Jan Issue of The Weston Parish News

WPN FEBRUARY 12_Layout 1 24/01/2012 13:54 Page 2


weston parish news
FEBRUARY 2012
50p


THE PARISH CHURCH OF HOLY TRINITY, WESTON
PATRON: Alice Cherry – Weston Manor (790325)
Vicar: The Vicarage, 14 Munts Meadow, Weston, SG4 7AE
crswwe@hotmail.com
Churchwardens: Pam Blackburn – Cherry Trees, Fore Street (790536)
John Cherry – Weston Park, Flat 1 (790073)
Secretary to PCC: Judith Evans – 2 Maiden Cottages, Maiden Street (790620)
Treasurer to PCC: Diane Gwilt – 3 Lannock Farm Cottages, Hitchin Rd (790660)
Organist: Hilary Bailey – 3 Mill Ground (790586)
Choir Director: Michael Attwood – mikeattwood@btopenworld.com
Verger: Alice Cherry – Weston Manor (790325)
Tower Captain (Bell Ringers): Richard Clements – 9 Friars Road (790421)

WESTON PARISH NEWS
Editor: Val Cansick – Dovecote Barn, Howells Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Herts. SG4 7DZ
Tel: 01462 790712 e-mail: art-valcansick@hotmail.co.uk
Asst Editor / Designer: Sharon Hale – Fairclough Hall Cottage, 7 Halls Green, Weston, Herts. SG4 7DP
Tel: 01462 790483 e-mail: sharon.hale@btopenworld.com
Distribution: Bridget Jones – (790489) – bridgetjones12@tiscali.co.uk
Diary / Coming events: Marian Potter – Woodvine Cottage, Damask Green Road (790424)
Business & Personal Advertising: Please contact Val Cansick or Sharon Hale

VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND ORGANISATIONS
MP: Oliver Heald – Tel: 01763 247640 e-mail: healdo@parliament.uk
County Councillor: Tony Hunter – Tel: 01763 245237
District Councillor: Steve Jarvis – Tel: 01438 727122
Parish Council Chairman: Tim Moody – Tel: 01462 790577
Parish Council Clerk: Lorraine Ellis – Weston Parish Council, Darnalls Hall, Weston, Herts. SG4 7AL
e-mail: westonparishclerk@yahoo.co.uk – tel: 07828 033006
Weston Primary School: Headteacher – Miss E. Shaw
School Secretary: Alison Sharp (790317) FoWS: Nicky Ward – 01438 220250
Afternoon Nursery: Ruth Prime (790546) WVN Chair: Lisa Forster – 01462 790160
Village Hall Bookings: Tel: 07935 736403 e-mail: trustees@wvh.org.uk
Youth Club: Jan Wall (790657) Weston Art Group: Sheila Bladen (01438 364909)
Diamond Club: Angela Walter (790447) Luncheon Club: Graham Wheatley (790367)
Flower & Vegetable Society: Olive Sainsbury (790316) Art Classes: Tess Thorpe (790525)
Patchwork & Quilting: Michele Clarke (790577) Bridge Group: Sheila Bladen (01438 364909)
Music Society: Felicity Lowe (790573) Ladies Badminton Club: Michele Clarke (790577)
Music with Mum: Amanda Brosnan (07849 851144) Pilates: Sally (01438 226717)
Parish Paths Partnership: Judith Evans (790620) Strength/Balance: Maggie (790203)
Weston Allotment Field Mike Renney, Chairman: 01462 790695 - mike@heyoka.co.uk
Association Committee (WAFAC): Claire Coghlan, Secretary 01462 790872 - claire@ccoghlan.fsnet.co.uk
Cricket Club: Marcus Peckham (734136); Philip Stevens (790240)
Weston Football Club: Kevin Beard (790834); Will Pugh (07912 318503)
Weston Rugby Club: Dave King – 07881-822460
Tennis Club: www.weston-tennis.org.uk Youth Football Club: Jenny Bergman (790507)
Oil Orders: Karen Pedder (790781) – kpedder@btinternet.com
Police: Non emergency number – Tel: 101
Local issues: PC Paul Marina – Tel: 01438 757924 paul.marina@herts.pnn.police.uk
PCSO: Amy Rainbird – Tel: 01438 757935 amy.rainbird@herts.pnn.police.uk

WPN is published by Weston Parochial Church Council and printed by Graphix Design & Print Ltd, Halls Green, Weston
It is printed onto FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) credited papers, more environmentally friendly than recycled materials;


church diary – for january
Also includes St Mary the Virgin - Clothall, St Mary - Rushden, All Saints - Sandon & St Mary - Wallington

5th Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion - Weston - Teddy Faure Walker
9.30am Family Communion - Wallington
11.15am Matins – Rushden
7th Tuesday 7.30pm First Tuesday Home Group - Weston.
Contact Jennie Bowell 01462 790582
12th Sunday 9.30am Parish Communion - Clothall
11.00am Parish Communion - Weston - Paul Lanham
11.15am All Age Worship - Rushden
11.15am Matins - Sandon
6.00pm Sung Evensong - Weston - David Gunn
15th Wednesday 7.45pm PCC Meeting – Jennie Bowell’s
16th Thursday 2.30pm Prayer Group – Weston.
Contact Jennie Bowell 01462 790582
19th Sunday 9.30am Parish Communion - Sandon
10.00am Matins - Weston - David Ginn
11.00am Parish Communion - Weston - Paul Lanham
11.15am Village Praise - Wallington
ASH WEDNESDAY 7.00pm Ash Wednesday Service – Sandon
22nd Wednesday 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service – Weston - Carol Kimberley
26th Sunday 9.30am Parish Communion – Rushden
11.00am Parish Communion/Choir - Weston - Paul Lanham
11.15am Matins - Clothall
11.15am URC Service - Sandon
6.00pm Sung Evensong - Weston - David Gunn
27th Monday 7.30pm Diocese of St Albans Lent Course – See inside for details

