FREE July/August 2009 www.localinsight.co.uk
Local Insight Letchworth: www.localinsight.co.uk
Health Zone p30
Interview with the Inbetweeners p9
Music Zone p20
Ogle
p13,14, 15
FREE July/August 2009 www.localinsight.co.uk
04 Garden zone Gardening tips for the green fingered 06 Trade zone Plumbers, Carpenters, Electricians, Garages 20 Music zone Gigs, CD reviews, music shops 24 Film zone Film and DVD reviews by Tony Phillips
Local Insight Letchworth: www.localinsight.co.uk
Issue 1 July/August 2009
Published by Substitute Publishing
30 Health zone Health and fitness 32 Fun zone Crossword and Sudoku puzzles Welcome to the first edition of Local Insight Letchworth.
Editor Ian Jefferies Tel: 07843 699514 Email: ian@localinsight.co.uk
Local Insight has been successfully running in Hitchin for the last 16 months and we are also starting a magazine in Stevenage this month.
Design and Artwork. Donna Jones
If you have any news you think might be of interest to the Local Insight readers or you would like to see your business advertised please do not hesitate to contact us.
Editorial Contributors Victoria Penfold Charly Luck Alistair Hewitt
Local Insight is a monthly publication whose aim is to provide you with Local news and events and to give you an insight into Local Companies who would like you to do business with them. A big thank you to all our advertisers and contributors this month, we appreciate that times are hard and your business is much appreciated.
Until next Month The Local Insight Team
Articles submitted may be edited for length and clarity.
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Garden zone July is the month gardeners look forward to most of all. Having suffered a miserable wet spring again this year, the sun has finally got his hat on. Hip Hooray!
may well oblige our lazier gardeners by burning off entirely, completely removing any need to do anything at all. Then we look forward to what professional gardeners regard as ‘the easy season’. All you should really be doing is cleaning out the BBQ ash in preparation for the following weekend’s next social triumph.
And wet springs always mean huge amounts of weeding, huge amounts of top growth on lawns, leading to huger amounts of rubbish to dispose of. Local councils are waking up to the idea of recycling for people without Volvo estate cars, and I must say how impressed I’ve been with the amount you can actually squeeze into a wheelie bin. Even more so if you’re prepared to get in it and make a bid for the Olympic trampoline squad for 2012. But do be careful when employing this method, as I recently took a very comic tumble after which I have been forced to adapt my method to allow for easier climbing. My Scottish Granny would call it a ‘louping on’ stone but it’s more recognisable as If you must water things, then the high a pub garden bench. Don’t use bicycles, or a pressure hoses also double as a very effective trip to the local A+E department could ruin an cat deterrent. Sorry cat lovers but it’s true. Other otherwise perfect weekend. than that, lie back on your sun lounger B&Q special and wait for your significant other to get Now, in July, is a good time to tackle the back from Tesco with the supplies. hedges if you have them. Shame on you if you’ve done it earlier in the season because Written by Alistair Hewitt they provide excellent habitat for nesting birds. Imagine someone waving a petrol hedge trimmer over your newborn brood in the nursery. Where it is possible, use a ground sheet to catch your clippings. To eliminate the raking up time can effectively cut the work in half. It’s not always possible where there are planted beds beneath, but if you can, just lift your tip sheet straight into the bin (or Volvo). Once that’s all done, the hotter weather should mean a great reduction in weed germination. The lawn 4
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The lowdown Remix was packed for The Inbetweeners Ball, with an amazing CO2 freeze jet and laser party and lots of surprises! Teenage reporters Charly Luck and Jasmine Bual caught up with two of the visiting stars from hit TV show ‘The Inbetweeners’.
Q
Joe Thomas, how did you land the role of Simon in E4’s hilarious show ‘The Inbetweeners’?
A
I was in a comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival, which was really fun. I was approached by a producer of ‘The Inbetweeners’ who asked me to audition, and I got the part!
Q A
So what do you think of tonight’s event at Remix?
It’s fantastic! We love it that people love the show so much, and that real teenagers are here tonight – just like in the show. It’s wicked.
Q A
What are your plans for the future?
Another series of ‘The Inbetweeners’, definitely, but it hasn’t been written yet. Also all four of us – me, Will, Jay and Neil – are going on holiday for the weekend, for a well-deserved break!
