The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally
NEVER MIND THE BALLOTS, IT’S SUMMER!
ELECTION 2024
(Sorry, but we can’t ignore it!):
Full list of candidates inside WARE CELEBRATES
Traditional carnival day to kick off Ware Festival ’24
SUMMER NIGHTS
Open-air cinema, theatre and fabulous concerts
QUIRKY DAYS OUT
Unusual local events in our towns and villages
FOOD & DRINK
Experience outdoor dining and enjoy beer festivals
July 2024
05-10 y Briefing
Our local news round-up including who is standing in the election
14-23 y What’s on
Your guide to the best local events that offer a true flavour of summer
11 y Have you heard?
Hertford Hearing celebrates expansion after just 18 months
24-27 y Food & drink
Outdoor dining experience at Tewinbury and great beer festivals
12-13 y WEDDINGS: Who can help you make your day perfect? 26-27 y THE GUIDE: Discover some of the best local eateries
Front cover images (clockwise from top) Harbour by Barbara Daniels from this year’s Summer Exhibition at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow (p22); The new film Despicable Me 4 is showing in local cinemas this month (p20); The Secret Garden, one of the open-air shows at the Roman Theatre in St Albans this season (p19); The Grace Spitfire will be appearing at Battle Proms at Hatfield Park (p19).
Axis magazine was founded in 2003 by two award-winning former local newspaper editors who still own and run the business today.
We are the independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters in and around eastern Hertfordshire and we aim to provide a concise, useful guide to local life.
Our editorial content is targeted towards readers’ interests, to maximise readership and gain the best exposure for our advertisers. The magazine is delivered to homes and businesses in selected areas and copies can also be picked up free from venues across the area.
Axis Magazine, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew St, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk
PUBLISHERS: Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods
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Call us on 01992 500198 with card details to start a subscription or send a cheque made payable to Axis Publications Ltd to the address in the Contact Us section above.
Here at Axis we look to build long-lasting relationships with local businesses that understand the benefits of advertising to an affluent and intelligent audience on a regular, ongoing basis.
To find out more about promoting your business with us please call 01992 500198
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Homes in parts of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex are set to begin receiving their water from a new sustainable source with the scheduled completion of a new treatment facility by Affinity Water in June.
The company is seeking to reduce the amount of water it abstracts from chalk groundwater sources, a move which will help protect the region’s precious chalk streams. To do so it needs to increase its supply from alternative sources and plans to import more water from neighbouring Anglian Water’s Grafham Reservoir in Cambridgeshire.
Because the water there differs in chemical composition to that of local groundwater it will be conditioned at the new treatment facility at Sundon in Bedfordshire to make it compatible with supply pipes and mitigate a risk of discolouration. The company says customers in areas that include Hertford, Ware, Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth, Tewin, Hatfield, Potters Bar, Harlow and Hadham will be contacted in advance of the change to their supply as they may notice a differ-
ence in the taste and smell of their water. The company says it is completely safe to drink and complies with the high quality standards set out by the regulator, the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
The Affinity Water supply area is unique in that it is home to 10% of the world’s rare chalk streams, special habitats that host a range of wildlife species including water crowfoot, flag iris, mayfly, brown trout, kingfishers, otters and water voles.
The streams flow from chalk aquifers, stores of underground water that are replenished when it rains, that also provide a supply of drinking water. But they are at risk of extinction because of the impacts of climate change as well as increased demands for water as populations grow.
Affinity Water says the new water treatment facility will play a crucial role in its efforts to decrease unsustainable abstraction by up to 36 million litres a day by 2025. Ben Hayward, Head of Capital Delivery at Affinity Water, said: “We are dedicated to ending
Some local residents may notice changes to the taste of their water following the building of a new treament facility which will take water from a reservoir rather than our chalk streams
unsustainable abstraction from chalk groundwater sources in the Chilterns and beyond.
“Chalk streams are invaluable eco-
systems that support a wide range of wildlife species, and it is our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations.”
Hertfordshire residents are once again being invited to help the county council to meet its environmental ambitions by requesting and planting up to five free trees. The county’s popular Your Tree Our Future scheme, now in its third year, was created as part of the county council’s Tree and Woodland Strategy which sets out how it will help establish 1.8million trees in Hertfordshire by 2030.
Planting trees has a positive impact on air quality, helps reduce the carbon in our atmosphere, supports biodiversity and can help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Years one and two of the scheme saw more than 120,00 free trees given away that have the potential of removing almost 200,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.
By visiting Hertfordshire.gov.uk/ yourtree, residents can claim up to five trees from a selection of eight different native species – crab apple, field maple, hawthorn, hazel, hornbeam, rowan, silver birch and
wild cherry. Or you can opt for four trees and a hedgerow pack, which is enough to plant six metres of hedgerow.
By claiming the trees you commit to planting them in a suitable location on land that you own or with the permission of the landowner. They will be provided on a first come first served basis. If your request is successful, you will receive email confirmation followed by a second email in November detailing how to collect your trees from a local pick-up point at the beginning of December.
Hertfordshire.gov.uk/yourtree
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Councillors told running of new theatre remains in-house after speculation grows over its future
No decision has been made to outsource the running of the redeveloped Hertford Theatre, now known as BEAM, a senior council officer has said.
