October 2024
UNDER PRESSURE COUNCIL CHIEF QUITS; BUDGET GAP GROWS
ALL CHANGE BINS & PARKING CHANGES COMING TO EAST HERTS
PUMPKIN PARTY
THREE PAGES OF GREAT HALLOWEEN EVENTS
PERFECT PANTO
BOOK YOUR SEATS FOR CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES
DOWN ON THE FARM FIELD-TO-FORK DINING AT TEWINBURY’S COWSHED
05-15 y Briefing
Folly Island residents oppose bin changes, plus new parking strategy
26-31 y What’s on
Book your tickets now for fireworks displays and festive pantomimes
22-25 y Halloween special
Your guide to all the best Halloween events for all the family
32-35 y Food & drink
Chef Alistair Dibbs is making his mark on Cowshed at Tewinbury
18-19 y HEALTH & BEAUTY: Importance of checking your blood pressure
34-35 y FOOD & DRINK GUIDE: Book your favourite local restaurants
Front cover images (clockwise from top)
Sostrene Grene homewares store that has opened at The Water Gardens in Harlow (p17); Storyteller Ben Haggarty who will be appearing at Celtic Harmony Camp for Samhain (Halloween) celebrations (p24); The Wild Robot, new film out this month (p30); A dish at Cowshed at Tewinbury (p32); Halloween fun at Hertfordshire Zoo (p25).
Axis magazine was founded in 2003 by two award-winning former local newspaper editors who still own and run the business today.
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The Chief Executive of East Herts Council, Richard Cassidy, left his post after five years last month, suddenly and without a public explanation.
He has been replaced on an interim basis by his deputy, Helen Standen. A short press release of just three paragraphs was issued by the council in the early evening of Friday 13th September, which began: “After five years at the helm of East Herts Council, Richard Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer, has made the decision to leave the council as of 15th September 2024. Richard has had a successful career in local government spanning 40 years, working in senior positions in a range of councils before joining East Herts in 2019.”
One week later, the council announced that Helen Standen would replace Mr Cassidy on an interim basis. With 25 years’ experience in local government, she has been at East Herts since 2016 and said she was confident she would provide “the steady hand that is needed in this interim period”.
This is a period of huge change as well as challenges at the local
authority which is facing both financial and staffing difficulties.
It also had an equally unexpected change of political leadership last year when the Conservatives were replaced by a joint Green-Liberal Democrat administration.
Mr Cassidy’s post joins a long list of currently unfilled positions at East Herts. The human resources committee heard last month that some 13.5 per cent of posts are current vacant.
It has also been revealed that the council’s head of strategic finance and property, Steven Linnett, is to retire at the end of November, meaning another crucial position will need to be filled.
This follows on from the recent sudden departure of Rhys Thomas, who was director of the Hertford Theatre/BEAM project just ahead of its reopening.
Mr Thomas has since been appointed as Theatre Director at Chelmsford Theatre in Essex.
Ben Cannell, who was operations manager at Hertford Theatre, has also left his post.
The scale of the financial challenges facing East Herts Council has been reinforced by a new report to its Executive (the group of leading councillors) which was due to be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday 1st October.
The report set out an update on the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, which covers a ten-year period.
Despite previous savings, East Herts is now facing a projected overspend of £1.1million in the current financial year, 2024-25, which ends in March.
To put this in context, the council’s overall revenue budget is £12.652m
this year, so the overspend is running at almost 10 per cent. Among the reasons for this is the delayed and phased opening of BEAM, which has reduced the revenues that were expected.
The plan also shows that the council will still need to make savings of, and/or increase its income by, millions of pounds each year going forward too.
The projected shortfall is £5.6million next year (2025-26) –of which £2m in savings/increased revenue has yet to be identified – followed by another £5.6m in 2026/27; then £6.4m and £6.8m in the subsequent two years.
Meanwhile, an external review of the council’s financial position has said that East Herts will find it hard to balance its books this year and this it is “relying on prudential borrowing and asset sales” to balance budgets.
The ‘finance peer review’ was requested by the council’s Executive and was carried out by Andrew Hardingham, former director of finance at Plymouth City Council, on behalf of the Local Government Association.
In his report, Mr Hardingham highlights the fact that the council is looking to sell assets to pay down debt and reduce the future cost of
borrowing. These include various parcels of land and the Southern Maltings building in Ware. He concluded that: “Overall, the budget approach is sensible in the current climate.”
However, he highlighted delays in the reporting of information to councillors which have made it difficult to monitor financial performance and said that the council needs “more effective budget monitoring,” adding: “Significant risk surrounds the ability to deliver the identified 24/25 savings and there are further major challenges to identify a further balanced budget for 25/26.”
Residents may be about to see some of the policies of the Green Party put into action in a meaningful way as some of the most extensive changes to car parking ever seen locally are being actively considered by East Herts Council.
The Green-Liberal Democrat-run council is consulting on a new parking strategy that it says is aimed at discouraging vehicle use and ownership.
It says it wants to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, encourage the use of public transport – and increase revenue.
Following an engagement period, a new parking strategy will be outlined later this year, and is expected to be implemented in 2025.
The council is hoping that increased fees from parking will help plug the budget gap that it faces over the coming years.
The council has set out eight ideas in its new parking strategy:
Emission-based charges
Charging different amounts for parking permits based on a vehicle’s emission levels to “discourage vehicle ownership and use”. The council says: “Where there is an essential need for a private vehicle, the aim is to encourage the switch to a lower-polluting vehicle.”
Peak and off-peak prices
Charging different amounts for parking in car parks at peak and off-peak times, with higher parking charges for busy peak times, and
lower charges for off-peak times.
Higher prices for diesel vehicles
Higher parking or permit charges for diesel vehicles.
Regular reviews of fees
Regularly reviewing charging levels to discourage non-essential motor vehicle use and ownership.
Less all-day parking
Consider removing the all-day tariff option in some car parks where it is currently available to manage demand and encourage greater turnover of parking spaces, which may benefit nearby businesses. It says car parks that may benefit from this include three in Bishop’s Stortford: Northgate End, Apton Road and Basbow Lane.
Wide-ranging reviews
Review the existing levels of charges and hours for car parks and on-street parking across East Herts and propose changes to make them “fairer and more consistent” across the district. A review would also be carried out of the current locations of parking zones to see whether any should be reduced or expanded in size, or whether additional zones should be created.
Workplace parking levy
Introduce a workplace parking levy so that employers are charged for the number of parking spaces that they provide that are occupied by their employees. The council says a
WPL could be restricted to certain areas, such as in town centres and employment sites that are well served by public transport. The revenue generated would be reinvested in the local transport network.
