ASHRIDGE WARTIME BABIES
Returning to their birthplace, 80 years on
CARRY ON GARDENING
The growing season doesn’t stop here…
LOCAL READS FOR AUTUMN
Great books for a cosy evening in
YEAR 3 TO 6 2 / 17
YEAR 7 TO 10 10 / 11
SIXTH FORM 10 / 11
Welcome to the Autumn issue!
The summer holidays may be over, but autumn is a time of new beginnings, with plenty to look forward to, including Halloween fun at the end of October.
As children return to school, we have some useful tips to help the youngest, summer-born children entering reception. And we also look at the true financial cost of raising a child!
There’s still plenty to get on with in the garden - as our feature shows - and if you’re getting busy in the kitchen, try out our recipe for a wonderfully warming minestrone soup.
There’s two interesting travel features - one looking at how to be eco friendly on your travels, plus some simple tricks to make packing a breeze.
If you’re shopping for gifts or treats do take a look at ‘shop local’ for ideas - our local retailers will appreciate your support.
As always, the magazine includes plenty of local news, lots of events in the What’s On section, plus a four-page pullout in the centre pages for the Berkhamsted Arts Trust ‘greensheets’.
Meanwhile, our history feature tells the story of the babies born at Ashridge House when it became a maternity ward in World War II.
If you want to be involved in the next issue, please email Naomi at editorial@livingmags.info with your news prior to our winter issue.
Happy reading!
Alison and Naomi
Owner & Editor
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is calling on people in Berkhamsted and the surrounding areas to volunteer at its retail head office on Northbridge Road.
The charity warns that without new volunteers, its retail operation is at risk of grinding to a halt.
Nicola Flood, head of buying & operations at Rennie Grove Peace, explained: ‘We need volunteers in a whole range of roles. Whether you want to do a physical job such as driving a van and moving stock, would prefer a desk-based online product listings role or have a particular
area of expertise to help us sort and value niche product donations, there is something for everyone.’
To get in touch with the team email volunteers@renniegrovepeace.org
Volunteers needed at charity retail hub Homes builder consults on Chesham Road plans
Parking charges consultation
Aswe went to press, we were awaiting the results of a public consultation on new parking tariff proposals in Berkhamsted and the rest of Dacorum, which finished at the end of July. It follows a previous consultation carried out with residents in 2023.
Parking fees across Dacorum were last increased in 2019. Since then, inflation has increased by 28 per cent. The proposed changes will bring parking tariffs in line with the cost of inflation.
The proposals also include changes to offstreet parking, town centre on-street parking and controlled parking zones, including changes to the restricted hours, maximum stay, and no return periods for existing ‘Pay to Park’ bays and ‘Limited Wait’ bays, as well as introducing charging into some ‘Limited Wait’ bays. Information at letstalk.dacorum.gov.uk/hub-page/parking-hub
TaylorWimpey held the first public consultation event in July on its plans for a parcel of land at Chesham Road, which is divided by Swing Gate Lane.
The proposed development of up to 850 mixed tenure homes will, the developers said, include extra care and affordable homes to meet needs.
The site is also set to include a local centre/ community hub with a mix of potential nonresidential uses to include convenience small scale retail uses, community, primary health care uses (with potential for a GP and/or dental surgery), and/or flexible co-working space.
There will also be land for a primary school with a nursery; landscaping, open space and outdoor sports provision; children’s play areas, natural and semi-natural spaces, amenity space including parks and gardens, and allotments. A network of pedestrian and cycle routes will improve connectivity to the town centre and countryside, while a new bus loop will serve the site itself.
A second consultation event will be held later in the year before plans are submitted to Dacorum Borough Council. Find out more at www.southberkhamsted.co.uk
Charlie makes final with game concept LOCAL FOCUS
ABerkhamsted student was named a finalist in this year’s BAFTA Young Game Designers competition.
Charlie Gray (17) from Berkhamsted, submitted the game Seity.
Charlie said: ‘I never thought that my love of video games would become something more than a hobby. But hey! Being a finalist is more than I ever could have asked for.’
Seity is a game exploring self-acceptance through XII, an android in Teleos, a city of conformity. Cast in the dump they fall further, into the Undergrowth where XII embraces individuality, joining a rising revolution of misfit androids against Teleos’ leader, The Mother.
Suitable for ages eight to 16, Seity encourages authenticity over conformity, with enemies
drained of energy rather than killed. Features unique mechanics, moral storytelling, and a hidden storyline.
BAFTA Young Game Designers is a year-round initiative of public events and workshops for 10-18 year-olds, culminating in an annual ceremony to celebrate the finalists and winners. Finalists were selected on the basis of the creativity of their vision and the technicality of their execution.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Castle project
Berkhamsted Castle Trust has been working on a project looking at the history of the medieval deer park to the north of the Castle, and looking at potential opportunities to bring out the story of the landscape, and celebrate its historic and cultural heritage.The public were invited to submit suggestions on how best to protect and enjoy/engage with it earlier this year.
www.berkhamstedcastle.org.uk/about/ deer-park
Open Door shop opening
Open Door, the community space in the High Street, is opening a pre-loved community shop this month. It will feature affordable clothing, accessories, soft furnishings, and household items. Organisers welcome donations to help stock the shop.
National Trust updates its vision for Ashridge estate
Following the second public engagement event at Ashridge in May, the National Trust has shared its updated vision of its plans to protect the 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) estate for the long-term.
The Protecting Our Roots project includes plans for new visitor hubs, car parks - and the introduction of car parking charges.
At the heart of the plan are three new visitor hubs, which will help to move visitors away from the most sensitive areas of the estate. Locations for these have been identified at land at Hill Farm, Ward’s Hurst Farm, and Pitstone Quarry.
The National Trust says that the ‘new hubs would be carefully designed to fit into the landscape, balance accessibility and visitor experience while protecting against further damage to the special landscape that is loved by so many’.
Another issue to be tackled is car parking on Monument Drive, where visitors have parked on the grass verges.
The National Trust is working on plans to create a temporary car park (with 134 spaces) on Meadley’s Meadow to move car parking away
from Monument Drive and allow the restoration of the grass verges. It’s hoped this will be in place for summer 2025.
The 25 smaller informal car parks across the wider estate will be monitored, with the possibility of some closing as the new hubs are introduced.
Car parking charges will be introduced (though it will be free for National Trust members).
The National Trust said: ‘As a charity we rely on income generated from car parking and other commercial activity to help fund our vital conservation work. Introducing car parking charges will help generate income to look after this special place and allow us to better manage visitor numbers.’
Improvements will in the meantime be made to the Monument Drive visitor hub. Essential conservation work to the Grade II* listed Bridgewater Monument will see it closed to visitors until spring 2025.
Full details at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ ashridge-estate/protecting-the-future-ofashridge-estate
Wildlife Trust marks 60 years
This year Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, the leading voice for conservation in the area, celebrates its 60th anniversary. Today, the Trust has more than 23,500 members, more than 1,100 active volunteers supporting its work, and 42 nature reserves spanning the two counties. Over 60 years, the Trust has been an unwavering advocate for nature and striving to protect our
most precious and wild spaces. It has achieved many significant and inspirational wins, including lobbying to make badger digging and baiting illegal, successfully re-introducing water voles to our local rivers, and just last year, it added two new nature reserves to its portfolio, following successful public fundraising campaigns - Astonbury Wood, near Stevenage, and Archers Green, near Welwyn.
To find out more about the work of the Trust and how you can support wildlife in crisis, visit www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Salon’s award highlights
Berkhamsted’s newest hair salon is making waves in the awards world.
Luke Benson Hair has been nominated for Independent Salon of the Year at the inaugural Prohair Awards. In addition, salon founder and creative director Luke Benson has been honoured as one of the top four hairdressers in the country, being named as a finalist for Professional Hairdresser of the Year.
We have been made aware of some opportunistic thefts in Berkhamsted, where cash has been stolen when people have been using cash machines, or handbags stolen from cars while the driver is distracted. If you are the victim of a crime, please call 999 immediately or, if you have information that may assist the Police call 101 or www.herts.police.uk/ro/ report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime
© Terry Whitakker
Brave a night under the stars LOCAL FOCUS
Hertfordshire charity DENS is challenging local people to experience rough sleeping on a cold winter’s night and raise sponsorship to support those in the community facing homelessness.
The charity’s popular Sponsored Sleepout event will take place on Friday 22 November
at the new venue of Lockers Park Preparatory School in Hemel Hempstead.
The evening will feature a fun line-up of activities and entertainment, before participants bed down for an unforgettable and humbling night under the stars.
To book your free places, please visit www.dens.org.uk/sleepout
Poll shows performing arts are ‘vital’
Findings from a new poll reveal that parents whose children have access to performing arts classes believe they will positively impact their child’s academic subjects such as maths and English. The poll from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts reveals that 80 per cent of parents believe that a focus on performing arts will positively affect their child’s academic learning. The research also found that as well as academic excellence, parents had noticed that since studying performing arts, their children had improved their social skills (74 per cent), confidence (81 per cent) and general happiness (83 per cent). This shows that introducing vocational study at an early age can help build solid foundations for young people, ready to face the world, regardless of whether they choose a career in the arts or not.
Commenting on the poll, the school’s Principal, Simon Larter-Evans, said: ‘These findings align with our belief that the arts are not just an extracurricular activity, but a vital component of a well-rounded education. In fact, integrating the arts even further into the curriculum matters because it also helps young people develop a more diverse view of the world. Here at Tring Park, we are committed to nurturing these benefits, helping our students excel both on the stage and in the classroom.’
