Sawbobus Extension for Commuters - Two week trial starts 24 February 2025
No charge for the trial.
New Book Available - Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall - A Brief History
£7.50 each.
Homes for Ukraine Sawbridgeworth Support Group Win First Place in Christmas Tree Festival at Great St Mary’s Church
Several of our Ukrainian ladies in Sawbridgeworth, and their children, hand painted a range of beautiful tree decorations for their tree as part of the Gt St Mary's Christmas tree festival. They were voted into first place out of 36 other creative trees. They also helped out at the church over the 7/8 December weekend with refreshments and the tombola.
Our weekly English lessons continue and regular social activities.
Sawbridgeworth Town Council Launches Petition to Save Leventhorpe Swimming Pool
Sawbridgeworth Town Council, with strong support from our community, has launched a petition urging the UK Government to reinstate essential funding for Leventhorpe Swimming Pool, which is scheduled to close on 23 December 2024 following a government funding withdrawal. This decision impacts not only Sawbridgeworth but also the surrounding areas, where residents rely on this pool for health, wellbeing, and community connection.
Leventhorpe Pool is a vital resource, helping to foster physical and mental wellbeing for people of all ages. From teaching children to swim to supporting adults on their health journeys, Leventhorpe Pool has long been a place where the community comes together. For many, especially children and elderly residents, there is no realistic alternative if the pool closes.
We are calling on the Government to reconsider these funding cuts and provide the financial support necessary to keep Leventhorpe Swimming Pool open for our community.
We invite everyone to stand with us in support of the petition. By joining together and making our voices heard, we can help preserve Leventhorpe Swimming Pool for future generations.
Sign the petition here: https://chng.it/DVgWYGxCgy or to sign a hard copy of the petition pop into the Council Offices in Sayesbury Manor off of Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth Library or the Hailey Centre.
Together, let’s save Leventhorpe Swimming Pool and keep this invaluable asset for our community’s future.
Cllr Eric Buckmaster, Cllr Ruth Buckmaster, Cllr Annelise Furnace, Cllr Dawn Newell, Cllr Salvatore Pagdades, Cllr Angus Parsad-Wyatt, Cllr Nathan Parsad-Wyatt, Cllr Simon Penney, Cllr Greg Rattey, Cllr John Rider, Cllr Reece Smith, Cllr Steve Smith
The Mayor of Sawbridgeworth is urging Sawbridgeworth residents to report sightings of illegal off-road motorcycles and e-scooters to the police.
Arts in East Herts Showcase - Daily from Sept-October 2024
There is an art event or activity nearly evry day in September and October 2024 and most are free - visit East Herts Website here for a full list of events
KYIV CLASSIC ACCORDION DUO: CONCERT FOR UKRAINE 13 AUGUST 2024
An appreciative audience of around 60 people enjoyed Igor Sayenko and Olekseii Kolomets’ return visit to the Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church on 13 August. The first half of the programme was devoted to works by Ukrainian composers and the second included pieces by Karl Jenkins, Andrew Lloyd Webber (Cats) and Professor Teddy Bor’s Scottish infusion, ‘McMozart’s Eine Kleine Bricht Moonlicht Nicht Musik’. The concert ended with an emotional, and appropriately patriotic, rendition of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, which audience members sang along with, in true Last Night of the Proms style!
Thanks are due to Gary Hanson and his team of volunteers for hosting the concert once again.
£550 was raised for local charity UK-AID, which has been delivering humanitarian aid for the victims of Chernobyl in Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine, for some years, as well as to the victims of the Russian invasion since 2022. Donations can be made through www.uk-aid.org.
Sawbobus back in service after break in overnight.
The service resumed at 1pm on Thursday 04 July 2024.
SAWBRIDGEWORTH LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY HERTFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION FOR LOCAL HISTORY AWARDS
Accompanied by SLHS Co-Chair, David Royle, Theo van de Bilt, founder member of the Sawbridgeworth Local History Society (SLHS), former Chairman, member, writer, and researcher, received a well-deserved award on 18 May at the Hertfordshire Association of Local History AGM in Potters Bar for services to local history. The citation highlighted his contribution before and after the formation of SLHS in 2016 and his ongoing involvement in writing articles and books about our local history, most recently the extremely popular High Wych History in Pictures.