East Herts Council’s Head of Strategic Finance and Property
Steven Linnett was speaking to members of the council’s Human Resources Committee in June. His comments provided clarity on an issue that has been much speculated on by both staff and the general public following the council’s announcement in May that Sports and Leisure Management Ltd, which trades as Everyone Active, would be “supporting” the Beam team in the lead-up to its launch on 23rd August.
The contractor manages several other local venues including Gordon Craig Theatre at Stevenage and The Alban Arena in St Albans.
With the concurrent revelation that longstanding theatre director Rhys Thomas had quit his role ahead of the reopening, rumours, assumptions even, have been circulating that perhaps a more permanent arrangement with Everyone Active can be expected.
And it seems some councillors had been provided with no more information than the general public. During discussions on a proposed new volunteering policy Conserv-
ative councillor Diane Hollebon questioned whether, with Everyone Active taking responsibility for BEAM, discussions had taken place with them over the use of volunteers.
Mr Linnett was at great pains to clarify the situation saying: “SLM/ Everyone Active is not taking over the theatre. They are providing two members of staff who are providing advice and guidance and technical assistance to the council’s in-house operations team.
“Nobody is being outsourced, it’s not being outsourced to SLM. It remains a council operation. We’re just taking advantage of SLM offering two experienced theatre managers to come in and offer guidance and assistance to the team whilst we mobilise the building up.”
And he repeated: “I can be absolutely clear about this. There has been no decision made to outsource this. This remains an inhouse operation. We’re just using two members of staff on secondment from SLM to assist us.”
A visibly annoyed Cllr Hollebon said communication on the matter to all councillors from the leader of the council or its leading executive was needed.
“Clarity please from the exec and leader of the council as to what the true position is so every member
Hertford’s flagship new theatre, BEAM, is due to open on 23rd August. It will have two auditoria and three cinema screens as well as a café-bar.
Pictured right is Rhys Thomas, who quit as director in May
knows exactly what is going on at BEAM theatre,” she said. “It’s not fair if we don’t know.”
The committee chair, The Green Party’s Rachel Carter, agreed, saying: “I would definitely support that. It does need to be clear to the councillors and to the wider public as well.”
crucial to operation of new
As Hertford Theatre was before it, BEAM will be heavily reliant on volunteers – and councillors at the meeting last month were warned
that if they delayed approving the new volunteering policy document until a future meeting the operation of the venue could be jeopardised. It was approved, subject to a number of amendments being made and it being returned to the September meeting of the committee for further review. While the long-awaited new building may at last be nearing completion, it’s clear there’s still much “backstage” work to be done before the curtain can go up next month.
A temporary Banking Hub has been opened in Ware’s Drill Hall providing local residents with access to financial services.
Ware’s last high street bank closed in 2020 but following successful campaigning and lobbying by Ware Town Council and others including former Hertford and Stortford MP, now Conservative election candidate, Julie Marson, a permanent shared Banking Hub is set to be sited in the town.
In the meantime, the interim facility, which was opened on Tuesday 4th June by Cash Access UK, will provide the community with basic
banking and cash services. It offers a counter service operated by the Post Office where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions. In addition, community bankers from a number of major banks will work on rotation, being available to their customers on one day of each week to help with more complicated issues.
Mondays will see a representative from HSBC at the Hub, Barclays will be on site on Tuesdays, Santander on Wednesdays and NatWest on Thursdays.
Ware’s temporary Hub is the
first such facility to be opened in Hertfordshire with further ones to follow in Royston and Hatfield. Cash Access UK said it would remain open until a permanent Hub opens – with news on this due in the coming months.
Ware Town Council Clerk Terry Philpott said: “We are delighted that a project Ware Town Council initiated has come to fruition. We recognise the importance of access to banking and fully support the availability of this service.”
l The hub is open from 9am to 5pm weekdays at Ware Drill Hall, 17 Amwell End, Ware SG12 9HP.
State of the art purifiers have been installed in the classrooms of 31 primary schools in Hertfordshire making the air pupils breathe cleaner and helping to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Each of the schools will also be having air quality monitors connected in each classroom so pupils can monitor the impact of the air purifiers.
The M8 air purifiers filter harmful fine particles called PM2.5 (the air pollutant considered to have the largest impact on health), as well as air-borne viruses like Covid, influenza and measles plus bacteria, mould spores and other allergens – including pollen. They also remove smoke and odours from the air.
Hertfordshire County Council’s
Air purifiers proved their worth during Covid
Air Purifiers developed by Swiss brand MAXVAC hit the headlines during the Covid-19 pandemic after a study at Cambridge’s Addenbrookes Hospital proved their ability to remove and destroy the virus. A team of engineers, scientists and doctors devised a way of reliably sampling the air which was analysed for periods with the machines switched on, and off. The team, who were said to be “fairly gobsmacked by the results”, found that with the machines on almost all traces of airborne SARSCoV-2 were removed. The results have understandably paved the way for their increased use in other public settings beyond hospitals including schools and workplaces, hotels, shops and gyms. Find out more at max-vac.com.
Director of Growth and Environment, Mark Doran, said: “This is one of the first projects of its kind to install air purifiers at this scale and then actually measure the difference they make… “The project forms part of our work to deliver our Sustainable Hertfordshire ambition of cleaner air for all by 2030 and we hope that the results, available next year,
will demonstrate many benefits, including less illness-related absences.”
Priority for the first tranche of purifiers was given to schools located in areas of high deprivation and with higher outdoor pollution levels, with specific attention being given to special schools. Schools within the borough of Broxbourne and East Hertfordshire district were included. There are plans to extend the initiative to another 20 schools by the end of September.
