About the Parishes December 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Clergy Contact via the Benefice Office: administrator@thesixvillages.org. 07934 260978. Church Officers - St Mary's, Hatfield Broad Oak www.thesixvillages.org Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr Mark Haddon Mrs Liz Webber 10 Duke’s Orchard 14 Medlars Mead Hatfield Broad Oak (718236) Hatfield Broad Oak (717980) Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs Kerry Stedman Mrs Kerry Stedman Langafel, 6 Hammonds Road Langafel, 6 Hammonds Road Hatfield Broad Oak (07890 235130) Hatfield Broad Oak (07890 235130) Services Times of services are as listed in the Church Calendar inside the front cover of the magazine. Weddings and Holy Baptism by arrangement Please see the website www.thesixvillages.org or contact the Verger: Mrs Edna Halls (01279 718231) Church Officers - St John's, Bush End www.thesixvillages.org Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr David Robson Dr Fiona Perrott-Humphrey The Woods Salix, Jack’s Lane Hatfield Broad Oak (718452) Takeley (871668) Secretary: Treasurer: Mrs Emma Biaggi Mr David Robson The Woods The Woods Hatfield Broad Oak (718127) Hatfield Broad Oak (718452) Services Times of services are as listed in the Church Calendar inside the front cover of the magazine. Articles to reach Janet Pugh, 8 Medlars Mead, Hatfield Broad Oak, CM22 7JB, telephone 01279 718435, or e-mail: janet.hbo@btinternet.com by noon on 15th of the month preceding publication. Please note: Although About the Parishes is funded by St Mary’s Parochial Church Council, opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC, nor is the PCC responsible for claims (express or implied) made in advertisements. St John the Evangelist Bush End A Monthly Newsletter of Church and Village Affairs St Mary the Virgin Hatfield Broad Oak 2024 January 2025

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Church Calendar December 2024 Sunday 1st December—Advent Sunday 9.00am St John’s—Matins 10.30aam St Mary’s—Holy Communion Saturday 7th December 9.30am St Mary’s—Church cleaning Sunday 8th December—2nd Sunday of Advent 9.00am St John’s—Holy Communion (1662) Friday 13th December 6.30pm St Mary’s—Christmas Tree Festival Preview For tickets contact Susie Dutton Sunday 15th December 10.30am St Mary’s—Carol service St Mary’s—Christmas Tree Festival 3.00pm St Mary’s—Nancy May’s concert Thursday 19th December 7.45pm Carols round the tree outside the school (New venue for Carols round the Pump) Sunday 22nd December 3.00pm St John’s—Carol Service Tuesday 24th December—Christmas Eve 4.00pm St Mary’s Crib Service Wednesday 25th December—Christmas Day 9.00am St John’s—Holy Communion Sunday 29th December 10.30am Six Villages Holy Communion Details of services in all churches of the Six Villages can be found on the Six Villages website www.thesixvillages.org. Clergy December 2024 The Revd Sophie Weller Priest-in-Charge of the Six Villages Mrs Caroline Harding Licensed Lay Minister to the Six Villages Contact details via the Six Villages Benefice Administrator: Alison Uncle administrator@thesixvillages.org 07934 260978 FALLS RESPONSE CAR SERVICE If you have fallen or have someone who has fallen and you require assistance, and are registered with a West Essex GP, please call the Care Co-ordination Centre on 0300 123 5433. If deemed clinically appropriate and the service has capacity, it will attend within two hours.

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Page 40 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES BROAD OAK STORES CURRENT OPENING HOURS: Telephone: 01279 718256 Monday: 6.30am to 7pm Tuesday : 6.30am to 7pm Wednesday: 6.30am to 7pm Thursday: 6.30am to 7pm Friday: 6.30am to 7pm Saturday: 6.30am to 7pm Sunday: 8.00am to 4pm Fresh Bread every day. Phone and Gas/Electric Top Ups. Newspaper delivery service to our local customers. And more... POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Telephone 01279 718809 Monday: 9am to 3pm Tuesday: 9am to 3pm Wednesday: 9am to 3pm Thursday: 9am to 3pm Friday: 9am to 3pm Please note the Post Office accepts British Gas Pay and Top Up. Please pop in and support your local shop and Post Office! HATFIELD BROAD OAK NON-ECCLESIASTICAL CHARITIES The Hatfield Broad Oak Non-Ecclesiastical Charities exists to make grants to villagers in financial need. Application forms may be picked up from the Post Office, or from any of the trustees: Mr Martin Broad, Mr Martin Bedwell, Mrs Penny Flack, Mr Roger Simons. Page 1 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES From Rev Sophie Weller Dear Hateld Broad Oak and Bush End The excitement is mounting as we all begin to gear up for Christmas. Presents are being bought, decorations are being put up and food and drink prepared, and there is a sense that Christmas is near… which will either ll us with a deep sense of joy and anticipation, or gloom and … (well, you ll in the gap!). However we are feeling, it’s good to remember that the very rst Christmas was also full of a mixture of emotions and feelings – The excitement of Mary as she is told she will have a baby The anger and hurt of Joseph as he hears the news The relief of Mary as Joseph realises that it IS God’s child! The turmoil of uprooting for a census The forlornness of looking for shelter in Bethlehem, when everywhere is full. The joy of a warm place to stay – even though it stinks of animals! The pain and travail of labour for Mary The panic for Joseph! The fear and startling of shepherds by Angels who tell them a child has been born who will save the world The excitement as they discover everything just as the angels have told them – and as they tell EVERYONE what has happened. Then the wise Visitors, earnest in their search of a king Being tricked by Herod to almost hand the baby over to him The wonder and worship as they come face to face with Jesus The generosity poured out with gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. And it’s all centred around this one tiny life – this little baby who is named Jesus, who is given the title ‘Immanuel’ which means GOD IS WITH US. Right in the midst of all those people, with all those emotions – enters the Son of God… and nothing will ever be the same again for them. In one night, everything has changed, because God, who was seen as being far away and other worldly – stepped into the substance and mess of our world and made it his home, so that we can see what God is like, so that we can experience the love of God in a way that is real and tangible and be changed also. How can we experience that change – well, we can pray the prayer of one of the most well known carols that is sung up and down the country in more or less every school, church and street where there are carol singers… Continued on Page 2

