Axis magazine September 2024 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally

September 2024

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

BEAM ME UP HERTFORD’S £30M ARTS VENUE IS OPEN

POLITICS IS BACK NEW MPs JOSH DEAN & LEWIS COCKING WRITE

BUSY BUSY BUSY CANINE EVENTS, HERITAGE DAYS & SO MUCH MORE

ART PARTY

LOCAL ARTISTS OPEN UP THEIR STUDIOS TO ALL TIME FOR TAPAS THREE PLACES TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR HOLIDAYS

WELCOME

What’s inside this issue

05-11 y Briefing

We round up the major local news, including the opening of BEAM

30-38 y What’s on

September is jam-packed with great things to do – find the best right here

12-13 y Our MPs write for Axis

Newly-elected Josh Dean and Lewis Cocking write their first Axis columns

39-43 y Food & drink

Meet the Broxbourne women launching their own vodka brand

16-17 y HEALTH & BEAUTY: Akasha opens Stapleford pilates studio 19-29 y AUTUMN HOME: Make your house your home this season

cover

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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Front

images (clockwise from top) ‘Sheraton’ by Charmaine Alexander, at The Gallery at Parndon Mill (p36); Arts in East Herts (p38); BEAM in Hertford is now open (p6&7); Afrique, a new vodka brand launched by two friends from Broxbourne (p41); The Chiltern Open Air Museum (p33); Work by Rebecca Newman Smith of Ware in Herts Open Studios (p36); Susi Smith, aka The Rock Hound, also in Herts Open Studios (p36).

BRIEFING

No clarity yet on new hospital timescale after Chancellor announces ‘complete reset’

The timescale for the building of a new hospital to replace Harlow’s Princess Alexandra is as yet no clearer after the recent General Election than it had been before it, after Labour’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced a “complete reset” of the previous Government’s New Hospitals Programme.

Hospital bosses had been anticipating an announcement from the previous Conservative Government towards the end of May on Harlow’s ranking in a schedule of projects due to get underway. Long accepted as having buildings at the end of their useful life, the Princess Alexandra is part of the New Hospitals Programme which was set up by the previous Conservative Government to deliver a promised 40 new hospitals by 2030. However, the estimated completion date for Harlow’s new hospital has been pushed back time and again, most recently in part due to delays in work on a standardised blueprint to which the new hospitals would be built.

Just before the unexpectedly early General Election was called, hospital bosses had been predicting that, with no further delays and the achievement of planning consent for a proposed new location close to junction 7a of the M11 at Sheering, the new hospital could be

up and running by 2032.

But after then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a General Election on 22nd May no announcement was forthcoming and, after his party lost July’s General Election, responsibility for the programme fell to the incoming Labour Government.

Delivery ‘wildly off track’

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday 29th July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves updated MPs on the findings of a review by Treasury officials, begun on her first day in office, into the state of public spending.

She said the work had uncovered a range of unfunded spending commitments by the previous Government which she addressed in turn.

Of the hospitals programme she said: “In October 2020 the Government announced that 40 new hospitals would be built by 2030. Since then only six have started their main construction activity. And less than half of the 40 hospitals have even started construction.

“The National Audit were clear that delivery was wildly off track.

“But since coming into office, it has become clear that the previous Government continued to maintain its commitment to 40 hospitals … without anywhere close to the funding required to deliver them.

“We need to be straight with the

British public about what is deliverable and what is affordable. So we will conduct a complete reset of the New Hospitals Programme, with a thorough, realistic and costed

YOU CAN JOIN TRUST’S AGM TO FIND OUT HOW WELL IT’S OPERATING

Members of the public are being invited to join The Princess Alexandra Hospital’s virtual Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12th September.

The meeting will be streamed via Microsoft teams, starting at 9.30am and concluding at 10.30am.

Trust chair Hattie Llewelyn-Davies said: “During the AGM we will

take people through our operational and financial performance, report on significant service developments, and share how robotic surgery is making a real difference for our patients and people.

“We will also welcome and introduce our new chief executive, Thom Lafferty, who joins us in November.

“Please come along and find out

more, it is your chance to ask us any questions you may have and share what matters to you about your local hospital. We look forward to welcoming you to our event.”

To join the AGM visit pah.nhs.uk where you’ll find a link to the meeting.

Right: New chief executive Thom

timetable for delivery.”

So while there’s nothing to suggest that plans for a new hospital will be scrapped, PAH appears back on the waiting list for now.

Lafferty

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing the ‘reset’ in the Commons Below: The existing hospital buildings are at the end of their useful life

BEAM shines brightly across East Herts

BEAM, Hertford’s new arts venue, is open!

The redeveloped former Hertford Theatre in The Wash, much missed during its three-year closure, was officially opened by newly elected MP for Hertford and Stortford Josh Dean, assisted by members of the theatre’s Cinderella Youth Ensemble, on the morning of Friday 23rd August.

Stakeholders and partners including contactor GPF Lewis, architects Bennetts Associates, Bristow Consulting, Trison UK and Everyone Active, who all played critical roles in the redevelopment, along with town and district councillors, were also present to celebrate the completion of the project.

East Herts Council leader Ben Crystall said: “It’s tremendous to see so many of the council’s partners attend the opening of BEAM, a venue which promises to serve our district community for generations to come.

“Much effort has been made by each party involved in the delivery of BEAM. As such, the facilities, the programme, and the new team working to invigorate this iconic venue certainly deserve the spot-

light this bank holiday weekend. Like Castle Cinema, Castle Hall and Hertford Theatre before it, I look forward to BEAM becoming a cultural landmark at the heart of East Herts.”

Following the ribbon cutting there was a weekend of family activities at both the theatre and in the grounds of Hertford Castle, along with venue tours as well as Friday night’s sell-out Opening Night Comedy Special and Saturday’s Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno show, both in the main auditorium. The expansion of the auditorium to a capacity of 547 was one of the drivers behind the Growth and Legacy Project, as owners East Herts Council refer to it. This, along with improved backstage facilities, should enable the venue to attract a wider range of touring shows.

There are also three bespoke cinema screens allowing BEAM to show new release films, a new dance studio, community room, riverside café bar and upstairs cinema bar. A second theatre space seating 150 is in the process of being fitted out and will open in Spring 2025.

A look inside BEAM Pictures by STEVE BEESTON

Brexit, Covid, Ukraine – how the causes of rising inflation conspired to challenge the building and opening of BEAM

The pressure on East Herts Council, not least financial, to have got BEAM open to the public cannot be underestimated and there will have been some huge sighs of relief as the doors were opened last month.

A bold project initiated by the previous Conservative administration, it was designed to future-proof Hertford Theatre and, within a few years, end its reliance on subsidies, instead contributing to council budgets.

But the impact of unforeseen inflation after the Covid pandemic, Brexit and the ongoing war in Ukraine repeatedly pushed up the price of labour, energy and materials and the original £13.5million cost estimate rose and rose again.

Despite cost engineering exercises the new Green and Liberal Democrat administration was forced to commit a further £6million to the project at the beginning of this year with the estimate of the final costs being north of £30million. To not have completed it would have meant paying back money borrowed so far without the prospect of any income from the venue, something that could have tipped the council into bankruptcy.

Having now opened, the venue can start bringing in revenue in the busy period up to Christmas including from its Christmas show, Cinderella and the Glass Slipper. l Tories hail their part in launching BEAM project – turn over to p8.

What to expect when you visit BEAM

Stage

There’s already a busy programme of shows – from comedy and music to drama running through to early summer 2025 being promoted on the website (beamhertford.co.uk) with more being added all the time.

Cinema

For the first time in decades Hertford has a cinema showing first release films. As well as new release showings, Children’s Corner aimed at those aged 3+ (and no adults attending without a child) and BEAM Seniors (every other Thursday

for the over 65s) offer a range of suitable films.

Hireable Spaces

Social One and Social Two provide space for hire for both the community and professional organisations – you can even hire a cinema screen for a private screening of a film of your choice!

A cashless and box office-less facility

In common with many modern venues BEAM is a cashless venue while replacing the traditional box

office are digital ticketing kiosks.

A Sustainable Food and Drink Offering

The venue seeks to reduce its environmental impact across its offering. Drinks are sold in either aluminium cans or glass bottles with no plastic bottles sold. Glass and crockery is used within café areas.

For Stage and Screen areas you can bring your own cup or use a BEAM branded reusable cup (£1 if you’d like to keep it or return it to be washed and reused).

The main auditorium; upstairs screen bar, one of the cinema screens and the downstairs atrium Pictures by STEVE BEESTON

Tories highlight their legacy as BEAM comes to fruition but question progress on ORL plan

The leader of the Conservative group on East Herts Council, Cllr Bob Deering, has welcomed the opening of BEAM and pointed out his party’s role in leading the project while it was in power should not be forgotten.

Cllr Deering said: “The newly revamped theatre will be a fantastic facility for every resident of the district. This is a project that was initiated several years ago by the previous Conservative administration of East Herts Council.”

Cllr Deering went on to praise the contributions of then council leader Linda Haysey and executive members Geoff Williamson and Eric Buckmaster, adding: “There is no question that we would not now be enjoying the prospect of a new theatre for East Herts had it not been for their drive and commitment.

“The reopening of Hertford Theatre will mean that three major projects initiated by the previous

Conservative administration have now been successfully delivered, being Grange Paddocks in Bishop’s Stortford and Hartham Leisure Centre in Hertford, in addition to the theatre.”

A report to the council’s audit and governance committee in May made it clear that both leisure centre projects have proved hugely successful, in terms of increased membership and usage.

