Plums first developed by Rivers Nurseries of Sawbridgeworth in the 1870s and 1880s are now available once again, freshly picked, at Cammas Hall Fruit Farm,near Hatfield Broad Oak. As of this week, August 9th 2010, you can once again purchase some wonderful plums which were first introduced nearly 140 years ago by Thomas Rivers of Sawbridgeworth. The variety Czar with its sharp flavour is a popular culinary variety and was first introduced in 1871 followed by Heron in 1875 and the delicious Mallard which is a red sweet plum was developed in 1885. These are just some of the varieties of fresh local produce managed to a very high standard which are making a welcome comeback.
As one of the pioneering 'Pick Your Own' farms in the mid 1960's, Cammas Hall Fruit Farm has always prided itself on supplying the freshest fruit, of the highest quality, direct to their local consumers.
Cammas Hall Opening Hours Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am until 6pm For information on opening times and availability of produce please call 01279 718 777 Email:paula@jmlukies.co.uk For technical information and large orders please call 01279 718 570 Website;http://www.chff.co.uk/
Cammas Hall Fruit Farm is located at the following address: Needham Green Hatfield Broad Oak Nr. Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM22 7JT
Transform your energy into creativity. Do creative performing ARTS during the holidays. Monday 2nd - Friday 6th August Monday 9th - Friday 13th For more information call 01279 843215
THE wheels on Sawbridgeworth’s successful Community Bus will go round and round six days a week from August The Sawbobus service is to be expanded to run every day except Sunday now that a sponsorship deal has been secured by the town council. Gravelle Budgens supermarket in London Road has been revealed as the main contributor following the council’s bid to find the extra £5,000 a year needed to expand the bus service. Rivers Hospital and local housing association Circle Anglia have also made contributions, while Sawbridgeworth's Herts County Councillor Roger Beeching has earmarked funds from his own discretionary budget.
The town council has also diverted funding from the now dissolved Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership and will explore other options such as applying for grants from sources like Eastern Plateau, which supports rural communities.
To celebrate its partnership with Gravelle Budgens, a joint publicity drive is running throughout this month, with plans afoot to offer Sawbobus passengers discount vouchers to spend in store every Thursday.
All the sponsors will be offered the opportunity to have their company logo displayed on the side of the 16-seater minibus.
Town clerk Richard Bowran said: “This is an excellent example of how we can work with local retailers and other organisations for the benefit of the community.”
Since launching in November last year to replace Arriva’s axed SW service, Sawbobus has carried more than 7,000 passengers. When it starts operating six days a week it is expected to ferry more than 18,000 people a year.
Such is its success that the town council is launching a third route. It already operates runs to Bullfields and the railway station but will introduce an additional route to High Wych to meet demand. It will make stops in the village and at Rivers Hospital before returning to Sawbridgeworth via West Road.
Rivers Hospital, Sawbridgeworth in UK Top Ten
The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth has just been named as one of the top independent healthcare employers in the UK. The hospital was honoured in the Healthcare 100, organised by national magazines Nursing Times and Health Service Journal. Rivers Hospital wins 9th place in top UK healthcare poll.
The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth was named yesterday as one of the top independent healthcare employers in the UK. The hospital was honoured in the Healthcare 100, organised by national magazines Nursing Times and Health Service Journal, and endorsed by the Department of Health and NHS Employers.
The Rivers was awarded 9th place in the poll, which is judged by the views of employers and their staff, and analysed by leading research firm Ipsos MORI. The poll was open to all healthcare providers nationwide. Rivers ranked 2nd place among the UK independent acute hospitals in the survey.
Richard Parsons, Regional Director based at the Rivers Hospital, said: “I am delighted that Rivers has been voted into the top 10 of the best places to work in the UK, for the second year. We know that Rivers is a very special place, where staff combine professionalism and friendliness to give excellent patient care. However it is an additional honour for our staff to be recognised as a winning team at national level.”
The Rivers is owned by Ramsay Health Care and has benefited from ongoing investment in the quality of facilities for staff and for patients. The Rivers recently opened a £3.5M development to extend the facilities available for patients in the area. The development included a dedicated day-case facility, additional operating theatre, high dependency rooms, pre-admission suite and improved chemotherapy facilities.
' A WALK IN THE PARK' & MEET ITS VERY SPECIAL RESIDENTS
Our town has some great hair and nail bars... I go there every week
A walk in the park and Meet the Cattle is an event for all ages to enjoy. So if your off school with a 'What to do List' then this is a great way to find out what is going on in Pishiobury Park. 29-July-2010 at 11am to 2.00pm Location: Pishiobury Park, London Road, Sawbridgeworth. A second 'Meet the Cattle' Event is being staged at Pishiobury Park in July.... PLEASE NOTE EARLIER START TIME THAN PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED Pishiobury Park on Thursday 29th July from 11am to 2pm. This is a great chance to find out about the rare native breeds that graze the fantastic historic parkland of Pishiobury Park. A free event for all the family, come and hear about the animals, did you know there are even two buffalo in the park? Nature walk, history of the park walk, find out how you can help to look after the park and its wildlife and lots more. More details contact Fiona Underhill Countryside Management Service 01462 459395 or email;fiona.underhill@hertscc.gov.uk
Long Horns! Whilst their horns may, to some, give an opposite impression Longhorns are noted for their exceptional docility, an extremely important consideration when establishing a herd. This quality, combined with their attractive appearance engenders great affection in all who acquaint themselves with this beautiful beast. More info on this gracious rare breed at http://www.longhorncattlesociety.com/about.php
The Creative Hair & Beauty Bar, 113 London Road,Sawbridgeworth are having a special Launch day: Sat 10th July 12 -4pm. Special offers, free prize draw, goody bags and much more! Our aim is to offer top to toe hair and beauty treatments in one salon. We offer a wide range of hair, beauty and nail treatments in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. So come along Sat 10th on your way to or from the Circus event at Mandeville School and see what we are all about. For info see our main listing on the business pages of this site or Tel:01279 726222 www.creativehairbeauty.co.uk email:info@creativehairbeauty.co.uk
SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN PARTNERSHIP AWARDS PRIZES TO LOCAL SCHOOL!
Mandeville pupils receiving the prize.
Mandeville Catering Manager, Mrs Heggarty,
Pupils at Mandeville school have been presented with 5 fabulous portable kitchens as a prize for their fantastic achievements in the Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership project ‘The Lunchbox Detectives’. The Lunchbox Detectives project is a joint project between Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership (STP) and East Herts Council following a successful funding bid submitted by the STP. The aim of the project is to work with primary school children to establish good eating habits that continue into adulthood. The project began with fun, interactive, drama sessions focusing on encouraging an understanding of food groups and what types of food might be included in a healthy lunchbox. The children had a great time – and wrote an article about it for their school magazine. During cooking workshops pupils learnt about the importance of food hygiene and made delicious and nutritious home made pizzas. They were then set the challenge to come up with healthy recipes for inclusion in a cookbook.....and they were amazing. All the recipes were trialled on family and friends and scrutinised for taste and healthiness. The result is a high quality cookbook – with a huge range of recipes from starters, through to dessert!! To congratulate the pupils on their stunning effort – they were presented with cooking equipment which included portable hobs, saucepans, bowls, weighing scales, timers, graters, rolling pins, even foil and dishcloths were provided. This is enough equipment for a whole class to take part in cookery activity and will help pupils to experiment with cooking into the future. The fabulous cookbook will be sold by Mandeville school to raise funds – and will be available to the public in Sawbridgeworth Budgens in July – make sure you call in for your copy!