The AGM also featured an entertaining talk about the battle of Barnet 1471 by the Curator at Barnet Museum
Level 1 Award in Garment Construction - 10wk course in Bishop’s Stortford
Please call 01992 556194 to book.
Hertfordshire Priority Setting Form
Whether you live, work or study in Hertfordshire, you can tell your local Neighbourhood Policing Team what your priorities are.
All comments received are anonymous and will be sent through to your local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers for review.
Please don’t use this page to report an ongoing crime or incident. Remember: if you believe a crime is in progress or someone is in danger, always dial 999.
Free Cup of Tea or Coffee for Senior Citizens arriving at Oakridge Nursery on Sawbobus every Tuesday
See "Guide to Timings" for more information.
Vigil for Ukraine - Two Years On 2024
SAWBRIDGEWORTH HOMES FOR UKRAINE SUPPORT GROUP
The SAWBRIDGEWORTH HOMES FOR UKRAINE SUPPORT GROUP organised a vigil on Saturday 24 February in Sayesbury Manor, next to the Town Council, to mark the unwelcome second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Around 50 people attended, including some of our guests from Ukraine and their children, their hosts, our group of English teachers, residents and town councillors (the Mayor, Cllr Ruth Buckmaster, and Cllrs Eric Buckmaster and John Rider).
The Sawbridgeworth Evangelical and Congregational Church minister, Gary Hanson, read a prayer, which Anna Kasimova also read in Ukrainian. We sang the Ukrainian National anthem and Chervona Kolyna (the red viburnum, which has become a symbol of freedom and resilience, a song of resistance), lit tea lights and laid them next to the beacon (also alight). We finished with a period of quiet reflection and the opportunity to talk to each other.
We’d like to thank the Town and Council and Town Ranger for their support.
Gary Hanson reminded us that we now have a permanent connection with Ukraine, and we are starting to think about how and where to best remember that connection in our town.
David Royle 250224
Hertfordshire Highways Gritting Routes
Map of primary & secondary routes in and around Sawbridgeworth.
Waste Aware
Save Money, Save Food Waste - save up to £720 a year by reducing the amount of edible food you waste
Notice of Town Council Election December 2023
Notice of byelection for Sawbridgeworth on 7th December 2023
After The Clocks Go Back Leaflet 2023
Once again we are proud to launch the winter booklet with all the community group details, contact numbers and website links. A big thank you to Valerie Simmons for all her hard work and dedication in delivering this booklet to you.
Please click here to open your copy of After the Clocks Go Back
If you would like a printed copy, please drop into the Town Council offices, Central Surgery, Toplines, Library, the pharmacies, Hailey Centre, Memorial Hall and other locations around the town.
Regrown
5th-9th February 2024 Reuse. Ecosystem. Green. Recycle. Outdoors. Wildlife. Nature.
A message from the Mayor
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the horrific events in Israel. Our sincere and deep condolences go out to those who have lost family, friends and loved ones. As councillors we recognise that everyone deserves to live in peace, freedom and securely, and we hope these can be achieved throughout the region soon.”
Notice of Vacancy in office of Councillor - Parish of Sawbridgeworth
APPEAL FROM THE SAWBRIDGEWORTH HOMES FOR UKRAINE SUPPORT GROUP
THE SAWBRIDGEWORTH HOMES FOR UKRAINE SUPPORT GROUP is looking for new or previous hosts to sponsor Ukrainians wishing to leave their country. If you are at all interested, please contact David Royle at: david.royle1@gmail.com
Herts County Council are also appealing for hosts for Ukrainians already living in Hertfordshire (re-matching): https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/news/ukraine-support/homes-for-ukraine.aspx
Benefits of hosting include:
- Enabling Ukrainian children to continue their education.
- The chance to make new friendships for you and your family.
- A monthly ‘thank you’ payment of at least £400, changing to at least £550 once the guests have been in the UK for 12 months.
- Access to support via a direct email address and phone number for the Homes for Ukraine team, plus regular updates and newsletters for hosts and guests h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk 01992 555153.
How to become a re-match host: If you are interested in finding out more, on a no-obligation basis, please email h4ukraine@hertfordshire.gov.uk quoting re-match or call 01992 555153 and ask to speak to the re-match team.
French Visit to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Twinning Relationship
Herts Holiday Activity Programme - HAPPY
Free holiday camps for school aged children in receipt of benefits related to free school meals.
Act Now - Resubmit Objections to Wrenbridge’s St James Way Development.
