June - St Peter's Church, Berkhamsted, Herts

In this issue...Welcome to the June edition of Your BerkhamstedThis month’s issue is full of all things summer. It’s the final countdown tothe Petertide Fair with all of its traditional English festivities, the VictoriaSchool fair also takes place this month with a Carnival theme and to topit all we have a lovely seasonal recipe for Strawbery Delight. All we neednow is sunshine!Helen Dowley, EditorBerkhamsted in the News 3Local Noticeboard 7Message in a Bottle 9My Berkhamsted 11A Day Out at Hughenden Manor 12Return to Santiago 14Petertide Fair 16Parish Pages 17Hospice News 20Figuring Out Our Nation 23A Century In and Out of Berkhamsted 27Recipe 29Young Berkhamsted 30Book Review 31Front cover: ‘Two jugs and lemons’ by Berkhamsted artist Mitzie Green. Please see ourLocal Noticeboard on page 7 for more details about Mitzie’s work.The Town and Parish Magazine of St Peter's Great Berkhamsted2Responsibility for opinions expressed in articles and letters published in this magazine and for the accuracy ofany statements in them rests solely with the individual contributor.

http://www.blairelectrical.comPETER D HANNABYPainter and DecoratorInterior and exteriorwork undertaken.For competitivequotationsplease call:mbl: 07765 250092home: 01442 2889566Will Kimberley01442 255784Grass cuttingHedge trimmingPatios cleanedGutters clearedAll cuttings andclippings removedReferences availableWhy not phonefor a quote?www.berkhamstedcarpetcleaning.co.ukBerkhamstedCarpet CleaningLtdcarpetsoriental rugsupholstery residential & commercial professional good value fully insuredDavid Green01442 8766220788 405 8795PO Box 903 BerkhamstedHerts HP4 3ZQwww.berkhamstedovencleaning.co.ukBerkhamstedOven CleaningLtdcomplete valet service forall ovens, hobsand extractors professional good value fully insuredDavid Green01442 8766220788 405 8795PO Box 903 BerkhamstedHerts HP4 3ZQ

Local noticeboardPetertide FairSaturday 15th June, 10am-3pmCome along to the grounds of St Peter’sChurch for this annual quintessentiallyEnglish event. See page 16 for a fulltimetable of events.Victoria School FairSaturday 22nd June 2013, 11am-2pmThe Fair starts at 11am and all arewelcome! This year's exciting theme isCarnival so get on down to the school andfeel the rhythm of the drumming band, getcaught up in the lively dance displaysand be a part of the Big Carnival Paradewith face-painting, mask and headdressmaking and dressing up. Scoops will bethere selling all your favourite flavours ofice-cream, a BBQ selling Eastwoods hotdogs and veggie hot dogs, coffee shop,cake stalls and much, much more. ShootMe Studios will be getting the children intothe Carnival mood with beautiful costumesand a fun photo shoot in 'CarnivalCorner'. Bouncy Castle, Hamper Raffle,Eco Stall, Craft Room and Year 4 Gamesand Stalls are just a few of the fun thingsto see and do on the day so bring yourfriends and family, put on your best MardiGras smile and Samba on down to VictoriaFirst School.Berkhamsted ArtOur front cover artist, Mitzie Green will beshowing her work during the Herts OpenStudio event in September at 14 Meadway,Berkhamsted HP4 2PN. Mitzie will besharing her studio with Elspeth Hector andAlison Berthelson and between them theywill show a variety of paintings, textilesand jewellery. Visitors are very welcome tobrowse.Mitzie's paintings are eye-catching for theirvibrant sense of colour and dynamiccomposition. Her work is veryspontaneous and she makes it look so easy.She paints landscapes, townscapes andflowers in watercolour, acrylics and mixedmedia. She teaches watercolour classes inNorthchurch and Harpenden on Thusdaysand Fridays respectively. Anyone interestedplease contact her on 01442 862978 orthrough her website mitziegreen.co.ukHats off to OxfamBeautiful hats at bargain prices will be onoffer at Oxfam this month. If you areplanning a visit to Royal Ascot look nofurther than Oxfam for that specialaccessory. Or perhaps you’vebeen invitedto a wedding and need a chic piece ofcrowning glory to complete your outfit.Accessories expert volunteer Chris Smithhas made a splendid selection of qualityhats including designs by top milliner PhilipTreacy and highly regarded designer PeterBettley for that glamorous occasion. Everyhat sold helps the overseas aid charity tobring desperately needed aid to Syrianrefugees or displaced people in Mali.Berkhamsted Through Time is the latestbook produced by the Berkhamsted LocalHistory & Museum Society and publishedby the Amberley Press. It is a book with alarge selection of old photographs withcorresponding new ones of what is theretoday. There is accompanying text withthe photographs and a historicalintroduction. The book costs £14.99 and isavailable from Waterstones, the Way Innand from the Society, or from JennySherwood on 01442 865158 or emailKSherw9100@aol.com.(continued on p8)7

