Another amazing quiz brought to the Hertford area by SI Hertford & District.  A record 25 teams entered and once again the questions were set by our own cunning quiz setter Val Seddon.  Thanks go to our Quizmistress Jenny Cobb, who miraculously keeps the whole thing to time, our team of intrepid markers and our excellent seller of raffle tickets Val Cole, but above all our organiser Anne Miles who has no equal when getting us to do whatever is needed.  All monies raised will go to President Sarah’s charity Carers in Hertfordshire.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and not too many answers were questioned by the players but the quizmistress’ answer is final!!            

‘Support When Health Changes’. The speaker, Graham Craker (a retired police protection officer) is a volunteer at Macmillan Cancer Care He spoke about the founding in 1911, by Douglas Macmillan, of ‘The Society for Prevention and Cure of Cancer’ after he had seen his father die of cancer. This later became Macmillan Cancer Care. As well as supporting patients and the families, Macmillan sponsors nurses within the NHS for specialist training for 2 years to become Macmillan nurses. They also sponsor and train NHS oncology doctors. Macmillan fund telephone help lines for patients and a special line for teenage sufferers. Last year locally £1.5 million was raised; last year nationwide £150 million was raised.

  Linda Cudmore, Development & Fund-Raising Manager, Carers in Hertfordshire Mission statement – Vision for the future Carers in Hertfordshire is concerned first and foremost to support the carer, whatever the caring circumstances or the condition of the person receiving care. They aim to ensure that all carers in Hertfordshire are recognised and valued; are informed and supported in their caring role; have an opportunity for a life outside caring; can exercise a collective voice; and can be involved in consultation and planning to ensure high quality support services for themselves and the people they care for. Linda gave an excellent PowerPoint presentation about the work undertaken by Carers in Hertfordshire. There are approximately 109,000 carers in the county. The organisation aims to make caring visible. To identify needs, resources and support earlier, as this leads to a better journey. By recognising and appreciating carers’

  On Monday, 7th September, Club members and friends enjoyed a Frugal Supper raising £341 for their Charity of the year, Carers in Hertfordshire. Michele Stokes, the C.E.O. for the Charity, gave a short account of her voluntary work as a Birth Companion. She supports women in prison when they are having a baby, giving invaluable help and care.This was something we knew nothing about and it was an insight for us all.

On the hottest July day for 165 years we held our annual Tea Party in aid of the Isabel Hospice. Club members and friends enjoyed a delicious tea provided by members and the Hertford and District U3A  Ukulele group gave a short entertainment. It was a most enjoyable afternoon and through the generosity of those present and from donations, the club raised over £400.

Vic’s talk was entitled ‘Growing for Change’.   About 10years ago Vic wanted to set up something for 19 year olds and older who have learning difficulties.  That ‘something’ was Mudlarks, an allotment in the community where they can feel ownership and involvement.  They started with a small garden shed and gradually grew, with support from various companies.  As she said ‘Plants don’t care who you are.  Plants are not threatening and provide a bit of stability.’  They also now do some community gardening and have helped by working at the Castle in Hertford and town council gardens.  They will also help the elderly with their gardens and some of our members benefit from this!!  They also run the Mudlarks café in Hertford and food they have grown is used there along with as much local produce as they can source. For more information on Mudlarks

SI Hertford and District held its AGM on 20th April 2015.  The picture shows IPP Pam receiving a bouquet from incoming President Sarah.  IPP Pam had asked that she would prefer not to receive a present, but that any donations made, be given to her charity ACET (African Children’s Education Trust).

Our wine and cheese party to raise money for WaterAid has become an annual event,  this year raising over £650.  Apart from the social side of wine and cheese there was a wine and water tasting competition, fiercely fought over with this year someone getting a completely correct entry (guesswork or knowledge, I leave it to you!) and winning – guess what- a bottle of wine, slightly better than those on offer for the tasting. There were also poems to read related to wine and water, as it was also national poetry day, and a mini quiz on wines and cheeses (no prize for this one).  Below are a selection of photos from our evening.  

On Monday, 16th March, member Karin Weston took us with her on her travels to Bhutan with an informative and beautifully illustrated talk on this little known country and her people. We were able to gain a little insight into the culture and way of life, at the same time appreciating Karin’s love of the architecture and magnificent scenery.