Everybody that has previosuly objected to this application needs to at least resubmit their comments on 3/23/0248/VAR in full direct to the East Herts Planning Inspectorate or they might not be considered due to the duplicated/amended applications that Wrenbridge have submitted.
Central Surgery Patients’ Group Newsletter - July 2023
Please click here to read Central Surgery Patient Group July 2023 Newsletter.
Town Twinning 50th Anniversary Visit
SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN TWINNING ASSOCIATION 50TH ANNIVERSARY
A delegation of 12 town twinning members travelled to Bry-sur-Marne, our French twin town, over the weekend of 18-21 May to join the 50th anniversary celebrations with our two twin towns, Bry, and Moosburg, near Munich. Cllr Tony Dodd started the link in September 1973, together with the French mayor, Etienne Audfray, but the link with Moosburg was not formalised until 2018. Two coaches came from Moosburg, including a group of young musicians (average age 16).
On arrival we attended a tree planting ceremony (a symbolic elm) with speeches by the three mayors, including our own mayor, Cllr Ruth Buckmaster. Moosburg brought a sculpture made by a local artist, representing Europa, from Greek mythology.
On Friday, we all went to a sculpture museum in Montparnasse and walked to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Saturday was a free day for further exploration of Paris, followed by an official dinner with music, more speeches, and an exchange of gifts. We presented inscribed pens and Coronation souvenirs to the two mayors and twinning organisers.
We will further mark the anniversary when our French friends visit us from 15-18 September and when we go to Moosburg from 19-22 October. In addition, we will have an event on 29 September in the Hailey Centre to mark the actual date of the signing of the first twinning oath by our then mayor Fred Whitehead and his French and German counterparts in Bry-sur-Marne. Former twinners, Association chairmen and women will be invited. David Royle 22 May 2023
Town Twinning 50th Anniversary Visit
{news_details}Annual Town Meeting
The Annual Town Meeting will take place on Monday 3rd April 2023 at the Town Council Chamber in Sayesbury Manor, all welcome
The business of the meeting to be transacted can be found HERE
Notice of Elections
THE UNWELCOME ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE
24 FEBRUARY 2023: THE UNWELCOME ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Every day I wake up thinking the war in Ukraine is just a bad dream, that such a war cannot really be happening in Europe in the 21st century. But there it is, hanging over me, with all the daily images of senseless death and destruction, torture, forced deportations plus, shockingly, the underlying blind hatred. So, how should we mark this unwelcome anniversary? One of our guests in Sawbridgeworth summed up the feeling very well: ‘…I would like to hide under the blanket and wake up later realizing it was just a bad dream. For locals, maybe gathering and lighting candles in a memory of all fallen in this war. Donations would be great. Maybe a short speech reminding (people about) what Ukraine is going through all this time. I don’t know really. A very dark day.’ My daily routine includes messaging a friend from my project days in Kyiv who is in an apartment building in Kharkiv near the border with Russia. Daily shelling, sleepless nights, lack of water and electricity. She has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy somehow. But she is still delivering online history lessons, ironically on the very wars we were supposed to learn from. She has sons fighting, displaced grandchildren, her husband is repairing tanks. We often say ‘Never Again’ about, for example, the Holocaust but here we go again. So let’s never forget the suffering of innocent civilians in Ukraine, those displaced and forced to relocate and those separated from their families. Let’s be grateful it’s not happening to us, even as we feel the impact of the war. Let’s continue to support our friends in Ukraine and in Bishop’s Stortfod and Sawbridgeworth in any way we can, by visible signs of support, and by donating to humanitarian groups. I recommend the Ukraine Humanitarian Hub https://www.facebook.com/groups/652408852489848/ and UK-AID Felsted https://www.uk-aid.org/news/article/ukraine-crisis.html Let’s also remember the local support from our hosts and our brilliant band of volunteer English teachers, and our church community.
SLAVA UKRAINI
Community Pop up Shop
Held at Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church - Wednesday 1pm-3pm and Saturday 10am-12pm
Volunteers Wanted - Alzheimer’s Society - Side by Side Essex
Could you help someone with dementia do things they love.
Tel: 03331503456
Crowd Funding raising money for generators for the Ukraine
Tea & Read - Warm Space at Sawbridgeworth Library
Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30am - 12pm
No Sawbobus Service 2022
Thre will be no Sawbobus today - Monday 12 December due to the weather.
