Charity committed to creating a sustainable future for the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill

The Apsley Paper Trail Trust is a registered charity committed to creating a sustainable future for the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill and the birthplace of paper’s industrial revolution.

Today, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers work to conserve and protect the Grade II listed buildings, historic water wheel, working paper machines, printing presses, artefacts and archives relating to the history of paper making. Paper is still made on one of the oldest working machines in the world by a team of heritage paper makers. This includes live seed paper and a range of bespoke papers for some of the country’s biggest brands.

In 1803 the first Fourdrinier Paper Machine was installed at Frogmore, which has been a corn and cloth mill for 1000 years and making paper by hand since 1774. This was a world changing invention which led to the communication and education revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Unfortunately, a major fire in January 2022 destroyed our museum, shop, café and education centre. Despite this tragedy, the Trust has developed an ambitious recovery plan, starting with converting the surviving historic buildings into a visitor centre, education and events space. The site of the former museum has become an outdoor education space and will be developed further into a dynamic eco-learning zone and nature reserve where the site’s biodiversity and unique chalk streams can be protected and celebrated.

imperatives from Pendley Manor’s dedicated events team means events and customs are taken care of as couples can focus on exchanging vows and simply celebrating.

According to General Manager Chetan Bhanot, “One common theme has been an influx of enquiries for celebratory events – receptions, award ceremonies, dinners, and even summer and Christmas parties. It is evident that people are ready to come together and celebrate. We are very excited to play host to superb functions in this spectacular new space, and what will bring a fresh new surround for people to come together and celebrate, inaugurate and so much more.”

The new visitor centre will open next year, in time for the 250th anniversary of paper making at Frogmore. Longer term, our goal is to become the leading example of an inclusive, accessible and sustainable eco-industrial heritage site. We will educate and inspire visitors to protect their planet, reduce, reuse and recycle, with paper at the heart of our story. From the place where paper production changed the world forever, we will step up to the challenge of saving it.

One of the biggest issues in our waste bin is the amount of edible food being thrown away.

50,000 tonnes a year of edible food is being chucked away in Hertfordshire, having a devastating effect on our carbon footprint. Collectively, we can reduce our carbon footprint by 88 million kg CO2, or the equivalent to taking 20,000 cars off the road.

By simply making the most of our food. You can give food waste the chop. It’s easy to follow the 4 steps to save. Visit www.wasteaware.org.uk/worthsaving to find out how to save money and save food. It’s all #WorthSaving.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) officially awarded the biannual mark of high standards to the Chamber at the annual conference in London.

Briege said: “It is testament to the hard work of all the team that our accreditation has been renewed for another three years and I am proud that we remain the only accredited Chamber in the county.”

Chambers are assessed by an independent third party every three years against criteria relating to governance, resources and services. The Herts Chamber, which will be celebrating its centenary next year, has an unbroken record of accreditation.

“It defines the quality standards that we operate under, helping to identify and promote good practice. The standards provide assurance of the high quality and range of services that we can offer to businesses, which differentiates accredited Chambers from other business membership organisations.”

The conference, where Briege was filmed for TV news discussing the growth of businesses and the economy in the county, was attended by representatives from the UK’s 53 Chambers. The CEO was joined by colleagues Georgia Nicholls, Donna Schultz, Mary Sykes and John Woodruffe. Guests of the Chamber included Silvia Vitiello, partner, Moore Kingston Smith; Rachel Budge, Head of Mid Corporate Hertfordshire Barclays; Kate Asante, Director of Business Development and Engagement, University of Hertfordshire; and Richard Beazley MBE, DL.

“It is important for us to attend to ensure our members’ voices are being heard. The Director General, Shevaun Haviland, used the platform to urge the Government to put business front and centre of its plans to revive our economy.

“The themes discussed during the event - skills, green innovation, growth and trade – are all important for Hertfordshire businesses. It was interesting to hear how other Chambers are supporting their members and be able to share best practice.”

Rothamsted Manor is a beautiful Grade I listed manor house, set in the heart of the Rothamsted Estate in Harpenden Hertfordshire. Rothamsted Manor offers you the chance to make your next corporate meeting, training event, conference, private dinner or awards ceremony unique.

Set in its own gardens, this unique venue provides an outdoor space for reflective conversations and time to think, whilst also being perfectly suited for bringing teams and organisations together for special occasions

01582 938500 conferencing@rothamstedenterprises.com www.rothamstedenterprises.com

DKI