(continued from page 7)IF campaignOxfam and Christian Aid are among over100 charities and other organizationssupporting the IF campaign. What is IF? Acampaign to draw attention to the factthat there is “enough food for everyoneIF”. So why does 1 in every 8 people go tobed hungry? That is nearly 900 millionpeople who would have enough to eatIF…It is a big IF. The campaign will focus onfour main areas – tax, land, aid andtransparency. Land across the world isbeing purchased by richer countries andthe people who have farmed it forgenerations but cannot establish theirlegal rights are being evicted.The UK has committed to achieving theUN goal of .7% of gross nationalincome on aid in 2013 and cruciallywill chair the G8 meeting in June.To support the IF campaign you canpurchase a wristband from the Oxfamshops. The Make Poverty Historywristband was a sought-afteraccessory and hopefully the white IFbracelet will be equally popular. Itcomes with optional colouredattachments highlighting the theme.So let’s aim to Make Hunger Historythis time round.Herts Cycle ChallengeSunday 21 st JulyFollowing the success of the ChilternsCycle Challenge, Rennie Grove HospiceCare , are launching a brand new bikeride with the help of Heart BreakfastDJ Daniel Fox, who’ll be taking on the10 mile challenge. There is also a 50mile route around the scenicHertfordshire countryside. Registernow at www.hertscyclechallenge.org.Request for informationWe’ve had a request from Linda Rhead inShropshire who is helping out a lady inDallas, USA to find out more about the lifeof her great-grandmother, Ismay FrancesBrown, nee Tisdall who lived some of herlater years in Berkhamsted, dying here in1942. She was buried at Rectory LaneCemetery and Linda is at presentconsulting with a stonemason to ascertainthe condition of the headstone with aview to having an additional inscriptionadded in memory of her daughter.Linda has been asked to build a picture ofIsmay's life in Berkhamsted, so if there areany residents who remember her or haveany information please emaillinda.rhead@btinternet.com.8

Be prepared with a message in a bottleMany people are living longer than thebiblical three score years and ten. Themajority of our population can eat well.We are cared for if we have an accident,disease, or illness. As we get older wemight need an unexpected urgent visit toa hospital. Saving time to get to a hospitalin a crisis, such as a stroke or roadaccident, might save a life. This articlesuggests some common sense ways toreduce delay.We’ve all seen an emergency ambulanceon its way. The paramedics need all thehelp we can give them to save their time.House name plates need to beprominent, day and night, so theAmbulance can quickly get to itsdestination.Are you aware of another way of makingemergency contact, wherever you are?You need to have your mobile with youand have entered names of kin, forexample, on the mobile. Anyone findingyou unable to communicate would useyour mobile to dial ICE, (In Case ofEmergency) as an address. The openedmessage would give your importantinformation to help those helping you.How often have you locked yourself out?Indoors, do you leave the key in its lockwhen you go to bed? If you have a fallindoors and can’t reach the door key youare locked in. Leave the key by the door,not in the lock. In the worst case the doormay have to be broken into.It’s good to have trusted neighbours whocan check that the resident is safe andwell. A Key Safe enables some trustedneighbours and relativesto access the key in theKey Safe to open thehouse door.The Lions international Club is promotingits “Message in a Bottle” widely acrossDacorum and nationally. The simple ideais that the house holder, alone or with apartner, keeps personal and medicalinformation in a Bottle. The emergencyservices and the Social Services knowabout the Bottle scheme, and expect tofind a Bottle in the kitchen fridge. Thepersonal and medical information in theBottle can be invaluable to theemergency services. Examples of thebottle contents are the name of the nextof kin, current medication and allergies.Bottles are free and available locally indoctors’ surgeries and in BerkhamstedLibrary.The Dacorum Elderly Services Departmentoffers a Life Line service, “Independent -but not alone”. It is for Dacorum residentsmainly of age 65 + who may be alone andneed to call for help in an emergency. TheLife Line responds to a Call Centre whenthe resident presses a button or pendantfor urgent help. The resident isimmediately in contact with the serviceand knows that urgent help is on its way.Citizens of Dacorum have good medicaland care services which are to protect ourhealth and be prepared for safety in ourhomes. Life is precious. Think about whatmight happen to you if you had anunexpected accident or illness. Beprepared when time is urgent.9

10TOE-TAL FOOTCAREfor all the family, for thetreatment of corns, callus,ingrown or thickened nails,nail trimming, and othercomplaints.For an appointment that willlast between 40 minutes and 1hour, at a cost of £28 in yourown home at a time to suityou.Book now on 07799 033974 ore-mail Graham atgrahamspendlove@yahoo.co.uk