NEWS IN BRIEF
Kings Road Church update
Plans for a new church in Kings Road to replace the current building were still with the planning officer as we went to press.
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Could you be a Dragon?
Could you make a real difference to our next generation? The Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge has been running in Dacorum for 11 years and has raised over £115,000 for local charities.
So what’s the challenge? Schools enter teams of Year 12 students as the Apprentices. They are matched with a local business mentor (the Dragon) and a local charity, given £100 seed capital and challenged to turn that into £1,000 or more for their charity by means of business related ideas. The challenge starts in October and culminates in a finals evening at the end of March 2025.
Action Dacorum is looking for 10 local
fundraising efforts. Not only will they learn business planning, finance, marketing, logistics, etc, but also skills such as communication, perseverance and teamwork.
You can register your interest by emailing Cindy Withey at Connect Dacorum.
Hampton Court garden heads to Sunnyside
TheRHS Peat-free Hampton Court Feature Garden, designed by Arit Anderson, with flowers grown at Sunnyside’s Berkhamsted site, is to be relocated back to Hertfordshire.
As a peat-free grower, Sunnyside cultivated many of the plants for the Gardeners’ World presenter’s RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival design, as well as being involved in both the build and the take down.
The garden will be reconstructed at Sunnyside’s Hemel Food Garden site in a variation of its current form, and will be open for the local community to enjoy as a free public space.
The intricate planting Anderson has designed mimics an untouched peatland in areas, but also a modern domestic garden, created in line with peat-free principles.
The TV presenter and garden designer, who grew up in Hemel Hempstead, said: ‘I’m overjoyed that the RHS Peat-Free Garden will live on at Sunnyside Rural Trust.’
Sunnyside’s CEO Keely Siddiqui-Charlick said that the Sunnyside team was ‘over the moon, really proud’ to supply plants to the RHS feature garden.
Theatre company gets set to celebrate centenary…
Berkhamsted Theatre Company is just two years away from celebrating its centenary, and its members will be busy in the run-up to the milestone.
to be announced, which the company hopes to make a community project, inviting local groups and choirs to join (auditions in May 2025).
The company’s new production of the award-winning musical Spend, Spend, Spend, based on the true story of the infamous football pools winner, Viv Nicholson, runs at the Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted, from 23-26 October. The murder-mystery, cult comedy ‘Clue’ is scheduled for spring 2025 (auditions this November) and autumn 2025 will see a blockbuster musical, soon
New members are welcome. For anyone who has an interest in theatre, there are many opportunities and not just on stage! Directors, producers, musical directors, of course, but everything is created in-house; marketing, set design, costume creation, make-up, lighting, stage management, set building, sound, props…
The Berkofest Book Festival returns on 3 November for its fifth year.
The event at Berkhamsted Town Hall will see lots of internationally-acclaimed names ranging from Sunday Times top-selling fiction and non-fiction writers to musicians to comedians to scientists to sports players. https://tickets.matterpay.com/s/berkofest/ ZXZlbnQ6NDYxMg==/berkofest-book-festival Book the date!
LOCAL FOCUS
Berkhamsted FC announces new supporters association Charlotte joins IACSC
Berkhamsted FC has announced the formation of The Berkhamsted FC Supporters’ Association, a new group that will bring the club and its fans closer together and give a say on club matters to the people who matter most.
Founded by four lifelong fans, and closely aligned to the club’s board and ownership, the Supporters Association is dedicated to deepening the club’s links with the supporters.
The Supporters Association’s immediate aim is to welcome new members, with two levels of membership on offer - Founder and Standard, with Founder Members able to vote on association matters at meetings, recognised with
Charlotte Evans, of Berkhamsted based infant sleep consultancy The Good Snooze Company, has been accepted into the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants.
Charlotte told us: ‘I am delighted and honoured to have been accepted as a member into this prestigious community. The families that I work with can be confident that they are using a fully certified consultant to support them with their little one’s sleep.’ Charlotte goes on to say that ‘the ongoing learning opportunities and supportive community within the IACSC will also mean that I will always be practising the safest and most up-to-date sleep support methods for families.’
Leisure centre secures £230,000 upgrade
A£230,000 investment is helping to transform Berkhamsted Leisure Centre. Everyone Active, which manages the centre on behalf of Dacorum Brough Council, is funding the project.
The improvements are primarily focused on expanding its strength training capabilities to meet growing demand. The revamp will see the free weights area double in size, boasting new benches, an expanded range of dumbbells and a tripled Olympic rack presence.
Meanwhile, all cardio equipment is being upgraded to new models, and the centre will also introduce innovative equipment such as a SkiErg, adding variety to workout routines.
Recognising the importance of recovery, the gym will now offer theraguns to aid muscle relaxation, alongside a dedicated stretch and recovery area. The upgraded gym should be in use by the time you read this.
The gym improvements are part of a broader programme of enhancement work. Berkhamsted Leisure Centre also had its astroturf football pitches resurfaced in June.
IN BRIEF
Old Mill reopens
It’s nice to see the refurbished Old Mill open under new management and enjoying a busy trade. Visitors have been enjoying the canalside garden this summer - and it’s dog-friendly too.
LOCAL FOCUS
Silver year for Graham Greene festival
The 25th Graham Greene International Festival will take place in Berkhamsted from 3-6 October.
Britain’s leading novelist of the 20th century, Graham Greene is also the town’s most famous resident, and this year’s festival celebrates the novelist’s 120th birthday. It will bring together experts on Graham Greene, as well as ordinary readers and film enthusiasts for sessions at the Town Hall, the Civic Centre, and Berkhamsted School.
The son of a headmaster of Berkhamsted School, Graham Greene was haunted by a
difficult childhood, which shaped the books he wrote. Famously, he fled from bullies at the school and took refuge on the Common. In later years he went on to write engrossing tales about people on the run.
Greene is one of the great spy novelists of modern times. Two of this year’s speakers will look at his long involvement with MI6: the renowned expert on intelligence and security Nigel West, and Nicholas Shakespeare, a leading novelist, who has recently completed a new biography of the Bond-creator Ian Fleming. Among the other presentations will be one relating to Brighton Rock (1938) and one concerning his experiences in Mexico which
Matt pedals for charity Berkhamsted vet goes mobile
Berkhamsted mum of four, Katie Hansard, has been a vet for 25 years.
Despite very much enjoying her career, it has always been a concern of hers that many animals experience high levels of stress when attending a practice for treatment. She has also found it deeply disappointing that the same can be true for owners. Travelling difficulties, time pressures and anxiety about their pet can all combine to make it an uncomfortable experience.
As a solution to these frustrations, she has founded The Lounge Vet, a mobile veterinary service that aims to make veterinary care a pleasant experience for all concerned. Look out for her converted van visiting pets from this autumn.
ABerkhamsted man who is in recovery from prostate cancer has cycled over 1400km to raise money for a local charity.
Matt Aris, 60, lived in Malta for nearly 10 years, working as an RYA sailing instructor/charter skipper/ESL teacher. This year he started a cycle back to Berkhamsted to raise funds for Prostate Peddlers, a cycling support group for men affected by prostate cancer.
Matt cycled over 1,400km before hitting a diesel spillage, 80km short of Dieppe. Thanks to family members, he was rescued and brought back home to Berkhamsted. He is still on crutches.
Matt said: ‘I’m hugely grateful to all who sponsored me.’ You can still donate at GoFundMe ‘Matt Aris’.
The Lounge Vet is an independent, compassionate mobile veterinary practice, established by local vet Katie Hansard. We provide a premium level of care for you and your pets, making the experience as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Get in touch for more information about this new service which will be available from 23rd September 2024. You can also head to our website now, to pre-register your pets.
SHOP LOCAL
Don’t just head online, visit your local High Street. Here’s some ideas!
Bailey & Sons - Berkhamsted
01 Ania Haie Necklace £79
02 Shaped wedding eternity ring £1035
03 18ct gold mother of pearl and diamond necklet £1800
Fancy That - Tring
04 Felt handbags from £10
05 Jellycat Bashful Fox £24, Jellycat Fox book £9
06 Paperblanks diaries from £15
07 Car bottle opener
£15
08 Dunoon Fine Bone China mugs made in England from £19
House Thirteen - Tring
09 Gold Square Hoops £56
10 Gemstone Bracelet £22
Nelson & Forbes Sculpture - Potten End
11 Solid Bronze Squirrel £275
What our advertisers say:
Being part of a publication that is delivered directly to peoples’ homes via a reliable postal service is really important to us as a small business that has a supportive local customer base. We find it useful to have a presence in print media as well as online to strengthen our position reaching those not online and increase touch points for those who engage with us on and off line.
Puddingstone Distillery
Notion Jewellery - Tring
12 Solid sterling silver oak leaf and acorn with gold vermeil nut. Oak leaf £43, acorn £75, 18-inch chain £9.50
13 Solid sterling silver apple and leaf. Apple £60, leaf £43, 18-inch chain £9.50
PE Mead - Tring
14 Jim and Jules jams and chutneys £3.75
15 Hive Mind mead £3.50
Puddingstone Distillery - Tring
16 Campfire Cask Aged Cacao Gin £40
Contact advertising@livingmags.info to find out how you can promote your local seasonal products here.
Whilst we have made every effort to ensure these details are correct, you must confirm directly with the retailer.
The only magazine delivering to every
ANTIGUA
AND LONDON TO BERKHAMSTED - REGENTS PARK AESTHETICS
Clinical director Kay Greveson explains why she has made the move to the ‘warm and welcoming’ Berkhamsted community
Kay Greveson is a nurse practitioner with over 21 years experience in the NHS. She established Regents Park Aesthetics in 2011 with its flagship Medispa based in Wimpole Street, London.
