#Herts July 2019

# HERTS

February 2019 Ju ly 2019

December 2018

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

Ch am ber aw ar ds w in n er s t ak e a bow

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What's on in #Herts

STUNNING DEBUT Local au t h or h it t in g h eadlin es

AWARDS NIGHT OF GLORY We r ef lect on t h e In spir e Her t s 2019 f in als even in g

PRIDE AND JOY Ready f or Bat t le Pr om s

TAKE TIM E OUT FOR A TIPI TREAT Au br ey Par k Hot el of f er s deligh t f u l even t s

BBC PROM S ARE HERE Wit h Pu blic Ser vice Br oadcast in g

UNLIM ITED FILM S

EATING OUT

Win Cin ew or ld t ick et s

We t ak e a look at Br asser ie din in g in Her t s

#Herts food and drink

Turn your restaurant choice upside down

When setting your sights on a meal out in #Herts it can often be tough to steer away from favourite haunts.

decided it was time to head to this venue just outside Redbourn and on the road to Hemel Hempstead in order to see for ourselves.

Admit it, we've all got go-to choices whether it be types of food or actual restaurants where we head because we know exactly what we are getting.

It's an interesting menu and one which places a key focus on the seasonal.

Of course there is much to be said for this approach but for those who want to spread their wings a little then it should always be fun to step out and try something a little different.

We had heard good things about The Brasserie at Aubrey Park Hotel and

Interestingly, in speaking to chef Stuart afterwards, he confirmed that as a hotel restaurant he naturally has to cater for a reasonable number of guests and many of those who stay like to have lighter meals - a trend reflected in the Brasserie A La Carte.

We opted to start with torn mozzarella and trio of duck.

Both proved to be subtle introductions to the offering and we cleaned the plates.

For mains we opted for a little curveball, I had the sea bass which was delightfully cooked while my partner clearly disappointed the chef by choosing the hand-cut rib-eye.

I think we were expected to make tougher and more challenging choices but how often have you had a steak which so badly disappointed it's a terrible trait now to not even get it cooked in the way specified. Fortunately the rib

eye was bang on the medium and a great steak at that.

Ok, here comes the pudding debate!

My partner decided to opt out of anything to finish but I simply had to try the desserts and was instantly drawn to the pineapple and rum cake.

It all sounded great but alas was printed upside down on the menu. An error, I thought clever marketing I was told only for our waiter to confirm that (yes of course you're miles ahead of me here) it's actually an upside down cake.

It came looking like a solid circle of sponge but was stunningly moist and full of flavour - a great way to finish a delightful meal.

So next time your are looking for a meal in #Herts (and quite frankly there is never any need to leave the county) consider this as a lovely place to linger.

Aubrey Park Hot el Address: Hemel Hempst ead Rd, Redbourn, St Albans AL3 7AF Phone: 01582 792105

#Herts magazine

#Herts magazine

'Space chase' is confirmed as the theme of the 2019 Herts reading challenge Hert fordshire Count y Council?s library service is invit ing children t o t ake part in t his year?s Summer Reading Challenge t o celebrat e t he 50t h anniversary since man first walked on t he moon wit h t his year?s t heme, ?Space Chase?.

Overseen by The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year in libraries across the UK. It?s an opportunity for children of all ages and abilities to develop their reading skills throughout the holidays.

location of the hidden treasure.

Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: ?The Summer Reading Challenge offers a wonderful opportunity for children to discover a love of reading and develop a lifelong passion for great storytelling. ?It?s important for a child?s learning that they continue reading even when they?re off school, and libraries are a great space for them to spend some of their free time during the break.?

Last year, over 20,000 children took part in the challenge in Hertfordshire, and we are once again challenging children to read six library books over the summer and return to the library to tell our staff and volunteers all about them. They can read anything, including story books, fact books, talking books, and even e-books (available to download for free from our e-library).

Every child who finishes their six books by Saturday 7 September will receive a medal and a certificate. All completers will then be entered into a prize draw to win a VIP behind the scenes pass to Mission Control with guest speaker children?s author Steve Cole, who wrote the well-loved Astrosaurs series. Only 80 passes are available so this is a super exclusive event.

As part of this year?s challenge, children will use their Mission Folders which will be provided once they start the challenge to search for a mysterious buried treasure. For each book that they report back on, they?ll collect stickers to put in their Mission Folders to help them find the

The challenge is free to take part in ? all children need to do is visit their local library from Saturday 13 July to collect a starter pack, while stocks last, and complete their six books before 7 September. During the summer, Baldock, Bishop?s Stortford, Borehamwood, Bushey, Royston,

St Albans, Waltham Cross and Welwyn Garden City?s libraries will also sell Space Chase kitbags for ÂŁ2 each.

To celebrate the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge on 13 July, libraries across the county will be hosting various different events.

A huge success with Hertfordshire families year after year, the Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect way to share books together and spark a lifelong love of reading for pleasure.

One parent commented last year: ?Very good challenge. The kids loved it and it really transformed our 6 year old girl from a non-enthusiastic reader to highly motivated one in 6 weeks. She now loves books and has read so many more.?

For more details, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries, call 0300 123 4049, or drop into your local library to sign your child up to the challenge this year.

Follow on www.facebook.com/hertslibraries and on Twitter, @HertsLibraries, for the latest updates about activities near you.

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St Albans pupil enjoys epic day after winning art competition Alfie Douglas, a pupil at Garden Fields JMI School in St Albans, enjoyed a day of activities after winning a school art competition run by Hertfordshire County Council.

His prize, courtesy of our military colleagues, was a day of adventure at Northwood HQ ? the UK?s principal military headquarters - where he and a friend spent the day sailing, rock climbing and shooting.

Alfie was a winner in the sixth Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant (promoted as Hertfordshire Heroes) Christmas Art competition for his eye-catching poppies-themed picture.

Held last December, the competition saw over 800 Key Stage 2 pupils from across Hertfordshire create artwork around the theme of the WW1 centenary.

Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Chairman, Cllr Terry Douris said: ?Alfie?s striking artwork was chosen by staff at Northwood HQ and shared with serving UK military personnel who are separated from their families over Christmas. ?We understand our annual

joining together military and civilian communities and we hope their trip will leave lasting memories.?

As signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for organising and supporting Hertfordshire Heroes.

The covenant is a commitment from public and private organisations to support both active and retired armed forces residents living and working in Hertfordshire, so is a vital lifeline for our military community.

competition provides enormous festive cheer to our serving military personnel who may be based in all corners of the world, far from families and friends. I hope Alfie and his friend enjoyed a taste of the exciting activities provided by Northwood HQ. ?The experiences these families have enjoyed at Northwood HQ bring to life the Covenant aim of

It promotes an understanding and awareness among the public of the armed forces community by developing strong relationships and supporting activities which help integrate serving and ex-military personnel into local life.

The Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board has been established to deliver these promises and encourage the civilian community to develop a better understanding of the armed forces?unique role and issues.

#Herts magazine

Aubrey Park - a stunning backdrop for Tipi weddings and events Text

Tipi Conferences & Event s Packages The demand for experiential conferencing and events in Hertfordshire is becoming more and more apparent. We wanted to go beyond a solution, to innovate with a fresh, new and exciting events space for all our corporate clients. With the flexibility to design any layout you desire; we can create anything from exciting product launches to motivational meetings or surprise gala dinners following a hard day at work.