Visiting hours at Harlow’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, which were extended last year, have been reduced again after patients said they would prefer more quiet time during their stays.
The hospital trust sought feedback from patients and staff on the extended visiting arrangements introduced last January that allowed for visitors between 9am and 8pm each day.
They found that some patients said they would prefer more quiet or private time during their stay while staff advised that it would be beneficial to have more time to provide direct clinical care in the morning.
Visiting hours will now run from the later time of 11am to 8pm.
A McDonald’s drive-thru could be built on the St James’ Park development close to the new Bishop’s Stortford High School campus. With the school due to move to its new site in September it has now been revealed that developer Countryside plans to include a McDonald’s restaurant as part of a new local centre.
The BBC reported that, in a letter to parents, headteacher Dale Reeve said the location of the restaurant “could have catastrophic implications for the health and well-being of our students”.
The development is currently taking shape off Whittington Way on the southern side of Bishop’s Stortford and work on the local centre is expected to begin next year.
Countryside already has outline planning permission for the centre and is now consulting the public over the details before submitting a further planning application to East Herts Council.
STEVENAGE • 01438 316623
HITCHIN • 01462 438422
KNEBWORTH • 01438 812365
BUNTINGFORD • 01763 274111
WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018
WELWYN • 01438 714686
HERTFORD • 01992 582052
WARE • 01920 468551
LETCHWORTH • 01462 684292
HODDESDON • 01992 471709
HARWOOD PARK • 01438 812515
HARPENDEN • 01582 762570
It’s almost here – the General Election no-one was expecting until the Autumn – unless of course you had insider knowledge and a few spare quid in your back pocket to take to the bookies!
It’s been a strange campaign – with little obvious enthusiasm on the streets and with the overall outcome expected to be a foregone conclusion if the polls –which have been consistent for many months now –are to be believed.
The last Parliament was dissolved on 30th May leaving the country officially without any MPs – hands up those of you who have noticed any difference. As a politically neutral publication, Axis is not endorsing any candidates. Had Count Binface been standing here, rather than taking on Rishi Sunak in Richmond and Northallerton, things might have been different. Let’s face it, anyone with a manifesto that includes commitments to make all water bosses take a dip in British rivers, to see how they like it, and to ensure that 99 ice creams all cost 99p deserves our vote!
More seriously, here is the full list of candidates declared for the three constituencies in the area covered by Axis on Thursday 4th July. All three seats were won by the Conservatives in the 2019 election, but at least two of them are guaranteed to have new MPs as two of those elected that time –Sir Charles Walker in Broxbourne and Robert Halfon in Harlow – are not standing this time around.
And remember – don’t do a Boris – take your voter ID with you when you go to your polling station.
BROXBOURNE
Nick Belfitt, Liberal Democrats
Owen Brett, The Green Party
Lewis Cocking, Conservative and Unionist Party
Catherine Deakin, Labour
Brett Frewin, English Constitution Party
Martin Harvey, UK Independence Party
Tom Holdsworth, Reform UK
HARLOW
Hannah Ellis, Conservative Party
Malcolm Featherstone, Reform UK
Yasmin Gregory, The Green Party
Riad Mannan, Liberal Democrats
Lois Perry, UK Independence Party
Chris Vince, Labour and Co-Operative Party
HERTFORD & STORTFORD
John Burmicz, Reform UK
Helen Campbell, Liberal Democrats
Nick Cox, The Green Party
Josh Dean, Labour Party
Jane Fowler, Alliance for Democracy and Freedom
Barry Hensall, Heritage Party
Julie Marson, Conservative Party
The independent Hertford Hearing has celebrated its expansion by holding a successful open day at its practice in St Andrew Street. Hertford Hearing is run by the experienced audiologist Danielle Barker, who opened her business in November 2022.
Just 18 months later, Danielle has been able to expand and offer multiple clinic rooms within her beautiful Hertford premises. She has also recently employed a hearing care assistant, Robyn Scott, so can now provide more services and availability. It is Danielle’s passion for audiology, together with the support of other independent businesses, that has enabled Hertford Hearing to grow.
Hertford’s Mayor, Rachel Carter, attended the open day last month to cut the ribbon and celebrate Danielle’s success. The day was supported by fellow local businesses and Danielle particularly wants to thank Flowered Up for providing the floral display, photographer Neil Edgley and videographer Georgia Barker.
About Danielle
Originating from Northallerton in North Yorkshire, Danielle began working in a hearing care assistant role before being chosen by a leading high street brand to be enrolled onto a Hearing Aid Audiology degree at Aston University in Birmingham. After graduating with a dis-
tinction in 2018 she added a qualification in microsuction ear wax removal.
She then began working as an audiologist for some of the country’s biggest high street audiology brands before relocating south to Hertfordshire and Essex.
In October 2019, after accumulating a wealth of knowledge in the corporate sector, she decided to move to a smaller independent audiologist in Bishop’s Stortford, which allowed her to gain extra knowledge and create the perfect blend of service and care when she opened Hertford Hearing.
AWhy choose Hertford Hearing?
Danielle and her team understand that dealing with any sort of hearing loss can be a difficult and sensitive issue, so they treat all their clients as individuals, carefully tailoring treatment and hearing solutions to their specific needs. They offer a range of services, such as ear wax removal via microsuction and comprehensive hearing assessments. Hertford Hearing is 100% independent, and so can provide clients with the very latest information and advice, not
only about ear hygiene, but also hearing technology, tinnitus management and hearing protection, ensuring that your hearing is the best it can be. This is done using a range of specialist testing and fitting procedures which are not commonly available from all high street brands.