No Sawbobus Service
Passenger Notice
There will be NO SAWBOBUS SERVICE on Bank Holiday Monday - 19th September 2022 due to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Sawbobus Commercial Sponsors - support community bus service
left to right - Jane, Budgens Assistant Store Manager, Alison & Kim of Boyletts Law, Stuart Dingle of Airdrome Cars and Karol from Oakridge Nursery, pictured with Christopher Hunt, Town Clerk of Sawbridgeworth.
Our commercial sponsors have made financial contributions to support the running of Sawbobus.
Our current sponsors are –
Budgens
Boyletts Law
Airdrome Cars
Oakridge Nursery
Matt's Autos
HD Racing
Co-Option for Town Councillor
Please follow the link below to find out how to apply for co-option to become a town councillor.
http://www.sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk/contact-us/vacancies/
To find out more about being a town councillor please click here
WALLY WRIGHT FIRST HONORARY FREEMAN OF SAWBRIDGEWORTH
Sawbridgeworth Town Council agreed in February this year to make Wally Wright, local historian and President of the Local History Society, their first Honorary Freeman of the town. Unfortunately, it was not possible to present the award to Wally before he died on 1 June.
A framed copy of the scroll was presented to Wally’s sons, Peter and Ivan, by Cllr David Royle (also Chairman of the Local History Society) at the reception at the Hailey Centre following his funeral on 5 July. Tributes were paid to Wally’s contribution to the local history of Sawbridgeworth and Bishop’s Stortford at the service and at the reception afterwards. His lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy, in the form of books, articles and town walks, as well as artefacts in the Bishop’s Stortford Museum, was highlighted.
Another Year for Mayor
At the Annual Meeting of the Town Council on Monday 23rd May 2022, Cllr Greg Rattey was elected Mayor once again for the year 2022-2023
Town Council Election Results
07 April 2022 Election results can be viewd on our election page.
No Sawbobus on Easter Bank Holidays
There will be no Sawbobus service on Friday 15 April (Good Friday) or Monday 18 April (Easter Monday). Saturday 16 April 2022 is unaffected.
Notice of poll and situation of polling stations
Visit our elections page for more information on Town Council Elections.
Sawbridgeworth Prayer Vigil for Ukraine
Watch Sawbridgeworth Prayer Vigil for Ukraine that took place on 12 March 2022 at Sayebury Manor
Sawbridgeworth people stand in solidarity for the people of Ukraine in emotional vigil at Sayesbury
link here to read article on Bishop's Stortford Independent Newspaper
Sawbobus Passenger Notice
Unfortunately there will be NO SAWBOBUS SERVICE on Monday 21 March 2022 due to driver sickness.
Service on Saturday 19 March 2022 is unaffected.
Normal service from Tuesday 22 March 2022.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Statement of persons nominated Sawbridgeworth by-election 7th April 2022.
Visit our elections page to view this document
Three Vacancies in the office of Town Councillor for Sawbridgeworth Town Council.
Visit our Town Council Elections Page to find out more and view the Notices of Vacancy
Home Library Service
Young People’s Survey 2021
Young People's Survey 2021 (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
The HCC Services for Young People (SfYP), Young People's Survey 2021 is now available for young people to share their views. The survey is an opportunity for young people aged 11-17, and up to the age of 25 for those with special educational needs to have their voices heard and follows on from our previous countywide survey conducted in 2019
Electoral Boundary Review
East Hertfordshire District Council is currently undergoing an electoral review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
Information on the Boundary Electoral Review
.
Sawbobus
We are pleased to announce that Sawbobus is back to its full 'guide to timings' Please see the Sawbobus page for 'guide to timings'.
http://www.sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk/town-information/town-council-services/sawbobus/
Eastwick Lodge to Pye Corner Road Works
Aftercare works in Eastwick Road
Between A414 Eastwick Lodge roundabout and Pye Corner
Between Thursday 29 July and Monday 2 August
Works between 09:30am and 4:00pm
High Wych Road - HCC Road Work Information
Aftercare works in High Wych Road
Please ensure you have moved your car on the date below’
Between Redricks Lane and High Wych Footpath 001
Between Wednesday 28 July and Friday 30 July
Works between 09:30am and 4:00pm
Defibrillator Locations
Town information - List of defibrillators in the Sawbridgeworth area.