Q
Finally, Joe, it has to be asked… would you rather be a bus-w***er or a briefcasew***er?
A
Definitely a bus-w***er – public transport is the way forward, what with the environment and all that!
Q
Henry Lloyd-Hughes, you play the part of psychotic school bully Mark Donovan – how does it feel to be the bad boy of the show, and are you like your character in any way?
A
It’s great, I enjoy playing a non-likeable
Jasmine and Charly prepare to interview ‘Inbetweeners’ star Joe Thomas.
character – especially as Mark Donovan is nothing like me in real life. We do have a lot of fun on set, though: my favourite is the scene where I put a bucket over Will’s head!
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As fans of ‘The Inbetweeners’ will know, Simon is hopelessly besotted with Carli (played by Emily Head) – they seem to be getting on fine at Remix though!
Q
What do you think of the series, now that you’ve watched it back?
A
I don’t understand how people say they can’t watch their own stuff because I absolutely loved it, it was brilliant!
Q A
Is there a lot of drama offscreen?
Now that the interview is over, Jasmine and Charly enjoy chilling out with Joe. A big thank you to Lewis at Remix for a fantastic night out that included an opportunity to meet the cast of ‘The Inbetweeners’ and Tony Adkins (Simon Cowell’s bodyguard), surprise performances by solo artist Young Nate and upcoming band The Ruskins, and the unexpected arrival of Luke Pasqualino (Freddie from ‘Skins’).
Oh there’s high drama! The filming is very
Q A
stressful because you have to remember your lines and there are loads of schedules, which can stress people out. But we did have a lot of fun making the series.
What’s next for you?
Another series of ‘The Inbetweeners’, of
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course, but also I’m going to be in a new play called ‘Punk Rock’, in Hammersmith and Manchester. I’m very nervous because performing live is so different to acting on camera – you can’t make any mistakes and have to hope you don’t do anything embarrassing on the night!
Pictured with Jasmine, actor Luke Pasqualino liked Remix so much that he came back for a second visit!
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The villages of Knebworth, Woolmer Green, Welwyn, Datchworth and Oaklands all benefit from outstanding pre-school and primary schools, which educate, in total, over 1200 children. But that is only part of the story. Sadly, there are no secondary schools in any of these villages to enable children to capitalise on the excellent start that they have already made in their education. Due to the distances between the villages and the nearest existing secondary schools with their huge catchment areas, most of the places are already allocated long before our choice of schools can be considered. The result of this is that many families move away from the area in pursuit of better school options. If they do stay many are left deeply dissatisfied with what they are offered. There is also an important environmental issue because, getting kids to classes and home again can mean a drive of at least twenty minutes, four times a day, usually involving rush-hour traffic. The journey is well beyond walking or cycling distance for village children. Needless to say, families in the area are desperate for a local secondary school to serve their needs. The good news is that an ideal site for a new secondary school has been identified. Situated between Knebworth and Woolmer Green, it is both within easy, and safe, walking distance for the majority of children in our villages and would also provide daily exercise There is also the potential to greatly reduce the number of unnecessary car journeys within the area (currently many hundreds daily), contribute to reducing pollution and help protect our precious environment. The new school would be established as a centre
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of educational excellence. It would be an amazing place for our children and of huge benefit to the entire community. it We are intent on providing, playing fields, open green spaces, woods and a range other of other community facilities within the scheme for the parents and surrounding villages to enjoy. The obvious need for a secondary school was recognized over a hundred years ago when Knebworth Estate with their architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, drew up plans for the creation of Knebworth. Plans unrealized following the First World War. There is no doubt that we would all benefit from the enhanced education and leisure facilities that a new school and its recreation areas would provide. We have a dedicated team in place, working hard to ensure that this school comes into being. However, there is much work to do. Please support our campaign, and help make Lutyens’ vision, and the dream for all our children, a glorious reality. For further information, or to see how you can help, please visit our website at: www.weneedaschool.org There, you can also follow links to our petition, blog and contact pages. On behalf of all our villages, thank you for your interest and support.