Promote car-sharing Incentives could be offered for people to car-share or car-pool.
A series of public engagement sessions began during September, encouraging the public to have their say on the plans. There are two
more of these planned in October – at Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Stortford from 6-7.30pm on Tuesday 8th October, and at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall from 2-3.30pm on Wednesday 9th October.
An online consultation which invited residents and business owners to have their say was due to finish on Monday 30th September. The consultation was only made public on 2nd September (hence it was not covered in last month’s Axis in time for readers to take part).
By-elections in September for two seats on Hertford Town Council saw the Conservatives regain a presence on the local authority after their total wipe-out in last May’s local council elections.
The by-elections followed the recent resignation of Green Party councillor Paul Williams in Bengeo North, along with that of Castle ward councillor, Labour’s Josh Dean, who was elected to the House of Commons in July as MP for the Hertford and Stortford parliamentary constituency.
The wins by Susan Barber, a former Hertford mayor, of the Bengeo North seat, and Ryan Henson in Castle Ward could be seen as the start of a fightback by the Conservatives who, prior to local elections last May, had been the controlling party on Hertford Town Council. Amid a surge of nationwide discontent with the Conservative Party, last May’s local elections saw them lose all nine of their seats on the 16seat parish council with the Greens taking control with 12 and Labour the remaining four. It was a similar
story for the Conservatives at other parish councils in the district (except in Sawbridgeworth) while they also lost East Herts District Council to a Green/Lib Dem coalition. Susan Barber said: “It is a privilege to be elected by the people of Bengeo North. The residents here deserve better than the policies we’ve seen from the current Greenled council. My focus will be on delivering tangible improvements for our area. I’m looking forward to working for the community and ensuring their voices are heard.”
Nathan Parsad-Wyatt, chairman of the Hertford and Stortford Conservative Association, said: “We are rebuilding our team – door by door, leaflet by leaflet, conversation by conversation – as we begin the journey to restore trust with voters. “These results are an encouraging start, but we understand the road ahead is long. Our team is fully committed to delivering real solutions and standing up for residents. We will work tirelessly, day by day, to renew faith in the Conservative team.”
Planning permission has been given for a further 118 new homes to be built on Bengeo Field in Hertford, which has been the subject of a long-running campaign by local residents who wanted to save the green space from development. East Herts Council’s development management committee voted on Wednesday 18th September to approve the application by housebuilder Durkan Homes for the land west of Wadesmill Road. This will allow Durkan to add an extension to its existing development, The Stiles. It will take up about 10 per cent of the field. The land had been allocated for residential development in East Herts Council’s District Plan and officers had recommended the application be approved.
The scheme comprises 100 houses from two to five bedrooms, 18 one and two-bedroom flats in two blocks, an access road off Wadesmill Road, internal roads, parking areas, pedestrian and cycle paths, public open spaces and play areas. Some 40% of the properties will be classed as ‘affordable housing’ for rent or shared ownership.
After the meeting, Green Party council leader and Bengeo councillor Ben Crystall, who had spoken against the application along with other local Green members, expressed his disappointment that approval had been given, appearing
to acknowledge that although his group runs the council (in tandem with the Liberal Democrats) it would have been difficult for the committee to turn it down. Because the land had been included for development in the District Plan, which sets out areas that can be developed, the committee was essentially powerless to reject the application without very sound planning reasons. That plan was agreed in 2018 before the Greens
came to power in East Herts. Bill Beyzade, managing director of Durkan Homes, said: “I’m pleased that we can now make our vision of a well-designed, high-quality development a reality. These will be much-needed and sustainable homes, with a mix of house types for everyone.”
Construction is due to start in 2025. To find out more about Durkan’s plans, visit bengeowadesmillroad.co.uk.
Ware Library will re-open on Monday 14th October after a twoweek closure for its move to new premises at 41-46 High Street. The service closed the doors to its former home, a grade II listed former maltster’s house, at the far end of the High Street that it had occupied for more than seven decades on Saturday 28th September. Until the new building is open, users can use their library card and return books at other Hertfordshire libraries while due dates have been extended for the closure period. The previous building, while architecturally pleasing, was a difficult one from which to provide services
with a mezannine level presenting access difficulties for people with disabilities and a lack of space making it difficult to provide the types of services offered today. It is now expected to be converted into housing. A planning application, submitted in March but yet to be determined by East Herts Council, proposes converting the main building into four flats and building three houses in place of its 1970s extension.
The new library will be open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 10am to 5.30pm, Wednesdays 2pm to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 5pm.
Autumn has arrived and with it a warning from Hertfordshire County Council for drivers to watch out for deer on the roads.
At this time of year, the male fallow deer can travel several miles a day in search of a mate, crossing roads in the process.
The most common times for them to roam are dawn and dusk. Drivers and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to deer strikes, while cyclists should also be vigilant.
The deer population in Hertfordshire consists mainly of fallow and muntjac deer. The biggest risk of collison with crossing animals is where major roads pass near wooded areas with traffic moving at high speeds.
Phil Bibby, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We would urge drivers and motorcyclists in particular to be cautious and drive a little slower at this time of year, especially on rural and semi-rural roads. We have taken steps to erect deer fences in locations which are known migration crossing points, especially on major new roads, but we are unable to protect every road.
“If you do hit a deer, please report the collision to the police on 101.”
Resident associations and community groups are being invited to apply to Hertfordshire County Council this month for free salt to grit their streets this winter. Groups can apply for between one and 34 20kg bags of salt to help keep local roads and pavements clear. To apply visit Hertfordshire.gov.uk/applyforsalt before Thursday 31st October.
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
l Food waste to be collected weekly l Three-weekly collections for other recycling and rubbish
East and North Herts councils have announced that a new contract to run waste, recycling and street cleansing services across both districts from next May is to be awarded to Veolia.
Current contractor Urbaser UK will continue to provide services in the meantime with its staff then transferring over to Veolia.
Cllr Tim Hoskin, East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Recycling and Waste, said: “This new contract and service design gives residents the opportunity to recycle more materials and help the councils in their long-term ambitions to improve the environmental sustainability of services.
“As a result, we hope to see improvements in recycling performance over the coming years.”
What will change?
Within months of the new operator taking over residents can expect
Veolia will be taking over the contract next year
significant changes to collections.
A weekly food waste collection is being introduced with homes provided with a food caddy. There will be two 240-litre wheelie bins – one for mixed paper and cardboard; another for all other dry recycling such as glass, plastic bottles and pots, cans and foil. A third, smaller 180-litre, bin will be for non-recyclable, or ‘black bin’ waste.