The first international clinic was established in Antigua, West Indies in 2021.
Now, the multi-award winning clinic has made a new home in Berkhamsted. Kay explains: ‘I love the community aspect of living and working in a charming town such as Berkhamsted. When I was looking to expand my aesthetics business in the UK, Berkhamsted was the perfect choice as the community is so warm and welcoming. I’m excited to be part of such a
thriving community and to bring my expertise in aesthetics, skincare and wellness to the town.’
As a CQC regulated clinic, this ensures it meets the highest regulated standards. All devices for treatments are the highest quality, FDA approved, and the team of doctors, nurses and therapist has been hand-picked for their experience, friendly and caring nature and honest approach to aesthetics.
Kay adds: ‘We pride ourselves on a personalised approach to skin health, providing friendly and honest advice, and have a loyal client base.
‘I love getting to know my clients and am passionate about supporting local business and charities, which is why I have joined The Hospice of St Francis as a corporate partner. I look forward to hosting many events, including open days at my clinic in the High Street.’
JAMES MARTIN’S AUTUMN MINESTRONE SOUP
Method
1. In a large non-stick frying pan, cook the bacon lardons in the olive oil for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the leek, carrot and celery and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Add the spaghetti and the remaining vegetables, then add the water and cook for 5 minutes.
3. To make the pesto, put the olive oil, parsley and Parmesan into a food processor and blitz.
4. To finish the soup, season, stir in the pesto and top with radish.
This is a hearty autumn or early winter version of Minestrone Soup served with a lovely homemade pesto. Containing leeks, carrots, smashed spaghetti, bacon lardons, celery, fennel, chard, cabbage and radish, this dish will definitely up your veg quota!
Ingredients
• 25ml olive oil
• 1 leek, sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 75g spaghetti, smashed
• 100g bacon lardons
• 250ml water
• 1 celery stick, diced
• 1 fennel top, sliced
• 100g pumpkin, diced
• A few leaves of spring cabbage and chard, shredded
• 15g butter
• 2 radishes, sliced
• Salt and pepper
For the pesto:
• 1 large bunch of parsley
MAIN DEALER SERVICING AT LOCAL GARAGE PRICES
Ltd
VEHICLE ADAPTATIONS TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE
Wish to maintain your ability to drive but are unable to operate the pedals reliably?
Push pull hand controls are the solution.
Can be fitted to most cars with automatic transmission.
Designed specifically for people with lower limb disabilities.
Simple push/pull action to operate the brake and accelerator.
Do you struggle loading your wheelchair or scooter into the boot of your car?
We offer quick-to-install boot hoists that make it easy to load your chair.
Can be fitted to hatchbacks, estates, MPV’s and 4×4’s.
Lifting weights of 40kg, 80kg, 150kg and 200kg.
Simple operation at the touch of a button.
Can be folded away when not in use so they take up very little boot space.
FINE
Obscure
motoring offences
that can land you a fine and points on your licence
The vast majority of us drive with due care and attention at all times, ensuring a safe passage, not just for ourselves, but other road users and pedestrians. Yet be wary - you might still find yourself falling foul of some of the perhaps more obscure offences.
Wetting walkers
The notion of splashing pedestrians may seem amusing to some when navigating large puddles after rainfall. However, this inconsiderate action can result in hefty fines of up to £5,000.
Even splashing a willing pedestrian – see any number of YouTube clips where pavement users beckon a car into making a splash – is an immediate road traffic offence and could land you in hot water (rather than that of the muddy, puddled variety).
Detached directions
Sat navs are essential tools for drivers nowadays, but they must be properly secured to prevent distractions or injuries. Ensure your sat nav or smartphone does not obstruct any part of your windscreen, because failure to do so could result in a fine of £200.
In much the same way, while placing an air freshener in a convenient spot at the centre of your car may seem appealing, it poses the same risk of obstructing vision. This could be one of the more expensive aromas you’ve owned!
Dirty digits
Whether accidental or not, having a number plate that is unclean or obscured – making your vehicle registration unreadable – is an offence under the Road Vehicles Regulations (2001). Keep your registration plate sparkling and clear of mud or dirt to avoid a fine of up to £1,000.
Carefree creatures
While travelling with pets in your car may not be illegal, it is vital to ensure they are securely restrained, either in a carrier or by other suitable means. Allowing pets to roam freely inside the vehicle can distract the driver, resulting in a £100 fine and points on your licence.
Belligerent beeping
Many drivers use their car horn to express frustration while stationary in traffic, but this is illegal unless alerting another driver to a potential danger or hazard. If you are caught honking your horn in non-moving traffic out of frustration rather than to signal a threat, you could face a fine.
While these may not, on the face of it, represent some of the worst driving offences that can be committed on the road, they can easily end up being as costly as speeding or illegal parking so, as always, think safety first.
THE ARTS FOR BERKHAMSTED
2024/2025 SEASON
SEPTEMBER
2024
Fri 6, Sat 7, Sun 9 & Sat 14 Sep Tour
B’sted Hist Soc
Sat 7 Sep Choral
B’sted Choral Soc
Sun 8 Sep Tour
B’sted Hist Soc
Sun 8 Sep Tour
B’sted Hist Soc
Sun 8 Sep Tour
B’sted Hist Soc
Mon 9 Sep Walk
B’sted Hist Soc
Tue 10 Sep Tour
B’sted Hist Soc
Wed 11 & Sat 14 Sep Walk
B’sted Hist Soc
Wed 11 Sep Talk
B’sted Hist Soc
Kings, Queens, Dungeons and Dragons
From royal love-nest to stone-hearted prison, join us for a stroll through royal routes and the former deer park starting at Berkhamsted Castle
A Choral Celebration Concert
Concert including Handel's The King Shall Rejoice and other choral classics by Haydn, Purcell, Jenkins, Faure, Bruckner, Palestrina, Casals and Sullivan. Conductor Graham Wili
The Old Hall and Chapel - Berkhamsted School
Visitors will have the opportunity of seeing the original schoolhouse built in 1544, learn about the school founded in 1541 and see the beautiful Victorian chapel
Berkhamsted Foundling Hospital
Two former foundlings will tell their experience of what life was like in Berkhamsted Foundling Hospital 1935-1955
Old Hall and Chapel, Berkhamsted School
Visitors will have the opportunity of seeing the original schoolhouse, learn about the history of the school founded in 1541 and see the beautiful Victorian chapel
Berkhamsted Railway Walk
Explore items of historical interest around the site of the original and current railway station
Amersfort Garden Tour
A tour of Amersfort Hall garden designed by Ernest Willmott and plant designed by Gertrude Jekyll
The Lost Wharves of Berkhamsted
A walk along the canal path highlighting the former industrial activity and importance of the canals in the growth and development of the town
Euston to Berkhamsted 1930-1960
Local train enthusiast Rob Freeman shares his photos and experiences of the changes that have occurred on our Berkhamsted train line
Venues are in Berkhamsted unless otherwise stated
Castle gates 10:00 - 12:00
St. Peter’s Church 19:30 - 21:30
Chapel, B’sted School 10:30 - 12:00
Ashlyns School 11:00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 15:00
Chapel, B’sted School 14:00 - 15:30
Crystal Palace, Station Road 10:00 - 11:30
Amersfort Hall 10:30 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 15:30
Canal bridge Bank Mill Lane 10:30 - 12:00
Town Hall 20:00 - 21:00
September page 1
Local code 01442 applies to landlines. Tickets are available on the door unless sold out. DC = Dacorum Card accepted.
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.berkhamstedchoral.com
Brown & Merry Estate Agents, £20 (under 18 free) Advance tickets https://tktp.as/EBWSZO
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
https://berkhamsted-history.org.uk/ programme/ Annual Membership Single £10, Joint £15. Visitor £3 at the door
Thu 12 Sep Walk B’sted Hist Soc
Fri 13 & Sat 14 Sep Tour B’sted Hist Soc
Sat 14 Sep Tour B’sted Hist Soc
Sat 14 Sep Walk B’sted Hist Soc
Sat 14 Sep Choral Chiltern Chamber Choir
Sat 14 Sep Jazz B’sted Jazz
Sun 15 Sep Tour B’sted Hist Soc
Mon 23 & Tue 24 Sep Film B’sted Film Soc
Berkhamsted Past Travel Routes
A guided tour through Berkhamsted's travel connections, from toll roads to canals and railways and the impact these had on the rise and fall of the town
A Walk on the Past: Berkhamsted Place
Visitors will experience something of the grandeur of what remains of the original Royal Mansion and a visit to the Great Barn. There will be a small display explaining the history of the house in its vinery
A Radical village - the Baptists in Northchurch
An introductory talk outlining the strength and suffering of non-conformists in the area
A Walk Back in Time
A guided tour of Berkhamsted’s Historic Town. Starting at the castle gates, walking down Castle Street onto the High Street en-route there is much to see and explain
Gaudete Omnes!