Sawbridgeworth welcomes a new business to No 1 Cambridge Road. Junction of West & Station Road. The former West Side stores site has had a complete makeover and is now a Day Spa & Tanning Salon called Blanco Browns. Beautifully redecorated this new Tanning and Beauty Salon offers all the Elemis range, Ergoline Tanning Units, anti ageing injections, teeth whitening, perm make-up, spray tans (which are £10 all day during the Launch) and lots more. Ful details of this business are now on our listings on our Business pages of this website.
THE LAUNCH PARTY IS THIS SATURDAY MAY 8TH 12 NOON. So please come along.
29th April 2010 Today sees the launch of our latest GALLERY pages for this website The new GALLERY feature contains sets of images relating to our town. Due to the scenic beauty of the area and the changing seasons we have a lot of rich photo materials to harvest, providing an opportunity for display and for others to enjoy. The scenes and themes will change on a regular basis and with lots of professionals and amateurs around us with a good eye for composition we hope to have some excellent images to show in the coming months.
Do you have photos, lurking in albums or on rarely seen computer files of Sawbridgeworth,old or recent, that you would like publicised on this site? Then please get in touch. We are also happy to hear of suggestions for other local themes and Gallery collections, just use the Contact Us feature on this page.
SBW 2010: A PHOTO-DIARY.
ANNOUNCEMENT. As a result of a successful joint grant application with Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership to the Sawbridgeworth Town Council, I am pleased to announce that I will be documenting many of the town’s events over the year. By crystallizing in time various social happenings using photography, the images obtained will provide a record a typical Hertfordshire Town for everyone to enjoy and study.
Sawbridgeworth Past and Present (1910-2010). An exhibition of black and white photographs of my handiwork will be held early next year. . It is also hoped to exhibit contemporaneous images from Edwardian times. This comparative exhibition will aim to examine and show how life in Sawbridgeworth has altered during the last century Updates of events covered so far are available on line at http://sites.google.com/site/sawbridgeworth2010
I would like to hear from any residents, local groups and event organisers with forthcoming events.. Please contact: DR. Gerald P. CONNOLLY TEL: 01279-725711 EMAIL: sawbridgeworth2010@talktalk.net
Easter Farmers’ Market …Another great day for our Town
'Every man and his dog' take in the Farmers' Market
Brisk trade throughout
The sun gods quickly saw off the few April showers that turned up on this special Easter Farmers’ Market and we had yet another excellent day for town and community. All our national food award winning producers were in attendance and trade was very brisk through the morning. Fresh, locally produced meat, fish, cheese and vegetables were quickly snapped up along with all the usual gourmet accompaniments. Pre market leaflet drops and articles in Church and Town and excellent support from Axis Magazine ensured we had good all round publicity and a great turnout for the events. Community groups featured in the listings of our website such as Girl Guides, Rivers Nursery Orchard Group, the Scouts, Spinners and Weavers gave demonstrations on the Green and informed the public about their activities as part of our Community Information Day. Children participating in the town Easter Trail received goody bags and the free face painting also proved very popular with young children and families. Visitors to the town and the Market received a free ECO bag promoting Green Sawbridgeworth and our aim of Free Trade status for the town was also actively promoted. There was a very evident, vibrant community social atmosphere in this market. Sawbridgeworth families met visiting relatives and then went to local cafes and a walk around the town, and all the family dogs were out, especially tempted by the aromas from the hog roast! Several businesses were extra busy with the increased market footfall and Easter visitors, which are very welcome as we emerge from the recession. This was the last market staged by the Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership before handing over the running of the market to the Sawbridgeworth Town Council and they are wished every success in the future.
Sawbridgeworth Cancer Support Centre extends opening hours
Please note that due to demand at the Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre at the Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth, the centre will now operate 3 days a week. From Monday March 8, the support centre will open on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9.30am – 4.30pm The centre offers reflexology, aromatherapy and manual lymph drainage (MLD). (Please remember that even though it is located in the private hospital, the services offered by this support centre are free of charge). Centre administrator Linda Bowler said: “ I am delighted that the centre will now be open three days a week in order to help cancer patients in the Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow areas as well as the rest of Herts. We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest and support of the centre so far since opening in November."
For more info on HEAL Events please contact: Melissa Matthews PR Officer Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Tel: 01245 514700 | Fax: 01245 515028 | E-mail: melissa.matthews@helenrollason.org.uk | www.helenrollason.org.uk Woodside, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7ET
Herts Open Studios 2010 (11th September to 3rd October) Hertfordshire, UK, Herts Visual Arts Forum (HVAF) is once again calling for ALL artists, designers and craftspeople, both professional and amateur to join HVAF and take part in the County's biggest annual art event - Herts Open Studios. Herts Open Studios runs from 11th September to 3rd October 2010 and is a unique opportunity for participating artists throughout Hertfordshire to open up their studios to the viewing public. Herts Open Studios provides a great opportunity for members of the public to meet local artists, talk about their work, and see firsthand how some of the art work is created. The public also have the rare opportunity to purchase art direct from the artists. All the information visitors need to plan a trail - artist details, images of art work and directions to each location are set out in a full colour brochure which will be in circulation from July to publicise the event. And even better the event is free to the public!! 25,000 copies of this free brochure are printed and can be obtained from libraries, galleries, art shops, tourist information offices and theatres, or a copy requested via the website www.hvaf.org.uk. HVAF artists participating in Herts Open Studios also benefit from prominent exposure on the HVAF website and are assisted with promotion via HVAF's publicity department. Other benefits of HVAF membership include invitations to workshops and lectures from renowned local and national artists, social and networking events, and the opportunity to display at seasonal exhibitions around the county. Depending on their discipline artists can join one of the many sub-groups within the organisation, from the sculpture group to textiles and the newly formed glass group. The closing date for registration is 31 March, and forms for HVAF membership and Open Studios are available to download via www.hvaf.org.uk. For more information call Linda Warminger, Open Studios Coordinator on 07813 100651. About HVAF The Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum was launched in 1990 as part of Hertfordshire County Council's Arts Development Strategy for Hertfordshire. The aim was to give artists a voice within the county, highlight opportunities and encourage them to establish professional structures and contacts. An early initiative was HVAF's annual Open Studios event. Starting with only 17 studios in 1991, it has become one of the county's popular late summer events. There are now regularly 200 artists involved each year throughout Hertfordshire including several in Sawbridgeworth. For further details please go to www.hvaf.org.uk. To become a member of HVAF go to: join@hvaf.org.uk For further information on taking part in Open Studios contact the Coordinator on: openstudios@hvaf.org.uk Press Contact: Jenny Timms, E: publicity@hvaf.org.uk, M: 07879 256115, www.hvaf.org.uk
Leventhorpe School in Sawbridgeworth will be fundraising next week in aid of three charities. 1. Helen Rollason Cancer Charity 2. Haiti 3. British Heart Foundation
Angela Lodge, community relations manager, at the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity said: “Leventhorpe School pupils really have taken fundraising to their hearts. It’s wonderful to see youngsters actively organising events themselves to raise money for local, national and international appeals. In recent months, Leventhorpe has visited the new Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre at Rivers Hospital in High Wych, to meet the therapists and gain a greater understanding of how the support centres help cancer patients. “The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has had a great level of interest for its new cancer support centre since opening and as of Monday March 8, 2010, the centre will now open three days a week instead of two.” Cancer support centre administrator Linda Bowler said: “It’s great to be able to offer an extra day of therapies to cancer patients in the area. We are now open Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9.30am – 4.30p offering reflexology, aromatherapy and manual lymph drainage. Anyone who would like to find out more about our se4rvices can visit www.helenrollason.org.uk or call us on 01279 602667.” From Monday March 8 to Friday March 12 the pupils have a range of activities on offer. Monday: Bring and buy, 6th form Full Monty, Staff in Their Eyes Tuesday: Bring and buy Blindfold Taste test, Slave Auction Wednesday: bring and buy & Cake Sale Thursday: Bring and buy, Sponging Teachers, Strictly Come Prancing, Sponsored Silence Friday: Bring and buy, Sponging Teachers, Talent Show Non Uniform day – (Theme Heroes and Villains)
For more info on HEAL Events please contact : Melissa Matthews PR Officer Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Tel: 01245 514700 | Fax: 01245 515028 | E-mail: melissa.matthews@helenrollason.org.uk | Woodside, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7ET
Sawbridgeworth - The Big Swap It is Fairtrade Fortnight - and the theme this year is 'The Big Swap'. The Fairtrade Foundation is encouraging people to swap something in their shopping basket for its Fairtrade equivalent. You could choose to swap bananas, tea bags or chocolate - whatever it is we hope you join in.
