Berkhamsted Living Magazines Winter 2023 by Magazine

ISSUE 89

BERKHAMSTED

WINTER 2023

LIVE | LIFE | LOCAL

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES SINCE 2001

STEPPING INTO THE NEW YEAR

Walk your way to a healthier you with our easy ideas

MONEY ON OUR MINDS

Healthy habits to improve your finances

AROUND THE WORLD ON A BICYCLE

The story of Thomas Stevens and his epic adventure on a Penny Farthing

THE ONLY MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO EVERY SINGLE POSTCODE IN HP4 BERKHAMSTED - 11,464 COPIES BY ROYAL MAIL

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Welcome to the Winter issue!

BERKHAMSTED WINTER 2023

inter is definitely here, and we want you to make the most of it! There’s a host of Christmas and new year events to enjoy in our bumper What’s On section, plus our favourite pantos. And, looking forward to next summer, there’s a chance to win tickets to local music event Chilfest. We’re also taking this opportunity to encourage you to support local businesses and shop local in the runup to the festive season and beyond. We have ideas to keep you healthy - with a guide to walking your way to fitness - and your bank balance healthy with some advice on creating good financial habits. There’s plenty of good books from local authors to peruse on a chilly winter evening, puzzles for the kids and a crossword for the grown-ups.

Plus, if you never know what to do with all that leftover turkey - see our recipe page for a delicious idea. As always, the magazine includes lots of local news, while our local history feature focuses on the story of the Berkhamsted man who cycled around the world on a Penny Farthing! If you want to be involved in the next issue, please email Naomi at editorial@livingmags. info with your news prior to our spring issue. Merry Christmas!

Alison and Naomi Editor Owner &

CONTENTS 4

22 Shop local (before you head

37 Kids’ puzzles 38 Books from local authors 40 Step into the New Year 41 Turkey hash: a new idea

26 The Berkhamsted man who

36 It’s panto time - oh yes it is!

44 Crossword

News and views from Berkhamsted and surrounding villages

20 The importance of supporting local businesses online)

cycled around the world

for Xmas leftovers!

Make the most of your money

IN LIVINGMAFGOS@ .INFO

44 Living Magazine dates and deadlines for 2024

45 Win tickets to Chilfest, or a winter read

45 Christmas posting dates 47 What’s on 54 Local services

The only local magazine offering shrink-wrapped guaranteed delivery to 11,464* addresses in the HP4 postcode area, by Royal Mail every quarter. *Royal Mail postcode data . Published quarterly in March, June, September & December The Team: Publisher: Alison Page / Editor: Naomi MacKay / Designer: Neil Randle Registered Address: Jubilee Gardens, Tring, Herts HP23 4JG. Living Magazines are published by independent publisher Alison Page Marketing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without permission. The publisher will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Opinions expressed by authors and advertisers in this publication are not specifically endorsed by Alison Page Marketing.

For exclusive offers & updates between issues go to:

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Santa’s on his sleigh!

anta is visiting the streets of Berkhamsted until 18 December, when he will have to start his journey back to the North Pole. Santa is supported each night by helpers from local charities and PTAs, who will benefit from public donations. Santa’s visits are organised by Berkhamsted Rotary Club. You can find details about the club and Santa’s routes at www.berkorotary.org. The Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self’ and this year Berkhamsted Rotary has donated over £50,000 to charities including The Pepper

Foundation, The Hospice of St Francis, RennieGrovePeace Hospice, Open Door, Herts Young Homeless, Chilterns Neuro Centre, DENS, The Swan Project, HACRO, Dacorum Community Trust, Playskill, Tools for Self Reliance, Work Aid, Ukraine Support, Afghan Support, Stroke Association, 1st Berkhamsted Scouts and One Impossible Thing (a charity recently formed by Fiona Foulkes, which recycles used trainers for the benefit of homeless and economically challenged local people).

Council welcomes U-turn on ticket office closure

erkhamsted Town Council has welcomed the government’s U-turn on plans to close Berkhamsted Station’s ticket office, along with up to 1,000 others across the country. It stated: ‘Berkhamsted Town Council is strongly opposed to the closure of railway ticket offices, and is delighted to hear that extensive lobbying by rail users opposing the closures has proved effective.’ Plans to close railway stations across England

4 / Berkhamsted Living

caused a public backlash. The cost-cutting proposals drew 750,000 responses during a public consultation over the summer, with the passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London TravelWatch, stating that 99% of them were objections. The objectors’ main concerns were how to buy tickets, how to get travel advice and information, and how disabled passengers would get assistance, if the ticket offices were to close.