PLEASE NOTE: 1st Sunday of the month until further notice – there will be
no Children’s Church in Weston, also no other 11.00am service arranged for this day.
MIDWEEK HOLY COMMUNION SERVICES
2nd Thursday of the month ~ Sandon NOT during vacancy
11.00am Tea/Coffee -followed by Holy Communion at the home of Dawn & Gillian’s house
‘Alwyns’, Roe Green SG9 0QG
Every Friday in term time ~ Weston NOT during vacancy
9.00am Tea/Coffee – Vicarage, followed by Holy Communion 9.30am All are welcome
AT CHURCH – TUESDAY – Choir practice – 8.00pm
THURSDAY – Bell Ringing practice (Juniors) – 7.00pm – (Seniors) – 7.45pm
URC – United Reformed Church, PCC – Parochial Church Council
During recordings in church there is no access to the church and please avoid any noise in the churchyard.
Thank you. RECORDING DATES: None to date. For updates please check Pew Sheet. (For more
information please contact Alice Cherry).
Water colour prints of Holy Trinity Church by Keith Hornblower for. £50 per print. £40 of the proceeds
go to the Church and £10 to Keith to cover the printing cost. For more information please contact Jan
Fewell (Administrator) via email crswwe@hotmail.com or Tel: 01462 790330


Entries
village diary – for FEBRUARY welcome!

PLEASE CONTACT MARIAN POTTER – 01462 790424 – potwest@hotmail.com
7th Tuesday Waste Bin Collection
9th Thursday Parish Council Meeting - 8.00pm – Village Hall RR
Mobile Library – 11.45 - 12.45pm – Village Pond
11th Saturday WVN – Quiz Night – 7.30pm – Village Hall – See inside for details
13th Monday WPS/EYU/WVN – Half Term
14th Tuesday VALENTINE’S DAY
Recycle Bin Collection
15th Wednesday DEADLINE FOR WESTON PARISH NEWS LETTERS
17th Friday LAST COPY DATE FOR WESTON PARISH NEWS
20th Monday Back to School
21st Tuesday Waste Bin Collection
23rd Thursday Mobile Library – 11.45 – 12.45pm – Village Pond
25th Saturday FOWS – Bob’s Balls Bingo Night – 6.30pm – School Hall
– See inside for more details
28th Tuesday Recycle Bin Collection

PLEASE NOTE
No Diamond Club or Flower and Vegetable Society meets this month

BIN COLLECTION AS PER NHDC WASTE/RECYCLING COLLECTION CALENDAR
For information about mobile library services please phone: 0300 123 4049
(Mon-Fri 08.00 to 20.00, Sat 09.00 to 16.00)
• Bridge Group – 3.00 - 5.00pm – Village Hall RR Monday Afternoons
• Badminton – 8.00 - 9.00pm – Village Hall Monday Evenings
• Art Group – 10.00 - 1.00pm – Village Hall Tuesday Mornings
• Taekwondo – 7.00 - 8.30pm – Village Hall Tuesday Evenings
• Ladies Badminton – 6.00 - 7.00pm – Village Hall Tuesday Evenings
• Rugby Club Training – 7.00pm – Recreational Ground Tuesday Evenings
• Music with Mum – 9.15 - 10.00pm – Village Hall Wednesday Mornings
• Strength & Balance Class – 11.00 - Midday – Village Hall Wednesday Mornings
• Luncheon Club – 12.00 - 1.30pm – Village Hall RR Wednesday Afternoons
• Youth Club – 6.30 - 8.00pm – Village Hall Wednesday Evenings
• Fitness Club/Pilates – 8.15 - 9.15pm – Village Hall Wednesday Evenings


village diary – for january cont.

• Tennis Club www.weston-tennis.org.uk
• Cricket Club – Adult & Junior
• Football Club – Adult & Junior
RR – Reading Room, WPS – Weston Primary School, EYU – Early Years Unit,
WVN – Weston Voluntary Nursery, FOWS – Friends of Weston School

ANNOUNCEMENTS
R.I.P. – Peter Dines, Toby Pryor, Robert Sheridan and Ray Williams

Flower & Vegetable Society
Following the sad death of Graham Sainsbury in December, we need a treasurer.
If you feel you could do this or would like more details, please phone 790417.

oil order
I will be placing an order for oil on 14th February (minimum order 500L). Please let me know
BEFORE then if you wish to be included.

Subsequent orders will be, March, April and June 2012.

Please make sure I have your up-to-date details, including e-mail address if applicable.

Karen Pedder 790781 (kpedder@btinternet.com)

WPN February 2012 5


a churchwarden writes...
I’m afraid it is going to be a while until we get a new Vicar for a variety of reasons that are
too boring to talk about, but rest assured that we are working on it frantically behind the
scenes. Meanwhile, Church life goes on. There are almost all the regular services, as you can
see from the Church Diary in these pages. If there isn’t a service to suit, there’s always the
option of popping over to Clothall or one of the other Parishes in our Benefice, or indeed
making the Pilgrimage down the hill to Baldock.

