Clubs and Community (Including Lions’ donation to transport service)

Hemel Lions donate to Transport Service

Community Action Dacorum has received a cheque for £1000 from the Hemel Hempstead Lions for their Community Transport Service. The service provides minibuses and car services to groups and individuals who need help getting around Dacorum.

Gren Derrick, president of the Lions, said: “the service provided by Community Transport is invaluable and in many cases, to lots of people in the community who have no transport, it is an essential means of getting about. It is a service that the Lions have used many times in the past and are likely, no definitely, going to need in the future!”

As the cheque was presented, chairman of the Community Transport Service John Howart said: “We would like to thank Hemel Lions for this generous donation, the money will enable us to continue the vital work of providing the essential facilities so valued by the community in Dacorum”.

Groups or individuals who need transport to hospital or doctors appointments can contact Community Transport Dacorum on 01442 253935 or visit. www.communityactiondacorum.org.uk.

£480 raised by Dacorum Community Choir for cancer charity

Dacorum Community Choir has raised almost £500 for charity through two fund-raising events.

On Friday, September 19th, Di and Bill Stevens hosted the annual quiz and raffle which made £105 for the choir’s nominated charity, Hope for Children.

The choir also took part in the Festival of Village Choirs on Saturday, September 20th at the Princess Helena College in Preston.

The concert raised funds for the Macmillian Cancer Centre at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage. A total of £4800 was donated, with the Dacorum Community Choir raising £380 of that.

Judi Kelly, the choir’s accompanist, said: “working with the choir is the musical highlight of my week. The energy, enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of the singers makes it a truly joyful experience.”

New members are always welcome, those interested can phone Dianne on 01442 874988.

Exciting month for the RSPB

Andy Sands, a well-respected nature photographer and speaker will be visiting the RSPB Hemel Hempstead Local Group’s upcoming meeting.

Sands, who had previously attended one of the groups’ meetings, will be speaking about what happens to Britain’s birds and wildlife “while the dormouse sleeps”in the Cavendish School main hall on Monday, October 6th at 8pm.

The group previously visited Oare and Elmley Marshes in North Kent. A highlight was getting to see two marsh harriers repeatedly flying low and at very close quarters right next to the car.

The next outing for the group will be a trip to Kent to visit RSPB Dungeness, where attendees can expect to see plenty of wheaters, swallows, martins and warblers, as well as migrant birds including bitterns and bearded tits.

Find out more by visiting www.hemelrspb.org.uk or contacting Ian Wilson on 07929 997759. For outing details contact Alan Corner on 01442 833585.

Improve body and soul

A club in Hemel dedicated to improving the body and soul of its members and having a great time through dance is open to new members. It is also a great opportunity to get fit!

The Hemel Hempstead Folk Dance Club meets at Grove Hill Community Centre on Stevenage Rise in Hemel Hempstead most Fridays during term time at 8:15pm. All abilities are invited, and the first night is free of charge. Come alone or bring along a friend. For more information on how to join or general enquires, contact 01442 259578.

Busy month for Women’s Institute

The Kings Langley Women’s Institute returned in September after a break in August for a great meeting with six visitors.

They will be hosting a Beetle Drive followed by a fish and chip supper at the cricket club on Friday, October 17th, as well as a trip to the BBC on Thursday, October 23rd. The coach will leave at 9:30.

Along with this, the club will also be hosting its regular debate, film and book clubs,.

Next year the institute will be attending a weekend at Denman College to hear a range of speakers.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at Kings Langley community centre. Anyone looking to join should call Mrs Linda Brody on 01442 831763.

Quiz night at the Gade Social Club

The members of the Gade Social Club enjoyed an afternoon of quizzes on stars of the film and stage, as well as looking at baby pictures and guessing which famous faces they grew up to be.

Aside from the quiz, there were some funny poems read by Sylvia Timms and a raffle. The members also recently heard Irene Lippiatt discuss how she had used the internet to discover more about her grandmother’s life. Irene found out all about her grandmother, and even learnt that she was born in South Africa.

Any visitors interested in joining the club are welcome to do so. Please contact 01442 262156 for more information.

Kings Langley garden competition results

Kings Langley Parish Council has announced the winners of the Garden Competition 2014.

The competition, which had more than 10 categories, was organised and judged by Councillor Gerry Angiolini. The panel was led by John Simmonds of Garden Scene of Chipperfield, who also sponsored the event.

There were categories for best pub display, won by the Old Palace, and Best Commercial Properties Display, won by Chiswell Pools.

The winner of Best Newcomer was Mrs K Barehead and Mr M Bentley, and Best Large Garden went to Pat and Dom Hansard.

John North won Best Back Garden, whilst the award for Best Front Garden was scooped by Gill and Alan Busby.

The Special Award went to Ivan and Margaret Carter.

The Best Overall Garden winner will be announced at the presentation evening. All winners won a framed certificate, trophy, and £5 voucher for Garden Scene.