Here's the latest weekend column sharing news in and around our town's wonderful St Mary's Church in the heart of Hitchin.

A Churchwarden Writes: We change our colours for the first time as the Ukraine flag flies over St Mary's - and the EastEnders of Hitchin get a new riverside home

As Hitchin Nub News reported earlier in the week the flag of Ukraine is now flying on the top of St Mary's Tower, the first time that the flag of another country has ever flown there.

As our church community continues to try to play its part in helping to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, we offer a collection point for the DEC Appeal and a chapel of prayer.

Hitchin Moorhens update

As exclusively reported here at Nub News a couple of weeks ago, Hitchin's most celebrated parents - by which we mean the moorhen couple on the River Hiz of course - have been getting some help in finding a home.

This week a handsome floating birdhouse has been carefully positioned in the river by Hitchin's intrepid Town Rangers.

Visitors to the popular riverside area next to St Mary's 'East End' have been following 'soap opera' of the resident wildfowl for several years.

There has been concern that their chosen nest site, on the restored fountain in the centre of the river, was unsafe for them to raise their chicks under a shower of water.

Efforts to help the birds and other wild species to live alongside the town, and away from predators, have included some platforms in the river.

But the fountain itself and the lights at its base were discouraged with some 'anti bird' wiring to protect the equipment.

Unfortunately, nature often finds a way around the plans of mankind, and the moorhens have been anchoring their nest building twigs in between the spikes quite happily.

The moorhen house, organised by Hitchin BID and HCC, should provide the moorhens and other wildfowl with a safe refuge.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are keeping an eye on the nest, and if necessary, the fountain could be turned off.

But Hitchin Information commented: "It's a tricky situation as we have been told the birds may be using the shower of water as a protection, to hide from predator birds like gulls who could swoop down on the nest. We'll have to see what they decide to do".

Churches Together

On the subject of winged creatures, our popular 'Churches Together' Theological Society continues this Sunday, (April 3) 630pm to 730pm in Church with the theme 'Angels'.

There will be three speakers giving multi faith perspectives, but also expect some personal stories of angelic encounters. All are welcome to share, chat, challenge or confirm views.

At our 10am service earlier on Sunday 'One Bread One Body' welcomes all ages to reflect on 'Jesus's Way of the Cross', and preparation for Easter.

There will be more here about our plans and Palm Sunday next week.

Extended opening hours

On the next two Saturdays there will be extended opening hours as performers are offering free musical experiences to those visiting the church.

Today, Saturday, (April 2), musicians from local group Aeterna will be playing music informally in church.

Classical pieces and live improvisations will provide some downtime for emotional and spiritual respite.

Feel free to arrive or leave as you like and enjoy the perfect acoustics and beautiful surroundings of our historic church.

Next weekend (April 9-10) a full day of music is being staged as a special effort to raise funds for Ukraine, free entry and refreshments.

Those who cannot donate in church can do so via a QR code or by this link https://givealittle.co/campaigns/7611d290-b946- 4c9b-bd99-6dcc6e6f88bb

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