My BerkhamstedWe moved to Berkhamsted because …We were looking for a small town outsideLondon, nearer to my parents in Oxhey, andwith access to lovely countryside, motorwaynetworks and rail links to London. Goodfriends of ours who are also musiciansrecommended Berkhamsted to us and now welive in their road. We were expecting our firstchild, and the ease with which we could walkdown to the High Street seemed perfect. I stillappreciate the fact that I can walkeverywhere. As a teenager I used to drivealong Berkhamsted High St on my route Northto university (in the days before the new A41),and I always admired Dean Incent's House, theCourt House and the Town Hall.The most beautiful sight in Berkhamsted isI love the view as you come into the town onthe train – the castle, the canal, a variety ofinteresting buildings, and a great sense ofspace beyond our beautiful cricket pitch.Another stunning sight is Butts' Meadow on afrosty, sunny morning on the way toVictoria School.The local place where I like to relax andreflect is...The stretch of canal all the way from CanalFields down to The Old Mill. I wouldn't saythat I relax exactly as I'm usually on the move,but I enjoy my thinking time while I'm there.I'm proud to live in Berkhamsted because...I love the people I’ve met since we've livedhere. There is such a strong sense ofcommunity and caring about each other.People speak out about things that matter –whether it's the parking, the schools, the stateof the buildings. We have wonderfulneighbours – a mixture of ages, backgrounds,experiences – and we have a really good timewhen we get together. I'll never forget thecollective determination of Charles St inerecting a marquee for our Diamond Jubileestreet party. Fabulous teamwork when facedwith poles and tarpaulin but no instructions.Interesting and quirky things happen here too:anyone up at 6.15am on May 1st may haveheard a determined and florally adorned groupof singers enjoying a robust rendition ofmadrigals from the top of the Bell Tower of StPeter's. A marvellous tradition that must bekept. Although it was so quintessentiallyEnglish, I was reminded of MidsummerMurders and wouldn't have been surprised if abody had suddenly fallen from the top…If I could change one thing aboutBerkhamsted it would be...Most definitely it would be to allow free shortterm parking of 30 mins all the way along theHigh St. This would help retailers andcustomers alike. Searching around for smallchange when you're making a short stop canbe very annoying.Berkhamsted is crying out for...Street lights on until 1am. The currentarrangement feels like a curfew, and our roadis utterly pitch black at midnight. Many of thegood folk of Berkhamsted catch late trainshome and have to scrabble around in the darkhoping they've got the right house!When I tell people about Berkhamsted Ialways tell themI love living here. My family are happy andsettled, help is at hand should I need it. Thereare far more artistic, musical and theatricalpeople living here than I realised at first, whichmakes it a culturally thriving town. It hasproved to be a lovely place to bring upchildren, with so many opportunities andactivities – sports clubs, play groups, preschools,parks, the library, the Rex Cinema,swimming pools, choirs, occasional trips to thesweet shop, and a free ski-slope above Butts'Meadow when it snows! I also love the factthat I meet new people all the time and thetown is subtly but constantly changing.11

A day out at Hughenden ManorIan SkillicornOne welcome feature of thehouse is that, almost withoutexception, the rooms are notroped off, so visitors can walkfreely around and get up close tothe furniture, paintings and otherobjects of interest. Friendly,helpful staff on hand to answerany questions.Hughenden ManorGiacacamoReturned (Wikipedia)Hughenden Manor in High Wycombe is ofhistorical importance for two reasons.Firstly, it was the country home ofVictorian Prime Minister BenjaminDisraeli. Then, during World War II, itserved as a secret map-making base,code-named Hillside.A day out at this attractive red brickmansion has much to offer visitors of anyage. The house itself provides afascinating insight into the life and timesof Disraeli, with many of his belongings,and even ceremonial robes, on display.Going down into the cellars, you canlearn more about Operation Hillside andthe UK Air Ministry staff whose mapswere used for bombing missions, whichincluded the "Dambusters" raid.Surrounding the house are acres ofgrounds, including a kitchen garden andpeaceful woodland.There is a lot to see and do in andaround Hughenden Manor, soarrive early and make a full day ofit. Here are just some of the keyattractions.The roomsThe rooms in the house are presented asthey would have looked during Disraeli'slife. Artefacts displayed include Disraeli'sdesk, his impressive library of books, anda marble copy of the foot of his wife,Mary Anne. There is a wealth ofinformation about the special relationshipbetween Queen Victoria and herfavourite Prime Minister, includingcontemporary letters and paintings. Tomark the recent death of MargaretThatcher, her last ministerial red box,which she donated to Hughenden Manor,is also currently on display.The cellarsThe cellars contain an exhibition aboutthe wartime exploits of the Air Ministry'ssecret team of map-makers. You can seeaerial photographs and the maps whichwere subsequently drawn for use in12

ombing raids. Also in the cellars is therecreated 1940s living room of SergeantHadfield, who was in charge of the AirMinistry constabulary at Hughenden, andwho lived with his family on the top floorof the manor during Operation Hillside.The cafe and shopWhat National Trust property would becomplete without a stable tearooms andwell-stocked shop?! Have a breakbetween seeing the house and exploringthe grounds. There is also a second-handbookshop with an eclectic mix of veryreasonably priced books.The groundsThe grounds include a formal garden anda walled kitchen garden. A number ofwoodland walks start at HughendenManor. Detailed guides can bedownloaded from the manor's websitebefore you set off.The churchOn the approach to Hughenden Manor isSt Michael and All Angels Church. Hereyou can visit the tomb of Disraeliand his wife.July). See the website for a full list ofevents.Opening timesThese vary according to the time of year,but in June the house is open daily frommidday to 5pm, the gardens from 11amto 5.30pm, and the park from dawn todusk. You can check opening times bydate on the Hughenden Manor website.Getting thereHughenden Manor is located 1½ milesnorth of High Wycombe; on west side ofthe Great Missenden road (A4128). It isabout 35 minutes' drive fromBerkhamsted.You can get to Hughenden Manor bypublic transport. Take a Chiltern Railwaystrain to High Wycombe Rail Station. Then,walk ½ mile to the bus station, and take a300 Arriva bus to the entrance to thehouse.For more information visit:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughendenTalks and eventsThere are daily talks about bothDisraeli's life and the events in thehouse during World War II. Talkslast between 15-20 minutes.Times vary, so check with a guidewhen you arrive. HughendenManor also hosts numerousevents throughout the year. Thosetaking place during the summermonths include a naturedetectives walk for children,archery for all ages, and aVictorian Weekend (27th - 28thEntrance to Hughenden Manor, GiacomoReturned(Wikipedia)13