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Consultation on revised Draft Local Plan ends soon!

omments on the long-awaited revised Draft Local Plan for Dacorum must be in by Monday 11 December. The revised plan was released at the end of October, following the Draft Local Plan (the Emerging Strategy for Growth) in 2020. The Local Plan lays out the strategy for delivering new homes, jobs and investment across the borough through to 2040, along with infrastructure such as schools, transport and health facilities. It also lays out the plans for protecting and providing parks and green spaces. Following the consultation, Dacorum Borough Council said a summary Consultation Report will be produced in spring 2024 before a pre-submission version of the Local Plan is published in October 2024, in time for formal submission by mid-2025. In a press release, the council said the revised plan had responded to public opinion, which believed the housing allocation should be lower. The council stated: ‘We have consulted on a proposed reduction to the overall housing target, from the Government target of 1,017 to around 900 new homes a year.’ It also says that it is ‘proposing the removal of 12 sites previously shown for housing in the

6 / Berkhamsted Living

Green Belt’, following the public consultation. And where the public pointed out that the proposed level of homes across the Borough was disproportionate for smaller towns and villages, the council answered, saying: ‘We have reduced the number of homes proposed at Berkhamsted, Tring, and our villages, and focused on transforming Dacorum’s largest and most sustainable town, Hemel Hempstead, by delivering new growth and infrastructure via the Hemel Garden Communities programme.’ The public also wanted to see the council maximise housing on brownfield sites. It replied: ‘We have set out new opportunities to regenerate Hemel Hempstead’s town centre and other urban areas.’ Information is available online at letstalk. dacorum.gov.uk (where you can also submit comments) as well as in hard copy form from Berkhamsted Civic Centre and public libraries.

NEWS IN BRIEF The Gadebourne Masonic Lodge has moved its location to Berkhamsted from St Albans and is now using the Old Town Hall, 196 High Street, Berkhamsted for its meetings. For further information contact Pete Elsworth at peteels12@gmail.com.

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Scouts lead the way on Xmas tree recycling

erkhamsted Scouts will be helping residents recycle their real Christmas trees this year. To encourage tree recycling, Dacorum’s waste services team are again setting up a shredding machine, in Water Lane Car Park, Berkhamsted for one day only: Sunday 7 January 2024. Helping local citizens to recycle their Christmas trees are the various Scout Groups from Berkhamsted and the surrounding area, co-ordinated by the 1st Berkhamsted Scout Group. 1st Berkhamsted Group has organised a tree-collection service for over 15 years, where Christmas trees are picked up from people’s houses and taken to the shredding site. This year five other local Scout Groups are also helping: 1st Gossoms End, 1st Northchurch, 1st Potten End, 1st Little Gaddesden and VVV Explorer Group.

Tree collections can be booked and paid for in advance at www.1stberkhamsted.org.uk/trees. The deadline for online bookings is midnight, 6 January. Alternatively, between 9-3pm on Saturday 6 January, customers can buy a prepaid collection tag (cash or card accepted) at the Scout Christmas tree stall on Berkhamsted High Street.

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ADHD no barrier to netball success

lla Kingston began her netball journey with Mighty Netballers, which runs sessions locally, when she was six. Now, aged 13, she plays club netball at least five times a week, and is completely obsessed. She plays in a regional youth league and has recently got into the Saracen Mavericks Futures programme - a huge achievement in a very competitive environment. Ella, who lives in Berkhamsted, has an ambition to work her way up the netball ladder and play for the national team, the England Roses. Ella has ADHD, which can bring challenges to everyday life. Netball has had an extremely positive impact on Ella and her whole family. Mum Rebecca explained how playing team sport has given Ella so much confidence, resilience, and ambition; as well as learning key skills that help manage her ADHD such as patience, perseverance, and accountability.