Ogle First Garden City Heritage Museum To coincide with the forthcoming Festival about Letchworth’s industry, Josh Tidy (Curator, First Garden City Heritage Museum) explores the history of one of the town’s most nteresting companies, Ogle Design… Ogle Ltd. is a Letchworth Garden City firm that specialises in selling designs and ideas that it can carry through to a prototype model. The company began in 1954 when David Ogle started selling designs from his living room, which later progressed to an office in Stevenage. In 1960 Ogle moved to Birds Hill in Letchworth and a model shop was established in which prototypes could be built. Tragically David Ogle died in a car crash in 1962 but the company continued and appointed Tom Karen to become Managing Director and Chief Designer. As soon as the company moved to Letchworth work began on several car projects. These usually involved re-working the bodywork but keeping the chassis and engine of existing cars. Early work included an Ogle version of a Daimler (the Daimler SP250) and the BMC Mini Cooper. Over 80 Ogle Minis were built in Letchworth. Other early projects included the Ogle 1.5, a reworking of the 1.5 Riley and the Ogle-designed Stirling Moss Cortina. In 1964 the company designed the Reliant Rebel and the Triplex Special that was bought by the Duke of Edinburgh. This was followed by the Scimitar GTE - a combination of a sports car and an estate car. It became a bestseller, putting Reliant on the map. The Landspeeder vehicle, from the movie ‘Star Wars’, designed in Letchworth Garden City!
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Many of Ogle’s designs are pictured on this card, commemorating the company’s 45th anniversary in 1999. In 1970 came the Bond Bug, the iconic orange three-wheeled car. Over 2000 Bond Bugs were built and they are collectors items today with their classic retro look. The most famous three-wheeled design by Ogle was the Bond Bug’s successor, the Reliant Robin. Less flash, but more practical, this model was a worldwide success.
However, one of Ogle’s biggest contributions to car development was not a car. Working with MIRA (The Motor Industry Research Association) in 1972 they launched the Crash Test Dummy and in 1974 child crash test dummies. Ogle also designed many familiar domestic products. For example, David Ogle designed the best selling Bush Radio of the 1950’s and then Tom Karen repeated the achievement with his own classic Bush radio design of the 1960’s. Tom Karen and Ogle Design also created an icon of the 1970’s - the Chopper Bicycle (although this is refuted by Raleigh).
Ogle designed this, the first ‘Popemobile’, using a Range Rover.
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Another exciting project the company worked on was making the original models for the Y-Fighter and Landspeeder vehicles used in the hugely popular Star Wars trilogy. They also made the first ‘Popemobile’, modelled out of a Range Rover.
In the 1980’s they pioneered new designs for lorry cabs for British Leyland and designed the Flymo lawnmower and the Cindico folding pushchair. Another, much copied design classic was the children’s game, Marble Run by Kiddicraft, which has its origins in a game that Tom Karen designed for his children. Still going strong, Ogle are just one small part of the rich and varied history of industry in Letchworth Garden City. A special 1950s/60s festival being held in Letchworth will celebrate the first garden City’s industrial past, with stalls and displays throughout Broadway Gardens on Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd August. We at the museum will be there, I do hope you can join us…
Garden_A6 Advert_vF
4/6/09
4:09 pm
Page 1
Exhibition open 20 June to 31 August
GardenCity Where town and country meet discover the unique story of Letchworth’s Gardens and Open Spaces Admission charges Residents 50p, Non Residents £1, Students 50p, Under 16’s Free
www.letchworthgc.com
296 Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1SU Tel: 01462 482710 Email: fgchm@letchworth.com Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm
An enterprise of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, an Industrial and Provident Society with charitable status. Registered No. 28211R
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Biography for Michael Moscatiello Michael has taken the initiative to compose his own music and his pieces have been described as imaginative and accurate; to date, he has composed ten pieces of music. His dedication and passion for Music has enabled him to start playing pieces of a grade 8 standard; the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music has 8 grades in their Piano Syllabus; I believe this provides an indication of Michael’s capabilities.
Michael’s aspiration is to become a film composer.
Michael’s achievements have been recognised by those closest to him and he is now a member of The National Academy for Gifted, Talented Youth.
Michael shows originality and coherence in his compositions and his wide ranging interest in different kinds of music informs all aspects of his music.
“
I have heard and watched Michael play and was genuinely amazed and surprised at his mature and accomplished style. My immediate reaction was that Michael was playing a piece of music composed by a professional pianist – the arrangement was incredible! A true genius in the shaping.
