Clubs and Community (Including a flavour of all cultures at international food event)

A flavour of all cultures at International event

Heath Lane Nursery School and Children’s Club opened its doors to the local community to invite families to experience foods, cultures, traditions, music, crafts and activities from all around the world at a special event last month.

On the day some children arrived in national costume, with many parents carrying bowls, pots and containers full of the most delicious and appetising dishes, using recipes from around the world.

There was food from Pakistan and the Philippines and along with tasty Turkish kebabs and mouth watering Italian tiramisu, Spanish Tortillas could be washed down with Sangria.

To celebrate African culture, not only was it possible to drink a delicious exotic fruit smoothie, adults and children, could play African drums, led by Abdul Conteh of Herts Drum Circle, in tribal dress, who so generously gave his time.

From Poland, warmed beetroot soup was very welcomed on a cold day! Heath Lane Nursery and Children’s Club would like thank Katarzyna Kozlowska who sponsored food and drink from her Polish shop Mrs Ladybird in Hemel Hempstead.

Thanks are also given to staff from the Polish cultural Institute who donated books and colouring pencils for the

children.

The date coincided with Burns Night and therefore we could not let the day pass without the addressing of the Haggis by Lee Whitehill, followed by servings of haggis, neeps and tatties!

Of course, a traditional English afternoon tea was also available.

From food tasting, listening to multicultural music and children’s activities making red, white and blue friendship bracelets and treasure word hunts, it was a pleasure for all staff and parents to be part of such a wonderfully relaxed day that brought so many families together for this truly international event.

Pop-up advice bureau proves popular in town centre

Scores of shoppers were able to take advantage of free, independent and impartial advice when the Dacorum Citizens Advice Bureau made a two day appearance at the Marlowes Shopping Centre.

A team of trained CAB advisers was on hand as part of the government’s Big Energy Saving Network promotion to raise awareness about how people can save money on their gas and electric bills.

Checking tariffs, options for switching supplier and energy efficiency were the order of the day – as well as enquiries about other issues affecting local people.

Victoria MacGregor, Chief Executive of the Dacorum District Citizens Advice Bureau said: “Being in the Marlowes for those two days was a great opportunity to bring our Bureau out into the community and help local people.

“As well as the information we could give on fuel savings and engaging people with the energy market, our advisers were able to provide advice to people who approached us directly about a wide range of other issues – including for example, Lasting Power of Attorney, questions about employment, benefits, family law and difficulties in relation to housing.

“We were able to arrange appointments in the Bureau for the in-depth advice and support that people needed.

“We are available to give free, independent and impartial advice to anyone who lives or works in Dacorum at our Hemel and Berkhamsted offices, whatever the problem.

“Our opening times and contact details can be found on our new website by visiting www.dacorumcab.org.uk.”

It’s that time of year again – Uncle’s Cup soon to start

It is that time of the year again – the Uncle’s Cup will start in April this year so as many teams as possible are needed for this worthy charity event, raising funds for the elderly of Hemel Hempstead.

Organisers are looking for full teams for this football competition, which lasts for one month with the final to be held on May 1 at Hemel Hempstead Town football club.

There will be two meetings for this for more information and then a draw. These will be on February 26 and the March 5 – both to be held at the football club.

For more information, call Jacqui Mayfield on 07981 311579.

The Ark before Noah? Talk for those interested in Archaeology

The Berkhamsted & District Archaeological Society is holding its next meeting on February 23.

As entertaining as they are informative, the society’s lectures are held in the ancient hall now used as the music room in Berkhamsted’s Collegiate School, Mill Street, monthly from September to April.

Specialist guest speakers cover periods from ancient Egypt to ancient Britain, Roman to Saxon and medieval to Victorian.

Topics range from specialist techniques to assist in dating and identifying finds to discussions about what archaeologists have learned of the societies and cultures whose artifacts and sites have been discovered.

This month’s lecture at 7.45pm will be given by Dr Irving Finkel from the British Museum his subject is: The Ark before Noah.

He has recently published a book on this subject.

For more details visit www.berkhamstedarchaeology.co.uk.

Get General Election Hustings date in your diary

Now that the General Election campaign seems to be underway, the Berkhamsted Citizens Association is planning its traditional Hustings for the residents of Berkhamsted to question and challenge their candidates for the election on May 7.

The event will be on Wednesday, April 22 in the Great Hall of Berkhamsted Town Hall, the same venue as in 2010; and the BCA hopes for a similarly big turn-out. Details of the exact format will be available nearer the time, when all prospective candidates have been contacted.

Chairman Susan Johnson said: “In these days of social media, when everything seems to be done without the need for personal contact, it is ever more important for residents actually to see and hear the people who aspire to represent them; and to question your MP for the last five years. You have the opportunity to challenge candidates, rather than just shouting at your TV screen.”