Several kind people have congratulated me on becoming Rural Dean; and I begin the role in October. I am sure that some have no idea what a Rural Dean is for, or even what constitutes a rural deanery, so I thought the following explanation might help.

I brought a perfect specimen of rose from the garden into the house the other day; a lovely deep pink colour, with a powerful scent. Perhaps I should have left it to bloom outside, but having flowers around the house makes it seem brighter and more welcoming; in exactly the same way that flowers in church add liveliness and beauty for worshipper and visitor alike.

Alistair Bayford

Alistair will be showing for the second time at the show which is recognised globally as the largest annual flower show. Speaking about the garden Alistair said that ‘the garden is aimed at highlighting the importance front gardens have in contributing to storm water management and biodiversity.

Residents of Little Hadham crowded into a meeting of the Parish Council to hear the councillors discuss their response to the consultation on the route of the proposed Little Hadham bypass. They heard that almost threequarters of residents had opted for one of the northerly routes in a survey by consultants advising the Highways authority. (Click here to see map)

We started the new season amidst glorious sunshine on the 14th April. On the Saturday we played Buntingford away in a 40-over friendly. Batting first, Little Hadham scored 155 all out with George Beckley top scoring with 30. In reply Buntingford were bowled out for 143, giving Hadham a victory by just 12 runs in a close and exciting finish.

Litle Hadham’s ‘Internet Café’ was formally launched in March 2007 to provide an intro to computing, the Internet and e-mailing, and to help those who have already started ‘surfing’ to hone their skills. Organised courtesy of the Parish Plan, the workshops are held in the computer suite of our local school.

Two sessions have already taken place and interest is mounting among would-be surfers.  If you would like to take part, please contact Bev Evans, our Parish Clerk and former IT teacher, who runs the workshops, on 842803.

There was a time when the village school all trooped up to church on Ascension Day, and was then released to play. So I suppose to previous generations of children the Ascension had good associations; perhaps of holiday and Spring happiness.

Today it is no longer the case, and indeed for many Christians, celebrating the Feast of the Ascension is an almost forgotton event.  In our Team of churches however, this Ascension (May 17th), we will mark the day with an evening Eucharist at St Andrew’s, followed by refreshments and a social gathering.