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Page 2 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES PARISH MAGAZINE DEADLINE The next deadline is 12 noon on 15th January in preparation for the February 2025 issue. Don’t forget that you can view this parish magazine on line at hps://www.thesixvillages.org/hbobe-parish-magazine.html —and it’s in colour! St Mary’s Church and Haield Broad Oak WI “Haield Broad Oak Community Cuppa Club” Free admission but donations to cover costs are very welcome When: 10.30am.Tuesday 28th January 2025 and every 4th Tuesday thereaer Where: St Mary’s Church, HBO Who: Anyone who would like to come! Be near me LORD Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray. Bless all the dear Children In Thy tender care And t us for Heaven To live with Thee there. We simply ask him to be near to us, to stay with us and to help us know him more and more day by day, and he will come and change our lives too… I prayed a prayer like that about 40 years ago, and I have never looked back. In that time, God has been so good to me, through the highs and the lows he has been near to me, and stayed with me – and I would never want to be without him. Why not invite him into your life this Christmas – and nd out for yourself. Many Christmas Blessings Rev. Sophie Weller Page 39 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES

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Page 38 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Page 3 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES HBO Scouts Christmas Card Delivery Support your local Scout group by using our Christmas postal service. All cash raised will go towards running our meetings in the future. We deliver to houses in the Village, Cammas Hall, the Big O, Crabbs Green, Taverners Green, Sixteen Windows and Broomshawbury. Minimum donation suggested is £5.00 Cards, together with your donation, can be taken to No 4 New Bury Meadow and left in the post box located in the porch. You have until Saturday 14th of December to give in your cards: they will be delivered from 16th December. Sunday 15th December at 3.00pm St Mary’s Church, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7H A Christmas celebration with Nancy May. Join Nancy for an afternoon filled with classic festive favourites, cherished Christmas songs and more—there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Tickets £15 Liz Webber 07779 159995 Liz_webber@hotmail.com or nancy@nancy-may.co.uk TC Tree Surgery and Grounds Maintenance I would thoroughly recommend the above firm. All work carried out by polite and courteous people and to satisfaction. Thank you Tom. Penny Flack

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Page 6 AB OU T THE PARISH ES 13th November 2024 Dear family of St. Mary’s and community of Hatfield Broad Oak and Bush End. I have asked for this letter to be read at all the churches and at all the services over the next couple of weeks. Having met with Caroline and the Church Wardens, we have come to a decision on how we can adapt the current rota of Sunday worship, and we are of one mind in our decision. You may or may not be aware that we have been constantly needing to ask people from outside the 6 Villages to lead services several times a month up until now. This is really unsustainable for us long term and takes other clergy in the Deanery away from their own churches, which is simply not fair to ask. The changes in the rota mean that each church will have 2 services a month with the Ministry Team (Sophie and Caroline), each church having 1 communion service per month. Each church will be able to have a service every other week and then we will continue to have a joint service on the 5th Sunday of every month. We have had to think very carefully about timings. Currently, where the Ministry Team are leading two services - one after the other, there is not adequate time to finish one service without running away to the next service. This means that we are rushing into the next service with little time to think never mind pray. It also means that there is not adequate time for Ministry Team to talk with people after the services and be available if any pastoral issues arise, or indeed to properly chat with new people, wedding couples/baptism families. So, after much deliberation, we have decided that the new service times will be at: 9am, 11am and 6.00pm (with the 6pm services, we are allowing that to be flexible as we know that some churches will prefer an earlier service, maybe 3.00pm or 4.00pm rather than a later one). For this church, the changes mean that: Hatfield Broad Oak: The First Sunday of each month will be a 6.00pm service The Third Sunday of each month will be an 11.00am HC Bush End: 9.00am on the second Sunday of each Month (HC) 9.00am on the fourth Sunday in each month The services that have been mentioned are the ones in which Sophie and Caroline will be involved. If churches want to hold services more regularly, the other services will need to be lay led. Page 35 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES

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Page 34 A BO UT THE PAR IS HES Rick Lloyd French Polisher Traditional Hand Polishing Antique and modern furniture Doors and Porches Staircases FREE ESTIMATES 01279 718366 Page 7 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES The changes that we are making will commence at the beginning of January 2025 and will be for a trial period of 1 year, but with a review at 6 months by the Wardens. We realise that this means some change for you as congregations and understand that change is a challenge and will take some getting used to. As you will probably be aware, the number of clergy in general within the church of England are decreasing, which means that more and more churches are going to be put into groups and clusters of churches under one clergy person rather than having 1 member of clergy for each church… this means that we are more and more reliant on having teams within churches that lead services rather than just one individual so that it doesn’t become unmanageable. The hope is that by making these changes it will mean that Sophie and Caroline will be able to work much more collaboratively, so that Service leading and preaching can be shared, but also so that there is the chance for us to encourage and train any lay people who are able and willing to lead and preach to also be part of the team. We are looking to build Sunday Service Leadership Teams throughout the churches which will ultimately enable growth in the long term. This also includes encouraging those who are willing to read and pray too. We are aware that for some these changes are more substantial than for others, but we really feel that this is going to be for the best and pray for God’s Grace and patience for all of us as we go forwards. Many Blessings to you all Rev. Sophie Weller CAROLS ROUND THE TREE ST MARY’S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL HATFIELD BROAD OAK THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER 7.45pm