A short concert of joyful sacred anthems
The Nigel Price Organ Trio featuring Vasilis Xenopoulos
Currently the most in demand group on British Jazz Scene emanating the great guitar/sax combinations of the past and driven by the Hammond organ of Ross and the drumming of Joel. Bar available
St Peter’s Church and Court House
A detailed tour of the church highlighting important architectural and historical features plus a visit to the Tudor Court House
Film Nights at the Civic Centre
For details of this week’s film please visit the Programme page of the Film Society’s website
OCTOBER 2024
Thurs 3 Oct
25th Graham Greene Festival: Graham Greene’s Common: A Battlefield Guide 2-mile woodland walk (includes uphill stretches and WWI trenches) led by Richard Shepherd, with readings from A Sort of Life and The Human Factor. Assemble outside the Court House. If wet, inside illustrated talk
Sacred Heart Church, Park Street 10:30 - 12:00 and 18:00 - 19:30
Top of Castle Hill/Murray Road 11:00 - 12:30
Northchurch Social Club 14:00 - 15:30
Castle gates 14:00 - 15:30
Sacred Heart Church, Park Street 18:30
Civic Centre 20:00 - 22:30
St. Peter’s Church 15:00 - 16:30
Civic Centre 20:00
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
https://chilternchamberchoir.com FREE
Retiring collection in aid of Sacred Heart Ch
https://bjazz.org/ 01442 824173 info@bjazz.org Member
£14 Non-Member £20 Student £9 DC
www.heritageopendays.org.uk FREE tickets must be booked in advance from www.berkhamstedhistory.org.uk
http://www.berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
07795 148491, Annual sub: £50, Visitor £7 at door (no conc)
Court House 14:15
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org
£7, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130 Thu 3
25th Graham Greene Festival: Film: The Man Within Film: The Man Within (Arthur Rank, 1947, 109 mins), written by Sydney and Muriel Box, dir. Bernard Knowles, stars Michael Redgrave, Richard Attenborough, and Joan Greenwood. Introduced by Mike Hill
25th Graham Greene Festival: Morning Talks on Mexico and autobiographies
Fri 4 Oct
Julia Young discusses how writers flocked to Mexico 1926-46 and described the church-state conflict. Jon Wise addresses the question of how Graham Greene came to write his autobiographies
Civic Centre 20:00
Town Hall 09:45
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org
£14, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org
£23, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
Fri 4 Oct Festival Graham Greene BT
Fri 4 Oct Festival Graham Greene BT
25th Graham Greene Festival: Afternoon Talks: Espionage Insights and his Relationship with Anita Björk
Nigel West draws on archival research and conversations with Graham Greene’s contemporaries at SIS. Lo Dagerman, discusses the legacies of her parents, actress Anita Björk and writer Stig Dagerman
25th Graham Greene Festival: Film The Fallen Idol
Film: The Fallen Idol (1948, 95 mins), the first collaboration between Greene and dir. Carol Reed, stars Ralph Richardson, Michèle Morgan, Sonia Dresdel, and boy Bobby Henrey. Introduced by Mike Hill
25th Graham Greene Festival: Morning Talks: Dorothy Glover Affair
Town Hall 14:30
Civic Centre 20:00
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org
£23, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org
£14, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
Sat 5 Oct Festival Graham Greene BT
Kevin Ruane examines Greene’s affair with Dorothy Glover in the 1940s. Leading Canadian novelist Randy Boyagoda discusses his creative and often comic work in the light of reading Greene
25th Graham Greene Festival: Afternoon Talks: Visions of Brighton, and Greene and Ian Fleming. Birthday Toast
Sat 5 Oct Festival Graham Greene BT
Sat 5 Oct Music Bridgewater Sinfonia
Andrew Biswell speaks on how Greene’s Brighton was imagined by other artists. Nicholas Shakespeare reveals the Intelligence, Literary and Personal Relationship of Ian Fleming and Graham Greene. Birthday Toas t
Symphonic Concert
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, soloist Amy Huang; Elgar Enigma Variations
Doric String Quartet
Sat 5 Oct Music B’sted Music
Sun 6 Oct Festival Graham Greene BT
Mon 7 & Tue 8 Oct Film
B’sted Film Soc
Wed 9 Oct Talk
B’sted Hist Soc
Sat 12 Oct Choral
B’sted Choral Soc
Beethoven: Quartet No 16 in F Major Op 135, Haydn: Quartet Op 20 No 4 in D Major, Beethoven: Quartet No 15 in A Minor Op 132
25th Graham Greene Festival: School Tour and Morning Talks Tour of School. Motonori Sato examines how a renowned Japanese poet turned to Greene’s writing. Daphna Erdinast-Vulcan discusses blurring of boundaries between fiction and autobiography (Congo diary)
Film Nights at the Civic Centre
For details of this week’s film please visit the Programme page of the Film Society’s website
Old Movies that Saved my Life
Growing up in a small town, comedian Mel Byron learnt about life from Bette Davis, Cary Grant and other glamorous movie stars. Mel shares with you her love of film, glamour and laughter guaranteed
Come and Sing Choral Workshop
Come and Sing The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins with the Berkhamsted Choral Society led by Graham Wili followed by an informal concert for friends and family. Bring your own lunch!
Deans’ Hall, B’sted School 09:45
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org £25, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
Deans’ Hall, B’sted School 14:30
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594
ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org
£34, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
https://www.bridgewater-sinfonia. org.uk
St. Peter’s Church 19:30
Eventbrite (no admin fee); Ashtons; via the orchestra website £20 in advance, £22 on the door, under 18 free
Civic Centre 19:30 - 21:30
https://www.berkhamstedmusic. co.uk tickets@berkhamstedmusic.co.uk Season £75, Visitor £20, under 18 free
Old Hall, B’sted School 09:00 - 12:45
Civic Centre 20:00
Town Hall 20:00 - 21:00
https://www.grahamgreenebt.org 07491 674594 ticketing@grahamgreenebt.org £23, under 21 free, DC. Season ticket £130
http://www.berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
https://berkhamsted-history.org.uk/ programme/ Annual Membership Single £10, Joint £15. Visitor £3 at the door
St. Peter’s Church 09:30 - 16:15
https://www.berkhamstedchoral. com
Brown & Merry, £20, advance tickets from Ticketpass at https:// tktp.as/EXGQIA or on the door
Sat 12 Oct Jazz
B’sted Jazz
Mon 21 & Tue 22 Oct Film
B’sted Hist Soc
Elaine Delmar, Jazz Vocalist of the Year, with star band play American Song Book Jazz Vocalist of the Year 2023 at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Elaine delivers an evening of the American Songbook. Elaine Delmar v, Barry Green p, Jim Mullen g, Dave Green b, Bobby Worth d. BJazz Bar
Film Nights at the Civic Centre
For details of this week’s film please visit the Programme page of the Film Society’s website
NOVEMBER 2024
Lenore Raphael Trio - US Piano Star on Tour
Civic Centre 20:00 - 22:30
Sat 2 Nov Jazz
B’sted Jazz
Mon 4 & Tue 5 Nov Film B’sted Film Soc
Fri 8 to Sun 10 Nov Art B’sted Art Soc
Wed 13 Nov Talk
B’sted Hist Soc
Sat 16 Nov Music B’sted Music
Mon 18 & Tue 19 Nov Film B’sted Film Soc
Sat 23 Nov Music Bridgewater Sinfonia
Internationally renowned US jazz pianist Lenore performs her take on the legacy of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and George Shearing. Lenore Raphael p, Paul Morgan b, Bobby Worth d. BJazz Bar
Film Nights at the Civic Centre
For details of this week’s film please visit the Programme page of the Film Society’s website
Art Fair
Berkhamsted’s biggest art exhibition with hundreds of amazing items for sale and activities for children
A Meander through Historical Mementoes
A mixture of local and national mementoes, some trivial, some funny and some tragic! Alan Cummins (Hist Soc Member)
Ensemble Mirage
Mozart: Trio in E Flat Major ‘Kegelstatt’, Bruch: Eight Pieces ‘Rumänische Melodie’, Alfred Uhl: Kleines Konzert, Schumann: Märchenerzählungen (Fairy Tales) Op 132,Jean Françaix: Clarinet Trio
Film Nights at the Civic Centre
For details of this week’s film please visit the Programme page of the Film Society’s website
Symphonic Concert: Romance!
Sibelius Spring Song; the little known but very approachable Stenhammar Piano concerto No 2, soloist Martin Sturfalt; and the ever beloved and popular Rachmaninoff Symphony No 2
Quintet-a-tete - 1960s Swinging Jazz
A star line-up brings us the joyous music of the Clark Terry-Bob Brookmeyer Quintet back in the 1960s – swinging, expressive reworkings and originals. BJazz Bar available
Civic Centre 20:00
https://bjazz.org/ 01442 824173 info@bjazz.org
Member £14 Non-Member £20
Student £9 DC
http://www.berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
Thu 28 Nov Theatre B’sted Youth Theatre
The Hundred and One Dalmatians Meet the dalmatians Pongo and Missis and their new-born puppies. What plans does the diabolical Cruella de Viil have for them? An exciting adventure unfolds in this classic Xmas story for all ages
Civic Centre 20:00 - 22:30
Civic Centre 20:00
Civic Centre 10:00 - 17:00
Town Hall 20:00 - 21:00
Civic Centre 19:30 - 21:30
https://bjazz.org/ 01442 824173 info@bjazz.org
Member £14 Non-Member £20
Student £9 DC
http://www.berkhamstedfilmcociety. co.uk
https://berkhamstedartsociety.co.uk FREE
Annual subscription £25
https://berkhamsted-history.org.uk/ programme/
Annual membership single £10, joint £15. Visitor on the door £3
https://www.berkhamstedmusic. co.uk
tickets@berkhamstedmusic.co.uk Season £75, Visitor £20, under 18 free
Civic Centre 20:00 http://www.berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
https://www.bridgewater-sinfonia. org.uk
Centenary Theatre 19:30
Civic Centre 20:00 - 22:30
Court Theatre, Pendley, Tring 19:30
Access School’s ticketing system via the orchestra website; limited tickets through Ashtons. £20 in advance, £22 on the door, under 18 free
https://bjazz.org/ 01442 824173 info@bjazz.org
Member £14 Non-Member £20
Student £9 DC
https://dembetheatre.org Fri, Sat and Sat matinee £15 (conc £12), Thu £12 (conc £10)
Pull-out these pages to keep or go to www.berkhamstedartstrust.org.uk for the PDF of this diary and www.livingmags.info/events to check out all kinds of events.