On my regular visits to Berkhamsted – wehave family living in the town – I usuallypick up a copy of Your Berkhamsted andwas delighted to read Kate Perera’sarticle Singing in Santiago in May’s issue.I made my own very special pilgrimage toSantiago de Compostela in the year 2000,researching my family tree. My maternalgrandparents were both from Galicia andI had been told that mygrandmother left Santiago inthe early 1900s after a doubletragedy and settled inLiverpool, where my motherwas born. I knew very little ofmy grandmother’s life in Spainexcept for anecdotes passeddown through my mother –my grandmother didn’t speakEnglish – so I went to Santiagowith no information but agreat deal of hope!Return to SantiagoJ Carmen SmithCatólicos, also brought back memories.This is now a sumptuously furnishedparador, where my husband and I werelucky enough to spend one night, but inmy grandmother’s day it was the hospitalfor Santiago. During our visit, I was ableto lay my hands on a physical piece of myfamily history, and it still makes me weepto remember the circumstances.I was interested to read thatthe venue for St Peter’s firstconcert was the Museo delMonasterio San MartinPinario. This magnificentbuilding also houses theArchivo Historico, the churcharchives for Santiago and itwas here in June 2000 that Imet the young priest – by anincredible coincidence, alsofrom Liverpool – who was toprove invaluable in my searchfor my roots. Kate’s mentionof the Hostal de los ReyesJ Carmen Smith's Galician grandparents14

And so to the Cathedral – I hope the choirhad the opportunity to follow thefootsteps of millions of peregrinos andtraverse the wide aisles before climbingbehind the high altar to touch the statueof St James. I am not a Roman Catholic,unlike my ancestors, but during apilgrim’s mass on my first visit to thecathedral, I had the unforgettablesensation of a distinct link with the past.On a later visit, I was also lucky enough tobe present on a holy day when thebotafumeiro was swung; the one usednow is a replica as the original was stolenby Napoleon’s troops!Kate’s article made me feel nostalgic; ithas been two years since my last visit toSantiago de Compostela and I mustreturn soon. Since my first visit in 2000 Ihave unearthed more information aboutmy grandmother and her – my – familyPeter’s InteriorsSemi-retired architectand interior decorator.Do you need some initial drawings andideas for extension or alterations to yourhome?Do you need internal re-decorating orsmall carpentry jobs?I can help with any of these things. I’mfriendly, thorough and reliable, and I’ll doyou a good job at a reasonable price!Come round, email or phone me:Peter McMunn MA Dip Arch37 North Road BerkhamstedHP4 3DUTel/ Mob 01442 874894 /07411 413072e: petermcmunn@hotmail.comthan I ever thought possible. And it is onlynow that I understand what a bravewoman she was. I hope she would havebeen pleased that I’ve visited her city;when I walk the streets she walked as ayoung girl I feel that I’m taking her homewith me.I also hope she would be pleased that I’verecently been interviewed about mysearch for my roots for the Galiciannewspaper La Voz de Galicia.Thank you Kate, for giving me a glimpseof someone else’s experience of mybeloved city.J Carmen Smith's book about her searchfor her Spanish roots, Chasing Shadows, isavailable from Amazon. Read more abouther at www.jcarmensmith.com.Your Berkhamstedneeds you!Are you a budding writer or justhave somethinginteresting to say?We welcome contributions,suggestions for articles, newsitems, and readers’ letters.Please send all items to:editor@yourberkhamsted.org.uk15