With Lent looming our thoughts turn to purification. First job is to clean up the village, the
Parish Council has organised a Village Green and roadside litter picking morning on Saturday
11th Feb from 10 till 1, as advertised elsewhere in the magazine. Please try and find time
to come and help clear as many of the approach roads to the village as possible; the
more volunteers we have the more we can do. It really makes a difference, the litter is so
depressing to the spirit and it is actually great fun picking it up with an enthusiastic team.

Once we’ve got the outside clean, then it’s time for buffing up your own spirit. The 22nd Feb
is Ash Wednesday, which will be marked by a 7.30pm Service in Church taken by Carol
Kimberley, our outgoing Rural Dean. Then after that, starting on the 27th is the Lent Course
which we are sharing with Clothall, Rushden, Sandon and Wallington. This is also advertised
in the magazine and is a great chance to mix spiritual growth with getting to know some
delightful people from the other parishes.

On another sort of growth, and nothing to do with the Church, we started work on the
‘straw bale house’ at Warrens Green. We’ve got the foundations in now ready to take an
oak frame shell which will support the roof and straw bale walls. The oak we cut out of
Broadimedes before Christmas, milled in January in the farmyard and it has now gone to
be jointed ready for assembly soon (a technical builder’s expression, soon means probably
before Christmas). I will keep you updated. Anyone interested to know more, get in touch.

John Cherry

PEW SHEET
Information about church events and beyond, i.e. weddings, baptisms, funerals,
prayer list and special announcements.
If you would like to receive the pew sheet electronically on a weekly basis please contact

Jan Fewell via Email: crswwe@hotmail.com or Tel: 01462 790330

If you know someone who would like to be included in our prayers for the sick,
please contact the Churchwardens or Alice Cherry


notes from pcc meeting
held at 7.45pm on Wednesday 11th january 2012
Pastoral Measure
The feedback from the consultation was considered at the meeting of the Diocesan Mission and
Pastoral Committee on 8th December. Following discussion, the Committee agreed to amend the
proposals as follows:

• To re-name the proposed benefice of ‘Sandon, Wallington, Rushden with Clothall and Weston’
as the benefice of ‘Clothall, Rushden, Sandon, Wallington and Weston’ (i.e. to list the parishes in
alphabetical order)
• To designate the Team Vicarage in Weston as the parsonage house of the new benefice
• To transfer the parsonage house of the benefice of Sandon, Wallington and Rushden with
Clothall to the DBF for diocesan purposes

The amended proposals were sent to the Bishop for consideration. The Bishop approved the pro-
posals and a draft Pastoral Scheme has now been sent to the Church Commissioners for ‘valida-
tion’. (This involves the Commissioners checking that the Scheme is in the correct form, legal, and
that due process with regard to local consultations has been followed

Finance
Richard Clements attended the meeting to give a presentation on the church finances and to
advise us of what we need to consider when deciding on spending on new projects. The PCC is
very grateful to him for focusing our minds on the issues.

Events
Newcomers’ party 6pm – 8pm 18th May at the Park.
Harvest supper end of September or beginning of October.

Quinquennial works
The specification for repairs to the external walls has now been reviewed by members. An estimate
of costs will be obtained for the next meeting. The next Quinquennial inspection has to take place
in 2012.

Collection of toiletries
Gill Clements is collecting toiletries for the Marylebone Project.

Annual Church Meetings
The Annual Meeting of Weston Parishioners for the election of churchwardens will be held in
church after Evensong at 7pm on Sunday 25th March. It will be followed at approximately 7.10pm
by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Next PCC Meeting: 7.45pm on 15th February 2012 Judith Evans – PCC Secretary

WPN February 2012 7


Holy Trinity Church Outward Giving
Each year the PCC decides which organisations to make donations to. 2011’s budgeted
amount has been given to the following:

Latin Link (Hazel and Martin Frost) 100
Shelterbox (disaster relief) 590
New Zealand (earthquake fund) 500
Weston Diamond Club 60
Garden House Hospice 100
Luncheon Club (Weston) 250
BRAVE 100
The Sanctuary 75
Christian Solidarity Worldwide 75
Multiple Sclerosis Society (N Herts Branch) 75
Riding for the Disabled (Stevenage Branch) 75
Total 2,000

Hazel and Martin continue to work in Argentina with Latin Link. We gave to the Bishop’s appeal
for New Zealand and also Shelterbox earlier in the year.

BRAVE is our Deanery’s sponsorship of Christian youth workers in local schools. The Sanctuary in
Hitchin provides shelter and support for homeless men and Christian Solidarity Worldwide supports
men and women imprisoned for their faith.

In addition various amounts were collected at Church services and sent to charities - £123 in
September was sent to the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal, and £52 in November was sent to the
British Legion Poppy Fund.

As the Church’s income has fallen over the past few years, we have reduced the amount we
are planning to take out of funds this year and are hoping to hold events to raise money for
specific causes.

Jennie Bowell
PCC Outward Giving Co-ordinator

8 WPN February 2012


message from silke...
Dear All,
Please don’t worry; I am not going to write every
single month, but only this last time to thank you very
much for the many new home and new Job cards, Christmas and New year’s greetings. I received
so many cards that I have to say thank you collectively and apologise for not writing to each
of you individually.

I had my welcome service at All Saints Church in Staplehurst on the 24th November. I had
absolutely no idea what to expect and who might make the long journey from Hertfordshire to
Staplehurst to “give me away” to my new parish. About half an hour before the service, I was in
the midst of my run through of the service with the Bishop, and every time I looked up another
front pew was filled with familiar faces. I was absolutely thrilled to find that a whole coach load
from all five parishes had turned up and happily filled the six front rows. This really was a lovely
surprise and made me quite tearful to have to say goodbye for a second time. But I know you
have not gone back home without leaving your legacy. My new parish has been well briefed on
that night about what Silke is like and that she likes dining and wining. Believe me, for this reason
I have not stopped to do so and every time I raise my glass it is with my love and thanks to you.