Keep your eco-credentials intact by using this comprehensive guide to methods of transport and their average carbon footprint, measured in grams of carbon dioxide per passenger-kilometre (g CO2/pkm)
Premium travel
Short-haul flights: Approximately 255g CO2/pkm
Long-haul flights: Approx 150g CO2/pkm
Ferries: Approx 19-135g CO2/pkm (varies depending on the type and size of the vessel)
Cruise ships: Approx 250-400g CO2/pkm (due to luxurious amenities and lower occupancy rates)
Public transport
Buses: Approx 105g CO2/pkm
Diesel trains: Approx 41g CO2/ pkm
Electric trains: Approx 6-25g CO2/pkm (varies widely depending on the energy mix of the electricity grid)
Private transport
Petrol car: Approximately 192g CO2/pkm (based on average occupancy of 1.5 passengers)
Hybrid car: Approx 120g CO2/ pkm
Electric car: Approx 53g CO2/pkm
Bicycles: Near zero g CO2/pkm (considering the manufacturing emissions distributed over the bike’s lifetime and the rider’s food intake)
Motorcycles: Approx 103g CO2/pkm
Electric scooters: Approx 50g CO2/ pkm (considering electricity usage and manufacturing emissions)
Walking: Near zero g CO2/pkm (considering the metabolic CO2 emissions and food intake)
Tips for reducing your transport carbon footprint
• Choose public transport and use buses and trains, which have lower emissions per passenger.
• Share car rides to dilute emissions across more travellers.
• Opt for walking or cycling when possible.
• Use hybrid or electric vehicles.
• Avoid flying and select alternative travel methods.
• Use video conferencing to reduce the need for travel.
• Advocate for green travel schemes in your local community.
Babies galore!
During World War II, Ashridge House became a maternity ward for women both from London and the surrounding area. A total of 2,700 babies were born there before the hospital closed in 1946
Historic Ashridge House hosted a memorable garden party this summer to reunite the ‘Ashridge babies’ - all born in the temporary maternity ward at Ashridge House during World War II. The event brought together nearly 100 wartime babies to share stories and preserve their shared legacy.
During World War II, the building became a temporary maternity hospital, operating as an extension of the emergency wing of Charing Cross Road Hospital and University Hospital London.
As a safe haven for expectant mothers evacuated from the air raids in London, as well as a maternity department for mothers from the local surrounding area, 2,700 babies were welcomed into the world there.
The building’s story as a hospital began when the Ashridge Trust offered the entire property to the Ministry of Health for free, for hospital purposes, on condition that it would be handed back when the war ended.
As the likelihood of peace died away in September 1939, the college was getting ready
for its new purpose - gas-proof shelters were made, the building was blacked out, and the library and other treasures packed safely away.
The Lecture Room became a women’s ward, the Brown Lounge a ward for male patients and the canteen was transformed into an operating theatre.
Double-decker London buses brought the nurses and sisters out to Ashridge - 200 of them to start with, all dressed in uniform with capes of red and blue.
Most medical staff came from Charing Cross Hospital and in years to come its medical school would also be based at Ashridge.
Nissan huts were built in the grounds16 ward huts to hold 640 patients. This later increased to 31 huts for 1240 patients. The nursing staff should have numbered 434 but that was never the case as there just weren’t the staff available.
Ashridge’s temporary hospital was the destination for initially 319 men from Dunkirk on 24 May 1940 - including Englishmen, Highlanders, French, Belgians, and Algerians - and another 174 on 1 June.
Maternity ward in the Lady Marian Alford Room
Air raid casualties were brought out to the Hertfordshire countryside, and patients from London were also evacuated to Ashridge. The Maternity Unit, sponsored by Charing Cross Hospital, opened too. Midwives also came from University College, the British Red Cross and the Civil Nursing Reserve. There were even Canadian sisters tending the mums and babies.
Local mums-to-be also made their way there, as local hospitals were focused on soldier casualties coming back from the Front. It’s not clear quite how expectant mums came from areas such as Chesham and further afield, but Ashridge MD David Evans told Berkhamsted Living that one man’s mum was brought in a coal truck - they wanted to call him Sootie!
The beautiful Lady Marian Alford Room also housed expectant mums, as you can see in the photo, although most were looked after in the huts.
In all, 19,678 bed patients passed through the wards; surgeons performed 12,820 operations; and 2,700 babies were born in the maternity unit.
Despite the maternity unit moving out of London to escape the wartime dangers, the threat of war came alarmingly close, even in sleepy Hertfordshire. A number of bombs fell near the hospital. A land mine on the far side of the kitchen gardens damaged doors, roof tiles and glass, and a 500lb bomb left a 25ft crater near the West tower, but fortunately no casualties were reported.
Among the mums-to-be at Ashridge during that time was Margaret Wilkins, now aged 100, who came along to the Ashridge Babies party with her daughter, Rosamund Ford, who now lives in Haddenham, Bucks. Margaret recalled the comfortable and tranquil experience of giving birth at Ashridge House.
1. The Ashridge babies return to their birthplace 80 years later!
2. The hospital huts
3. Ashridge babies Brian and Maureen Prior, who only discovered they shared a special birthplace until after they married!
4. Rosamund Ford, who was born at Ashridge, with her 100-year-old mother Margaret Wilkins
Rosamund said: ‘We live locally and often visit Ashridge House, especially around my birthday time. It’s a meaningful place to me and my family, and today has been especially magical. We’ve really enjoyed coming together with so many other babies, bonding over our shared history. Today, I’ve even met someone who was born in the same week as me! I wonder if our mothers met back then.’
Margaret added: ‘The memories of this beautiful place lift my spirits.’
The majority of the Ashridge babies were born during 1941, according to the records. The garden party welcomed back twins, including identical twins Pauline Hall and Patricia Nicolson (born 02/08/44), twins Derek and Ronald Palmer (born 22/10/42), and others born on the same day, including Judy Barr and Roy Martin (09/08/44) and Eleanor Ruth Clark and David Christopher Willis (22/03/43).
Also making a visit back to their birthplace were Ashridge babies Brian and Maureen Prior, from Wendover, who were both born at the makeshift hospital, but did not discover the connection until after they got married.
The hospital closed in June 1946.
Quick Crossword
AcrossClues:
5. Allows to pass through (9)
8. Cook by immersing (4)
9. To carve (8)
10. State of disorder (7)
11. Severe (5)
13. Bitter in taste (5)
DownClues:
1. One who sells (6)
2. Fixed, settled (7)
3. Rough (5)
4. Religious leader (6)
6. Low in quality (9)
15. Dish of raw fish (7)
18. Small songbird (8)
19. Narrow road (4)
20. Process of determining (9)
7. Reduction (9)
12. Command (7)
14. Mass of ice (6)
16. Empty space (6)
17. Arouse interest (5)
Mandate, 14. Icecap, 16. Hollow, 17. Pique.
Sashimi, 18. Bluebird, 19. Lane, 20. Valuation. Down: 1. Dealer, 2. Empight, 3. Harsh, 4. Cleric, 6. Downscale, 7. Abatement,
Inscribe, 10. Anarchy, 11. Acute, 13. Acrid,
Answers: Across: 5. Permeable, 8. Boil,
An outstanding Independent School for boys and girls aged 3 -16 years OPEN MORNING
How do you follow up on an international bestseller like The Girl With The Louding Voice? Abi Dare shows us how, with her second book, And So I Roar. This is our September Book of the Month.
Tring favourite Hannah Gold returns with her highly anticipated new book TURTLE MOON, a thrilling new illustrated animal adventure for kids. Look out for Hannah visiting Tring in October.
Roddy Doyle won the Booker Prize with Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and will be familiar to many as the author of the Commitments. He returns with The Women Behind The Door.
An entertaining and enchanting collection of myths, tales and traditions surrounding the seas, skies and woodlands that make up our natural world. Enter an enchanting world where the mysteries of the seas, skies and woodlands come alive through shared myths, legends and folktales.
BOOKS
A Difficult Truth - M H Field
Local authors! Let us know about your book releases. Email editorial@livingmags.info
Set in a village in the Chilterns, this crime-busting tale follows the fortunes of the Reverend Robin Ashford. When he arrives in his new parish, he feels as if he has been there before, and on his evening walks, uncovers something that leads to solving a decade-old mystery.
But to his surprise he finds himself being accused of being involved in the crime. Can he prove his innocence?
A compelling read, which has a whiff of Grantchester about it.
The author has lived in a village in the Chilterns for over 40 years. He tells us there may be further adventures for the Reverend Robin.
No Son of Mine (published 28 Sept) - C.L. Swatman
A heart-stopping new psychological thriller from former Living Magazines editor Clare Swatman. When her 15-year-old son Milo goes off the rails, Alex Harding is terrified she’s passed on her abusive father’s ‘bad’ genes. When she then makes the shocking discovery that her estranged son, Samuel, who she gave up for adoption as a baby, has been accused of murder, she becomes even more convinced nature not nurture is the cause…
Clare lives in Berkhamsted with her husband and two boys.