Your Berkhamsted ClergyRichard HackworthI am writing thison a cold anddrizzly day inMay. I hopewhen you readit, it will bewarm andsunny. Every dayof the year theChurchcelebrates theChristian witness of individuals who havedevoted (and sometimes sacrificed) theirlives for our faith. In June these includeJustin martyr on 1 st , St Alban on 22 nd ,John the Baptist on 24th, Irenaeus on 28 thand St Peter and St Paul on 29 th . We don’tneed sunshine to appreciate the light andwarmth these and many other peoplehave given the Church. But it would benice if it was sunny too. Living near StAlbans it’s tempting to think of St Albanas “our saint”, but of course he iscelebrated around the world. A few yearsago I visited Mexico City and on Sundaymorning went to Christ Church, anEnglish speaking Episcopalian church.After the service I introduced myself tothe American priest in charge and toldhim where I came from. He promptlygrabbed me by the arm and took me to aroom at the back of the church theycalled their St Alban’s Room – completewith photographs of the Bishop andpictures of St Alban’s Abbey. They werevery enthusiastic for it. I was given coffeeand asked to tell them all about StAlbans. I was a little embarrassed that Icouldn’t tell them that the Abbey has asmall room called the Mexico City Room,but it was a very memorable visit, for meat least. The distances between Christiansisn’t a matter of geography. The AnglicanCommunion includes some 85 millionpeople in 165 countries but, for example,Anglican liturgy is recognisableeverywhere in the world. Somehow ifservices are in different languages theshape seems familiar and one canworship quietly in English while othersuse their own tongue. When we worshiptogether, whatever distinguishes ourcommunity from others, we are alwayson the same page. But while weremember our saints on every day of theyear, we must never forget the Christiansand churches that are today persecutedaround the world. Tragically, martyrs arenot only a matter of history. Thank Godfor our blessings. Almost every churcharound the world consecrated to St Peterand/or St Paul will be celebratingsometime in June. We are united throughour patron saints as well. Our ownPetertide fair will be held on Saturday15th June. Do come and contribute somemoney to our charitable causes whichthis year are Home-Start Dacorum whichoffers support and friendship to familiesliving locally, and Maji Mazuri which helpsdeprived communities in Kenya. I reallydo hope that will be an especially sunnyday. On 29 th June, the feast day of StPeter and St Paul, our curate at St Peter’s,Rev. Tom Plant, will be priested at StAlbans’s Abbey. This is a great day forhim. Please pray for him and his ministrythroughout the rest of his life. And mayGod bless our town and all who live here.17

Regular Church Activities3rd Mon Pastoral Network, 7:45pm, The Court House. Contact Philippa Seldon 871534.TuesChuckles Parent & Toddler Group, 10–11:30am. All Saints’ Church Hall. SongTime or short service as announced. Contact Jenny Wells, 870981.Tues St Peter’s Choir, Children 5:15–6:15pm. St Peter’s. Adrian Davis 01296 632263or Jean Wild 866859.1st Tues Tuesday Club, 7:30pm A lively women’s group with guest speaker. The CourtHouse. Contact Barbara McKenna 871159.3rd Tues Mothers’ Union, meet in members’ houses at 2.30pm. New members alwayswelcome. Contact Kathie Lally, 863526.4th Tues Mothers’ Union Prayer Group, 2:30pm. 17 Shaftesbury Court. Tell us if anyoneneeds your prayers. Contact Jenny Wells 870981.WedJulian Meeting, meets about twice a month, 11:30am. All welcome. At JennyWells, 57 Meadow Rd, 870981 or at Ruth Treves Brown, 1 Montague Rd,863268.Thu Bellringing, 8pm, St Peters. Contact Helen Ruberry, 890949.FriFri3rd Sat1st SunLittle Fishes Parent & Toddler Group 9:30–11:30am. The Court House. Weekly,with short service on 1st Friday in St Peter’s (10am), Tracy Robinson 863559.St Peter’s Choir, Children 7–8:30pm, Adults 7:30-8:30pm. St Peter’s. AdrianDavis 01296 632263 or Jean Wild 866859.ABC Prayer Breakfast, 8am for breakfast & prayers. Various local churches.Sundays Together Lunch 12.30pm, Court House. For anyone on their own on aSunday. Liz Jackson 864382.Regular Church ServicesSt Peter'sRegular Sunday services8:00am Eucharist9:30am Sung Eucharist with crèche, Sunday School and Pathfinders6:00pm EvensongRegular weekday servicesMorning Prayer: Monday – Thursday 7:30am; Friday 8:00am, Saturday 9:30amEucharist: Monday 6:00pm; Tuesday 9:30am at All Saints’ Shrublands Road; Wednesday8:00am; Thursday Holy Communion 12:30pm; Friday 7:30am; Saturday 10:00amEvening Prayer: Monday 5:45pm, Tuesday – Saturday 5:00pm18

This Month’s DiarySt Peter’sSat 15th June: Petertide FairSat 22nd June: St Albans PilgrimageSat 29th June: Fr Tom’s Ordination, St Albans Abbey, 4pmSun 30th June: Patronal LunchEvents presented by the Cowper Society at St Peter’s Church or the Court House,BerkhamstedSat 15th Jun 10am-3pm: PETERTIDE FAIR in and around St Peter’s Church and the CourtHouse. This year supporting Home-Start Dacorum and Maji Mazuri in Kenya.Sat 22nd Jun at 7:30pm: CONCERT in St Peter’s Church – Bridgewater Sinfonia directedby Adrian Davis. Brahms ‘Serenade No.1 in D’, Butterworth ‘Rhapsody A Shropshire Lad’,Bruckner ‘Te Deum’, with Chiltern Chamber Choir. Tickets: £15, U18s free fromAitchisons or www.bridgewater-sinfonia.org.uk.Sat 6th July at 3:00pm: CONCERT in St Peter’s Church - Singing Workshops Groups’‘Summer Strawberry Sing’. Songs from around the world directed by Yvonne Brener.Free Entry. Retiring collection in aid of Chiltern Music Therapy.All Saints’Sun 2nd June: First Sunday after Trinity, 10am Morning Worship, Jenny WellsSun 9th June: Second Sunday after Trinity, 10am Holy Communion, Revd Brian TebbuttSun 16th June: Third Sunday after Trinity, 10am Morning Worship, Brian Parsons and RobWakely, 4pm Messy Church groupSun 23rd June: Fourth Sunday after Trinity, 10am Holy Communion, Revd John KirkbySun 30th June: Fifth Sunday after Trinity, 8am Holy Communion, Revd Linda Woollacott,10am Morning Worship (Action for Children) Chris O’ReillyRegistersWeddings13 th April: Rupert Henry Reid RICKARD and Clare Elizabeth EADES (St Peter’s)Andrew Chukwuemeka ETUAZIM and Janine Claire MURPHY (St Peter’s)20 th April: Peter Robert ARBER and Alexandra Margaret MASSEY (St Peter’s)Baptisms28 th April: Grace Irene Linda ANDERSON (St Peter’s)Funerals:30 th April: Norah Allder (Chilterns Crematorium)Key Church contactsParish Office, Hilary Armstrong and Kate Perera, Court House, 878227.Fr. Michael Bowie, 864194 (day off Thurs), Team Rector, St Peter’s.Fr. Tom Plant, 382633 (day off Fri), Curate, St Peter’sThe Revd. Rachael Hawkins, All Saints’.Further information available from our church websites:www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk and at www.allsaintsberkhamsted.org.uk19