A display about Fairtrade has been put up in Bell Street as part of Fairtrade Fortnight - it has information about the aims and principles behind Fairtrade as well as a selection of Fairtrade goods already available in the town. Please take a look!
You can find further links to the Fairtrade via the Fairtrade group which is listed in the Community Pages on sawbridgeworthonline.com
YouthCREATE celebrate 23 Years!
YouthCREATE have exciting plans as they head into 2010 PRESS RELEASE!
New Year = New logo, New team, New skills, New Patrons and New show! 2010 is the year that it’s all happening for Sawbridgworth based charity - Youth CREATE!
Youth CREATE - the all ability/all inclusive performing and creative community arts group is in its 23rd year of running. The group is shaking off the cobwebs and celebrating this year with a brand new logo, a brand new team of workers with brand new skills on offer! The group boasts two inspiring Patrons that have just come on board; Derren Brown is the Patron of Magic so if you’d like to amaze your friends and family with tricks and sleight of hand then go along and learn the mystical secrets of a magician! Lou Romano, Pixar and voice over artist is the Patron of Art and Craft so go along if you are artistic and would like to be involved with the design, decoration and building of a set under guidance of a professional set designer and artist. There is also a poster competition for the upcoming show – Charlie’s Chocolate Emporium. Entry is 50p all proceeds go to the charity. The winners from each age category will win some chocolate goodies and the overall winner will also have their poster used. More information can be found on the website. If film and television is more your thing perhaps you’d like to be the in house reporter and film crew for “The Creating of Charlie’s Chocolate Emporium” as well as filming the final production of Youth CREATE’s next show to be performed in April at The Victoria Hall Theatre, Old Harlow?
They of course still teach all other aspects of performing arts including; drama, voice, dance, singing, tech’ and performing skills. So, whether it’s back-stage or on stage that you shine, they can accommodate! Due to their all ability/all inclusive policy it also means that you naturally build on those all important social skills. For more information on how to transform your energy into creativity please log on to their website; www.youthcreate.co.uk or call Liz 01279 843215
A fantastic opportunity to be involved with your local greenspace.
Support this wonderful local resource
Coming soon - Friends of Pishiobury Park. Pishiobury Park is a wonderful historic parkland owned and managed by East Herts Council. The Capability Brown landscaped grounds still feature ancient avenues, wonderful meadows and veteran pollarded trees. The park is fantastic for wildlife, popular with dog walkers and extensive grassland is grazed by native breed cattle. Join Friends of Pishiobury Park to learn more about the wildlife, habitats and history of this park. Get fit, meet new people and learn practical skills on tasks around the park. For more details contact Fiona Underhill on 01462 459395 or e-mail Fiona.Underhill@hertscc.gov.uk. Also see CMS website for more volunteering opportunities www.hertsdirect.org/cms
Wassailing Rivers Nursery Orchard Jan 9th 6.30 pm to 8.00.. Game on! Wassailing is not for wimps watching weality TV on an early Saturday evening in January. We are reversing the current cold snap with a real orchard wood bonfire and we will warm the environs of Sawbridgeworth and melt frosty atmospheres, frozen bodies and freezing vocal chords Wassailing - an ancient practice of blessing Apple Orchards to ensure that there is a plentiful crop of wonderful apples the following year.
WHY not join one of the biggest local fundraisers in 2010 from the comfort of your own home? The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is urging people to participate in a month-long tea party it is promoting throughout February..... 'TEA FOR HELEN' is a new fundraising campaign encouraging people to arrange a tea party in their home, workplace, sports club, school or social club or anywhere you choose. Invite your friends, work colleagues, school friends for a cuppa and charge them for the privilege. The tea parties can be as big or small as you like, whether you raise £10 or £100, every penny will really make a difference to someone living with cancer. Enjoy a cuppa and raise funds for us!” What to do next… • Choose a date in February for your tea party • Register with the Helen Rollason fundraising team on 01245 514325 or e-mail angela.lodge@helenrollason.org.uk • Wait for your Tea for Helen pack including balloons, posters, pack of Tetley tea bags and sponsorship forms to arrive • Invite your guests • Enjoy a cup of tea while raising funds for the charity!
BBC Sport presenter Clare Balding, who is supporting the Tea for Helen “Tea for Helen draws on all of these feelings and by joining in our campaign, you can make yourselves and others feel better.” Wilkin & Sons Ltd is supporting Tea for Helen by offering their jars of Little Scarlet jam for just £1 (RRP £3.45). To claim your £1 pot of Little Scarlet, please call into The HEAL Shop in Bell St Sawbridgeworth Once you’ve eaten the pot of jam, fill it up with money and send it back to the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.
To coincide with the Sunday Farmers' Market we will be open Sunday after 9.30am. For all those special Xmas last minute gifts that you won't find in the big stores, visit La Provence in Bell St.
Full of Beans - Opens Sunday 20th Dec09
Full of Beans - Health Food Shop Opens this Sunday to coincide with the Farmers' Market. 2 Church Street, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 9AB. Tel - 01279 726002 Fresh Organic Produce , Special Dietary Food • Vitamin & Mineral Supplements • Homoeopathic & Herbal Remedies • Wholefood & Healthfood
Local Book on history of Rivers Nursery, Sawbridgeworth now available in the shops
Don't leave it too late!
Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth: The Art of Practical Pomology by Elizabeth Waugh This new publication covers the hows and whys of Rivers Nursery’s decline and the rescue of what has now become a thriving traditional community orchard. It features....... It features centuries of fruit development and is a major contribution to our orchard, garden, landscape heritage. For local people this book will help many make sense of the history of some famous local landscapes. The book is part of a joint effort to truly consider the contribution of the nursery, conserve its legacy and provide a living link to our heritage with a site that must be accessible to all in our community. Many hundreds of people living in Sawbridgeworth today reside in houses which are sited on what was once land where Rivers fruit trees were grown. This book will make an excellent Xmas present for those near and far who have association with this area, our town or an interest in history,heritage and horticulture
204 pages, 59 illustrations. ISBN 987-1-904851-32-5 Price £10, postage extra
HOW TO GET YOUR COPY Download an order form at http://www.riversnurseryorchard.org.uk/News.aspx Free local delivery in Sawbridgeworth Also available at: Full of Beans - Health Food Shop, Church St, Sawbridgeworth. Boardman's Booksellers – Bishop’s Stortford. Waterstone's Booksellers – Bishop’s Stortford. Hertfordshire County Archives - County Hall. Harlow Garden Centre. M11/A414 Intersection
The Hailey Centre will be open on Sunday 20th dec to coincide with the Farmers' Market.They will be serving Teas and Coffees and the best bacon rolls in town.
