#Herts April 2019 by Hashtag Digital Media

# HERTS

February 2019 December 2018

Apr il 2019

All t h e t op even t s an d Th eubu f eat r essin iness Oscar #Her t ss season begin s in #Her t s

What's on in #Herts

BOXING CLEVER Lear n in g a lif e lesson

EVENTS IN #HERTS We look at m ajor even t s t o visit in t h e cou n t y

BEENZ M EANS En joy a n ew t ast e

BUSINESS GIVING BACK We spot ligh t a #Her t s bu sin ess h elpin g local gr ou ps

THINK TEACHING Tak e u p a n ew car eer

UNLIM ITED FILM S

M AKING A M AGICAL M OTHER'S DAY

Win Cin ew or ld t ick et s

Som e gr eat places t o go t o t r eat you r m u m t h is year

FOCUS ON OVARIAN CANCER MONTH IN #Herts

Raising awareness in ovarian cancer month

A brave woman who is currently recovering from surgery as part of her battle with ovarian cancer is determined to speak out and help others during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (March).

Katie Harrington, who lives in Buntingford, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2013. She said: ?I actually went to see a consultant about my hip, which was sore. He scanned me and immediately referred me to a gynaecologist.

?Within a week I was in surgery. I had Stage 3C ovarian cancer and it had spread right up to my diaphragm. It was a real shock. ?The surgeon removed part of my liver, bladder and bowel, and I also had a hysterectomy.? Following surgery, Katie looked

up the symptoms of ovarian cancer. She said: ?For years I have had cystitis at least every three to four months, and I also felt bloated a lot. These are two classic symptoms, but nobody every said this to me.? Katie, 53, had put the bloated feeling down to irritable bowel syndrome, which both her sister and niece suffer with. Following surgery, Katie had regular check-ups. She explained: ?After the surgery I still had a little bit of cancer left, but the doctors thought chemotherapy wouldn?t work.? Devastatingly, just before Christmas doctors found a tumour in Katie?s chest. She

said: ?It was right next to my heart and the size of a golf ball. It was the same cancer as before but it had metastasised. I?m now at home recovering from surgery.? Katie is determined to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, to promote early detection of the disease in women. ?If I hadn?t gone to see a consultant about my sore hip ? which actually had nothing to do with the cancer ? I wouldn?t have known,?she said. ?Tell your daughters, your sisters, your nieces and your wife, if they feel something?s not right, see a GP. Trust your

instincts.? Doctor Sharon Tate, head of primary care development at national charity Target Ovarian Cancer, said: ?Early diagnosis drastically improves treatment options and the long-term outlook for women with ovarian cancer, so it?s crucial we don?t leave it to chance.? Symptoms of ovarian cancer include a bloated tummy, always feeling full, tummy pain and needing to wee more often. For more information about ovarian cancer symptoms and support, visit www.targetovariancancer .org.uk

Boxing clever in the bid to teach our youngsters about railway safety

Network Rail has chosen a Hertfordshire school to launch a new initiative aimed at teaching young people about railway safety through boxing. The railway company said it chose the John Warner School in Hoddesdon to launch the national campaign because Hertfordshire is prone to railway trespass, with 302 incidents recorded last year. The project will combine sport, recreation and fitness with information about the importance

of staying safe and never taking chances around the railway.

includes fitness information as well as railway safety messages.

To launch the scheme, John Warner School pupils took part in non-contact boxing workshops that included elements of rail safety and were led by GB and England boxing coach Quinton ?Q? Shillingford.

Network Rail?s community safety manager, Kathleen O?Malley, said: ?This is an exciting initiative which will help teach young people how to stay safe around the railway, while improving their health, fitness and discipline through amateur boxing.?

Each young person who takes part in the initiative has the chance to work towards GB National (Non-Contact) Boxing Awards and will be given a workbook which

Quinton said: ?GB Boxing and England Boxing are proud to be able to deliver this unique offer of the GB National (Non-Contact)

Boxing Awards and railway safety awareness to young people. ?Our sport is built around the safety and welfare of all participants, so it is therefore appropriate that our joint message with Network Rail is to stay safe around stations and tracks. ?GB Boxing and England Boxing

are confident, with Network Rail?s assistance, that through participating in sport we can help young people stay safe around the railway.? Tara Haddock, assistant headteacher at the John Warner School, said: ?We are pleased to support this exciting partnership

to help our pupils stay safe on the railway, while improving their health and fitness. ?The railway is full of both obvious and hidden dangers, so by offering pupils an engaging and fun way to learn about safety on the railway we hope they will be able to keep themselves and their friends safe.?

Mother's Day - where to spend it in #Herts W it h Mot her?s Day fast -approaching, it ?s t ime t o st art t hinking how best t o t reat your mum on March 31, perhaps wit h Sunday lunch, aft ernoon t ea or an indulgent spa day. Here?s what some of t he best venues in t he count y have t o offer?

Fanhams Hall in Ware (Right ) Why not head to Fanhams Hall for a delicious Sunday lunch or afternoon tea before exploring the extensive listed gardens? There?s even a gift for mum included in the price. Sunday lunch is £35 for adults, £33 for senior citizens and £30 for children aged five to 10. Afternoon tea is £32 for adults and £15 for children. All tables must be booked in advance and reservations will require pre-payment. Call 01920 460511 to book.

The Grove in Chandler?s Cross, Wat ford (Right ) For the ultimate indulgence, treat your mum to an afternoon of pure relaxation with the Mother?s Day Sunday Slowdown package at The Grove in Chandler?s Cross, Watford. It includes use of the facilities from 2pm to 7pm,

supper, complimentary gift and a choice of 1 hour 20 minute treatment from a range which includes massages and facials. To book the package, at £180 per person, call 01923 294294. Alternatively, head to The Stables for a mouth-watering seasonal lunch, where you can expect dishes such as the Isle of Wight tomato salad, handmade mushroom tagliatelle, and iced chocolate and peanut parfait, along with a complimentary glass of champagne for mum. Enjoy two courses for £35 or three courses for £40 per person. To book, call 01923 296010.