Cheers, Happy New Year, Yours Silke

The 5 Parishes within the new Benefice plan to run the above course. It will be a chance
to get to know one another better and to focus on material prepared by the Diocese, it
is easy to use and poses questions for discussion and ideas for action. Meetings will take
place in peoples homes with the first one being on Monday 27th February at 7.30pm.

If you would like more information please call Helen on 01763 284113 or e-mail
stubbings.17@btinternet.com the venue will be decide on the number of people who
show an interest.


Weston Church
Marylebone Project Appeal
Do you have more bath products than you know what to do with?

We are collecting toiletries, socks, gloves, scarves, hair brushes, purses, notebooks and pens
for the Marylebone Project in London, run by the Church Army.

The project gives hope to homeless women in London providing beds, meals, washing
facilities and support to get back to independent living.

Women may come to the project because of domestic violence, family breakdown, mental
health issues, or seeking asylum. Many arrive with few belongings having experienced trauma
and suffering. Items given for the appeal can help women feel better about themselves and
their circumstances, building hope for the future.

Please bring your gifts to Church or leave them with Gill at 9 Friars Road before the end
of February. They will be delivered to the Project

A small gift can make a big difference.

10 WPN February 2012


COMING EVENTS
MARCH
Sunday 4th – Veteran Cycle Club – Vintage Bicycles around Weston
– see inside for more details.

Saturday 17th – Weston Music Society, Concert – Piatti String Quartet
– 7.30pm – Church

Sunday 25th – Church Annual General Meeting – 7.00pm (After Evensong)

APRIL
Saturday 21st – FOWS/WVN – Ladies Pamper Evening – Village Hall
– More details to follow

MAY
Saturday 12th – Weston Music Society, Concert – Tetra Quartet (Guitars)
– 7.30pm – Church

Friday 18th – Newcomers Party – 6.00 - 8.00pm – Weston Park

4th JUNE – VILLAGE DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION

DON’T FORGET TO CONFIRM/INFORM US OF YOUR EVENTS.

BOOK YOUR DATE IN THE VILLAGE DIARY, TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
& AVOID CLASHES!

The Cricketers Pub
SATURDAY 11th FEBRUARY
Evening of romance with a wonderful 3 course meal
and a glass of Kir Royale for just £19.50.

Please look on our website or Facebook for menu!

WPN February 2012 11


CALLING ALL LITTER-PICKERS AND
A GREEN TEAM

THIS YEAR WE ARE MEETING ON THE GREEN 10.00AM - 1.00PM,
SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY TO TIDY ROUND THE POND AND
LITTERPICK OUR ROADS. PLEASE COME AND HELP IF YOU CAN.
BRING GARDENING GLOVES IF YOU HAVE THEM
AND BIN-LINERS FOR RUBBISH.

STOP PRESS
The Village Hall Committee has announced that
Phase 2 of the refurbishment will begin in early February,
hopefully to be complete in time for the Jubilee celebrations.
More information is on our website: www.wvh.org.uk.



Fancy Festooning your
Frontage this June?
Don’t delay in thinking about ideas for the Festoon Your Frontage competition
at this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The best-decorated house in the village
will win a bottle of champagne, so look out for tubs, hanging baskets and bulbs
to make your house look a right, royal sight.

Or, is parading down Fore Street
on a float more your thing?
We invite any club, group or society to enter the float competition. With themes based
on the decades of the Queen’s reign this allows scope for anyone to relive their youth
in colourful or embarrassing ways and give us all lots of amusement in the process.
Thinking caps on please!

Watch this space for more news of Diamond Jubilee preparations.



notices
weston school improvement
Weston is lucky that it has a vibrant and popular village school. However, the 100 plus year old
buildings are now showing their age. The School Governors have to make plans to make sure that
the school has buildings and finances that will allow it to continue for many years to come.
However this is done it will be an expensive process and the Governors are keen to explain the
current situation and hear ideas from as many people as possible before any decisions are made.

Please come to a meeting at the school on Thursday 1st March at 7:30pm to help the Governors
solve this problem.

It would assist the agenda for the meeting if questions could be submitted in advance to the
Chairman of Governors by email to, chairofgovernors@weston.herts.sch.uk by 27th Feb. This does
not, of course, preclude questions on the night.

This is your school so don't hesitate to let us know what you think and please come to the
meeting at the school on 1st March at 7:30pm.

Weston: A Village Album 1900 - 2000
Over the past few months I have received a number of queries about whether my book is still
available and outlets. I’m pleased to say that copies are still available from Beryl’s in Fore Street
and David's Bookshop in Letchworth, as well as from me.

Since publication at the end of 1999 sales have raised over £2,000 profit which has gone towards
Village Hall maintenance and projects.

Those new to the village (and some of longer residence) may not know of the book. As the name
suggests it is primarily a photograph album of events, people and places during the last century.
There is an excellent seven page Historical Background researched and written by Margaret Darby
(now Du Boulay). The book is hardback and priced at £9.95.

Judith Evans 790620



SNOW DROPS
AT BENINGTON LORDSHIP GARDENS

Visit the historic garden at Benington Lordship this February to see the spectacular
display of snowdrops in the dry moat and around the castle ruins. This stunning setting has
over 100 named varieties of snowdrops, as well as hellebores and winter flowering shrubs.
Hot soup, tea and cakes. Free parking.
Open every day 4-26 February 2012, 12-4pm.
Admission £5.00 (conc £4.00 but not on Sundays). Under 12s free.
01438 869668 or www.beningtonlordship.co.uk
Entrance off Benington village green, 3 miles east of Stevenage.