Sawbo Daily Mile Fundraising Event launched by the Mayor
The Sawbo Daily Mile can be done anytime between Monday 29 March to Sunday 11 April, walking, running, cycling or rolling, while adhering to current Covid-19 regulations. All the monies raised will go to this year’s Sawbridgeworth Mayor’s Charities – the 1st Sawbridgeworth Scouts and the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Link to find the Sawbo Daily Mile Walks in the town
Here is what to do:
1. Keep up your fitness and wellbeing by completing a Daily Mile
2. Stick to the latest Covid-19 restrictions https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
3. Do a Daily Mile 2 to 7 times a week – whatever suits you best
4. Do this for 1 week or 1 fortnight – it’s up to you
5. Walk, run, cycle or roll, and anything else that keeps you active
6. If you can, get your friends and family to sponsor you per mile
7. Donate to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sawbomayorcharities
The initiative is NOT exempt from the current Covid-19 rules and the expectation is that all participants continue to adhere to guidelines.
The Sawbobus service will restart on Monday 29 March 2021
More information including the 'guide to timings' can be found on the Sawbobus page.
Shell Garage Update
Sawbridgeworth Town Council has received an update on the Shell garage redevelopment on the London Road.
Last year RSK worked at the site in order to provide further environmental soil and groundwater data that was requested through the planning process, in support of the discharge of the appropriate planning conditions. As of 11/03/2021 the application to discharge the relevant Condition was still awaiting a decision. The final date for consultation responses to be received for the application was 08/03/2021. RSK says there is a considerable will to be able to close out the redevelopment and have the site back in normal operation as soon as possible – it is anticipated that redevelopment would recommence within a short period (e.g. 2-3 weeks) of receiving notice of the successful Condition discharge.
STC Comment on New Street Names
STC comment on new street names
Sawbridgeworth Town Council is delighted that local people, all of whom contributed to the continued vibrancy and sense of community prevalent in Sawbridgeworth over the years, have provided the inspiration for new street names in the town.
These community-spirited individuals supported Sawbridgeworth in a variety of ways, from forming international links through a renowned college, inventing a new method of teaching music and keeping our footpaths well maintained, to establishing a well-known bakery chain, setting up our local Scout movement and documenting scenes of local life for generations to come.
It is a fitting tribute that each will be remembered in this way for their efforts. In particular, we are glad to see the inclusion of two female names, which brings a better balance to the town.
We thank the Sawbridgeworth Local History Society and a number of local residents for all their research and assistance.
Sawbridgeworth Town Council was asked for street name recommendations by East Herts District Council last year, which could be passed onto the developer.
The new street names for the residential development north of West Road are inspired by:
May Slater – a Town Councillor and the first female Mayor of Sawbridgeworth, she was also founder of Eversley College for international students.
Candida Tobin - inventor of the Tobin Music System, a method of teaching children of all abilities which is well known in music teaching circles, also a musician, publisher, teacher and entrepreneur. She created the Old Malthouse Music Society at which top-class musicians gave concerts.
Brian Rochester – a retained fireman for 22 years, a Town Councillor, who regularly patrolled and maintained Sawbridgeworth footpaths over a number of years.
Dorrington – bakers in Sawbridgeworth since 1919 started by Ernest Dorrington, which continues to this day with a number of branches in the local area.
Marcus Woodward – a Fair Green resident and founder of the Boy Scouts in Sawbridgeworth around 1908/9.
William Truswell – a Sawbridgeworth photographer (1858-1939), many of his photographs appear in the town’s pubs and on the Sawbridgeworth Local History Society’s website.
The Town Council would welcome residents’ input and suggestions for street naming in the future.
Further reference
Vaccinations Survey Launched
Today, Healthwatch Hertfordshire is launching two surveys to better understand local residents’ experiences of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
The first survey is aimed at those who have received the vaccine and asks about their experiences of the appointment as well as the information/communication provided. The second survey is aimed at those yet to be offered the vaccine, exploring attitudes towards the vaccine, likelihood of take-up, and also their experience of communication related to the vaccine.
Please help us to reach as many people as possible by sharing our surveys via your social media channels, newsletters, bulletins, and any other means or contacts.
