News Archive
2023
The Queen's Green Canopy
An application for a further 105 saplings has been successful as part of the previous Queen's Green Canopy initiative that was lauched in 2022. The trees will be delivered between 6th - 17th March so anyone looking to replace a sapling that did not survive the long, dry spell last summer, or who has identified a further site for planting, should contact Rosemary Campbell: rosemary@fearsend.com
2022
Kelshall Queen's Platinum Jubilee Day
Saturday 4th June 2022
2 - 5pm
What an amazing day! A great turnout for the Kelshall Day to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee as local villagers, family, friends and those from further afield enjoyed the festivities. The Open Gardens, Kids Treasure Hunt, Vintage Car Rides, Afternoon Tea and Queen's Green Canopy Jubilee Walk proved incredibly popular, as did the animals, plant sale, BBQ and bar!
Thanks to the hard work of all those involved it was a truly memorable day and a great way to celebrate a very special Jubilee.
Kelshall Annual Village Golf Day
Calling all golfers! The Kelshall Annual Village Golf Day is taking place on Friday 28th October 2022 at Cambridge Meridian Golf Club, in Toft.
First Tee at 11.06am
BREAKFAST (bacon rolls) at the gold club before teeing off
PRIZE GIVING AND SUPPER at Kelshall Village Hall in the evening
Supper only guests welcome
Contact: Paul Williams 07889 023852/01763 287592
Presentation on the History of Kelshall
Local historian, Peter Gartside, will be giving a presentation on the history of the village, its people and its houses on Friday 16th September at St Faith's Church. He will also be launching his book and priority copies will be available to purchase on the day.
7.30pm for 8pm start.
All welcome - no need to book in advance.
An Evening with John Hutchinson - retired Concorde Captain
Our local, retired Concorde Captain - John Hutchinson - will be giving a presentation about his passion on Friday 1st July in Kelshall Village Hall.
Doors open at 6.30pm and the presentation will start at 7.15pm.
Admission is £5 per person, to be paid on the door, but places are limited to 80 so please book in advance by emailing: derekscriv@aol.com or suehutch@kelshall.com
There will be a cash bar and light refreshments with all proceeds being donated to St Faith's Church and Kelshall Village Hall.
All ages are welcome and there will be a Q&A section after the presentation (not too technical!!).
Don't miss out on what will be a fascinating and entertaining evening.
Therfield and Kelshall New Community Hub
Therfield Parish Council and Kelshall Parish Meeting have launched a new Community Hub (Google group) to post notices from Therfield and Kelshall parish organisations together with other village organisations such as the PCC, Centenary Trust, The Fox & Duck, Therfield School and the Police.
Both organisations will regularly post information about what is happening around Therfield and Kelshall. Although primarily established for posts from the two organisations, the site will also be available villagers to post information which would be of use/interest to the villages as a whole.
This group is co-owned by both organisations and four representatives (two from each organisation) will own the site and monitor content. It will operate as a Google Group and will be very easy to use. Once joined you will receive parish alerts and emails into your inbox in the normal way.
To join merely send an email to: HubTherfieldKelshall@outlook.com stating who you are and where in the village you live.
Therfield and Kelshall Education Foundation
The Foundation provides grants to students attending University, College or any Further Education establishment. This does not include A-Level courses. Applicants must have a residential address within a five mile radius of the boundaries of the ancient parishes of Therfield and Kelshall.
Application forms are available from the Secretary and should be completed and returned to her by 31st August. No applications will be accepted after this date and parents cannot make applications on behalf of their children. Anyone who has previously received a grant is entitled to reapply.
The Trustees will meet in September when interviews and applications will be discussed.
Secretary: Mrs E Woods - 01763 249462
Therfield and Kelshall
Platinum Jubilee Weekend Celebrations
Programme of Main Events
Thursday 2nd June
2pm Dog Show and afternoon teas in the Churchyard at Therfield
Historical display and refreshments at St Mary's Church at 8pm
Procession to Hitches Meadow to light the Beacon, led by local historian, Peter Gartside and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Richard Beazley DL MBE.
Evening fireworks.
Saturday 4th June
Kelshall Platinum Jubilee Day
Open gardens, treasure hunt, BBQ, afternoon teas (please book in advance) and activities for all
2 - 5pm
Sunday 5th June
10am Pentecost Platinum Jubilee Church Service (Therfield) - a joint church service with the choir performing to celebrate the Queen's reign.