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Alex 17th July 2009
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Michael has been given the responsibility of Lead Choir and Orchestra Pianist at his school and is looking to sign up for a jazz band later this year. Michael can easily adapt his style of performance to reflect the mood of the occasion and would be any asset to any event.
Michael is a very gifted young man, and looked fantastic in his tuxedo, he really brought a touch of class to my wedding... Thank you Callie and Andrew 12th October 2008
The Letchworth Business Club Calling all business owners in and around the Letchworth area, are you struggling through this recession? Are you looking at ways to increase your income but cannot afford to pay out excessive marketing cost? Why not join the “The Letchworth Business Club” a Networking group who meet at The Broadway Hotel in Letchworth every Wednesday morning between 7.30-9am. Joining the group cost just £50.00 to secure your trade for 12 months, plus the cost of your breakfast. This will give you: Support from members within their given trade Opportunities to promote you and your company to fellow members. Member support promoting you and your business to potential customers. Plus lots more……. To find out if your profession / trade is available within this group, please visit www.theletchworthbusinessclub.co.uk or call Matt Garrod on 07793 863636 for further information.
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The teams looked great in the kit provided by the tour sponsors.
‘Le rugby’: Hitchin boys do us proud in Paris Seventy sports-mad pupils from Hitchin Boys’ School did us proud in this year’s Junior International Rugby Festival, held in Paris. During the Easter break, three teams from Hitchin Boys’ School participated in an international rugby tournament in Paris. The trip started in style, with the boys sporting tour ‘hoodies’, colourful wigs and hats as they boarded the tour bus. Determined not to be outdone by the players, the teachers also wore the tour hoodies, nicely topped off with Elvis hairdos and sunglasses!
The boys and their teachers took time out from rugby training to visit the Disney Park.
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All the boys put in a sterling performance on the pitch, throughout the tournament. Chris Bajak Sports teacher
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The boys unwind at the Davy Crockett Ranch after training. All the boys played their socks off throughout the tournament and the results for the three teams make impressive reading: • U 14 Shield Competition Winner – beating Denstone College by three tries to two • U 13 International Runner-Up – the ‘A’ team lost to South Gower 5:0 in an intense final • U 13 Shield Competition Third Place – the ‘B’ team put in a spirited performance in all their matches and never gave up. Each day, after the rugby, the boys were given the opportunity to visit the two Disney parks. On the final night of the tour, they were treated to an awards dinner at Planet Hollywood, where all three Hitchin Boys’ School teams picked up awards. To cap it all, Year 8 pupil Chris Woodham picked up the Referees U13 Spirit of the Game Award. Chris Bajak said: “The 70 boys were a credit to their school, both on and off the pitch. They all looked the part, too – and on behalf of the boys I’d like to say a huge thank you for the £4,000 worth of kit that was generously provided by our tour sponsors: Options Kitchens and Bathrooms; MBDA; JJ Burgess and Sons; and Tylers Sportswear (St Albans).”
Hitchin Boys’ School teachers ‘did it their way’ when they met former Ireland rugby captain Keith Wood!