The Conservative leader did go on to question the way the new administration was handling the other major project that his party began – the Old River Lane development in Bishop’s Stortford.

The Tory-led council had been about to sign a development agreement with developer Cityheart for a scheme that included housing, offices, shops and a new arts centre on the site in the centre of the town at the time of the elections last year.

Cllr Deering said the lack of pro-

gress since then remains of concern. He said: “At the time of the elections in May 2023 the development agreement was close to being signed. However, 15 months later it still isn’t, inflation is eating into the funding and there is much uncertainty as to what, if anything, the new administration will do.”

His colleague, Bishop’s Stortford Conservative councillor John Wyllie also welcomed the opening of BEAM but added: “However, as a local councillor, I would naturally like to see similar investment for Bishop’s Stortford. It’s now over a year since the last elections and I’m concerned that the new [Green-Lib Dem] coalition needs to get to grips with Old River Lane and deliver a benefit to the residents of Bishop’s Stortford, as we had intended to do.”

l The council’s latest plan for Old River Lane is reported below.

Public square planned to replace paused arts centre at Old River Lane site in Bishop’s Stortford

East Herts Council is carrying out a consultation on plans to create a temporary public square at the Old River Lane site in Bishop’s Stortford until the funding is in place to provide an arts centre.

Shortly after taking control of the council last year, the new joint Green-Lib Dem administration decided to pause the arts centre element of the overall development, saying there was not enough money available to proceed with it. The arts centre had already been scaled back by the previous Conservative-run council with plans for a theatre auditorium removed, leaving just cinema screens and some flexible arts space.

East Herts still intends to redevelop the overall area, working with its preferred developer Cityheart, which is expected to submit a planning application for new homes, offices and retail space in 2025, a previous application having been withdrawn.

The council says the public square will feature in the new plans which

An artist’s impression of the proposed new public square

are also expected to see a reduction in height of residential apartment blocks and the retention of nearby Water Lane Hall, previously earmarked for demolition.

This is the latest development in a story that began in 2017 when the council first set out a long-term vision for the site, which used to house a public car park and offices

in Charringtons House.

The council says its new public square is intended to last for 10-15 years and to be a high-quality public space which could be used for a range of events such as markets, outdoor cinema and performances by local and touring groups. There is also potential for a pavilion, built on the Charringtons

House site and using materials from that building’s demolition.

A budget of £1.5million is available for the square project.

Cllr Mione Goldspink, East Herts’ executive member for neighbourhoods and deputy leader, said: “The council has been thinking very hard about the plans for the development of the Old River Lane site. Ever since the council discovered that the funds for building a theatre on the site were insufficient, it has been considering other possibilities for the use of the ‘theatre space’. As a council, we now wish to share our ideas with all residents, and to ask for comments and suggestions.”

Have your say

To view the council’s proposals and make your comments, visit smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ ORLpublicspace/ or search Old River Lane on eastherts.gov.uk where a yellow button ‘ORL Square – have your say’ will take you to the survey which will run until Saturday 14th September.

Bob Deering highlighted his party’s achievements, including Hartham Leisure Centre

Private Chapels of Rest

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Flying high at Waltham Cross Playing Fields

Skaters, sports enthusiasts, families, local councillors and Broxbourne’s new MP Lewis Cocking came together at Waltham Cross Playing Fields at the end of July to celebrate the completion of an upgrade of the park and the refurbishment of its sports pavilion.

The works are one of a number of regeneration projects in Waltham Cross being undertaken by Broxbourne Council with financial support from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

A new skatepark is a major feature of the upgraded park, along with a cutting edge outdoor DJ booth featuring its own music library and wireless connectivity to allow users to stream personalised playlists from their mobile devices. There’s an interactive Sutu Rebound Football Wall, Yalp Sona Interactive Dance and Play Arch, the second to be installed in the borough, which challenges those walking under it to play a game; along with a new state of the art outdoor gym with solar powered features and mobile device connectivity to adjust workout settings and access equipment-specific video instructions.

Facilities at the sports pavilion, which has been designed to accommodate sports teams and

community meetings, are now fully accessible with spacious meeting rooms, newly equipped kitchen, toilets and showers.

Mayor of Broxbourne Cllr Sherrie McDaid said: “These new facilities represent more than just an investment in infrastructure; they are an investment in the health, wellbeing and future of Waltham Cross.

“Our community thrives when we have safe, modern spaces to come together, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of sports and recreation.

I am confident that these facilities will be a source of pride and joy for Waltham Cross for many years to come.”

Stop your scrumping! Plea issued to apple thieves

The volunteer group that looks after Sawbridgeworth’s historic Rivers Orchard say people have been visiting at night and stealing apples.

For a second year running the Rivers Heritage Site and Orchard volunteers have had to issue an appeal for people to leave apple picking until the orchard’s formal Apple Day, which this year falls on 5th October. This is when people are invited to pick fruit both for themselves and for the organisation to press into apple juice that is sold to fund the community orchard’s maintenance.

Last year thieves, some reportedly armed with multiple large bags and even steps, stripped the Bramley

trees bare, preventing production of any Bramley Cox juice.

The Rivers nursery was founded by John Rivers in 1725 and, when it closed in 1987, was the oldest garden nursery in the UK. Many fruit varieties and horticultural techniques were developed there.

The orchard, to the south-west of the town near Rivers Hospital, features neat rows of old varieties of apple, plum, pear and cherry. It is the former show orchard of the Rivers Nursery business and all that remains of the once larger horticultural site. There are some 600 fruit trees and 76 different varieties of apples.

The orchard is now private land but access is a permissive right, granted

to the committee of the RHSO by the landowner. The group restored and now maintain the orchard, holding regular maintenance days for local people to get involved as well as events including Wassail in January and Apple Day in October. Sales of juice from the fruit picked in October funds the maintenance and programme of events. To find out more about the orchard visit rhso.co.uk or the Facebook page Rivers Heritage Site and Orchard.

l Apple Day, a community event, is between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 5th October. There’s a map showing how to reach the orchard for Apple Day on the RHSO website under the section ‘access’.

The new facilities are well and truly tested out while Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking gets in some practice on the decks (bottom right)

Rivers Orchard

Castle Park graves are from the 10th century, say archaeologists

Two of the 70 graves discovered in excavations last year during the redevelopment of Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford have been found to date back to the 10th century – the Anglo-Saxon period – shedding new light on the history of the town. The discovery means they predate Waytemore Castle – the historic focal point of the park close to where the graves were unearthed – by over 100 years.

The discovery was made by archaeologists from Museum of London Archaeology using a method known as carbon-14 dating. East Herts Council is now seeking further funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to establish whether the rest of the burials are from the same period. The burials were shallow, with some stacked on top of each other. While none of them contained

Shoplifters

Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime

Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards says evidence presented to him by the force’s Chief Constable busts the myth that the police won’t prosecute low value shoplifting.

Mr Ash-Edwards asked the chief constable during an Accountability and Performance meeting in August about a commonly held view that police won’t prosecute the shoplifting of goods under £200.

He said he raised the topic as he was concerned that public confidence in the constabulary’s ability to tackle shoplifting was being damaged by the belief that thieves could get away with stealing lower value goods.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “It is a complete public myth and is categorically not true. “We have no policy around a £200 limit and we’re not going to. We are charging and putting before the court people who have committed shoplifting

so-called ‘grave goods’ such as jewellery or pottery, some were buried with stone ‘pillows’ and most were buried with their head to the west and feet to the east, indicating they were Christian burials.

The presence of different ages, from juveniles to adults, suggests the area was a formal burial site.

Archaeologists hope, through DNA analysis, to be able to establish any familial relationships and work out if these people were originally from Bishop’s Stortford, as well as gain a

wider picture of how they lived. The area of the park where the burials were discovered has now been backfilled to protect and preserve the site. Plans for landscaping the area have been put on hold while

further investigations are carried out, to ensure they are appropriate to its archaeological significance. l The official opening of the park was due to take place on Sunday 1st September.

well below the £200 figure.”

He brought to the meeting information on the last 10 shoplifting cases where offenders had been charged. All turned out to have been for goods valued below £200 with four having a value below £50. At the same meeting he also explained to Mr Ash-Edwards the work that the constabulary undertakes to tackle shoplifting locally which he said had increased in line with the rise in offending nationally.

Mr Hall said: “We recognise that shop theft has been a local and national issue which has grown in the last few years. Offenders generally fall into one of three categories. There is the complete opportunist, there are those who are more prolific in the local community, often with a habit to fund, and there is a smaller number of organised crime groups which travel around the country and undertake shoplifting

How you can keep up with the work of the police

One of the roles of the PCC is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the constabulary. Monthly Accountability and Performance meetings were introduced last month, and are held at the police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City and broadcast online for the public to view live. The next is on Tuesday 17th September. To find out more, visit hertscommissioner.org/apm.

on a very significant basis.”

He said the force had procedures in place to address each in different ways while supporting retailers with advice on preventative measures.

Following the meeting Mr Ash Edwards said: “Thriving town and village centres are essential to Hertfordshire’s economy. Retailers shouldn’t have to put up with thefts and retail workers must be able to do their jobs safely. I want to get the message out there that the police in Hertfordshire will take robust action against those who are committing shop theft at all levels.”

A dig taking place near Waytemore Castle (top left) in Bishop’s Stortford

Herts PCC Jonathan Ash-Edwards

Josh Dean MP

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD

It’s the honour of my life to be elected as your MP and I will work every day to make sure your trust is repaid

It’s the honour of my life to have been elected as the new Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford. Our community is my home and I’m privileged to have grown up here, attended local schools and worked in our community. I’m deeply humbled by the trust that residents in our community have placed in me, and I will work every day throughout my time in Parliament to ensure that it is repaid.