8 / Berkhamsted Living

Having ADHD has meant that Ella often struggled when something wasn’t, in her eyes, as it should be such as an umpire’s decision in a match. Over time, learning and accepting that sporting decisions are objective and sometimes variable, has helped in so many other key areas of Ella’s life. Perhaps the biggest gain of all has been meeting the most incredible group of friends. Meeting netball friends at Mighty Netball throughout her primary years greatly eased Ella’s transition to secondary school, by having a ready-made friendship group from day one. Mighty Netball has been running netball sessions since 2017 in Tring. A non-competitive, inclusive and welcoming organisation championing and actively promoting grassroots sport, Mighty Netball welcomes all children. Co-founder Corinne and assistant coach Lucy aim to make the session engaging and fun for all. Find out more at: www.mightynetball.co.uk.

Decision awaited on solar array appeal

he public inquiry into a solar array at Little Heath, Berkhamsted, ended on Thursday 28 September. It is not yet clear when the Planning Inspectorate will make a decision. Head to www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/ planning-development/public-inquiries for updates.

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Airport expansion approved T

he plans to increase passenger capacity at London Luton Airport to 19 million a year have been approved. While Luton Borough Council’s development management committee initially approved the plans to increase passenger capacity from 18 million to 19 million a year, as well as amend day and night noise contours, a local inquiry was held earlier this year, to review ‘relevant aspects’ of the plans. The inspectorate decided to greenlight the proposal, subject to conditions. While they agreed that the increase in flights, along with travel by staff and passengers to and from the airport could increase greenhouse gas emissions, they stated that the airport’s owner was committed to a sustainability strategy across the airport. Following the outcome of the inquiry, Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning criticised the decision during a Parliamentary debate, saying: ‘The increased noise and pollution will affect the people of Hertfordshire and not the people of Luton who get all the financial benefits. ‘The decision to allow increased number of flights - the expansion will almost double Luton airport - was fundamentally opposed by me, other local MPs and residents, and it will be a very sad day when it goes ahead.’ Victoria Collins Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted, said: ‘The government’s decision to expand passenger numbers at Luton airport is an insult to our local communities concerned about climate change, plagued by aircraft noise and air pollution and the strain on our local infrastructure.

10 / Berkhamsted Living

‘Luton Airport, supported by Luton Council, made this application retrospectively because they had already breached legal noise and passenger limits in 2019, and wanted to press on. ‘Despite the admission that there will be more emissions from aircraft and ground transport, and that air quality will be adversely impacted as a result of this expansion the Secretaries of State have approved the expansion anyway.’ Plans for a second terminal, which could see passenger numbers up to 32 million a year, are still in the pipeline. This proposal is being considered by inspectors as part of National Infrastructure Planning - its examination stage is set to finish in February 2024.

Christmas cheer from Age UK

ge UK Dacorum’s annual fundraising Community Christmas Concert with Carols, Readings and songs, is different from the norm. It includes traditional carols, festive music from the Castle Choir, Christmas chart toppers led by local musicians, and extracts from the Bible together with modern yuletide messages. The concert is on 6 December at 7.30pm. See our What’s On pages for details.

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Music to bring in the New Year with Berkhamsted Music B erkhamsted Music’s concert series continues into the New Year on Saturday 27 January at Berkhamsted Civic Centre with a visit to a musical picture exhibition guided by pianist Victor Maslov. After a few Bagatelles by Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, Victor moves on to Rachmaninoff’s ‘Study Pictures’ before ending in the gallery of Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures from an Exhibition’.

The Resol Quartet brings the season to a close on Saturday 24 February. Between well-known string quartets by Mozart and Mendelssohn you will find Puccini’s lyrical elegy Chrysanthemums and Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans’ only string quartet. See our What’s On pages and find the full details at www.berkhamstedmusic.co.uk. Tickets are available online or at the door.

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Dacorum gets plugged in T he first of a new batch of Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) for Dacorum are up and running in Tring - with Berkhamsted and many more to follow across the borough. A range of different EVCPs – from Fast to Ultra Rapid - are on the way at many other sites

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in Dacorum, with installation starting soon, and information will be released by the Council on when these will be available. Berkhamsted’s points will be at St John’s Well Lane car park. Dacorum Borough Council was awarded £415,360 by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), with support of the Energy Saving Trust, for additional charging points to be fitted in public car parks. See the full story at www.livingmags.info/ new-electric-vehicle-charging-points-go-live.

