Axis magazine June 2024 issue

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL

LIFE

ELECTION 2024

Campaigning begins ahead of 4th July vote

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

New era for Hertford as Lea Wharf opens up

ALL ABOUT INDIES

A special feature supporting local independent businesses

WHAT’S ON Love Hoddesdon Midsummer Festival, carnivals and more

FOOD & DRINK

Inside new Quattro Lounge, plus local beer festivals

WELCOME

What’s inside this issue

10-23 y In support of our local independent businesses

A special feature backing and promoting the Shop Local message to support our economy and keep our high streets thriving

25-30 y What’s on

Your guide to festivals, open-air theatre, events, films and more

31-35 y Food & drink

Quattro Lounge opens at Lea Wharf and a guide to beer festival events

5 & 6 y GENERAL ELECTION: Who will be seeking your vote on 4th July?

8 y BRIEFING: The latest on the planned new Harlow hospital

Front cover images (clockwise from top)

The Bikeriders, new film out this month (p29); Lea Wharf riverside in Hertford is now open (p8); Totally Tina will be on stage at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon (p25); A bed of locally grown tulips (p17); Cornered by Matt Mullins showing as part of Literary Landscapes at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow (p29).

ABOUT AXIS

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.

CONTACT US

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

DIGITAL EDITION:

Read us online at axismagazine.co.uk or issuu.com (search axis magazine)

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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.

ADVERTISE

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

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS

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• View our products, and get expert advice, at our Enfield and Hertford shops

BRIEFING

Candidates hit the campaign trail ahead of 4th July election

And they’re off....

least with relatively hefty majorities, and the third, Harlow, with Robert Halfon having steadily increased his majority over several parliaments.

However, with the party 20 points behind the opposition in the polls at the time of the election’s calling, other parties, in particular Labour who came second in each constituency at the last General Election in 2019, are sensing they could be in with a chance this time.

ELECTION ’24

And they’re off! Local political parties have begun revealing their candidates for the forthcoming General Election, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in May

and set to take place on Thursday 4th July.

All three Parliamentary seats in the Axis area have most recently been held by the Conservatives, two at

Parliament was officially dissolved on Thursday 30th May meaning all previous MPs gave up their seats and those wishing to be re-elected need to stand alongside other candidates in the election. For general information about the election and how to register to vote or for a postal vote visit electoralcommission.org.uk.

WHO’S STANDING WHERE? TURN OVER TO PAGE 6 FOR THE LIST OF CANDIDATES DECLARED SO FAR....

Will last month’s local election results give us a clue for 4th July?

Thursday 2nd May saw a limited number of local elections take place, which could hold interesting pointers to what will happen on 4th July.

In Broxbourne, one third of the council was up for election and the status quo remained firmly unchanged. The Conservatives held all nine of the seats they were defending, with Labour successfully defending its one seat that was up for grabs.

So the Conservatives remain in charge of the council, with 27 seats to Labour’s three.

However, there has still been some change in Broxbourne, with the former council leader Lewis Cocking standing down as he has been selected as the Consrvative Party’s Parliamentary candidate for the General Election.

Mark Mills-Bishop, a previous leader of the council, returns to the helm, with Steve Wortley as deputy leader.

Arguably, the more interesting result politically was on Harlow Council where, due to boundary changes, all 33 seats were up for election.

The Conservatives began the day in control with 22 seats compared with Labour’s 11. But Labour came within one seat of taking control, finishing with 16 this time around, a net gain of five. With 17 seats, the Conservatives have a majority of just one now. Cllr Dan Swords remains leader of the council.

The Harlow Parliamentary seat has long been a bellwether one, with the party that has won it for the last 40 years going on to win the General Election.

NEW PCC ELECTED

The Conservative Jonathan Ash-Edwards was elected as Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, taking over from his fellow Tory David Lloyd, who retired from the role after three terms. He won with 93,658 votes. Liberal Democrat Sean Prendergast was second, some 25,000 votes behind, Labour’s Tom Plater third and the Green Party’s Matthew Fisher fourth.

ELECTION ’24 Who’s standing where?

CANDIDATES DECLARED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT

Broxbourne

This seat had been held by the Conservatives’ Sir Charles Walker since May 2005.

In the 2019 General Election Sir Charles won 30,631 votes, a 65.6% share of the votes cast and a majority of 19,807. That year the nearest contender for the seat was Labour’s Sean Waters who won 10,824 votes with Julia Bird for the Liberal Democrats and Nicholas Cox for the Greens also standing. This year, Nicholas is standing again for the Green Party, but this time in the neighbouring constituency of Hertford and

Harlow

The Conservatives’ Robert Halfon had held this seat since 2010 when he won with a slim majority (4,925) which he has increased each parliament until 2019 when he won with a majority of 14,063.

27,510 votes gave him a 63.5% share of the vote that year with Labour’s Laura McAlpine in second place with 13,447 votes and the Liberal Democrats’ Charlotte Cane in third place with 2,397. Mr Halfon is not standing in the 2024 election. Hannah Ellis has been selected as the Conservative candidate.

Hertford and Stortford

This seat had been held by Conservative Julie Marson since December 2019 who secured it with a majority of 19,620, and a 56.1% share of the vote.

Back then Labour’s Chris Vince (who has also been a local councillor and Labour Group leader on Harlow Council and is this time around hoping to be elected as Harlow’s MP) came second with 14,092 votes.

Others contesting the seat that year were the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, UK Independence Party and one Independent

Stortford where he will be hoping to replicate his party’s strong performance in the local elections of 2023, which resulted in them becoming the largest single party on East Herts Council and forming a joint administration with the Liberal Democrats.

Sir Charles is not standing in the forthcoming election, and the Conservative constituency party has selected a familiar face, Lewis Cocking, until recently leader of Broxbourne Council, to fight the seat in 2024.

Pictured right are the four candiates declared so far:

The eyes of much of the political world will be focused on Harlow because of its status as a bellwether constituency. For the last 40 years, whichever party has won this seat has gone on to form the Government. Here are the candidates declared so far:

candidate, Brian Percival. Mrs Marson is standing again in this election hoping to win a second term representing the area in the House of Commons. The candidates declared so far are as follows:

Conservative and Unionist Party: Lewis Christopher Cocking

Conservative and Unionist Party: Julie Marson

Conservative and Unionist Party: Hannah Ellis

Green Party: Yasmin Gregory

Green Party: Nicholas Cox

Labour Party: Catherine Deakin

Labour and Cooperative Party: Christopher John Vince

Labour Party: Josh Dean

Green Party: Owen George Brett

Liberal Democrats: Riad Mannan

Liberal Democrats: Helen Campbell

Liberal Democrats: Nick Belfitt

Reform UK: Malcolm Featherstone

Reform UK: John Burmicz

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Lea Wharf progress opens up Hertford’s riverbank

Hertford’s riverbank became the bustling hive of activity it always had the unfulfilled potential to be in May when access to the waterfront through the new Lea Wharf development was opened up.

There was no official fanfare despite it marking a major landmark, at least in the public’s mind, in Chase New Homes’ redevelopment of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre.