In my maiden speech in the House of Commons before Parliament went into recess, I had the opportunity to reflect on our constituency’s history, the work of some of our inspirational businesses and voluntary organisations, and my priorities for the future, like protecting our treasured local chalk streams. I’m looking forward to making many more contributions to debate when we return in September and raising the issues that matter to our residents.

While Parliament has been in recess, I’ve focused on getting to know our area even better and building positive relationships for the future. I’ve met with representatives from Hertfordshire County Council, East Herts District

Council, town councils across the constituency and the Police and Crime Commissioner. I’m pleased that we’ve had productive discussions on how we can work together to serve our residents and make Hertford and Stortford an even better place to live, work and learn.

I’ve also had the pleasure of speaking to local farmers at Foxholes Farm, visiting local businesses in Sawbridgeworth, and meeting with some of our extraordinary charities and voluntary organisations including the Thirst Youth Café and the Holy Trinity Night Shelter and Community Outreach in Bishop’s Stortford. I know that they want to see our community thrive and I’m looking forward to working with them as I match that ambition as our MP.

It’s been great to engage with so many residents in our community since my election. My first advice surgeries were held in July, with more to come this month, and I’ll be moving my surgeries around the constituency each time to ensure that they’re accessible for all residents. I’m also pleased to be moving ahead on my promise to open a constituency office in Bish-

op’s Stortford and I hope to be able to update residents on my progress with this in my next Axis column.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our residents for their support and patience as I go through the process of recruiting

Where to meet Josh at his constituency surgeries

Josh will be holding the following surgeries in his contituency this month:

Ware: Sunday 8th September, 10.30am – 1.30pm

Sawbridgeworth: Saturday 28th September, 10.30am – 1.30pm

Residents can book a slot by emailing josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk

my staff and setting up my office. I have hugely appreciated the good faith and understanding that our residents have shown to me as I get to work. I’m proud to be our MP and you’re always welcome to write to me at josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk.

Josh at Stort Pride, Foxholes Farm and Ware Town Council

Lewis Cocking MP

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR BROXBOURNE

Broxbourne is such a special place for me – it’s where I went to school, where my family lives and where I call home

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks since I was elected as the MP for Broxbourne.

Broxbourne is such a special place for me – it’s where I went to school, where my family lives and where I call home. I’m also proud to represent the villages of Great Amwell, Hertford Heath, Stanstead Abbotts, St Margarets and Brickendon, which have come into the Broxbourne constituency following boundary changes.

I set out to hit the ground running, and I’m pleased to say I’ve achieved this. I’ve been able to create a fantastic, locally focused team to support my work and have been busy in Parliament and all across the constituency.

I’m extremely concerned about the new Government’s top-down housing targets and reform to planning rules, and this was the focus of my first contributions in the House of Commons. I chose to make my maiden speech in a debate on Planning, the Green Belt and Rural Affairs. I know many residents are not happy with the scale of new development in the area, and I’m particularly frustrated with how

difficult it is to ensure the right infrastructure is in place where new housing is built. I was also the first Conservative backbencher to question the Prime Minister, asking for a commitment that residents will have a say on new development in their area, especially on Green Belt land. Unfortunately, I was not convinced by his answer.

As well as speaking in Parliament, I’ve submitted written questions to hold the Government to account on several issues affecting local residents. We’ve all noticed the closure of bank branches in our town

Meet Lewis at his constituency surgeries

centres, so I asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what she’s doing to preserve access to cash on our high streets. I will continue to campaign for banking hubs, and against cuts to Winter Fuel Payments.

In Broxbourne, I’ve taken part in a wide range of engagements and met many local businesses and constituents. I’ve had meetings with senior staff at both Broxbourne and East Herts Council and have established good working relationships to help deal with constituent problems.

With many residents expressing

Lewis holds regular in-person surgeries to discuss issues and concerns with residents. If you have a problem you’d like to raise with him, email lewis.cocking.mp@parliament.uk

concerns about crime and policing during the campaign, I met officers in Cheshunt to discuss their work to prevent crime and keep our communities safe. I was also invited by Hertfordshire Zoo to open their new state of the art Gibbon Habitat and to Lee Valley White Water Centre to see our superb Broxbourne-based Olympic athletes compete in the kayaking events. Finally, I’ve started holding 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 me at lewis.cocking.mp@parliament.uk.

Lewis making his maiden speech in Parliament and opening the Gibbon Habitat at Hertfordshire Zoo

HOUSE

Fully-funded business support opens new doors for Bishop’s Stortford-based engineering firm

Background

Launched in 2019 by husbandand-wife team Asish and Pavlina Chauhan, East Herts-based AKN Engineering provides site engineering and surveying to the construction industry. Asish is the company’s lead engineer and looks after the operations side of the business, while Pavlina is responsible for surveying, producing specialist technical drawings and new business.

The Challenge

In the early days, the company grew by word of mouth, but Asish and Pavlina wanted to create a more sustainable business by winning new clients and expanding. However, despite being excellent, experienced engineers, Pavlina admits that sales and marketing wasn’t the team’s strong point – which is why they turned to Hertfordshire Growth Hub for support.

The Solution

The first step was for Pavlina to meet with a Hertfordshire Growth Hub Growth Account Manager to review the business. Following this the Growth Hub provided Pavlina with fully funded, one-to-one marketing advice, guiding the business on how to identify clients, create an elevator pitch and marketing plan, expand their social media presence and build a step-by-step approach for pursuing new clients. While the marketing strategy had

the desired effect, opening doors to new clients, Pavlina realised the business was not properly capitalising on opportunities once they were in front of them. Hertfordshire Growth Hub was on hand again to provide impartial advice on creating a value proposition and how best to present the company in meetings. As well as receiving ongoing advice and support, AKN has taken part in several of Hertfordshire Growth Hub’s free webinars and workshops led by experienced practitioners.

The Impact

Since receiving advice and guidance from Hertfordshire Growth Hub, AKN has taken on a dedicated marketing person – freeing up Pavlina to focus on other aspects of the business. The team now has a clear marketing and sales strategy and has increased its LinkedIn following fourfold. As a result, AKN has secured one new client and is in talks with two more. New employees have been recruited and Pavlina says the company is now on a sustainable, upward trajectory, with the goal of winning two new clients a year.

Get in touch today!

Contact Hertfordshire Growth Hub and speak with one of its experienced Business Advisers to find out how they can help your business! Scan the QR code or call 01707 952777.

‘Hertfordshire Growth Hub has been there whenever we needed them. The sales advice meeting was the best meeting I’ve ever had – it makes such a difference when you talk to someone who isn’t trying to sell you something and simply has your best interests at heart. Everything takes time in our industry but the advice has worked and we’re winning new clients. I can finally sleep at night!’

Pavlina Chauhan, Founder, AKN Engineering Ltd

Heath Mount School: an inspiring place to learn

Heath Mount in Watton-at-Stone is an exceptional co-ed prep school for ages 2 to 13, located in beautiful surroundings.

Its pupils are privileged to be educated at one of the oldest prep schools in the country where the idyllic 40-acre woodland setting, dynamic teaching staff, family ethos and award-winning pastoral care provide a joyful and stimulating learning environment.

The school’s rich and diverse curriculum goes far beyond the national curriculum and encourages academic curiosity and creativity while fostering a love of learning. While proud of its heritage and sense of tradition, pupils benefit from forward-thinking teaching methods combined with up-todate technologies and unrivalled facilities.

Heath Mount strives to help every child reach their potential, nurturing talent both in the classroom as well as on the sports pitches, in the art studios or on

the stage in the purpose-built performing arts centre. Continual professional development coupled with high expectations from senior management ensures that Heath Mount’s teaching staff remain at the forefront of important educational trends and developments.

Small class sizes enable teachers to deliver targeted, individual learning that provides added value for every child.

Heath Mount offers a broad curriculum that balances exposure to all disciplines, whilst maintaining academic rigour.

Over the last three years pupils have been awarded over 70 scholarships to senior schools and pupils go on to study at some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Wrap-around care gives working parents the flexibility they need and the reassurance their children are in a safe and happy environment. Breakfast club

is offered from 7.30am while crèche is available after school until 5.30pm with an option to stay and have tea until 6pm for pre-prep and 6.30pm for prep school children. From Year 3, pupils are also able to flexi-board in the homely boarding houses for between one and four nights a week or simply stay for the

occasional sleepover with friends. The school has separate girls’ and boys’ boarding houses which can accommodate up to 60 children per night.

l Heath Mount is holding an open morning on Saturday 28th September, from 9.30am to midday. Book your place at heathmount.org.

Cricket being played in the idyllic grounds at Heath Mount School

Full hearing tests

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POST SUMMER SKIN CARE

During the summer months it’s very difficult to avoid UV exposure; this contributes to photo damage, resulting in unsightly dark marks on the skin. Our skin also gets very clogged up using sun cream, and all that sunbathing and swimming in the sea or pool will leave your skin looking and feeling dehydrated and dull

Now is the best time to address these concerns, freshen up the skin and leave it feeling hydrated, brighter and rejuvenated with some fantastic treatments that we offer.

• Hydrafacial: Giving a deep clean, exfoliation to lift away dead skin cells and highly hydrating to give a glow to the skin.

• pHformula Skin Resurfacing: Controlled skin peeling treatment to bring about a change to the skin’s appearance and overall health.