Each wheelie bin will be put out on a three weekly cycle with the food caddy going out every week. Households that subscribe to
garden waste collections will have a fourth bin while there is still the possibility of an additional ‘bag within a bin’ in the dry recycling wheelie bin for soft plastics (for example bread bags and cling film) depending upon results of trials. These changes are expected to take place from August 2025.
Why is this being done?
The changes come amid a background of legislative changes which will require all local authorities to collect food waste weekly, as well as collect the same six recyclable
waste streams in a bid to boost recycling by making what is collected consistent across the country.
The previous Government indicated in May that it expected to issue statutory guidance requiring local authorities to collect black bin waste at least fortnightly.
In light of this, councillors on East Herts’ Executive committee which met in July were provided with legal advice ahead of making the decision to award the contract. They decided to stick to plans for three-weekly collections which had been based on financial considerations and the need to offer value for money. They also think this approach will lead to increased recycling.
In view of the scale of the changes the council will be undertaking a major communications campaign that could include a new app with push notifications that residents could sign up to so they would receive reminders of collection days. The consequences of residents struggling with the new collections could include not just a deluge of calls and complaints but, in the case of a refuse bin not put out on the correct day, a six-week wait until it is emptied.
It’s one of the county’s most recognisable street scenes but, say residents of Hertford’s Folly Island, one that could be ruined by bin blight if East Herts goes ahead with plans to bring collections in the conservation area in line with the rest of the district.
On the ‘island’, which lies between two streams of the River Lee, homes currently receive a fortnightly collection of recyclables from boxes, with bags provided for black bin waste which is collected weekly.
They have been told that ahead of the new waste and recycling contract starting, the waste team had undertaken a review of the area which indicated that “all properties have front gardens and/or accessible rear gardens meaning there is adequate off-street storage for wheeled bins”. And it proposes first moving collections on the island to the council’s standard service (a fortnightly collection of a black bin plus a fortnightly collection of dry recycling in another wheelie bin – or boxes if preferred – plus a paper box), ahead of the more extensive changes coming for the whole district in the summer.
Residents say this could ultimately mean the terraces of Victorian houses, some fronting the towpath, face having to find the space to store up to four wheelie bins. Some residents fear losing their front gardens to the bins which, because they are higher than the height of window sills, would also block their views out.
There are further concerns about the only road bridge serving the island and its narrow streets becoming blocked should the new contractor use larger collection vehicles than currently serve the area; that the narrow alleyways and towpath could be obstructed by bins; even that bins could end up in the river (as other items have in the past including recently, a salt bin).
A petition asking East Herts to rethink its plans, launched in September by island resident Keeley Haylett, had gathered over 800 signatures at the time Axis went to press while the issue had also been featured by BBC Three Counties Radio. Hertford Civic Society has written to East Herts Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Tim Hoskin, asking that the matter be given further thought as well.
A groundbreaking event was held in September to mark the start of works to regenerate Waltham Cross town centre.
The event on 12th September was attended by representatives from Broxbourne Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council, and contractor Danaher & Walsh along with Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking.
The first phase of the project will focus on creating an elegant, contemporary feel throughout the town centre with new high quality paving, street furniture, lighting, seating and landscaped play areas. Updating the outdated red brick walkway to modern light grey paving will complement the recently developed Queen Eleanor Square.
New pedestrian crossings along Monarchs Way will be created to allow easier access into the town centre from adjacent areas. The highway improvements will also mean the closure of the dated and unwelcoming underpass that links the town centre with nearby Stanhope Road and other neighbouring areas.
In a bid to help promote more
Construction works have begun on the multi-million pound regeneration of Broad Walk in Harlow. The scheme will see the complete repaving of Broad Walk, Cross Street and East Walk, new LED street lighting, CCTV, new street furniture and the introduction of
night-time presence, a greater sense of safety and further opportunities to improve the night-time economy, the road through the town centre will be reopened for limited traffic.
Broxbourne Council leader Cllr
Mark Mills-Bishop said: “Today marks a very special occasion because the rejuvenation work for Waltham Cross town centre is starting.
“When we come back in a year’s time, I have no doubt that the area will be beautiful and much more inviting, mirroring the council’s corporate priority of creating a
much needed green, landscaped spaces to complement, and bring continuity with, existing landscaping within The Water Gardens shopping centre. The works will take between 12 and 18 months to complete with businesses open as usual.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, Cllr Steve Wortley, said: “This is one of the biggest projects to have taken place in the borough in a very long time.
“It is one that comes from a vision of creating a more welcoming, vibrant and enviable location to live, visit and work.”
The works are expected to be completed in the autumn of next year. To find out more visit Broxbourne. gov.uk/WXRegeneration.
More than 1,300 people have signed a petition calling for a bus station waiting room to be reinstated at Hertford’s Lea Wharf development. The waiting room had been part of developer Chase New Homes’ original plans for the site back in 2020, but two years later the plan was amended with the space intended for use as a café instead.
However, last year, Chase New Homes sought permission to use the area for a nail bar, which was granted by East Herts Council. East Herts councillor Sarah Hopewell has now teamed up with Kingsmead Residents’ Association to petition Chase to reinstate the waiting room. Their cause has also been supported by new Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean.
In
Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Charlie Hall has announced his retirement after leading the force for eight years. He is currently the longest-serving Chief Constable in the country and, by the time he leaves his post at the end of this year, will have completed more than 32 years’ police service.
Mr Hall said: It has been a total privilege to lead such a fine organisation. From the beginning my aspirations have been steadfast, to do all I can to help the constabulary grow, develop and improve for the benefit of the local communities we serve now and into the future.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards wished Mr Hall well and praised his “serious and thoughtful leadership” of the constabulary. He added: “He has played a leading role in making Hertfordshire the safe county it is today.”
The winter fuel payment cut was wrong – we should not be taking money from pensioners who’ve worked all their lives
Since the return of Parliament from its summer recess, I’ve got stuck in straight away representing everyone in Broxbourne.
This Labour Government are bringing forward many changes that I fear will take our country in the wrong direction. I continue to oppose plans that will see taxes rise and make it easier to build on the green belt without the proper infrastructure in place.
But I was most stunned by the decision to cut the winter fuel payment from all pensioners – not least because there was no mention of it in the Labour Party’s manifesto. At least 15,000 pensioners in the Broxbourne constituency will lose up to £300 this winter, a vital sum of money at a time when energy prices are increasing.
