Clubs and Community (Including a winter walk and afternoon tea for village WI)

Potten End Women’s Institute enjoys a winter walk and afternoon tea

The ladies of the Potten End Women’s Institute had an enjoyable afternoon walking the new Heritage Trail in Gadebridge Park and the Old High Street earlier this month.

The ladies finished the walk by having a delightful afternoon tea at the vintage Tea Tree tea rooms on the High Street and said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The heritage trail leaflets– which were compiled by the council and volunteers from the Dacorum Heritage Trust earlier in the year – are free to all and help guide walkers on a tour of the buildings of interest in and around the Old Town.

They can be picked up from the civic offices in Tring, Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead, the Old Town Hall and directly from the Dacorum Heritage Trust.

A quarter-century celebration for Probus Club

The Probus Club of Kings Langley is celebrating its 25 year anniversary this month.

Probus is the association of the retired and semi-­retired gentlemen who join together in autonomousclubs throughout the world.

In recent years ladies sections have been formed in Britain and a number of the wives of Kings Langley members have joined the local ladies’ branch in Boxmoor.

The word Probus is an abbreviation of the words professional and businuss but membership isnot restricted to these two groups.

The club is non-­political, non-sectarian and is non-­profitmaking.

The Kings Langley Club, which was a spin­-off in the late 1980s from the much larger BoxmoorClub, had its inaugural meeting in 1989, under the chairmanship of Mr Arnold Allen.

It had just 17members at the time and meetings were held at the Kings Langley Community Centre.

The Kings Langley club now has nearly 70 members members.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday morning of every month at Kings Langley Cricket Club.

As well as a guest speaker atevery meeting the club also organises lunches, visits to the theatre, concerts and places of interest to which wives, partners and guests are invited.

Commenting on the silver anniversary of the club, the present chairman David Buckland said: “This is an excellent club with an enthusiastic membership who always involve themselves in the activities of the club. Why not come and join us?”

Membership costs only £13 per annum. Enquiries can be made via secretary John Addy on 01923 264171.

Get a taster of how to use tablet computers at free sessions

Dacorum Communities For Learning would like to offer people the chance to come and try out tablet computers – or, if they already have one, ask questions if they are struggling with it.

These will be free sessions and the group’s tutors and volunteers will be around to assist anyone who wants to have a try.

With Christmas coming people may be considering getting one or buying one for a family member.

Tablets are much easier to use than laptops and are a great way for people to keep in touch with family and friends using Skype – which is video calling over the internet.

They may also like to try Google Earth, play games, find about apps, look up a tutorial on YouTube and much more.

With everything these days needing to be applied for or done online it is important for people to learn how to use a computer.

DCFL has been teaching adults of all ages for around seven years now with our oldest learner being 96 years of age.

Take part in the sessions next Wednesday, November 26 from 10am to noon at Leverstock Green Cricket Club, and on Monday, December 1 from 10am to 1pm at Warners End Community Centre.

Places for these sessions must be booked in advance to ensure everyone gets personal help.

The next round of courses will be starting in January 2015.

Please contact Dacorum Communities For Learning on 01442 251930 to book a place or find out more information.

Coffee and a chance to find out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice

The Dacorum District Citizens Advice Bureau is looking for new volunteers.

The Bureau held a coffee and pastries open morning on Friday, November 21 from 10am to noon at their offices in Hillfield Road, Hemel Hempstead.

The event highlighted the opportunities that are available for a range of voluntary roles working in the Bureau.

Dacorum District CAB boss Victoria MacGregor said: “The work of Dacorum CAB would not be possible without our volunteers.

“Nationally, 90% of CAB workers are volunteers. There are many ways to get involved – you could train to be an advisor, help streamline the office administrative systems, or sit on our Trustee Board or help with fundraising, publicity or our social policy work.

“In any role, you will develop your skills in a number of valuable areas, like communication, IT and dealing with the public, as well as increasing your self-confidence through practical hands-on experience.

“In addition, our CAB adviser training is respected and valued throughout the advice sector.

“We are looking for people of all ages and backgrounds. For many people, the best thing about volunteering for the CAB is getting to meet a wide range of people and making new friends.

“There is a real team spirit here in our Dacorum Bureau, and we provide a supportive environment to make sure that you get the most out of your time with us.

“Above all, it is a chance to make a real difference. By volunteering for the CAB you will be playing an active part in improving the lives of millions of people and influencing the development of national and local policies and service. And you will not be out of pocket – the CAB will cover any travel costs incurred by volunteering.”