Much work continues to complete the commercial element of the site, which is running behind its original schedules, and to reach agreement with planning authority East Herts Council on areas of on-site operations including parking, delivery and servicing arrangements.

But as word got round, the restored access to the riverside saw a large number of visitors arrive to explore the new public area, with interest increasing considerably with the opening of the develop-

ment’s first food and drink operator, café bar Quattro Lounge (for more on this, turn to page 31).

The opening followed that of Lea Wharf Medical in February, Card Factory in March and Boots, also

New Harlow hospital ‘might not be ready until 2032’ says health chief

Between £9m and £10m per year is being spent on

The opening of a planned new hospital to replace Harlow’s Princess Alexandra is unlikely to take place before 2030 and may be as late as 2032.

The information was revealed in a report and an in-person update to Essex County Council’s Health Overview Policy and Scrutiny Committee in May by the Princess

Alexandra Hospital Trust’s director of strategy and estates Michael Meredith.

It has long been accepted that the Princess Alexandra buildings are at the end of their useful life, with plans for their replacement being worked on for some years. After the Government pledged in 2019 to build 40 new hospitals,

in May. Last month, planners gave approval for a change of use for two of the commercial units, units 6 and 7, which could pave the way for their occupation by a gym, expected to be locally-based Loco

Harlow became part of the New Hospital Programme set up to deliver them and since then various timeframes have been given for its completion.

Just last year both then-Harlow MP Robert Halfon and Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson told constituents that the Government’s reconfirmed commitment to the programme, along with the formulation of a standardised blueprint to which new hospitals would be built, would mean the new Princess Alexandra would be completed by 2028.

But the programme has suffered delays and Mr Meredith said that while the trust was working in line with the Government’s commitment to have all current New Hospital Programme schemes operational by 2030, “realistically we believe that 2032 is more achievable”.

In the meantime, PAHT is spending between £9million and £10million a year maintaining its existing buildings as well as on maintenance backlogs and technology. It was hoping that an expected announcement from the New Hospital Programme at the end of May would put Harlow high up

Studios. Approval was also given last month for change of use of another unit which is likely to see the previously proposed café close to the bus station instead open as a nail bar.

in the schedule of projects to get underway. If that were to happen a planning application could be made in 2025.

The trust is looking to build the new hospital on a greenfield site close to junction 7a of the M11 at Sheering with its current Hamstel Road site earmarked for housing. Mr Meredith said the purchase of the new site was proving “challenging to conclude” with negotiations with the landowner described as “long and protracted”.

Despite this, and the trust having been open to reviewing other potential sites, the land remains its first choice.

ROOMS NOT WARDS AT NEW HOSPITAL

When it does finally open inpatients at the new Princess Alexandra Hospital can expect their own single room. The new standardised design being introduced as part of the New Hospital Programme is expected to see a shift to 100% single patient rooms from the current national norm of wards of multiple beds.

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Director Rhys Thomas quits just 12 weeks ahead of launch of Hertford’s theatre, BEAM

Contractor which runs other venues brought in by council at 11th hour to ‘support’ opening

Just 12 weeks before the scheduled opening of the redeveloped Hertford Theatre its director Rhys Thomas, who has led the transformation project for the past six years, has resigned, it has been revealed.

Rhys, who joined East Herts Council back in 2010, originally to work on the repositioning and rebranding of the venue that was then known as Castle Hall, would go on to oversee its transformation into Hertford Theatre, later becoming its director and being widely heralded as the driving force behind the popular venue’s subsequent success.

The recent large scale investment into the theatre and its rebranding as BEAM, is designed to future proof the facility as well as end its reliance on council subsidies. It is due to open on 23rd August after a three-year closure.

But it would appear that Rhys may no longer be at the helm by the time the curtain goes up.

In a news story published on its website on Friday 31st May East Herts Council announced that Leicestershire-based contractor Sports and Leisure Management Limited, which trades as Everyone Active, would be “supporting East Herts Council in the lead-up to the launch of BEAM”.

The council’s chief executive

Richard Cassidy said: “This is one of the council’s most important assets and we cannot wait for our residents to see it in action. The dedicated BEAM team welcome the additional support and guidance, and look forward to delivering this amazing arts, culture, and community venue.”

Everyone Active already runs sports venues including Hartham and Grange Paddocks leisure centres on behalf of the council.

SLM also manages several theatres on behalf of other local authorities including Gordon Craig in Stevenage and The Alban Arena in St Albans.

The news release continued: “We want to thank East Herts Theatre Director and Council Arts Advisor Rhys Thomas, who has decided to step down from his role. We are grateful to him for his hard work and dedication over the last 15 years and wish him every success in the future.”

The council wouldn’t be drawn on whether Rhys was still working at the theatre on preparations for the opening, or had already left – or whether SLM had been asked to support the launch prior to Rhys’s resignation, or after it. We also asked who had made the decision to work with SLM and what the nature and cost of their involvement might be and how long the

Below: The new building in The Wash, Hertford

arrangement might continue. Their response read: “Due to the nature of this situation, we are unable to go into great detail at present as it may breach any confi-

dentiality agreements. SLM will be supporting the launch of BEAM on a temporary basis and the structure of the BEAM team, at present, will not be impacted by their arrival.”

Charity marks 400 years since Cheshunt almshouses were built

This month the Beaumont Charity marks the 400th anniversary of the Ancient Almshouses in Turners Hill, Cheshunt. They were built in 1624 using compensation paid to the parish by King James I for enclosing some of what had been Cheshunt Common into his hunting lands. Almshouses are the oldest form of social housing in the UK, dating back 1,000 years.

The Ancient Almshouses originally provided accommodation for

elderly widows. Together with a further 14 bungalows at Turners Hill and another 16 properties at Homeleigh Court in Churchgate, they form a portfolio of 40 homes managed by the Beaumont Charity that provides accommodation for residents over 60 who live or have lived in Cheshunt or Waltham Cross.

To find out more about the charity, the almshouses and how to apply for housing visit thebeaumontcharity.co.uk.

Rhys Thomas has been the guiding hand behind Hertford’s theatre since 2010, and the driving force behind the BEAM project for six years. He is pictured above right with Cllr Sarah Hopewell, East Herts Council’s executive member for wellbeing, launching the brand in April.

It’s more important than ever to support our indies

A SPECIAL FEATURE PROMOTING OUR MUCH-LOVED INDEPENDENTS

One of the few good things that came from the dark days of the pandemic was a reminder of how important ‘local’ was to us all. The message that we all needed to support the businesses on our doorstep came across loud and clear.

Now life has effectively returned to normal it is really important that we do not forget that message. Times have been difficult for many businesses since Covid, and some sectors have still not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, not helped by a sluggish economy.

Axis has been championing the cause of our fellow independent businesses since we first launched 21 years ago.

This month, we have given over a third of this issue to promote this message, with features on several businesses and the support of many others. But why is it so important? Here are just a few of the reasons…

Supporting local businesses injects more money into the local economy. When you spend locally more money stays within the community. Independent business owners will often live locally, spend their profits with other businesses and venues and use other local suppliers.