If you have any concerns about your hearing, have ear wax that needs painlessly removing or have tinnitus, contact Hertford Hearing to arrange a consultation, using the details in the advert below. To find out more, visit hertfordhearing.co.uk.
Chapter 79 have helped hundreds of couples choose the perfect rings with which to start a new chapter in their lives.
There is nothing more personal than your choice of engagement and wedding rings.
And this is why Chapter 79 is keen to involve clients in the process of designing and making their rings. Seeing a design you have thought up come to life through computer-aided design, or even viewing diamonds and gemstones before they are set into your jewellery, are both possible.
Chapter 79 has extensive collections featuring many different styles and designs to choose from, including diamond-set bands, shaped rings to fit any engagement ring and rings made with contemporary materials such as carbon fibre, tantalum, titanium and stainless steel.
Among premium brands offered is Furrer Jacot. Each individual ring
from Furrer Jacot is handcrafted in Schaffhausen, working to a customer’s individual preferences. Nearly everything is possible with this wedding ring brand – you can set diamonds in your ring, choose mixed metal pattern designs or take inspiration from Furrer Jacot’s own collection of original designs. You will find Chapter 79 at 15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ. Call 01992 534555 or visit chapter79.co.uk.
An historic venue to create your own piece of history
Set in seven acres of picturesque riverside grounds, Ware Priory is one of the area’s leading wedding venues and has been the backdrop to couples tying the knot for generations.
Ceremonies and receptions can take place in the historic Priory
building itself, with its refurbished conservatory looking out on to the lawns, or in the modern Fletcher’s Lea building.
To book an appointment, or find out more, visit warepriory.co.uk or call 01920 460316 to speak to a member of the friendly team.
Once you know your son or daughter is getting married a wedding is just the excuse you need for dressing up. Bride aside, all eyes will be on the mums.
Cream of Royston has been trading in Royston for 48 years and is predominantly a special occasion store. Its extensive stock on two floors is colour co-ordinated for ease of selection.
Everything is available from outfits (sizes 6-28) to shoes and bags, hats, fascinators and lingerie. Brands stocked include Condici, Ispirato, Veni Infantino and Couture Club. Less formal wear from Frank Lyman, Allison, Tia and Lewis Henry is also ideal for a day at the races, wedding abroad, entertaining and cruising. Mothers usually purchase their outfits four to six months before the event. It is usual for mothers to co-ordinate with the wedding
party – many brides have a colour scheme and it is a good idea to either blend or contrast with this. Elegant and slightly understated always works and a hat should complement the outfit. It is very important to be comfortable with what you are wearing. Whilst the outfit must be perfect for the occasion it is important to have the correct lingerie underneath as this can alter the whole look of a garment. Cream has a well-stocked lingerie department and items can be tried with the outfit.
An alteration service is available on full-priced outfits bought in store and shoes and bags are made in Spain in different heel heights and beautiful leathers –these are made to order if they are not available in stock. Cream’s sale shop, Occasions For Less, is located across the road in Roysia House and offers mother
of the bride and groom outfits, shoes, bags and hats from previous seasons, at fantastic prices. There is also a half price section at Cream of Royston as well, where you will find something for every occasion and budget. To book an appointment call 01763 244073 or email
info@creamfashions.com or, for Occasions For Less, call 01763 247166 or email info@occasionsforless.co.uk. Or you can call owner Sue Ross directly on 07813 086331. The diary is filling up fast! Opening hours are 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.
ESTABLISHED 48 YEARS IN ROYSTON
This August cosy up under the stars with our lineup of Pretty Woman, Bridesmaids, Barbie and Top Gun: Maverick. Whilst we’ve got drinks and nibbles available, you’re welcome to bring your own picnic, so don’t forget your blanket or chairs and join us for a memorable night. We promise it’s going to be epic!
Pretty Woman (15) - Friday 16th August
Top Gun: Maverick (12A) - Thursday 22nd August
Bridesmaids (15) - Friday 23rd August
Barbie (12) - Sunday 25th August
£20 per ticket
Showing starts at sunset, from approx 8pm
Scan to book or find out more
01920 460511 fanhamshall@exclusive.co.uk exclusive.co.uk/fanhamshall Fanhams Hall Rd, Ware, SG12 7PZ
Saturday July 6th - Carnival Day, Parade from Broadmeads at 1.25pm, Town Fair in Ware Priory grounds from 2pm
Saturday July 13th - Riverside Real Ale Festival 12pm - 11pm in Fletcher’s Lea (tickets required)
Raft Race from 12:30pm, Pavement Artists Competition 2:00pm - 3:15pm, Putting Competition 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Saturday July 20th - ‘Our World in Words’ kids literary activities in the day & ‘In Conversation with Local Authors’ in the evening at Ware Priory
Saturday July 27th - ‘Old Town Live Ware’ Town Centre Music Event (tickets required)
Sunday July 28th - Lip Service Brass Band Picnic Concert at Ware Priory 3:00pm - 5:00pm
July is Ware Festival month – a time to celebrate all that’s best in the riverside market town of Ware.