Reedings School Charity Christmas Puddings
If you'd like to buy a really tasty, AWARD WINNING Christmas Pudding and help a local school at the same time, please consider buying a Reedings School pudding this year. All profits from the sale of these £5.50 puddings go directly to the school. These 1lb puddings will serve four and are wrapped in red foil with a unique label designed by one of our pupils. To buy, please send £5.50 payment and contact details (cheques payable to Reedings School PTA) to:
Reedings Junior School Bullfields Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 9DD
Alternatively, the puddings will be available from Simon Dennis butchers from 10th December.
La Provence Announces Christmas Late Night Christmas Shopping
La Provence will be opening until 7pm on Thursdays to enable late night shopping from the 26/11/09 La Provence will be opening until 7pm on Thursdays to enable late night shopping from the 26/11/09. This will include the Tea rooms, that for the first time will be offering a "Special Winterwarmer Coffee".
Support Centres Mgr Lorna Ellis, Charity Mgr Nicola Douglas, Community Relations Mgr Angela Lodge, cancer patient Eileen Shilton, Support Centre Coordinator Linda Bowler and therapist Rachel Hart.
Clare Balding & Eileen Shilton
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity A NEW cancer support centre has been launched in the Sawbridgeworth area... The Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre, launched on Tuesday November 10, 2009, by BBC Sport presenter and charity vice patron Clare Balding, is set to help people living with the disease Cancer patients can now access reflexology, aromatherapy and a medical treatment called manual lymph drainage thanks to this new centre. Clare Balding said: “It is very exciting to be launching this new Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre as it will benefit people living with cancer in the area, supporting them with a range of services, which the charity hopes to extend in the future.” Charity manager Nicola Douglas said: “We are very excited about the launch of this branch and hope people living with cancer in Herts and West Essex will benefit greatly. “Our new support centre is for anyone living with cancer and although it is housed within Rivers Hospital, you do not need to be a private patient to benefit from our services.” Charity chairman Professor Davidson thanked Rivers Hospital for giving up the space to offer these treatments. In addition he thanked Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club, who raised approximately £30,000, for the running costs of the charity and Knebworth Golf Club, who presented a cheque of £15,000, for the consumables of the centre. BBC’s Clare added: “I know from personal experience how daunting cancer can be and how it can affect your life. Knowing there is support available at the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity can make life more bearable for people living with the disease and hopefully give them inspiration and hope. “The Helen Rollason Cancer Support Centre will be a huge benefit for cancer patients. Cancer support centre co-ordinator Linda Bowler said: “In the future we hope to extend our services to include counselling. If you would like to find out more about booking an appointment at our new support centre, please call 01279 602667.” To sustain the centre for the next two years, £100,000 in funding is needed. Leventhorpe School are joining in the fundraising fun by holding a non-uniform day in aid of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. If you would like to fundraise for the charity call 01245 514325.
Monday 2nd November saw the launch of the Sawbridgeworth Community Bus Service – SAWBOBUS. With new routes - A and B The Town lost its scheduled bus service at the end of October. To replace it the Town Council has worked hard to be able to introduce Sawbobus, a new community bus service. The Town Council has received a grant which is about half the subsidy previously given to Arriva and so it has not been possible to set up a duplicate of the service which has been axed. However, the Town Council has worked with Bishop Stortford’s Minibus Trust to create a new service, using their brand new 15 seater vehicle. With room for shopping bags, an access ramp and limited space for wheelchairs it will meet most of our passengers needs. Drivers Cyril Lumley and Alan Cox are joining the team at Sawbridgeworth to operate the Community Bus.
The new routes A and B will cover a figure of eight. As a Community Bus we are not allowed to work to a timetable but the bus will be passing each point on the routes once every three quarters of an hour. Please click on the attachment for details of the new routes and approximate times.
Fares will be a standard £1 return in Sawbridgeworth and £3 single / £4.60 return to Bishops Stortford. All Concessionary Passes will be honoured. Information leaflets are available at the Council Office in Bell Street and at the Library, the Tuck Shop and Budgens or call the Town council on 01279 724537.
Herts and Essex Borders Branch of the Campaign For Real Ale
The third annual HEBFest beer festival was held at Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall on 23rd and 24th October 2009. The festival was opened by Roger Beeching, our County Councillor and a great lover of Real Ale, at noon on Friday 23rd. October. There were thirty-five different ales, two ciders and a perry, covering a fantastic range both geographically and in colour- pale medium and dark ales, so there was something to everybody’s taste. There were several beers, rarely seen outside the West Country, such as Quercus Shingle Bay and Stormbrew. The furthest brewery supplying beers was Jarrow and the nearest Green Tye, the Coal Porter from which was well received. This was a finalist as a bottled beer for the Great British Beer Festival competition 2009. The Beer of the Festival was Pretoria, from All Gates Brewery in Wigan, with Jarrow Red Ellen as runner up.
Tony Davis, of Bishop’s Stortford said, “Festival goers like the smaller festivals such as this where there is plenty of seating, they are able to talk to the volunteer staff, who are very knowledgeable, and relax. There are a high percentage of listed beers available, unlike many of the larger festivals, where it is coming later or gone!”
There was a wide range of people from local towns and villages, London, Ipswich and even as far afield as Sweden; with the more distant drinkers staying in local hotels. A group of cyclists had come from Romford and were very happy to have made the effort to pedal all that way! Several real ale aficionados commented on the cheerful atmosphere, the easy and well signed access, the large choice of beers and the good range of snacks, supplied by Cliff Caswell of the Queen’s Head, Allen’s Green.
On Saturday the 7th of November, La Provence introduced its traditional range of Christmas decorations and gifts. PLEASE NOTE:La Provence will be opening until 7pm on Thursdays to enable late night shopping from the 26/11/09. This will include the Tea rooms, that for the first time will be offering a "Special Winterwarmer Coffee On Saturday the 7th of November, La Provence introduced its traditional range of Christmas decorations and gifts.
This will include individual Christmas cards and for the first time, boxed sets. A new, but traditional range of beautiful decorations will also be on display for the first time.
On the gift side this is an ideal time to come into the shop to view the selection of gifts available for Christmas. We expect all of our Chrismas gift deliveries to be on show, but remember, as these are mostly one offs make sure you come prepared!
La Provence in Bell St are supporting the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity, by means of a Christmas Raffle. By visiting La Provence and buying a raffle ticket you are supporting a very worth while charity. The raffle prize is being donated by La Provence and all proceeds will go to the charity
Recovering from the Recession! Business Event comes to Sawbridgeworth
Manor of Groves- Venue for next Sawbridgeworth Business Event
* COMING SOON! * Let’s Talk Preparing for Growth is a local business networking event that is touring the UK, and the next stop is Sawbridgeworth 12th November - 6.30pm - Manor of Groves Hotel If you are in business in the area this is an event for you. Why attend? •It’s completely free of charge •Hear from René Carayol – famous business guru and successful entrepreneur •Get practical advice to take away and use on your business from a panel of experts, including Business Link, Barclays and ACCA •Network with 100 like-minded business owners, whilst enjoying canapés and drinks
When is it? Thursday 12th November, 6pm-9.30pm Where is it? Manor of Groves Hotel, CM21 0JU
Don’t miss out – register for your free place today by visiting our website, www.preparingforgrowth.co.uk, or call 0208 334 1655
Thursday 12th November, 6pm-9.30pm Manor of Groves Hotel, CM21 0JU
If you have the slighest interest in Sawbridgeworth then this book is for you
Oct 17th sees the launch of New Book about Sawbridgeworth and the famous Rivers Nursery. Featuring the rise and fall of an internationally renowned fruit development and nursery business , a local social and economic history with lessons for today, the voices of the people who worked there, the views of experts and volunteers and the rise of a community orchard whose future is far from secure. Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth: The Art of Practical Pomology
The author of the now completed book, Elizabeth Waugh, has been assembling archive materials for the past ten years and sees the study as the culmination of that effort. The story is given authenticity by the inclusion of articles written by those with special knowledge. There are many wonderful illustrations.