“
The master class session was brilliant, I trained with Jason Leonard, England’s most capped forward, and what a training session it was. Then we had a team training session with Zinzan Brooke and Robert Jones – it felt great running straight into Zinzan and knocking him back about 10cms. James Skirrow Year 8 pupil
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Music Zone
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he Makers: T & d n e r e Rev alking gh his old Silence Is T n going thou
bee m glad he as the Rev Is it me or h ays CDs? Maybe, but I’ sample e d Happy Mon summer tune … with th ance d t 9 a 8 e r 19 G a did… r) and e id R w o L e comes the from (War’s lly can’t go wrong. Her a beat you re ! !!! !!! ls a iv fest
The Jacks: Not Me Not You/ D o
or don't "Not Me Not You" is a brilliant singl e. I loved pretty much everyt hi so many different ng about it. The band has soun you have good know ds to them as well. If le scene then you will dge of the Hitchin music have heard of a ba called Flamboyant nd B single reminded me ella. The harmonies on the of has underlying tone them. The band certainly s of bands such as Underground Hero The es , To put it simply th and maybe even The view. e sin The Muscle Club: om Young Lungs lighthearted indie pop/roglcke isanjudstI beautiful, love it The band say that Fragmented Ideas Fr "together they plun ! e /Th iths Sm from a variety of der Sonics es The I really think that this album ooz just This is their so styles and an array of genres. ed icis ant rom are cs lyri the y und. It is not limit Cribs styling. The wa ed and it will always m. The beat of the the of me ed ind rem evolve" and I real ay aw t igh stra ly think ie type guitars just that it's true. The B-side to drum and the typically jangle ind th e sin gl e "Do Or h them. I think with a Don't" proves it; the tempo is fa left me longing to be at a gig wit r slower and so un ds n co itio ogn mp letely different! le more rec little bit of fine tuning and a litt st fine les' Wa of one into n The Muscle Club could tur cks just made exports! Everything about the tra ! I read on their me want to smile, laugh and dance to play The Fly on Myspace page that they are set y wanting to really the 11th July so I think that anybod d in all their glory experience and embrace the ban This album, despite should get themselves down there! sly delightful. My it only being 6 tracks long, is seriou k is "ithaca". It's so favourite track on the album I thin album because of hard to pick favourites with this it. the sheer brilliance and dare I say 21
rips: The Rumble Sthe Walk Alone just too thought it was T st o ju T I ; e m m u o lb a lc We s disappointed with this ally good but the band are re
wa ng what It wasn't that I om the band. Don't get me wro le. The band do have tt li a ne fr tu g r in ei typical com changed th ink that they ay but I just th about time they I just think it's do it well at the end of the d r something a bit more risky fo ey I really they do and th again with this album! Time r comfort zone! songs, u yo of t t ye ou e fe m sa for a few played it t PLEASE co and it's alright e yourselves bu guys! Don't loos e 60's style they have to them sed me with "Not The Only es e th like and admir album. The 'Strips really impr kend" and seemed minutely ee re W ti en re erned, n pi but not a ed a little "Vam but I think, as far as I'm conc gh! It nd u so it se u ca m ou Person" be t good en on the albu ! um. Good but no e other tracks different to th ally got me going with this alb k I'll be listening in small doses in re th t I a w th that's all but for no e after a while might grow on m
Paul W
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STEP BACK IN TIME ZONE
eller: Modern Cla Okay so I know I ha ssics. ve n't fl ow n back too far in year for the modf tim e fo r at this but he r so it deserved to be on the tin. 11 years written about. Mod1998 seemed to be a pretty iconic ag o th e al ern Classics is exac bum was brilliant in another 11 years , it's st tly wh legendary in itself. time. This album is also home to theill amazing now and will probably beat it says Th tr He makes it sound e way the song is just one riff pl ack "Wild Wood" which is pretty legendary and this album ho so different and just brilliant. As ayed over and over is really quite iconic/ autobiographical uses ALL of my favourite Weller tr you can probably tell I'm a Paul Welclever. soul reviving "Bro track” The Changing Man", "You Doacks which include "Peacock Suit", ler nut different tracks onken Stones". This album is the highlig Something To Me", "Brand New St seemingly it sort of makes th the album take you back to differht of Weller's solo career, it really art" and they were influenc e album a talking timeline.. You haveent parts of Weller career which I is. The his days in The St ed by Wellers days with The Jam, "B "Brushed" and "Mermaids" which think is cool, nothing about Welyle Council and then "The hanging maroken Stones", obviously representa sound like the time you've ha ler and his musical journey, let's ca n" which links to his solo career. If tional of hold very close to d a listen of this influential and ph ll it.. Then you will definitely know you know you for fathers damy heart and I cannot thank my daenomenal collection of songs. This is about it by Wellers sheer magn y there.,) I urge you all to listen an d enough for getting me into him! (a an album I d to lit ificence! I'd give th is album a million be astounded and completely taketle thank starts if I could! n in by