Obituary - Ruth turner
Many of you will remember Ruth Turner – some of you as ‘her babies’, delivered by her when she
was the District Nurse and Midwife, others from later when she was ‘Akela’ of the First Weston Cub
Pack, or as Secretary of the WI.

Ruth came to Weston as District Nurse in the late 1940’s after having trained at St Helier Hospital
and cared there for many who came back seriously injured from the ‘D Day’ Normandy landings.
The job in Weston involved living at ‘Ivy Lodge’ on Fore Street and cycling to her patients. She
particularly liked midwifery and in later years she would often meet ’her babies’ and have a chat.
She became a Queen’s Nurse - a special award given to nurses working in the community.

She met and married William Turner – Bill - a local carpenter and builder and they married in 1949.
Weston was her home for the next 50 years. She brought up her four sons, Kit, Graham, John and
Simon who, incidentally – and coincidentally - despite none being twins, shared only two birthdays
between them!

She loved the village of Weston and played an active part in the village. One year when the Best
Kept Village Competition came round, they were looking for a motivating slogan. Ruth came up
with ‘Weston the best un’ and won the prize.

The family was also active in Holy Trinity Church, with her boys becoming choirboys there;
Graham and John were later bell-ringers, and their father Bill had also been a ringer before.

One of her favourite stories from the time she was secretary of the Women’s Institute came from a
speech there about growing rhubarb. One of the audience asked what was the best thing to put
on rhubarb? One wit, which made Ruth chuckle, said ‘Custard’! Like many others in Weston
when the village was snowed in during 1963 she learned to bake her own bread and enjoy that!

Later she returned to nursing, working at Letchworth Hospital as a Staff Nurse.

In retirement she enjoyed her bungalow in Friar’s Road and the garden, but a few years ago she had
a stroke which impaired her mobility and after a number of falls she needed to go into a residential
home – Elmside in Hitchin, and was there for the last two years. Unfortunately in November she
caught pneumonia and after being transferred to Lister Hospital succumbed to it on 24 November.

The funeral service was held in Stopsley Crematorium in December and in accordance with her
wishes, her ashes are to be interred in the grave of her son Graham in the churchyard of Holy Trinity.
As many of you will know, Graham had lost his battle with cancer in 1999 – as did Bill about
a year later.

For any who would want to mark Ruth’s passing, the interment will be at 12 noon on
Monday 13 February – if you would particularly like to be involved please contact John Turner
on 01462 643 775.



DEADLINE DATES for WPN in 2012

WPN Issue Letters Final Copy
MAR MAG (Done in Feb) Wed 15th Fri 17th

APRIL MAG (Done in Mar) Sun 18th Tues 20th

MAY MAG (Done in Apr) Wed 18th Fri 20th

JUNE MAG (Done in May) Wed 16th Sat 19th

JULY MAG (Done in June) Sat 16th Mon 18th

AUG MAG (Done in July) Wed 18th Fri 20th

SEPT MAG (Done in Aug) Fri 17th Mon 20th

OCT MAG (Done in Sept) Mon 17th Wed 19th

NOV MAG (Done in Oct) Thur 18th Sat 20th

DEC MAG (Done in Nov) Fri 17th Sun 18th

JAN MAG (Done in Dec) Fri 14th Sun 16th

FEB MAG (Done in Jan) Thur 17th Sat 19th



WPN ADVERTISING
A note to all advertisers
RENEWAL DATE for ANNUAL RATES:
DEADLINE IS MARCH 31st 2012
During February we will be sending out renewal notices to all our regular
advertisers and we would like to take this opportunity to thank both annual
and ‘one-off’ advertisers for placing your ads with us during 2011.

Annual advertisers: It really helps us to keep costs down if you respond to
the renewal notices as soon as possible prior to the deadline of March 31st.
We now have a waitlist of advertisers who are eager to promote their respective
businesses over a full year and we have limited space to accommodate everyone.
Therefore, if you do not let us know if you will require your existing space in WPN,
we will have to assume you do not wish to renew and we will be obliged, without
further notice, to offer the space to the next person on the waitlist.

! The good news is that our rates remain the same !

Return your renewal slip with your remittance (cheques made payable to
Weston Parochial Church Council), (or your cancellation) by March 31st to:
The Editor, Dovecote Barn, Howells Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Herts SG4 7DZ

paul the plod
Phone numbers 101 (if you have suffered a crime or need Police within a couple of hours)
999 (for immediate response if you have just suffered a crime and to report hare coursing)
PC 431 Paul Marina. North Herts Rural

paul.marina@herts.pnn.police.uk – 01438 757924
chris.brabrook@herts.pnn.police.uk – 01438 757935
amy.rainbird@herts.pnn.police.uk – 01438 757935



notices
feline goodwill...
Many thanks to all the Carol Singers and Listeners on Dec 21st, 2011, I collected the huge
sum of £43-86 for the GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY! Most people didn't believe there
was such a charity, but, having been very upset to see how cats were treated whilst on a
holiday on a Greek Island in October, 2011, I was told by the Vet about it. It runs a neutering
programme with volunteer vets visiting Greece
which reduces the problem – it may be only
a tiny stitch in a tapestry, but every stitch helps
to reduce suffering!

For verification, you can google
greekcatwelfare.moonfruit.com
or contact Hilary Bailey,
3, Mill Ground, Weston,SG4 7AB,
01462 790586
h.bailey555@btinternet.com

JOIN THE FUN,
JOIN THE OLYMPIC TORCH ROUTE
TO WELCOME IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES!