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Page 8 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES HATFIELD BROAD OAK PARISH COUNCIL As we enter the holiday season, we’d like to thank everyone for their involvement and support in village projects this year. December is a great me to reect on what we’ve accomplished and to acknowledge that, while we may not always agree on everything, we’re all working toward a beer community. The Parish Council encourages open and respecul conversaons as we move forward with our plans, and we’re pleased to share some updates and opportunies for the months ahead. Village Green Fence Works. In December, necessary fencing repairs and improvements on the Village Green will take place. This work aims to preserve and enhance this important community space, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy. Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent & Pedestrian Entrance Project . We’re delighted to announce that Historic England has granted Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent to the Parish Council. This consent allows us to begin planning enhancements for the Village Green, including footpath improvements and a dedicated pedestrian entrance. This project is intended to be part of a wider community iniave, so keep an eye out for more details. Winter Salt Scheme – Volunteers Needed! With winter upon us, we are sll looking for volunteers for the Winter Salt Scheme. Volunteers will assist with occasional salng of the footpaths in the High Street, near the School and the Village Hall/Cage End when icy condions are expected. Salt bags have been delivered, and bins have been placed at the Village Hall, Church car park and the School. If you are able to lend a hand, please contact the Parish Clerk at parishclerk@haieldbroadoakpc.gov.uk. Your help in keeping our village safe during winter would be greatly appreciated! Tree Planng in Spring 2025 In support of local biodiversity, the Parish Council has ordered a batch of 60 tree saplings from the Woodland Trust, expected to arrive in March 2025. We will be seeking volunteers to help plant these young trees, enhancing the natural beauty and environmental health of our community. If you’re interested in joining, please get in touch with the Parish Clerk. Page 33 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES CHIROPODIST Mrs Julie Golden HPC Registered/State Registered Home Vising Pracce Est. 1994 01279 873492 07916 075451 A professional service at a compeve price GLYNN’S CHIMNEY SWEEPS VACUUM AND BRUSH NACS MEMBERS HETAS APPROVED 01279 424983 www.glynnschimneysweeps.com Church cleaning at St Mary’s will take place on Saturday 7th December starting at 9.30am Come and join us! Coffee, tea and cake available. NUMBERS CLUB—DECEMBER 2024 1st Carole Evans (No. 66) 2nd Ian Campbell (No. 21) 3rd Kerry Stedman (No. 36) Would you like to see your business advertised in ‘About the Parishes’? This space could have your own company name, logo and detail. If so, please contact secretary.stmaryschurchhbo@gmail.com for further details.

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Page 32 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Bathrooms Kitchens Conversions Fully Qualified Tradesmen All other aspects of building Office: 01279 814296 Mobile: 07714 300920 Email: camwoodhome@outlook.com www.camwoodhome.co.uk TONY WOOD Qualified Registered Electrician All electrical works undertaken Re-wires, new circuits, extensions Replacement Consumer Units Electric showers, additional sockets Internal and external lighting Free advice & estimates References available Competitive rates Fully insured Please ring Tony on 07714 300920 01279 814296 Or e-mail camwoodhome@outlook.com NICEIC Registered Page 9 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Village Green Sublease Update For those interested in the future management and potenal uses of the Village Green, an informaon pack covering the Sublease, Heads of Terms, and legal advice is now available on our website. We encourage residents to review these documents to stay informed and parcipate in the discussions surrounding the Village Green. Speeding in Hammonds Road Just to update residents, especially those who signed the peon, that following the speed tracking equipment going in on Hammond Road, Cllr Stedman is meeng with Cllr Barker and Sarah Tomlin from Essex Highways at the end of November, to discuss what might be possible. Thank you for your connued support and involvement in our community iniaves. We look forward to working together to make Haield Broad Oak an even beer place to live, work, and visit. Warm regards, Hatfield Broad Oak Parish Council Nature Notes It was diicult to know what to write about this month. Usually, I take our dogs for a walk and notice what is happening or changing in nature. Following an operation on my foot, I had to spend 3 weeks non-weightbearing etc. No dog walking for a while! Luckily, knowing what was to come, I moved a bird feeder right in front of my window where I sit. At least I could watch the wild birds coming to me. I never get any birds out of the ordinary. Mainly Goldnches. They chatter and argue over the food. They're beautiful birds with striking red masks. There's Blue and Great Tits. They take the food to a nearby hedge to eat. Finally, a Robin. Not as agile as the others. They prefer a at surface to feed o. I love the saying "Robins appear, when loved ones are near". Perhaps someone was keeping an eye on me! Wishing you all peace and love throughout the festive season and the coming year. Take care JK x

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Page 10 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES DISTRICT NEWS Crime Prevention and Safety Advice Analogue home phones (landlines) are being phased out. Did you know that the UK’s telephone network is being upgraded, and landline services are changing. For most people the changeover will have happened by January 2027 and switching over will have been straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes. BT is currently switching customers that: • haven't used their landline in the last 12 months, • haven't contacted an Alarm Receiving Centre in the last 24 months, • live in an area where specific measures are in place to check if people have a telecare alarm system, • aren't known to be vulnerable or have additional needs. Whilst researching this matter check out the good, easy to read advice from Age UK which may help you, or your friends and relatives. (click on the link) https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ If someone is dependent on their landline phone – for example, if they don’t have a mobile phone or they live somewhere where there’s no or poor mobile signal, then their telephone provider must offer them a 'resilience solution' to make sure they can make emergency calls during a power cut. This could be a mobile phone (if they have mobile signal) or a battery-backup unit that connects to the newly digitised landline phone and provides power in case of a power outage. It might be a good time to read up about this, via the below link, AND before the fraudsters start creating scams posing as BT or other telecoms companies to steal money for bogus new equipment, new services or simply threatening to cut people off...! Changes to landline telephones Analogue Alarms If you have other devices or services connected to your existing analogue phone line such as a burglar or fire alarm system that connects to an alarm receiving centre or other remote service, there is a possibility it may be affected by these changes. Some alarm systems that use analogue telephone lines may not continue to work on the new digital service, whilst others may do so with some minor modifications. It is likely your alarm system will need reconnecting to the new phone service after it has changed. The security systems sector is well aware of all the changes and NSI approved installers are already working to ensure the ongoing security of domestic properties is not compromised. Whether you are approached by your telephone provider to upgrade your phone service or voluntarily decide to upgrade to a faster fibre based broadband service, you should contact your alarm/maintenance provider before your line is upgraded to check whether your alarm system requires adaptation or replacement, to ensure compatibility with the new IP network. • If your alarm system provider approaches you to upgrade your system, make sure you receive a detailed quote from them explaining why the change is necessary. Page 31 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES

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Page 30 ABO UT TH E PA RISHE S Page 11 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES • Not all alarm systems will be affected by the change, and it may not be necessary to replace or upgrade your system. • Always check that any proposed changes will be ‘compatible’ with the new digital services. • Choose a professional alarm system provider approved by an independent accredited Certification Body such as NSI or SSAIB (This alarm information has been taken from the approved National Security Inspectorate (NSI) website: UK transition from analogue to digital landlines) Please help spread the word as many people are not yet aware of this. (N.B. other information is also out there, but not always easy to find!) Visit: https://www.essex.police.uk/Crime prevention advice You may also be able to obtain information from Citizens Advice East Herts (Bishop's Stortford) - 01920 459944 https://www.citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk Citizens Advice - Saffron Walden - 01799 618840 https://www.uttlesfordca.org.uk Apply for a council or housing association home Check if you are eligible, find out how to apply and search for available council and housing association homes. You can apply for council housing in Uttlesford through the Home Option partnership. You'll usually have to join a waiting list and you're not guaranteed to get a property. Check if you can apply You must be 16 years old or over to apply for council housing and have a local connection to Uttlesford. A local connection can be if you have: Continuously lived for 3 years in the district, family who have lived in the district for 5 years and who you are supporting, been working in the district for at least 24 hours a week for the last 3 years. Eligibility can also depend on: Your nationality, immigration status and if you've recently lived abroad This is because the law says that there are some people who arrive in the UK from abroad that we cannot rehouse. Who cannot apply You cannot apply if you have sufficient funds to meet your housing needs. If you are applying for sheltered housing, though, we will not take your funds into consideration. We will not accept your application if you have a history of unacceptable behaviour that will make you unsuitable as a tenant This includes: Rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, criminal activity or damage to property.

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Page 12 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Chimney safety Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are advising that a clean chimney can help prevent fires and structural damage to your property. Most chimney fires are preventable. Keeping your chimney clean can help prevent fires and structural damage to your property. Chimney safety advice Essex Fire and Rescue Service has advice for keeping your chimney safe: Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood. Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed. Use a fire or spark guard. Do not place objects on or over the mantelpiece which may cause you to lean over the fire to reach them. Inspect your chimney regularly - particularly in the roof space - to ensure that it is sound, and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks. Avoid burning soft woods as resin and soot builds up more quickly, buy suitable fuels. Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will cause corrosion and reduce the life of the liner. Regular inspections and cleaning of your chimney or flue will prevent the build-up of soot and clear any obstructions such as bird nests, leaves and debris. Wood burning New evidence has uncovered that wood burning actually hurts your health, wallet and the planet. Harms your wallet: Wood burning is almost always more expensive than other forms of heating. Harms your health: Lighting fires in our homes is the largest source of harmful small particle air pollution in the UK. Harms the planet: Wood burning creates more harmful CO2 emissions compared to other forms of heating and we cannot reproduce trees fast enough to offset the CO2 emitted by burning wood. Uttlesford District Council Customer Charter Our Customer Charter tells you about the standard of service UDC aim to provide in Their day-to-day dealings with you. They will ensure equal access and opportunity to quality services to meet the needs of everyone in the community without prejudice or discrimination. If you wish to comment on a service, give a compliment or make a complaint, you can do so on the Compliments, suggestions and complaints page on the UDC website https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk Telephone enquiries Objective: To deal with all telephone enquiries in a timely, courteous and helpful manner. Their promise to their customers: We will provide a prompt and informative telephone service. Page 29 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES THE HUNDRED PARISHES SOCIETY www.hundredparishes.org.uk Until the 19th century, education in England was mostly linked to religious institutions or funded by wealthy donors. The Education Act of 1870 made a commitment to the provision of education to all on a national scale. The Hundred Parishes has some ne examples of schools that were founded prior to this time and continue to educate young people today. Felsted School was founded in 1564 by Richard Rich, the rst Baron Rich. Under Henry VIII, he accumulated immense wealth whilst overseeing the dissolution of the monasteries, and he was later appointed Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward VI. Dame Joyce Frankland, 1531-1588, lived at Rye House in Stanstead Abbotts, the wife of the lord of the manor. Her son was killed by a fall from his horse. In her will, Dame Joyce remembered him by providing funds for the education of boys at many locations including the “ree grammar schole” in Newport, now The Joyce Frankland Academy. St Edmunds College in Standon parish is the oldest Catholic college in England. The main building dates from 1769. The school chapel is Grade I listed, built in the mid-19th century and designed by A.W.N. Pugin whose best-known work is Big Ben, the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. Some schools built after 1870 have adopted the names of notable locals. For example Leventhorpe Academy in Sawbridgeworth was established in 1965 and named after the Leventhorpe family. Sir John Leventhorpe died in 1625 and has one of the nest memorials in Sawbridgeworth parish church. Ralph Sadleir School in Standon was founded in 1971 and named after Sir Ralph who was born in 1507 and knighted in 1543 by Henry VIII. When Queen Mary I came to the throne, Sir Ralph retired to live quietly in Standon. Ken McDonald, Secretary

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Page 28 ABOUT TH E PA RISHES HATFIELD BROAD OAK VILLAGE HALL Events Please check out our website www.hbovillagehall.com. Details of all our events can be found on that website or on our Facebook "Hatfield Broad Oak Village Hall" page. Events can only be booked via email hbovillagehallevents@gmail.com If you wish to be added to our mailing list please email that same address. Regular clubs and activities run in The Hall. Check out the website for more details on The website also contains details on how to book the hall for your event (be it a party or just a social gathering). Quiz -- January 25th 2025 Doors Open 7:30 Pizza available to buy Queen Tribute Band March 1st 2025 Meetings The monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Village Hall took place on 15th October and the usual business was discussed covering the financial, bar, bookings and events. Additionally it was agreed that a new tea trolley should be purchased. • Tai Chi (Tues) • WI (monthly Tues) • Ballroom dancing (Weds) • Warm Space (Weds 2-4pm) • Line dancing (Thurs) • Yoga (Thurs & Sat) • Meditation (Mon eve) • Puppy Training (Thurs eve) • Stay & Play (twice monthly term time Fri) • Friday Club (monthly Fri) • Japanese Calligraphy (Sun). Page 13 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Where appropriate, we will provide suitable alternative contact details to ensure your enquiry is dealt with Written communications Objective: To provide a clear, full and timely response to all letters and emails. Their promise to their customers: We will aim to respond to letters and emails within 10 working days of receipt where appropriate* We will provide a timely response using plain English and respond to all points raised. Face-to-face enquiries/visits Objective: To provide a welcoming, supportive and knowledgeable service for all face-to-face contacts. Their promise to their customers: If you visit our offices for an appointment, we will aim to see you within five minutes of your appointment time. If you visit us without an appointment, we will try to keep your waiting time to a minimum. We will consider all requests for us to visit you, and if we can do so will always agree an appointment time and advise you if we are going to be late. Customer feedback Objective: To encourage feedback** from our customers ensuring we acknowledge any relevant communication and strive to learn from all comments made. Their promise to their customers: We will listen to, consider and learn from feedback we receive from our customers. We will ensure that we respond fairly to customers who take the time to contact us. Accessibility Objective: To provide the required level of assistance to ensure all customers have equal access to all services. Their promise to their customers: We will ensure our facilities meet all relevant legislative requirements. We will provide alternative methods of communication and access where appropriate. Online services Objective: To provide council services and information via the website and other online methods. Their promise to their customers: We will ensure website information is up-to-date and easy to find. We will offer payment and other services to help customers interact with the council without you having to make a visit or phone call. *Please note the council is unable to respond to some written communication, including written representations on planning applications. Some forms of written communication have national timescales in excess of UDC's 10 day target, such as FOI requests.