The four weeks of events kick off with the traditional Carnival Day on Saturday 6th July. Well-wishers will line the streets of the town centre to watch a series of floats pass by from 1.25pm. Please note however that the usual annual parade of boats, organised by the Lea & Stort IWA, has had to be cancelled this year due to towpath closures.
From 12noon, in the Priory grounds, the Town Fair will take place, with food stalls and bars open and live entertainment arranged by Herts County Sound. Entry to the Town Fair is by £1 voluntary donation to charity.
l Ware Festival of Running on Sunday 7th. Ware 10s organise a set of races at Chauncy School from 9.30am. Register at ware10s.co.uk.
l The annual raft race (make your own and launch it) takes place from Town Quay (behind the library) from 12.20pm on Saturday 13th.
l Also on Saturday 13th is the Riverside Real Ale Festival at Fletcher’s Lea in the Priory grounds, from 12noon to 11pm. See page 25 for more details.
Ware’s traditional Rock in the Priory event, which used to close the festival, is no more but in its place a new live music event, event called Old Town Live, will be held on Saturday 27th. It will have a main stage in the High Street and a second stage in Tudor Square with more acts performing
at pubs around the town as well as a kids’ zone and fairground in the High Street. Tickets are £15 standard, £20 VIP, both of which get you access to all venues with more than 80 acts. Book at ware.oldtownlive.co.uk.
l Also on the 27th, Southern Maltings Arts Centre hosts the
Ware Town Fringe between 3pm and 10pm, featuring a free programme of comedy and live music by local bands and solo artists.
l For full details of all the festival events you can view and download a programme from waretowncouncil.gov.uk.
Parndon Mill in Harlow hosts Chill at the Mill on Saturday 20th July, an evening of jazz and art by the waterside.
The mill’s renowned gallery, which is currently hosting its summer exhibition (see page 22 for more on this), will open at 5pm with entertainment begin-
ning at 6pm. Find a comfortable spot by the willow trees and settle down for the evening to listen to The Essex Jazz Collective featuring top UK saxophonist Zak Barrett.
The relaxed vibe will be supplemented with a great local food and drink offer – with beers from
Harlow’s popular Redchurch Brewery, summer cocktails mixed by Stort Valley Gifting as well as sweet treats from Brownies Coffee Shop.There will also be a raffle during the evening to raise funds for Parndon Mill Charity with some great prizes. Tickets are £15. Visit parndonmill.co.uk.
Book now for an outstanding night of open-air cinema in the beautiful surroundings of Fanhams Hall in Ware.
The hotel and venue will be hosting magical nights of movies under the stars in August, with each film beginning at official sunset time on the day, and tickets are on sale now.
Take your picnic blanket, and your own picnic if you wish –though there will be drinks and nibbles available – and settle down for a magical evening at any one of the following showings:
Friday 16th August:
Pretty Woman (certificate 15).
Showing starts at 8.22pm.
Thursday 22nd August:
Top Gun: Maverick (12A). Showing starts at 8.10pm.
Friday 23rd August: Bridesmaids (15). Showing starts at 8.08pm.
Sunday 25th August: Barbie (12). Showing starts at 8.04pm.
l Tickets for any of the evenings are £20. To book, call 01920 460511 or email fanhamshall@ exclusive.co.uk. For more information visit exclusive.co.uk.
The RAF Museum at Colindale has teamed up with physical theatre company Highly Sprung to create a unique event during the summer holidays.
Trailblazers is a breathtaking, exhilarating aerial performance that re-imagines the stories of two early influencers from aviation history – Amelia Earheart and Bessie Coleman. Performers soar through the air and glide with precision in this immersive experience. The show will run at the RAF Museum between Wednesday and Sunday every week from 25th July to 1st September. Tickets start at £10 for children and £12.50 for adults. Book at rafmuseum.org.
Mudlarks is hosting an Open Allotment event on Sunday 14th July from 12noon to 3pm. It will be an afternoon including fun activities for everyone, a plant sale plus ploughman’s lunches, tea and cake. It’s a great opportunity to find out about the work this charity does in integrating people with learning difficulties and mental health concerns into the community through gardening. The allotment is at Cromwell Road, Hertford SG13 1AD.
Waltham Cross’s Summer of Fun is back this month, with a series of free family events taking place in the town centre’s Queen Eleanor Square. Organised by Broxbourne Council, the events run every Saturday between 11am and 3pm from 6th July to 28th September and include Mr Marvel shows, face-painting, circus workshops, balloon modelling, ink art workshops and Master Builder Lego workshops. In the event of bad weather they are held in The Pavilions shopping centre instead.
Scan here
SATURDAY 20TH JULY
The legendary annual Battle Proms concert will be held in the grounds of Hatfield Park on Saturday 20th July. A concert from 8-10.30pm featuring well-known pieces that are perfect for a summer evening is the centrepiece of the occasion but it also features a Spitfire display, the Red Devils parachutists, a cavalry display, a gun salute, more than 200 cannon and a fireworks finale. Phew! Tickets are £55 for adults, £22 for children.
Book at battleproms.co.uk.
SUNDAY 21sT JULY
Folk by the Oak is an uplifting day out at Hatfield Park the day after Battle Proms on Sunday 21st July featuring the finest folk, roots and acoustic music. The main stage is headlined this year by Levellers and will also feature The Staves, Seckou Keita – Homeland Band, Darlingside, The Young’Uns and The Furrow Collective. Tickets are £58.50 in advance or £65 on the day. Children aged 5-15 are £22 at all times. Book and find out more at folkbytheoak.com.