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Benslow Music Trust August is a time when many of us seek sunshine, sea and idle repose. And why not? After a year of recession and worry we deserve a break. But at Benslow Music Trust our idea of a break is anything but idle repose. Our course participants come here to play, listen to and learn about music, far away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. And for us it’s business as usual. So we begin an action-packed August with week-long International Summer Schools for viola, harp and flute players. It’s now traditional for this event to be complemented by a concert of music for flute and harp, open not just to course members but to the general public, and this year is no exception. On Thursday 7 August at 8 pm the celebrated flautist (and regular tutor at Benslow) Philippa Davies joins forces with Claire Jones, official Royal Harpist to Prince Charles, in a varied programme of music by Poulenc, Martinu, Marais and others. As ever at Benslow, tickets are very keenly priced – just £11, or £8 for those qualifying for concessionary tickets. Not bad for an evening’s entertainment given by performers of world-class standing. Even better, if you’re a full time student and can book in advance, give us a call on 01462 459446 in normal working hours (or email us at info@benslow.org) and we’ll let you in for nothing. Of course, more courses follow hot on the heels of these summer schools, devoted to string orchestra, to wind chamber music, to baroque chamber music and, not least, to Alexander Technique. Many professional musicians swear by this relaxation technique, but it’s good for anyone, musical or not. Next month I’ll be bringing news of two enticing concerts and of an exciting new collaboration which we hope will bring more young people through our doors. By Stephen Pettitt, Head of Music at Benslow
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Film zone DVD and film reviews So how’s the film world looking? Well I can tell you this its festival time in Hitchin which includes the film festival. So you will be able to catch “Slumdog Millionaire” if you haven’t seen it already. There’s also a showing of the rock sixties classic “Woodstock” which includes appearances by The Who & Jimi Hendrix amongst many other icons at the famous and legendary concert. There’s also “Housewives choice” a ration book documentary and Old Hitchin on film. So a varied and interesting bunch of things to see. Catch you there I hope. Other things, well I will have just returned from New York when you read this. Where hopefully I will catch some new stuff. For now we have “Last Chance Harvey” “Coraline” and Terminator. Grab a look.
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Telstar: Cinema Yes I was there, so I’ll start with a question: Who turned down The Beatles, passed on Tom Jones and constantly argued with a young Chas before Dave? Plus your’s truly came under fire from him? Answer Joe Meek the 1950’s/60’s independent record producer whose rise & fall is beautifully caught by director Nick Moran in “TELSTAR”. This all British movie really captures the 50’s/60’s era of coming in to London to be a star. Telling the tale of record producer ego maniac Joe Meek. The whole thing is beautifully done with Con O’Neil as Meek giving an ace performance. As we watch his rise & fall in the world of pop. One is easily transformed back in time to that fickle period. Country boy Meek struggles to find that sound, and does via hits like “Johnny Remember me” and “Telstar” which goes to number 1 in the U.S.A. which is pre Beatles. His achievements were huge but flip over to the B side, & he was weird and frankly “nuts”. Struggling with his homosexuality, which helps to bring him down & bad business deals he’s on a journey to doom. Which he proves when he shoots himself & his landlady (Pam Ferris). It’s all here his battles with Clem Cattini and Chas (before Dave) of The Outlaws. His love for the peroxide Heinz, & his clashes with the major (Kevin Spacey) indeed I rowed with him myself. He was summed up at a Q & A session. A sound genius but a musical moron. One flaw, who ever cast that actor as Billy Fury wants talking too. “Billy Fury was sexy”. ****