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Page 14 AB OU T THE PARISH ES **Feedback can include Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, Data Protection requests, Environmental Information Regulations requests, complaints, comments, compliments, consultation responses and general enquiries. What we ask of our customers We ask you to: Always treat our staff with courtesy and respect. Whenever possible make an appointment if you want to visit us. Understand that you may have to wait if you haven't made an appointment when visiting our offices in Saffron Walden, Dunmow or Thaxted. Tell us when we do not meet your expectations - we can only make improvements if we understand your problem. Provide the right documentation and information we need to be able to help you. Understand and accept that it is not always possible or practical to agree to your requests owing to legislative, financial or regulatory limitations. If you have cause to complain, ensure that you do so in a respectful way. Abusive, persistent or vexatious complaints will be dealt with according to the council's policy. Ward surgeries This month’s Ward surgeries will take place on the first Tuesday of the month at Great Hallingbury Village Hall, 2 – 4pm (03 December). And the third Friday of the month at the Dukes Head PH, Hatfield Broad Oak also between 2 – 4pm (20 December). And the normal reminder. that should you need to contact us, you can email us on the following addresses. cllrdriscoll@uttlesford.gov.uk or cllrreeve@uttlesford.gov.uk Three times over the last couple of months I've found fresh bottles of milk unordered on my doorstep. The dairy isn't a local one, and claims not to' be responsible' for deliveries this far away. I don't want the milk for go off, so leave it on the step in the hope that someone looking for their delivery will notice it as they pass by! IS IT YOURS? . Martyn Richards Feathers, Feathers Hill Page 27 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Christmas Baubles! I have spent a lot of my working life talking about, nding and removing baubles, or my correctly, testicles! In a male foetus, testicles start somewhere near the kidney and gradually descend, pop through the inguinal canal and end up on the scrotum, slightly away from the body. Testicles need to be at a slightly lower temperature than the rest of the body to function correctly and so in young male puppies and kittens, we are keen to check that testicles have descended and are in the correct location. Failure to follow the correct process of descent means that testicles can remain in the abdomen or in the groin (inguinal) region. Being at a higher temperature predisposes undescended testicles to becoming cancerous. In dogs particularly, testicles are very important for mental as well as physical development. Puppies that are undercondent or nervous can benet from remaining uncastrated. It is generally now considered amongst vets and behaviourists that every dog should be considered on a case by case basis as far as neutering goes and there is no "one size ts all" approach. In comparison, castration in cats reduces urine spraying (a form of scent-marking), wandering and ghting and so tends to make a more content and safer individual. In my career, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to castrate many exotic species - skunks, racoons, coati mundi, meercats and others. In species such as ferrets and pigs, there may be instances where a vasectomy is indicated. In this case, the testicles are left in place and a small portion of the vas deferens, the tube that transports sperm, is removed of tied o. I have done some of these procedures too! A full and frank discussion about neutering with your vet helps clients to make an informed decision about the need to, timing of and alternatives to castration in pets. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Pauline Sell

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Page 26 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES The Mobile Library usually visits Broad Street Green between 2.15pm and 2.45pm every third Wednesday. Next visit: 4th December Warm Space in the Village Hall from 2-4pm on Wednesdays. Come and enjoy a cup of tea, or coee, and cake every Wednesday afternoon. A chance to get together for a chat with other local residents. Newcomers very welcome. GENTLEMEN’S CHAT GROUP Come along gentlemen of the village! Where are you? Join our chat group and enjoy an hour of friendly conversation in the Duke's Head on the 3rd Wednesday of each and every month from 11.40am. Page 15 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES HBO Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee Report to the HBO Parish Council 15th November 2024 A Working Group meeting took place on Thursday 7th November and was attended by 6 members of the Group. Some of the items under discussion were: A ‘Coffee and Cake Afternoon’ would be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 16th November, ostensibly to show the residents how we are getting on with the Neighbourhood Plan and answer any questions raised. Editor’s Note: the meeting went ahead and was attended by 42 people. The meeting with Wynne-Williams, our landscape surveyors, took place on the 23rd of October and a few of us toured the village and visited some of the outlying settlements. They are now expecting to provide us with a first draft of their report in early to mid-December. We also met with Aecom in October to look at the mix of housing in and around Hatfield Broad Oak. Aecom will provide us with information on the type of housing we should be looking to install and also guidance on new settlement sizes. Again, we expect a draft report around mid-December. Our Call for Sites invitation is nearing the end of its programme. We have put the invitation out to every house in the parish and also advertised it locally. We have also directly contacted many of our known landowners. We will be looking for professional guidance on allocating the housing we are being tasked to build and hope to have our initial proposals out early in the new year. Work is now being carried out to identify all of the employers in the parish and we will shortly be contacting them to gain information about future employment prospects. We are also making a list of all of our clubs and societies and will be contacting them shortly. Alan Fisher 15.11.24