• SkinPen Microneedling: Clinically proven to fight the appearance of wrinkles, reduce the appearance of

and to

• Profhilo: Skin Boosting injection, formulated with a high level of hyaluronic acid which is slowly released to stimulate collagen production and inject hydration and firmness back into the skin.

• TCA Touch Peel: The most advanced chemical resurfacing treatment we offer, it was specifically formulated as an advanced anti-ageing resurfacing treatment to help correct typical signs of photo-ageing.

Akasha launches Reformer Pilates studio in Stapleford

Looking for a new way to look and feel great this Autumn?

Akasha is opening a new Reformer Pilates studio at Patchendon Farm, Stapleford. The Courtyard location offers a uniquely inspiring space that is both energising and calming and yet is only a few minutes away from Hertford. It’s the perfect setting for the third studio from Akasha Wellness which translates as ‘a space in which to shine’.

With state of the art pilates reformer beds imported from California, Akasha can strengthen the body, improve your fitness and focus the mind.

Reformer Pilates is proven over decades to have a unique ability to stretch, strengthen and align the body. Like mat pilates, it engages and strengthens your core, waist and lower back muscles, helping improve posture and prevent injury. Unlike mat pilates, it also delivers an innovative and highly effective full-body

workout using springs as resistance. Using the pilates reformer bed dramatically accelerates the changes you want in your body and is the key to delivering Joseph Pilates’ promise that:

“You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions and have a completely new body in 30.”

The hour-long Akasha Re-Form classes have a maximum of nine people per class and will leave you feeling energised after having a full-body workout.

Akasha is the brainchild of two local entrepreneurs who left their corporate careers behind them to kick-start the business 10 years ago. With studios in Bishop’s Stortford and Ware already under their belts they are excited to be opening a third studio. Jo Webster from Hertford and Nuala Barrett from Albury have been friends since they met at university. They decided that a change of direction was in order

to find more time to indulge their love of fitness and to find a career that fits more flexibly around their families.

Akasha offers classes to suit all levels of fitness and experience, as well as one-to-one sessions for those wanting a custom-designed workout based on your specific needs, injuries or goals. To find out more or to book a

NEW STUDIO

class visit akashawellness.co.uk or call the studio on 01279 757633.

Book your 1st class for £10

Come and join us for a Reformer Pilates class at Akasha The first step to a strong, toned, leaner you

The Courtyard, Patchendon Farm, High Road, Stapleford, Hertford SG14 3NN 01279 757633

info@akashawellness.co.uk www.akashawellness.co.uk

The Reformer beds dramatically accelerate change. Below: Jo and Nuala

The Private Wealth Law Firm

We’ve had the privilege of providing private wealth services to individuals, families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and landowners for more than 200 years.

Our full range of legal services include:

„ Company & Commercial

„ Dispute Resolution

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„ Property

„ Town & Country Planning

„ Wills, Trusts & Probate

Loughton Ware Harlow (by appointment only) London (by appointment only) For further information and advice please contact us

Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents supports HABS Family Support Team

eter Cuffaro Estate Agents in Stanstead Abbotts has developed a reputation since opening in 2022 for its supportive approach to property sales and lettings.

But that support doesn’t just extend to buyers, sellers, landlords and renters –the team, headed by experienced agent Peter Cuffaro, has also made a point of supporting local community causes.

These include The HABS Family Support Team, a Broxbourne-based organisation that carries out incredibly important work with local schools across Hertfordshire to directly support children and improve the lives of both them and their families.

Peter Cuffaro has pledged to give £100 from every completed property sale this year to HABS, while the agents’ independent mortgage specialist Edd Ranford is running next year’s London Marathon in aid of the organisation too.

HABS currently works with 19 local primary and secondary schools and employs a team of highly trained family support workers and counsellors who offer a diverse package of support for families, mainly in the Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Wormley and Turnford communities.

The available support is offered to all families whose children attend the partnership schools and includes parenting classes, holiday activity sessions and support covering subjects such as mental health, domestic abuse, emotional wellbeing, debt, bereavement and loss, counselling, therapeutic coaching, financial support and other complex issues.

HABS has also run a successful Christmas appeal for the past 12 years, distributing gifts to children who might otherwise have none, food parcels, Christmas meals and food vouchers to thousands of families, helping to create Christmases where there might otherwise be none.

Find out more at habsfamily.co.uk

PETER CUFFARO ESTATE AGENTS 19 High Street, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8AA 01920 633333 homes@petercuffaro.co.uk www.petercuffaro.co.uk

Peter Cuffaro, HABS Partnership Manager Leigh Cole and mortgage advisor Edd Ranford

AUTUMN HOME

A new season is here – and before long the weather outside will be harsh enough. The

has come to the rescue with collections of furniture and home accessories that are all about

and cosiness, not to mention a bit of fun. From sofas and chairs to lighting and accessories designers have ditched rigidity for softness. Think irregular shapes, circles, bobbles and waves.

Euston Accent chair £299, dark Chester marble coffee table £425, gold Valencia bar trolley £160

Visit the largest independent bed showroom in Herts & Essex

Looking for a perfect night’s sleep?

For over 45 years, our family-run business has been your go-to destination for beds and mattresses.

Whether you need a traditional pocket sprung mattress, the latest in foam technology, or even a customized size, we’ll help you find the perfect solution for a restful night.

We stock the leading brands like Relyon, Sealy, Dunlopillo, Rest Assured, Silentnight and Sleepeezee, ensuring you get the best quality and comfort.

Beyond Beds

Explore our extensive collection of home furnishings, from bedside tables and wardrobes to dining tables and sofas, featuring renowned brands including Tetrad.

Handy Location & Parking

We Make It Easy

At Deans we treat our customers like family. Our knowledgeable team will help you select the best furniture or mattress for your needs. Plus, our free delivery service is always to your room of choice and includes unwrapping, assembly and removal of packaging. Please mention you saw us in Axis when you visit the showroom to receive a 10% discount on your order.

Recycling service for old furniture

Just off the A602 in Stonyhills with FREE PARKING on site

Convenient Opening 7 days a week inc bank holidays

Transform your home with Deans Furnishers

Experience the personal touch of an independent bed and furniture shop

Seven years ago, a devastating fire ravaged the historic Deans Furnishers, a family-run business that had been a cornerstone of Ware since 1976. Despite this setback, Dean, Olly and the team have persevered, relocating to a spacious showroom in Stonyhills, where their passion for furniture and dedication to quality service continues to thrive.

Experience personal service like never before

At Deans Furnishers, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of the family. This independent bed shop prides itself on offering personalised service that you simply won’t find in larger chains. When you walk through their doors, you’ll be greeted by knowledgeable staff who take the time to understand your needs, guiding you through an extensive selection of furniture and mattresses.

And it doesn’t end at the point of sale. If you purchase anything from Deans they will always deliver to the room of your choice, unpack, assemble and remove the old packaging all as part of the service.

Beds and Mattresses: Tailored to your comfort

Finding the perfect mattress is crucial for your wellbeing, and Deans Furnishers is committed to helping you achieve that. The team at Deans have over 100 years’ experience in the industry so you can be sure you will receive sound advice to ensure you get a good night’s sleep! They stock a wide range of beds and mattresses from leading brands such as Relyon, Sealy, Dunlopillo, Rest Assured, Silentnight and Sleepeezee. Whether you need a traditional pocket sprung, the latest foam technology, or a

customized size, Deans Furnishers has something for everyone. Their free delivery and set-up services ensure a hassle-free experience.

Furniture and upholstery: Crafted for your home

Beyond beds and mattresses, Deans Furnishers offers a rich variety of home furnishings. Their showroom features an impressive collection for the whole home. From elegant bedside tables and wardrobes to cosy sofas, each piece is carefully selected for quality and style. Their range includes top brands like Tetrad, ensuring you find the perfect addition to your home.

Sustainability and community

Deans Furnishers is not only dedicated to providing highquality furniture but also to sustainability. They offer

recycling services for your old mattress and furniture, helping you reduce waste and support a greener environment.

Visit Deans Furnishers: Where quality meets personal service

Located just off the A602 in Stonyhills, Deans Furnishers is easily accessible with ample free parking. The showroom is open seven days a week, including bank holidays, and their team is always ready to assist you in finding exactly what you need – check out their 5-star Google reviews!

Make a visit today and experience the difference that a dedicated, independent bed shop can make.

Deans Furnishers

Stonyhills, Ware SG12 0HJ 01920 468887 deansfurnishers.com

Jardinia Landscapes make your garden dreams a reality

Based near Ware, Jardinia Landscapes is one of Hertfordshire’s leading garden design and build companies. They have quickly built a reputation for imaginative design, superb customer communication, and meticulous attention to detail in construction. Garden design is an area of home improvement that often causes the most consternation for homeowners. There are many variables and elements to consider – and a garden makeover can sometimes be as complex a project as a house extension. Jardinia works closely with clients from the initial exploratory design meeting right through to completion of the garden build. They ensure that each stage of the project is clearly communicated – and with over 28 years’ experience of garden building are well placed to solve even the most complex landscaping challenges.

As Jardinia’s Design Director Kevin Hosier says: “We find that some clients have an idea of what they want to achieve in their garden but lack the knowledge or skills to turn their vision into reality. Sometimes they have no ideas at all and are searching for inspiration. Our process is designed to ensure that no stone is left unturned, metaphorically and sometimes literally, to get right to the heart of what a client wants to achieve with their outdoor space.”

Jardinia’s Construction Director, William Carter, is responsible for ensuring that the creative design plans are beautifully (and accurately) realised in reality.