Publication day has arrived! The book will be launched this Saturday, October 17th, 1.00 pm in Church House, Sawbridgeworth as part of the Apple Day festivities. Join us there and pick up your copy!
New Season of Adult Education Courses at The Leventhorpe School
The new season of Adult Community Courses has just started at The Leventhorpe School. Courses are open to anyone in the community, but courses marked with an asterisk on the course list are restricted to adults only. There are still a few places left but you need to hurry! See contact details on the attached course list or follow the webpage link on this item
Pretty Vacant; a new use for empty shops in Sawbridgeworth
This week Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership (STP) launched its new initiative to bring empty shop premises back into use. An exhibition about the Rivers Nursery Orchard was set up in an unused shop on London Road. The project was made possible with the cooperation of the property owner. Rodney Short, the agent acting on behalf of the landlord, has been very supportive and forward thinking in making the premises available for temporary use.
The aim for this display is to enable the Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group to celebrate this unique local site and to raise awareness of its potential loss due to development.
The STP hopes that this will be the first of many similar initiatives, with the aim to keep empty spaces in use and attractive whilst new businesses are found to fill them. Vibrant community uses will benefit existing shops by bringing life back to the high street and provide residents and visitors with something interesting to see.
The STP is actively working with other landlords in the town and would welcome feedback via the 'Contact Us' page on the website.
Volunteers for the Farmers Market
Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership is looking for volunteers to help run its highly successful Farmers' Market. The market is well used and valued by residents and visitors. To keep it running well, and to continue to develop it into the future, we need interested people to support our efforts. If you are able to spare an hour on Market Day, or would like to undertake a more major role, please contact us via out 'Contact Us' page. We would be delighted to discuss how your expertise can be put to good use!
PARTY ON THE PITCH - 4 July 3 pm onwards
***A new addition to the line up!!! ***'Stiff Upper Lip', a superb AC/DC tribute band who appeared at our first Party on the Pitch will also be performing. Please visit their website www.stiff-upper-lip.com. A fun day for all the family at Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club - featuring music from Dr Feelgood, Soft Touch and Slam. The fun starts at 3 pm on 4 July - tickets must be bought in advance and are available from Lesley Atkins contact number: 01279 723895 or 07588 857756. Tickets for Adults are £8, under 14's go free.
The website for Party on the Pitch is now up and running. Check out the link below for more details of this great event.
SILVERWARE EXHIBITION at THE GOWAN GALLERY, JUNE - JULY
All Four Corners Exhibition
The Gowan Gallery are pleased to announce their Silverware Exhibition commencing in June and running for a month in association with British Silverware Week. This prestigious national week of exhibitions promotes high quality designer silverware made in Britain. ‘All FOUR CORNERS’ Monday 8th of June to Saturday 4th of July
A truly British Exhibition with work for sale by four designer silversmiths each representing the four corners of the British Isles Cara Murphy, Northern Ireland, Grant Braithwaite, England, Shimara Carlow, Scotland & Rauni Higson, Wales
Selling Exhibition 8th of June to 4th of July Bespoke Pieces to suit your individual requirements can be arranged with these silversmiths through the Gowan Gallery Private View with coffee & wine on Saturday June 6th 10am until 5pm This event coincides with Sawbridgeworth 'Independents Week'
NEW MARK DAVID SHOP OPENING - Saturday JUNE 6th 2009
Mark David enterprises have been UK disributors for German Kitchen brand Nolte Kuchen for more than 25 years.The company is set to open their new public show room onJune 6th 2009 in London Road. Mark David officially opens its Nolte kitchen showroom on Saturday 6th June 2009. The showroom offers 9 fabulous Nolte kitchen displays all fitted with Kuppersbusch, Siemens and Elica appliances. The Mark David team would like to invite you to come and visit our showroom on 6th June to not only have a look around, but to also join us for a drink and maybe a bite to eat at our cooking demonstration from 11am. With a 5% discount available we will also be giving away an induction hob in our prize draw, so why not drop in and enter? You wil also find information,directions to our shop and balloons for children at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday 6th June
As part of Sawbridgeworth 'Independents Week' we will be opening late on the Friday 5th June until 7pm
Thomas Francis Rivers is the man who introduced the Conference Pear to the world in the 1880s
Commencing in September 2008 the first phase of this project is now complete. Last autumn,The Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group began a year’s oral history project, supported by a grant from Awards for All, Gathering as oral history, the voices of those who had contact with the historic Rivers Nursery business.It involved young people from local primary and high schools working with adult interviewers and saving the interviews as CD disks for the expanding Archives. The results of this phase will be presented to the public for the first time in Church House at the May Fayre on Sunday 3rd May. There will also be artwork by Leventhorpe School pupils capturing scenes from the nursery site on show.
For more information contact the group by email at:rnsog@hotmail.com
Charity Raffle at La Provence
La Provence in Bell St are supporting the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity, by means of a Christmas Raffle. By visiting La Provence and buying a raffle ticket you are supporting a very worth while charity. The raffle prize is being donated by La Provence and all proceeds will go to the charity The Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity offers therapeutic support and development to men, women and their supporters following a cancer diagnosis.
While being treated for her illness, Helen Rollason became aware of how little support was available to cancer sufferers. She felt that people should be treated as a whole - emotionally, mentally, therapeutically - as well as medically.
Helen's oncologist, Professor Davidson shared her vision and desire in both these areas and in January 1999, Helen gave her name and image to help attract national and international support. And so the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity was founded, spearheaded by Professor Davidson.
Rivers Hospital wins 4th place in top UK healthcare poll.
The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth has been named as one of the top healthcare employers in the UK. The hospital was honoured in the Healthcare 100, organised by national magazines Nursing Times and Health Service Journal. The Rivers was awarded 4th place in the poll, which is judged by the views of employers and their staff, and analysed by leading research firm Ipsos MORI. The poll was open to all healthcare providers nationwide, including the whole of the NHS and independent healthcare providers.
The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, one of the sponsors of the awards, said: �a good employer and good people management means better safety and quality of care� for patients.
Richard Parsons, Regional Director based at the Rivers Hospital, said: �Making 4th place in the top 100 list is a tremendous achievement. We have an excellent workforce at the Rivers and constantly receive good feedback from our patients, but it is an additional honour for our staff to be recognised at national level.�
The Rivers is owned by Ramsay Health Care and has benefited from ongoing investment in the quality of facilities for staff and for patients. Ramsay has recently committed �3.5M to further development at the Sawbridgeworth site. Local building company Courtenay Builders, based in Gilston, have been awarded the contract to develop the site. Building is currently in progress for a new day-case facility, additional operating theatre, high dependency rooms, pre-admission suite and improved chemotherapy facilities.