Successful local businesses bring variety to an area. Who wants their local town centre to be an identikit one, indistinguishable from any other apart from its architecture and road layout?

Local businesses create local jobs and make the area a better place to live and work. As well as providing full and part-time jobs many will offer work experience to our children. In sponsoring local events and initiatives they also give back to the local community.

Doing business locally helps the environment. By shopping locally you are helping the bigger fight against global warming –plus it’s both more convenient and far nicer to walk to your local shop than sit in a traffic jam heading to an out-of-town shopping centre.

Independent retailers are knowledgeable and passionate about what they sell, offering product knowledge and excellent customer service that the chains often can’t compete with. Many also offer loyalty schemes to their customers (think of that very welcome 10th coffee free offer!).

Small local businesses source unique products. With both local and national suppliers, small businesses are more likely to offer one-off and different products.

‘It is vital that we all support our high street as much as possible, particularly the independents who will not survive otherwise, and the character of our lovely town will disappear under a deluge of barbers and nail bars. We are all striving to bring individuality, quality and great customer service so please keep shopping local!

LOUISE RIDEOUT

Owner of Frankie and Olive, Hertford

LOVE HODDESDON BID LTD

WHAT IS LOVE HODDESDON

Love Hoddesdon was established as a Business Improvement District in 2018 and re- elected in January 2023 for a further 5-year term.

We are a not-for-profit company representing over 240 town centre businesses and well over 60 Voluntary Members who are not based in Hoddesdon but have asked to join us. We also work very closely with Broxbourne Council to add extra value to the town and the community

Over the last 5 years we have seen many improvements to our town including the installation of the CCTV cameras, the added floral displays and festive lighting and many more initiatives that our town asked for, as well as the fantastic events that our community

now know and love For the businesses in the BID, we provide weekly email updates on information regarding our town, a free networking breakfast every month, free training, promotion on our website and all our social media platforms as well as guidance and support when needed from our business manager or support from other businesses.

The BID is led by the Chairman Kevin Brooks, the BID Manager, Claire Bayless, an Executive board and appointed directors representing a range of different businesses in our town.

Collaboration, positivity and promotion: How our town centres and indie businesses are supported

A lot of hard work is going on to support and improve our local town centres – and give the businesses based within them an opportunity to succeed. Some of the initiatives are local council-led, while others have come from individual business owners themselves.

But all of them have the same interest at heart – helping our town centres to thrive.

Here are how some of our areas are currently being supported...

BIDs proving a success

The two most notable success stories locally in recent years have been Love Hoddesdon and Bishop’s Stortford BIDs. A BID, or Business Improvement District, is a company set up to focus on the promotion and improvement of a defined town centre area.

To set up a BID there has to be a high level of support from businesses in the area, which is shown through a vote. If a town votes yes, the BID is elected to serve for five years, after which time it must hold another Yes/No election. Both Love Hoddesdon and Bishop’s Stortford BIDs were re-elected last year having been set up in 2018.

BIDs are funded by a small percentage levy which is added to business rates. That money is then used for various initiatives to improve an area, which can

include the running of major events, training for businesspeople and environmental improvements, for example.

Ware gets in on the act

And it is not just BIDs that are being formed. In Ware, Ware Independent Traders Association (WITA) has recently been created to champion businesses in the town centre.

The driving forces behind the group are Marina Buswell of co-working space Ware to Work, Holly Gough of SKN Lab and Sam Dore of Thickbroom accountants.

The group aims to get Ware’s businesses working together to help them benefit from major events such as Dickensian Evening and Ware Festival, to improve the high street as a destination and increase footfall and business, and to share information on community safety.

Giving Cheshunt some Love Down the A10 in Cheshunt, Love Cheshunt is a community organisation formed by local retailers Helen Dobson of Dobsons and Colin Dileto of The Bed Gallery, with the support of Broxbourne Council, to promote all that is good about Cheshunt and to celebrate and support the many independent businesses that make up the Cheshunt Old Pond and High Street areas.

Inspired by the success of the neighbouring Love Hoddesdon scheme, Love Cheshunt wants to create a thriving local high street that plays an active role in the community by hosting events and activities for residents to take part in, and by engaging with local schools and charities. Businesses in the town are now being offered membership of Love Cheshunt and a monthly newsletter is planned to keep residents informed of what’s happening in the area.

Improving

Waltham Cross

In neighbouring Waltham Cross, a major campaign of improvements and promotion is being carried out, led this time by Broxbourne Council.

A Love Waltham Cross brand has been developed alongside a raft of changes to the High Street and shopping areas which are aiming to improve the area.

Hertford incoming?

In the county town of Hertford, there is an attempt ongoing to set up a BID for the town centre, though it is being led by an outof-area business organisation rather than one from within Hertford itself. With the belated openings of the Lea Wharf development and Beam, formerly known as Hertford Theatre, this year, there is renewed positivity in Hertford, and a focus on supporting the town’s mainly independent businesses would be both timely and welcome.

Marina Buswell and Sam Dore of Ware Independent Traders Association with Donna Reeves, owner of & by Donna Reeves in Baldock Street

Cllr Steve Wortley from Broxbourne Council and town centre manager Ausra Bitinaite in Waltham Cross High Street

The Love Cheshunt team, headed by Colin Dileto and Helen Dobson, promoting their town at a recent event

Bishop’s Stortford BID: Our plans for the summer

Madeleine Lees, joint manager of the BID, brings us a seasonal update

June is the perfect month to spend more time out and about in Bishop’s Stortford town centre. While you are there, why not find more ways to enjoy the great outdoors by picking up our 10 Walking Routes leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre? And, of course, now is a great time to visit cafés, pubs and restaurants with pretty gardens, courtyards and terraces to enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the sunshine.

Father’s Day

Stuck for gift ideas for Sunday 16th June? Keep an eye on our social media for inspiration or give the gift of choice, the Discover Stortford Gift Card. Pick one up in the Tourist Information Centre in Market Square. Gift cards can be spent in over 40 businesses across the town, including Blink, Bishop’s Cave, Peach, Hotel Chocolat and Waterstones. Why not enjoy a drink in a pub garden? Or maybe a takeaway? If you’re planning on eating out, book a table in one of our fantastic cafés, bars, or restaurants.

Diary Dates

Summer of Sport Trail

Saturday 20th July to Sunday 8th September Circus Performers, Live Music and More!

Saturday 14th September, in North Street

l Any questions? Email mads@bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk

Why we are seeking to pedestrianise North Street at weekends

North Street plans

In recent months, we have been busy engaging with the town’s people – business owners, residents, and local partners, including Julie Marson MP and town, district and county councils – resulting in lots of positive conversations regarding our aspirations and rationale for North Street pedestrianisation at weekends.

The primary aim is to improve footfall. We believe that creating a ‘hub’ and gathering space in the town centre would be a significant draw for the community, giving people a reason to re-discover this attractive and historic part of Bishop’s Stortford. North Street is the heritage part of our linear high street, and as such, we feel should be showcased and celebrated. Its

listed buildings, each telling their own story, plus the wide road, attractive streetscape and nature of the businesses in this part of town, lend themselves to al-fresco dining, pop-up markets, street entertainment and cultural events, currently not available in the town centre.