For me, this issue is simple – we should not be taking money from pensioners who’ve worked all their lives and paid their dues.
I’ve been taking action to oppose the Government’s decision. Along with Conservative party colleagues, I signed a motion to annul the legal change and ensure it was properly
debated in the House of Commons. I launched a petition on my website to demonstrate the strength of my constituents’ feelings on this policy. Thank you to the hundreds of local people who have signed it so far, and to all those who contacted me with personal stories of how damaging the removal of the payment will be.
Outside Parliament, I gathered alongside many MPs to protest the cuts, which was covered by the Daily Express.
I then spoke out in the House of
Commons, ensuring Government ministers knew exactly how I and my constituents in Broxbourne felt about their decision.
Although the legislation has been passed, I will continue to voice my concerns. I am also encouraging constituents to check if they’re eligible for Pension Credit, as pensioners enrolled in that will continue to receive the winter fuel payment.
In Broxbourne, I remain busy, attending a range of events and meeting many constituents. I’ve had
I am continuing to hold regular in-person surgeries to discuss issues and concerns with constituents. If you have a problem you’d like to raise with me, please contact my office at lewis.cocking.mp@parliament.uk.
the particular pleasure of meeting several small business owners recently, and it is one of my key priorities as your MP to do all I can to back our independent enterprises.
With that in mind, I have kickstarted a Best Small Business Competition. I encourage everyone to nominate their favourite small business by 23rd November. The winner will be announced on Small Business Saturday, 7th December. I look forward to visiting the best business to hand out their certificate. Full details can be found on my website, lewiscocking.uk.
How I have started to deliver on my election pledges while backing the tough decision the Government has made
I’m delighted to have begun the process of moving into my shopfront constituency office in Bishop’s Stortford this month. Although there’s still some work to do before we’re officially set up, I’m proud to be moving quickly to deliver an important pledge of my general election campaign. I look forward to updating residents as we look to hold an official opening in the Autumn.
In September, we had to take the difficult decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance. I understand why some residents in our community were concerned about this. That’s why I’ve begun holding benefits advice surgeries for pensioners in partnership with Citizens Advice East Herts. We’re working with local pensioners to ensure they are in receipt of everything they are entitled to and help them to make claims if they’re not. Our next surgery will be held in Bishop’s Stortford on Friday 4th October, and you can book an appointment by calling 01920 459944. Further dates will be confirmed this month.
I’ve joined this month with East Herts councillor Sarah Hopewell and the Kingsmead Residents
Association to call on Chase New Homes to rethink plans for a nail bar in Lea Wharf and deliver the bus station waiting room originally proposed. We’ve written to them and delivered a petition signed by over 1,300 residents and I’ll continue to work with Cllr Hopewell, the KRA and residents in our community to campaign for the bus station waiting room we need in Hertford town centre.
In Parliament, we marked Back British Farming Day this month, and in our constituency, I’ve continued to hold advice surgeries for residents, most recently in Ware and Sawbridgeworth. It was great to meet with the Bishop’s Stortford BID to discuss how we can work together to support our fantastic local businesses and visit Ware Football Club to discuss the importance of football in our community. It was also a real pleasure to cut the ribbon to open Phoenix’s new charity shop in Hertford, an inspirational charity making a real difference in our community.
Finally, I’m pleased to confirm that I’ve now finished recruiting my office staff and they’ll be coming on board over the course of the next
few weeks. I remain very grateful to our residents for their patience and understanding as I’ve gone through this process as a new Member of
Friday 4th October, Bishop’s Stortford (benefits advice for pensioners with Citizens Advice East Herts – call 01920 459944 to book)
Friday 11th October, Hertford (constituency advice surgery – email josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk to book)
Saturday 19th October, Hertingfordbury (constituency advice surgery –email josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk to book)
Parliament. Residents are always very welcome to get in touch with my office by emailing josh.dean. mp@parliament.uk.
Rapidly expanding Danish homewares brand Sostrene Grene opened its latest store at The Water Gardens Shopping Centre in Harlow in September.
Founded in 1973 in Aarhus by wife and husband team of Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen, today the company is run by the second generation of the Grene family, has more than 300 stores in 16 countries and plans to have 100 open in the UK by 2030.
Stores offer a wide assortment of design-led, affordable products with everything from Nordic homewares and craft and hobby supplies to party ware, gift wrap, speciality food and sweets, and school and office products, along with seasonal lines. Ranges change regularly and prices “are never higher than they need be”.
Shopping here is designed to be an experience. Drawing on the Danish concept of ‘hygge,’ stores are warm and comfortable with a ‘labyrinthine’ layout to encourage browsing, and low lighting and
classical music creating a relaxed atmosphere.
The new store, located next to Waterstones, is open Monday to
Saturday from 9am to 7pm and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays. To find out more visit sostrenegrene.com.
Toys R Us has opened in Hertford, a ‘shop in shop’ concept being rolled out across the UK through a new retail partnership of WHSmith and the toy company.
The Hertford branch which opened at the end of August, can be found upstairs in WHSmith in Bircherley Green and is one of 39 opened. As well as toys, the shop features a sculpture of the Toys R Us mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe sitting on a bench ready for photographs with young shoppers.
WHSmith and Toys R Us are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
One of Hertford’s best-loved and most recognisable shops – The Women’s Society Boutique – has closed its doors for the final time after 18 years in the county town. Owner Victoria Rex opened her business in St Andrew Street back in 2006 – when the retail landscape was very different to now.
The shop quickly established a loyal following who appreciated Victoria’s gift for hand-picking both classic and on-trend items from a wide range of fashion brands. Victoria said the decision to close had been made with mixed emotions.
She explained: “I began this journey out of a passion for fashion, styling and personal customer service, but over time it became less and less fun, and the financial rewards grew smaller.
“As a mother of two young children, I’ve had to draw a line for the sake of my mental health and my family’s wellbeing. It’s been an amazing 18 years, but now it’s time for a new chapter.”
She said rising costs, the impact of
Rex of The
Brexit and unpredictable weather, declining footfall and the rise in online shopping had all made the retail environment increasingly difficult – and that was despite the business embracing digital with an online shop and a busy social media presence.
Victoria thanked all the staff who worked with her down the years, and their loyal customers, saying: “We’ve literally watched some of
them grow from bump to adulthood!”
The closure marks a shift in focus for Victoria, who now looks forward to spending more time with her family. “Owning a business is incredibly rewarding, but also extremely challenging, especially in today’s world. I’m ready to take a step back and prioritise my young family.”