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Let’s make ﬁnancial advice

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We recognise that talking about money and finances can be tricky. It’s a personal topic. So it’s reassuring to know there’s someone on hand who can help you address your needs, understand your goals and realise your dreams. Our friendly and approachable service is backed by the strength and security of a FTSE 100 company, St. James’s Place Wealth Management. What’s more, being local means we’re here to help whenever you need us.

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Britponds makes a splash at awards

erkhamsted contractor Britponds is a double award winner this year in the Aquascape Inc. Global ‘Pondemonium Awards’ for the UK region. It was awarded UK Certified Aquascape Contractor of the Year 2023, and UK Business of the Year 2023. ‘The latter was especially meaningful to us, being a husband and wife team who are building up this business during a cost-of-living crisis. We still managed to attract the judges’ attention in the US for our business strategies for high-quality water features and customer satisfaction and our ecofriendly/ sustainable operations,’ said Daniel Windley. This is the first time a UK business has been named a double award winner.

Maria pens magical story B

oxmoor yoga teacher Maria Oliver has published a book that helps to teach children phonics, using yoga poses. She said: ‘Last year Hodder Education approached me asking

14 / Berkhamsted Living

if I’d write a Chair Yoga phonics book. It was great fun coming up with a storyline that could include yoga poses, as well as incorporating the required phonics sounds. ‘The Musician’s Mission is about Marv, a wheelchair user, and his friend Maya, who have to use yoga poses to help a magical musician round up some missing animals. It was important to me that everyone in the story performs the Chair Yoga version of poses, whether they are able to stand or not, and that Marv is able to wheel himself independently in his wheelchair. ‘I love that my book is helping children to read, as well as encouraging them to move and find their inner calm.’

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West Herts proves a whizz on the courts

erkhamsted-based pickleball team, West Herts Wizards, brought back an impressive medal haul from the English Nationals competition.

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The club is only 18 months old, and yet its members bagged five gold medals, three silver medals and five bronze medals. Among them, Andy Tallyn won the 4.0 35+ age group singles and then with partner Simon Beddall bagged silver for 4.0 doubles. Stu Foster won gold in the 4.0+ singles for 60+ age group as well as gold in 4.0+ doubles, while the pairing of Roy Eastwood and Tim Gill won the bronze in 4.0+. The top players in the country are in the 4.0/4.0+ category. West Herts Wizards has also won the Herts Pickleball League in its first year since inception. Pickleball sessions run six days a week at Berkhamsted Leisure Centre.

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Wildstrong makes top 100 W

ildStrong Berkhamsted has been selected as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off its second decade in the UK. WildStrong, an outdoor movement and community building company, was founded in

2021 and now has a network of five locations across the UK. WildStrong, which teaches skills and movements to allow members to keep doing the things they love as they age, runs sessions at Bridgewater Primary School and Rectory Lane Cemetery, which focus on less intensity exercise for a group of older adults who want to build strength for life. ‘It’s such an honour to be a part of the Small Biz 100 this year. Running a small business while having a young family can feel like an impossible juggle, so being part of this support network will be fantastic,’ said Sarah Langridge, from WildStrong Berkhamsted. Find out more at www.wildstrong.co/ berkhamsted

Festival chance for budding filmmakers

ertfordshire Film Festival is back on the big screen! The Festival returns in April 2025 to provide an unmissable opportunity for young filmmakers to create and showcase their work. Work will be selected by a selection panel of industry professionals and previous editions of the Festival have seen talks and masterclasses from leading film and TV industry figures alongside panel discussions and workshops.

The Festival gives young people aged 11-25 who live, work or study in Hertfordshire, the chance to share their work with a wider audience. Submitted work will be shortlisted to screen over the two days. The prize for the best film from the 11–17 age category will be an industry screening at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and a family ticket to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter. The 18–25 year old prize winners will also receive an industry screening at the studios plus lunch with Dan Dark, executive vice president Warner Bros. Studio Operations, on his next UK visit. The Festival will also run a skills development workshop in early January 2024 aimed at underrepresented filmmakers in the Hertfordshire area. Submissions are free via the Festival website and FilmFreeway and will open early next year. See www.hertsfilmfest.co.uk for details.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 17

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World’s fastest-growing sport comes to Chesham

he world’s fastestgrowing sport - padel, a mix between tennis and squash - has come to Chesham, with two new courts now open at Chesham 1879 Lawn Tennis & Squash Club. Padel is now played in more than 100 countries by an estimated 25 million players.