Barn, while a three-course meal will be served in the Williams Bar and Restaurant. Afternoon tea is £25 for adults and £12.50 for children, while the meal is £38 for adults and £17 for children. Email events@tewinbury.co.uk or call 01438 841463 to book afternoon tea and email williams@tewinbury.co.uk or call 01438 717793 to book a meal.

little different, there will be a Mamma Mia Live Extravaganza in the St Alban Suite, with a live performance from the Sing Out Sisters, covering hits from Mamma Mia, the 60?s and 70?s. There will also be a buffet and a gift from the spa. The event, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm is £59.95 per person. To book, call 01727 864477 or email enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk

Aubrey Park Hot el in Redbourn, near St Albans At Aubrey Park Hotel in Redbourn a delicious three-course carvery will be served in the Oak Suite, or why not enjoy afternoon tea in the Brasserie? There?s even a special gift for each mum who attends. The carvery, served from noon until 4pm, is £35 for adults and £15 for children aged 10 and under. Afternoon tea is also served from noon until 4pm and is £19.95 for adults and £9.95 for children. Call the events team on 01582 792105 or email events@aubreypark.co.uk to book.

Tewin Bury Farm Hot el in Welwyn Afternoon tea at Welwyn?s Tewin Bury Farm Hotel will be served in the Cowshed, Stable and Tythe

Sopwell House in St Albans From sparkling afternoon tea complete with champagne cocktail and a gift from the spa, to a Sunday roast in The Brasserie, Sopwell House in St Albans has Mother?s Day covered. Afternoon tea, available from 12.30pm to 5pm on both March 30 and 31, is £44.95, with children under 12 half-price on the Saturday. A Sunday roast buffet will be available from 12.30pm to 3pm and is £49.95, with children under 12 half-price. If you?re looking for something a

Hanbury Manor Marriot t Hot el and Count ry Club in Ware Afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly, as well as a potted plant for mum, includes finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of delicate French pastries at Hanbury Manor. Afternoon tea, at £50 per person, will be served from 1pm to 5pm. To book, call 01920 487722.

Herts LEP seek out the skills our young need What skills do employers most value in our young people? The results of a major research project on the skills employers most value in young people are being circulated to the county?s secondary schools this week to help improve work readiness and careers guidance. The Hertfordshire Employers? Skills Framework Survey (HESF) is a research study by University of Hertfordshire Business School, commissioned by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Hertfordshire County Council (via YC Hertfordshire). The study aims to set out the skills employers look for in young people, aged 16-24, across key sectors within the county. The results have been used to produce the Hertfordshire Skills Framework, which is being sent out to Hertfordshire?s 148 secondary schools this week. The findings highlight the importance that employers from a range of sectors place on the 12 skills identified within the framework, and their perceptions of the ?work readiness?of school,college, other education and university leavers. The 12 skills are grouped under two main headings: ?people and personal?and ?technical and practical?.?People and personal? skills include the ability to perform the job and time management; persuading and influencing others; managing and motivating other staff (team- working) and setting objectives and planning resources. With regard to ?technical and practical?skills, employers

highlighted a lack of knowledge needed to perform the role; inability to solve complex problems and the lack of numerical and statistical skills.

transitioning into the workplace without some of the key ?people and personal?and ?technical and practical?skills required to make themwork ready.

Hertfordshire employers were then asked to categorise the knowledge, skills and experiences by ?essential?, ?valuable to the business?and ?desirable for the role?, ranking each one by theirimportance. In nearly all the sectors, ?people and personal?skills ranked in the top three, with the two most important skills identified as motivation and ambition, and respect and good manners. The right attitude was seen to be more important that some of the ?technical and practical?skills often regarded as essential.

Every employer approached also expressed the vital role that work experience plays in helping young people transition from education into work.

The key overall findings were: ?People and personal?skills around time and task management, working well in teams and respect and good manners were below expectations, especially in young people. ?Technical and practical?skills around overall business and customer awareness, complex analytical skills and adaptability were especially lacking in those young people going for management and professional occupations. In all, over 60% of the Hertfordshire employers surveyed highlighted that ?technical and practical?skills gaps in young people significantly impact on their ability toperform the job role. Employers also repeatedly fed back to schools, colleges and universities that leavers are still

Mark Bretton, Chair, Hertfordshire LEP, said: ?This framework looks beyond traditionalmeasures of academic success to focus on the development of skills that Hertfordshire employers have told us they look for. This is vital if we want to improve the long term employment chances of our young people. ?Our schools, training providers and colleges have a responsibility both to nurture a lifelong love of learning and help prepare our young people to enter and succeed in the workplace. The Hertfordshire Skills Framework can be used by teachers, education providers, students, employers and all those who have a vested interest in ensuring that our young people fulfiltheir potential.? Cllr David Williams, Leader, Hertfordshire County Council, said: ?The employability of ouryoung people is vital to our future prosperity. In the feedback from schools on the survey findings, we learnt that not enough emphasis was given to the soft or cognitive skills needed to thrive in the workplace. This framework clearly roots employability to a set of learned behaviours that can help shape our young people."

Cannabeenz launched at CBD pancake day NEW Brand Cannabeenz launched at CBD Chocolate Pancake Day

Brand new to the UK market Cannabeenz ?happy chocolate?was launched on Shrove Tuesday 5th March 2019 at the luxurious Hanbury Manor Country House Hotel & Spa, Hertfordshire. Fifty VIP guests sampled a range of the new vegan and hand-made, organic chocolate. Pancakes and waffles prepared with Madagascar, organic chocolate sauce were freshly prepared and accompanied by CBD Hot Chocolate. The country?s first CBD Chocolate Pancake Day marked the launch of Cannabeenz with entertainment by X-Factor and the Voice finalist, Lydia Lucy. The new chocolate company has been founded by award-winning, entrepreneur and author Angela Spencer together with her sister Tina Hammett and Chef Paul Jones. Paul is a Belgian chocolate specialist and a Leith Cookery School graduate. Organic 70% chocolate is combined with, zero THC, full spectrum Hemp extract (CBD with no oil) and a few other ingredients to make the Happy Chocolate range which is now available online and through a selected number of resellers. The chocolate

is made in Chef Paul?s commercial kitchen in the UK with CBD coming from a market leading supplier in Amsterdam who uses EU grown Organic Hemp and it is scientifically tested (each batch has its own Mass Spectrometry Report for quality and consistency) to verify authenticity and purity. Product s include:

Cannabeenz Tins: available in three Hemp Extract strengths: Original (5mg), Mellow (2mg) & Intense (8mg) featuring 55 beans per tin. · Pouch of Beans available on monthly subscription · Cannameltz Hot Chocolate Prices range from £15.99 to £34.99

Ot her product s soon available include: Âˇ Cannapopz: snack size and available for customisation Âˇ Cannabbenz Sports Blend Âˇ Cannabocz: cooking blocks for grating and cooking Angela Spencer, Cannabeenz Managing Director and ?Chief Llama Wrangler?commented, ?Following a fall down a staircase when I was 15, I have suffered with a prolapsed disc for most of my life. This was exacerbated by a life-changing car accident when I was 19; when my seat mountings broke but my seat belt held the top half of my body in place and my pelvis twisted. I have lived with chronic pain now for nearly 30 years. "Fed up with taking prescription medication which has numerous side effects, I was desperate for something else. I was introduced to CBD oil about 18 months ago. I struggled to take it as the taste is one of the worst things I have ever tasted but I did what I could to mask the taste because for the first time in decades I was beginning to reduce my

medication and pain levels. It was a chance conversation with my sister, Tina that she had eaten some chocolate just after taking some elderberry tincture and had loved the taste. I jokingly quipped ?can we put the CBD oil in chocolate as I am struggling with the taste?. The next week, armed with some raw ingredients we made our first batch of bean sized chocolate. It was bean sized because I needed a small mould as I have insulin resistance and cannot eat too much sugar. We were absolutely delighted with the results and for once I didn?t mind taking the CBD oil. Word soon got round amongst friends and family and we were under pressure to make more batches. "The rest is history? we were introduced to the fabulous Chef Paul Jones with whom we refined and perfected our ingredients to be something truly special and in 12 weeks from the lightbulb moment we have launched Cannabeenz. "For me, CBD has helped me to live pain free for the first time in nearly 30 years, it helps my eczema, I sleep better and even my

migraines (a side effect from my degenerative disc) have lessened. I know personally that CBD has many other benefits but the law prevents us from sharing them. There is however a lot of research out there for people to read themselves! "Thank you to all our guests, family and friends with special thanks to the super talented Lydia Lucy for performing and taking part in the chocolate making demonstration. The feedback has been outstanding.? HOT OFF THE PRESS? .The Cannabeenz CBD Cookbook Launch will be t aking place at ?This Morning Live?Shopping & Lifest yle Show, 16-19 May at NEC Birmingham. Ticket s are available online. To follow Cannabeenz for news and updates go to: www.cannabeenz, Twitter @cannabeenz, Instagram @cannabeenz and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ cannabeenzchocolate/.

How paramedics play a crucial role life-saving A PATIENT whose serious heart attack caused her cardiac arrest has thanked the life-saving ambulance crews. Patricia Nicholls, 80, had been helping teach at her daughter?s dance school on a September morning and on the way home to Cheshunt, Herts, experienced chest pain.

Paramedic Emily Gibney said: ?We arrived and found Patricia in the car, quickly diagnosed a myocardial infarction and got her onto the back where she went into cardiac arrest. ?We performed CPR and shocked Patricia once and minutes after she was awake and talking to us again.

Her daughter, Helen, pulled over into a pub car park in Bishop?s Stortford and phoned 999.

?It was a very surreal job and the first of its kind for both myself and Tony [student paramedic].?

Mrs Nicholls said: ?I remember sitting in the car waiting for my daughter to come out of the bank and all of a sudden I felt unwell.

Patricia was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage for further treatment and is now doing very well at home.

?I tried to get out of the car but didn't have any energy. I had pains everywhere in my stomach, back arms, chest and never thought I was having a heart attack as the pain was everywhere."

Patricia took in a bag of treats and a thank you card into Harlow ambulance station just before Christmas, and then was able to meet the team who saved her life a couple of weeks later.

She said: ?It was a really lovely thing to be able to do. I was very touched they gave up their time off to meet with us, as I know time is precious. ?It was lovely to meet them and thank them all in person. I know without their care I would not be here today. ?They do a fantastic job and are quickly criticised when things aren't to one?s satisfaction, but very rarely commended for the life-saving work they do. I personally do not think they get the accolade for the work they do.? You could be joining Emily, Tony and others on the frontline helping patients like Patricia. Follow our #beseeningreen campaign online or visit https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk /join-the-team/

Spotlight on #Herts

Welwyn village Text

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Welwyn Parish is located in central Hertfordshire and has a population of approximately 10,000. The Parish boundary follows the old Great North Road (now B197), the A1M motorway and parallel

London-York-Edinburgh railway. The parish comprises the village itself, Digswell, Oaklands and Mardley Heath. Welwyn village is home to a vibrant economy and vast number of thriving independent businesses. We stopped off in Welwyn and took a look

at this lovely village and are proud to present some of the businesses here. Simply click on the image and link straight to their website to find out more about them and to get in contact.

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SJD raising the funds

Staff at Hemel-Hempstead based SJD Accountancy have handed over ÂŁ20,000 to two children?s charities after taking on a series of fundraising activities including long-distance bike treks, assault courses and fancy-dress competitions. The accountancy firm, which is part of professional services provider Optionis Group, will split the funds evenly between Alder Hey Children?s Charity in Liverpool and Keech Hospice Care in Luton. Alder Hey Children?s Charity plans to use the money to help build the new premises for the Alder Centre, which offers support to bereaved families, whilst Keech Hospice Care will use the funds to support its work providing specialist care for adults and children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses. Both charities were picked by Optionis employees across 11 UK offices and more than 650 staff, who are asked each year to decide on a charitable cause close to their hearts that all staff fundraising efforts can go towards. Speaking of the fundraising efforts, CEO Derek Kelly said, ?We are over the moon with the money we have raised this year. It is always an exciting prospect when we elect a charity at the beginning of the year, and it is fun to unite our offices for a joint cause. ?No doubt this year there was a lot of sore legs, but the end goal was to hand over the cheque to two amazing charities, and that was worth it! Alder Hey and Keech