Opening of final twobedsNews from the Hospice of St FrancisWe recently celebratedthe opening of our finaltwo beds, realising thevision we’ve held sincemoving to our newShootersway site in 2007to become a 14-bedHospice.Generous legacies fromsupporters have enabledus to do this, allowing us to care for anextra 60 patients a year from across ourcatchment area - beyond the 300 patientsalready cared for in our in-patient unit.But, to ensure we are self-sufficient whenthe legacy money runs out, we still needto raise £4.6million a year, so please keepsupporting us!Jenny Burrell, Senior Sister at theHospice, added, “Our 55 strong nursingteam has been looking forward to thismoment for the last six years. We prideourselves on offering total care whentime is precious and are delighted thenew beds will enable us to look aftermany more people in the future.”Midnight Walk - Sat 29th JuneWhether you’re walking in memory ofyour mum or dad, husband or wife,grandparent, colleague or friend, ourseventh annual Midnight Walk on Sat29th June is a wonderful chance to dosomething amazing in their memory.There’s a 5-mile or an 11-mile routefrom Hemel to Berkhamsted and all weask is that you raise what you can tohelp fund our work so we can continueto make a difference to our patients andtheir families when they need us most.Registration costs just £15 and includesa Midnight Walk T-shirt as well as ashiny medal and breakfast treat at thefinish. To sign up, register atwww.stfrancis.org.uk.Memory message wall20

Bovingdon Open Gardens – Sun 7thJuly, 12-5pmSip a Pimms, indulge in a cream tea orlunch, peruse the plant sale or just sitand listen to the strains of a classic 50srock band and the Jolly Jazzers at theBovingdon Open Gardens event on Sun7th July. Seven beautiful gardens will beopen to the public thanks to The Friendsof St Lawrence Trust, whose event willbe raising funds for The Hospice of StFrancis and St Lawrence’s Church. Sofar, the confirmed open gardens aresituated in Bushfield Road, FlaundenLane, The Green and Venus Hill.There will be a £5 entry fee that willcover your entrance into all six gardens.Admission is free to children aged 11years and under. For more informationplease email p.e.wright@talk21.com.Dacorum Steam and Country Fayre –Sat 27th and Sun 28th July, 10am-5pmIf you’re looking for a fun-filled day forthe whole family, look no further thanthe Dacorum Machinery and SteamPreservation Group’s Annual Steam andCountry Fayre which supports ourHospice.There’s plenty to see for the steam andtractor enthusiast, live demonstrationsby the fire brigade, polly parrot showsand circus skills workshops as well as arange of local craft stalls and activitiesfor all ages.The Fayre takes place at Green CroftFarm, Potten End, HP1 2SG. Admission:£7 adults, £4 Children and Concessions,£15 Family (2 adults and two children).21

McCLEANsDECORATORSInterior and ExteriorEstablished 1985Excellent local referencesFree estimates and adviceCG HOLDERPLUMBING &HEATING LTDFor a good reliableinstallation of all plumbingandheating systemsGassafe registeredwith over 30 years01442 86224407973 14433622

Figuring out our nationJulian Dawson discovers that females outnumber males in DacorumIn this month’ssnippet from the2011 census, I’mtaking a look at theaverage age ofresidents. Theaverage age of mypart ofBerkhamsted,known as Dacorum014D is 45.5, isactually nearlyseven years morethan the slightlywider area ofDacorum 014 ofwhich it is a part. Itsaverage age is 38.9. Residents inDacorum as a whole have an average ageof 39.4. The figure for the East of Englandregion is 40.2, whilst those resident inEngland as have an average age of 39.3.So, my part of the town has generallyolder people than the countrywideaverage. We are all aware of thephenomenon of an aging population. Thecensus bears that out, as in 2001 theSource: Office for National Statisticsaverage age of residents in England was38.6, over a year less than that in 2011.The Office of National Statistics alsoreports that the percentage of thepopulation aged 65 and over was thehighest seen in any census at 16.4 percent, that is one in six people in thepopulation was 65 and over.BRIAN S GROOM MBHIQualified Clock Maker(over 30 years experience)Antique and quality clocksrepairedand restoredAlso watches, barometersand music boxesTelephone: 01525 87267923