Tipi Wedding Packages Imagine your own Tipi wedding suitable for all English weathers, with heaters and fire pits as the temperatures drop, or embracing nature in the

summer when the sun is shining.

Either way, enjoy one of the most eclectic wedding venues Hertfordshire has to offer. Tipi weddings at Aubrey Park have been designed to give you various options for your dream

day.

To book one of our Tipi events, give us a call on 01582 792105 or email us: events@aubreypark.co.uk www.aubreypark.co.uk/tipis

#Herts magazine

Business best awarded in a dramatic night at St Albans Catherdral

#Herts magazine

On Thursday 13th June, the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2019 ceremony and gala dinner took place at the magnificent St Albans Cathedral. With over 300 attendees, the room was filled with excitement as all of the finalists, judges and sponsors gathered to find out who would be crowned the winner of not only each of the 19 categories, but also the three Special Recognition Awards; Outstanding Contribution to Business, Outstanding Contribution to Charity, and the overall Inspiring Business of the

Year.

With a Highly Commended award having been introduced for each category, there was even more to be celebrated this year. 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, and the evening most definitely achieved that.

During the evening, a silent

auction took place by Good2Auction, raising a significant sum for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce charity fund; this years?Chamber Charities are Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust and Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

During the evening, delegates heard from the new Chairman of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Jeremy Bishop, and the new CEO, Briege Leahy; the 2018 winner of the Inspiring

#Herts magazine Business of the Year, Isabel Hospice?s CEO Robin Webb, and Headline Sponsor Hillier Hopkins?

Neil Cundale; who said: ?The Inspiring Hertfordshire awards ceremony gave a fantastic opportunity to shine a well-deserved spotlight on some of the best achievements from around the county. The event was amazing and highlighted just how many incredible businesses and people there are in the Hertfordshire business community. Well done to all the winners!?

The overall winner of the evening, 2019?s Inspiring Business of t he Year, Ruby Raut, WUKA, told us what winning this accolade meant for her: ?WUKA (Wake Up Kick Ass) started with a mission to create the world?s most comfortable period underwear and reduce the millions of menstrual products from going to landfill while being a brand that breaks the taboo of talking about periods.

We started WUKA from our living room just a year and half ago and so far we have stopped more than 2.3 million tampons and pads from going to landfill, we have grown fast and moved to a warehouse with a small team of 5 and are in stores from Scotland to New Zealand.

I feel honoured to be awarded not only the Entrepreneur of the year but also the Inspiring Business of the Year Award by Herts Chamber of Commerce.

This recognition of our values focused on the environment and women?s health, we hope goes toward inspiring other people to pursue their dreams and break barriers.

In the words of one customer "we have not created a product, but a movement?, so this award is shared with all of our customers without whose support we would not be where we are.?

Alongside the 19 categories, this year saw a new award introduced, which due to its unique nature, was sponsored by the Hert fordshire Chamber of Commerce. This very special

recognition award was given to Claire Austin, MD, Austin?s Family Funeral Directors for her Out st anding Cont ribut ion t o Charit y.

Claire provided a few words: ?On Thursday evening, I had the great pleasure of attending the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards held at St Albans Cathedral.

Austin?s Funeral Service has been involved as a sponsor and a judge for these awards for several years.

This particular evening, however, I had not anticipated being the recipient of an award. It was a great surprise and privilege to receive the Chamber?s award for Outstanding Contribution to Charity and to be presented with this accolade by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE. I have undertaken a number of challenges to raise funds for local causes, including running the London Marathon, building a dam in Vietnam, a skydive and having my head shaved. In my role as Managing Director of Austin?s Funeral Service and Harwood Park Crematorium, I have become fully aware of the needs of our local community.

My endeavours have provided funds to assist many local charities and I have found many of these activities personally rewarding. To

be recognised, in this way, by the Hertfordshire Chamber is a great honour.?

Suzanne Westlake, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Corporate Affairs, who was awarded the special accolade of Out st anding Cont ribut ion t o Business, told us: ?I was shocked, delighted and humbled to receive the ?Outstanding Contribution to Business?award last night. It?s a wonderful accolade for years of hard work, but no less of a surprise! It was a fabulous evening recognising the best of Hertfordshire and this really was the icing on the cake!?

Thanks go out to IHA?s Headline Sponsor for the third year running; Hillier Hopkins, and all of the Category Sponsors; Ashbourne Insurance, Austin?s Funeral Directors, Barclays Bank, Borough of Broxbourne, CS Recycling, Hertfordshire Building Control, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Kingston Smith, London Luton Airport, Longmores Solicitors, Porsche Centre Hatfield, Rothamsted Enterprises, SA Law, ServerChoice, Sonovision, Stevenage Borough Council, Tate Apprenticeships, Trinity Wealth Management, University of Hertfordshire and VolkerWessels UK. Thanks also to our 2019 Associate Sponsors; Pearldrop Video Production for photographs and videography; Wine2Trade for providing each winner with a bottle of bubbly; Hashtag Digital Media for assisting in all media coverage; Aubrey Park Hotel for the drink?s reception on the evening; and Gascoyne Estates for their support.

These awards could not have taken place without the support from all of our Sponsors and Patrons, and of course all of the fantastic companies who took the time out of their busy lives to enter.

Congratulations to our 2019 Winners and Highly Commended companies, another truly inspiring year!

#Herts magazine

Wagada win with a focus on wellbeing of their staff Hert fordshire digit al market ing agency, Wagada, has won t he Workplace Wellbeing Award at t he ?Inspiring Hert fordshire?2019 Awards (www.hert schamber.com/ inspiring-hert fordshire-awards-2019).

The digit al market ing agency, led by Managing Direct or, Cheryl Luzet was also Highly Commended in bot h t he Excellence in People Development and t he Best Use of Technology cat egories.

The 'Inspiring Hert fordshire' Awards, organised by t he Hert fordshire Chamber of Commerce, were held at a ceremony at St Albans Cat hedral on Thursday 13t h June 2019.

The Awards were launched in 2012 t o focus on, and celebrat e, t he expert ise, achievement s and out st anding cont ribut ion t hat businesses and individuals cont inually make t o t he growt h of Hert fordshire.

Wagada has developed it s workplace healt h and wellbeing policies since Managing Direct or, Cheryl Luzet set t he business up in 2011, and t hey include a flexible and support ive working environment and pat t ern t o enable employees t o have t he t ime t o develop int erest s out side of work. The benefit s t o ment al healt h are clear when st aff are able t o dedicat e t ime t o every area of life, including work, family and leisure.

This year has seen t he int roduct ion of Wagada Walking Wednesdays ? an init iat ive t hat get s people away from

t heir desks and encourages t hem t o t ake a luncht ime walk t hrough t he count ryside. It has not only helped t he t eam?s mindfulness, but has massively boost ed aft ernoon product ivit y.

Team building is vit ally import ant and Wagada?s decision t o run as a group in t he local half marat hon and 5k run for charit y, saw our people enjoying bot h t he physical and ment al healt h benefit s of t he run it self but also t he social aspect of t raining t oget her while raising money for charit y.

Finally, Wagada also works hard t o organise regular social act ivit y opport unit ies t o socialise in a fun and relaxed environment t o help build a t ight -knit t eam of happy individuals who communicat e well and underst and each ot her.