Annabel Croft

Fans of the game include Game4Padel (the UK’s leading padel business, which opened the Chesham courts) investors Andy Murray, Virgil van Dijk, Jamie Vardy and Annabel Croft. The courts at Chesham 1879 were opened in November and are open for anyone to use. Neil Grantham, a spokesperson for Chesham 1879 Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, commented: ‘Padel is going to be a great addition at Chesham. We have seen how popular the game is becoming all around the UK and can see the courts being in high demand from existing members of the club, as well as people who live in the local area. The courts are open to anyone to use, so we encourage as many people as possible to come down and give it a go.’

Volunteer this winter

lthough events are becoming less frequent for suicide prevention charity Hector’s House at this time of year, the team is still very active and busy trying to raise awareness of the charity as well as much-needed funds. They are hoping to recruit a few volunteers who would be happy to give up a couple of hours of their time once a month and join the existing group of amazing volunteers. Hector’s House holds regular awareness and fundraising stands outside supermarkets (and inside if allowed!) and they assure us they are a very friendly bunch! Each event starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm and they would love to find more volunteers to fill a two-hour slot. There will always be a minimum of two volunteers, so you’ll never be alone.

The aim is to let people know what the charity does, how it can help and if anyone would like to donate, then there are fundraising buckets and a card reader. They say: ‘We just ask that you have a big smile, a big heart and a big passion for the charity. It’s a great opportunity to meet people and make a difference in suicide prevention and mental health awareness. We spend the day smiling, saying good morning/ afternoon and hoping that people might stop by to find out more about the charity. We have balloons (very popular!) wrist bands, pens, and stress balls for those who make a generous donation.’ Email karyn@hectorshouse.org.uk to find out more.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 19

here is a wealth of local SUPPORT talent right on your doorstep. The next time you’re thinking BUSINESSES of changing suppliers or looking for a new service provider, think LOCAL FIRST. We’re often surprised by the range and breadth of businesses and services within our local community. Our area has a wealth of creative services, from florists, to freelance writers and musicians, as well as those who offer IT and admin assistance. Working with local independent businesses can often reap greater rewards. You’ll probably get to know and have direct contact with the business owner, who will naturally be more passionate about their business – and yours – and they in turn can put you in touch

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with other local businesses through their local network. A local business is also far more likely to value your business, going that extra mile to develop the relationship and service the account. In turn, these business owners are more likely to invest in the community by using shops, cafes, restaurants and other services themselves. Circulating money in this way helps to grow local businesses and strengthen and maintain the local economy.

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Alura Candles Ltd - Tring 01 Electric Diffuser & Fragrance Oils £45 02 Hand blown glass diffuser £20 03 Car diffuser 10ml £15 Bailey & Sons - Berkhamsted 04 Kit Heath £115 05 Diamond Dazzle Stick £11.99 Packaged 06 Ania Haie £29 07 Tissot PRX £355 Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates Berkhamsted 08 Framed Illustration of Ashridge Bluebells £55 Fancy That - Tring 09 Bamboo Socks £6 per pair 10 Gisela Graham wooden Christmas decs from £3.49 11 Huge selection of Christmas Jellycat from £12 Nelson & Forbes Ltd - Hemel Hempstead 12 Stag and Gift Box £345 13 Solid Bronze Penguin and Baby £260

PE Mead & Sons - Tring 14 English Tea – Holiday Collection £5.50 15 Infuser Mug £8.99 16 Santa Ornament £8.95 17 Marshmallow Toasting Kit £26.95 18 Christmas Pasta £2.60 Puddingstone Distillery - Tring 19 PUD PUD Cherry Gin 70cl £40 20 PUD PUD Cherry Gin Gift Set £55 Rachel’s Vintage & Retro - Pitstone 21 Vintage Christmas Bambi Ornaments £18 22 Vintage Set of Mercury Glass Christmas Baubles £22 Tring Brewery - Tring 23 Lilley’s Strawberry Cider 500 ml £3.70 Whilst we have made every effort to ensure these details are correct, you must confirm directly with the retailer.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 23