A second workshop takes place at the Memorial Hall on April 2nd at 7.30pm This follows the first draft of the Sawbridgeworth Town Action Plan which was presented to the public on Thursday 26th of March at a public meeting in the Memorial Hall. There was an excellent turn out and good feedback was obtained. TAKE THE SURVEY - SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN ACTION PLAN 2009 2013 You are invited to participate in a survey which will help the Sawbridgeworth Town Action Plan Committee understand your views in developing a Town Action Plan for Sawbridgeworth and Spellbrook. To complete the survey please follow the link.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS 'GREAT NORTH RUN' RUN FOR CANCER CHARITY
ARE you looking to fulfil your New Year�s resolution of completing a sporty challenge? The Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity has 25 places for people wanting to take part in the Great North Run on September 20, 2009. The event is normally oversubscribed and those lucky people who have got a place in the event find out on February 16, 2009. But there is hope for the hundreds of people who are not lucky enough to get a place as the cancer charity has a number of places to fill, so you could still fill one of our 25 places in this year�s run, but be quick. The half-marathon is an exciting and adventurous event and is widely supported by the public. Top athletes such as Paula Radcliffe have taken the winning titles in the past. If you would like more information on how to secure a place in the Great North Run 2009 with the charity please contact Josephine Sheffield on 01245 514325 or e-mail Josephine@helenrollason.co.uk
February 28, 2009 Crystal Ball � in aid of research at the Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity. at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Stansted Airport, from 6.45pm until 1am. Tickets cost �60 and include a three course dinner, live entertainment and silent sports auction. Call 07970 498950 for more details
March 7th: Quiz Night at Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club. Teams of 6-8. Tickets �8 and includes a platter of nibbles. Please contact Linda on 07836 797819 for more details.
March 28: Magic in March with Michael J Fitch at Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club. Michael will be performing close up magic and cabaret. Tickets �25 includes three course meal. Please contact Linda on 07836 797819 for more details.
SHORT REPORT ON ONE OF OUR BEST SAWBRIDGEWORTH FARMERS' MARKETS SO FAR. Yes you have missed it! Or for all who attended, thank you for your support. This was a really great food, social and community event. The festive Farmers� Market had prime quality fresh local produce in abundance. Crowds of people turned out in the very bright December sunshine (12.3c)making it a perfect mid winter�s day. All the trappings were there to experience, to eat to drink to taste to bake and to buy. Award winning cheeses a complete range of smoked food products as well as organic vegetables that were picked just a day before. There was a full range of wild game products an award winning pigeon pate and a hot hog roast that completely sold out. Local producers of fresh food and some crafts did very well and this market reflects the true ethos of support for a local economy. The market provided the perfect venue for families and friends to meet each other highlighting the social cohesiveness of local markets. Students from the Leventhorpe School ran the Tea and coffee stall and this was for a charitable project the students are running in the next year and this was also very well supported. Many of our shops opened especially for the day and did very well as a result
THE NEXT SAWBRIDGEWORTH FARMERS�MARKET IS ON SATURDAY 7TH OF FEBRUARY 2009
This is no bull...Go wild at SBW Farmers' Market Sunday 21st Dec
THIS VERY SPECIAL, FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE FARMERS' MARKET TRULY REFLECTS THE SEASON WITH ALL THAT IS ABUNDANT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AROUND US. The Christmas Farmers� Market will feature Wild Game, Pheasant, Partridge, Duck, Game Pies, Game Pates, Sausage Pies, Spiced Sausage Rolls and Venison Sausages. There will be some Broccoli Soup with a hint of Port & Stilton complimented with speciality Breads. As always we will have our award winning Goat's and Dairy Cheeses,Pickles and Sauces for everything hot and cold. Beef from two local farmers Catherine and Bridget B,the runner up in UK Beef Farmer of the Year 2008. Organic vegetables are from Felsted Farm and Parsnips picked just a day before plus all your fresh vegetables from Alan Wells.Our fresh Mushrooms from Coldham Wood are simply the best you can buy.There will be a full range of fresh and smoked fish,from 'Gone Fishing' fish pates smoked meats & cheeses from 'The SmokeHouse'.Our Full range of Hertfordshire lamb cuts are legendary. Mince Pies ('fat free with a splash of rum'!)We will also have our 2008 award winning Steamed Puddings and for dessert you will find Xmas Puddings and Spotted Dick Pudding as seen on ITV, local Meringues made with Cornfield Eggs just 200 metres from the market complimented by locally produced Organic Chocolates would make even Nigella wax lyrical.
We will have our Hot Hog Roast cooked in Sawbridgeworth and to drink you will find local award winning brews such as Henham Honey and the appropriately named Silent Night! Local Crafts, Xmas Plants, Table Decorations, Ceramics and Jewellery for those last minute gifts,not forgetting the Holly and Mistletoe to complete the festive picture and we will even have Pip in our presence.
Rivers Nursery Group launches oral history project
The Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group has been given a grant for the year to come by Awards for All to carry out an oral history project. This will be launched at their annual Apple Day this Saturday Oct18th at 1.30 Church House Sawbridgeworth. The project will focus on two main activities:
1- Gathering as oral history the voices of those who had contact with the historic Rivers Nursery business, closing in 1987, We hope to involve young people from local primary and high schools to work with adult interviewers and to save the interviews as CD disks in our Archives, accessible to all. 2 - Publishing edited oral history within the context of background from the Archives and other material as a book on the history of the Rivers Nursery. If you have Rivers stories, information, or catalogues and materials to share, please get in touch with Archivist Elizabeth Waugh, on 01279 320099 or by email riversnurserysiteandorchardgroup@hotmail.co.uk
Award Winners at SAWBRIDGEWORTH FARMERS� MARKET, SATURDAY 1st Nov
The real deal:Prize winning produce at Sawbridgeworth FM.
At least 6 producers who have recently been awarded medals and certificates for their outstanding produce will attend SAWBRIDGEWORTH FARMERS� MARKET SATURDAY 1st Nov, Bell St Car Park 09.30 to 1.30. FREE PARKING Once again we will have award winning fresh food producers attending with the highest quality, locally sourced, seasonal and origin-assured food. We are delighted that more of our producers have just won national & regional awards for the quality of their fresh produce. At this market we will be recognising their achievements, so come along to see and taste what is so special about this national award winning produce. We are also pleased to support the Friends of Great St Mary Church who will be selling Tea, Coffee and Cakes to raise much needed funds. For more information about the Sawbridgeworth Farmers� Market, please contact Joseph on 0778 650 7470 or visit www.sawbridgeworthonline.com and click on Contact Us.
Twin Towns Visit Exchange. Sawbridgeworth is planning to visit our twin town Bry sur Marne in France, leaving am on Friday 19th Sept and returning Sunday 21st Sept. Our friends in Bry sur Marne are very hospitable. The visits are always packed with interesting things to do and see and filled with laughter. Anyone living in or with a direct connection with Sawbridgeworth is very welcome to take part. Places are going quickly so get in touch soon. For more info please contact Valerie Bright on 01279 724038
Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership wishes to appoint a Part Time Coordinator to help us achieve our objectives as set out in our Business Plan. Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership [STP] (Community, Council & Commerce)
is searching for a PART TIME CO- ORDINATOR who will enthusiastically promote the vitality and vibrancy of Sawbridgeworth. This exciting 12-15 hours per week post is being offered for the first time and the STP wish to appoint somebody who is a team player and enjoys being hands-on in a stakeholder group environment. The applicant should possess good organisational, administrative, verbal and written skills and be computer literate. The position would suit somebody who has entrepreneurial skills, an awareness of funding streams, is innovative and used to acting on own initiative in challenging environments. For job description and further information or to discuss the role please contact Joseph Fitzgerald on 0778 650 7470
You can also use the 'Contact Us' box on the main page of this website to register your interest. Closing date for applications is 31st July
The Memorial Hall is right next to the Library in the Forebury
Special Fundraising event at the Memorial Hall Sawbridgeworth Sunday June 8th There will be a special TABLE TOP SALE
Sunday 8th of June 11-2pm Memorial Hall, The Forebury Sawbridgeworth.