North Street event

On Saturday 14th September, the community is invited to be entertained, eat, drink and be merry and see the pedestrianisation of North Street in action, from Bridge Street crossroads down as far as Water Lane. We are excited to host a vintage circus-themed day-to-evening event for all the family – think mini Covent Garden style, with pockets of activity and performers through the day and live music in the evening.

Highway Cycles accepts the Discover Stortford Gift Card

Enjoy outdoor eating and drinking at Rosey Lea Tearooms, South Street Pantry and Côte

Meet the transformative garden designers who really care

Based near Ware, Jardinia Landscapes is one of Hertfordshire’s leading garden design and build companies.

Bringing together the landscape design expertise of Kevin Hosier and garden construction expertise of William Carter, Jardinia was established to offer clients in East Hertfordshire and neighbouring areas a ‘concept to creation’ garden design and build service. Kevin and William bring over 40 years combined experience in the industry, and personally manage their clients’ garden projects from the initial exploratory design meeting through to build completion.

They remain on hand for consultation afterwards, which clients find especially useful for planting maintenance and garden development advice.

Jardinia have quickly built a reputation for imaginative design, superb customer communication, and meticulous attention to detail in construction.

They put their clients at the heart of their design process. As Kevin says: “We never forget that we are designing and building the garden that our client wants, not the garden that we think they should have. And if the client isn’t sure what they want, then it is our job to help them discover it.”

Clients often use the word ‘transformation’ to describe what they do. William said: “Our favourite testimonial was from a client in Hertford who said: ‘What you have done not only completely changes what I see, it also changes how I feel. I could not have picked a better company to do it.’ To make a difference like that to someone’s life is why we do what we do.”

To find out how Jardinia can transform your garden, call Kevin on 07958 704261, email kevin@jardinialandscapes.co.uk or visit jardinialandscapes.co.uk.

Chapter79 will help you to tell your story through your

Telling your stories through jewellery is at the heart of what the independent Hertford jeweller Chapter79 is all about.

Qualified goldsmith Jackie Benson and her husband Andy have been running their business for 18 years now, and oversaw a brand refresh in 2021 – including their new name which perfectly encapsulates what they are all about (‘chapter’ representing their ethos and 79 being the atomic number of gold).

At Chapter79, you can choose pieces from their collections, which are available in the shop, or talk to Jackie and Andy about having your own bespoke jewellery made.

When thinking about buying jewellery, it is easy to have your eye taken by what sparkles and glistens the brightest, but the team at Chapter79 remind us to never forget the sentiment behind a piece.

Their extensive knowledge and expertise makes shopping for

jewellery less daunting and their ultimate aim is to make everyone feel genuinely excited about their jewellery.

The engagement and wedding ring sector is a speciality of theirs, and they offer many different ways 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.

Originality is at the heart of what Chapter79 do, with unique collections selected from sleek and modern European suppliers, as well as popular brands such as ChloBo and Hot Diamonds.

CHAPTER79

15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ 01992 534555

chapter79.co.uk

jewellery

Local independents thriving in British flower growing industry

Independent local businesses come in all shapes and sizes – and exist in a wide range of industries, including floristry.

June sees the return of British Flowers Week (from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June), an annual celebration of the British cut flower industry and the beauty of British blooms.

Did you know that only 14 per cent of cut flowers sold in the UK are actually grown here?

The remaining 86 per cent come from the Netherlands, or by air from warmer countries such as Ecuador, Kenya and Ethiopia – something that has a huge environmental impact.

British Flowers Week is run by Flowers From The Farm, which represents small-scale growers of seasonal British cut flowers. It now has a membership of more than 1,000 flower growers from around the country. Local members include Sweet Briar Flower Farm at Foxholes Farm, Hertford, which offers pick your own flowers during the growing season as well as DIY buckets and bespoke wedding flowers. And in Much Hadham, Ivy Primrose Flowers offers flowers for weddings, events and florists.

Ware-based event florist Hazel Foxon Flowers specialises in seasonal local flowers. Hazel champions British flowers in both her event work and at her pop-up Flower School at Place House Hall in Ware where she runs seasonal workshops across the year. She uses flowers by both Sweet Briar and Ivy Primrose, often just 24 hours after they were growing in the field.

Hazel said: “British flowers are a world away from the imported stems we’re used to seeing in the supermarket. They’re full of character and scent, which has so often been bred out of imported flowers in favour of them being able to survive the long journey. Your local flower farmers can also provide you with really unusual varieties, and with flowers like delicate sweet peas or scented English roses like the ones that your grandmother perhaps grew in her garden. These often wonderfully wonky British stems give any bouquet or arrangement a real cottage garden feel and, of course, they smell glorious!”

To find out more about British Flowers Week, visit flowersfromthefarm.co.uk.

Book a summer flower workshop

Hazel Foxon will be back at Place House Hall in Ware this summer with bucketloads of local flowers, fizz and homemade cake for two DIY workshops featuring the best seasonal British flowers. On Saturday 6th July, she’ll be making abundant mid-

summer meadow boxes and on Sunday 22nd September she will celebrate dahlia season and the best of the September garden in a bowl arrangement.

You can find out more and book yourself a place on a workshop at hazelfoxonflowers.co.uk.

Nicola Stuart O’Brien of Sweet Briar Flower Farm

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS & SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

LANDSEER PICTURE FRAMING

Landseer Picture Framing in Ware can frame all your treasured memorabilia from sports shirts, medals, badges, rosettes, programmes and tickets etc to artwork, prints, photos, canvases and cross stitches. They also stock a selection of framed prints and many readymade standard size photo frames and mounts, together with a selection of unique gifts including unusual sculptures, some of which are by local artists.

27b Baldock Street, Ware SG12 9DH 01920 486522 landseerpictureframes.co.uk

GINGERLILLIE BOUTIQUE

Since reopening in 2017, Gingerlillie Boutique has gone from strength to strength and gained a loyal customer base. With her keen eye for sourcing new and exciting brands, owner Alison Bates has developed a collection of clothing, footwear and accessories from Danish, English and French brands. Alison and her team offer a personal styling service and are always on hand to help customers. They offer weekly updates on social media and a 24/7 online store.

7 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DF 01992 848845

gingerlillieboutique.co.uk gingerlillieboutiquesocial

CLASSIC MOBILITY

From its showroom in the centre of Hertford, Classic Mobility sells, hires and services all mobility equipment. This family-run local business has been established for more than 20 years and provides friendly, knowledgeable help if you need any kind of mobility assistance – whether that be wheelchairs, adjustable beds, rise/recline chairs, mobility scooters or bed and bath hoists – on either a permanent or temporary basis. It also undertakes maintenance and servicing.

15 Church Street, Hertford SG14 1EJ 01992 552224 classicmobility.org.uk

HODDESDON TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre is a family-run business that has been serving both retail and trade customers for more than 30 years. It has a wide selection of tiles along with all the accessories you might need, and a revamped and updated bathroom showroom showcasing a wide range of baths, showers, basins, toilets, taps and more. It is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and there is free parking on-site as well.