If you would like to check on the route the Olympic Torch Carriers will take in our area,
you can check online at the following website:

http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/
where-is-theolympic-flame-going/locations-by-region-and-date.php

Watch for WPN announcements too, regarding get-togethers being
organised once we know the exact routing, to go and wave a few
banners for the village.

Tim Moody



The Old Frog Sleeps So We Talk
About The Weather
I met the Old Frog outside the alms houses and he was not in a very good mood. He was
complaining that the little pond near the alms houses was dry. “I have not known such a mild
winter like this for many a year” said the Old Frog. “While you are here” I said “can you tell me
about the school fire?”, and with one leap we were back to Sunday 14th January 1883 at 5.00am.

We crouched on the path which ran along the top of the bank which was the boundary of Munts
Meadow before the houses were built. You could see the flames and smoke coming from a lean-to
building that housed the furnace that heated the school. Local villagers were trying to put the fire
out but without much success. Mr G Crisp, the headmaster, organised a messenger to go to
Baldock for help but it was too late to save the school. The entire interior was burnt and just
the bare walls were left standing.

“Come on”, said the Old Frog “it is time to go” and we were standing on the playground in
the school grounds. “It must have been a huge financial loss” I said.
“I understand” said the Old Frog “that there was about £400 worth of fire damage and the fire
was started with wood which was drying next to the furnace”.

The Old Frog remembered, that two weeks later, the local newspaper reported a letter from
the Headmaster:

Hertfordshire Express 27th January 1883.

We have received a letter from Mr G Crisp, of Weston schools, in which he says, in reply to
our correspondent’s remark “If the brigade had been sent for when the fire was first discovered
the Girls’ school might have been saved”, that there is no Girl’s school in Weston. He adds
“no time was lost in sending for the engine since a messenger was on his way to Baldock
within 10 minutes after the discovery of the fire. Such a useful body of men as the Baldock
Fire Brigade doubtlessly deserve praise; but in my opinion, it would be advisable to leave
the right of applause to the public. I am informed, Sir, that the Baldock Fire Brigade took
45 minutes to prepare before leaving for Weston”

The Old Frog reminded me that Mr Crisp had resigned giving three months notice on the Saturday
evening of the 13th January, the day before the fire, at a managers meeting.
At this point the Old Frog had said that it was enough of this matter, other than to say that Fanny
Stokes returned as head teacher and the school moved to temporary accommodation at the Three
Horseshoes opposite the school.

The school was rebuilt at high speed and an ‘entertainment’ given on 4th April raised a sum of
£17.8s.0d This was placed in the school account. All the necessary furniture and materials were
ordered and it was hoped the school would be transferred from The Three Horseshoes back to the
newly built school in the following week.

In July the Church of England Temperance Society held a tea and meeting in the school. Some 119
folk sat down to tea and afterwards listened to a stirring speech by Mr Wickham Inskip. A Drum
and Fife band played on the school grounds before and after the meeting.


The Old Frog decided it was time to go and find another place to rest so he headed for the pond
at the back of the school and Munts Meadow, but before he hopped away he said that the
Government grant awarded to National Schools, the year of the fire, amounted to £87.19s.02d for
Weston schools and, the Inspector reported that “good work has been done, and that the result
was decidedly credible.”

I followed the Old Frog as he hopped up towards the Nursery Class and he paused for a minute
or two. I told him that I had heard today of the sad news of the death of Toby Pryor. The Old Frog
looked at me with his glistening eyes and said:

“Toby was a marvellous supporter of Weston school and along with his wife Pooh, Martin Laing
and many others, led the village in raising the money to build the Nursery class. I remember in
particular those wonderful barn dances at Fairclough in Halls Green and the Fete on the village
green, which was opened by the late Graham Hill the racing car driver. The Nursery class is still
going strong today.
The many hundreds
of Weston children who
enjoyed their nursery
school days there is a
tribute to all the people
who had the vision
to make it possible
and in particular I
remember Toby.
God bless you Toby.”

I followed the Old Frog
a little way before he
disappeared into
the long grass.

Tadpole

With thanks to Hitchin
museum and the
Hertfordshire Express.


You’re all invited to the Diamond
Jubilee celebration on June 4th
Preparations are now well under way for our village celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Everyone in Weston is welcome and each house will receive a personal invitation to come
and enjoy the pageant and then be served, free of charge, with a lovely lunch at the street party.

We would like the whole village to come and join in with the festivities
and also with competitions for the best-decorated house and the best float.

More details will be published here in the coming months.



Weston Rugby Club News
THE FATBOYS CONTINUE SUCCESS WITH
TWO GREAT VICTORIES
Weston continue to build on their success with two wins and two clean sheets from their last
two games:

Hitchin RFC 0 – 29 Weston RFC
Datchworth RFC 0 – 28 Weston RFC

Both of these games were great victories and against Hitchin we saw Marcus getting a hat trick on
his first appearance with us. Following our earlier match at home against Datchworth we had our
return fixture played on the 14th January away at Datchworth.

The result was a fantastic 28 – 0 win to Weston with four great tries and four straight conversions.

We were a bit rusty after Christmas and didn’t play particularly well so to keep a clean sheet and
win by such a convincing amount was very satisfying and all of the team put in a huge effort to
ensure this victory.

The sad news is that we did lose a few good men during this tough match with Niall Edmunds
having ripped his shoulder, Andy Sherman sustaining a severe back injury and Pete Bracey a broken
arm. Needless to say we all wish them well and a speedy recovery.