• Rewires• Replacement Fuse Boards• New Circuits• New Sockets, Switches• New Light Fittings• Downlights• Smoke Alarms• PAT Testing• PAT Testing• Periodic Inspection & Testing• Landlords Certificates• Power to : extensionssheds, garages, ponds,gardens, loftsworkshops• CCTV• Access systems• Gate automation• Satellite systems• Telephone extensionsApproved Contractor andPart P RegisteredTel : 01296 630124Mobile : 07825 747773Email : steve.rozental@circuitfix.co.ukWebsite : http://circuitfix.co.ukAs a soft furnishings designer I createexciting designs and ideas for practicaland beautiful homes.TruecommitmentFrom handmade curtains, valences,cushions and upholstery to Roman,Venetian, Vertical and Roller blinds,everything beautifully made and fitted tothe highest standards.You can use your own or choose from myrange of the latest fabrics as well astraditional ...Bailey favourites. I also & supply Sonsand fit aBERKHAMSTED'S wide range of JEWELLER tracks and poles. SINCE 18729 Lower Kings RoadSue BerkhamstedHawkins in Studham01582 873358Herts HP4 2AESo if you have just moved into your newhome or just want to update the look ofyour interior, call me.01442 863091Amanda Livesey Sports TherapistNeuromusculoskeletal Medicine SpecialistBSc ( Hons) MSST BASEM- Assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries- Treating the sports person and the non-sportsperson- Pre and post-op treatment and rehabilitation- Sport specific rehabilitation- Pain therapy, treatment and rehabilitation for acuteand chronic conditions and posture pain-Referrals to GP's and consultantsCALL 07712 896095 Near Tringwww.liveseysportstherapist.webeden.co.uk26

A century in and out of BerkhamstedNancy LawrensonPart 4In 1937 I arranged an exchange visit withMadeline Hable, a student friend at GenevaUniversity. The university is in the old citywhich is enclosed by high walls.The visit provided an opportunity to learnabout the Escalade, the storming of thewalls, and Geneva’s defences against theFrench army. Geneva became anindependent City-state and home of theLeague of Nations where I went to debatesand heard many of the pronouncementswhich had no force behind them.In 1938 my younger brother Michael Vercoecame to Berkhamsted School as a boarder inSchool House with Alwyn Coombs, theyoungest of Uncle Coombs three children.David the eldest now had a university degreein civil engineering and was working inTasmania while Priscilla had trained at GreatOrmond Street Children’s Hospital and wasan SRCN working as a children's’ nurse inSouthern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) whereher mother Dora Coombs had cousins whowere tobacco farmers. More recently mygrandson Stephen after graduating inZoology (funded by whom?) did a filmingexpedition in Zimbabwe and went on to amasters degree in Biodiversity andConservation and work as a ranger with theWest Surrey Wildlife Trust.1939 Lambeth and evacuationIn 1939 I was appointed Child CareCommittee Organiser in the LCC’s SchoolsHealth Service, pre-NHS, in the Borough ofLambeth and Brixton. In the war proximity tothe Clapham Junction made this a verydangerous area and my first job wasevacuating school children from Lambeth toCallington, a small village in Cornwall whoseschool was the focus for other smallerschools, some three or more miles awayalong muddy country lanes.The children were assembled outside theirschools with their gas masks and baggageleaving their tearful mothers who worked inlocal factories or were themselves beingevacuated in mother-baby groups. All therailway stations we passed through were‘blinded’ but I did recognise coastalDartmouth. Some of the children were sickand we were greeted in Callington by WVSorganisers in their green and mauveuniforms. Each hostess chose a child andtook them home. I stayed with the WVSorganiser and in the morning I visited thechildren and the few mothers and babiesfrom the other group. They were very vocal -“We want to go home, it’s awful here”, “themilk comes from cows not Cow and Gate tinsand the cows are out in disgusting, muddyfields” and “there are no fish and chip shops,no cinemas” and “some children have towalk three miles to school.” So, some cameback to London on the train with me.The children's hostesses varied. Some justpointed to the need for wellie boots, otherswere loud and furious about disgusting slumkids who wet the beds. I could only ask “wasit dark?”, “did you tell them where the loowas?” (outside of course), “did you give thema potty or candle?”Back in Lambeth angry mums cameswarming in to the office. “Miss, I’ve had aninsulting letter from the lady where my Tomis. She does not say Dear… just Mrs Piper andsays Tom needs a Sunday suit, Sunday shirt,and Sunday boots. I can’t afford that – I’monly doing a factory job and his father’s inthe war.” I tell her that we can’t give a suitbut can give him a jersey, pair of shorts,wellies and plimsolls for weekly instalmentsof 6d towards a total cost of 10/-.27