Unit 3c Geddings Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT 01992 470146

hoddesdontileandbathroom.com

HERTFORDSHIRE FIREPLACE GALLERY

The well-established Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery opened its doors almost 25 years ago and continues to help customers with their fireplace requirements. They have the largest selection of fires and fireplaces in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, and offer free surveys and free local delivery. Installation by qualified Gas Safe and HETAS engineers is also available. So whether you would like a traditional limestone, marble or timber surround or the latest contemporary hole in the wall fires, call in today!

9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar EN6 2QX 01707 657070 | hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk

HERTFORD HEARING

Independent audiologist and hearing expert Danielle Barker has enjoyed a hugely successful first year since opening her hearing practice in Hertford. This month she will be expanding to open a second room in her St Andrew Street premises. Danielle specialises in hearing tests, earwax removal and the supply and fitting of hearing devices. She understands that hearing loss is a sensitive and deeply personal issue and treats every patient as an individual and with the utmost compassion.

25 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ 01992 877666

hertfordhearing.co.uk

The independent local yarn shop that helps to knit together the whole community

If ever there was a business that epitomised the essence of a specialist local shop that is rooted in its community and offers expert advice you can’t get elsewhere, then Crates of Wool in Ware is it.

Set back from the High Street in East Street, Crates of Wool is predominantly a yarn shop catering for knitters and crocheters, but it also stocks a useful range of haberdashery and embroidery supplies.

Deb Cunningham, who has been an owner of the shop since 2018 and sole proprietor since 2020, has been a knitter and crocheter since childhood. She has also tried most other textile and fibre crafts, and regularly spins and weaves.

Deb aims to offer something for every taste and budget, ranging from beautiful pure wools and cottons, through blends of wools and silk, useful wool or cotton/ acrylic blends to good quality acrylics.

She hand-picks all the yarns herself – and has to be satisfied with the quality before she will stock them. She is happy to order in products specially for customers from her existing suppliers and also sells a large range of knitting and crochet tools in her inspiring and colourful shop.

Deb is hugely enthusiastic about crafting and she communicates that enthusiasm to her customers, inspiring and helping with patterns and knitting or crochet

crises, ensuring that difficult projects don’t get abandoned or put away in a bag in the corner! Crates of Wool also hosts regular knitting and crochet classes, as well as occasional sessions in other crafts such as macrame, both for beginners and those who are more advanced.

Currently in the planning is a ‘summer of bags’ – lighter classes when participants can make bags together, and learn new techniques in a fun environment. All these classes help create a sense of community around Crates of Wool, as do regular drop-in sessions, called Craft and Chatters. At these, you can bring whatever project you are working on and have a cuppa with other crafters.

That sense of community is also cemented through taking part in charity projects, such as Project

Linus, which crowdsources blankets for children who need them. In this, dozens of people from around the area make squares or patches to a pattern set by Deb, and these are then joined to make a blanket. It’s a great way to use up leftovers! Deb and her customers donated 73 blankets in 2022, 79 in 2023 and are aiming for 100 this year. It’s this kind of expertise and

sense of community that department stores and online shops can’t replicate, and helps explain why Crates of Wool continues to be the go-to shop for everything yarn-related locally.

CRATES OF WOOL

8a East Street, Ware SG12 9HJ 01920 463436

cratesofwool.co.uk

Owner Deb Cunningham

Thinking of a new kitchen? Then talk to Dobsons

If you are considering a new kitchen then Dobsons, the award-winning family business, should be your first choice.

Dobsons, who have been established for nearly 90 years, have a large showroom in Cheshunt which features exclusively Stoneham hand-built kitchen furniture, taking it to the next level in kitchen design.

Their larger kitchen room sets each have the feeling of a real kitchen and allow Dobsons to showcase a variety of colours and textures in both contemporary and traditional styles. Their showroom also houses premium appliances brands such as Bora, Neff, Siemens, Miele and Quooker boiling water taps as well as stunning worktops in Corian, Silestone, granite and wood.

Dobsons believe in putting their customers at the heart of

everything they do and that’s why, as part of the premium service they offer, they take control of your entire project and co-ordinate every aspect, taking the stress and hassle away from you.

Dobsons are more than just a kitchen company; from their wide product offering they are able to provide services above and beyond other kitchen studios such as kitchen extensions, structural alterations, and glazing such as bi-folding doors under one roof. If you are considering a new kitchen then it’s a great time to visit for inspiration and to talk to Dobsons’ experienced team of designers about your project.

DOBSONS

128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt EN8 9BN 01992 623066 dobsonshome.com

SageWard: An independent letting agency you can trust

SageWard opened its doors in 2010 and has since proved how successful an independent residential letting agency can be.

Owner Lisa Ward, who set it up, had previously worked in the property industry, gaining experience in block management, lettings and estate agency.

Prior to that, she had pursued a very different career, as a silver service airline stewardess for a private airline.

Lisa was passionate about lettings, as well as customer service, and she wanted this to be her main focus, differentiating herself from her competitors, many of which offered lettings only as a side line to their main estate agency business.

Lisa quickly established SageWard through word of mouth. She provided a high level of service and kept fees realistic and competitive, and after two

and a half years of working alone she was able to begin to recruit staff.

Now, 14 years later, Lisa is extremely proud that SageWard consists of a team of six who have won multiple Gold Awards in categories such as Best Letting Agency in Hertford in various property industry awards programmes over the last decade.

Such was SageWard’s success that its landlords began asking whether they could also sell properties through the company, so Lisa expanded by opening her own estate agency, Ward Estates. Although run separately to SageWard, Ward Estates offers the same ethos, based on honesty and great customer service, which has already proven to be successful.

You can find both SageWard and Ward Estates in a prime position

SAGEWARD

12-14 Parliament Square, Hertford SG14 1AT 01992 504058 sageward.co.uk wardestates.com

within Hertford, in the county town’s Parliament Square.

Could your business supply to Hertfordshire’s growing film and TV sector?

Local companies

encouraged to find out more about supplying the creative industries

Create Growth is an innovative programme, to further develop what is already a thriving industry, helping creative sector businesses to develop the skills needed to win new business, attract investment and grow sustainably.

The programme’s business support package is led locally by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and aimed at businesses within the county’s booming film and TV sector, and those looking to join the sector’s supply chain.

Hertfordshire’s film studios and production companies are actively seeking local suppliers to fulfil a wide range of needs to enable film and TV production to happen.

These could range from specialist accountants and HR consultants to those engaged in catering, equipment hire, costume and make-up, visual effects and much more.

The Create Growth Programme in Hertfordshire consists of a package of support delivered on behalf of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, Estu, Exemplas and the University of Hertfordshire.

What can you expect from the programme?

The Create Growth Programme offers four strands of support starting with a growth assessment of your business. Following this you can then take advantage of support to develop your business’s commercial opportunities, improve your investment potential and accelerate new product or service development.

Who should apply?

This exciting new programme can support businesses based in Hertfordshire that are operating

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

The Create Growth Programme is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and is led by national delivery partners Innovate UK.

in the film and TV sector or looking to become part of the film and TV sector’s supply chain and who are exploring new growth opportunities.