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Page 16 AB OU T THE PARISH ES Hatfield Regis Local History Society President: Patrick Streeter At our October meeng our Vice Chairman Quenn Spear gave a talk about the Chamberlayne family of The Ryes manor house between 1700 to 1836. The house that the family knew was built in the 1680’s by Dr. Benjamin Woodru, once Chaplain to Charles II, to a design by Inigo Jones on a moated site about 50 yards from the exisng buildings and this is now a scheduled monument. In the Chamberlayne family archive there is a pen and ink sketch on the house from two direcons. I think the house entrance faced west down an avenue of trees, part of which sll remains. The house clock may be the circular feature above the main door and this was removed before the house was demolished in 1838 and placed in John Archer Houblon’s Hallingbury Place Stable Block tower where it sll exists. The Chamberlayne family came over in the Norman Conquest and were granted land in Warwickshire. The branch of the family that we are interested in lived at Long Itchington and had broadened their economic base by sending sons o to London to be merchants and barristers. One such was Richard Chamberlayne - born in 1683, educated at Rugby School and apprenced to John Rudyard in 1700, a silk merchant who also at that me was contracted to build the second Eddystone Lighthouse which was rst lit in 1708. Richard established his own business aer his seven year apprenceship, gaining Royal contracts by 1714 and being able to marry Sarah Stanes in 1717, a sole heiress on a wealthy landowner in London who happened to own The Ryes. Richard and Sarah inherited the house in 1734 and moved in with their only child, Stanes Chamberlayne. Stanes inherited the house in 1758, by which me he had his full family of six children to ll the house. Stanes II inherited the estate in 1782 and in turn had 9 children in the family home. This was the last generaon to live here as when Stanes Brocket Chamberlayne inherited the estate in 1834, he also had a more encing oer of his grandfather’s house and wealth at Spains Hall, Willingale provided he changed his surname to Brocket, which he was happy to do and sold the house to John Archer Houblon of Hallingbury Place. The second son was a General in the army and had inherited Orford House at Ugley but his two daughters both died when 30. The third son entered the church and had the living at Eastwick but never married. The fourth son Henry was fortunate in gaining the inheritance of Stoney Thorpe in Warwickshire in 1820, where Page 25 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES HATFIELD BROAD OAK FRIDAY CLUB The Friday Club meets in the Village Hall on the first Friday of the month at 2.30pm unless there is an outing or Bank Holiday. Visitors are welcome. THE DIGITAL CATHEDRAL On Friday the 1st of November a wonderful group of Friday Club members and guests embarked on a coach day trip to St Alban’s. St Alban’s is a very old selement and was the third largest city in Roman Britain. Aer arrival, many of us dived into the local cafes for coee and maybe cake. Refreshed, St Peter’s Street beckoned. This at and easy walking street sports many of St Alban’s shops including a small M&S, so plenty of retail therapy was enjoyed. In the Malngs just o St Peter’s Street some even found a Wilko! While some enjoyed the retail oering, a number of us made our way down to the Cathedral. Finished aer 11 years of building in 1077 the building was a priory of benedicne (black) monks and only became a cathedral in the middle of the 1800s. It was nice to nd that this is a cathedral which does not charge visitors an entry fee or a charge for guided tours, which many cathedrals do. A tour of the cathedral with a guide proved very interesng and enjoyable especially as it was All Saints’ Day and there was a service going on in the background. The tour nished in the nave and we could just make out painted gures on some of the pillars. Using an i-pad the guide was rst able to bring up the faces and body of the gures while further use of the i-pad saw the clothes of the gures being coloured in—amazing. This was a great and well worth doing tour at no cost but donaons were welcome. Aer all this most were keen to nd some lunch. With 43 restaurants, 31 coee shops and cafes plus some 19 pubs and bars there was no shortage of choice! A great day out was had by all. Barry 13.11.24 6th December: Christmas Lunch—Join us for this ever popular event. Two course lunch, choice of desserts, aernoon entertainment, tea/coee and mince pies. Free rae. Christmas cards. Watch this space for our new 2025 programme of talks, eats and excursions. If you would like to join us and for further informaon, please contact either Barry, Chair on (01279 718450) or Viv (01279 718738) or reach out via Haield Broad Oak (H.B.O) Facebook page.

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Page 24 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES ST MARY’S C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL It was a very busy half term of the year for St Mary’s School. The children are very excited about their new Friday afternoon enrichment activities, which take place outdoors and give them a chance to both explore nature and burn off some of that excess energy. This is part of St Mary’s work on achieving Forest School status; teacher Mrs Hayley Luxford is completing the Forest School training and is now training the other staff. Thank you to all that came along to our open evening and met with our new co-chairs of governors and listened to our exciting plans for further improvement. We are very excited for this year and the plans we have for the school. Your continued support is always appreciated, and the governors will seek your views during the year on how we are doing! The school is lucky to have a strong and dedicated teaching team and our recent local authority review completely agreed. A big thank you to our PTA for their continued support and fundraising. In other exciting news, the Blossom Barn nursery opens after half term; we are working with them to be able to provide wraparound care for our pupils from after Christmas, something we are really delighted about. More info will follow. Parents’ save the date: Wednesday 11th December – Nativity in Church 2.15pm, all HBO residents are welcome Thursday 12th December – Nativity at School, 5pm, parents welcome Monday 16th December - Christmas Church service (Time to be confirmed) Wednesday 18th December – Christmas Dinner and Jumper Day Friday 20th December – Christmas Parties, last day of term Page 17 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES he moved to in 1824 following his marriage. The one person who has le a more lasng mark locally is Sarah Chamberlayne (1785 – 1870) who helped build St Johns, Bush End and set up a charity for distressed villagers in both HBO and also Long Itchington. We are fortunate that St Mary’s in HBO has a selecon of memorials to the Chamberlayne family, mainly the house inheritors but with helpful notes on their heiress wives! Gauging the character of the last generaon is limited but some traits stand out. Stanes Brocket appears to be argumentave and money grabbing. He had a disagreement in the Ocers Mess of the West Essex Milia and was found guilty at a Court Maral in 1809. He then promptly produced a pamphlet presenng his defence for local distribuon and then went into a successful legal career. As noted earlier he accepted his Grandfather’s inheritance as well as his own and when Sarah died in 1870 he contested her will (being proved by her youngest brother Henry) as she was passing all her wealth to charitable causes. Fortunately for us he lost the challenge and the village charies were established. Sarah seems to have been of evangelical outlook, having subscribed to SPCK from 1818, along with her sisters Emma and Harriet from 1832. Rev John Chamberlayne seems to have had a quiet living at Eastwick but welcomed his two younger sisters to the Rectory aer their father’s death and when he died, they moved to London. In the Eastwick church bapsm records he recorded a Private bapsm of Edward Tomes, Henry and Mary’s fourth child, on 14 Feb 1832 but had to add a note that the public bapsm took place on 4 May at Southam. Edward went on to become an Anglican minister himself. Henry Thomas did well for himself, being involved in Warwickshire life and commerce, including a local canal company, becoming a JP, was High Sheri in 1836 and made a Deputy Lieutenant of the county in 1859. My thanks to our President for poinng out that there are two Spains Hall in Essex and that my choice of Jamie Oliver’s Grade 1 house at Finchingeld as an illustraon was incorrect! I will have to make an oung to see both houses now! Our next meeng is on 10th December at 7.30pm in the Haield Heath URC Church Hall when Dave Webber will be talking about The Post Oce and Rowland Hill’s involvement in creang the Penny Black postal system. All welcome.