CompetitionI scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!We are running a competition with Scoops –Berkhamsted’s ice cream parlour – and are inviting allchildren up to the age of 16 to come up with the mosttasty ice cream flavour.Scoops will be judging the competition and will pick theflavour that they think will make the best new ice cream for the summer. Thewinning flavour will then be made and be available to buy in Scoops. Thewinner will also win a £5 voucher and two runners up will receive a singlescoop ice cream voucher.Please send all entries either by email to editor@yourberkhamsted.org.uk orin an envelope to the Parish Office labelled ‘Ice Cream Competition’All entries must be received by 30th June 2013.Scoops produce traditional gelato ice cream using onlythe finest ingredients containing no artificial flavours orpreservatives. As well as ice cream, Scoops also make alovely selection of fresh sandwiches & paninis and is agreat place for parents to enjoy a cup of tea or coffeeand a yummy cake.28

RecipeJoanne Lloyd-EvansStrawberry DelightI always associate June with deliciousEnglish strawberries, which seem to be somuch more fragrant than the importedvarieties we get at other times of theyear. This is a quick and simple dessertthat looks lovely – it is not particularlysophisticated flavours but it will definitelybe popular. The strawberry dessert islovely served with shortbreads, whichyou can either buy or make using thesimple recipe below. This serves 4 to 6people, depending on the size of glassused for serving.Ingredients400g strawberries125g raspberries2 tbsp caster sugar1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint300ml whipping cream1 tin sweetened condensed milk1. Wash and drain the strawberries andraspberries. Remove the green stemsfrom the strawberries and chop themroughly.2. Place the fruit in a bowl and tosswith the sugar and mint.3. Whip the cream until it forms softpeaks and then gently fold in thesweetened condensed milk.4. Divide three quarters of the fruitmixture between small glasstumblers (this quantity will serve 4-6). Spoon the creamy mixture on topand then top each glass with a smallspoonful of the remaining fruit.5. Put into the fridge until you areready to serve and the consistencywill firm up a little. Serve with a fewfingers of fresh shortbread.Ingredients for shortbread210g plain flour140g soft unsalted butter70g sugar2 tsp vanilla extract1.Preheat the oven to 180C. Rub thebutter into the flour until it resemblesfine breadcrumbs.2. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract anduse your hands to gently form themixture to a dough. Flour a work surfaceand rolling pin and roll out the dough to athickness of about ½ to 1 cm (1/4 to ½ aninch). Cut the dough into rectangularfingers or stamp out other shapes as youwish.3. Line a tray with baking paper and placethe shortbread onto the tray. Bake for10-15 minutes until they are a lightgolden brown colour.29

YOUNG BERKHAMSTEDFather’s Day traditionally takes place on the third Sunday of June in the UK, sothis year it will be on 16 th June.It is a day to honour all father figures in our lives whether they be grandfathers,fathers-in-law, or just someone special to you. The tradition of Father’s Dayoriginates from the USA and began there in June 1910.This month we have a special Father’s Day Sudoku for you to try using the lettersFATHER in each 6-square grid.RTTER F T HT H R EEAHE30

Book reviewOur regular sports writer Matt Dawson istaking a break this month to concentrateon his exams – good luck! In his place hisbrother has written for us this month.Hello my name is James. I am 10 years oldand I’m in year 6 at Thomas CoramMiddle School. I am going to do a bookreview as I love reading.One of my favourite authors is MichaelMorpurgo and I have read many of hisbooks such as The Butterfly Lion, KasperPrince of Cats, The Dancing Bear, Cool!and Toro! Toro! My favourites have beenShadow, An Elephant in the Garden andRunning Wild.About Michael MorpurgoMichael has three children and sixgrandchildren. He was born in 1943 andattended schools in London, Sussex andCanterbury. He then went on to LondonUniversity to study English and Frenchand became a teacher after. There hediscovered he wanted to be an author.In 1976 he and his wife created a charitycalled Farms for City Children, whichprovided a week on a farm away from thenoisy streets. Since then they now havefarms in Devon, Wales andGloucestershire and the charity hasbecome very successful.Living in Devon, listening to Mozart andworking with the children have reallyinspired him to think of new ideas forstories. He spends half his life muckingout the shed and feeding animals, andthe other half dreaming up and writingstories.About the BookI have just finished Alone on a Wide WideSea. It has two parts and it was great!As a young boy, Arthur loses his parentsin the bombing of London in the SecondWorld War and is separated from hissister (Kitty) and sent to the other side ofthe world, Australia. There his epicjourney begins and he is sent to a brutalworking farm with his friend Marty. Willthey escape and find a new family? Lateron Arthur finds his talent of buildingyachts.Sixty years later Arthur’s daughter, Alliesails on her own in a yacht designed byher father to find his long lost sister inEngland. Can Allie find Arthurs sister orwill Allie find out Kitty was just a figmentof her father’s brain?This was a thrilling and emotional bookand I give it 5 stars.I hope you enjoyed the book review andthat you enjoy the book!Your Berkhamsted TeamEditor: Helen Dowley, editor@yourberkhamsted.org.ukAdvertising: John Gerry, 07774 850508, advertising@yourberkhamsted.org.ukCirculation: Joanne Lloyd-Evans, 865417, joanne.lloydevans@gmail.comFeatures: Ian Skillicorn, Julian Dawson, Dan Parry, Matt Dawson, Joanne Lloyd-EvansCopy Dates: 7 June 2013 5 July 2013 2 August 2013Published by Great Berkhamsted Parochial Church Council. Registered charity no 1130108Printing by Connekt Colour, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted HP4 1EH31