Clinical Hypnotherapy for Anxiety: A Guide and Workbook to Rewire your Brain - Susan Lamb
If you struggle with anxiety, find yourself easily angry or upset, or want to stop an overactive mind, Susan offers exercises to help - along with case studies that show how these techniques can be successful.
Susan explains in very clear terms about anxiety, and why we may have certain feelings. And most usefully of all, offers techniques that we can use to help us tackle our anxiety.
Susan assures the reader that hypnotherapy is ‘a safe, non-intrusive process that rewires your brain and gets your emotions and life rapidly back on track’.
Susan Lamb is a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist based in Berkhamsted.
Evacuees at The Wartime Bookshop - Lesley Eames
Author Lesley takes us back to the Hertfordshire village of Churchwood for the fourth time in this heartwarming series.
Our three friends, Alice, Kate and Naomi are facing more problems and uncertainty as a new face arrives in the village. Victoria has brought her two orphaned children to the county to escape the dangers of wartime London.
If these tales of friendship and companionship were a TV series they’d be in the Sunday evening, gentle viewing slot, alongside the likes of Call The Midwife.
Hertfordshire author Lesley Eames has published 90 short stories and four historical sagas.
Continued on page 49…
GOLDEN
CHILD
How much does it really cost to raise a child in the UK through to adulthood?
According to research from investment experts, it now costs over £220,000 for a lone parent, and £165,000 for couples, to nurture children up to the age of 18. These staggering figures highlight the growing financial burden on parents today; and while fertility rates are declining, our cultural desire to grow our families continues.
Disparities
The disparity in cost between single parents and couples is notable, and perhaps seems unfair. Ultimately, it’s more expensive for single parents because they don’t benefit from economies of scale that two-parent families do, resulting in higher unit costs per child.
Changing cost demands over time
Many assume older children imply greater expense, yet the initial young years can be the priciest, due to parents’ desire to return to work, and subsequent childcare costs. In addition, indirect financial challenges, such as the cost of commuting and gradual ‘phased return’ hours can take a considerable toll as well. As children grow older, the burden of these costs typically shifts towards education and leisure.
Early years
Nappies cost parents around £8/week – that’s over £400 annually, and well over a thousand pounds for the average duration of a child before being fully toilet-trained.
Full-time pre-school costs average out at over £215/ week, or £11,000 annually. Even by halving this for perceived part-time hours will mean over £20,000 spent across four years before school, though free nursery hours can reduce the total.
Food and drink
Food and drink is believed to total around £26/week – that’s over £1,350 annually and almost £25,000 until the age of 18. Housingrelated expenses – such as the relative cost of an extra bedroom (be that through renting or as a mortgaged property) and utilities – come in at around £1,900 annually, or £34,000 until adulthood.
Transport (£31/week), recreation, lessons, clubs and cultural activities (£42), and (school and non-school) clothing and footwear (£19) add another £85,000 to the total, per child.
Pocket money
And then there’s the dreaded pocket money! In 2024, the average amount paid is £7.11/ week. Typically this payment begins at around the age of five, meaning that across 13 years, we will pass over around £5,000 per child, all in the knowledge that most of it will be spent in the local newsagents!
One-offs
As for one-off costs, Christmas, birthdays, holidays and other events add another £2,500/ year to the total.
No refunds
Of course, while none of this investment is returned financially, what’s returned to you, as a parent, is more valuable than anything monetary. You cannot put a price on life, love, companionship and the memories having children brings, so spend on and enjoy!
Starting school can be a challenging experience for children who are the youngest in their year group. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help them thrive
Homework
In the months before your child starts school, work on basic skills such as recognising letters, numbers and colours, all of which will give a new-starter a confidence boost. Also, reading books about starting school can help children know what to expect, and help them feel more comfortable.
Develop routine
Establish a consistent daily routine for meals, playtime and bedtime to help your child adjust to the structure of the school day. If you can, practise getting ready for school in the morning to make the transition smoother.
Build social skills
Arrange playdates with peers who will be in the same class to help your child make friends before school starts. You can even roleplay common school scenarios like sitting in class, sharing with friends, and asking the teacher for help.
Boost independence
Teach your child to manage basic self-care tasks like using the bathroom, washing hands and opening lunch boxes. Allow your child to make simple decisions, like picking out their clothes or choosing a snack - this will nurture their decision-making skills.
Positive attitude
Talk about school in a positive way, focusing on the fun aspects like making new friends and learning new things. Give lots of encouragement and praise for their efforts, no matter how small.
BLOOMERS
Communication with teachers
If possible, arrange to meet the teacher before school starts to establish a connection and discuss any concerns. It is always worth mentioning any apprehension you have about your child’s age or readiness for school.
Manage separation anxiety
If possible, gradually introduce your child to the school environment through short visits or school orientation days. These are also a great way for you to connect with other parents. When there, establish a quick and consistent goodbye ritual to provide reassurance.
Create a supportive environment
You can expect an amount of trepidation in the first few weeks of their new life, so allow your child to take a familiar item to school, like a small toy (if allowed) or a family photo, in order to provide comfort. Beyond that, be available to listen and support your child through their feelings and experiences.
Encourage resilience
Encourage your child to solve problems independently and offer guidance when needed.
Be sure to praise effort and perseverance, rather than just outcomes, in order to keep spirits high.
Monitor and adjust
Finally, pay attention to your child’s behaviour for signs of stress or anxiety and address them promptly, being flexible and willing to adjust routines or approaches based on your child’s needs and feedback.
Our beloved pets take the spotlight
See the local friends who make our lives brighter!
Send in a cute or funny pic of your furry, or not-so furry, best friend, together with their name, age and location.
WhatsApp or email it over to us and then watch this space to see if it makes the cut for the next issue!
Clarence 18
My little hidey spot
Albus 2
Ready for Bounce class
Teddy 4 Mum gave me a haircut!
Juno 7
Chillin’ after a long day in the fields
Arlo 3
Please
Millie 6 months
Just woken up
Continued from page 39…
dunwalkin - Paul Barber
Almost two decades ago, Paul Barber and his partner Wendy undertook a big adventurean 11-month, 5,000-plus mile walk around Britain’s coast - accompanied by their dog Havoc. Paul has finally put together the tale of their epic mission in this book, which aims to raise funds for the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind. Paul describes the people they met and inserts snippets of fascinating facts about the places they passed and visited. His observations reminded us of those in Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island. Paul is a former teacher. He lives in Marsworth but grew up in Tring. Get your copy from dunwalkinbook@outlook.com
Hidden In Plain Sight: 1952 - Part One - Peter Edward White
You may recall we featured the first book in this series a couple of years ago. Then, we said our only complaint was that it ended too soon, but that the author was planning a prequel. And here it is. This time, it’s set in London in 1952. And while the population of the post-war capital struggle to recover from the destruction and loss of World War Two, another battle is raging beneath the streets.
A secret society, fuelled by bloodlust, plans an incantation that threatens the whole of London. But they have not counted on those who recognise who they are and will do everything they can to stop them. Can a group of young friends, led by Andrew, stop them from their evil plan?
Pete White, from Tring is a lighting tech in the TV and film industry.
dunwalkin
EXCEPTIONAL
AN SEPTEMBER IN YOUR GARDEN
While many gardeners regard September as the end of the growing season, in truth this time of the year still provides plenty of scope for planting and sowing
It may go against some seasonal logic, but planting in September offers a variety of options for late-year flourishing of flowers and vegetables.
Flowers
Starting with this dramatic plant, Eryngium pandanifolium, which is a large relative of the native sea holly. It prefers good drainage and forms a bold clump of bluish leaves with tall stems and small reddish-purple flower heads.
Compact and bright, polyanthus resembles primroses but blooms in clusters atop short stems. With long-lasting, colourful flowers, they are ideal for winter beds, borders, window boxes and containers. Try fragrant Polyanthus ‘Firecracker’ for a stunning display.
Pansies, a winter display staple, outshine other winter bedding plants. Thriving in both full sun and semi-shade, they are perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and filling gaps in borders during the cold months.
Aster × frikartii ‘Mönch’, meanwhile, is a top sun-loving perennial with neat, wellbranched, elegant growth. It has lavenderblue petals and yellow centres, it blooms long, resists mildew, and pairs well with grasses, sedums, and schizostylis.
Hylotelephium is the new name for hardy sedums, with Red Cauli offering rich red flower heads resembling red broccoli.
Paired with green succulent foliage, it complements Aster × frikartii ‘Monch’ beautifully for weeks. Finally, they are neat and compact, and hardy perennial daisies produce quilled blooms in pink, red, or white, brightening late winter gardens.
Vegetables
If you’re keen to make your garden a space for food rather than flowers, why not take the opportunity to sow kale, land cress, and radish in September for winter harvest? Kale provides nutrient-rich greens, land cress offers a peppery flavour, and radish adds a crisp, spicy bite to winter dishes. All thrive in cooler weather.
Salad crops such as mustard leaf, winter salad mixes and mizuna can go in sheltered spots or pots, while winter lettuces like Winter Density always prosper under glass.
Sowing broad beans in autumn, particularly the Aquadulce Claudia variety, helps them establish over winter for an early spring crop. Remember to cover with fleece during severe frosts or snow.
Spinach can be laid now in well-prepared soil or pots, then covered with fleece or a low cloche from October, while hardy peas like Meteor or Douce Provence also benefit this time of the year, overwintering to yield an early crop. Finally, the faithful turnip won’t let you down, even in cool, moist conditions and can be harvested at golf-ball size in six weeks, perfect for Christmas.