Full match reports are available to view on our website: www.westonrfc.co.uk. To get regular
updates and find out more click 'Join Website' on the homepage.

We will be continuing to training on Tuesday evenings on the rugby pitch under floodlights from
7.00pm, please come and join us.

Speak to Sonney in the shop or phone me for details on joining (07881-822460), we are always
looking for new members at every level of ability whether you have
played before or not we welcome you to join us.

David King



Weston RFC Forthcoming Fixtures

January
Sat 28th Weston RFC v Hampstead RFC - Home

February
Sat 4th Cambourne RFC v Weston RFC - Away
Sat 11th Weston RFC v Hitchin RFC - Home

March
Sat 3rd Old Haberdashers RFC v Weston RFC - Away
Sat 10th Hackney RFC v Weston RFC - Away

April
Sat 14th Weston RFC v Cambourne RFC - Home

Please do come and support us, it really does spur us on and is very much appreciated

Private viewing of
The Amazing Drawings of emerging young local artist

JACK GERAGHTY
(b. 1994)

at Halls Green Studio Gallery,
Fairclough Hall, Halls Green, Weston SG4 7DP

From 1pm - 5pm on Saturday 3rd March 2012
The exhibition also runs throughout March,
Daily from 11am - 4pm until 31st March
(Saturdays 11am - 4pm, Sundays 11am - 3pm by appointment please)

Preview rsvp: art-valcansick@hotmail.co.uk or 07814 019339



PREMIER Store
Weston Post Office & Village
Winter Opening Times
Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 7.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am - 7.00pm
Sunday: 8.00am - 3.00pm
_________________________

NEW IMPROVED WESTON VILLAGE STORE!!!!!
Great new offers in store every four weeks. There are fantastic
bargains to be had on all your general convenience items.

Speciality goods e.g. local meats, free range eggs,
cheeses, teas, coffees and cakes.

Hot Teas, Coffees and Hot chocolate in-store.

Sandwiches.

Hot foods

Laundry and Dry-cleaning service
_________________________

NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!
Starting on 25th Jan to 20th Feb

EXCLUSIVE
Pick up a scratch card for when you spend £5 or more
(excluding tobacco and have to be 18+)

1 IN 2 CHANCES TO WIN!
(100’s GADGETS & CASH PRIXZES TO BE WON PLUS INSTANT PRIZES IN-STORE)

If you have any feedback we are always happy to hear from you.
Contact Sonney: 01462 790258


HAIR WORKS - for everyone..
Situated in the pretty village of Watton-at-Stone, Hair Works offers a comprehensive range
of hair and beauty products and services. Rural businesses within North Hertfordshire are providing
valuable services to those of us who are not always in the mood to brave the parking problems
of towns and cities, or try to find a seat on crowded trains. Is it my imagination, or are trains also
getting shorter as well these days? So villages, including our own lovely Weston, have much to
offer when it comes to goods and services on the doorstep. You can be sure of a warm welcome at
Hair Works and the additional bonus of FREE parking.

As well as the full range of hairdressing, pedicures and manicures, Hair Works have recently
launched their Tanning Service from Sienna-X, the official tanning supplier to Strictly Come
Dancing, the BRIT awards of 2011 and ‘Urban Retreat’ at Harrods. See Hair Works full page ad for
details of February special promotional offer.

Salon Manager, Emily, says, “We offer a consultation service to ensure we look after our clients as
individuals instead of treating them like numbers. We establish what they really want, and make
them feel welcomed and cared for. If you look after people they will want to keep coming back..”

Established for 15 years, Hair Works looks set to continue for another 15, especially if they
continue with their caring philosophy.

LEGO MINIFIGURES
DOES ANYONE HAVE A YOUNG PERSON IN THE HOUSE
WHO COLLECTS LEGO MINIFIGURES?
My grandsons have built up quite a collection with some from each series
and would love to be able to swop. However it’s difficult for them as they’re
living in Istanbul and none of their mates out there collect them.

Anyone interested?
Jennie Bowell (790582)
jennieab@xalt.co.uk



HAIR WORKS
are pleased to announce their launch of Sienna-X Spray Tanning,
available at the Salon, or in the comfort of your own home
for a Spray Tan Party for 4 or more people.

Sienna-X is the official tanning supplier to Strictly Come Dancing,
the BRIT awards 2011 and Urban Retreat at Harrods.

You can visit us at
36a High Street, Watton-at-Stone, Herts. SG14 3SY
Opening hours:
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm

Full body Spray Tan

Shoulders, arms and face Party Package Spray Tan

All spray tans £15 throughout February
if you mention this ad when booking!

Consultations for 'Party-Hair-Ups' also available

Also: Full hair dressing, manicure and pedicure services

Please call for further information about future promotions
or any other queries, on 01920 830354