Hospice Care are very inspiring, and we are pleased we could fundraise such a large amount. ?We completed six fundraising days this year, and we aim to continue that momentum in 2019 with our next chosen corporate charity.? SJD Accountancy raised the money through a series of fun challenges including cake bakes; a bring your dog to work day; a Halloween party and a Christmas fancy dress competition, which included both dogs and employees. That was on top of more physical challenges, such as Tough Mudder events and an office to office bike ride with staff riding 52 miles between Warrington and Blackpool. Paul Scott, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Keech Hospice Care, said: ?The staff and patients at Keech Hospice Care are extremely

grateful for the support of Optionis. As a charity, we depend on around 70 per cent of the funding for our care services to come from the community for our survival. ?All the charity?s services are offered free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Donations like these will ensure we can keep providing all our services to our adults and children at a time they need us most.? Optionis Group is the UK?s leading accountancy, tax and umbrella employment solution provider to contractors and small businesses. Headquartered in Warrington, the group has offices across the UK and encompasses seven brands, including SJD Accountancy, ClearSky Accounting, Parasol, First Freelance and Nixon Williams.

Standon Calling ready for a Chic success TIER 3 W EEKEND TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW , STARTING FROM ÂŁ149 AT www.st andon-calling.com/t icket s After the record breaking success of 2018, Standon Calling continues to deliver and flourish as one of the essential and eclectic festival weekends of the summer. With 2019 primed to be another joyous celebration of entertainment for the whole family, there is a mammoth array of incredible talent confirmed for the July weekender. From classic hitmaking royalty to one of the most exciting and acclaimed bands of the past decade, Standon Calling 2019 boasts unmissable headliners for the summer festival season. There are very few individuals who can truly call themselves icons in the music world, but Nile Rodgers is undeniably one of them. One of the most influential artists ever to make music, Nile helped usher in the worldwide phenomenon that is disco and across five decades he?s continued to help shape and produce some of the greatest songs of all time. From ?Le Freak?, ?Good Times?and ?Everybody Dance?with CHIC, to his star-studded work with the likes of David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran, Daft Punk and more - there?s nobody on the planet able to bring the party quite like Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and Standon Calling will be basking under the discoball for an almighty Sunday night headline party come July. Truly leading the way when it comes to the most celebrated bands of the modern era, Wolf Alice are ready for their defining headline moment. Rising

out of Camden with their bold and potent indie sound, they?ve burst through the doors with the sort of instant power and knack for insatiable anthems that?s scooped them plaudits across the globe. After the stunning success of debut album ?My Love Is Cool?, the follow-up ?Visions Of A Life? confirmed Wolf Alice?s place as a special band - playing the biggest shows of their career and rightfully scooping the coveted 2018 Mercury Prize. With a live show that jumps between the raw and ferocious to the delicate and warm, Standon Calling will bear witness to a band who are primed to soundtrack an entire era, in a moment to tell generations to come about. Speaking about headlining Standon Calling 2019, Wolf Alice said: "We are honoured to be headlining a festival! We won?t be doing many shows this year so Standon Calling is gonna be extremely exciting. Even if you don?t like Wolf Alice, you should buy tickets anyway 'cos Dick and Dom

are DJing and - depending on how hard you stare at the poster Fleetwood Mac are supporting us xxx" Both Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Wolf Alice join the previously announced headliner Rag?n?Bone Man - making his anticipated return hot-off a busy start to the year with his Calvin Harris collaboration ?Giant?storming charts around the globe currently. One of alternative music?s most celebrated bands, Echo & The Bunnymencarry an almost mystical aura around them, with over four decades of crafted post-punk making them clearly stand out as one of British music?s true greats. Led by the iconic figure of Ian McCulloch, expect their set at Standon Calling to be a special journey across their mesmerising catalogue. Arguably the band of 2018, Idles return to Standon Calling in 2019 after first making their mark on the Laundry Meadows stage in 2017. Thriving with punk ferocity yet compassionate and vital in every word and fibre they throw into the

mix, they scooped all the plaudits last year for their earnest takes on the NHS, Samaritans and more - named as BBC 6 Music?s Album Of The Year and playing the biggest shows of their career. An unmissable moment indeed, Idles will continue the revolution at Standon Calling 2019. Scooping numerous 2019 tip list nods, top Scot Lewis Capaldi is primed for a mammoth year ahead - with his immediate and enticing tales ready for the bigger venues he deserves. Following in the footsteps of breakthrough names taking to the stage at Standon Calling in the past, expect this set to be the moment where a new household favourite is crowned. Fully embracing that Standon spirit of carefree fun and technicolor silliness, The Go! Team will bring their kaleidoscopic world of swooning indie hits to this year?s festival, with the likes of ?Ladyflash? bound to be triggering smiles and celebration with ease. Also revealed today, GLOW star and indie favourite Kate Nash will head to the Hertfordshire fields, bringing a catalogue of diverse and rapturous hits with her for a trip across a staggering career that continues to go from strength to strength. Alternative trio The Joy Formidable bring their all encompassing live show to Standon Calling, building on a critically acclaimed career that unveils something different and unique at every turn. The Mercury Prize nominated The Big Moon will be hitting Standon Calling with their ready-made festival anthems, building on the infectious hooks of debut album ?Love In The 4th Dimension?and pointing to their next exciting chapter, while revered live riffers Band Of Skulls return to Standon with the sort of high-energy and punchy set that makes them bonafide festival royalty whenever they come to town. Recognised for its incredible attention to detail when it comes to hosting some of the most exciting acts in new music before anyone else, this year?s