Cheryl Luzet , Managing Direct or, Wagada said: ?We have put a lot of invest ment int o making Wagada a great place for our t eam t o work, so it is really special t o receive t his recognit ion from t he Hert fordshire Chamber of Commerce. ?As a mum myself, it has always been import ant t o me t o be able t o offer t he t eam st rong flexible working opport unit ies and work life balance.

We love t o see t he t eam develop and grow and working in an indust ry t hat is ever changing, t raining and development have always feat ured high on our list of priorit ies.?

#Herts magazine

Water companies profited from the power of 'thank you' The simple ?rediscovered?art of recognising and thanking someone for a job well done lies behind a remarkable rise in customer satisfaction (C-sat) scores achieved by contracted staff working across Thames Water?s compulsory metering programme.

The results followed the adoption in 2017 of The WOW! Awards independent Customer Service Awards scheme by Thames Water?s contract partner, Morrison Utility Services. The initiative was a key factor in Thames' recent decision to renew its metering contract with Morrison. ?After Morrison embraced the awards, our customer satisfaction (C-sat) score went way above our expectations,?says Thames Water?s Head of Metering, Mark Cooper. ?We immediately started getting 4.1 out of 5, which was far higher than any previous compulsory programmes around the country.?

Thames Water and Morrison next introduced the The WOW! Awards scheme to a customer site leakage programme that works off the back of smart meter data, and C-sat levels have rocketed from 4.1 to 4.8. Recently, staff achieved 16 C-sat scores of a perfect 5 in one week. Last year staff absenteeism fell by 10%, employee turnover fell by 6% and overall employee engagement levels have now reached 78%.

So how does The WOW! Awards operate? When a job is finished, each customer-facing employee asks customers if they would be happy to answer a set of questions about their performance, good or otherwise, on a specially printed WOW! card or online. Morrison's managers similarly fill out the same on the performance of non-customer-facing call centre staff and other employees.

The WOW! Awards itself independently judges these

nominations. The successful employees are then awarded certificates at a monthly, Morrison-hosted ceremony, they see their awards displayed for all their colleagues to see on a Wall of WOW! in the workplace, and they get treated to a slap-up breakfast with senior managers they would otherwise seldom meet.

The awards scheme is spreading. ?Some of our other contractors have seen how much it does for staff morale and have approached us about how it works,?says Cooper.

The WOW! Awards has also successfully taken the scheme to other water companies, such as United Utilities in North-West England. Since adopting the awards scheme, the company has shot up from 22nd in Ofwat?s league ladder of water companies to 2nd and saved itself ÂŁ75m pa in government penalties.

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But why should this process lead to such high C-sat scores? WOW?s founder and chief executive, Derek Williams, describes how before launching the scheme 21 years ago he was researching characteristics of successful companies that gave good service:

Four teams received either money, a pizza, nothing or, from their chief executive, a thank you. Incredibly, the ?thanked?team was the only one to go on to perform well; the others slumped, suggesting that recognition is more powerful than rewards.

?We invited customers to say when they had had an exceptional customer experience. What hit us was just how enthusiastically they spoke of the good service they had received from individual people they didn?t mention company names. It blew me away as I?d always thought customers only ever wanted to complain! From this, The WOW! Awards were born.

?What comes across most powerfully when the awards are given out is, firstly, employees? sheer sense of pride in the service they have delivered,?says Thames Water?s Mark Cooper. ?It?s acknowledgement that they did what they set out to achieve.

Williams also cites research from Dan Ariely [author of Pay Off] showing how people?s performance was affected after being given certain incentives.

?Secondly, you can?t help seeing how happy people are each time someone comes up for their individual award. It?s beaming faces all round.?

Morrison?s customer operations and resolutions manager, Kerry Duke, sums up: ?Adopting The

WOW! Awards has meant our C-sat score is now consistently 4.6 or above out of 5 ? it?s an extremely high figure that shows we are doing a fantastic job on site.

It really helps us differentiate ourselves from competitors and shows how important customer service is to us.?

The Wow! Awards, based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire develops and manage some of the best customer loyalty and employee recognition programmes. They have offices covering the UK and Australia and expanding each day with a client base from Utility Services, Healthcare, Property Management and Education. This programme can be adapted to fit your business however large or small. In 2018, over 20,000 nominations were received from customers. It was started by CEO Derek Williams 21 years ago.

#Herts magazine

Author's debut novel heralded as best of 2019 A local author has published one of the most heralded novels of 2019.

Claire McGlasson, who worked as a journalist in Hitchin before moving on to ITV News, has set the world of publishing alight with a debut novel which has been ranked as one of the best of 2019 so far.

The Rapture, is based on the remarkable true story of the Panacea Society, a religious group based in Bedford which followed the beliefs of a prophetess and became a sect itself.

Having grown up in Herts and Beds, Claire became aware of the the story when she recorded a piece called Hidden Histories for ITV news. ?I kept coming back to the story which featured amazing power, relationships, mental health and religion all in a fascinating way. ?My research began in earnest in 2016 - and research is hugely important. I didn?t want to use it as a setting for a murder mystery or artificially place a novel in that setting - instead I was immersed in research and kept menus and things like confessions. ?At first I didn?t have an idea of the story but I knew I wanted to concentrate on the main character Dilys, it was all slightly blurry but when I saw a picture of a much younger woman looking directly down the lens at me I became fascinated by her. ?It really is very much a fiction but as a journalist there are always checks and balances which have to take place and I was keen that everything that happened was inspired by real events . I have condensed real events into the space of a year - but with the aim of being true to the passion of the

#Herts magazine

women involved,?said Claire.

To get to a draft stage it took her 15 months, including the time spent on research and writing. The importance of getting it right when structuring the novel around real events is something which came as second nature to the seasoned journalist. ?In my day job you have to get to the heart of story in a couple of hours and this helped to identify what to single out," said Claire. "I could have been bogged down by other avenues but with the focus on this woman I was able to throw out 99% of what I had read and concentrate on writing to within a deadline.

For those interested in the history of the site in Bedford there is still a garden there (believed to have been the garden of Eden), and when the last member died in just 2012, the religious society then became a charitable trust and was responsible for the many properties which they owned. A museum now exists which members of the pubic can can visit and Octavia?s house (one of the main protagonists) is still preserved.

Although she is new to the world of being an author it isn?t plain sailing as Claire confesses saying: ?Writing is really a drag - when I have had a good day it is ok but days when it doesn?t work can be very frustrating and

I don?t have the luxury of just not being able to write anything. ?I have been a writer in another form professionally for 20 years, and people have often said my style is good - but it is all writing to me. When I started to write the book I had no real idea of style and decided not to second guess what an editor would say to me. I just wrote it in the way I wanted to read it. Like all journalists I love playing with words and crafting a sentence. Some say I write more succinctly and clearer and passages can be descriptive - not many words are wasted and this is my journalism background coming out?. ?I am often asked what the world of books is like and to be honest it can be very slow, but Faber have been great and they have indulged all my journalistic questions when I have asked about all aspects of the process. Of course it can be quite glitzy at times - I have met authors I have admired from a long distance. and that is a real treat.?

With her debut success already under her belt, fans of the first novel will be delighted to hear that Claire is working on another book based on a true story - with an even more extraordinary story than the Panacea Society.

Offley Place officially open Hester Ballroom

Offley Place Country House Hotel has just completed the construction of its new 250 seater venue space: The Hester Ballroom. The new ballroom beautifully complements the character and elegance of the 17th century main Manor House, with a modern rejuvenation.