She added: “It’s sad to see so many
independent retailers disappearing, and while online shopping offers convenience, it raises its own sustainability questions.”
The Women’s Society’s last day of trading was Sunday 15th September and it closed after a three-day sale.
The Women’s Society Boutique had been a cornerstone of Hertford’s independent retail scene, and its absence will undoubtedly be felt.
Meadowbrook is situated in Bishop’s Stortford on the St James’ Park development. Come and see our luxurious home and meet the team.
Meadowbrook, Luxury Care Home MOUNTBATTEN WAY, BISHOP’S STORTFORD, CM23 4SX E • crm@meadowbrookcarehome.co.uk T • 01279 212280 meadowbrookcarehome.co.uk
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One in four adults have high blood pressure, but only half know they have it. That’s why the NHS in Hertfordshire and west Essex is asking local people to ‘take a sec to check’ their blood pressure.
You may feel healthy and strong but often high blood pressure has no symptoms. This is why it is important to get your blood pressure checked.
Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life.
If left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, and can make you more likely to develop other conditions such as kidney disease.
Be in the know
If you’re over 40 and haven’t had your blood pressure checked in the past six months, it’s quick and easy to get a FREE blood pressure check at a pharmacy. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacies are open in the evenings and at weekends.
More than 300 pharmacies across Hertfordshire and west Essex offer a blood pressure check service.
You can also get your blood pressure checked:
l at your GP practice
l at another health appointment
l as part of your NHS Health Check
l using a home blood pressure monitor.
All adults over 40 are advised to get their blood pressure checked regularly.
Some people of African, Afro-Caribbean or South Asian heritage may have high blood pressure at a younger age and are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked earlier.
Take control
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Getting your blood pressure checked could save your life. You may look and feel healthy, but high blood pressure
rarely has symptoms. We know that there are thousands of people in our area who have high blood pressure but don’t know it. Left untreated, there is a risk of serious illness. Raised blood pressure can usually be treated very successfully.”
If you find out you have high blood pressure, there is a lot you can do to lower it to a healthy level. This might involve making some simple changes to your lifestyle or, sometimes, taking medicines prescribed by your doctor.
What works best to manage high blood pressure is different for
each person. The best way to reduce high blood pressure is to keep active, try and maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet, cut down on alcohol and stop smoking. Sometimes high blood pressure causes symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches and nosebleeds. If you are experiencing these symptoms and think you might have high blood pressure, please see your GP.
l For more information on blood pressure, where to get it checked and advice on home checks, visit hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp
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• 90% of surveys are completed by the owner of the company
• We are security specialists and experts in our field
• We don’t have commission-based sales reps
• We use our own trusted installers who are all NSI Gold and securitychecked
• We only use the most reliable products that we know we can trust
• We offer a range of solutions to meet your needs
• We have a dedicated service department
• We are not a large national company with big overheads (and high prices)
• We are not a faceless internet company
• View our products, and get expert advice, at our Enfield and Hertford shops
UK house prices have experienced significant fluctuations over the past two years, but they are now showing signs of recovery, particularly as borrowing costs have started to decline.
The Bank of England recently cut the base interest rate for the first time since March 2020, lowering it from 5.25% to 5%.
Although rates were held steady in September, further reductions are anticipated in the final two meetings of 2024.
These rate cuts are already impacting the housing market, with some mortgage rates dropping below 4%, potentially spurring demand for mortgage borrowing. As borrowing becomes more affordable, increased buyer interest could lead to further growth in house prices.
At Ward Estates, we are seeing more properties coming to market with us and a growing
number of prospective buyers. This renewed movement suggests a healthier housing market ahead, as both buyers and sellers respond to more favourable economic conditions.
Ward Estates is a bespoke, female-operated estate agency that was named Best Estate Agents in Hertford in both 2022 and 2024 in the British Property
Awards, something owner Lisa Ward is very proud of. She said: “Our success is built on word-of-mouth referrals and driven by our unwavering commitment to exceptional service. We proudly combine passion, extensive industry knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail to achieve outstanding results for every client.
“What sets us apart is not only our female leadership but also our exclusive focus on sales. By dedicating 100% of our efforts to property sales, we provide personalised and professional service for both vendors and purchasers from start to finish. Every property, regardless of size or value, is treated with the utmost care and dedication.
“We are also confident that our fees will outmatch those of local competitors while offering unbeatable service.”
Ward Estates believe in providing an exceptionally high level of customer service by going above and beyond the requirements of customers.
We understand that selling and purchasing a property can be both stressful and worrying. The Ward Estates team aim to make this experience as straight forward as possible without subjecting you to hard sale techniques or a stereotypical estate agent approach.
01992 472025
We have a prominent
Award Winning – Voted Gold Winner for Best Estate Agent in Hertford 2024 & 2022
Professional photography on all properties
Extensive knowledge of the sales market and local area
The very best online exposure for your property, advertising on the main property portals including Rightmove
A niche, personable, professional and honest service throughout the process
Quality brochure marketing materials
Offering a different approach from the ‘typical’ estate agent
A fair realistic fee at 0.8% (plus vat) of the agreed sale price
At He rt fordshire Zoo
Oc tober Half Term 5:30pm – 8:30pm
UV Drummers • UV Puppet show
Inflatable Dinos • Glitter Tattoos
Silent Disco • Dino meet & greets
Time was when Halloween meant dashing home early, hastily grabbing dinner and making sure the lights were off indoors to discourage any mischievous (usually teenage) rascals from knocking at the door.
Back then, putting a white sheet with eye-holes cut out
over your head or participating in a none-too-hygienic (we’re talking the late 70s and early 80s here) game of apple bobbing, was about as adventurous as a Halloween event got!
How things have changed. In recent years the UK has embraced a more US-style
Taking the prize for the most Halloween-enthusiastic venue has to be Cammas Hall Farm in Hatfield Broad Oak near Bishop’s Stortford.
The pick your own farm closes between early September and 5th October to prepare its Pumpkin Patch for visitors.
Then throughout October it hosts a huge range of events and activities – including pumpkin picking, music nights, Halloween shows, a Maize maze and Autumn wreath making workshops.
The whole programme is online but here’s our pick..
The Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza
The Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza, which runs on selected days between Saturday 5th and Thursday 31st October, offers a fun-filled family day out where you can explore the farm’s Pumpkin Patch (which this year features more than 50 varieties of pumpkins and squash), two spooky tunnels – the familyfriendly Wicked Walkway and the Terror Tunnel (12s and over), meet Halloween characters, see the world’s only erupting and rumbling Pumpcano – and more, with loads of fantastic photo opportunities. Pick your own pumpkin and
purchase it by weight and visit the Cammas Cavern selling seasonal food and drinks including hot dogs and Pump King Ale specially brewed by Hoddesdon’s New River Brewery using Cammas Hall pumpkins! Entry from £5 per person.