On The Green! - hosted by the Fox & Duck - Bouncy Castle; BB Pizza from 4pm; Live music with Melissa Baker from 6pm.
2021
Kelshall Village 1st Ever Dog Show
The village held its first ever dog show on the 26th September, and what a Cracking Event it was.
Held in glorious sunshine in the paddock opposite the Hall , there were over 50 dogs entered into the 7 categories during the afternoon.
The Best in Show was won by Elvis shown by Kate and Reserve Best in Show was Harper shown by Isabelle. Click <here> for more details and photos of the Dog Show.
In total the event has raised over £2000 to be split equally between St Faith's and the Village Hall.
Our thanks go to the organisers, the many volunteers, all those that attended, and of course all the fantastic dogs for making the inaugural event such a success.
The Dog Show was captured on film ( is that still a phrase ?) by Julian Eales. He has published a photo album here Kelshall Dog Show 2021 - Julian Eales (smugmug.com).
St Mary's Family Treasure Trail
As the Therfield Fete committee has sadly been unable to hold the fete this year, they are hosting one or two other events instead to raise money for St Mary's Church.
The first is a Treasure Trail and BBQ on the afternoon of Saturday 4 September. The Treasure Trail is open to all ages and if you want to take part, registration will begin from 1.30pm in the Church yard. The clues will take you on a walking trail around Therfield and Kelshall, finishing up back at St Mary's Church yard where we will be hosting a bar, BBQ and pizzas!
The cost is £2.50 per adult or £5 for a family.
Also, if you would like to stay on for the bar, BBQ and pizzas or just want to join us for food and drink - it would be really helpful if you could let us know in advance so that we have an idea of numbers for catering purposes. Please can you let Jan know.
click here for more details
Saturday 4th September 1:30pm .
Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust Bike n Hike
The aim is to visit as many churches as possible and to get sponsorship from as many friends and family as possible. Last year our team of keen cyclists did magnificently to raise over £2000 which gave us a Gold Certificate for St. Faith's. As always, half the money raised comes back to our church and the rest goes to help churches in need of funds for urgent repairs. Please remember that if your sponsors are tax payers the gift aid can be added to the total pledged. Cycling, walking, riding or going by car are all permitted-you choose!
As refreshments will be provided as usual in the Church porch please volunteer to help for an hour welcoming visitors. Please ring Sue if you can volunteer for taking part or church sitting. Thank you all in advance - can we beat last year's amazing result? I do hope so as the windows are being repaired for the first time in 400 years and we shall be getting on with re-decoration soon!
This applies to St Mary's Therfield too. Please apply to Ann Genochio.
Saturday 11th September 9am - 5pm.
10,000 free trees giveaway – express your interest now!
NHDC is inviting people who live in North Hertfordshire to let them know if they would like to receive a free tree. Up to 10,000 tree saplings will be given away to people who live in the district in the autumn.
click here for more details.
The Centenary Trust Jazz Afternoon - 17th July
In the Rectory garden, on Saturday 17th July, 2-5pm we are having a Jazz picnic.
We have a fabulous band with us this year - get a bit of a feel for how they sound by listening to the video.on you tube - click here
Bring a garden chair and a picnic (and something to drink!) and enjoy some live music and socially distanced conversation with your bubble of six.
Ticket price includes a glass of pimms and money raised will go to the St. Mary's Centenary Trust.
Details in the July/August newsletter.
Kelshall Parish Meeting Accounts - Certificate of Exemption
The Kelshall Parish meeting accounts for 20/21 were presented at the last parish meeting on the 28th May. The supporting certificate of exemption is available on line - please click here to review
New Planning application
For Chippins The Street Kelshall Royston Hertfordshire SG8 9SJ. Click on the planning applications page for more detail
HRH Prince Philip - Book of Condolence
There is an official book of condolence at St Faiths, Kelshall, for those who would like add their name and any messages of condolence for the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Statement from Chair of North Hertfordshire District Council, Councillor Terry Tyler:
North Hertfordshire District Council joins the whole nation and the Royal Family in mourning the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. On behalf of all our residents, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family, and recognise the immeasurable contribution the Duke of Edinburgh made to our country. His long, extraordinary life coupled with his sense of duty to the country he served was admirable.
As a mark of respect, the Union flag at the Council’s headquarters in Letchworth Garden City will be flown at half-mast from today. Flags at other Council locations will also be flown at half-mast.
