Dear Resident,
I hope you are staying well and safe.
Recent news and messages:
Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On
On Friday 10th December, the Parish Council held its first Christmas event for two years – and Santa found his way back to Ickleford.
Vice Chairman Ryan Harper decorated the tree, which was kindly donated by the Hunter family at the Lavender Farm again, and Santa (aka County Councillor David Barnard) switched on the updated lights accompanied by the Hitchin Band, who generously volunteered to play carols at the event.
Ickle Cafe were on hand to supply hot drinks and food, as well as Glo Bands, which were very effective in the darkness of Upper Green. A resident suggested that the other trees on the green could be decorated, and so we used the old lights for this – they looked very pretty alongside the Christmas Tree.
Thanks to Alex Goldie, who was on hand for first aid (thankfully not required), the resident of Upper Green supplying electricity for Ickle Cafe, and most of all to residents who came along and made this a real village event.
Please see here for link to the article in the e-edition of the Comet, and here for link to video of the Hitchin Band at the event on our Facebook page.
Vacancy for Clerk to Ickleford Burial Ground Trust
Ickleford Burial Ground Trust, which owns and operates the Alleyfield burial ground in Ickleford, has a vacancy for a Clerk to the Trust. This paid role involves assisting the Trustees in the day-to day management and operation of Alleyfield, liaising with families, funeral directors and the like. This is a part-time role which will typically involve 5 to 15 hours per month and include at least two trustee meetings a year lasting around 90 minutes each. This role is remunerated on an hourly basis with the starting rate set within the band of £12.00 to £14.25 per hour according to the experience of the incumbent. This rate is reviewed annually by the trustees.
Further information about Alleyfield can be found at https://alleyfield.org.uk/, and further information about the role can be obtained from Rob Carter, Chairman of the Trustees, by emailing rob.carter@interpartes.co.uk. Applicants should send their CV to Rob Carter. The closing date for applications is 17:00 on 6th January 2022.
Messages from Hertfordshire Constabulary OWL:
Check in on your neighbour
Check in on your neighbour this Christmas to make sure they are not feeling isolated without family and friends nearby as COVID-19 restrictions may prevent them from enjoying the festivities.
Make time to pick up the telephone and call your neighbour to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 – or do a socially distanced doorstep visit.
“Why not bring a bit of festive cheer to your neighbours and check in on them, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable,” said Detective Inspector Sarah Gilbertson from the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse unit.
“Unfortunately, convincing criminals target elderly and vulnerable adults for many reasons including financial gain but they could also be at risk of other crimes.
“We want to help safeguard adults and we need your help – please check in on your neighbour, show some Christmas kindness and see if you can help them if they need to contact us with any concerns. Or if you are concerned about anyone who may be taking advantage such as a carer or someone who has offered them a service, please do get in touch.”
More residents scammed by banking app fraud
Hertfordshire Constabulary is warning residents to be wary of a scam involving fake banking apps.
Scammers have targeted individuals who were selling valuable phones, cameras and other items via online selling platforms. The vendors were contacted about their items and when the scammer arrived, paid for items using a convincing banking app. The app mimicked apps from a number of banks and appeared to show the funds being transferred to the victim’s bank account.
Around eight offences have been reported since over the last three weeks in the Stevenage, Broxbourne, Hemel Hempstead and Hatfield areas.
Detective Sergeant Mark Fava, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “This scam is catching a lot of people out as the app is very convincing. The scammer asks the victim to enter their bank details into the app and then it appears to show the amount being debited from the buyer’s account. I would urge anyone selling an item to be sceptical about accepting payment via a banking app. Payment by cash, credit card or using Paypal for Business is a more secure way of making a sale.
“Please help us to raise awareness by talking about this with your friends and family, especially if they are vulnerable or elderly.”
If you believe that you are a victim of this scam please report online to www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Visit www.herts.police.uk/protectyourmoney for advice on avoiding scams.
If you suspect a crime is in progress, dial 999. If you are reporting something retrospectively, you can report online at www.herts.police.uk/report
Latest Covid-19 guidance from North Herts Council
North Herts Council (formerly North Herts District Council) have published the latest rules, guidelines and advice regarding the pandemic.
Please click here to access the information.
Please stay safe and well.
Judith Crosier, Clerk to Ickleford Parish Council
Absolutely loved the brass band at the Christmas Tree lights switch-on!