Three large chandeliers hang from the main skylight positioned in the centre of this Ballroom. The ceiling is delicately adorned with chalk white mouldings, all designs incorporating natural elements historically symbolic of good health and fertility, appropriat e wishes for the many weddings and joyous occasions that will be held in the ballroom.

All elements of the Ballroom have been designed and curated bespoke for the space, from the crystals in the chandeliers to the subtle sage paint on the walls.

These carefully positioned decadent touches are juxtaposed with the exposed brickwork repurposed from the demolition of previous buildings on the site.

Surrounded by views of the 27 acres of parkland which is at the heart of Offley Place, the Hester

Ballroom offers a glimpse of the natural serenity of the quaint village of Great Offley.

A large patio space that spills out onto the parkland surrounds the Ballroom, ideal for sitting outdoors in summer weddings and for children to play. The wide inbuilt stage offers the perfect place for any speakers or bands for parties. The Ballroom hosts two separate bars, one within the main space and the second in the adjoining lobby area, named The Gabriel Bar. As a mark of respect to the rich tapestry of history of Offley Place, each room of the Manor House has lovingly been named after a personage of historical significance and The Hester Ballroom is no different.

Named after the niece of Sir Thomas Salusbury, once a Lord of the Manor, Hester Thrale was known for her diaries detailing the stories of the London elite circles of the time. After the decease of her first husband, Henry Thrale, which had been a marriage of convenience - Hester had the chance to remarry her one true love, the impoverished Italian musician, Gabriel Piozzi.

The Gabriel Bar boasts exposed brickwork and a black conduit lattice lighting reflecting the rough background of its namesake, however glimpses of the chandeliers and skylight echo the glamour of Hester Ballroom, eternally combining these two lovers in this building.

Offley Place has always been a family home, passed down through the generations and this is definitely visible in the intimate size of the house. It bears all the character of a charming stately home, whilst maintaining that warm, intimate feel of any family abode. The Hester Ballroom extends this opportunity to larger communities making Offley Place the perfect setting for weddings of any size, bringing two different families together as one.

Having been bought from the council in 2003, owner Hamid Sabahipour has spent years refurbishing the

main house to mirror its original glory, most prominently building the iconic Offley Place Conservatory addition - a delicate expansion of the Manor House which has hosted most of the celebrations and weddings held at the venue so far.

The addition of the ballroom has always been an ambition of his to add to Offley Place. This has been accompanied by his daughter Nazlee Sabahipour; the director in their family business, L?Hote Hospitality which consists of several sites that span across Offley and Baldock.

The team at Offley, headed by Hamid Sabahipour look forward to unveiling their last two years hard work in this recent venture. With the addition of this new ballroom, they welcome the many celebrations and joyous occasions to be held in the space.

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Taking a look at Herts' very special habitats Hert fordshire is home t o some very special habit at s t hat are rarer t han giant pandas and as special as Amazon rainforest s. So rare and precious t hat Hert s & Middlesex W ildlife Trust has a dedicat ed Living River Officer looking aft er t hem. Sarah Perry t ells us everyt hing about Hert fordshire?s chalk rivers.

A dash of orange and blue darts past, so fast you only just see it plunge into the water. The hunt was successful, the kingfisher emerges with a small fish in its beak. It perches on a low-hanging branch enjoying its meal. We?re at the River Mimram, a small chalk river which rises from a spring in North Hertfordshire and flows together with the River Lee in Hertford.

The Mimram is one of only 200 chalk rivers worldwide, of which nearly 10% can be found in Hertfordshire alone. Our chalk rivers come from the Chiltern Hills where rain water permeates layers of chalk to the aquifers below.

From there the water emerges through fissures as springs. This water is a stable temperature, rich in minerals, pH-neutral and crystal-clear. Chalk streams are shallow and fast-flowing.

This creates the perfect conditions for a huge array of wildlife ? from the smallest mayfly, dragonflies and other invertebrates to fish and

Kin gf ish er by Pau l Th r u sh birds such as kingfishers and herons as well as our fastest declining mammal, the water vole.

A whole ecosystem depends on chalk rivers.

However, they are under pressure from Hertfordshire?s rising population and the associated increase in water usage. Up to 60% of our domestic water comes directly from the chalk river aquifers and more water usage means more abstraction from the rivers?underground aquifers. Add periods with little rain, like last summer and winter, and many rivers are facing hardship ? with them all wildlife that relies on them. Over-abstraction leads to a

reduced water flow which enables silt to build up. Furthermore, our rivers suffer from pollution from urban and agricultural sources, invasive species and past physical modifications such as weirs, dredging or straightening.

The task at hand is a huge one ? no one single organisation can manage this alone. Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust is working together with farmers, local communities, river groups, the private sector and volunteers to restore our rivers.

It?s not only conservation organisations: Everyone can help Hertfordshire?s rivers! Because much of the water for our homes, workplaces and schools comes from the same aquifers that feed our chalk streams, we can make a direct impact by using less water: Every drop you save at home will be one more drop for wildlife!

Find out more on hert swildlifet rust .org.uk/ livingrivers

River M im r am by Pet er Tat t on

The Main Event Great events to catch in #Herts 21ST JUNE - 30TH JUNE 2019

city-wide event, such as the

St Alban s Rom an Fest ival

Roman Amphitheatre and OVO,

This summer from Friday 21 ?

Sunday 30 June, join the city of St Albans as it discovers its Roman heritage during a 10-day festival with events fit for the whole family.

Guides and the St Albans Film Festival. Expect Roman-film showings, themed menus, historical city walks and talks, plays and performances, and

Take a walk back in time to the city?s past with all the amazing things St Albans has to offer today.

Local organisations are getting involved to make it a real

Sumpter Yard

return for its 6th year this summer. Spread over 2 weeks, it will offer a host of different events, including the Outdoor cinema, workshops, talks, and event and film listings and ticket information.

St Albans United Kingdom

Various locations across the City.

mail@stalbanscathedral.org 01727 890200

St Albans' first W hisky Fest ival, bringing award winning brands from around t he world for everyone t o enjoy and learn about . There's no limit t o t he samples you can t ry, so you are free t o t ast e your way around t he whisky world, finding new favourit es, ready t o impress you friends wit h your new whisky knowledge. They are put t ing on a Burger Slider menu, mat ched t o t he whisky, cooked on t he BBQ. They hope you enjoy fant ast ic whisky from brands such as Bimber, Douglas Laing, Jeffersons, Mackmyra and Nomad already confirmed.

Cont act dan@summert onclub.com

St Albans Film Festival will

special events. See website for St Albans Cathedral Trust

29TH JUNE - 30TH JUNE 2019 The Summert on W hisky Fest ival

36 Fishpool St , St Albans AL3 4RX

St Alban s Film Fest ival

The Pudding Stop, St Albans City

much more! where it all began and celebrate

25TH JUNE - 7TH JULY 2019

matt@stalbansfilmfestival.com 07768472365

The Main Event Great events to catch in #Herts

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13TH JULY 2019 Bat t le Pr om s Picn ic Con cer t at Hat f ield Hou se The 19th annual Battle Proms Picnic Concert at Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire: a Summer celebration with music,

Hatfield, Hertfordshire on

toe-tapping vintage vocals and a

Saturday 13 August, for the 19th

breath-taking Spitfire aerial

annual Battle Proms Picnic

display by The Grace Spitfire,

Concert, where the historical

which is accredited with

leafy parkland makes the

shooting down the first enemy

perfect setting for an afternoon

aircraft over the Normandy

of sublime music and dramatic

beachhead on D-Day, 75 Years

displays.

ago.