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Page 18 A BO UT TH E PA RIS HE S Save our Village Green – Update! Our Parish Council’s (PC) plans to hand over all control to the Village Green (VG) to Hateld Broad Oak Sports & Community Club (HBOSCC). A report prepared by Cllr Artus containing legal advice received from Birketts Solicitors was released to the council. However, this legal advice relates to two technical issues; the consent requirements for the disposal of land (a sublease for over 7 years is considered a disposal), and whether the sublease constitutes a subsidy to HBOSCC. A reminder that there has been no tender process for this contract. Importantly, the legal advice was not sought on the terms of the sublease. Birketts’ advice states: ‘we are not reviewing or advising on your Headlease terms’. The document states that ‘commercial, transactional arrangements included in the heads of terms are not for Birketts to provide advice as they have been agreed between the parties. The Heads of Terms (HoT’s) for the sublease has been drawn up by Cllr. Artus, Hunt and Beadle, who do not possess the legal qualications to do so. They contain the following information which leads to concerns: Break Clause – it states the sublease is the same as the main headlease between the PC and landowner. This is not the case… the PC can terminate the headlease by giving 6 months’ notice, whereas the sublease can only be terminated with HBOSCC’s agreement. Right of Entry – the PC must give HBOSCC three working days’ notice to access the site and ‘shall be accompanied by the representative of the charity’ Repair and decoration – again it states that this is as the headlease but is also false. With the headlease, the landowner can terminate the lease and reclaim the land if it isn’t maintained to a suitable standard. However, in the sublease there are no penalties for non-compliance. HBOSCC are to be allowed to hire out the VG to other organisations. Complaints Procedures – HBOSCC will deal with complaints as they see t. Constitution and Objects of HBOSCC – they will keep the PC informed of any changes to the structure or constitution only while a trustee is also a councilor. Therefore, if Cllr. Strutt is no longer on the PC, they do not need to declare any changes, such as changes to the trustees or even ceasing to be a charity. HBOSCC can have additional sports pitches and will not require the consent of the PC, like articial pitch with ood lighting. Page 23 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES Hatfield Broad Oak Women’s Institute Hatfield BroadOak WI November meeting held on Tuesday 5th November, 2024 There were no fireworks at our WI meeting but we were focused on wood, not burning it but dating it! Our speaker for the evening was Martin Bridge whose topic was the subject of Dendrochronology! No I have never heard of this term but Martin informed us that dendrochronology is the science of dating trees and woody shrubs by analysing their annual growth rings, or tree rings This is also known as tree ring dating. Martin explained that it is a fallacy that trees put on a ring for every year of their life as trees are like humans; they grow and develop in response to their environment and this is reflected in the size and spacing of the rings. Martin told us of the difficulties of dating wood and how to date wood accurately thus it is important to have several samples if possible. Much of Martin’s work has been dating wood in buildings and we learnt that a building on the High Street in Dunmow, currently a restaurant, has been there since 1381. The wooden tower at Blackmore Parish Church can be dated to approximately 1397, and Thaxted Guildhall can be dated to 1420s. Members were fascinated by Martin’s work on the wood of the Mary Rose and we learnt that the Mary Rose’s wooden hull was dated as 1509 but there is evidence of repairs being carried out during its lifetime with some later wood being identified. Martin was thanked by Carrie Scott. Our business was primarily concerned with future events, outings and lunches and more are being planned for 2025 to continue to celebrate our centenary. We held a very successful bring and buy in aid of ACWW a charity devoted to improving women’s lives worldwide. We are pleased to have welcomed another new member, Jo Bridge, and would love to welcome more ladies from the area. So do come along to a meeting. Our next meeting is our Christmas meeting when we will be celebrating Christmas with a bring and share supper and lots of chatter! Our January meeting will be held on the afternoon at 2.30pm on Tuesday 7th January 2025 at HBO village hall. Our speaker will be from the Fire Service. Fiona Cattermole Secretary.