This could include, but is not exclusive to:

l Reaching new customers;

l Developing or taking a new product or service to market;

l Expanding your business to new markets.

Interested in finding out more?

To find out more and express your interest in joining the Create

Growth Programme, scan the QR code below or call Hertfordshire Growth Hub on 01707 952777.

Hertfordshire is home to a growing film and TV sector, with Hollywood’s Sunset Studios currently building a UK base by the A10 near Cheshunt and Waltham Cross

WHEREVER YOU WANT TO GO, WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!

As an established travel agency, we have been delivering personalised service, unbiased advice and excellent value to travellers in Hertfordshire and the surrounding area for nearly 30 years.

Our passion for travel and the desire to create the perfect holiday experience is what differentiates us from our competitors.

Each of our specialist advisors delivers worldly knowledge and exceptional travel expertise to every consultation.

WHAT’S ON

Love Hoddesdon Midsummer Festival set for lift-off THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

The Love Hoddesdon Midsummer Festival takes place this month, promising a 10-day extravaganza of events and entertainment for all the family in and around Hoddesdon.

Organised by Love Hoddesdon BID, the festival will run from Saturday 15th to Monday 24th June and brings together a range of activities showcased under the festival name at venues including The Spotlight, Hertfordshire Zoo, Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon Library, the town centre, sports clubs, churches and schools.

The idea of a festival for Hoddesdon was originally mooted back in 2018 when the BID was formed.

Covid intervened to scupper plans for its launch in 2020 and 2021 and then in 2022 and 2023 the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and then the Coronation saw Love Hoddesdon put on crowd-pleasing events.

With no royal event this year, it was felt 2024 could host the first Midsummer Festival, a year which also marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Broxbourne Borough Council, which was created in 1974 by the merger of the former Hoddesdon and Cheshunt Urban District Councils.

The festival programme, which can be viewed and downloaded online via Love Hoddesdon BID’s Facebook page, is filled with full listings of all the events taking place across the 10 days.

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday 15th June

l Open-air cinema screenings in Fawkon Walk of Barbie (11.30am), Boss Baby 2 (1.45pm) and Mamma Mia (4.30pm). Admission is free.

l Totally Tina! The music of Tina Turner performed by top Tina tribute act Justine Riddoch at The Spotlight at 7.30pm. Tickets £26.50.

Sunday 16th June

l A Midsummer Day in Barclay Park, with social walks at 10am and 11am, a fun dog show from 10am to 1pm and a family picnic with live music from 2-5pm.

l Beer and Music with the back-

drop of a friendly cricket match at Hoddesdon Cricket Club in Lowfield Sports Ground, next to Barclay Park, from 12noon.

Monday 17th June

l The Spotlight theatre is given over to a series of local events from 10.30am including the premiere screening of a film about Hoddesdon’s very own town crier, Johnny Adams.

Tuesday 18th June

l The Spotlight again takes centre stage, this time featuring a series called Hoddesdon People, in which some interesting locals talk about their lives. On this day there is also a premiere screening of a film called The Showmen of Rye Park about funfairs and the

Thursday 20th-Sunday 23rd June

l Festival funfair. A traditional funfair will be set up in the town centre. Open from 3-10pm on Thursday and Friday, 10am to 10pm on Saturday and 10am to 8pm on Sunday.

Sunday 23rd June

l Free family fun day at Hoddesdon Lawn Tennis Club (Beech Walk, down the side of Hoddesdon Cricket Club). Free coaching and social tennis for anyone aged 5+. From 10am to 3pm.

l Windrush Celebration. A taste of the Caribbean with live music, face painting, food stalls and bar at the south end of High Street.

Beacon lightings to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day

This year is the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War Two and beacons are being lit at various local events to commemorate this landmark on Thursday 6th June.

Venues include:

l Fawkon Walk in Hoddesdon from 8 to 10pm, where the bea-

con will be lit to a backdrop of music from the period.

l The front lawn at Ware Priory from 6.30 to 9.30pm where the Barry Sapsford Swing Orchestra will perform classic songs from the time. Fish and chips will also be available.

l Hertford Castle where Hertford

Army Cadets and Hertford and Ware Sea Cadets will be in attendance from 8 to 9.30pm for a beacon lighting at 9.15pm.

l Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford where the Royal British Legion will be present and there will be music and fish and chips from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

colourful people who run them who are based in Hoddesdon.

Barbie

Totally Tina

The all new Hertfordshire Zoo

Scan here

Best of British theme for Carnival ’24

Bishop’s Stortford Carnival Parade and Fun Day will take place on Saturday 15th June and this year’s theme is Best of British.

The annual community event, which is organised by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, includes both a traditional carnival parade through the town centre and a fun day on Sworder’s Field.

The carnival parade will feature themed floats, walking groups, marching bands and dance troupes and leaves from South Mill Arts in South Road at 11.30am before passing through South Street, Potter Street, Market Square, North Street and Northgate End, finishing at Link Road at 12.30pm. Well-wishers are encouraged to line the route to support those taking part and enjoy the spectacle.

An afternoon of entertainment

The Fun Day begins at 12noon on Sworder’s Field and promises an afternoon of entertainment for all until 5pm.

There will be street food stalls and bars that are open throughout the event, with entertainment from both visiting attractions and local groups centred on two locations – a main arena and bandstand arena.

In the main arena, the action kicks off at 12.15pm with a James Bond-themed performance from Be Entertained, followed by shows from KBD Dance, Graham School of Dance and Theatre Arts, Apton Dance Studio, Rock

Bishop’s Stortford Carnival and Fun Day is a great day out for everyone

Choir, Tracey Walker School of Dancing and PQA Bishop’s Stortford before Busketeers Choir round things off at 4.15pm. Bandstand entertainment includes Thaxted Morris Men, Last Orders, Grove Cottage, Belly Belles, Woodwind of Stortford and Bishop’s Stortford Ukulele Society.

Other attractions during the day include The Slackline School,

which offers an interactive slackline walking challenge open to all ages, and the Carnival Cruise which sees an array of working and pleasure boats moored in Bishop’s Stortford. You can view the boats, many of which will be decorated specially, between the register office (CM23 2DL) and Station Road. Visit bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk for further information.

Get ready for Hertford Family Fun Day

This year’s Hertford Family Fun Day, organised by Hertford Rotary, will be held in the grounds of Hertford Castle on Sunday 23rd June from noon to 5pm.

Entry is free and attractions include wildlife stalls with bats and bees, a bouncy castle, fairground rides, food and drink, face painting, crafts and charity stalls and stage entertainment with singers and dancers throughout the afternoon.

The event is sponsored by the former local councillor and teacher Peter Ruffles (known to many as Mr Hertford) and local businesses.

Taster session at square dance club

Fancy trying a new hobby? Waggoners Square Dance Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is seeking new members. It is holding its Midsummer Hoedown, a taster session where you can see what square dancing is all about, on Monday 17th June at St Joseph’s in the Park school hall in St Mary’s Lane, Hertingfordbury SG14 2LX from 7.30 to 10pm. Tickets are just £5, singles and couples welcome.