“Clients are consistently delighted by our attention to detail,” he says. “Whether we’re building a courtyard garden or dealing with a project over an acre or two in size – the approach is the same.

“A recent client said: ‘The quality of their work, their attention to detail and high standard of finish are second to none’.

“That’s what we want to hear –every time.”

Jardinia Landscapes 07958 704261

kevin@jardinialandscapes.co.uk

jardinialandscapes.co.uk

If you’re looking to transform your garden ready for summer 2025, get in touch with us at Jardinia Landscapes and benefit from:

• A beautiful, detailed design for your new garden that exactly reflects your ideas and requirements.

• A commitment to customer service and attention to detail that ensures each element of your garden build is completed to perfection.

• Our passion for creating stunning gardens that consistently exceed our customers’ expectations.

We create gardens large and small for clients across Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties. We are happy to offer initial design consultations free of charge and without obligation.

Wood Bros furniture celebrates its 100th anniversary

Wood Bros was started in a Bethnal Green stable in the East End of London by a small team of furniture makers during the Roaring 20s, with its flappers, jazz, Charleston, the general strike, and the Wall Street Crash, with the boom and bust affecting everyone.

Wood Bros moved down the River Lea to its current factory in Marsh Lane, Ware and it was here that the founder H W Wood created the well-known Old Charm oak range of traditional cabinet furniture.

Inspired by history and tradition, Wood Bros continues to be a thriving family business today, blending heritage, design and fine craftsmanship. Some of its classic designs have remained unchanged from the originals of more than 50 years ago.

Wood Bros has also evolved beyond its cabinet roots with the creation of a large upholstery collection.

The sofa range continues to develop stylistically to include a variety of contemporary and traditional designs, with an emphasis on tailoring, comfort and style. They have collaborated with Abraham Moon and Harris Tweed among other UK fabric manufacturers, and are proud to offer designs and styles for all

interiors. Wood Bros also offers a wide range of home accessories from cushions and throws to lampshades and fabric-by-metre. “Our workshops of skilled craftsmen are on hand for refurbishment projects and are experienced in re-upholstering and restoring sofas and cabinets alike,” added the company’s

MD James Sheffield. “Come and visit us in our extensive Ware showrooms and meet the friendly and knowledgeable team!”

Wood Bros Marsh Lane, Ware SG12 9QH 01920 469241

woodbros.co.uk

Wood Bros, based in Ware, is celebrating 100 years of history

Visit Landseer Picture Frames to put the finishing touches to any room Find

a fireplace for your

As Autumn approaches, now is the ideal time to update your fireplace. The Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery has been helping customers for 23 years with their fireplace needs, and has the most up-to-date modern designs encompassing the latest UK technology in fire realism. Shown here is the new e-ferno electric range from Newman Fireplaces with the Burrington surround in Polar White micro marble. It has an extremely realistic flame with full remote control. No chimney required as it is a flat wall fix thereby reducing installation costs.

home

You can view this impressive fireplace and the full range of contemporary and traditional surrounds, fires and stoves at its Potters Bar showroom, with options to suit all budgets and tastes, and up to 50% off selected ex-display fires. Free local delivery is available, as well as a full installation service by its team of Gas Safe and HETAS engineers for your peace of mind.

Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery 9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar EN6 2QX 01707 657070 hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk

FIREPLACES, FIREPLACES AND MORE FIREPLACES...

When decorating your house it is the personal, finishing touches that really turn it into your home. And putting your own stamp on the four walls that surround you is down to more than choosing the wallpaper or a paint colour. Putting up prints or pictures or framing your treasured photographs or memorabilia really helps to show not only your own history and interests but also your true personality. At the family-run Landseer Picture Frames in Ware they understand that, and have been offering a professional framing service for years for pictures of

all kinds as well as memorabilia ranging from medals and uniform badges to film posters, programmes and sports shirts. In addition to offering an expert framing service and advice, the shop also stocks a wide range of readymade frames and prints and an interesting selection of earthenware and stoneware sculptures that have been created by local artists.

Landseer Picture Frames 27b Baldock Street, Ware SG12 9DH 01920 486522 landseerpictureframes.com

At our Ware workshop and gallery we offer a professional framing service not just for canvases, prints and posters, but treasured memorabilia including medals, uniform badges, programmes and sports shirts

We also stock a selection of ready-framed prints and handmade earthenware and stoneware sculptures made by local artists

A professional organiser to declutter your home

Is too much “stuff” taking over your home and making it difficult to find the essential items that you need without wasting lots of valuable time?

Clutter and mess can make it difficult to keep our homes running smoothly which in turn can lead to feelings of stress and being overwhelmed, which can then cause problems with relationships and have an impact on children. Hiring a professional organiser to help is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as people recognise the benefits to their lifestyle and wellbeing.

Hertfordshire-based organiser

Josie Judge started The Home PA Company to provide essential support when home life gets hectic. This includes everything from decluttering kitchens and wardrobes to providing support with all other home tasks including preparing for a move, sorting out

the house before guests come to stay, home admin and organising special occasions. Josie is a member of APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers), fully insured and DBS checked.

The Home PA Company 07814 084086 info@thehomepacompany.com thehomepacompany.com

Garolla Electric Garage Doors offer quality craftsmanship

Garolla believe in delivering the perfect door for your home, crafted right here in the UK, and at the right price.

What sets Garolla apart? Its commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional service. With Garolla, you can trust that the same local engineer who

doors are engineered to last, crafted from the finest materials, and installed with precision. You can find the perfect door to meet your needs, whether you’re looking for space-saving solutions, enhanced security, or superior insulation. Say goodbye to outdated, cumbersome garage doors and hello to a space that’s more versatile, attractive, and spacious than ever before.

Book a free survey today.

Garolla Electric Garage Doors 01992 238315 garolla.co.uk

Hoddesdon Tile and

For inspiration and everything you need to create your dream bathroom head to Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre. The showroom is spread across two levels with room sets and a tile gallery and you will find a wide range of baths, showers, basins, toilets, taps, towel rails and more, providing inspiration and everything you need to create your perfect bathroom. A prompt delivery service is also available for larger items.

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre is based on a business estate with ample free parking right outside that leaves you more time to browse without feeling time-pressured. This family-run company has been helping both retail and trade customers with their home improvement projects for more than 30 years.

The showroom is open to both the public and trade from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre

Units C2 & C3 Geddings Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT 01992 470146 hoddesdontileandbathroom.com

New kitchen or bathroom? Beat the Christmas rush...

If you are looking for a new kitchen or bathroom this Autumn, then now is a great time to start to get plans into motion to ensure you beat the preChristmas rush.

Dobsons, a family business, established in 1935, take pride in getting to know their clients and designing outstanding rooms to suit their own individual needs. They 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 coordinate every aspect, taking the stress and hassle away from you. Their stunning Cheshunt showroom houses bespoke Stoneham kitchen furniture in large room sets, showcasing the latest trends alongside premium brand appliances, such as Neff and Miele, whilst their Villeroy

and Boch bathroom studio displays the finest in luxury bathing and showering. Dobsons’ designers will always go the extra mile to create your dream room, by redesigning your existing layout to maximise functionality, taking down walls to create a larger area or perhaps creating a new room where there wasn’t previously one. Whatever your need, their experts provide the know-how to make it happen. Why not book an appointment to visit Dobsons’ showroom for ideas and inspiration and to talk to their experienced team about your project?

For more details visit dobsonshome.com.

Dobsons

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

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS

12 REASONS OUR CUSTOMERS TRUST US

• We are a successful family-owned and familyrun business

• We are small enough to care and yet big enough to cope

• 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

How the latest technology will help to keep your home secure

Tindall Security are experts in making your home or commercial premises secure. The company, which was founded in 1932 and has been based in Hertford for over 30 years, offers tailored services to suit your individual preferences and needs. From simple domestic burglar alarms to more sophisticated commercial protection and security solutions, Tindall’s team of experts provide an efficient and trouble-free service.

Sadly, burglaries are a reality of modern life. Research has shown, however, that homes with a secure network of protection are less likely to be targeted. By installing an effective security system in your home, you will be ensuring 24/7 surveillance that will protect your property even when you are not at home. Tindall Security supply, fit and maintain a range of domestic alarm systems to enable you to protect your home from

Tindall Security can help you protect your property and improve your peace of mind

intruders. All come with self-monitoring apps which allow you to set and unset, receive alerts and view via your mobile phone or computer. Its in-house team can design and install the latest technology, ensuring that which is most important to you is protected 24/7, all year round.

Services include a diverse range of security networks, such as CCTV systems, Smart integration and door entry systems. Tindall’s design team will work with you to find you the best possible solution; a professionally qualified team will install your alarm or security system; and a team of maintenance engineers

provide 24 hour, 365 days of the year support, with the best possible service. You can book a free, no obligation survey too.

Tindall Security

Unit 3 Mead Business Centre, Mead Lane, Hertford SG13 7BJ 0800 433 7748

tindallsecurity.co.uk

For everything from a safe for your home to van security for your tools, trust Barnet Lock

Tindall’s sister company, Barnet Lock & Security, specialises in security for both the home and vehicle. Its staff can advise on the most appropriate locks to suit your wooden, metal or plastic windows and doors, together with sturdy locks, bolts and padlocks to secure your garage and shed. They can also supply and install an extensive range of secure,

fire-resistant safes to suit both the domestic and commercial sectors. The range includes home safes, both electronic and digital, floor and wall, underfloor and deposit safes, key cabinets, lockers, medical cabinets, cash boxes, laptop safes and strongboxes. Again, expert advice will help you find the right safe for your requirements – and to ensure it meets the needs of your insurers.