THROUGHOUT JULY
A pilgrimage to the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival at St Albans should be an annual treat for anyone in Hertfordshire who loves the arts. Producing company OVO organise the summer-long festival, the 10th edition of which is now underway and runs until early September. There are both long runs of plays and one-off events which, together, make up a diverse season that showcases innovative theatre. Highlights include an 80s rock version of The Merry Wives of Windsor (pictured above) and The Secret Garden (pictured top). Find out more and book at ovo.org.uk.
A Quiet Place: Day One (TBC)
Now showing
In the first two Quiet Place films, we joined the Abbott family between Day 471 and Day 477 of the alien invasion that meant if you made a noise you were dead. By that point, the aliens were firmly in charge and anyone who hadn’t managed to stay silent had been eaten. This prequel takes us back to the day of the invasion, when the skies over New York were filled with strange comets…
Maxxxine (18)
Out on Friday 5th July
Mia Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx in this third instalment of X (the horror film franchise – not the one formerly known as Twitter…) alongside Elizabeth Debicki.
Having survived a masscare in Texas, Maxine sets out looking for fame and success in 1980s Hollywood while being targeted
by a killer known as the Night Stalker.
Despicable Me 4 (U)
Out on Friday 12th July
Gru and the Minions are back for a fourth cinematic outing. This time Gru and the crew welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr, who is intent on tormenting his dad. But Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (played by Emmy winner Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend (Sofia Vergara) and the family is forced to go on the run.
Fly Me to the Moon (TBC)
Out on Friday 12th July
Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star in a sharp, stylish comedy-drama set against the high stakes backdrop of Nasa’s historic Apollo 11 moon mission. Brought in to fix Nasa’s public image, marketing guru Kelly Jones (Johansson) wreaks havoc
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EVENT SCREENINGS
Waitress: The Musical (12A)
Friday 5th July, 7.30pm & Monday 8th July, 1pm 7.30pm
Riverdance 25th Anniversary
Wednesday 10th July, 7.30pm & Thursday 11th July, 1pm
Fireman Sam – Great Camping Adventure
Tuesday 6th August
12pm & 3.30pm
Tickets: £18, £17 child
£68 family of 4
Total Pop! Party
Saturday 17th August 2pm
Tickets: £16.50
£60 family of 4
Tickets: £17, £16 concessions
Wyllyotts box office: 01707 645005
Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HZ wyllyottstheatre.co.uk
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Deadpool & Wolverine (TBC)
Out on Friday 26th July
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jack-
man return in the latest Marvel movie. Deadpool’s peaceful existence comes to an end when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to work alongside Wolverine on a multiverse-altering mission.
The All or Nothing Experience
The Mod Musical – celebrating the iconic mod band The Small Faces Friday 19 July, 7.30pm
Ed Sheeran Experience
Credited by the Man himself…
“I think what you do is awesome” Saturday 14 September, 7.30pm
Celine –My Heart Will Go On
The Ultimate Tribute Concert to Celine Dion Saturday 7 September, 7.30pm
Back to Bacharach (matinee show)
Celebrating the life and work of Burt Bacharach Sunday 15 September, 2pm
Las Vegas Live with The Rat Pack - 25th Anniversary Tour
An amazing recreation of the music of Sinatra, Martin and Davis Friday 13 September, 7.30pm
Some Guys Have All The Luck
The Rod Stewart Story Thursday 19 September, 7.30pm
Doors and bar open 1.5 hour prior to event start.
Tuesday 6th August - Water Wars Wednesday 7th August - Bungee Trampolines
The terrific spectacle that is Braughing’s annual Fair and Wheelbarrow Race is on Saturday 13th July. The wheelbarrow race (or races as there are a few different age categories) are at The Ford in Malting Lane and you can enter in advance at reduced rates (search for the event on Eventbrite.co.uk) or pay on the day. Entry fees range from £5 to £15. The fair is held in the surrounding fields and includes a dog show, fairground attractions, a beach, stalls, traditional afternoon tea and cake and other food and drink, and the day runs from 12noon to 6pm. Check the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information. Head to The Golden Fleece in nearby Green End afterwards for a barbecue and live music in the evening.
Surely the ultimate unusual village event is the Dunmow Flitch Trials, which happens every four years and is taking place in 2024 on Saturday 13th July in Great Dunmow, just outside Bishop’s
Stortford. This ancient custom dates back over 900 years and aims to award a flitch (or side) of bacon to married couples from anywhere in the world, if they can satisfy a judge and jury of six maidens and six bachelors that in ‘twelvemonth and a day’ they have ‘not wisht themselves unmarried again’. This year there will be three trial sittings in Foakes Hall – in the morning, afternoon and evening – which visitors can buy tickets to, and any couples who are successful are then carried shoulder-high in the ancient Flitch Chair to Market Place to swear the Flitch oath before being awarded their prized Flitch of Bacon. Seats cost
between £15 and £25. For tickets and more information visit dunmowflitchtrials.co.uk.
The Matching Green Classic and Sports Car Show takes over the green in the village just outside Harlow on Sunday 14th July from 11am to 4pm. It always attracts a large turn-out of classic cars, trucks, bikes, military and commercial vehicles. Repair to The Chequers for food and drink afterwards – you’ll need to book in advance to eat in the restaurant or on the terrace. Visit thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk for more details.