To find out more, call Penny or Bob on 01920 465276, email waggonerssdc@gmail.com or visit waggonerssquaredanceclub.com.

Date set for this year’s Ware Carnival

Make a note on your calendar now that Ware’s annual carnival parade will take place on Saturday 6th July, kicking off the near month-long Ware Festival, which features events throughout the town until Sunday 28th July.

22nd June 2024, 7.30pm All Saints’ Church, Hertford

Peppa Pig Fun Day Out!

Back with her oinktastic brand new live show!

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June, 10am, 1pm and 6pm

Antiques and a little bit of Nonsense

Top antique personalities, tales of salesroom, TV and beyond!

Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm

Wired for Sound

A live concert celebrating the music of Cliff Richard Friday 7 June, 7.30pm

An Evening with That’ll Be The Day’s Trevor and Gary Taking their double act on tour!

Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm

Bingo That’s Bonkers! 18+ Not just Bingo, expect comedy, music and mayhem! Friday 14 June, 7.30pm

TJ Higgs: Grief is Love Tour

With a passion for bringing peace with her psychic powers Friday 28 June, 7.30pm

thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946 (Monday-Friday 10am-2pm) The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts,

Totally Tina! Come shake your tail feather! Saturday 15 June, 7.30pm

Milkshake! Live on Holiday

All the favourite Milkshake characters including Paw Patrol and Dora!

Sunday 30 June, 12noon and 3.30pm

The All or Nothing Experience

The music of the iconic Small Faces Friday 19 July, 7.30pm

Book now for summer open-air theatre

HERTFORD THEATRE

Quantum Theatre are performing two new adaptations of classic tales in the grounds of Hertford Castle on Saturday 15th June. The first show, at 2.30pm, is a family-friendly performance of the Beatrix Potter story The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. The second show, at 7pm, is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

Gates open 30 minutes before each performance. Bring your own chair and picnic if you wish, though a bar and food stalls will be at the castle as well.

Tickets can be bought in advance at £12.50 (under-twos free). Book online at hertford.gov.uk or buy from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash (01992 584322).

THE SPOTLIGHT GARDENS

Shakespeare’s The Tempest will be performed by The Festival Players International in the gardens of The Spotlight in Hoddesdon on Friday 21st June. Organised in conjunction with BArts, Broxbourne Arts Forum, the play is performed as Shake-

Hertford Castle is a majestic backdrop to open air theatre performances

speare himself would have seen it, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes and music. Tickets are £18 for adults, £10 students and under-16s, with a family of four ticket at £50. Take your own seating or rugs. Book at thespotlightvenue.com or by calling 01992 441946.

ROMAN THEATRE, ST ALBANS

This summer’s open air theatre season at the Roman Theatre in St Albans begins this month and

runs until early September. The 2024 programme includes plays shown over several days or weeks as well as some one-off shows, including music and cinema. June features performances of a 1980s rock-based adaptation of The Merry Wives of Windsor by Shakespeare; The Secret Garden; Gawain and the Green Knight and Present Laughter, and Beatles songs played on the ukulele. Yes, you did read that right. Visit ovo.org.uk to book.

At the cinema: Five films released in June

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (TBC) Out on Wednesday 5th June

Wisecracking Miami cops Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), embark on a dangerous mission to clear the name of their late police captain after he is linked to drug cartels – but a set-up turns Miami’s finest detectives into Miami’s most wanted…

Freud’s Last Session (TBC) Out on Friday 14th June

Set on the eve of World War Two and towards the end of his life, Freud’s Last Session sees Freud, played by Anthony Hopkins, invite the author CS Lewis for a debate about the existence of God.

Inside Out 2 (TBC)

Out on Friday 21st June

Disney and Pixar’s animated family comedy Inside Out 2 returns

to the mind of teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected… new emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety and her friends show up…

The Bikeriders (15)

Out on Friday 21st June

This follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club, The Vandals. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves

Literary Landscapes at Parndon Mill

Literary Landscapes is an exhibition of prints by Boden Press artists showcasing a variety of printmaking techniques at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow. The artists have taken their inspiration from the writings of authors including Virginia Woolf, John Betjeman and Laurie Lee. It is showing until Sunday 23rd June at the gallery, which is in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4pm. Visit parndonmill.co.uk for more information.

Digswell Arts hosts open studios event

over a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders to a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s way of life.

It Ends With Us (TBC)

Out on Friday 21st June

Adapted from the novel by Colleen Hoover, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark upon a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents’ relationship.

An open studios event is being held by Digswell Arts at its base at The Forge in Welwyn on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June. You will be able to meet the artists, get an insight into their creativity and buy their work directly from them. Work on show will include drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

The Forge is in Hertford Road, Digswell AL6 0BU and the event runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday. For further information visit digswellarts.org.

Inside Out 2

Clarice’s Cottage II by Marian Carter

Revel in this year’s Hertfordshire Festival of Music

The Hertfordshire Festival of Music returns this month with 21 events and projects taking place in and around Hertford.

Now in its eighth year, the theme of this year’s festival is ‘The Power of 2: Musical and Artistic Dialogues’.

It runs from Friday 7th to Saturday 15th June and will include a series of concerts, talks and other events featuring a range of musicians, artists and original thinkers.

Artists will include the acclaimed piano duo Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen, who are this year’s Principal Artists.

They will give a two-piano recital at All Saints’ Church, Hertford while Katya will also give a free piano duo masterclass at Queenswood School in Brookmans Park.

The opening event is a conversation and performance called My Life in Music featuring

singer and composer Tom Randle and the Rossetti Ensemble, featuring his own music alongside that of Vaughan Williams and Dvorak.

Other highlights include violinist Litsa Tunnah being joined by festival director James Francis Brown in a performance featuring his 2nd violin sonata as well as works by Vaughan Williams and Beethoven.

On the final Saturday, clarinettist Poppy Beddoe and pianist Timothy End join forces for a concert, while the grand finale of this year’s festival will be the two-piano recital by Principal Artists Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen.

To find out more, see the full programme and buy tickets, visit hertsmusicfest.org.uk.

PICTURED RIGHT (From top clockwise): Rossetti Ensemble, Tom Randle and Poppy Beddoe

The Best In Comedy

Thursday 27th June 8pm

Tickets: £21.50

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 What’s on at

Wyllyotts box office: 01707 645005

Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HZ wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Jazz and classics with Ware Choral

Ware Choral Society’s summer concert is an evening of jazz and classics on Saturday 8th June at Ware Drill Hall. The society will be singing the Mass in Blue (jazz mass) by Will Todd and Songs and Sonnets by Shakespeare and George Shearing, alongside a jazz band. Tickets are £20 from warechoral.org.uk or on the door. The Drill Hall is in Amwell End, Ware SG12 9HP and the concert begins at 7.30pm.

Songs from the West End

Hertford Choral Society presents Songs From The West End at All Saints’ Church on Saturday 22nd June at 7.30pm, featuring favourites from Evita, Wicked, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, with choir, soloists and band. Tickets £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students by email to tickets@ hertfordchoral.org.uk or at ticketsource.co.uk. All Saints’ Church is at Hertford SG13 8AY.