Helping tradespeople

For tradespeople, having their van broken into and their tools and materials stolen can have a direct impact on their ability to work, and therefore on their earnings potential as well.

Barnet Lock & Security has a specialist division that is dedicated to van security, offering a range of high-security van locks with anti-pick, an-

ti-bump and anti-drill cylinders. Installation can be carried out at the business’s specialist van security facility in Hertford or its experts can come to you –whether you’re working on site, at your own premises or are at home.

Barnet Lock & Security 0800 433 7749

barnetlock.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Every dog has its day (out)

It started with a pandemic – the catalyst that turned a nation of animal lovers into one positively obsessed with its pooches! Everyone got one, some more than one. Our companions through bleak times, by the time society reopened they were a part of it. No more being left outside supermarkets while we shop, at home while we eat out.

A whole industry has grown up to help us feed, look after, clothe, groom, exercise – even entertain –our four-legged friends; they even have their own events! And just to prove it, here are some pawsome ideas for September…

DogFest at Knebworth

What began in 2014 as a small gathering for dog lovers is now a much-loved canine extravaganza, with events taking place in this, its tenth year, at seven venues across the country. Over the past decade more than a million dogs and visitors have attended DogFest across 29 different venues.

It returns to the grounds of Hertfordshire’s Knebworth House on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September.

Event highlights include:

l Dog activities and competitions

l Expert advice and workshops

l Shopping village

l Food and drink

l Kids’ zone.

Find out more at dogfest.co.uk.

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

Pop + Bark events at Down Hall Hotel

You may have seen James Morgan and his partner Anushka Fernando’s appearance on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den last January. The couple’s dog Bertie had had to undergo a spinal operation as a puppy thus missing out on the chance to socialise with other dogs. Anushka organised a pug meet-up in their local park to help him make some friends – and after it was a huge success, the idea for Pop + Bark was born. They just missed out on an investment but Pop + Bark continues to grow, hosting canine experiences across the country, including both mixed breed and breed-specific events that unleash loads of fun for both owners and their pets.

Three two-hour events take place at dog-friendly Down Hall Hotel near Bishop’s Stortford on Sunday 15th September – one for Daschunds, one for Cocker Spaniels and one for Corgis.

Each features:

l Pupuccino Bar, Barkery, ice cream van and other treats

l Play zone with dog toys, agility course, bubbles and ball pit

l Doggy size furniture and fun props for photo opportunities

l Free professional photos to download after the event

l Shopping stalls

l Food and drink stalls for

l Kids’ face-painting, treasure hunt and ice cream cart.

To book, visit downhall.co.uk.

Explore the heritage all around you this month...

Every year thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture – all for free.

September sees the latest edition of Heritage Open Days, in which several local venues – and many more across Hertfordshire – open

their doors, inviting you in to see spaces that are often closed to the general public so you can find out more about the history that surrounds us every day.

The festival runs from Friday 6th until Sunday 15th September and you can discover the full list of what’s open where online at heritageopendays.org.uk. You can search by event, subject or location.

Here are some of the places and events you can enjoy around Hertfordshire…

Panshanger Park is a green space on the edge of Hertford and Heritage Open Days give visitors an opportunity to explore parts not often open to the public, with guided walks, tractor tours, talks, information stands and family activities based at the Old Stables off the B1000 entrance (SG14 2NA). The old stable block was part of the Cowper estate in the 1800s and was still a working

stable until 40 years ago. Now offices, you can see the original stalls and tiling as it was when it was accommodating horses.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th, with talks at 12.15 and 1pm and tractor tours at 11am and 2.15pm on both days. You can also seek out other remnants from the estate including the orangery, pictured above.

Transport yourself across the county

Across Hertfordshire, there are many events taking place that will appeal to transport enthusiasts.

Among these is the chance to see inside the beautifully restored signal box at St Albans South (in Ridgmont Road) on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th from 10am to 5pm.

Smallford station is a 150-yearold station that used to serve the Hatfield and St Albans Railway. A major project to improve the environment around the station has been taking place recently and has been completed in time to hold a formal opening of the refurbished platform, which will take place between 11am

and 4pm on Sunday 8th. There will be a pop-up café open and guided walks at 12noon and 2pm. The station entrance is in Station Approach, Station Road, Smallford AL4 0HF.

Find out about the history of firefighting in the county at Hertfordshire Fire Museum in Lower High Street, Watford (WD17 2AG) on Saturday 7th from 12-4pm. You can speak to serving firefighters, see firefighting equipment from the past, learn how to work a firefighting hose and go inside the smokeheat training facility. There is also a large photographic display showing fire engines and fires from years gone by.

Churches and walks among highlights in Hertford and Ware

God’s Own Acre is a guided walk around the tranquil churchyard and parish church of St Mary’s in Hertingfordbury on Saturday 7th, looking at the graves and monuments and hearing the fascinating stories of those buried there. There are also guided walks around Hertford on Sunday 8th. Pre-booking is required for all these Hertford Town Council-organised walks. Book at Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash (01992 584322).

Hertford Castle Heritage Day on Sunday 8th will include a small settlement of interactive medieval encampments with activities including a Viking battle re-enactment, fire-breathing, falconry and archery. Free admission. From 12-4pm.

St Leonards Church in Bengeo is a rare example of a virtually intact 11th/12th century Norman church. It is grade one listed and normally closed to the public but will be open on Saturday 7th

from 11am to 4pm and Sunday 8th from 11am to 5pm. No booking is required.

Place House Hall, a grade one listed medieval hall in Ware’s Bluecoat Yard just off the High Street, will be open on Sunday 8th from 11.30am to 4pm, with children’s activities taking place. It will open again on Sunday 15th from 11.30am to 3.30pm, for you to explore. There will be a talk on the building’s history at 2.30pm by Dorothy Abel Smith.

St Albans South signal box, Watford fire museum and Smallford station

See behind the scenes at Panshanger Park

St Mary’s Hertingfordbury

HERITAGE SPECIAL:

TAKE A TRIP ROUND THE M25 AND STEP BACK IN TIME TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WAY WE USED TO LIVE AT THE FASCINATING CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Discover buildings from the past that have been rescued from oblivion

If you thought learning about the past involved peering at stuffed animals and pieces of rock in glass display cases, you haven’t experienced Chiltern Open Air Museum.

There’s still time – the 2024 season runs until 31st October and a visit to this unique 45-acre site in Chalfont St Giles (a short drive from junction 17 of the M25 and within an hour of most locations in East Herts) is well worth it. It was founded in 1976 by volunteers from the Chiltern Society and opened to the public in 1981. An independent charity run by a small team along with a small army of volunteers, it rescues buildings that would otherwise be demolished, painstakingly reconstructing them on its countryside site, and in doing so enables us to literally step into the past and see how previous generations of ordinary people lived and worked.

The physical buildings that COAM has saved are part of the local history of the Chilterns area but to visitors from farther afield they’re just as relevant socially – many, original location aside,

being typical of their time. Among the collection are two Nissen huts, the quick to build and affordable constructions used by the military during both World Wars, and the Amersham Pre-Fab, an example of a prefabricated bungalow from the 1940s designed as a temporary solution to the post-war housing shortage.

Wide range of attractions

Nearby, the Dig For Victory allotment grows traditional varieties of vegetables used to help supply the museum tea shop. There’s a Georgian toll house, Henton Mission Room (affectionately known as the ‘little tin chapel’), a working blacksmith’s forge, a Tudor barn, replica iron age roundhouse, and even a factory that was once an important part of High Wycombe’s furniture-making industry. A traditional farmstead that could have thrived anytime between 1800 and 1950 has been created from historic buildings and equipment and is home to rare breed livestock including sheep, goats, ducks, chickens and cows.

There are opportunities to picnic with tables dotted across the site, including on the village green where you’ll also find a tea room serving hot drinks, snacks and light lunches.

There are woodland walks and a natural adventure playground for younger visitors.

Dogs on leads are welcomed although you’re understandably asked not to take them inside furnished exhibit buildings.

There’s also an extensive programme of events featuring re-enactments, heritage craft demonstrations and family activities as well as a range of workshops and experience days on offer.

September’s Harvest Festival

COAM hosts a harvest festival event on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

Visitors can find out about a traditional harvest festival and rural skills, see the heavy horses that would have worked the fields, enjoy a carriage ride, try Morris dancing, see sheep dogs in action, try apple pressing, watch the blacksmith at work and more.

VISITOR INFO

Standard admission on the door is £13 for adults, £12 concessions, £10 for children aged 4-16 and free for under 4s. Prices are slightly higher on ‘premium days’ when special events are taking place. You can pre-book discounted advance tickets online. The museum is open between 10am and 5pm from March to the end of October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB 01494 871117 / coam.org.uk

A Nissen hut, the ‘little tin chapel’ and toll house

Inside the Amersham Pre-Fab

Join The Great Big Walk for Herts

The Great Big Walk for Herts takes place on Saturday 28th September, offering the opportunity to support 12 Hertfordshire-based charities in the good work they do – and have a fun day out while doing so.

Organised by the group Helping Herts, the event allows you to join one of a series of walks taking place around the county on the same day. There are walks starting at Hartham Common in Hertford, Stanstead Abbotts, Newgatestreet, Codicote, Kimpton, St Albans, Shenley, Kings Langley, Great Gaddesden, Therfield Heath, Sandridge and Bishop’s Stortford.