The Hertford Club in Bull Plain hosts its annual Hertford Literary Festival on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th July. The free to attend event features a wide variety of authors discussing their latest books, as well as other talks including one from Lord Salisbury on Hatfield House. The comedian Helen Lederer will discuss her autobiography at 6pm on Saturday. There are also live music performances, poetry sessions and a drama performance from Company of Players. Events take place from 12noon to 11pm on Friday and 9am to 11pm on Saturday, most of them outdoors on the Garden Stage. For full details of all the events across the two days visit hertfordlitfest.co.uk.
Citizens Advice East Herts is holding three fundraising sponsored walks during July to run alongside a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for its vital services. They take place at Hartham Common in Hertford on Fridays 5th and 12th July and at Castle Gardens, Bishop’s Stortford on Sunday 21st July. The charity is now seeking people to take part. To sign up, visit citizensadviceeastherts.org/ go-the-extra-mile.
For all three walks, meet at the respective car parks at 10am.
The grounds of Hertford Castle will host a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sunday 21st July from 12noon to 4pm. The afternoon will be filled with child-friendly entertainment while Welwyn Garden City Brass Band will perform and Hertford Canoe Club will run water-based activities on the River Lea. The event is free to attend.
The Gallery at Parndon Mill’s Summer Exhibition runs from Sunday 30th June to Sunday 28th July and features paintings, prints, drawings, glassworks and ceramics from a variety of artists. The gallery is in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and at weekends from 2-4pm. Call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmillgallery.org.
The Harmonaires choir’s next concert is called Women in Song and takes place at Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church in South Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3AZ on Saturday 13th July at 7pm. The summer evening recital celebrates the outstanding music of female composers and lyricists and features a range of genres. Tickets £10, children free, and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the charity Refuge, supporting women and children. For more details visit theharmonaireschoir.com.
Pianist Luke Kimpton is holding a charity piano recital at Hertford’s Quaker Meeting House on Saturday 20th July at 2pm Entry is free with a collection in aid of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy. The recital will feature works by Debussy, Scriabin and Hisaishi among others.
Tewinbury Farm near Welwyn is hosting a number of unique outdoor farm-to-fork dinners this summer with Roots Dinners, by chef Lee Maycock.
Originally a dairy farm, Tewinbury was bought by the Williams family in 1931 and they still own and farm the grounds today. They have also grown it into a characterful 700-acre estate that is now a hotel, dining, wedding and events venue. Within the grounds lies farm partner Tewin Greens, which grows seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers using no-dig, regenerative, organic principles.
The chef Lee Maycock, who has worked extensively in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, has a passion for fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. In his twice-monthly Roots
Dining Experience Lee will turn produce from the farm and other local suppliers into a fresh feast for a small group of diners.
Sample dishes he has created include Fennel seed cornbread; Half the garden hummus with wild flowers and carrot top pesto; Wood-fired beef brisket with charred spring greens and warm potato salad; Warm courgette and lemon cake with borage honey; and Roasted butternut squash cheesecake. The evenings take place within Tewin Greens’ vegetable garden with Tewinbury’s horsebox bar offering a variety of drinks to complement your meal.
The next dinners take place on Thursday 11th and Friday 26th July and Friday 9th and Thursday 22nd August.
Tickets are £49 per person or £42.50 for Farm Club members. Book at tewinbury.co.uk/ roots-at-tewinbury.
l Tewinbury is in Hertford Road, Welwyn AL6 0JB.
A new neighbourhood bar that promises a chilled-out and relaxed vibe has opened in Hertford. Vintiq is in Honey Lane, the tiny alley that runs between Market Place and Maidenhead Street. You can pop in for coffee during the day or enjoy Belgian beers, wine or a cocktail, while a selection of tapas is also served. There is live music outside on Friday and Saturday evenings with a resident saxophonist and an open podium for local musicians. Vintiq is open Wednesday to Sunday from morning till 11pm.
The Hummingbird bar and restaurant in Fore Street, Hertford has closed after three years, having opened in the summer of 2021.
The Hummingbird certainly had a style of all of its own. Based in a landmark Grade II listed building that had previously housed a branch of Loch Fyne, its interior was designed for the Instagram era – with every wall a photo opportunity.
The restaurant said goodbye with a bang – holding a closing party on Saturday 29th June.
SUNDAY 7th JULY
Hertford Castle Beer & World Food Festival takes place between noon and 6pm on Sunday 7th July.
The popular annual event, held in the grounds of Hertford Castle, features a beer tent offering a variety of both local and national beers, ales and ciders along with a number of world food stalls and a background of live music.
The castle will be open until 4pm for the public to explore free of charge. Entry to the event is free with visitors welcome to donate to the Mayor of Hertford’s Appeal Fund which this year is supporting Hertford and District Guides and Citizens Advice East Herts. The beer and world food event is part of the annual two-day Hertford Food & Drink Festival that is organised by Hertford Town Council. The previous day, Saturday 6th July, will see the town host a farmer’s market while a number of food and drink businesses will be hosting on the day tastings, discounts and promotions. hertford.gov.uk/events
FRIDAY 26th to SUNDAY 28th JULY
Epping Ongar Railway hosts its 11th annual Real Ale and Cider Weekend from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July.