Best wishes,
Gill, Emily, Kelly, Jeanette, Sophie, Angie


WESTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 12th January 2012 in the Village Hall
Reading Room which commenced at 8.00pm
Present: Chair: Councillor Tim Moody, Councillor Joanna Cherry, Councillor John Cherry, Councillor
Judith Evans, Councillor Steve Ludbrook, Councillor Helen Marlow, Councillor Alistair Schofield and
Councillor Sonney Singh
In attendance: Lorraine Ellis (Clerk) and District Councillor Steve Jarvis
001. Apologies for absence: Councillor Leona Barr-Jones (other commitments)
002. Public participation: None
003. To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Council’s code of conduct:
Councillor Steve Ludbrook declared an interest in a Planning decision and Councillors
John Cherry and Judith Evans declared an interest in the discussion on the Council’s
contribution to Weston Parish News.
004. Minutes of the meeting held on 8th December:
To take the minutes as read and approve them as a true and accurate record.
The minutes were then duly signed by the Chairman.
005. Matters arising from the minutes of 8th December:
2011/457 Snap update: Nothing to report at this time.
2011/75(c) Neighbourhood Plan: It was reported that responses to the questionnaire had
been received via e-mail and at the Village Shop.
2011/75(d) Parish Council website update: The Chairman reported that discussions had been
held with Weston PCC and Weston Parish News, it was agreed that a website would be
welcome but it would need to be kept up-to-date. There was concern on who would
manage and fund the website. It was agreed that Councillor Ludbrook would attend the
next Weston PCC meeting on 15th February for an outline discussion. It is hoped that
a local webmaster be found to help with the project.
2011/83 Illustrative sign for the flower meadow: Council reviewed the draft design for the
illustrative sign presented by Councillor Evans. It was agreed that Councillors should forward
any changes or amendments to the draft to Councillor Evans as soon as possible. Council will
have an opportunity to see the final version before production of the sign. It is anticipated
that the work will be completed by the end of March. The sign is to be located in the same
location as the previous sign. All agreed that it was an excellent piece of work and that
Councillor Evans should include her name in the list of acknowledgements.
2011/101(a) Queen’s Diamond Jubilee update: Councillor Marlow reported that a meeting
of the organising committee had recently taken place where budgets and fundraising had
been discussed. A grant application has been forwarded to North Hertfordshire District
Council for their consideration.
Councillor Evans reported that Trinity Sunday will be on 3rd June 2012 and it may be
possible to combine events with the Jubilee celebrations.
Council discussed the possibility of planting an oak tree on the Village Green using acorns
taken from a jubilee oak. Care will need to be taken when planting on the Village Green due
to underground pipework in the suggested location. The Chairman to take the
necessary action.



WESTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES CONT.

006. PLANNING:
Applications: None received
Decisions: Duly noted.
007. Footpaths and Village Environment:
a. It was reported that the HCC Rights of Way Officer has been contacted regarding the issues
with the footpath 042 sign and the Lolleywood Lane sign. A response has not yet been
received from HCC.
b. Council agreed to use the same contractor in 2012 to cut the wildflower meadow if their
quotation is within 5% of the amount invoiced in 2011.
c. It was agreed that there would be a general litter pick and that the shrubbery around the
pond would be cut down on Saturday 11th February 2012 from 10:00am to 1:00pm,
Councillor Joanna Cherry agreed to arrange to advertise the event in the Weston Parish News
and the Village Shop.
d. Councillor John Cherry agreed to replace the log which had been situated on Footpath 9
to Halls Green.
e. Councillor Evans reported that the work on the hedge started by the Youth Offending Team
would be completed by Countryside Management Service on 8th March 2012.
008. Recreation Grounds and Open spaces:
It was reported that although moles were not present as the removal work may have been
undertaken they were however present on the rugby pitch.
009. Village maintenance:
a. It was reported that the litter bin stickers had been applied to the bins, additional stickers
were required, the Clerk to action.
b. Council wished to express their thanks to Peter Sheppard and Don Spearman for their
help with the Christmas tree. Thanks are also to go to John Cherry for supplying the tree.
010. Highways and lighting:
a. It was noted that lamp post no. 7 in Maiden Street had been reported as being faulty and
was ‘on’ continuously, Hertfordshire Highways (HHs) had advised that this had been resolved,
it is still faulty and has again been reported as a fault. The Clerk to contact HHs for an update.
b. The Chairman reported that two complaints had been received regarding the condition of
Jacksons Lane near Garthlands. Consideration was given to a short term solution and it was
agreed that the Chairman should contact the two home owners to discuss a temporary
solution and request that they scrape and hardcore the area during the building process and
provide a clear walking area, it is hoped that delivery vehicles would avoid the walking area.
Council will discuss a long term solution at a later date.
011. Finance and administraion:
a. To report on the future of Weston School: The Chairman reported that a meeting had
been held with an NHDC planner who would be able to provide specialist help. Funding
for a new school would require fundraising, sponsorship and re-development of the
current site.



WESTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES CONT.

District Councillor Steve Jarvis reported to Council that the NHDC Baldock & District
Committee had received a presentation from a resident on the parking issues near the
school, it would not be possible to remove the zig zag lines unless requested to do so by the
school. Council discussed the possible options, it was agreed that the Police Community
Support Officer (PCSO) should be involved, the Clerk to invite the PCSO to the next meeting.
b. Weston Parish News contribution: Council agreed that their contribution to Weston
Parish News for printing the Council’s minutes should be increased from January 2012
by 5%, the Clerk to action.
c. Update on the Red Lion: It is understood that Greene King has received an offer by a
Developer for the Red Lion. It is understood that the Red Lion is a Listed Building and there
is concern at the possible loss of its licence. District Councillor Jarvis also agreed to discuss
the situation with NHDC.
d. Private Property signs: Council were concerned at the number of private property signs that
were appearing in the fields in Weston.
e. Cheque signing & accounts for January: The accounts for January for £4,176.48 were
duly approved.
f. Correspondence: Duly noted.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and the meeting then closed at 9:50pm. The next
meeting will be on Thursday 9th February 2012 at 8:00pm in the Village Hall Reading Room.

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If you want to work in an established
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Weston, Hertfordshire SG4 7AX mhale@faircloughhall.co.uk
e: hertfordshire@justfittedkitchens.com
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Jan Issue of The Weston Parish News

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