Standon Calling is no exception. It?s lead by guitar-swooning risers Sea Girls who?ll certainly be grabbing attention this summer - building on their BBC Sound Of 2019 nomination with the sort of huge indie cuts born for festival summers. Whether it?s the psych-weaving Flamingods, the ramshackle grooves of Warmduscher (featuring members of Fat White Family and Childhood amongst others), the mesmerising atmosphere of York?s The Howl & The Hum, This Feeling approved Saint Agnes, future pop mover Laurel, the immediate sounds of Emily Burns or Manchester?s top-tipped Big Society it?s a year packed with future stars waiting to be discovered, where fans find their next favourite band first. BBC Sound Of 2019 nominees Sea Girls said: ?We've always wanted to play Standon Calling and this year's line-up is super special. Can't wait!? Fun for all the family, Standon Calling is about more than simply sensational acts taking to the stage - but a true 360 degree party of fun and unmissable moments. It wouldn?t be Standon Calling without The Cuban Brothers. Consistently drawing some of the biggest crowds the festival has ever seen, their tongue-in-cheek show remains one of the most popular requests each and every year. Returning with more side-splitting energy, they?re a must-see at Standon Calling 2019. Ripping through celebratory Springsteen favourites, TheShe Street Band are sure to go down a storm as the summer sights follow ?Thunder Road?all the way to Standon, while the supergroup you never knew you needed Elvana combining the sounds of grunge?s ultimate pioneers, Nirvana - all fronted by Elvis Presley for a tribute extravaganza. Family kingpins Dick & Dom are leaving the Bungalow to set up home at Standon Calling this summer bringing their own DJ Battle to the fields for a laugh-out-loud gem perfect

for all ages. The iconic Mr Bloom & His Band - of CBeebies fame - will be bringing all the hits from his beloved shows, gathering friends from the allotment for a singalong party, while the Jurassic will come to life with the How To Train Your Dinosaur Live Show roaring into view with a trip back to the very beginning. With a new experience at every turn, Standon Calling is the definitive festival for families and friends alike - a coming together of like-minded people all enjoying a festival firing on all cylinders. You can also expect pumping beats and tunes throughout the weekend, as thrilling electronica sits pride of place in everything Standon Calling is bouncing across genres, eras and styles in emphatic fashion. It?s lead by Scottish electro pioneer Erol Alkan, the Phantasy Records head who stands as one of the genre?s most celebrated producers. Remixing some of the biggest artists of the past two decades, his sets are always packed to the rafters - with his turn at Standon Calling an essential sight for the weekend. He?s joined by Simian Mobile Disco the beloved electro house duo who have become a calling card for forward-thinking beats and treats, making their set at Standon Calling this summer one that?s bound to kick-start the party spirit for a memorable moment in the festival?s history. With Soho Radio bringing a catalogue of top-level DJs across the weekend (including Tasty Lopez, 4 To The Floor, Emily Dust and Delia Te?ileanu) and the likes of Club De Fromage, Feeling Gloomy, Age Against The Machine, Bowie Disco, The Indie Kid?s Kids Disco and drum?n?bass titans Hospitality returning to Standon for sincilating takeovers, the party is guaranteed to be ringing large across the weekend. Packing an unrivalled atmosphere and a reputation for delivering unforgettable festival moments, Standon Calling offers a welcoming embrace to a weekend of music, arts,

fun and pure festival joy. With an ever-growing and loyal audience from around the country, it's a calling to an unparalleled and down-to-earth celebration that once a year pulls a community together. Nestled in the stunning Hertfordshire countryside, it?s an easy-to-reach voyage into something truly special. At Standon Calling they dare to be different, with a purposefully eclectic, inclusive and creative programme, carefully curated to reflect the diverse interests of the crowds that gather year after year in its fields. By day, expect music to touch your heart, make you think, make you mosh and make you dance. Indulge with award-winning food & drink, settle in

to enjoy acclaimed comedy, or entertain the whole family with activities and performances for all ages - taking a dip into the swimming pool or witnessing the famous Standon Calling Dog Show. The options are endless. By night, Standon Calling is one bold show-stopping beast, as world-class performers arrive in full force. Don?t miss late-night frivolities from some of the most celebrated electronic acts and DJs on the planet, leading the party right up to 4am. The perfect home for summer memories, Standon Calling is a defining beacon of the British festival experience. Reflecting on the latest wave of new acts announced for Standon Calling

2019, Founder and Festival Director Alex Trenchard said: ?Every year at Standon Calling we want to bring an experience and show that people will never forget. This year, I feel we?ve done that and more, with one of my favourite bands of the past decade Wolf Alice and one of my favourite bands of all time Nile Rodgers & CHIC topping the bill in 2019. From top to bottom there?s something for everyone, and we?re excited to welcome everyone for an incredible weekend this July.? Tier 3 tickets are now on sale for Standon Calling 2019 - with previous tiers selling out in record time. For further details, head to http://www.standon-calling.com/tickets

Take time to think about a career in teaching With Hertfordshire experiencing a staffing crisis when it comes to teachers, two recruitment fairs are being held in an effort to address the problem. More than 300 job vacancies are currently advertised on the Teach in Herts website ? at the time of going to press the figures stood at 156 teaching jobs, 21 leadership jobs and 137 professional and support jobs. In fact, a critical shortage of qualified teachers is a national problem and, with Brexit looming, there are concerns staff shortages in the UK?s education sector are only going to increase, with the number of teachers from EU countries applying for the right to work in English schools falling by a quarter in the past year. Over the next decade the Department for Education also projects that pupil numbers will rise by nearly 20 per cent, while teacher training applications have fallen by five per cent in recent years.

A teacher recruitment fair organised by Teach in Herts and Herts for Learning - will be held at Fearnhill School on Icknield Way West in Letchworth on Saturday, March 23, from 9.30am to 1pm.

These fairs are free to attend and there will be a series of workshops designed to inform, inspire and support people looking to enter the profession, further their career, or return to the profession.

There will also be a teacher recruitment fair at Goffs-Churchgate Academy on College Road in Cheshunt on Saturday, May 11, from 9.30am to 1pm.

In addition to the workshops, there will be representatives from Hertfordshire schools, teaching school alliances and School Direct providers. Experienced teaching professionals will be able to offer advice on all routes into teaching and answer any specific questions you may have. Andrew de CsillĂŠry, managing director of Herts for Learning, said: ?Teacher recruitment and retention is the number one challenge schools face, not only in Hertfordshire but nationally. It is a top priority for the education sector.?