To aid this, please find the link to the surveys below:
COVID-19 Vaccination Surveys - Healthwatch Hertfordshire
All other relevant information about this study can also be found on the link above.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further or if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
Natasha Austin
Research Officer
Tel: 01707 275978
Mob: 07436407196
Healthwatch Hertfordshire Ltd
1 Silver Court
Watchmead
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 1LT
Lack of Construction Management Plan in West Road
The Mayor of Sawbridgeworth has written to East Herts District Council to express the thoughts of the Town Council on the new development sites known as SAWB2 and SAWB3
Thank You from Rotary
Thank you to Great St Mary's Church and all who filled the gap left by the cancellation of Rotary's Carols on Fair Green on Christmas Eve with the streaming of Community Carols. Particular thanks from Rotary to the socially distanced Choir under Musical Director David Wood, who has regularly compered the Fair Green event, the Vicar, Father Simon Vivian, with the Mayor of Sawbridgeworth Cllr Annelise Furness, Gary Hanson and the Revd. Debbie Hore all of whom had leading roles.
Sawbobus Service Suspended
Town Twinning Toilet
In a meeting of the Full Town Council on 28th September 2020 a proposal was put forward by Councillor David Royle as follows:
To consider whether a toilet twinned town idea might be a useful community exercise the town council could take the lead on and encourage up to 20 toilets to be twinned, bringing together schools, businesses and community groups.
It was resolved: To twin the Bell Street public conveniences at a cost of £60. It was proposed by Cllr Royle and seconded by Cllr R Buckmaster
The twinning certificate has arrived at the Town Council offices today - you can see the details in the photo below.
80th anniversary of Second World War bomb tragedy
Eighty years may have passed since a random bomb from a German Luftwaffe plane killed two women and three children by destroying four houses in Sawbridgeworth, but for survivor John Liddell the events of the tragedy are still fresh in his mind.
This is the first year that 88-year-old John has not had the chance to return to the town to honour the dead and wounded. So when he spoke to the Indie he was keen to keep alive the memory of the Second World War attack.
The night of October 10, 1940, also saw bombs dropped in Bishop's Stortford, with one hitting the former Hockerill Girls Training College in Dunmow Road, killing three girls.
In Sawbridgeworth, a German bomber dropped its deadly cargo onto the middle of Cambridge Road, causing a huge crater. Nearby homes took the full force of the blast.
Two mothers, Alice Fulker and Dorothy Chappell, and three children, brother and sister Derek and Jean Burrell and evacuee Constance Baker who was staying with the Chappell family, were killed. Several others, including John and his younger brother Grahame, were injured.
"The only reason I keep stirring it up is to remember the people who died and were wounded," said John, who was living in a house in Cambridge Road with his mum and dad and Grahame when the tragedy unfolded.
In an article for the Sawbridgeworth Local History Society, he recounted the events after the bomb landed at around midnight.
"A profound silence lasted for about two seconds," he said. "The noise then started. Items falling including slates and tiles, glass breaking, some of it where my mother had stuck net curtain to the windows. People shouting."
Eight-year-old John was asleep in a double bed with his six-year-old brother at the back of the house, with Grahame nearest to the bomb blast.
"His first words were that he could see the moon," recalled John. "There was a large hole in the wall beside his head, over a foot wide.
"About the same time our father called out from the front bedroom 'Boys, stay where you are as there may not be any floor'.
"This sent Grahame into a fit of giggles. My pyjama top was sticky and we were both white from the ceiling dust."
The boys were taken to The Bull pub opposite, which was run by their grandmother. It was discovered Grahame had suffered a serious injury to his left hand.
He was taken by their father to Rye Street Hospital in Bishop's Stortford, where he had recently had his tonsils removed,
John said Grahame's hand was so badly injured surgeon "Mr Coleman" decided it should be amputated, but the nurse who had been looking after the boy weeks before took umbrage at that.
"Sister Norbury told Mr Coleman that he was not to amputate and stood between the surgeon and Grahame," said John. "She went on to say that most of the hand could be saved with dedicated nursing."
"The hand was saved, but he lost the top of his thumb, a finger and most of another one," added John. "He was very ill in hospital for over two months – a major part of the problem concerned his throat. Ceiling dust caused problems. There were no antibiotics, no penicillin at this time."
It was subsequently found that John had suffered shrapnel wounds. He had an operation at Rye Street Hospital to remove it, something he remembers vividly.
"The anaesthetic was a liquid which was poured over a gauze, held in place with a metal frame on my nose," he said. "My memory is of being drowned."