–15 june 2024

Piano Duo Charles Owen & Katya Apekisheva Principal Artists

FOOD & DRINK

Quattro Lounge opens at Lea Wharf

Quattro Lounge, from Bristolbased group Loungers, became the first of the riverside eateries to open at Hertford’s new Lea Wharf development in May. The company was launched in 2002 by three friends who had been working in the food and drink industry and who decided to join together to create their own neighbourhood café that they themselves would want to go to.

A second, also in Bristol, followed shortly afterwards – and the rest, as they say, is history. A home-from-home vibe and all-day food and drink offering has proved a winning formula,

with more than 220 ‘Lounges’ now open.

The name of each lounge is tailored to the site – the

‘Quattro’ here reflecting its address at Unit 4 Lea Wharf.

Artwork on the wall behind the bar featuring nearby Hertford Castle links the company’s latest opening to its location too.

Quattro Lounge is open seven days a week, from 9am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and from 9am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It has one wideranging all-day menu that offers everything from breakfast and brunch dishes, cakes, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and tapas to

burgers and a variety of other main courses that include curries, chilli and steak frites.

Competitive prices

Prices are competitive – for example £5.75 for a simple bacon butty, £7.75 for a tuna melt, £12.75 for a house burger served with slaw, fries or salad and other mains priced around the £12-£20 mark. There are weekly offers – for example order any burger, main or salad on a Monday and get a glass of wine or pudding on the house. From 5pm on Tapas Tuesdays you can enjoy three tapas and a glass of wine for £13.75.

Quattro Lounge caters for everyone, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and kids’ dishes on offer. Staff are enthusiastic, friendly and welcoming. It’s dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible, has outdoor seating and glass bifold doors that slide across opening up the restaurant to its riverside setting on warm days. It’s set to become one of the town’s busiest meeting places – if it isn’t already!

Quattro Lounge Unit 4 Lea Wharf, Hertford SG14 1BN 01992 210537

thelounges.co.uk

First riverside eatery at Hertford development offers all-day dining

Hertford’s new Quattro Lounge, with General Manager Ryan Phillips pictured top right, is the first riverside opening at the town’s flagship development

Dart Club hits bullseye for The George IV

If the rise of teenage sensation Luke Littler has given you a thirst for darts then a new venue opened at The George IV in Great Amwell could be right up your street.

Darts venues have been opening up at a pace across London – now we have one nearer to home. The popular gastropub has converted an outbuilding in its courtyard area into a standalone darts area, Dart Club. It has two lanes, side by side, which can be hired by the hour (with the courtyard area also bookable if you’d like some outside space to spill out onto). Each lane can accommodate up to eight players, though four to six is the recommended number. Dart Club allies the traditional game of darts with the latest technology.

While players use real darts and

a traditional board, the darts are magnetised with players’ scores kept automatically and displayed on screen at the side of the lane. Players can choose from a wide range of games, from the regular 501 to others which test your skill, including Killer, Hexa-gone, Blockbuster and Showtime.

While you’re playing you can order and pay for food from a specially-devised menu of small plates, plus drinks including cocktails and beers, on an app. Staff will then bring these round to you.

You must be 18 or over to play and the cost is £10.50 per person per hour.

l To book, call 01920 870039 or visit georgeivpub.co.uk.

The George IV is in Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW.

Why June is a bumper month for ale drinkers

McMullen Brewery and Gibberd Garden prepare to hold annual beer festivals

Mac’s beer and music festival on Saturday 15th June

Hertford-based brewery McMullen hosts its sixth annual beer and music festival on Saturday 15th June.

Both Mac’s heritage ales and Rivertown Brewery beers will be available, plus cider, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. There will also be music and street food at the event, from 5pm to 10pm (last entry 8pm).

Tickets are £10 in aid of Isabel Hospice. Buy online at eventbrite.co.uk (search Mac’s Beer & Music Festival).

A limited number will also be on sale on the door for £15.

Father’s Day at the brewery on Sunday 16th June

The following day, Sunday 16th June, the brewery yard opens again, for Father’s Day.

Entry is free with the bar open, food and garden games on offer, as well as the brewery’s popular tours hosted by the brewing team and members of the McMullen

family.

Tours run on the hour between 10am and 4pm and include complimentary beer samples at the end for over-18s. Tour tickets at £10 per person plus booking fee need to be booked online, again at Eventbrite. For more details visit mcmullens.co.uk.

Weekend beer festival at The Gibberd Garden

The Gibberd Garden in Harlow hosts its 17th Beer Festival over the weekend of Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June (Father’s Day).

It’s always a hugely popular event for all the family, that also offers the chance to explore the 14-acre grade 2 listed garden that was created between 1957 and 1984 by Sir Frederick Gibberd, the leading post-war architect and masterplanner of Harlow New Town.

Featuring along with West Essex and East Herts Campaign for Real Ale will be Harlow’s independent Redchurch Brewery and

Leave the car at home to follow New River Line Rail Ale Trail

A booklet has been published promoting some of the best pubs in Hertford, Ware and Broxbourne that happen to be based near the New River Line.

The cleverly-titled New River Line Rail Ale Trail has been produced by The New River Line Community Rail partnership with help from the South Hertfordshire and Herts & Essex

Borders branches of Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The A6-sized, 24-page colour booklet includes information on train travel, local towns and villages and all real ale pubs found along or near the eightmile route, featuring 18 main pub entries plus information on all others, cask ale and local breweries.

The branch rail line runs from Broxbourne to Hertford East and includes the stations of Broxbourne, Rye House, St Margaret’s, Ware and Hertford East.

You can pick up a free copy of the booklet from selected pubs, local tourist information offices and libraries in Hertford, Ware and Broxbourne.

a pop up bar from The Rising Sun at High Wych.

There will be musical entertainment and food available. Doors open at 12noon and the garden closes at 8pm.

There’s a link to booking online

(£8 per adult to include a free Gibberd Garden beer glass) at thegibberdgarden.co.uk. Limited tickets will be available on the door.

The Gibberd Garden is in Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA.

The Old Barge in Hertford is one of the pubs featured in the guide

Blossom Bakes teams up with Lowewood Museum’s café

With its inside café space and outdoor garden seating, Hoddesdon’s Lowewood Museum is an attractive place to pop into for coffee and cakes this summer – even more so following its collaboration with Hertfordbased Blossom Bakes.

The museum is run by a charitable trust on behalf of Broxbourne Council.

Entry is free and the ground floor café is open during museum opening hours (Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 4.30pm). It offers teas and coffees and a selection of homemade cakes and cupcakes from Blossom Bakes, which was launched in 2022 by part-time teacher and home baker Amy Burton.

You can find Lowewood Museum in High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH.

For more details visit lowewoodmuseum.com or blossom-bakes.co.uk.

FOOD & DRINK: THE GUIDE

THE GRANDISON

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

VODINA Turkish

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

RUAY RôT BY BAAN

THITIYA

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

THE GEORGE IV

Pub & Dining

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 Pub & Dining

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

Turkish

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 Pub & Dining

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 Fine Dining

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

BAAN THITIYA