The Battle Proms is a summer

There?s even a sensational

celebration with a full

freefall demonstration by The

programme of captivating

Red Devils parachute team,

classical music from the

dramatic Napoleonic cavalry

60-piece New English Concert

displays and ground-shaking live

Orchestra, complemented by

fire from over 200 cannons!

Spitfire, cannons, cavalry and fireworks!

Thousands of picnic fans and music lovers will pack up the hampers and champers and head to Hatfield House in

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The Main Event Great events to catch in #Herts 27TH JULY - 28TH JULY 2019 Fest ival of W ildlife at Panshanger Park This free family festival celebrates the rich diversity of wildlife in Hertfordshire and Middlesex and features walks, talks, family activities and conservation demonstrations. You will be joined on the weekend by local conservation groups, food producers, artists and craftsmen there's plenty to see and do!

Contact events@hmwt.org 01727 858901

30TH JULY - 29TH AUGUST 2019 Ashridge Advent urers Enjoy a morning or afternoon session of led activities and crafts and learn more about Ashridge's animals and plants. The theme

changes each week. 30 Jul & 1 Aug: Den building 6 Aug & 8 Aug: Pond dipping 13 Aug & 15 Aug: Natural art 20 Aug & 22 Aug: Minibeasts 27 Aug & 29 Aug: Wild woods (sensory activities) Recommended for ages 4-10.

Booking essential ? please call the visitor centre on 01442 851227.

31ST JULY - 11TH AUGUST 2019 Pendley Shakespeare Fest ival Celebrating 70 years of Shakespeare at Pendley!

2019 is the Pendley Shakespeare Festival?s platinum anniversary, and it?s marked by performances of one of the Bard?s greatest tragedies and one of his most hilarious farces. Macbeth (31st July - 4th August) "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it." When the

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victorious Macbeth is presented with a prophecy, a path of ambition, jealousy, and duplicity is laid down before him.

One of the nation's favourite tragedies, Macbeth tests the bounds of love, loyalty, and lust for power in murderous fashion. The Merry Wives of Windsor (7th 11th August) "Wives may be merry, and yet honest too." An ill-advised attempt to seduce two married women leaves Falstaff in a heap of trouble. What follows is mischief, confusion, and ridiculous practical jokes. One of the most frenetic and saucy of Shakespeare's comedies: the tale of Falstaff's self-inflicted muddle is never one to miss.

Pendley Manor Spa & Leisure Cow Ln Tring HP23 5QY

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Just the ticket for Tom's Pub in the Park Pub in the Park, St Albans, #Herts Sept 13-15

Pub in t he Park brings t oget her brilliant food, live music and Michelin-st arred chefs all served up in a beaut iful local park, making for t he ult imat e pub garden unlike any ot her.

W het her you?re a foodie fanat ic searching t o t ast e dishes creat ed by some of t he world?s best chefs, or a music lover who can?t resist t he chance t o wat ch your favourit e music act s live, Pub in t he Park has got you covered.

The pop-up pub and rest aurant

line-up include t he likes of Tom Kerridge?s The Hand & Flowers, Dylans Kings Arms, At ul Kochhar?s Hawkyns, Thompson St . Albans, Tim Allen?s Flit ch of Bacon and many more, each serving mout h-wat ering t ast ing dishes for you t o enjoy.

Music act s will rock t he main st age t hroughout each session, so dust off your dancing shoes as you?re in for a t reat ! The headliners include Tom Odell, Razorlight and W ill Young alongside ot her great act s

including The Rifles, Toploader, St ereo MCs and more.

Alongside all of t his (if it isn?t enough!) t here?ll be plent y of bars serving all sort s of bevs from cockt ails t o cold ones, chef demonst rat ions, mast erclasses, t ast ings and plent y of shopping from art isans and lifest yle brands!

Don't miss out on t he fest ival t hat everyone's t alking about and grab your t icket s here. ht t ps:// www.pubint heparkuk .com/st -albans

Proms back with a programme of joy BBC Proms 2019 (various locations) July 19-Sept 14 today. This season celebrates the 20th anniversary of BBC Radio 3?s New Generat ion Art ist s scheme, featuring 12 of its alumni.

Elsewhere, other notable debuts take to the concert platform, including Leeds International Piano Competition winner Eric Lu and Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian. Once again, BBC Proms Learning offers a diverse range of creative opportunities beyond the concert platform. Initiatives such as BBC Proms Inspire for composers, Proms Yout h Choir Academy and the Proms Yout h Ensemble will reach hundreds of young people this year.

Marking the 150th anniversary of founder-conductor Sir Henry Wood?s birth, the 2019 BBC Proms presents one of its most diverse programmes yet.

Remaining faithful to Wood?s mission to ?bring the best classical music to the widest possible audience?, the Proms offers a wealth of genres and styles in a range of contexts. Whether it?s Murray Perahia performing Beethoven?s Fourth Piano Concerto with the Vienna Philharmonic under Bernard Hait ink or a Prom dedicated to the genius of Nina Simone with Ledisi and Jules Buckley, the quality and range of what?s on offer showcases the very best of music.

Henry Wood was arguably one of the world?s first audience

developers, committed to increasing access to the arts. The Proms?proudest tradition is that of daily Promming (standing) tickets ? a Henry Wood innovation to reach the broadest audience possible. This marks the fourth year that up to 1,400 Promming tickets will be available for £6 for every Prom. And, to further mark the Promming tradition, a special Proms at ... Bat t ersea Art s Cent re will see all tickets for the event priced at £6. Over at the Royal Albert Hall, 100,000 t icket s will be available for £15 and under.

As an educationalist, conductor and champion of young people, Henry Wood provided countless opportunities for aspiring young artists to get involved in classical music; it?s a proud tradition that the Proms continues to reflect

At the church where he was buried, Proms at ... Holy Sepulchre London will continue the celebration of Wood with a special concert from the BBC Singers under Chief Conductor Sofi Jeannin. The Proms at ... Cadogan Hall series is underpinned by a historical journey through classical music, celebrating some of the most notable women composers of the past, from Hildegard of Bingen via Barbara St rozzi and Clara Schumann ? both of whom have anniversaries this year ? to the present day with a BBC commission from Freya Waley-Cohen. Offering a fresh take on the history of classical music through the eyes of women, each concert in this series will contain at least one work by a woman composer of the time.

From afropop to jazz, East Coast hip-hop to South Italian pizzica, and elect ronica to medit at ive list ening, this will be a truly eclectic celebration of the diversification of music. A Prom

devoted to the music of singer, pianist, and social activist Nina Simone explores her background and enduring influence; and an exhilarating evening of dance, song and spectacle, Duke Ellingt on?s Sacred Music is presented in a Late Night Prom. From breakdancing to MC-ing and DJ-ing to graffiti art, The Breaks will honour the global phenomenon of hip-hop and, in particular, breakbeat culture. The Lat e-Night Mixt ape Prom will bring together an eclectic range of classical and contemporary sounds. Bringing the popular concept of a music-mix into a ?live? context, this Prom will feed into the experiential model that drives so much of music consumption today, where immersion and discovery is key.

