Clubs and Community News (Including movie makers scoop county prize)

White Christmas for Felden WI

Snow started falling at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre when Felden Women’s Institute attended a performance of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’. The ladies who were sat in the front stalls were treated to an entertaining show including sparkles, glitter and fireworks. Members were in for a surprise when foam snow was projected into the audience, a truly white Christmas for the ladies of Felden.

Kings Langley Women’s Institute get festive

The Kings Langley Women’s Institute have been getting into the festive spirit with winter flower arrangements. Jenny Leitch encouraged ladies to get creative by hosting a flower-making demonstration for the Christmas period.

Those attending tried their hand at making their own Christmas wreaths and table decorations. Spokesperson for the group Wendy Buckland would like to issue a final reminder for those wanting to attend the Christmas party. Kings Langley Women’s Institute meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Community Centre and invite anyone to come along. For more information contact Mrs Linda Brady on 01442 831763 or Mrs Rene Gardner on 01923 264754.

Hemel Hempstead Movie Makers scoop county prize

Amateur film club Hemel Hempstead Movie Makers have won a county film competition for the second year running. The competition run by the Hertfordshire Amateur Cine Club Association is designed to encourage people of all ages to get involved production. Alan French who runs the group would like to thank all involved, particularly Andrew Pennycook who created the production. The Movie Makers next meeting will be held at the Leverstock Green Hall on December 15th all are invited to join for some festive fun. Doors will open at half past seven for an eight pm start. For more information visit the Movie Makers website at www.hemelmoviemakers.org.uk

Archaeological Society revisit Roman ‘brothel’ mystery

Members of the Berkhamsted and District Archaeological society discussed the mystery surrounding the Yewden Villa named by some as a Roman ‘brothel’.

The site in Hambledon, Hampshire gained mass media attention in 2008 when the remains of 97 new born infants were discovered outside the courtyard.

The discovery led many to believe the site dating back to 4AD was a brothel, housing many women. Brett Thorn from the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Service dismissed the theory at the November meeting. He believes that further findings at the site such as a green scarab styled stone linked to Roman ‘mother goddess’ Isis indicates the site may have been a shrine for pregnant women. The December meeting will feature Ms Stacy Hackner, MSc, from the UCL Institute of Archaeology speaking on ‘Archaeology & Biomechanics’.

Santa Dash for Hospice of Saint Francis

Hemel Hempstead’s Hospice of Saint Frances will be hosting there annual Santa Dash on Sunday December 14.

The charity’s seventh Santa Dash will be held at the Riverside shopping centre and event organiser Andrea Grant is calling for entrants to walk, run or jog the 2.5 mile route to raise money for the centre.

“The Santa Dash is all about taking an hour out of your busy Christmas schedule to support the Hospice and have a giggle at the time.

There’s no minimum sponsorship requirement but we do hope people will dig deep to help us raise as much as possible for patient care. Admissions to the Hospice don’t stop over the Christmas season and our doctors, nurses and catering team will be in on Christmas day to ensure patients’ needs are looked after.”

The event starts at 10am on Sunday 14 December at Riverside, Hemel Hempstead and goes through the town centre and Gadebridge Park.

Families can register for the event for £35 and receive their Santa outfits.

Registration costs £15 for adults, £5 for children. For more information contact Andrea Grant on 01442 869555 or visit the website at www.stfrancis.org.uk/santadash

Magic carpet ride at the Boxmoor Playhouse

The Hemel Hempstead Theatre company are inviting all those looking to get into the Christmas spirit to their Christmas Pantomime.

This year they will be performing Aladdin pantomime with a twist, the first half of December will feature a family friendly performance full of fun and excitement followed by a ‘naughty’ panto for adults only, from the New Year.

The Theatre Company have said it is the first year they will perform an alternative version of a pantomime and have said that have told audiences to expect a ‘Carry On Does Panto’ style performance, with ‘rude jokes and bawdy behaviour’.

Performances will be on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December and you can buy tickets from the theatre company’s website at www.hhtheatreco.com

High Sheriff of Hertfordshire visits children’s hospice

Fergus McCullin Herts High Sheriff have said he is ‘overwhelmed’ at a recent visit to Keech children’s Hospice

The Sheriff met with some of the 150 children from across Hertfordshire the Hospice currently care for.

Fergus McCullin spent considerable time listening to the doctors, nurses, patients and staff as well as playing along with the families in the Tots and Toys group music therapy session.

Fergus said “I was so impressed by everything at Keech. It is very well laid out, but best of all, warm and friendly. I now have a much better understanding about how a hospice works and what Keech does to make people’s lives so much more bearable in very difficult times.”

Mike Keel the Chief Executive of the Hospice said there are 250 more families in Herts who need their help.

“We want to make sure we reach every single child in Herts and give them and their families the support they need at the time they need it most.”

Keech’s BraveHerts campaign aims to raise £2 million over the next three years to provide care to all the families in Hertfordshire who need it. Please visit www.keech.org.uk/braveherts