ROTARY GOES CROW SCARING

Each year, the village of Flamstead puts on a magnificent scarecrow festival. It attracts thousands of people seeking the 80 or so scarecrows and other entertainment around the village.

So many residents are involved they need outside help and this is provided by our club members. Rotarians man the entrances, where payment is voluntary, encouraging people to contribute to the various village causes and charities. These include the upkeep of St Leornard’s Church, which is around 900 years old and has magnificent medieval wall paintings.

Apart from collecting money, we hand out programmes and provide a quick run-down of everything that is happening in the village. Before we started our day’s work, a couple of our members could not resist getting involved in the festivities.

VISITING THE EMC AND BIRTHDAYS

Club members had an interesting private tour backstage of the EMC. A young and enthusiastic team showed us around and then demonstrated their expertise at a wide range of lighting and sound effects. They explained how they cope with many shows being on for performance only, presenting them with real challenges. They have to discover what is required of them by the artists and then produce those effects on stage with little time to practise and perfect them.

After the visit, we adjourned for a meal and learned that it was a member’s birthday. After he had been presented with his sparkler and birthday cake, his wife revealed that it was her birthday too. Happy birthday to both.

CLUB MEMBER GREETS ROYALTY

Club member Val Beale was delighted to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace recently.

The nomination arose from Val’s 24 years as a magistrate and her substantial and sustained efforts to drive forward the Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (HACRO). The many offenders who have turned their lives around with the help of HACRO is testament to the work that Val and others have put in. This has brought notable benefits not only to those struggling to rehabilitate but also to our local community.

As Val says “The whole garden party worked like a well-oiled machine on an altogether cold but memorable day.”

And, we didn’t know at that time, but . . .

We are pleased to announce that Val has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It is in respect of her substantial voluntary work. Val said “I am delighted to receive this honour, which is a tribute to my 24 years as a magistrate and the great work and excellent outcomes achieved by the whole HACRO team”.