Fifty years after Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, the Proms ponders how composers across the centuries have imagined and created the sound of space. The first work heard at the 2019 BBC Proms will be a BBC commission and world premiere from Zosha Di Cast ri, Long Isthe Journey, Short Isthe Memory, inspired by this monumental event. On the very day that marks the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landings, Holst ?s The Planetsis complemented by John Adams?s ever-popular Short Ride in a Fast Machine. The CBeebies Prom, which will be broadcast on the channel, will offer families the chance to travel through time and space with some famous faces including Mr Tumble and Chris Jarvis, hosted by YolanDa Brown, featuring the Chineke! orchestra under KwamĂŠ Ryan.

Other highlights in this strand include: the UK premiere of Anna

Thorvalsdot t ir?s Metacosmos ? a musical metaphor for falling into a black hole ? conveniently timed just three months after astronomers captured the first ever image of a black hole, as revealed last week. Public Service Broadcast ing orchestrate their ground-breaking 2015 concept album The Race for Space, a mix of music and broadcast recordings portraying the tale of the US/Russian ?Space Race?.In a Proms first, the Sci-Fi Film Music Prom features scores from cult space and sci-fi films, including St eve Price?s Gravity and Mica Levi?s Under the Skin, presented by

disappearing language of nature, will feature spoken word and beat-boxing. John Lut her Adams?s In the Name of the Earth ? a huge, landscape-inspired choral work ? will feature four community choirs with over 600 singers. Finally, a brand new work by Hans Zimmer, Earth will receive its world premiere this year.

the London Cont emporary Orchest ra under Robert Ames.

showcase for the vibrant orchestral life that existsin the UK, and a celebration of the diversity of contemporary music in the 21st century. All of thisisunderpinned by the proud tradition of ?Promming? which allowsaudiencesto enjoy this vast range of music for just ÂŁ6 per concert. Aswe celebrate 150 years since Henry Wood?sbirth, the Proms continuesto explore new ground whilst celebrating the founding principlesof the festival - to bring the best classical music to the widest possible audience.?

A number of concerts targeted specifically at families will use compelling storytelling to highlight topical debate. An exploration into our roles as guardians of our planet complements a study of the solar system. Alongside famous works inspired by the natural world, three new works highlight how music can be relevant to the times in which we live and, in this case, support the conversation around sustainability and protection of the planet. The Lost Words Prom, based on Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris?s popular book about the

David Pickard, Direct or, BBC Proms, says: ?The Promsin 2019 givesa snapshot of all that ismost exciting in our musical world today.

It isthe chance to hear some of the most celebrated ensemblesand artistsfrom acrossthe globe, a

The Proms has always been at the forefront of cultural and musical innovation, bringing the best new works to audiences. As a global

visionary, Sir Henry Wood gave the world and Brit ish premieres of hundreds of works at the Proms including Stravinsky?s The Firebird, Sibelius?s Violin Concerto and Schoenberg?s Five Piecesfor Orchestra. This year, we celebrate 33 of t he pieces t hat Wood int roduced to UK audiences, alongside 33 new works for 2019.

New music highlights include Radiohead?s Jonny Greenwood curating a Late Night Prom culminating in the world premiere of his Horror vacui. The piece simulates electronic sound using 68 string instruments played acoustically. Proms at ... Bat t ersea Art s Cent re will showcase boundary-crossing and provocative composer-performers, featuring experiments at the cutting edge of music and technology with Jennifer Walshe, Crewsdon & Cevanne and Oliver Coat es.

Elsewhere, Mart yn Brabbins presents a 21st-century companion to Elgar?s ?Enigma?

Variations 120 years on. Based on a new anonymously written theme, this work features variations by 14 living composers including Sally Beamish, Sir Harrison Birt wist le, Dai Fujikura and Judit h Weir.

Henry Wood?s Proms seasons were famous for nights dedicated to one composer. In celebration of that concept, the final week of the 2019 season replicates Wood?s original programming: a Monday evening of Wagner, a Wednesday evening of Bach and a Friday evening of Beet hoven. More than a century ago, these concerts were perhaps the first example of ?box-set binging?.

As part of a celebration of Berlioz at 150, Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the Orchest re Révolut ionnaire et Romant ique present the rarely performed opera Benvenuto Cellini and Nicholas Collon and Aurora Orchest ra bring a dramatic treatment of Symphonie fantastique with actor Mat hew Baynt on.

Other composer anniversaries include: Louis Andriessen at 80, Pet er Eöt vös at 75 and Sir James MacMillan at 60. A special focus on Weinberg, who would have

been 100, includes his String Quartet No. 7 and the London premieres of his Cello Concerto and Symphony No. 3.

Once again, BBC Radio 3 enables the festival to reach millions each year by broadcasting every single note and, new for this year, audiences now have ready access to the Proms through the BBC Sounds app allowing them to engage with the festival anytime, anywhere. There are 25 Proms on TV for audiences to enjoy and the Proms magazine show returns to BBC Two on Saturday nights throughout the festival.

Across more than 90 concerts over eight weeks, the Proms draws the world?s greatest classical musicians to London. From Mart ha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim to Joyce DiDonat o and Sir Ant onio Pappano, the festival will amplify the work of today?s most acclaimed artists. Mezzo-soprano Jamie Bart on will feature at the world-famous Last Night of t he Proms, Sheku Kanneh-Mason will perform Elgar?s Cello Concerto, and Nicola Benedet t i and Pekka Kuusist o will contribute to a season-wide survey of well-loved and lesser-known violin concertos.

Of particular note: in the bicentenary year of Queen Victoria?s birth, St ephen Hough performs Mendelssohn?s Piano Concerto No. 1 on her very own piano. Loaned from the Royal Collection Trust by Her Majesty The Queen, this will be the first time the Erard piano will be played outside Buckingham Palace. The programme also includes songs

written by Prince Albert .

Once again, the BBC Orchest ras and Choirs form the backbone of the BBC Proms, appearing in over a third of the concerts this summer. Newly appointed Chief Conductor Designate of the BBC Philharmonic Omer Meir Wellber and Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra Dalia St asevska both make their Proms debuts this summer, and Karina Canellakis becomes the first woman to conduct the First Night of the Proms. Alongside the BBC Orchestras there is a wealth of international orchestras, from the Vienna Philharmonic with Bernard Hait ink & Andrés Orozco-Est rada and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchest ra with Mariss Jansons to the Shanghai Symphony Orchest ra which makes its Proms debut in its 140th year under Long Yu. Since it was first introduced in 2017, the Relaxed Prom has become one of the most popular events in the Proms calendar. This year it returns to offer a relaxed performance around core classical repertoire of Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. The Prom will be fully accessible to family members of all ages, children and adults with autism, sensory and communication impairments and learning disabilities, as well as individuals who are Deaf or hearing impaired, blind and partially sighted or living with dementia. Henry Wood?s vision brought to life, this event is truly open to all.

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Tickets selling fast as Todd in the Hole festival ready for a triumphant return

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Born out of a love of t he Hert fordshire count ryside, great food, awesome music and, well, beer, Todd in t he Hole is one of t he most excit ing new fest ivals in t he UK. Held across t hree days in t he middle of t he summer, t he fest ival t akes place at t he end of July.

The event in 2018 saw over 6,000 people at t end over t he course of t he weekend, all enjoying t he incredible weat her and t he likes of t he Count erfeit St ones and Cloudbust ing, as well as a pick of t he region?s best new t alent .