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At the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce?s Awards Launch held on Thursday 24th January at the Porsche Centre Hatfield, Hertfordshire businesses gathered to celebrate the opening of the 2019 Inspiring Herts Awards. With over 100 members, guests and sponsors in attendance, the evening was a fantastic way to officially open the 2019 Awards. Since its launch in 2012, the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards have focussed on and celebrated the expertise, achievements and outstanding contribution that businesses and individuals continually make to the growth of the County. The Awards enable Hertfordshire businesses to showcase their performance and achievements to clients, customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the whole of the Hertfordshire

As a Category Sponsor, Barclays? Regional Director for Hertfordshire and North West London, Ian Taylor commented:

business community. During the evening, delegates heard from past winners: Richard McBarnet, Lumina Technologies; Matt Clarke and Caroline Lester, MCP Property Services and John Palmer, Isabel Hospice, who also won the overall Inspiring Business of the Year 2018.

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?I would like to say a big thank you to Neville, Mary, Gemma, Naomi, Alison and the team. Over the past year I?ve noticed a really positive change in the Chamber; with the quality of events, met many new members and found it a real pleasure to work with the whole team. "We?re delighted to be involved with these awards, we see it as a huge opportunity to connect with local businesses; there is real benefit in both entering and sponsoring.? Thanks go out to IHA?s Headline Sponsor for the third year running; Hillier Hopkins, and all of the Category Sponsors; Austins Funeral Directors, Tate Apprenticeships & Training, Barclays, Broxbourne Borough Council, SA Law, CS Recycling, VolkerWessels, Stevenage Borough Council, Longmores Solicitors, London Luton Airport, University of Hertfordshire, Ashbourne Insurance, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Porsche Centre Hatfield, who also hosted the evening and helped to make it the huge success it was.

Associate Sponsor Pearldrop Video Production supplied all of the videos shown in the presentation and acted as official photographer for the evening. Wine2Trade UK provided prosecco, and Hashtag Digital Media have been helping to promote the awards as the 2019 Media Partner. There are 19 categories available to enter and entry is free for both Chamber members and non-members, there is no limit on how many categories can be entered. This year the Chamber are offering three new categories: Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year, Property and Construction Campaign of the Year, and the Workplace Wellbeing Award. Also new for 2019, seven categories are now in alignment with the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, meaning if shortlisted for

past winners and advice from marketeers. The aim is to help those members and non-members, who are thinking of entering the Awards with their applications in order to provide them the best chance possible of winning this year.

any of these categories, the application shall automatically be put forward to enter the National Awards. The Chamber is holding four ?Entering is Winning?interactive workshops, being held across the County with testimonials from

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Applications opened the morning of January 25th and already entries are coming in. Entries close on March 15th, the finalists will be announced from April 5th and the winners shall be revealed at the Black-tie Dinner being held on June 13th 2019 at the stunning St Albans Cathedral. For more information regarding these awards visit: www.hertschamber.com/ inspiring-hertfordshire-awards -2019 Follow on twitter @InspiringHerts

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The Main Event Great events to catch in #Herts March 15 Bluejays Radlet t Cent re Award-winning band The Bluejays will take you on a jiving journey through the fabulous fifties in a Rock and Roll Revolution packed with over 40 classic hits, including Rock Around The Clock, That?ll Be The Day and Jailhouse Rock. The performance at the Radlett Centre on Friday, March 15, starts at 7.30pm. For more information and tickets, priced at ÂŁ21.50, visit www.radlettcentre.co.uk or call 01923 859291.

March 16 Vivace Tilehouse St Bapt ist Church Hit chin On Saturday, March 16, Vivace Choir and Strings will perform to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Tilehouse Street Baptist Church in Hitchin. The concert will be the opening event in a week of festivities to mark the anniversary. The choir will be performing music from the period or settings of John Bunyan?s words, including works by Henry Purcell, Gustav Holst and three movements from

Divine Emblems by local contemporary composer John Chambers. The concert will start at the church at 7.30pm. Tickets at ÂŁ8 are available by emailing tickets@Vivacechoir.com or by calling 01462 453 336. March 23 Admiral Nurses Charit y Dinner Brocket Hall A charity dinner, dance and auction to raise funds and awareness for Admiral Nurses and Dementia UK will be held at Welwyn?s Brocket Hall.

March 15 Neil Diamond Experience W yllyot t s Theat re Neil Diamond, The Experience feat ures t ribut e singer Dominic Kaye and an 11-piece ensemble formed from t he musicians of t he int ernat ionally-renowned Opus One band. The show at t he W yllyot t s Theat re in Pot t ers Bar on Friday, March 15, will include hit s such as America, Forever in Blue Jeans and Cracklin? Rosie. The show will st art at 8pm. For t icket s, call t he box office on 01707 645005 or visit www.wyllyot t st heat re.co.uk

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The Main Event Great events to catch in #Herts

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A fun night will start with bubbles on arrival, followed by a three-course dinner, auction and dancing to a live band. The event will start at 7pm on Saturday, March 23, and go on until midnight. Tickets are £55 each or £500 for a table of 10. Call 07901942494 to book. March 30 Quiz Night St George's Hall Let chwort h Have fun testing your knowledge and enjoying a meal

while helping to support two charities at a quiz night organised by the Rotary Club of Letchworth Howard on Saturday, March 30. The event is raising funds for Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth and Mary?s Meals a charity that sets up school feeding programmes for children in some of the world?s poorest communities, who would otherwise go without a hot meal. Tickets to the event at St George?s Church hall on Norton Way North in Letchworth are

£14 and include supper. Call 01462 679434 to book. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. April 4 Jennifer Wort h St Michael's Manor, St Albans A talk about the work of Call the Midwife author Jennifer Worth by her husband Philip and daughter Suzannah Hart will raise money for the Rennie Grove Hospice. The talk, which includes champagne afternoon tea at St Michael?s Manor in St Albans, will take place between 2pm

The Main Event Great events to catch in #Herts

and 4pm on Thursday, April 4. To buy tickets, which are £30, visit www.renniegrove.org or call 01727 731028. April 6 - May 5 Pop-up art exhibit ions Hert ford Town Cent re Visit up to 30 pop-up art exhibitions free of charge in Hertford town centre between April 6 and May 5. The artwork on display will range from sculpture to textile, oil on canvas to watercolour, and the majority of the art is available to purchase. The Arts Trail gives visitors a chance to discover the wide array of independent traders? and artists?work within the county town. The trail map will be available to download online at www.hertford.gov.uk or to pick up from the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre closer to the date.