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Page 22 ABOUT TH E PA RISHES Paws for Thought: Your Monthly Guide to All Things Pets. Ensuring Pet Safety and Comfort During the Festive Period: It’s never too early to start talking about Christmas – It’s my favourite time of the year. However, our pets may not share our enthusiasm for the festivities. As many of us begin to embrace and prepare for the Christmas holidays, it’s essential to remember that not everyone feels the same, including out furry friends. From the dangerous foods to the stress caused by unfamiliar noises and visitors, the Christmas period can present many hazards for pets. Here’s a guide on how to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable during the Christmas celebrations. Minimizing Stress from Extra Noise and Visitors: Create a quiet, safe space or area of the house where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This should be a calm, cosy space with their bed, favourite toys/enrichment, and access to water. Make it clear to guests, especially children, that this area is o-limits so your pet can relax undisturbed. Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and playtime routines. This helps to provide a sense of normality and stability, reducing stress. If your pet is particularly sensitive to loud noises or crowds, consider using natural calming aids. Pheromone sprays, calming collars, or diusers can help reduce anxiety in both dogs and cats. Speak to your vet about the best option for your pet. Visitor awareness: Guests may not always be aware of what is safe or unsafe for your pets, so it’s essential to set some ground rules to ensure the safety of your visitors and pets. Inform guests about the potential dangers of feeding your pet any festive foods. Some of the foods that are toxic for pets include chocolate, Christmas cake, and mince pies. Pets, especially those not used to children or large gatherings, can become anxious when overwhelmed. Supervise all interactions, especially between pets and young children, to prevent any mishaps. With guests coming and going, ensure all gates and doors are securely closed, consider putting your pet in a safe space when guests are arriving or leaving. Make sure to check your vet’s opening hours and out-of-hours services over the Christmas period in case of an emergency. Page 19 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES The PC chairman is a trustee and director of HBOSCC, his interests have been documented. Other councillors maybe seen to be interested by virtue of their memberships of cricket and football clubs. The sports clubs are ailiated members of the HBOSCC Charity. Cllr Murphy is a football coach and member of the cricket club, Cllr Beadle member of cricket club neither declare interests fully. There are risks that the pavilion could impact sales for local shops and pubs. The business plan reports £2000+ revenue from drinks sales, kids parties and events as the pavilion hall is intended to be hired out for private events. No questions raised relating to the validity of the HBOSCC business plan and nancial viability have been answered. This is not democratic and interferes with the PC’s obligations to be impartial, objective and act in the best interests of the public. If this sublease and subsequent contract with HBOSCC are agreed the parish will lose all control of our Village Green, but still be expected to pay up to £20,000 each year. (£26 million from our council tax). We do not believe that this is in the best interest of residents either today or over the next 85 years. Further information can be found on: www.hbovg.co.uk In preparation for the Christmas Tree Festival, St Mary’s church building will remain closed all day on Saturday 14th December.

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Page 20 A BO UT THE PAR IS HE S Dunmow u3a's dedicated Outing Team have arranged some fantastic trips this year for our members from Dunmow and the surrounding villages. We've had theatre trips to Kiss Me Kate at the Barbican Theatre, London and the stage version of Drop the Dead Donkey at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, both of which were very well supported. Our arty members enjoyed a day at the Gainsborough House in Sudbury, followed by a trip, a couple of months later, to the Sargent and Fashion exhibition at Tate Britain in London. A couple of longer-than-usual journeys took members to Holkham Hall in north Norwich and the National Space Centre in Leicester - both proved to be very enjoyable and interesting days out. Staying with the space theme, there was a trip to the Lightroom in London to experience Moonwalkers, narrated by Tom Hanks and the summer saw a cruise on the River Lee with afternoon tea. Although it was arranged at short notice, places were booked very quickly. We had a day out in Oxford, where we were free to do whatever we wanted: shopping, one or more of the university museums or just taking in the atmosphere of this iconic city. The year was completed with a trip to Cambridge to tie in with their outdoor Christmas Market which is always a popular day out - we do like a good Christmas fair or market to start the festive season. Dunmow u3a is aimed at adults living in Dunmow and the surrounding villages who are no longer in full time employment and have an interest in all things new: hobbies, challenges, sports or just making new friends. Is this you? Then Dunmow u3a could be for you! To find out more, visit the Du3a's website https://dunmow.u3asite.uk or email membership@dunmowu3a.org.uk Registered charity number: 1168310 Page 21 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES We are hoping for a good cold December! Early December 2022 we had hard frosts for many days on end, the ground was frozen solid and mid-month there was snow. We lost perennials and shrubs because it was so exceptionally cold that winter. Whereas in December 2023 we didn’t have any frost that I can recall, followed by mild temperatures in January and rain galore over the whole winter season, such that we had to cancel most of our snowdrop open days. The early season was then blighted by the slugs and snails which had overwintered, multiplied and were voracious. So, although there are risks from frosts, we have our ngers crossed for a decent blast of freezing air! Our winter works are progressing, with lots of eort put into leaf clearance to put into new bays to make leafmould. We never have enough, as we have so many trees, roses, dahlias, rhubarb and fruit bushes that benet from it. We also put out a call for manure and have spent happy hours barrowing that around the Gardens! In December we will nish those jobs and take time to reect on what visitors enjoyed this year, to build a good calendar of events for 2025. To keep an eye on how we are getting on with our winter jobs, why not follow us through Facebook or Instagram or take a look at our Garden News on the front page of our website or sign up to an e-newsletter through www.eastonlodge.co.uk Jill Goldsmith November 2024

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Page 6 A BO UT THE PAR IS HES 13th November 2024 Dear family of St. Mary’s and community of Hatfield Broad Oak and Bush End. I have asked for this letter to be read at all the churches and at all the services over the next couple of weeks. Having met with Caroline and the Church Wardens, we have come to a decision on how we can adapt the current rota of Sunday worship, and we are of one mind in our decision. You may or may not be aware that we have been constantly needing to ask people from outside the 6 Villages to lead services several times a month up until now. This is really unsustainable for us long term and takes other clergy in the Deanery away from their own churches, which is simply not fair to ask. The changes in the rota mean that each church will have 2 services a month with the Ministry Team (Sophie and Caroline), each church having 1 communion service per month. Each church will be able to have a service every other week and then we will continue to have a joint service on the 5th Sunday of every month. We have had to think very carefully about timings. Currently, where the Ministry Team are leading two services - one after the other, there is not adequate time to finish one service without running away to the next service. This means that we are rushing into the next service with little time to think never mind pray. It also means that there is not adequate time for Ministry Team to talk with people after the services and be available if any pastoral issues arise, or indeed to properly chat with new people, wedding couples/baptism families. So, after much deliberation, we have decided that the new service times will be at: 9am, 11am and 6.00pm (with the 6pm services, we are allowing that to be flexible as we know that some churches will prefer an earlier service, maybe 3.00pm or 4.00pm rather than a later one). For this church, the changes mean that: Hatfield Broad Oak: The First Sunday of each month will be a 6.00pm service The Third Sunday of each month will be an 11.00am HC Bush End: 9.00am on the second Sunday of each Month (HC) 9.00am on the fourth Sunday in each month The services that have been mentioned are the ones in which Sophie and Caroline will be involved. If churches want to hold services more regularly, the other services will need to be lay led. Page 35 AB OU T THE PARI SH ES

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