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Despit e boast ing a st acked line-up of great bands, t his is much more t han your regular music fest ival; feat uring everyt hing from The Great Brit ish Elvis Off, wall of deat h, t ug of war compet it ion, chilli eat ing cont est , t o a fun filled Family Arena. This is unlike any fest ival you?ve ever been t o, and we know it isn?t one you?ll forget in a hurry.

Nest led in t he heart of t he Hert fordshire count ryside, easily accessible from St evenage and Hit chin, t he fest ival aims t o highlight all t hat is good and great about bot h t he count y and t he count ry.

Spread over 3 days and wit h over 60 bands playing over t he weekend, t he line up includes, Absolut e Bowie, Definit ely Could Be Oasis, 7 Wonders of Fleet wood Mac, Upbeat Beat les, Roadrunner, Great Brit ish Elvis Off, Bubounce, Toni Lee as Karen Carpent er, Mark Sullivan plus loads more.

It 's just about t he music t hough, our award winning st reet food

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vendors and t hemed bars will ensure you're well fed and wat ered and our brand new Family Arena will keep t he kids ent ert ained all weekend.

For t he daredevils among you we're excit ed t o announce t hat Dougie Lampkin MBE, 12 t imes FIM Mot orcycle Trial World Champion is going t o be joining us on t he Sunday and demonst rat ing his skills on a specially creat ed Todd Trials Track.

That 's not all, t his year we're offering Camping and Glamping plus aft er part ies in our woods where Ibiza legend, Dave Pearce will be headlining on Friday night .

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If you want qualit y t ime, good vibes, a lit t le bit of magic, summer fun and t o share new experiences wit h friends and family visit www.t oddint hehole.co.uk t o purchase your t icket s.'

A range of packages are available for businesses and VIP guest s while t here are st ill opport unit ies t o sponsor t his remarkable fest ival. For furt her det ails cont act : sponsors@t oddint hehole.co.uk For t icket s head t o: ht t ps://t oddint hehole.co.uk/ t icket s/

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Hemel Hempstead councillor is fifth woman chairman of Herts County Council Hemel Hempstead Councillor, Colette Wyatt-Lowe, has been elected as Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council at Tuesday?s Annual General Meeting of the County Council.

Cllr Wyatt-Lowe takes over from Cllr Richard Thake, who has been in the role for the past two years, making history as the fifth woman in the role and the 36th Chairman since 1889.

She is married to Cllr William Wyatt-Lowe, Vice-Chairman of the county council from 2017-19.

The couple have three children and five grandchildren.

A Hemel Hempstead resident for most of her adult life, Cllr Wyatt-Lowe has been the councillor for Hemel Hempstead North East since 2009.

She was Executive Member for Adult Care and Health for eight years until she stepped down in January 2019. Cllr Wyatt-Lowe is also a member of Dacorum Borough Council, representing Woodhall Farm since 2003.

Speaking about her appointment at the helm of the county council, Cllr Wyatt-Lowe said: "It?s a great honour to be elected as Chairman and I?m looking forward to representing Hertfordshire County Council in meetings and at a wide range of community events. ?I?d like to thank Richard Thake for his outstanding work in representing Hertfordshire and the county council over the past two years.?

Cllr Richard Thake said: "I?ve had enjoyed my time as Chairman immensely and it has been an honour to attend many events on behalf of the council.

Throughout my time in the role I?ve met a great number of inspirational people who devote so much time and effort to making Hertfordshire a wonderful place to live and I?d like to thank them too.?

Cllr Dr Susie Gordon will take over the role of Vice-Chairman from William Wyatt-Lowe. A veterinary surgeon by profession, Susie is no longer directly involved in day-to-day practice so she can concentrate on her role as a county councillor.

She has been the councillor for Hatfield East since 2017.

Cllr Dr Gordon is the wife of former Hertfordshire County Council Leader, Robert Gordon, who sadly died in 2017. Susie has sat on the Adult Care and the Public Health cabinet panels and the Adult Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse topic groups. She has also championed the use of dogs in therapeutic settings through her leadership of the Hertfordshire Takes the Lead initiative.

David Williams, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "I would like to extend my congratulations to Colette and Susie on their election as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the council. It is particularly pleasing to have women holding both these roles for the first time in the county?s 130-year history, according to our records. ?I know that they will fulfil their duties with enthusiasm and commitment and be excellent ambassadors for the county council. I'd also like to thank both Richard Thake and William Wyatt-Lowe for their dedicated service over the past two years."

Standon Calling ready for a Chic success Standon Calling, Standon, #Herts, July 25-28

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.

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.

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,

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. http://www.standon-calling .com/tickets

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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.

Tollers solicitors - the experts at helping you to make your Will Do you know for cert ain what would happen t o your est at e if you died wit hout a W ill?

significantly reduce the burden of inheritance Tax that may become payable on your death and could also protect your family wealth in the event that you may require residential or nursing care at some point.

Making a Will may not be on top of your ?to do?list but if it isn?t, Sharon Brown (pictured) from Tollers Solicitors explains why it certainly should be.

A Will allows you to make specific gifts to friends, family or charities and to name guardians of any minor children (under the age of 18) you may have and can set up trusts to protect your estate for vulnerable and minor beneficiaries.

A Will enables you to set out clearly what you wish to happen to your money, possessions and property after you die.

You can outline how you wish to provide for your family, state your funeral wishes, forgive debts and more.

Leaving a Will makes it much easier for your loved ones to deal with your affairs and ensure that your wishes are carried out.

If you do not have a Will you are deemed to have died ?intestate?, which means that your estate will be distributed in accordance with the Intestacy Rules. These rules determine which of your relatives get your estate and which parts they receive, which may not reflect your wishes and could lead to someone benefiting that you would prefer did not.

Also under the intestacy rules no provision is made for cohabiting partners or stepchildren. There can also be complications for second marriages, as your spouse will receive the first ÂŁ250,000 of your estate and so children from a previous marriage could be left unprotected.

Having an efficiently drafted Will can also have tax advantages. A Will can

You also have the benefit of selecting the people you wish to be in charge of dealing with your estate (your Executors), these can be trusted family or friends or even a professional, such as a solicitor.

Don?t leave things to chance, If you are considering making a Will, amending a Will or would like more information, guidance or advice on what you should do, Talk to Tollers on 01438 901095 and Sharon and her Trusts and Estates team will be happy assist you.

Except ional people Except ional service Except ional delivery

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Talking about death the big conversation Talking about deat h Hands up, how many of us have had a conversation about death? If not, you?re not alone. It?s a tough thing to talk about. We avoid the enormity of the subject with phrases such as ?kick the bucket?and ?pop your clogs?.And if we do happen to mention in passing that we?d like to be buried, not cremated, it?s usually followed up very quickly with a change of subject!

In fact, 55% of people prefer to say ?passed?or ?passing?, while only 29% will say ?dead?or ?dying?.If it?s hard to even say the word, how can we expect to have a conversation?

Unfortunately the simplicity of the language we tend to use to talk about death reflects the basic nature of the conversations we are having with our loved ones.

W hy don?t we t alk about deat h?

It is said that death and taxes are the only two certainties in life, so why is the latter talked about so much more?

You can?t scroll through social media these days without seeing a tax reminder or an advert for bookkeeping software!

One reason we don?t talk about death is because we?re all living longer. Even though death is a natural part of life, many of us don?t experience the loss of someone close to us until later on in our lives. Illnesses and diseases that would claim the lives of our ancestors are no longer a threat, and so we are not as close to death as they were; hence it?s a fear of the unknown.

