing critical care across Hertfordshire, Essex, and surrounding areas. As a shop volunteer, you’ll assist with tasks like sorting donations, pricing items, serving customers, and creating vibrant displays. It’s a great way to develop retail skills, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact on your local community.

Whether you can volunteer a few hours a week or more regularly, they’d love to hear from you. No experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to help!

To learn more about becoming a volunteer at the Stevenage shop, visit ehaat.org/volunteer or stop by the shop to chat with the team. Your time could help save lives!

Location: 14 The Forum, Stevenage, SG1 1EH
Tel: 01438 579 408
Opening Times: Monday-Saturday: 09:00-17:00 & Sunday: 10:00-16:00

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