April 10 Spring walk in t he woods Ashridge Est at e Join knowledgeable volunteers for a walk in the woods to spot the signs of spring on the Ashridge Estate in Berkhamsted on Wednesday, April 10. At this time of year, the buds on the trees are bursting into a spectrum of green and the sound of birdsong starts to fill the air. This walk is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the nature on the estate at this special time of year. The two-hour walk starts at 10.30am and is £3 per person. No need to book ? head to the visitor centre and pay on the day. April 21 Ware Ant ique Collect ors' Fair Age Concern Hall, Ware

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Ware Antique and Collectors? Fair on Sunday, April 21, will be held at Age Concern Hall on Priory Street. Doors open at 10am and the event will go on until 4pm. Entry

is £1, or 50p for concessions. There is free parking, and refreshments will also be available. April 27 Bohemian Rhapsody Open Air Cinema Lee Valley W hit e Wat er Cent re For an open air cinema experience, head to Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross on Saturday, April 27, where Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) will be shown on a 24ft outdoor screen. Take your blankets, picnics and chairs and enjoy the film in the open air at this Olympic venue. Entry is from 7.30pm, with the film starting at about 8.30pm, depending on the sunset. Tickets are £10 per person or £60 for a group of seven. All proceeds will go to The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre. To book, visit www.nightingalesupport.org.uk or call 0208 366 9674.

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A charity which has transformed lives in Africa is celebrating six years of vital work thanks to the support of business and individuals in #Herts. Just Be A Child was founded in 2013 following a visit to Kenya by Lenka McAlinden. Touched by the kindness and happiness of children whom she came into contact with, Lenka saw that although they had next to nothing they were willing to share whatever they did have. With hardly any infrastructure in place and no finances to build play facilities or buy toys or anything educational such as books, Lenka was determined to set up a charity on her return. Just Be a Child, the charity sees 2019 as a major year of change with its drive to provide support to other areas of Africa, although Kenya still remains a key focus. Lenka believes it is a good country to work in for a number of reasons: ?Working in Kenya is a lot easier. The official language is English, so our books come in handy. The closeness to the areas we work in of Kenya?s biggest port, Mombasa, makes shipment a little bit smoother. There is limited regulation or other official

obstacles to overcome. But more importantly, the children are so hungry to learn and the community so stuck in their ways that without a little bit of external intervention it is unlikely they will find a different way. Books can help them.? The aim of Just Be A Child is to create and support libraries & learning centres in poor but aspirational Kenyan communities, and to foster a culture of education and self-development. It is a target of the charity to create at least one library & learning centre every year and along with this to also build libraries on behalf of other organisations and distribute books to applicants. As more and more books have come in to the charity Just Be A Child has been reliant on the vital support of removal and storage specialist Dollimore and Christie. Based in just outside of Hitchin, the business has stepped up and offered vital storage space for the

books and equipment due to be shipped out. Each library & learning centre contains 5,000 books, learning material, many toys and games and arts and crafts material. The cost for each of these is ÂŁ15,000 and they are made out of a converted shipping container. They collect in excess of 10,000 books for readers of all ages. They also need toys, games, jigsaw puzzles, pencils and much more including furniture. The communities are chosen very carefully and with their help convert the 40ft container into a fully operational library & learning centre. Along with funds and books, there is also a demand for craft equipment which is now being sent out and used in Kenya. To find out more how you can help the charity call 07737 500 501.

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Tollers solicitors - the family law team with you every step of the way Tollers St evenage Family Law Team - W it h you every st ep of t he way.

agreement is strongly recommended, in case something you want to do is not possible or in your best interests.

Following the merriment of the festive season this time of year sees a distinct rise in the number of couples seeking legal advice in regard to separation and divorce.

Q: If I go t o a solicit or, does t hat not just mean t hat we will end up in court ? A: No. A good family solicitor will do their best to help you avoid getting caught up in contested proceedings about finances. It is the role of a good family solicitor to help you reach agreement. The majority of cases settle without any contested proceedings.

The family Law team at Tollers Solicitors Stevenage answers some of the common questions they are asked at this time of year. Q: Can we be divorced wit hout sort ing out t he finances? A: The simple answer is Yes. However, under English law, a 'Decree Absolute?, the name for the court order that ends the marriage - does not sever the financial ties between you. However, if significant pensions are involved, you may be advised not to apply for the Decree Absolute until financial matters have been resolved. Q: W hat if we agree a financial set t lement but do not record it in a legal document ? A: The law is very clear that without a recorded financial settlement within divorce proceedings there is still scope for one or even both of you to change your mind and make a financial claim at a later date. This may happen if one of you thinks, in hindsight, that the agreement you reached between you was unfair. There are many cases where one person comes into money after the marriage has ended for example

through inheritance or even a lottery win and the former spouse has successfully claimed against those assets acquired long after the marriage has ended. Q: Is t here a t ime limit for making a financial claim aft er ?Decree Absolut e?? A: No, there is no time limit. Some limitations arise as a result of remarriage and with the passage of time there will be changes in circumstances that may reduce the chances of a successful claim but essentially there is no time limit in place, so it could be a matter of years before a claim is made.

Q: W hat will a solicit or do t o ensure our financial agreement is legally wat ert ight ? A: Your solicitor will prepare what is call a ?Consent Order?, which is a draft court order which records what has been agreed between both parties, in a format that will be acceptable to the Divorce Court. This is all done on paper, no one actually goes to court, the Consent Order is simply sent to the Court for the Judge to approve, the Court then sends out the required number of copies bearing the Court seal and that is your financial settlement finalised once and for all, with no chance of one of you being able to change their mind.

Q: How do we reach agreement on financial issues? A: There are several ways to go about this. Obviously the best way is to sort it out together, either between yourselves or with the help of an experienced mediator. Getting legal advice from a family solicitor before reaching final

If you have reached a point in your marriage where you feel there is no way to continue, Talk to Tollers? on 01438 901095 and the team will provide you with clear, concise guidance and advice on the next steps.

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Signing up to support the Butterfly Choir Butterfly Choir

Happiness is love

?You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life?. It?s all about opening up about mental health ? anxiety, depression, perhaps even loneliness. We all know how important relationships are at all stages of our lives, and feeling close to those that we love.