Another reason is that it is seen as a taboo subject; people think they might jinx themselves for bringing it up.

Trust us, you won?t!

Dying Mat t ers Awareness Week The Dying Matters Coalition aims to raise awareness of the importance of talking more openly to friends and family about dying, death and bereavement. Their annual awareness week ran from 13-19 May 2019 and the theme is ?Are We Ready?? [https://www.dyingmatters.org/]

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They?ve put together some quite astonishing facts, which show how ready we really are: -

Just 35% of adults said they had made a will Just 30% had let someone know their funeral wishes Just 7% had written down wishes or preferences about the care they would want if they couldn?t make decisions

W hy is it import ant t o t alk about deat h?

These figures speak for themselves and highlight just how much we need to start talking about death ? for everyone?s benefit. Here are four more good reasons to start a conversation: -

A ?good death?: Talking about dying and your wishes makes it more likely that you ? or your loved one ? will die as you wanted to (for example,

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at home) because plans can be made in advance. This will bring comfort to those left behind, knowing the deceased had a ?good death?and that it was as they wanted.

The grieving process: Once we start being more open about death, we can help others through the grieving process by having a conversation with them.

A time to reflect: By choosing to talk about death, it can help us to reflect on our own life and goals we still wish to fulfil.

From here, we might want to create a bucket list, or start to make plans for our own funeral.

Reduce stress: As we spoke about in last month?s blog, talking can greatly reduce stress and avoid family disputes when someone passes away.

How can we t alk more about deat h and dying?

There are so many books and resources out there that can be a good starting point, as well as some brilliant TED talks that really get you thinking about death as a natural process.

Death cafes are a way to get out and talk to others about it. They allow people to meet up in a relaxed setting and talk over tea and cake, share their thoughts and learn about other people?s experiences. Take a look at: https://deathcafe.com/

Make the most of the Unlimited Card to enjoy Cineworld benefits ENJOY UNLIMITED FILMS Watch all the films you can handle at any Cineworld for just one monthly fee SAVE ON SNACKS AND DRINKS Get 10% off all in-cinema food and drink. Plus get 10% off at Cineworld Starbucks licensed stores.

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Unlimit ed: How t o apply in person

Unlimited members can get free months of membership when they recommend Unlimited to their friends!

Step 1 Visit one of our Cineworld cinemas Step 2

Unlimit ed: How t o apply online Step 1 Make sure you have your bank details and a recent passport photo Step 2 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass straight away Step 3 We will post your Unlimited card to you Step 4

Find a member of staff or use a sign up tablet in cinema Step 3 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass to start enjoying Unlimited movies Step 4 Start enjoying Unlimited and related offers We are delight ed t o t eam up wit h Cineworld St evenage t o offer you t he chance t o win five pairs of 2D t icket s t o any film (subject t o availabilit y).

To ent er simply t weet @hasht aghert s using t he hasht ag #Hert scineworldcomp

Phot ography by Brendan Fal vey

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

At last - the heat is here!

Put conservat ory plant s out side It can be difficult to judge but as the warmer months approach then you should be able to place conservatory plants outside without fear of any damage from colder weather.

Wat er when needed Watering is of course essential and you should pay special attention to tubs and new plants if they show any sign of being dry. However gardeners must also make sure that they are water-wise and do this without waste of this precious resource.

Do t he deadheading It?s an art form in itself and one which comes into it?s own now as you should be deadheading.

A vital part of gardening,

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 n eeds our at t en t i on ... deadheading of bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials helps to ensure continuous flowering and therefore a great display.

Pamper your pond Now is the time to turn your attention to your pond. In the drier months you should clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds. You should also make sure that it is at the correct level and that it is topped up regularly.

Order your cat alogues You may have barely begun to appreciate the garden this year

but it is already time to start thinking about 2017. It?s an exciting time for some gardeners and a chance to look ahead but you should really be considering ordering catalogues for next year?s spring-flowering bulbs.

Give t he lawn a feed It?s something that is very often overlooked but in the summer months you should give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed. This should especially be done if you have not given it a spring feed Look aft er your woodwork Like any part of the garden items such as woodwork also appreciate a little care. If you have the chance give woodwork a lick of paint or preserver, while the weather is dry.

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Wedding and party package Can you af f ord t o miss t he Forum's wedding package?

As l ong as booking is made by t he end of t his year wit h deposit paid it can be used f or t he ent ire 2020.

For a remarkabl e ÂŁ3,000 you can have excl usive use of t he f ul l suit e upst airs incl uding Fairview suit e. Incl udes: -

Room f rom 10am-midnight Cat ers up t o 500 Ful l use of t he kit chen and abil it y t o bring in booze and f ood.

Incl ude securit y 1 hot el room Col our t heme upl ight ers and use of screens f or phot os

For part ies, weddings recept ions, birt hdays and charit y event s we are t he venue f or you.

Book by Sept ember 30 2019 and use t his t o t he end of 2019.

Part y package incl udes: -

Noon - Midnight Ext ended bar l icence on appl icat ion ÂŁ500 per room, accommodat e 200 peopl e.

Can increase capacit y by booking a second room f or a 50% discount .

Incl udes dance f l oor, securit y, t abl e l inen and bar st af f , upl ight er and screens.

Cal l us now on 01438 779955

And how about our amazing part y package?

Read, en joy an d sh ar e

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Book the best conference facilities for your business

Do you want t he very best f or your business?

The Forum Conf erence and Banquet ing Suit es in St evenage of f er t he f inest f acil it ies and t he best rat es - and we now have a special booking of f er which wil l al l ow you t o book f rom now unt il April 30 2020.

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Dail y Del egat e rat e - f rom just ÂŁ25 f or a minimum of 10 peopl e Every 10t h person is f ree and a bot t l e of f izz f or t he booker.

Ideal meet ing space f or 20 peopl e, af t ernoon t ea cof f ee and cakes and l unch

Arrival t ea cof f ee and f resh baked past ries avail abl e Take a break wit h mid-morning t ea, cof f ee and biscuit s Af t ernoon hot and col d working buf f et l unch avail abl e Af t ernoon t ea, cof f ee and a sweet t reat f or al l del egat es Al l bookings incl ude f ul l use of st at ionery, room hire and equipment hire

Quot e Code: Forumbiz19 Cal l 01438 779955 and book now

Read, en joy an d sh ar e

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Wedding and party package

East er is f ast approaching and we?ve been hat ching some f un pl ans f or t he l ong weekend.

There wil l be l ot s of egg-cit ing act ivit ies t o join in wit h, al ong wit h al l t he usual 360 Pl ay f un.

Make sure you join us on Good Friday or over t he East er weekend f or egg decorat ing, egg rol l ing, egg and spoon races (a great way t o make sure your l it t l e one get s some eggs-ercise) and more!

There?s al so l ot s of f un spring act ivit ies t o join in wit h in our messy pl ay area over t he East er hol iday.

Wit h sof t pl ay and sl ides, messy pl ay, dodgems, a carousel , rol e pl ay and more, t here?s somet hing every-bunny wil l enjoy t his East er.

Visit 360pl ay.co.uk t o f ind out more

Read, en joy an d sh ar e

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Spotlight on #Herts

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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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For r esult s t oday speak t o t he com m unicat ion exper t s at Spit f ir ePR Media rel at ions

Copy writ ing

Social media market ing

Media t raining

Market ing

Crisis management

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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Ashr idge Est at e