John has spent the intervening years ensuring the tragedy is not forgotten.
The names of the dead are on the war memorial in the Great St Mary's churchyard and were read out at a service in the church. The Union flag was flown at half mast at Sawbridgeworth Town Council offices at Sayesbury Manor, Bell Street, and mayor Cllr Annelise Furnace will say a few words at the October council meeting.
https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/wartime-bomb-survivor-still-honouring-women-and-children-who-died-9126945/
Mayor of Sawbridgeworth’s Rate My Bake Fundraising Event
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/
sawbomayorcharities
Bin Collections Latest Information
Please click HERE to go the latest information on Waste Collection Services from the District Council
Grants Herts County Council
Grants available to help local organisations support residents during the period of the Corona virus.
For information contact your county councillor here using email: eric.buckmaster@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Covid 19 - Latest information from the Citizens Advice Bureau
For the latest information from CAB please click here
Latest Guidance from County Council on Coronavirus
Hertfordshire County Council have released guidance on coronavirus - to access the information please click here
Phonics Classes in Sawbridgeworth - for ages 1-4 years
Classes run in Sawbridgeworth on a Tuesday at Church House.
Contact: isobel@soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk
Friends of Pishiobury Work Party
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year to all !
The next Work Party is Thursday 16th January. The task will be to clear the bomb crater of the Hawthorn that was felled but still needs to be cut up and cleared away. Meet in the Main Car Park at 10 AM. Thick gloves essential.
Hoping to see as many of you as possible.
Best Regards,
Bob.
Friends of Pishiobury Work Party
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year to all !
The next Work Party is Thursday 16th January. The task will be to clear the bomb crater of the Hawthorn that was felled but still needs to be cut up and cleared away. Meet in the Main Car Park at 10 AM. Thick gloves essential.
Hoping to see as many of you as possible.
Best Regards,
Bob.
Town Action Plan Consultation
Saturday 11 January 2020, 10am-1pm at the Council Offices, Sayebury Manor, off Bell Street.
Co-Option For Town Councillor in the New Year
Sawbridgeworth Town Twinning Association: A Sign Of The Times?
During our Town Twinning visit to Moosburg in Germany at the end of October we were all shown the new town sign commemorating the link between Sawbridgeworth and Moosburg, which was formalised in 2018. You will notice that our sign is minus the EU stars, pending our assumed exit.
The link with our French twin town, Bry-sur-Marne, near Paris, goes back to 1973 and is commemorated in Bry with a stone ‘plaque’ in front of the town hall. Actually, Moosburg has a ‘forest’ of signs marking its links with other towns in France, Austria and the USA.
We will soon have a new twinning sign, which includes Moosburg, thanks to the good offices of Cllr. Eric Buckmaster and Herts County Council Highways.
David Royle, Chairman STTA, 1 December 2019
Thinking of joining us? Contact me at david.royle1@gmail.com or Sally Pribul sally@pribul.co.uk.
Councillor Vacancy December 2019
Notice is hereby given that a vacancy has occurred in the office of Town Councillor for Sawbridgeworth Town Council caused by the resignation of Steven Jones.
An election to fill the vacancy will be held if notice in writing of a request for such an election is made by ten local government electors for the Sawbridgeworth town and received by the returning officer of the East Hertfordshire district council at Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8EQ by 20 December 2019.
If an election is not requested by ten local government electors, as aforesaid, the vacancy will be filled by the town council as soon as practicable after 20 December 2019.
DATED: 02 DECEMBER 2019.
R G Bowran
Clerk to Sawbridgeworth Town Council
Address of Town Clerk:
Sayesbury Manor
Bell Street
Sawbridgeworth
CM21 9AN
Published by the Clerk to the Town Council
Recruiting Now - On-Call Firefighters in Hertfordshire
For more information visit their website byclicking here
Councillor Vacancy October 2019
A vacancy has arisen at the Town Council, for more information please click here
Cattle at Pishiobury Park
Pishiobury Park - the cows will be back from Friday 10th May. The cows are really vital to the upkeep of the park and we are very lucky to have them. Representatives from East Herts will be popping by to talk to dog owners about appropriate dog control. The majority of owners are very responsible, however, if you see an incident involving dogs and cattle please do not try to tackle it yourself, instead call 101 and ask the Police to attend. Please get a clear description with times/type of dog etc.