Each walk will raise money for a dozen charities which provide essential services to children and young people locally, including Grove Cottage, Hertfordshire Mind Network, Home-Start Herts, Herts Young Homeless, The Ollie Foundation, The Phoenix Group, Playskill, Coram Life Foundation, SPACE, For Baby’s

CHEXS and Keech Hospice Care.

The walk features 12 loops, each 13 miles long, covering beautiful parts of the county. From rolling countryside and lush parks to historic landmarks and charming villages, the routes offer a great way to explore the county’s

It’s Showtime in Stortford

Showtime is the biggest event yet organised by Bishop’s Stortford BID.

The town centre’s historic North Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday 14th September for the event which will run from 12noon until 10pm. The daytime will feature family-friendly, circus-themed attractions including jugglers, acrobats and stilt-walkers as well as circus skills workshops, face painting and more.

Then live music from The Jjarrs, a well-known covers band from the area, will keep the crowd entertained through the evening.

Cafés and restaurants are being encouraged to set up al fresco tables and communal seating is also being provided so people can support local takeaways as well.

diverse landscapes. Sign up and find out more online where there is also a downloadable guide to each of the loops. The walks start at 10am and all donations are eligible for match funding, so whatever you contribute will be doubled to help the charities. Sign up at: helpingherts.com

and

High Wych Scarecrow Festival

The annual High Wych Scarecrow Festival takes place in the village near Sawbridgeworth on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, with dozens of creations – often with a topical theme – attracting many thousands of visitors over the weekend.

As in previous years, the scarecrows have been made by artistic and enterprising village locals and are placed in locations along High Wych Road or High Wych Lane as well as the playing field, memorial hall and St James Church, which also holds a flower festival over the weekend.

Visitors are encouraged to park in Rivers Hospital and High Wych School, which have made visitor parking available, and then walk to view the scarecrows.

Eco Fest is a new event organised by Hertford Town Council at Hertford Castle on Sunday 22nd September. It will feature activities, music and food and drink stalls alongside information and education around money-saving ideas and carbon reduction. The event is free and will run from 12noon to 4pm.

Love Cheshunt fun day

A fun day is being held in Cheshunt on Sunday 22nd September, organised by the Love Cheshunt business group. It will be held from 12noon to 4pm in the Cadmore Lane car park and STS Tyre Pros car park at EN8 0AJ and will include stalls, rides, food and drink and fun for all the family. A performance arena will feature local dance schools and singers too.

Great Amwell quiz night

Book your places now for a quiz night at Great Amwell Parish Hall on Friday 18th October, starting at 7.30pm, in aid of the St John’s Baptist Church Heating Upgrade Fund. Tickets are £20pp including choice of meals. To buy tickets, contact Bryan Brace on 01992 447845 (bjbrace122@ gmail.com) or Richard or Margaret Mellor on 01920 460474 (richardmellor@btinternet.com).

Hertford Eco Fest

Sake,

St George

the Dragon from a previous festival

28th October to 3rd November

Join us for a spook-tacular afternoon tea at Fanhams Hall. Tuck into delicious sandwiches, home-made scones and hauntingly good Halloween cakes!

Oh, and we have an extra special treat too... after tummies are full, challenge each other to pumpkin bowling, creep along the spooky nature trail and much more! You’ll be spoilt for photo opportunities, making it a Halloween to remember.

12.30pm until 5pm

£45 per person

£22.50 under 10 years

Meet the artists and makers at Herts Open Studios

This month, Herts Open Studios returns, with 162 artists exhibiting across 77 venues throughout Hertfordshire. This annual event enables artists and makers to open their studio doors, to meet visitors, talk about and demonstrate their work, and engage with an audience of art enthusiasts.

Organised by Herts Visual Arts, the event runs from Saturday 7th to Sunday 29th September, and printed brochures are now available from local supermarkets and participating artists to pick up.

The brochure can also be viewed online and it details the artists taking part area by area, with a section of pages devoted to East Herts, and the dates their studios are open. Some artists exhibit collectively, so a trip to Ware’s Southern Maltings or The Artists’ Collective in The Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City, for example, would be rewarding. There is also an alphabetical index if you are searching for artists and makers you already know about.

Find out more: hvaf.org.uk

Parndon Mill creative hub opens its doors

Parndon Mill in Harlow holds its own Open Studios event over the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, between 11am and 5pm.

More than 20 studios in this idyllic setting will be open to look around, giving visitors a great opportunity to meet the artists and gain an insight into their creative processes. You can even have a go at some activities. Parndon Mill has long nurtured a diverse range of talent and, in addition to fine arts and painting, it is home to artists and makers

specialising in glass blowing, glass fusion, stained glass, textiles, calligraphy, ceramics, stone letter carving, jewellery and printing.

Latest exhibition

Meanwhile, Showcase 2 is the new exhibition this month at Parndon Mill’s gallery. It features works by students and artists who attend the Wednesday Painting and Drawing Class taught by Roger Jeffs in the Project Space at the mill. There are beginners there, those who started from

scratch 12 months ago and accomplished artists; a diverse group united by the commitment to learning, improving and developing their work. The exhibition runs from Sunday 8th September to Sunday 6th October.

Parndon Mill is in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP. Call 01279 426042.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 4.30pm and from 2-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Visit parndonmill.co.uk for more details.

Among those taking part this year is The Rock Hound, aka Susi Smither, an award-winning ethical jeweller and self-confessed ‘gem geek’ who works from her studio in St Andrew Street, Hertford.

Susi creates bold, colourful jewellery with gems, recycled silver and fair-mined gold to produce what she describes as ‘honest luxury’.

Susi has recently been named Creative Jeweller of the Year at the UK Jewellery awards, just the latest in a string of accolades she has received.

To find out more about Susi’s work visit therockhound.com.

Soundbites resumes Museum opens stores

The series of Soundbites free Wednesday lunchtime classical music concerts resume at All Saints’ Church, Hertford this month, on 25th September. Light lunches are available from 12noon with the 45-minute concert at 1pm. To kick off this season, Trio Kagura will perform Schubert’s Piano Trio in B flat major. Concerts will be held every Wednesday through to 27th November. Full details at allsaintshertford.org.

Hertford Museum is opening up its stores to allow you to see behind the scenes at the museum and visit its vast and varied collections that are not normally on show. This takes place at the Seed Warehouse in The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PX from 10am to 12noon on Saturday 7th September with a guided tour at 10.30am. Booking essential at ticketsource.co.uk/ hertford-museum.

Storm Over Agathla Peak by Nicola Court Showtime 2

How Susi rocks it

Pre-booked tickets are discounted online Fantastic Summer events coming up

Go Your Own Way

Wednesday 18th September, 7.30pm

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Friday 20th

September, 7.30pm Tickets: £28

www.knebworthhouse.com

Coming up @

The Marvin Gaye Songbook

Starring Nate Simpson fresh from playing Bob Marley in the hit West End musical Get Up, Stand Up

Saturday 21 September 7.30pm

The Drifters

‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘You’re More Than a Number’ and many more!

Friday 4 and Saturday 5 October 7.30pm

An Evening without Kate Bush Following a critically acclaimed sell-out Edinburgh Fringe premiere Thursday 26 September 7.30pm

The Noise Next Door ‘The Adventure Academy… for Adventurers!’ Age 5+ Dangerous deserts, treacherous tundra’s, and volatile volcanoes Sunday 6 October, 2pm

One Night of Billy Joel – The Piano Man

Thursday 26th Sept, 7.30pm

Crooners Uncaged

Saturday 28th

September, 7.30pm

Tickets: £29.50

Wyllyotts Box Office: 01707 645005

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

Just My Imagination A celebration of the Motown legends The Temptations Saturday 28 September 7.30pm

The Noise Next Door Freewheeling (one for the adults) A totally improvised tour around your weirdest and wildest ideas! Sunday 6 October, 7.30pm

Killer Cults A must-see for all true crime enthusiasts! Thursday 3 October 7.30pm

The Windrush Secret A one-man drama by Rodreguez King-Dorset Wednesday 9 October 7.30pm

Doors and bar open 1.5 hour prior to event start.

Try something new during Arts in East Herts

Arts in East Herts is a new showcase event running through September and October, launched by East Herts Council with funding from the UK government. It has offered local groups and artists grants of up to £1,000 to put on events across the district over the two months.

The result is a programme featuring a wide range of activities that are aimed at giving residents the chance to take part in an artistic activity.

Examples include circus skills workshops in Amwell End, Ware; painting in Bishop’s Stortford; decorative metal working in Green Tye; theatre improvisation in Hertford; interactive storytelling in Sawbridgeworth; dancing in Ware and candle-making in Little Berkhamsted.

Among the more unusual opportunities is the chance to experience bell-ringing at close quarters in St Michaels’ Church in

Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford. This is on Thursdays 12th and 19th September from 7.45 to 9pm. If you have ever had a hankering to try campanology for yourself, you can then sign up for a free taster session on a later date. The programme also details ongoing art exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops across the area, plus poetry evenings and even the occasional author talk. Most activities are free of charge. Full details of all the events can be found on the council’s website, eastherts.gov.uk – search for Arts in East Herts.

The best new films to see at the cinema this month

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (12A)

Out on Friday 6th September

Tim Burton’s latest is a sequel to the popular singular-titled original and again features Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter Creek. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s (Ryder) life is turned upside down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal to the Afterlife. It’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem. Burton said that this sequel would only be made if Keaton would return to the title role – Keaton himself said back in 2014 that this would be the only sequel he would be interested in doing. Should be good then.