We love these words from one of the Butterflies: ?For me happiness is love, not just receiving it but also being able to give it, share it. Being with a person at the end of life is a privilege and I hope it makes a difference to their lives, as little as it may be.?

How would you feel about being alone in the last chapter of your life? What would you do if you couldn?t get to a family member or close friend in their last few days?

Helping in numbers

Charit y of t he year With this in mind, we?re delighted that our charity of the year for 2019 is the Butterfly Volunteers Service. This incredible team of specially trained volunteers are based at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage where they provide support and companionship to dying adult patients and their families. The quote above is from Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the Hospice Movement. It?s hugely poignant and synonymous with the Butterfly Service, which creates a ?hospice in hospital?environment. The Butterfly volunteers, or ?Butterflies?for short, say: ?It is recognised that in the final days and hours of a person?s life, it is not always possible for staff or family members to sit with dying patients; factors determining this include busy workloads and geographical proximity of relatives.?

Did you know that, before the Service was set up in 2016, an estimated 15-20 patients a month were dying alone at the Lister Hospital, either waiting for relatives to arrive or because they didn?t have any relatives? As heartbreaking as that number is, it?s wonderful to hear that last year the hospital?s 30 Butterflies sat with 650 patients, made over 2,000 visits and provided over 1,000 hours of emotional support. Now they?re some numbers to be proud of, and there?s no doubt the Service has made a fundamental difference to the way the Lister provides end of life care. Working as a t eam The work these volunteers do really is priceless. If you?re at the Lister Hospital and see people in purple polo shirts with butterfly logos, you?ll know what amazing work they?re doing. The Butterflies work with: ? Patients nearing the end of their life, who may feel lonely and

frightened. They might read to them, sit with them or just hold their hand ? Friends and family of the patients who may need someone to talk to, someone to give them a break from sitting by the bedside, or simply to make hot drinks or run errands to the hospital shop ? The ward staff to help free up their time to care for other patients, safe in the knowledge that there is someone providing support to patients who are dying One person helped by the Butterflies said: ?To leave Dad with a Butterfly Volunteer, who we knew would sit with him in our absence, was a great comfort to us. You helped to make a difficult time a little easier. Thank you.? Aust in?s charit able work The Butterflies need ÂŁ25,000 a year to continue their work and we aim to help them towards that target throughout 2019. Our charitable fund was set up in 2002 and it has raised over ÂŁ125,000 for community-based and local charities including the Samaritans, Stevenage Haven, Cancer Hair Care and Tracks Autism. We?re very grateful to everyone who has helped to raise money for these brilliant charities so far. To find out more about the Butterfly Volunteers Service, visit: https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/ get-involved/volunteering/ butterfly-volunteers/

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If you have enjoyed t hese images of #Hert s by Brendan Falvey and would like t o find out how t o order t hem cont act on t he det ails supplied here

Email: bjpfalvey@gmail.com Phone 07572681805 www.brendanfalveyimagery.co.uk

Springing into action Sow new lawnsand deal with bare patches If you are hoping for a lovely patch of green for the coming year then now is the time to sow the lawn. Seed when it is well cared for will start to grow vigorously and of course seed sown now will also help to improve bare patches. Increase the amount of water given to house plants

Th e # H er t s t eam of ex per t s gi v e you som e t op t i ps an d j obs t o do as t h e gar den com es al i v e f or Spr i n g... Start feeding citrus plants Along with others, citrus plants need a little boost at this time of year to help growth so start to feed them gradually.

As the seasons change so the amount of water given to different plants also varies. This is especially true of houseplants so as the temperature starts to rise make sure that the amount of water given also increases.

Sow hardy annualsand herb seeds

Feed shrubsand roses

Tie climbing and rambling roses

As the weather improves so plants will want to get growing so make sure that shrubs and roses are fed to allow them to make the most of the favourable conditions.

It may not seem like they will get out of hand but pretty soon climbing and rambling roses will be tough to tackle so make sure they are tied now ready for the growth

April is a great time to start sowing hardy annuals and herb seeds and within no time you will see growth begin and great crops in later months.

to begin. Beware late frostsso protect fruit blossom The warm weather may be with us or just around the corner but late frosts can still strike so protect fruit blossom. Keep on top of weeds If seeds and plants are growing then so are weeds so make a start on them now, if you don't keep on top of them in Spring there's a Summer of hard work ahead! And don't forget asthe weather improvesand the warmer weather startsto arrive, just get out into your garden and enjoy it!

Work doesn?t have to be hard to be productive. We?ve made our conference rooms an easy-going, inspirational space with the privacy and tranquillity you need to work in comfort. All our superbly appointed meeting rooms are located in a self-contained area on the first floor, with a range of room sizes and configurations, as well as a dedicated and experienced support team to make your event in Stevenage a success. The Ibis Forum has a total floor area of 660m2 and ideal for creating stunning exhibitions, trade fairs or public shows; with a welcome foyer for

registrations and refreshments, and break-out syndicate rooms. Our in-house catering team are on hand to provide refreshments, and offer a choice of delicious menus for lunch, from finger buffets to sit-down meals to suit all budgets, or if you prefer you can hire our self catering kitchen. Weddings A wedding is all about traditions, your individuality, heritage and culture. The Ibis Forum is the ideal venue for couples seeking a luxury wedding location. Our state-of-the-art banqueting facilities are among the largest and best equipped in the region, and we can accommodate up

to 625 guests. And using the latest technology, with spectacular built in LED lighting and plasma screens as a backdrop, we can give your wedding a real WOW factor. We understand that you will require specialist caterers for multicultural weddings and here you will find a modern self-catering kitchen for your chosen caterer. Exclusive hire of Forum includes entire floor, Fairview Suite, bar and kitchen. This includes tables and chairs, dance floor, use of the self-catering kitchen and complimentary bedroom in the adjoining Ibis Hotel. Call about special offers : 01438 533018.

Visit our new websit es for more informat ion www.forumcb.co.uk and www.fairviewhot els.com/ hot els/ ibis-forum-st evenage

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Proud publ i sh er of #Herts @h ash tagh erts For al l your mark eti ng and soci al medi a needs: 07539 782979 w w w .spi tf i repr.com darren@spi tf i repr.com @DarrenI sted1 @h ash tagh erts

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