All proceeds to the Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall Trust Fund in aid of their �75,000 refurbishment programme. More info from: B. Wedlake on 01279 835744 or J. Massey 01279 600642
The Arriva 510 Bus stops at The White Lion which is less than100 meters from the Farmers' Market
To mark United Nations �World Environment Day�, Sawbridgeworth Farmers� Market will be drawing attention to key global concerns, including the recycling of waste, the reconnection of people with local food and cutting the use of carbon fuels On Saturday 7th June 2008 from 9.30am - 1.30pm at Bell Street Centre Car Park, the market will showcase local innovative household composting methods. The demonstration will feature a locally designed digester that turns household food waste into liquid compost and a wormery that uses special worms to convert raw vegetable household waste into liquid and solid compost. Both methods are compact and have a fast, efficient and odourless composting process making them suitable for indoor or garden usage.
Sawbridgeworth Farmers Market is keen to promote the issue of food miles and seasonality of food produce. This June the Market is delighted to be featuring the summer season�s first produce in fruit and vegetable and plants plus four national prize winners in cheese, fish, puddings and beef.
The Market also wants to promote the advantages of walking or using local public transport to get to the venue in Sawbridgeworth. Bus routes 510 and 333 operated by Arriva will be displaying scheduling information on how to reach the Market. The 510 operates a half hourly schedule between Bishop�s Stortford and Harlow stopping in Sawbridgeworth at the White Lion just 100m from the Market�s entrance. Julia Argent, Market organiser, said: �We are aiming to raise awareness of some of the practical local measures we as individuals and a community can adopt for a better environment. Please come, taste and sample some of the best fresh produce on the planet, have some fun and learn something new! �
Ultrasound Scans now available at Allround Pregnancy Care Ltd
A new service in Sawbridgeworth offering Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans As of 1st April 2008 the Allround Pregnancy Care shop in Bell St is offering a pregnancy ultrasound scanning service. The scanning facility is available in association with a top London clinic namely the Wellington Women's Clinic and includes a range of services from dating of pregnancy to growth scans at 35 weeks. For more information or to book a scan contact Nicky needham on 01279 721188
Sawbridgeworth Budgens is extending its drive to become greener as we launched our own eco-bags on Tuesday. The eco-bags are aimed at reducing the number of plastic bags used by store customers and at the same time, raising funds for six Sawbridgeworth schools. A SUPERMARKET in Sawbridgeworth is extending its drive to become greener as it launched its own eco-bags on Tuesday.
The eco-bags are aimed at reducing the number of plastic bags used by store customers and at the same time, raising funds for six Sawbridgeworth schools.
Retailers Paul and Michelle Gravelle, who own Budgens in London Road, decided to produce an eco-bag in a bid to raise money for local schools while hoping to change shopping habits.
Mrs Gravelle said: "The introduction of eco-bags is also a crucially important move for environmental efforts in Sawbridgeworth.
"Each month we're distributing 40,000 plastic bags, but our new eco-bags can help reduce that. If China can get rid of plastic bags, so can Sawbridgeworth!"
The couple will sell the bags for �1 each and the profits will be split between Reedings Junior School, The Leventhorpe School, Mandeville Primary School, High Wych CE Primary School, Fawbert and Barnard Primary School and Spellbrook Primary School.
Budgens is at the front of a supermarket rethink. Last month Marks & Spencer announced it would start charging customers 5p for food carrier bags from May in a bid to encourage people to reduce the number of bags they use and raise funds for green projects.
Chief executive at Marks & Spencer Sir Stuart Rose said: "We want to make it easy for our customers to do their bit to help the environment and our trials have shown us that they want to take action."
Although the Gravelles are not charging for plastic bags, they are providing customers with an alternative, while raising money for six schools.
They are also opening their doors to set up a �6000 schools fund.
The scheme which began on Tuesday, will allow customers to give back to the community and track fund-raising progress with an in-store fund thermometer.
Mrs Gravelle added: "We're so much a part of our local community that we feel it's up to us and our customers to provide support for schools in the area. We hope our customers will be keen to help us raise our target of �1000 per school."
Each school will be given a two-month slot to organise their own fund-raising using the store. Leventhorpe School has been given the first slot for March and April.
Jo Rose, a member of the Leventhorpe PTFA said: "We have been amazed at the high level of commitment Paul and Michelle have given to plan and support our fund-raising activities.
Gowan Gallery Celebrates 20 Years in Sawbridgeworth
"We pride ourselves on providing a traditional high quality service -creating a pleasurable and relaxed shopping experience�.
Month long Exhibition running until the 15th of March and the launch of a new collection by Joanne Gowan Saturday 16th Feb is a special day at The Gowan Gallery, Bell Street as they celebrate their 20 years in Sawbridgeworth. The celebration kicks off with a month long Exhibition running until the 15th of March and the launch of a new collection of 18ct gold, platinum, silver and gemstones by Joanne Gowan �Enjoy looking around our stylish Gallery and admire the wonderful collections of handmade pieces. Browse the many design books to gain inspiration or chat with one of our staff for a personal service�.
The Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership wishes Joanne and her team all the very best with their new Exhibition and their continued success in Sawbridgeworth
Please follow the links under the Retail heading on this page to the Gowan Gallery website for more information or go directly to http://www.gowan-gallery.co.uk
Buy a specially made gift and support the British Heart Foundation
SAWBRIDGEWORTH FARMERS� MARKET IS GOING TO GIVE A GIFT THAT SAVES LIVES THIS VALENTINE�S DAY Sawbridgeworth Farmers� Market is set to make February 14 a date to remember for heart patients across the UK, by giving the gift of time to support the British Heart Foundation�s (BHF) Valentine Appeal. This February market will feature in addition to its usual array of exciting locally grown, fresh produce, a stall stocked with heart shaped items including, Organic chocolates, gingerbread, soap, cards and jewellery made by our local producers. The profit raised will be donated to the British Heart Foundation. The charity is aiming to raise �1m to help fund BHF Heart Nurses and the charity�s Heart Help Line to care for and support more heart patients and their families. Julia Argent, one of the SBW Market Organisers said: �We decided to support the Valentine Appeal because heart disease affects so many of us directly or indirectly. So please turn out and support the Farmers� Market in promoting this good cause! � Jackie Skeel, Valentine Appeal Manager at the British Heart Foundation added, �Thanks to Sawbridgeworth Farmers� Market the BHF will be able to care for even more heart patients and their families, whether in their homes or on the telephone. Everyone can get involved with the campaign so please get your colleagues or friends to take part too and help the BHF make a real difference to heart patients this Valentine�s day.�
A Retail and Business LUNCH MEETING INVITATION TO A Retail and Business LUNCH MEETING
WEDNESDAY 19 December 2007 12.30 � 2.00pm Allround Pregnancy Care, 22 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth, Herts
An informal opportunity to bounce around some ideas for increasing the vitality of our town and to get some information on how you can access business mentor support especially if you are a new business and to take a small break away from what I know is a hectic time for all �� RSVP Nicky 01279 721188 or email
Xmas Farmers' Market in Sawbridgeworth - The Latest
natural yummy
Sawbridgeworth�s First Christmas Farmers� Market is here and it is not to be missed. A seasonal theme from start to finish in the wonderful market town of Sawbridgeworth. The freshest produce to taste, to eat, to buy and to bake at reasonable prices and the only air miles are in the honey!. Not forgetting to visit our specialist shops, excellent cafes and award winning restaurants. The market takes place in Bell Street Car Park from 9.30 to 1.30pm. Choirs of 'angelic types' (Leventhorpe School Students) will be singing their souls out and in the market approach area nearby there will be a Santa's Grotto and other seasonal activities. The charity beneficiaries at Lesley's Community Tea and Coffee Emporium this market are Leventhorpe School who will be providing the refreshments with a seasonal theme,mince pies etc. The stars: (our producers)of the Sawbridgeworth Farmers' Market are all attending. We will have Bridget's prize winning beef, Felsted Organic Farm Veg, The Organic Chocolate Company, Coldham Wood Mushrooms, Wobbly Bottom Goats Cheese, A Hog Roast from Great Garnett�s, Foxholes Beef, P.McCarthy from ITV- Britain�s Best Dish with his National prize winning puddings alongside Soups, Salads and Bread. Carol and her wonderful Caribbean locally produced dishes. Peter the Lamb Farmer and Peter the Local Turkey Farmer will also be there along with Priors Hall Pork, Pantry Preserves and Saffron Brew to wash it all down. Peter Tilson will have fresh fish and the Two Fishwives are coming with their award winning fish pies. ��.mmmmmmhhhhh
EHDC consults with Sawbridgeworth Businesses
The Economic Development Department of EHDC warmly invites Sawbridgeworth based businesses to a consultation meeting on Wednesday 28th Nov 4.30pm As part of the District Council's intention to consult with the business community prior to setting the overall budget for 2008/9 we would like to invite businesses in Sawbridgeworth to a small workshop. The workshop will include a short presentation on how East Herts Council proposes to prioritise spending on services followed by discussion.
The venue for the EHDC Business consultation at 4.30 is upstairs in the Town Council Office. It is the most central and accessible location available, the Town Council Office is in the corner of 1B The Square.
The scheduled meeting of the Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership on 22nd Nov has had a late change of venue. Please note the meeting will continue as announced at 7.00 pm and the new venue is the Hailey Centre, Bell Street Central Car Park. Entrance signs will be in place. Agenda for meeting and previous meetings are posted on this web page under the ABOUT heading
What to do if your business is located within Sawbridgeworth and you would like to be fully represented on the SawbridgeworthOnline website. If your business is located within Sawbridgeworth and you would like to be fully represented on the SawbridgeworthOnline website with your own account enabling you to fully administer your own details, please use the contact us page to get in touch.
Friday 16th Nov - Update from: Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership (STP)
STP Website Launch took place today in glorious sunshine in the presence of the great and the good of Sawbridgeworth. Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership (STP) [The STP has a main aim: to increase the vitality and economic vibrancy of our town] It was a very pleasant social occasion, everything worked and on cue the site launched as everyone took refreshments on board. Many questions were answered and new sign ups registered.We are greatful for the logistical support from Budgens & STP members and all those who attended. Much work now to do as we build on this latest milestone.
Earlier.....
A frosty start this morning but the bottles of bubbly as we hit the launch button at 12.30 will warm us all.
Preparations are made, two young people, Jane and Jenna who work in businesses in Sawbridgeworth will cut the tape and launch the site featuring Sawbridgeworth based businesses Friday lunchtime. The media launch is timed for 12.30pm. This will take place in Budgens Supermarket car park. All businesses in Sawbridgeworth are invited to attend.Members of the Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership and Town Council will also attend.Light refreshments will be served. Further demonstrations of the new site will take place around the town for the general public after the launch�.. .weather permitting. The next phase of the site development will cover the Maltings area and we are looking for the optimum solution to represent these businesses in pictorial format.
To register your business or for any more information please contact Email: joseph.fitzgerald2@btinternet.com or Tel: 0778 650 7470
Message to Sawbridgeworth Businesses about this new website
Benefits of this new website Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership (STP) NEWS September 07 New website featuring Sawbridgeworth based businesses
The STP has a main aim: to increase the vitality and economic vibrancy of our town. The STP has to date: ? Drawn up a Business Plan � A Roadmap: 2007 � 2010. ? Activated a town centre signage project under Tourism & Retail� ? Run 2 Retail Discount Coupon schemes, No 2 went live in July. ? Staged 3 Farmers� Markets with 000s of people on the streets.
Now we are ready with the next major initiative: An innovative Website covering all Businesses & Services in SBW. You can visit the pre launch site at http://www.sawbridgeworthonline.com/default.aspx. and see for yourself the work done so far.
Benefits for Sawbridgeworth Businesses and Retailers
? Site is fresh and attractive to visit using innovative technology. ? Extra links & more traffic to your own site (if you have one)allowing higher search rating. ? Exposure to larger mass audience for a greatly reduced cost through combined participation with all of SBW businesses. ? Community involvement appeals to an interested local audience. ? Increased footfall through SBW Tourism links and initiative ? You determine the content of the information that you want to display, making this ideal for all businesses, all sizes ? Secure access to your information (including photo) 24/7 via the internet allows businesses to advertise all promotions in a timely way ? Optional email addresses for businesses. ? PR launch for site.
Features of the new STP website: ? Clean, uncluttered, clear lined, easy for user & visitor to navigate ? Overview is never lost; your business is always visible. ? Updating the site is easy, fast and you decide the content. ? Additional e mails and promotion potential ? Continual development for the site (tourism, community and culture) ? Unlimited secure access means that each business is fully responsible for own content. What next: To have a serious impact and to be an attractive website it needs all businesses in SBW to be represented. Questions to ask? Email: joseph.fitzgerald2@btinternet.com Register your wish to be represented and return this form Cheque Payable: Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership Business Name: Contact person: Tel: Email: For general enquiries contact: Tel:Joseph on 0778 650 7470
New STP Website
Fast evolving website is getting closer to launch The major mapping work is now complete, basic unedited business premises details are uploaded. Soon all businesses in Sawbridgeworth will be able to choose the content and their level of representation. JF .
Welcome to SawbridgeworthOnline SawbridgeworthOnline has been developed on behalf of Sawbridgeworth Town Partnership, a group comprising town councillors, local businesses and residents of the town who are taking steps to revive the economic fortunes of the community while providing a more personalised shopping experience for people wishing to buy locally produced goods.
The site will grow over coming months but goes live with a map of retailers (accessible from the menu or by clicking in the main panel), a news and links section..
Leventhorpe Swimming Pool
A Note from Cllr Nigel Clark about decision to restrict the opening hours of Leventhorpe pool. Thank you to those who wrote in with their views.
You may be pleased to hear that the Policy Scrutiny committee of East Herts Council this evening referred the decision to restrict the opening hours of Leventhope pool back to the Executive. The committee does not have the power to reverse the decision. The recommendation will ask for the decision to be reconsidered, more information and analysis to be provided and any decision to be delayed by two months. I am also hopeful that further ways to promote community use of the pool can be developed in the intervening time.
The letters of support from the Town Council and the STP were both read out at the start of the meeting. Mr Carr presented a petition from Sawbridgeworth residents which now has 1,100 names. I had also received and brought to Council's attention a petition collected by Mrs Bryant at Age Concern with over 150 signatures.