WHAT’S ON
WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO FOR DAILY UPDATES
ALWAYS CHECK with the event organiser beforehand. Opening times may vary. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event
MONDAY 2 SEP
Exhibitions: May The Toys Be With You
Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. To 3 Nov. Exhibition of vintage Star Wars toys and original movie posters. www. discoverbucksmuseum.org
TUESDAY 3 SEP
Walks: Tune in Tuesdays College Lake Nature Reserve, 10am-12pm. Tuesdays fortnightly to 1 Oct. Wellbeing walks. www.bbowt.org.uk
Theatre: Romeo and Juliet Dembe Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm. To 7 Sep. Tring Youth Theatre Project presents William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Set against the backdrop of the feuding Montagues and Capulets, the play follows the ill-fated romance. www. dembetheatre.org
WEDNESDAY 4 SEP
Talks: Hec-Talk Group
The XC Centre, Jarman Way, Hemel, 7.30-8.30pm. Every first and third Wednesday of the month. www.tinyurl. com/5n8c6p3v
THURSDAY 5 SEP
Music: The Spike Drivers Blues Bar, Tring. 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk
FRIDAY 6 SEP
Fairs / Festivals: Heritage
Open Days
To 15 Sep. Digital and in-person events. www. heritageopendays.org.uk
Talks: Tring Outreach Event
High Street Baptist Church, 10am-12pm. Also 17 Sep, 4 & 15 Oct, 1 & 19 Nov. Volunteering opportunities communityactiondacorum. org.uk
SATURDAY 7 SEP
Fundraisers: Open Door Repair Café
Open Door Berkhamsted, 9.30am-12.30pm. opendoorberkhamsted. co.uk/repair-cafe
Exhibitions: Herts Open Studios
Various venues to 29 Sep. www.hvaf.org.uk/openstudios
Markets & Sales: Pop Up Bazaar
Berkhamsted Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Indoor market. Dogs welcome. popupbazaarberko@outlook. com
Markets & Sales: Tring Arts & Crafts Market Victoria Hall, Akeman Street, 10am-3pm.
www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61558152523480
Exhibitions: Tring And District Model Railway Club Exhibition
The Cottesloe School, Wing. 10.15am-4.30pm. www.tringmrc.co.uk
Fairs / Festivals: St Bartholomew’s Church Fete
St Bartholomew Church, Wigginton, 12-4pm. www. stbartholomewschurch.org
Music: A Choral Celebration
St Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted, 7.30pm. tktp.as/EBWSZO
SUNDAY 8 SEP
Fundraisers: Chiltern 3 Peaks Challenge Three alternative routes from Princes Risborough School. renniegrovepeace.org/C3P
TUESDAY 10 SEP
Business: Tring BusinessMart 6pm. BusinessMart networking group www.tringtogether.org.uk
WEDNESDAY 11 SEP
Talks: Mid 18th-Century Rococo Silver Arts Society Tring Park,
Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am. Speaker: Ralph Hoyle. artssociety-tringpark.co.uk
FRIDAY 13 SEP
Comedy: BerkoBeerFest
Comedy Evening Berkhamsted Cricket Club, 6-11pm. Comedians inc Andy Parsons, Shazia Mirza, Matt Richardson plus MC James Alderson. www.tickettailor. com/events/ berkobeerfest/1222878
Film: Tring Cinema Nora Grace Hall. www.tringcinema.com
SATURDAY 14 SEP
Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk
Fundraisers: Bike ‘n’ Hike 9am-5pm. Visit over 600 churches and chapels www.bedshertshct.org.uk
Walks: DENS Castle Walk Berkhamsted Castle. www.dens.org.uk
Fairs / Festivals: Chilterns Heritage and Culture Festival
To 29 Sep. chilternsociety.org.uk
Fairs / Festivals: BerkoBeerFest Berkhamsted Cricket Club, 12noon-11pm. Live music throughout the day www.tickettailor. com/events/ berkobeerfest/1222878
Music: The Nigel Price Organ Trio featuring Vasilis Xenopoulos BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. Currently the most in demand group on British Jazz Scene emanating the great guitar/sax combinations of the past and driven by the Hammond organ of Ross and the drumming of Joel. bjazz.org
TUESDAY 17 SEP
Talks: Roddy Doyle - The Women Behind the Door High Street Baptist Church, Tring, 7.30pm. www.tringbookfestival.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 18 SEP
Talks: Book Binding an Endangered Craft Baptist Church Tring, 8pm. tringlocalhistorymuseum. org.uk
Fundraisers: Pepper Golf Day
Berkhamsted Golf Club. thelittleboxoffice.com/ pepper/event/view/191213
Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing
The Boxmoor Playhouse, Hemel, 7.45pm. Sat matinee 2.30pm. To 21 Sep. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ ticketshop/iframe/ event.php?eventhash=ejbeamv&target=
THURSDAY 19 SEP
Music: Blues Bar Tring Tring Park Cricket Club. Doors 7pm. Heidi Browne, and The Magpies www.bluesbartring.co.uk
SATURDAY 21 SEP
Fundraisers: Repair Café
High Street Baptist Church Hall, Tring, 10.30am-1pm. www.sustainabletring.org. uk/repair-cafe
Fundraisers: Bollywood Night Pendley Manor, 7-10.30pm. Proceeds to the Pepper Foundation. www.pepper.org.uk
SUNDAY 22 SEP
Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market
High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook.com/berkofm
Theatre: Steel Magnolias
Cheddington Village Hall, 7.30pm. Plus 28 Sept. etctheatre.co.uk
MONDAY 23 SEP
Film: Wicked Little Letters
Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tue 24. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
WEDNESDAY 25 SEP
Business: Hospice of St. Francis Corporate Partner Network Meeting Dacorum Borough Council, Maylands Business Centre, Hemel, 5.30-7pm. www.stfrancis.org.uk
THURSDAY 26 SEP
Business: Berko Interchange
Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8-9am. Informal and free business
networking www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ berko-interchangetickets-547768158307
FRIDAY 27 SEP
Music: A Hard Day’s Night 60th Anniversary
The Dembe Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm. www.dembetheatre.org
SATURDAY 28 SEP
Markets & Sales: Open Day
Elizabeth Anne Blinds & Curtains, High Street, Berkhamsted, 12-5pm. Free measuring and advice on soft furnishings www.elizabethanne-blinds. co.uk
Music: The Great Chiltern ‘Come & Sing’ with Tring Choral Society Dean’s Hall, Berkhamsted School. An all-day workshop of Carmina Burana with informal performance. chilternsociety.org.uk
Theatre: Box Moor Trust Autumn Festival 2024 Blackbirds Moor. Also Sun 29. www.boxmoortrust.org.uk
SUNDAY 29 SEP
Theatre: Steel Magnolias Dembe Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm. etctheatre.co.uk
TUESDAY 1 OCT
Fairs / Festivals: Tring Apple Fayre
Various events throughout the month. Core dates below. www.facebook.com/ TringsOwnAppleFayre
WEDNESDAY 2 OCT
Talks: Hec-Talk Group
The XC Centre, Jarman Way, Hemel Hempstead, 7.308.30pm. Every first and third Wednesday of the month. tinyurl.com/5n8c6p3v
Comedy: Jeff InnocentSmart Casual
The Dembe Theatre, 8pm. dembetheatre.org
THURSDAY 3 OCT
Fairs / Festivals: Berkhamsted International Graham Greene Festival
To Sun 6 Oct. 25th Anniversary grahamgreenebt.org/ festival
Music: Geraint Watkins & The Mosquitos Blues Bar, Tring. 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk
FRIDAY 4 OCT
Comedy: Tom StadeRisky Business
The Dembe Theatre, 8pm. www.get-stuffed.biz
SATURDAY 5 OCT
Fundraisers: Open Door Repair Café
Open Door Berkhamsted, 9.30am-12.30pm. opendoorberkhamsted. co.uk/repair-cafe
Kids: Community Open Day Northchurch Social Centre, 10am-3pm.www. northchurch-social-centre. co.uk
Markets & Sales: Pop Up Bazaar
Berkhamsted Town Hall, 10am -4pm. Indoor market. Dogs welcome. popupbazaarberko @outlook.com
Markets & Sales: Tring Arts & Crafts Market Victoria Hall, Akeman Street, 10am-3pm. www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=61558152523480
Fundraisers: Chilterns Dog Rescue Society Quiz Night Ashley Green Memorial Hall, Two Dells Lane HP5 3RB. chilternsdogrescue.org.uk
Music: Doric String Quartet
Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 7.30pm. Beethoven: Quartet No 16 in F Major Op 135, Haydn: Quartet Op 20 No 4 in D Major, Beethoven: Quartet No 15 in A Minor Op 132. www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk
SUNDAY 6 OCT
Fairs / Festivals: Tring Apple Day
Jeacock’s Orchard, Cow Lane, Tring. 10am-4pm. Market stalls, traditional crafts, apple pressing and refreshments. www.tringtogether.org.uk
Fundraisers: Rennie
Grove Herts 10k
Herts County Showground, 9.30am. 10K, 5K and Fun Run. www.renniegrovepeace. org/herts10k
Talks: Eco Hub Quaker Meeting House, Berkhamsted High Street, 2.30-5pm. www.theecohub.org.uk
MONDAY 7 OCT
Film: La Chimera
Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 8. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
WEDNESDAY 9 OCT
Talks: Top 20 Most Popular Artworks in Britain Today
Arts Society Tring Park, Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am. Speaker: Ray Warburton artssociety-tringpark.co.uk
SATURDAY 12 OCT
Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market
High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. Includes the Pippin High Street Parade and scarecrow competition. www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk
Music: ‘Come & Sing’
Choral Workshop
St Peter’s Church Berkhamsted, 9.30am. The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins with Berkhamsted Choral Society. tktp.as/EXGQIA
Music: Elaine Delmar BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. www.bjazz.org
SUNDAY 13 OCT
Fairs / Festivals: Harvest Festival
Special flour milling at Ford End Watermill and Harvest Festival service at St Peter and St Paul, Tring. www.tringtogether.org.uk
TUESDAY 15 OCT
Fundraisers: The Pepper Show
Dembe Theatre, Tring. To 19 Oct. Live music performed by local talent. www.pepper.org.uk