Last Chance Harvey: Cinema So there was myself and a lady who walked out at the end of the film in tears. She said to me “wasn’t that lovely, I think you have to be a certain age to appreciate it” Well I’d like to think she is wrong when it comes to the latter. It is a lovely film, it’s a simple tale but with two great stars in the leads it’s got that extra ingredient called class. In one sense it’s a look back to the time of stars like Tracy & Hepburn who did this kind of picture so well. Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) is a jingles composer who dashes to London to his daughters wedding and whilst en route he is intercepted by Kate (Emma Thompson) whose mission is to get air passengers thoughts on their journey. He’s rude she is kind so no go there. Once he’s at the wedding he feels totally out of the event because stepdad is very much at the helm. The next day he misses his plane home and meets up with Kate again, and so via one-liners and on the spot comments he attempts an apology and so begins a bizarre relationship that ends in hope. Along the way Dustin delivers one of the most heart felt speeches that I’ve seen on film and Emma is just a delight. I almost felt at times that I wanted to put my arm around her and say its ok you’re so nice and she is.****
Coraline: Cinema This excellent animation though first class is a little scary and rather creepy. In other words you have been warned meaning I don’t think it’s suitable for the very young. Be careful what you wish for applies here as Coraline whose bored with teen life (Really!) finds a secret door in her wall that leads to a parallel world that includes a very frightening mother and father and other scary things. With voices from Teri Hatcher and other big names directed by Henry Selick it’s an odd piece. **** Night at the museum 2: Cinema If you have seen the first one then you know what to expect. More of the same except its in a larger museum the Smithsonian in Washington DC, lots of fun and frolic. Custer gets a look in this time. Ben Stillers …. Ben Stiller, if you know what I mean. ***
Terminator Salvation: Cinema Well there have been a lot of these over the years… Terminators I mean, why even the governor of California dear old Arnie has been involved. This time its child actor turned Batman who is on show – namely Christian Bale. In 2018 – Not far away! Machines have ravaged and laid waste to the world. However there are a rag tail bunch of fighters who resist the monsters. Yes the leader is Bale, he comes face to face with the main machine Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) who believes he’s human. This is very dark and disturbing and will keep you watching. There’s lots of excitement and special effects so if Sci Fi is your bag then its for you. ***
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Hannah Montana – The Movie: Cinema Based upon teen cult television programme here is the movie, well we had Bond and Flash Gordon – God, that dates me. The youngsters have got! My granddaughter said to me only the other day “mum wont let me see the movie as its American trash” that’s probably going a bit far. Basically Hannah or Miley Stewart – real name Miley Cyrus is bought back down to earth by her daddy (Billy Ray Cyrus) he removes her from the glamour and dumps her back in Tennessee. Reason – to regain her home spun values. How she copes and what life she chooses is there for you to love or not. Finally … the wig? *** The International: DVD In the 1970s I recall standing alone and looking up to the glass ceiling in the Guggenheim art museum in New York , and thinking imagine if that lot shattered. So you could say that the bizarre thought came true, as one of the most spectacular shoot outs in movie history
takes place in that same venue and there is glass & bodies all over the place. Question… Why did the police take so long to arrive? Interpol agent Salinger-great name (Clive Owen) & DA (Naomi Watts) join forces to investigate the activities of a global bank whose dealing include financing terrorist groups and far worse. The trail takes them from New York to Berlin, Milan & Istanbul. “You control the debt you control everything “is their password. The bank are aware of Salinger & co so put out their own hit squad-hence the glassy shoot out-which is great. Everything resolves with our dear old friends the Mafia hosting the final vouches. This stylish & taunt thriller is a must with Clive Owen proving once more that maybe he’s a future Bond (shave first though Clive) it has an edge of 007, Bourne and even Hitchcock all thrown in. My favorite line “Sometimes a man can meet this destiny on the road he took in the first place “by the way watch out there will be sequel or two. Excellent *****
10% Off
Bushel & Strike
Food bill, when you bring along this advert.
Valid Monday - Saturday.
Carvery Every Sunday £8.50. Full menu also available 7 days of the week. Function room available for Hire (Birthdays, Anniversaries and Weddings).
Telephone 01462 742 394 15 Mill Street, Ashwell, Hertfordshire SG7 5LY
www.thebushelandstrike.co.uk 26
THE BROADWAY CINEMA AUGUST 1936 – AUGUST 2009
When the Broadway celebrates its 73rd birthday on August 26th 2009 it should be very proud of its achievements. Could the local architects Bennett and Bidewell have foreseen how well it would stand the test of time? When first built using over 350,000 red bricks and patterned concrete blocks it must have looked magnificent especially at night when lit by huge red and blue neon lights. The auditorium boasted a temperature controlled air conditioning system, which along with the near perfect acoustics was envied by many of the London cinemas.