More than 70 real ales and 15 real ciders will be on offer across both of the heritage railway’s two stations, North Weald and Ongar, as well as on board the steam and diesel-hauled trains that will be running throughout the weekend (unlimited travel on these is included in your ticket). You can book online now. eorailway.co.uk
SATURDAY 13th JULY
Ware’s 10th Riverside Real Ale Festival takes place on Saturday 13th July as part of the town’s wider month-long Ware Festival. Organised by Ware Town Council and held at Ware Priory, the event, which runs from noon to 11pm, will see 27 real ales and four ciders on offer, along with wines and soft drinks. There’s live music, a barbecue on the back lawn and activities for children including a visit from Ventura Wildlife Encounters between 2pm and 4pm. Proceeds go to the Ware Festival charities – Ware Men’s Shed and The Waterways Chaplaincy. You can just turn up on the day, but booking online will guarantee entry. Tickets cost £6 for adults plus a 50p booking fee and include a half pint ale token. Family groups are welcome in the afternoon – there’s no need to buy a ticket for accompanying children. ticketsource.co.uk/waretowncouncil
SATURDAY 27th JULY
Hertford Museum hosts Microfest 2024: Great British Beer Festival on Saturday 27th July with a selection of cask and bottled real ales on offer along with other drinks and snacks. The family-friendly event features live music throughout the day in the museum’s
pretty Tudor-style knot garden.
The event runs from 12noon to 6pm and admission is
The beer festival perfectly coincides with the museum’s latest exhibition On the Sauce: Life & Death in Hertford’s Pubs, exploring how the town’s pubs have been at the centre of everyday life for more than 300 years.
Entry to the exhibition, which runs until Sunday 13th October, is free. The museum is at 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT hertfordmuseum.org
Pub & Dining
This dog-friendly country pub is surrounded by countryside and offers fresh, home-cooked fare using seasonal ingredients and local suppliers wherever possible. A selection of staple pub classics and changing seasonal dishes keep the menu fresh and inviting all year round. The beers at this free house are well-kept and refreshing and the wines varied and affordable. A weekday set menu, available Tuesday to Friday at lunch and Tuesday to Thursday at dinner offers two courses for £12.95 and three for £15.95.
18 Bury Lane, Bramfield SG14 2QL / 01992 554077 grandisonpub.com
Opened in November 2023, Vodina is a new Turkish restaurant and cocktail bar that is a welcome addition to the dining scene in Ware. The stylish, refurbished, family-friendly restaurant is smart, warm and welcoming and can seat 60 at a time, with room for both couples and larger groups. The main menu is available at all sittings and features traditional Turkish cuisine, alongside set menus for two or four people. There is also a £12.95 lunch menu which is available from 12-3pm. Vodina is open seven days a week from 12noon to 10pm.
21-22 Tudor Square, Ware SG12 9XF / 01920 468866 vodinarestaurant.co.uk
The Grandison will be showing action from the Euros on a screen in the garden this summer. Experience great country pub dining and drinks while supporting Gareth Southgate and the boys! Matches will be shown during usual pub opening times
Thai takeaway & delivery
Ruay Rôt means ‘rich in flavour’ in Thai and that is precisely what the food you can order for takeaway or delivery from Hertford’s newest eatery is. Just down the road from its previous Baan Thitiya restaurant, this new takeaway outlet offers authentic Thai food for you to enjoy at home, continuing Baan Thitiya’s story after 20 years in Hertford. You can order by phone or through the GoGetters and Deliveroo apps for delivery to Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon. The menu includes many vegan specials. Outside tables are now available for summer too.
6 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RB 01992 587706
ruayrôt.co.uk
• Fresh, seasonal locally sourced food, superbly cooked • Family-friendly free house with a play area and garden
20 Green End, Braughing, Hertfordshire SG11 2PG Tel: 01920 823555 • www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk
Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oliver and his team serve a menu of seasonal and fresh small and large sharing plates.
The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it is an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary, there is a variety of dining options to suit any occasion in the private dining room and courtyard.
Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk georgeivpub.co.uk
Pircio is a family-run independent restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford that offers two different menus of Italian and Turkish cuisine. Both menus are cooked by teams of specialist chefs and diners can choose from pizza, pasta and other Italian classics or dishes such as halloumi, falafel, moussaka and lamb tagine. The historic Drill Hall building has been smartly refurbished and can seat 200 people downstairs whilst there is also a mezzanine for private dining. Pircio is open seven days a week, all day.
Drill Hall, Market Square
Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU 01279 898181
pirciorestaurant.com
Thai
Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is perfect for relaxed dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it also has its own parking. The restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style and the extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. The restaurant has just launched a new lunch menu and also has an excellent wine list. A warm welcome and great service await you. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner.
102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575
baan-thitiya.com
Shishbourne is a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant on Broxbourne High Road which is open seven days a week and offers a full menu all day, now including breakfast from 8am to 4pm. It is plush and luxurious with an unforgettable Instagrammable interior, great cocktails and an a la carte menu filled with Turkish classics. It also offers a bottomless dinner option from 6pm Monday to Thursday and a twocourse lunch menu from 12-3.30pm Monday to Friday. There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings too.
27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX 01992 313198
shishbourne.co.uk
The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a contemporary twist, and one where the food is so good that it has earned an entry in the Michelin Guide for Hotels and Restaurants. Set at the heart of the village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and delicious locally sourced food and also caters for diners who require gluten-free meals. As a freehouse at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits. A takeaway menu is also available.
20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk
Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including gluten-free and vegan menus. There is a set lunch menu as well as the main menu and superb roasts are served on Sundays. Social wine tastings can also be booked for groups of family or friends in the private dining room. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 10pm, and closed on Monday.
16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 ronisrestaurant.co.uk