Cammas Hall Resurrected
On a number of evenings during October you can explore all the features of the Pumpkin Patch after dark as well as enjoy performances from the farm’s line-up of ‘Dead Legends’ tribute acts.
Gates open at 6pm and close at 9pm with live music (each night features a different legend) from 6.45 to 8.15pm.
Events are on the evenings of Friday 18th (Freddie Mercury), Saturday 19th (George Michael), Wednesday 23rd (Prince), Friday 25th (Amy Winehouse and swing tribute), Saturday 26th (Whitney Houston), Wednesday 30th (Meatloaf) and Thursday 31st October (Michael Jackson). Entry is £10.50 adults, £8 under 16s, under 2s free.
Cammas Hall Farm
Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7JT cammashall.co.uk
Halloween – and 31st October and the days leading up to it are now a major event in the annual calendar with fun-filled events and activities to enjoy whatever your age.
So here’s our three-page guide to how and where to have a Spooktacular time this Halloween…
Hatter’s Farm is a family-run pumpkin farm nestled between the villages of Hatfield Broad Oak and Takeley which this year has grown more than 100,000 pumpkins and squash in over 75 different varieties.
Whether you like knobbly ones, white ones, yellow ones, giant ones or absolutely tiny ones, they’ve got them all! All you need to do is grab a wheelbarrow and head off to find the perfect pumpkin for you to buy. There is also a clown-themed maze – Hatter’s Haunted Mad House, live roaming actors, a hay bale maze, bale mountain, undercover farm play area and free car parking all included in your entry ticket (prices start at £3 per person or £5 on peak days). Other activities, for which small additional charges apply, include a maize maze, pumpkin cannon, and face-painting. There’s a food court, Pumpkin Bar and open fire-pits where you
can roast giant marshmallows too.
Pumpkin Nights
For braver souls (not recommended for under 8s) you can visit the Pumpkin Patch at night (5pm to 8.30pm, from £7) and pick your pumpkin under the moonlit sky.
Hatter’s Farm
Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6NP 07585 224196 hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk
The Celtic Harmony Camp at Brickendon near Hertford is a small open air museum with thatched roundhouses set in native woodland.
An educational charity, it provides experiences for schools and the local community to learn about how our ancient ancestors from the Stone Age to Iron Age lived, their art and their culture. Many believe that Halloween had its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, the midway point between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice.
Samhain Celebrations take place daily at the camp between Sunday 27th October and Thursday 31st with a whole range of family activities to try.
Visitors can explore the haunted forest, take part in a Samhain fire procession or a drumming workshop, listen to a cave art talk in the reconstructed Palaeolithic cave or a Celtic story around the fire and build a woodland shelter.
Entry is £12.50 per person. On the evening of Thursday 31st October there’s a special evening, Samhain Storytelling – The Night of Open Doors, hosted by master storyteller Ben Haggarty. Escape to worlds of seascapes, borderlands, gods and horror as you listen to ancient Celtic tales around the fire. Suitable for 12+. Book your visit online.
Celtic Harmony Camp Brickendon Lane, Brickendon SG13 8NY 01438 718543 celticharmony.org
Fanhams Hall in Ware is hosting Halloween afternoon teas from Monday 28th October to Sunday 3rd November. Enjoy sandwiches, home-made scones and “hauntingly good” Halloween cakes and sweet treats before taking part in a game of pumpkin bowling, exploring the spooky nature trail and more. Call to book on 01920 460511 or visit exclusive.co.uk.
Down Hall Hotel in Hatfield Heath hosts Halloween Open Air Cinema on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October. Wrap up warm (in costume if you like!) and enjoy showings of Ghostbusters, The Shining, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward Scissorhands with food from an outdoor pizza menu and drinks including alfresco cocktails and bubbles from the hotel’s Horsebox. Tickets are from £10 per person. Or, for the best seat in the house, book one of the fountain-facing estate Patio Rooms for the night and watch the films for free from the comfort of your own patio! Call 01279 731441 or visit downhall.co.uk to book.
Kidz Club Party are coming to The Spotlight in Hoddesdon for a Halloween Special show on Thursday 31st October. Expect fun, games, singing and dancing in each of two shows that start at 11am and 3pm.
Everyone (adults included!) is invited to wear fancy dress. All tickets are £12.50. Book at thespotlightvenue.com or call 01992 441946.
Experience Halloween Hogwarts-style at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter during its Dark Arts feature which runs from Friday 13th September to Sunday 10th November. Set next to the working film studios in Leavesden near Watford where all eight of the Harry Potter films were made, the Studio
Tour offers visitors a fascinating opportunity to get up close to the original sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the film series.
Visitors can explore the iconic Great Hall, The Forbidden Forest, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and more.
During the Dark Arts feature, the
Great Hall is set for a Halloween feast and 100 pumpkins, each uniquely carved by the propmaking department float magically above the tables. Ominous Dementors will lurk throughout, including in The Forbidden Forest where you’ll be able to banish them using the Patronus Charm as Harry Potter himself did.
You can learn about the creation of the Dementors in the Creatures Workshop with an interactive demonstration of the moulding process used to make these evil apparitions, see the Death Eaters procession in a menacing display showcasing the authentic costumes and sinister choreography seen on screen, learn duelling techniques in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and more. Prices are from £53.50 and tickets must be pre-booked.
Warner Bros Studio Tour Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR wbstudiotour.co.uk
The gardens of Knebworth House host a Halloween Adventure between Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st October where visitors can take part in a number of fun-filled Halloween activities. It’s suitable for children aged three to ten who are encouraged to wear fancy dress. Completing Halloween games such as Hungry Ghosts, Hook a Pumpkin, Pumpkin Putting and What’s in the Box will earn
visitors stamps on their Pumpkin Passport. Once full, the passport can be redeemed for a prize. The Garden Terrace Tea Room will be open offering Autumnal soups and sandwiches along with Halloween sweet treats. Tickets are £10 for children, £4 for adults, under 2s free and must be pre-booked. Visit knebworthhouse.com to book. You will find Knebworth at SG1 2AX.
