Clubs and community (Including Berkhamsted’s smallest listed ‘building’)

Smallest listed ‘building’ in Berkhamsted?

The Sparrows Herne waymark has been awarded Grade II listed status after it was restored as part of the Berkhamsted CitizensAssociation’s 90th celebrations by English Heritage.

The BCA was told of its success on December 22, “The best Christmas present we could have had!” said Susan Johnson, the Association’s Chairman.

“We thank everyone involved with the funding of its restoration and with support in the application.”

The waymark is probably the smallest listed building in Dacorum, being only 76 cm high; and stands close to the front wall of National Tyres in Berkhamsted High Street.

It was listed because of its historic interest as a reminder of the transport infrastructure of the early 19th Centry and the role of the Sparrows Herne Trust in maintaining the road; and for its rarity, being one of only two original markers to survive. The other is at Bushey.

The Waymark stands beside the stone

marking the pre-1972 boundary between the civil parishes of Berkhamsted and Northchurch.

Latest report from Little Gaddesden Women’s Institute

Decemeber saw Little Gaddesden W.I meet to discuss festive time fundraisers as well as new year plans.

The Christmas tree fundraiser at Berkhamsted Church raised over £5000.

Celebrations for the 2015 WI Centenary is to include the passing the baton at Redbourne Common, including a party on May 9 and a countrywide celebration is planned for September 16.

The W.I met again last week to discuss these matters further.

Archaeology lecture at Berkhamsted School

Berkhamstead & District Archaeological Society are hosting a lecture by Ben Paites from the Museum of London.

Meetings are held at 7.45pm in the Old Music Room, Berkhamsted School, Mill Street, Berkhamsted.

The lecture on Roman London and Portable Antiquities Scheme finds is on Monday January 26.

Join Berkhamsted Flower Club

Join Berkhamsted flower club and watch beautiful flower arranging demonstrations by experts.

They meet at Berkhamsted Cricket Club, Castle Hill on the second Wednesday each month from 2 – 4pm

Membership is £30 per year plus £2 per meeting, this includes refreshments.

Visitors are welcome and pay £6 per session. All the flower arrangements are raffled at the end of the meeting.

The annual outing in May is to the Saville Gardens near Windsor where all members and friends are welcome - phone Heather on 01442 386657 for more information.

New community board game night in Berkhamsted

Bel Caffe, High Street, Berkhamsted, is hosting a new weekly games night on a Wednesday.

Starting February 18 from 6pm-9pm, people of all ages can take along a board game and get involved in this new cafe games night called Berkhamsted on Board.

If you want to join, pop along to the Bel Caffe or call organiser, Ruth on 07761154846.

Flamstead and Trowley Women’s Institute New Year speaker

January saw Ann Ledger join Flamstead and Trowley W.I to discuss women of significance and influence through the ages.

The ladies also discussed the 2015 WI Centenary celebrations.

The W.I have met again since this talk to discuss the W.I having ‘fun with chocolate’.

Busy year ahead for Tring and District Local History and Museum Society

Starting in May, the local history and museum society invite a guest speaker every other month to talk about the history of local areas.

The first talk is by a chartered 
surveyor and Chairman of the SW Herts Herts Archaeological and Historical Society about Cassiobury Estate and includes a walk around the house itself.

The other speakers include 
celebrating the 700th anniversary of Tring’s market charter, a talk about wildlife photographer, Oliver Pike, and a talk on the history of RAF Halton.

DENS hosting a fundraising quiz night

The Dacorum homeless charity DENS is hosting its annual spring quiz night on Saturday March 21 from 7:30pm at The Astley Cooper School in Grovehill.

Tickets are £12, including a fish and chip supper with teams from six to eight members.

Book your tickets by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01442 800268.

Valentines day gourmet cook up at Herts College

Students from West Herts College will be cooking up a gourmet meal for lovers this Valentine’s Day aid of DEMAND (Design and Manufacture for Disability) – a charity which is based in Abbots Langley

The Watford campus of the college, which also has bases in Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley, is putting on the gourmet dinner on Tuesday, February 12.

Tickets are £30 each with limited places, call 01923 812464 to book.