Firebrand (15)

Out on Friday 6th September

Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent

while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Catherine finds herself fighting for her own survival. Of course, those who learnt the famous rhyme at school will know the ultimate outcome…

The Whip (12A)

Out on Friday 6th September

A full-time carer plots a daring heist from the Houses of Parliament in a bid to thwart devastating welfare reforms known as Independent Credit. If this release was timed to coincide with the expected Autumn General election, someone needs to tell them they’ve missed out…

The Critic (15)

Out on Friday 13th September

Ian McKellen stars as a powerful London theatre critic who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder after he lures a struggling actress into a blackmail scheme that has deadly consequences. Gemma Arterton and Romola Garai co-star.

Wolfs (TBC)

Out on Friday 20th September

Brad Pitt and George Clooney star in this movie about a professional fixer who is hired to cover up a high-profile crime. But when a second fixer shows up and the two ‘lone wolves’ are forced to work together, they find their night spiralling out of control in ways that neither of them expected.

The Outrun (15)

Out on Friday 27th September

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 Saoirse Ronan and Saskia Reeves star in this adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir.

Brad Pitt and George Clooney star in Wolfs, a tale of professional fixers

FOOD & DRINK

Looking to keep that holiday feeling alive a little bit longer?

Here’s our pick of local destinations to enjoy a taste of sunny Spain...

The Golden Fleece at Braughing hosts its next Tapas Night on Wednesday 25th September. The country pub in Green End will be offering a range of authentic Spanish tapas that are ideal for sharing with friends and family, along with Spanish wine and sherry.

With individual dishes priced reasonably (most are between £4.95 and £5.75) it’s a great opportunity to enjoy old favourites and also try something new.

You could also try...

Anexo

Hertford-based tapas restaurant and charcuterie bar. Until recently based in the Egyptian House building in Fore Street, it is now an evening destination at The Store House at 8 Parliament Square. The menu features small Spanish plates that include vegetable and meat classics such as Jamon Croquetas, Tortilla, and Chorizo Picante along with a selection of seafood. Alfresco seating when the weather allows. anexo.co.uk

Expect dishes such as Chorizo in red wine and oregano; Pan-fried Tiger prawns in a rich tomato, smoked paprika and garlic sauce; and Lamb stew with mixed peppers, onions, tomatoes and red wine, along with a small selection of Spanish desserts. Booking highly recommended. To find out more or to book call 01920 823555.

The Golden Fleece is at 20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG. goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

For a taste of Turkey, try this lunch menu at Vodina in Ware

Turkish restaurant Vodina in Ware has a great value lunch menu served daily between 12noon and 3pm.

Choose your starter from a range of hot and cold dishes that are all served with bread; a main from dishes that are all served with sal-

ad and rice and include chicken or lamb shish, adana kofte and a vegetarian musakka; and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, soft or hot drink – all for £14.95 per person.

Vodina is at 21-22 Tudor Square, Ware SG12 9XF; 01920 486688; vodinarestaurant.co.uk.

Casa Lua

Long-established family-run restaurant in Ware High Street that’s open lunchtimes and evenings from Thursday to Saturday.

Casa Lua offers tapas, desserts and weekly specials along with a handpicked selection of Spanish wines.

Bookings are by phone – and recommended as it’s a small but popular venue. There’s a rear courtyard ideal for warm days. Call 01920 463554 to book. casalua.co.uk

Tapas Nights at The Golden Fleece in Braughing are hugely popular

New award scheme for healthy, sustainable food

Representatives of local food businesses in Hertfordshire are being invited to attend the launch of a new award scheme which rewards restaurants, takeaways and cafés for offering healthier and more sustainable food.

The Herts Responsible Food Award has been designed by Hertfordshire County Council in partnership with locally-based businesses and encourages them to make small changes to offer healthier options and to operate more sustainably.

Businesses that receive the certification will also unlock support which helps them to do so, including funded food hygiene courses for staff, discounts on healthier and more sustainable products from local suppliers, free business support, advertising and promotion from local

councils and networking opportunities with other like-minded businesses.

The award is being piloted in the borough of Broxbourne and only businesses based there can apply for it at this stage.

However, businesses from all over the county can attend the launch, as the plan is to roll the scheme out to other areas in the future.

Attend the launch event

The launch will take place on Thursday 26th September from 9.30am to 12noon at the new Theobalds Enterprise Centre in Platinum Way, Cheshunt EN8 8YD (off the A10).

The event will provide more information on the award and its benefits. It also offers a networking opportunity to talk with

other businesses and a range of stakeholders looking to help businesses, including suppliers such as JJ Foodservice Ltd, business support groups and Broxbourne’s environmental health team.

You can register to attend at launchofhertsresponsiblefood award.eventbrite.co.uk or find out more by emailing healthiercatering@hertfordshire. gov.uk.

The Fox & Hounds has been our family business as well as our home since 2004. 20 years is a real achievement for us and we are very proud that we are still here and still going strong! We would like to thank all our suppliers, friends, family, the team and customers old and new. We look forward to many more years serving up delicious food and hosting special occasions. Let’s see what the next decade brings... James and Bianca Rix celebrate 20 years at The Fox & Hounds

Locally-based food businesses such as restaurants, cafés and takeaways are being encouraged to make small changes to offer healthier, sustainable food

‘It’s like Africa in a bottle’ – the new vodka brand from two Broxbourne businesswomen

Friends and businesswomen

Beverley Annan-Forson and Jayne Doherty from Broxbourne have joined together to launch their own flavoured vodka brand. The pair became friends when they were studying at college in Walthamstow before going on to university together.

Between them, they now have a string of business ventures to their names including a chain of nurseries, a healthcare business and a growing property portfolio.

Their new joint venture, Afrique vodka, borrows heavily from their Ghanaian heritage and, they say, is their way of showcasing the unique spirit, vibrancy and joy of the African continent.

Afrique is available in three different flavours: original; mango and papita; and apple and coconut. The original is 40% ABV; the flavoured versions are 35%.

The drink, which went on sale this month, is the result of an 18-month development programme, which involved the women tasting and testing everything from the type of vodka to the flavourings, the labelling and the bottles. And they’ve collaborated with farmers and growers from a number of different African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania, whose

products are being used to give Afrique its flavours.

Beverley and Jayne are also involved in charitable work overseas, including in Ghana, which will be one of the African countries that will be receiving a percentage of the proceeds of Afrique to help local communities – and the very farmers they will be buying their ingredients from.

A celebration of a continent

Jayne said of their new vodka:

“It’s like Africa in a bottle. It’s a celebration of the community, the unity and the warmth that you get right across the continent and it’s our way of sharing the experience of going to Africa.

“There isn’t a drink like this on the market and that’s what we find so exciting.

“It’s an emotional experience for us because it’s close to our hearts but also because it represents the side of Africa that people don’t hear about or see very often.

“Yes, there are social issues, but the narrative in Africa has changed enormously. There is a surge in African celebrity and more prominence of people who are proud to be Africans, and this is the message we want to sell.”

Beverley said: “I’ve always wanted to launch a spirit or wine that people could buy for when

they’re having a drink with family and friends, because it brings people together.

“We both like vodka, but although we thought about gin, we went down the vodka route because we could see ourselves making an impact in that industry.”

The use of sugar beet, rather than potato or grain, to produce Afrique means it is gluten-free and naturally sweet.

Jayne said: “I really love all of the flavours, and you can mix the original with everything. Because it’s made from sugar beet, it’s not as harsh as other vodkas can be, and it’s naturally sweet.

“That’s really important to the taste of Afrique, because it means

we don’t have to add enhancers to the natural fruit flavours, which means it’s good for cocktails without adding to your waistline.”

The pair have brought Afrique to market in conjunction with West Midlands drinks collective Virtus Brands which will manufacture the drink at its base near Dudley.

Virtus founder Baz Kooner said: “It’s really exciting to be working with an African vodka brand – it’s fresh, independent and unique, which is just what drinkers are looking for.”

l Afrique costs £30 for a 70cl bottle and is available from afriquespirits.com.

Jayne and Beverley have launched Afrique vodka

Three foodie events that will add flavour to your September

Vegan market in Bishop’s Stortford

Charringtons Car Park in Bishop’s Stortford hosts a Vegan Street Market on Saturday 7th September.

The car park is due to be redeveloped as part of the Old River Lane project, but until that happens owners East Herts Council are using it to host a variety of activities.

This latest event, which runs from 10.30am to 4pm, is being organised by Vegan Market Co which runs similar events nationwide, and will feature vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable candle makers, local artists, environmental charities and more.

The car park is at CM23 2ER.

For more details visit veganmarkets.co.uk.

The Hoddesdon Food and Drink Festival will be held in Hoddesdon town centre on Saturday 14th September.

Between 10am and 6pm, the High Street area will be packed with a large array of street food vendors, including local businesses, selling food and drink from around the world at an event that is becoming more and more popular every

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

year. The event is organised by Love Hoddesdon BID and will also feature entertainment for children and live music.

Local produce and craft market in Ware

Ware’s Local Produce and Craft Market returns to Tudor Square on the third Sunday of each month following its break for the summer.

The market is run by Southern

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 486688

vodinarestaurant.co.uk

Maltings in collaboration with Ware Town Council.

The next is on Sunday 15th September and will feature handmade artisan food and drink from local traders together with craft stalls. You can also meet local councillors from Ware Town Council, who will be in attendance.

The market runs from 10am to 2pm in Tudor Square, Ware SG12 9XF.

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

RUAY RôT BY BAAN THITIYA

Hoddesdon Food and Drink Festival

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