Dinos After Dark at Hertfordshire Zoo is a thrilling night-time adventure happening on 25th, 26th and 27th October and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd November. From 5.30pm to 8.30pm, the zoo transforms into a prehistoric world where over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs come to life! Other entertainment during the evenings includes cool UV Halloween Drummers, a Silent Disco, a magical UV Puppet
Show and face-painting. Throughout half term week, the zoo, in Broxbourne, hosts events from dinosaur meet and greets to spooky dance shows that embrace the Halloween spirit. And, don’t forget to visit the animals! From majestic big cats to playful primates and everything in between, there’s plenty to explore and discover.
Visit hertfordshirezoo.com to book your tickets.
Saturday 2nd November
This is the 52nd year of Ware’s annual display, organised by four local Rotary clubs working together, and it features a display set to music, a bonfire, mini-funfair and stalls selling hot food and drinks.
It takes place in its regular location on land at the corner of High Oak Road and Kingsway SG12 0QJ.
There is no parking at the venue so if you are driving, use local town centre car parks.
Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire will be lit at around 6.30pm and the fireworks display should begin at 7pm.
Tickets can be bought on the night or online in advance (until 11.55pm on Friday 1st November) at a 20 per cent discount.
Prices (advance first) are as follows: Adults £8/£10; Children under 12 £4/ £5; Family of four £20/£25.
Two former Spurs and England footballing legends will be making personal appearances for ‘An Evening With…’ events this month, with Richard Cracknell. Chris Waddle is first up, at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar on Tuesday 8th October at 8pm. There are Meet and Greet VIP tickets at £49.50 with standard tickets priced £27.50. Book at wyllyottstheatre.co.uk or by calling 01707 645005. Then Glenn Hoddle will be appearing at South Mill Arts in Bishop’s Stortford, on Friday 25th October at 8pm. VIP Meet and Greet tickets are £61.50 with standard tickets £31.50. Book at southmillarts.co.uk or by calling 01279 710200.
Saturday 2nd November
The rugby club’s 21st annual display offers entertainment for all ages, starting at 5pm and running through until 10.30pm, with a children’s funfair, bar, hot drinks, sweets, a barbecue, kids’ light toys, a DJ and two
live bands. Before the main event there will also be displays by stilt walkers and a fire act performing an explosive acrobatic fire performance with flaming swords and pyrotechnics. The live music will keep the party going after the fireworks display itself, which will start at 7pm. Gates open at 5pm.
Ware’s annual film festival, titled Ware’s the Film Festival, will be taking place at the end of this month once again, offering nine free movie screenings in different venues across the town. The event, which is organised by Ware Town Council, runs from Sunday 27th October until Sunday 3rd November. Films being shown include Vindication Swim, If, Perfect Days, The Keeper, Wicked Little
Letters, From Dusk Till Dawn (a Halloween screening), Back to Black, What We Did On Our Holiday and Living.
The venues involved this year are Fletcher’s Lea (at Ware Priory), The Brewery Tap, Saracens Head, Allenbury’s Sports and Social Club and Place House.
Scan the QR code in the advert on page 30 of this magazine or visit waretowncouncil.gov.uk/film to secure your seats.
The club is at Silverleys, Hadham Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2QE.
Tickets must be bought in advance and are £8 for adults, £5 children and £21 for a family (two adults, two children) from tickettailor.com.
Saturday 2nd November
Essendon Country Club’s fireworks event features food and hot drinks, a bar and music throughout the evening. Doors open at 4pm and the fireworks display will be at 6.45pm. Tickets are £12 for adults, £7 for children under 18, free for under-3s. Parking is available by purchasing a pre-booked parking ticket for £5 per car along with your event ticket. There is a link to book tickets via Eventbrite on the venue’s own website, essendoncc.co.uk.
Essendon Country Club is in Essendon AL9 6HN.
Find out more about heart and lung health
A health information fair about heart and lung health will take place inside BEAM in Hertford on Saturday 12th October from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Let’s Breathe: Supporting Heart and Lung Health will offer advice from healthcare professionals, including the opportunity to have your blood pressure and oxygen levels monitored.
It has been organised by patient representatives from local GP surgeries, known as the Patient Participation Groups or Patient Voice, and Hertford and Rurals Primary Care Network, which is a collaboration of five surgeries. It will be held in the Social 2 space inside BEAM, which is in The Wash, Hertford SG14 1HR.
The perfect experience to fill you with festive spirit this December. Whether you’re an experienced wreath maker or trying it for the first time, join expert florist Sally Murray to create a wreath to take home and be proud to hang on your front door! Once you’ve worked your crafty fingertips and brought your wreath vision to life, it’s time to relax and enjoy some well-deserved indulgence with a glass of mulled wine and some tasty mince pies.
Saturday 30th November, 6pm to 8pm
Thursday 5th December, 7.30pm to 9.30pm £60 per person
01920 460511 fanhamshall@exclusive.co.uk exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall
Fanhams Hall Road, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 7PZ
Sleeping Beauty
The Spotlight, Hoddesdon
Thursday 12th-Monday 30th
December
Written and directed by Marc Day, The Spotlight’s festive treat will be packed with music, dance, comedy and audience participation, with an added touch of sparkle and feathers!
Standard tickets: £22.50-£26 adults, £20.50- £24 concessions, £80-£94 family. thespotlightvenue.com 01992 441946
Cinderella and the Glass Slipper BEAM Hertford
Saturday 30th November to Wednesday 1st January
BEAM’s first panto is one of the best-loved tales of all.
Standard tickets: £23 adults, £21 children. Family discounts available at checkout. beamhertford.co.uk
No phone booking
Harlow Playhouse
Dick Whittington
Friday 29th November to Sunday 5th January
Harlow panto legends Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley are back again for this year’s spectacular at the Playhouse. Tickets: From £15 to £28 depending upon performance; family tickets also available. harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945
South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford
Robin Hood
Saturday 7th December to Saturday 4th January
Expect lots of men in green tights as Robin Hood rides into Bishop’s Stortford. Tickets: From £18.50 to £25.50 depending upon performance; family tickets also available. southmillarts.co.uk 01279 710200
Aladdin Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar
Friday 13th to Tuesday 31st December
A classic tale filled with magic, laughter and wishes galore and some of the best-loved panto
characters including Widow Twankey, the evil Abanazaar and Wishee-Washee.
Standard tickets: £21 adults, £18.50 children, £70 family. wyllyottstheatre.co.uk 01707 645005
The Outrun (15)
Now showing
After living on the edge in London, Rona attempts to come to terms with her troubled past. Hoping to heal, she returns to the wild beauty of Scotland’s Orkney Islands where she grew up. The brilliant duo Saoirse Ronan and Saskia Reeves star in this adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir.