WEDNESDAY 16 OCT
Business: BDCC
Networking Breakfast Berkhamsted Tennis Club, 7.30-9am. www. berkhamsted-chamber.co.uk
Business: Tring
BusinessMart Breakfast 8am. BusinessMart networking group www.tringtogether.org.uk
THURSDAY 17 OCT
Music: Toby Walker Blues Bar, Tring. 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk
FRIDAY 18 OCT
Film: Tring Cinema Nora Grace Hall. www.tringcinema.com
SATURDAY 19 OCT
Fundraisers: Repair Café High Street Baptist Church Hall, Tring, 10.30am-1pm. www.sustainabletring.org. uk/repair-café
Music: Chiltern Sinfonietta
Victoria Hall, Akeman Street, Tring, 7.30pm. www.chilternsinfonietta. com
SUNDAY 20 OCT
Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market
High St, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook.com/ berkofm
MONDAY 21 OCT
Fundraisers: Golf Day at The Grove
The Grove WD3 4TG. renniegrovepeace.org
Film: Anatomy of a Fall Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tue 22. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
TUESDAY 22 OCT
Fundraisers: Ashlyns School Career Fair Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted, 10am-7pm. careers@ashlyns.herts.sch.uk
SATURDAY 26 OCT
Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market
High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. Bake Off with Sandwhich Plus, Tring. www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk
Fairs / Festivals: Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Show Northchurch Northchurch Social Centre, Bell Lane, HP4 3RD, 11-5pm. Treat yourself to a holisitc therapy or 1-1 reading. Gifts with a difference. Talks, workshops and demos. Relax with friends and family. Parking/refreshments onsite. www.deerspirit. co.uk
SUNDAY 27 OCT
Dance: Dance Sun-Down Pitstone Hill, to mark the end of summer. www.tringtogether.org.uk
WEDNESDAY 30 OCT
Kids: A Sensory Tale College Lake Nature Reserve, 2-3pm. Children and young people aged 7 and up. www.bbowt.org.uk
THURSDAY 31 OCT
Business: Berko Interchange
Waite & Rose Café
Berkhamsted, 8-9am. Free and informal business networking www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ berko-interchangetickets-547768158307
FRIDAY 1 NOV
Fairs / Festivals: Tring Book Festival
1-17 Nov. Various venues around Tring featuring Gyles Brandreth, Carol Klein, Vanessa Feltz & many more. www.tringbookfestival.co.uk
Fairs / Festivals: Apple Pressing
Tring Natural History Museum. Part of Tring’s Own Apple Fayre. www.tringtogether.org.uk
SATURDAY 2 NOV
Fundraisers: Open Door Repair Café
Open Door Berkhamsted, 9.30am-12.30pm. opendoorberkhamsted. co.uk/repair-cafe
Markets & Sales: Pop Up Bazaar
Berkhamsted Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Indoor market.
Dogs welcome. popupbazaarberko@outlook. com
Markets & Sales: Tring Arts & Crafts Market
Victoria Hall, Akeman Street, 10am-3pm. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61558152523480
Fairs / Festivals:
Berkhamsted Fireworks Berkhamsted Crick Club. www.berkobang.org
Fairs / Festivals: Tring Festival of Fire Tring Park Cricket Club. www.tringfireworks.co.uk
Music: Lenore Raphael Trio
BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. www.bjazz.org
SUNDAY 3 NOV
Fairs / Festivals: BerkoFest Book Festival
Berkhamsted Town Hall, 9.30am-7pm. Internationally-acclaimed names. tickets.matterpay. com/s/berkofest/ ZXZlbnQ6NDYxMg==/ berkofest-book-festival
Talks: Eco Hub
Quaker Meeting House, Berkhamsted High Street, 2.30-5pm. www.theecohub.org.uk
MONDAY 4 NOV
Film: Pretty Red Dress
Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tue 5. berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 6 NOV
Talks: Hec-Talk Group
The XC Centre, Jarman Way,
Hemel Hempstead, 7.308.30pm. Every first and third Wednesday of the month. tinyurl.com/5n8c6p3v
THURSDAY 7 NOV
Music: James Oliver Band Blues Bar Tring, 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk
FRIDAY 8 NOV
Fundraisers: Hospice of St. Francis Fundraising Ball
Ashridge House, 6pm. www.stfrancis.org.uk
SATURDAY 9 NOV
Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk
Markets & Sales: Tring & District NCT Nearly New Sale Tring School, Mortimer Hill, Tring HP23 5JD, 10.30am12pm. www.facebook.com/ NCTTringandDistrict
Arts & Crafts: Little Gaddesden One Day Art Sale
Little Gaddesden Village Hall, Church Road, HP4 1NX. 10.30am-4pm. littlegaddesden.org.uk/clubsand-institutions/art-club
WEDNESDAY 13 NOV
Talks: The Three Kings –The Real Story Arts Society Tring Park, Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am. Speaker: Tony Rawlins. artssociety-tringpark.co.uk
THURSDAY 14 NOV
Business: Tring
BusinessMart 6pm. Business networking. www.tringtogether.org.uk
FRIDAY 15 NOV
Film: Tring Cinema Nora Grace Hall. www.tringcinema.com
SATURDAY 16 NOV
Fundraisers: Repair Café High Street Baptist Church Hall, Tring, 10.30am-1pm. www.sustainabletring.org. uk/repair-café
Music: Ensemble Mirage Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 7.30pm. Mozart: Trio in E Flat Major ‘Kegelstatt’, Bruch: Eight Pieces ‘RumänischeMelodie’, Alfred Uhl: Kleines Konzert, Schumann: Märchenerzählungen (Fairy Tales) Op 132, Jean Françaix: Clarinet Trio. www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk
SUNDAY 17 NOV
Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market
High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook. com/berkofm
MONDAY 18 NOV
Film: All That Breathes Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tue 19. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk
THURSDAY 21 NOV
Music: The Hitman Blues Band Blues Bar, Tring. 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk
THURSDAY 21 NOV
Music: The Searchers & Hollies Experience
The Dembe Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm. www.dembetheatre.org
FRIDAY 22 NOV
Comedy: Ian Stone is Keeping it Together Dembe Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm. www.dembetheatre.org
SATURDAY 23 NOV
Music: Quintet-a-tete BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. www.bjazz.org
SUNDAY 24 NOV
Fairs / Festivals: Berkhamsted Festival of Light
Berkhamsted High Street, 1-7pm. With entertainment from local musicians, stalls, Santa, fairground rides and church service. www. berkhamstedtowncouncil. gov.uk
THURSDAY 28 NOV
Business: Berko
Interchange
Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8-9am. Free business networking www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ berko-interchangetickets-547761187457
Business: Hospice of St. Francis Corporate Partner Network Meeting Hospice of St. Francis, 5.30-7pm. www.stfrancis.org.uk
Theatre: The Hundred and One Dalmatians Dembe Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm. To 30 Nov. Berkhamsted Youth Theatre www.dembetheatre.org
SATURDAY 30 NOV
Fairs / Festivals: Tring Together Christmas Festival
Tring High Street and Victoria Hall, 3.30-8.30pm.
BAG YOURSELVES SOME PANTO TICKETS!
Ahoy panto lovers! The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook is setting sail for Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, and we have 4 tickets in our booty bag for our winner!
With stalls, fun fair and music around town and Victoria Hall, special guests in Memorial Garden www.tringtogether.org.uk
SUNDAY 1 DEC
Talks: Eco Hub Quaker Meeting House, Berkhamsted High Street, 2.30-5pm. www.theecohub.org.uk
What our advertisers say: Always very helpful, used for years for my advertising.
A Aerial Fix
A spectacular pantomime is set to sail the seven seas and anchor up in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from Fri 6 Dec 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025.
Starring Bradley Riches, best known for playing James McEwan in Netflix’s Heartstopper, as well as appearing alongside Sharon Osbourne, David Potts and Louis Walsh on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother 2024, you’re invited to a swashbuckling adventure full of galleons of fun.
Bradley is flying into the Waterside in good company, with panto favourite Andy Collins. Andy wakes up Herts, Beds and Bucks daily on the BBC 3 Counties Breakfast Show and is no stranger to entertaining the masses being the warm-up on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain’s Got Talent and Celebrity Juice. Andy’s trademark silliness, relentless energy and classic routine is set to have pantogoers well and truly hooked.
Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily and Ethyl the Mermaid on a brand-new adventure full of audience interaction, incredible flying effects, giggles galore and… of course, crocodiles!
For your chance to win four tickets to The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook on Tuesday 10 December at 7pm, simply answer the following question at www.livingmags.info/competitions by 30 September 2024.
The story of Peter Pan is set in: a) Wonderland b) Neverland c) Disneyland
Prize tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Terms & Conditions apply. Refer to website for details.
What our advertisers say: I just wanted to say a massive ‘THANK YOU’ for adding our charity information to your magazine. We have gained 4 extra volunteers so far just from the one editorial piece and I cannot thank you enough for helping to make this happen!
What our advertisers say:
What our advertisers say: Have been using Living Magazines for years for my advertising. Always friendly and have received a lot of work from my advert. A Handyman to Know
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