Can you imagine the excitement of the black tie? Opening gala performance, of “ Follow The Fleet” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. 1,400 attended leaving many disappointed in the queue outside. It must have been an extraordinary evening., The wonder of this beautiful art deco style building decorated in peacock and gold and lit by nearly 200 ceiling lights and concealed lamps on every other seat. The attention to detail including the usherettes smart peacock and gold uniforms with crimson cuffs, brass buttons and matching pillbox hat. Both the Regent and Broadway cinema remained open during the dark days of World War Two, providing an affordable means of escapism. During air raids the projectionist used to display a message on screen giving the audience the.... 27
...choice of leaving to go home. The Broadway was also used as a reception centre for the many evacuees moving into the area. It is good to know that Letchworth’s Jewish community were able to use the facilities as their synagogue during those troubled times and hopefully derived great comfort from it. In 1955 the new curvilinear screen was installed, enabling cinemascope films to be shown. On 12th September nineteen years after the inaugural gala of 1936 a gala reopening was held. Once again it was Fred Astaire with Leslie Caron in “Daddy Longlegs”. The 1960s saw a decline in audiences for all cinemas, due to the popularity of television and with more disposable income after
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THE BROADWAY CINEMA AUGUST 1936 – AUGUST 2009
the austere war years. Having been the main source of entertainment the cinema now faced stiff competition. The Broadway survived the lean years, providing a venue for rallies, speeches and live music. Among those who performed there were Marty Wilde and Aker Bilk. I would loved to have been there to hear Aker play his big hit of the 1960s “Stranger on The Shore” I’m sure it would have sounded amazing. The Beatles were rumoured to have been booked, but had to cancel when they unexpectedly “hit the big time”. Sadly Letchworth Palace closed on 31st December 1977, leaving the Broadway to stand-alone. Moving on to the early 1990s such classics as ‘Gone With The Wind’ ‘Casablanca’ and Cinema Paradiso’
achieved full houses. By 1995 the Broadway had survived the good and bad years but was in urgent need of a comprehensive refurbishment. It was thanks to the £2 m funding by the newly formed Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, that multiplex came to Letchworth. Twin screens were created out of the original stalls. Screen one was created by utilising the full sweep of the old dress circle and has lost none of its former charm. In 2008 a further £1m was invested to provide new seating, lifts and repairs to the roof. What was once the former restaurant and storage area upstairs is now screen four. Standing in the octagonal foyer today I think the architects and builders of 1936 would approve of how their beautiful original building has evolved. The enthusiasm and commitment of management and staff providing affordable entertainment for audiences of all ages will ensure its continuing success. Marty Coe My thanks to Geoff and Letchworth Garden City Heritage Museum for all their help.
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Fun zone This months Wordsearch...
Words to find: BUMP CHATTERBOX CLUMSY DAYDREAM FORGETFUL FUNNY GREEDY
HAPPY IMPOSSIBLE JELLY LAZY MEAN MESSY NOISY
NOSEY SILLY SMALL SNEEZE TOPSYTURVY UPPITY
Fun zone ...and Sudoku. Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that each 3x3 block, column, and full row includes each of the numbers from 1 to 9 only once.
Psssssttttt... Answers available on page 34
J Fun and stimulating learning environment from birth to 5 years. J Fully qualified and dedicated staff delivering the EYFS. J Secure sensory garden and rubberised play area. J Open 8:30-5:30 Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year. (outside hours available on request 8am-6pm) J 35 West End, Ashwell. Easy access from A505 and A1M 33
Advertisers zone We would like to say thank you to all the advertisers in this months issue. Autolube – www.autolube.net Benslow – www.benslow.org
Martins of Letchworth – www.martinsofletchworth.co.uk
Bushel & Strike – www.thebushelandstrike.co.uk
Miss Jones – www.missjonesfreelancedesign.com
Carnival Blinds – www.carnivalblind.co.uk
Sun Studio – www.sunstudioletchworth.co.uk
Clay Busters – www.claybusters.net
We Need a School – www.weneedaschool.org
Deepdale – www.deepdalepet.com
WM Gas Services Ltd.
EMH Technology – www.emhtechnology.com First Garden City Museum – www.letchworthgc.com Glorias Day Nursery Hitchin Market – www.hitchinmarkets.co.uk
If you would like to place advertising within this publication, or would like to contribute any interesting articles please contact me on: 07843 699514 email: ian@localinsight.co.uk www.localinsight.co.uk
Letchworth Business Club – www.theletchworthbusinessclub.co.uk LOVEFiLM.com – www.lovefilm.com Mac Project Services – www.macproject-services.co.uk
Answer zone
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Showroom: Unit 16, Furmston Court, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 1UJ Tel: 01462 685588 Fax: 01462 685557 4
web: www.carnivalblind.co.uk E-mail: info@carnivalblind.co.uk
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