Joker: Folie à Deux (tbc)
Out on Friday 4th October
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga star in a film that has divided the critics. Arthur Fleck is institutionalised at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him. The title, in case your O-Level/ GCSE French has deserted you, means ‘Madness of Two’.
Transformers One (PG)
Out on Friday 11th October
Sci-fi animation origin story – the untold history of Optimus Prime and Megatron. Though now sworn enemies, they were once friends as close as brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry and Scarlett Johansson star.
The Wild Robot (U)
Out on Friday 18th October
A family-friendly animated film just in time for half term featuring the voices of Lupita Nyong’o, Bill Nighy and Mark Hamill. After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island.
Small Things Like These (PG) Out on Friday 1st November
discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent, uncovering shocking truths of his own, in 1985. Cillian Murphy, Michelle Fairley and Emily Watson star. The screenplay is written by Keegan and Enda Walsh, who
How Executive Chef
The countryside escape of Tewinbury, set between Hertford and Welwyn Garden City, remains a working farm despite its owners having diversified to use some of its 700 acres to create a thriving hotel and events business.
You might visit Tewinbury for a wedding, a wellness class, a boutique cinema screening, a concert – or to get away from it all for a hotel stay, but, increasingly, it is also gaining a reputation for its food.
Its location means Cowshed at Tewinbury is the very embodiment of field-to-fork dining.
Local provenance is king here, with ingredients sourced from the farm itself or within the surrounding area.
One of three separate food and drink spaces at the venue, Cowshed is a smart and welcoming 80-cover restaurant in the former home of the farm’s dairy herd.
It has a tasteful, modern farmhouse feel with plenty of natural, tactile furnishings, exposed brickwork and original oak beams.
A mixture of round tables, booths and smaller tables mean it is ideal for anything from large gatherings to intimate dinners for two.
Cowshed is overseen by Executive Chef Alistair Dibbs, who has worked in Michelinstarred kitchens and collaborated with the likes of Tom Kerridge and Hélène Darroze.
Alistair’s menu features British classics with a refined touch, which are categorised into Grill, Sea, Land and Pies, and dishes shift with the seasons, inspired by
produce from Tewinbury’s own kitchen garden.
Examples of dishes include Duck prosciutto with Cowshed mustard, grilled sourdough, pickles and Lloyds’s leaves; Mackerel fillet with sauerkraut, crispy pancetta, broad beans and parsley dressing; Fresh tagliatelle pasta with wild garlic pesto, foraged wild mushrooms, courgette and shaved aged parmesan; and Mimram shepherd’s pie with Mimram lamb ragu, mash potato and brown sauce. Cowshed serves dinner every evening from 6pm, and alongside the à la carte menu, has a mid-
week set menu with one course at £22, two for £26 and three for £30.
During the day, it offers an enticingly different afternoon tea from Thursday to Sunday. Far from the average offering, the traditional silver three-tiered stand includes unique savouries like Pork rillette and rhubarb ketchup on sunflower seed and rosemary oat biscuit; and Salt-baked and pickled beetroot tartlet with Bloody Mary sauce alongside the freshly-baked farmhouse scones, finger sandwiches and mini desserts that you might expect. Also on site, Tewinbury’s
Granary Kitchen is a former granary barn converted into a rustic space for hearty breakfasts, brunches and Sunday roasts, while The Stable Bar is the place to relax with a drink with deep sofas, reclaimed furniture and art-adorned brick walls.
But if you are looking for a new restaurant to experience for a memorable evening meal, then get a moo-ve on (sorry!) down to Cowshed.
Cowshed at Tewinbury Hertford Road, Welwyn AL6 0JB 01438 717793
tewinbury.co.uk
Legislation intended to ensure that all customers’ tips will be passed on to staff
New legislation has come into force that changes the law surrounding tips that diners leave for waiting staff in restaurants and cafés.
And local hospitality businesses have been warned that they need to make sure they comply with the new law, or face the possibility of employment tribunals.
The new legislation introduced on 1st October makes it unlawful for employers to withhold tips and service charges from staff. The government’s Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 means that more than two million workers across the country will have their tips protected. The legislation follows a lengthy consultation process during which it was revealed that an estimated £200 million was being held back from staff by companies withholding tips.
These new rules require 100% of the tips generated at a place of work to be passed to employees in a fair and transparent manner. As a minimum, employers must:
l Allocate tips fairly and transparently;
l Have a written policy on how tips are allocated to workers;
l Pay all tips to workers by the end of the month following that in which they were received.
Jez Howson, Employment Tax
Director at UK top ten accountancy firm Azets, which has an office in Hertford, said: “Employers must review their current arrangements for administering tips and ascertain what needs to be done to ensure compliance with this new legislation.”
What employers must know He added: “There is absolutely no time to lose as no transition period has been built in from 1st October when this new employment law comes into force – meaning employers must have made the required changes in advance.
“It must be stressed that if a worker raises a concern that the allocation of tips and gratuities is not fair or feels that they are being discriminated against, whether deliberate or not, they are able to raise a claim with the employment tribunal which, if successful, could result in compensation payable of up to £5,000.
“As this new legislation falls within employment law legislation, the risk will solely sit with the employer. This risk cannot be discharged to a third party such as a troncmaster – someone appointed by a business to be
responsible for sharing tips to staff via a tronc scheme.
“Our advice to businesses is to seek professional help to understand and act upon the new legislation, host employee consultations, identify potential risks and to implement a tronc scheme.”
Such a scheme – the word originating from ‘tronc des pauvres’ (collecting boxes for the poor) in 1920s France – is a pay arrangement which allows hospitality and leisure businesses to fairly share tips and service charges given by customers to staff.
If an employer decides how tips are allocated, the payment of them is subject to both PAYE and Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
When an independent troncmaster is appointed to decide how
any tips and gratuities are distributed and to manage the allocation and payment of those tips, they are not considered earnings for NICs purposes and therefore only attract PAYE.
Therefore, appointing a troncmaster can provide savings of both primary and secondary NICs.
Jez Howson added: “Appointing a troncmaster does not remove the obligation on the employer to ensure that the method of distribution is fair and reasonable – as required by the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. “There is a fine line between the employer directing how tips are allocated, which would jeopardise the NICs advantages, and ensuring the method of allocation applied by the troncmaster is fair and reasonable.”
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
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
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
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 à 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 a vegan menu. There is a set lunch menu (Tuesday-Saturday) and a set evening menu (Tuesday-Thursday) while superb roasts are served on Sundays. You can also book the private dining room for your group or family. 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