For those who wish to leave flowers in remembrance of His Royal Highness, they can do so at marked out areas in Priory Gardens in Royston, Broadway Gardens in Letchworth and The Cloisters in Hitchin.
We encourage North Herts residents to take a moment to sign Hertfordshire’s online book of condolence.
Further easing of coronavirus restrictions on 12 April
Outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers will be able to reopen from next week, as COVID-19 restrictions are further eased across England.
From 12 April:
non-essential retail will be able to reopen
personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will be able to reopen
public buildings such as libraries and community centres will be able to reopen
outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, with table service only
indoor leisure and sports facilities will be able to reopen for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble
Our leisure centres in Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston will be reopening from 12 April, with some restrictions in place - please check before visiting.
It's important to remember that social contact rules will remain in place. Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to 6 people or 2 households, and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.
Further details about how the rules will change can be found on GOV.UK:
Rapid testing now available in Hertfordshire
Rapid testing for anyone without coronavirus symptoms is now available across Hertfordshire. In North Hertfordshire, there are sites in Royston, Baldock, Letchworth Garden City and Hitchin.
Key and essential workers who cannot work from home during the current government restrictions are especially encouraged to book a rapid test every few days to help us ensure that essential services are as safe as possible.
Around one in three people with coronavirus do not show symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus to family, friends, co-workers and into the community without realising. Knowing if you have coronavirus even though you do not have symptoms means that you can protect your loved ones and help to stop the spread of the virus.
Free rapid tests are available by appointment only and bookable up to a week in advance.
To book a rapid test, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest. Results are sent by text and email after your test in 45 minutes.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus you cannot have a rapid test and must not go to a rapid test centre – instead please book a standard coronavirus (PCR) test.
Rural Newsletter - March
Click here to find this Month’s rural newsletter..
National lockdown: Act like you have got it!
The new COVID-19 variant is spreading fast and around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don't have any symptoms. Continue to follow the Government lockdown restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus:
You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary.
Only exercise outdoors for 1 hour per day by yourself or with one other from a different household.
Limit trips to the supermarket and try to go alone.
Do not meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.
Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble
Be Alert to Covid Virus Scams
Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing-looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy. PEOPLE ARE WARNED TO BE ALERT TO THESE SCAMS:
The NHS will:
NEVER ask for payment - the vaccine is free
NEVER ask for your bank details
NEVER arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
NEVER ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport.
Top 4 Vaccine Scams
TEXT MESSAGES - People are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine, doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill and fraudsters collecting personal information to use again.
PHONE CALLS - Victims receive a phone call from a fake caller offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank
details.
WEBSITES - Fake URL links to convincing-looking NHS vaccine booking forms, these look like official NHS
forms and may contain some personal information already, at the end of the form it asks for their bank details.
IN PERSON - Fraudsters are calling unannounced at the homes of victims by pretending to be from the NHS to administer the vaccine there and then, in exchange for a cash payment.
GRANT AWARD AND WORK AT ST FAITH'S CHURCH
All that cycling on the annual bike ride was worth it! St Faith's has received a grant of £7,000 towards internal glazing and stonework repairs from the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust. The repairs are part of a £250,000 programme covering internal and external repairs to the church.
Work will start in the Spring on repairing the window frames and lattice which are rusted and bowing, both at ground and clerestory level. With the addition of the grant this work can be funded from the Church's Restoration Fund. Further funds will be needed to cover the whole programme of work and other grants are being solicited and an Appeal planned.
St Faiths is Grade II* listed and a rare example of a church of the late perpendicular period which has suffered very little alteration in appearance since it was built in the period 1380-1430.
Kelshall PCC
Be Aware - Multiple Attempted Dog Snatches
VERY URGENT - please all be aware that there have been numerous reports of people attempting to grab dogs whilst walking in Therfield and Barkway. They seem to be using a small white van and following / driving at individuals walking their dogs.
Please be very careful whilst walking your dogs - preferably walking in twos and always be aware of where your dog is at all times especially when off the lead.
ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY
This Christmas St Faiths distributed origami angels for making up which were then hung in the church. What looked simple turned out to be quite a challenge and resort
had to be made by many to Youtube demonstrations. The children at Therfield School put the rest of us to shame and, thanks to Gemma Moule's hard work and efforts, provided some very colourful ones. In all, by the Carol Service we had nearly 500 in the church strung between columns and on window sills.
St Faiths has remained open for its 9 am Sunday service over the post Christmas period