Local Election Results May 2019
Sawbridgeworth Town Council Election Results 2019
District Council Election Results for Sawbridgeworth May 2019
Town & District Elections - Statements of persons nominated
SAWB4 Planning Meeting ~ All Welcome
There will be an extraordinary meeting of the Planning Committee on Monday 4th March at 7pm in the Council Chamber to consider a response to the SAWB4 Planning Application from Countryside Properties. All are welcome to attend. If you would like to make a representation at this meeting you are welcome to do so. Please note that there is a maximum of 5 minutes per person to speak.
To view the agenda please click HERE
Updates on District Plan
Following a Planning Development Meeting at East Herts District Council on Wednesday 13th February 2019 - Taylor Wimpey proposal was given the green light for their planning application, two ward members and the Town Clerk spoke against the application at the meeting. Please click here to read their addresses.
Councillor News
At the meeting of the Full Council on Monday 28th January 2019, it was noted that Cllr Ruth Buckmaster had declared that she was now a member of the Conservative Party and wished to be recognised as such.
London Road Gas Works - The Story So Far!
Gas Works on London Road – 27th November 2018 - Status update – Joanne Sargant for Sawbridgeworth Town Council
Nobody was more alarmed than us to discover this morning that a crew turned up on London Road and set up traffic lights. In order that the correct information is disseminated I have been in communication with the Gas team who have been sent to an emergency repair. Rather than everyone ‘guess’ what is going on I have informed the men that I will visit the site every couple of hours throughout the day to get an update. The story so far is……… 9am this morning
Last week when UK Power Networks were busy (doing nothing most of the time) they discovered that they could smell gas. They called the gas board out to investigate – the gentleman that came out is the same man that is now currently working on the gas leak. They advised UK Power Networks that there was a gas leak and their monitors were registering very high levels of gas leaking all along the footway – (the section from the entrance to BT travelling up towards the mini roundabouts)
The gas board were advised that they could not carry out any work whilst the UK Power Networks were on site. The gas board therefore lifted a gas manhole to let the built-up gas release, raised a request to Herts County Council Highways department for a permit to carry out investigation and repair work.
UK Power Networks finally packed up on Saturday after extensive negotiation with myself about the complete and utter fiascos they had created over the 6 days.
This morning Herts County Council Highways department issued the gas company a permit to start work on repairing the gas leak!
Second Visit to site at 12.30 – Luckily for me the Highways officer was on-site to inspect that the road had been set up correctly and the traffic management system was in place and working!! - despite the fact that the traffic was now backed up to Spellbrook, backed up to Harlow Mill and goodness only knows what was happening on roads elsewhere!
My questions to the HCC Officer were:
Q - Why have you allowed this to happen?
A – Well…… there is a gas leak and it need to be repaired, the permit was issued this morning!
Q – Who reported the gas leak? (I already knew the answer to this question!)
A – UK Power Networks, they discovered it last week (I think many of us already knew this)
Q – Why then, when the gentleman who is currently sitting in that van came out last week and confirmed that there was a major gas leak, did you not allow the gas board to carry out the essential work, whilst UK Power Networks had the traffic lights in place and were already causing disruption with their job?
A – The utility companies will not work together on the same job!
Q – Really? Are you kidding me?
A – This is true, they will not accept liability for each other’s work, there has to be a separate permit!
Q – So you are seriously telling me that you are going to allow these traffic lights to remain in place causing maximum disruption, not to mention that several businesses that are almost bankrupt because of the major disruption with utilities companies (2 weeks of Virgin Media at the roundabouts, 6 days of UK Power Networks and now this) and the fact that the Highways department have a complete disregard of the major impact that this has had on our town.
A – I am sorry, I do not know what to do or say! (in the meantime the gas men have confirmed that this is a 12” main gas main, and they are hoping that it is not going to be a complicated repair)
Q – Please can you ensure that when these gentlemen have finished their work for the day that these traffic lights are disabled and that this footpath is made good enough for pedestrians so that during rush hour this evening and tomorrow morning the traffic can flow freely. We appreciate that you have to put this in place whilst the men are working, but there is no good reason that this traffic system has to be in place when the men are not working!
A – You have a very good point, I am going to make a telephone call and get the conditions of the permit changed.
Hallelujah – 4.15 today, Traffic lights tucked up for the night on the footway, traffic flowing freely. …….until tomorrow!