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LOCAL HISTORY

Around the world on a bicycle Berkhamsted-born Thomas Stevens had great ambitions - which led to a pioneering trip on a Penny Farthing, and a search for an African explorer

ow much did you pack for your last holiday or weekend away? We bet it was more than Berkhamsted-born Thomas Stevens, who took only a clean pair of socks, a spare shirt, a mackintosh (which acted as a bedroom and tent) and a 38 Smith and Wesson as he began the American leg of his round the world trip. Thomas was born in Castle Street in Berkhamsted. His parents were Ann and William, who was a labourer. William emigrated to Missouri in the US, returning when his wife became ill. Later, in 1871, when Thomas was just 17 the whole family moved out to the States. Thomas Pauly of the University of Delaware wrote the introduction to a reissue of the cyclist’s book - Around the World on a Bicycle - and in an interview said: ‘His working man life was going nowhere - he was a worker/ labourer - he worked on iron mills, and in mines - he was ambitious and worked his way up. But he was going nowhere. He read

26 / Berkhamsted Living

accounts of people who had tried and failed to ride around the world and he decided to give it a go. He didn’t even know how to ride a bike - he went to San Francisco, bought the bike (a black-enamelled Columbia 50-inch ‘Standard’ Penny Farthing with nickel-plated wheels, built by the Pope Manufacturing Company of Chicago) and rode it around. Then off he set from the Golden Gate bridge!’ His first trip was across America - it took him just over 103 days to cross from San Francisco to Boston (including 20 non travelling days due to weather). That was 3,700 miles of travelling along rough wagon trails, railroad ways, canal towpaths and irregular public roads. On a Penny Farthing! When he went over the Sierra mountains he only had rough wagon roads to follow. He found the best way was to walk his bike on the railway tracks. But with no timetable, he was at the mercy of the trains - and at one point had to hold the bike over a precipice as the train passed.

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This trip caught the attention of Outing Magazine in New York, and they appointed Thomas as special correspondent, and he headed to Liverpool to begin his epic journey across the rest of the world. After making his travel arrangements, Thomas set off from Edge Hill Church on 4 May 1884, where several hundred people watched his departure. His route through England took him through his hometown of Berkhamsted, before he caught the Newhaven ferry to Dieppe, France. He must have been an unusual sight on his bicycle, a white pith helmet (which earned him the nickname General Gordon) atop his head. His journey through Europe was relatively uneventful but it was when he headed out of Teheran (where he had stayed with a Shah) that things got tricky. The Afghanistan border was guarded fiercely and he was arrested. However, he entertained his guards with a demonstration of his bicycle’s speed as they took him to a villa where he was detained. Here he said he was well fed, and was given soap, new boots and even biscuits imported from England. Once released, he was escorted to Persia, but the guards, nervous of his speed on the cycle, disassembled it and it was carried by a packhorse, which unfortunately laid on the large wheel, causing some severe damage. Fixed by Afghan gunsmiths, the bike and Thomas continued on his journey. As he travelled further East, Thomas Pauly says that the adventurous cyclist caused quite a stir: ‘people were seeing a white man for the first time, on a shiny metal contraption. They were astounded and they thought he was a deity.’ In China the welcome wasn’t quite so warm - they chased after him and tried to stone him - a Chinese official protected him from

rioters who were angry over a war with the French (presumably the difference between an Englishman and a French man was not apparent to them). His cycle trip ended on 17 December 1886, at Yokohama, Japan, when he had cycled around 13,500 miles. But that was not the end of his adventures. In 1888 The New York World asked Thomas to join its search in East Africa for the explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who had travelled up the Congo but not been heard from for 18 months. Thomas set off on a six-month trip, which saw him hunting big game and climbing Kilimanjaro - as well as finding Stanley’s camp. In his memoir, Scouting for Stanley in East Africa, he wrote: ‘I had not ‘found Stanley,’ as Stanley had found Livingstone in 1871; the circumstances were altogether different. I had, however, gratified a pardonable journalistic ambition in being the first correspondent to reach him and to give him news of the world, after his long period of African darkness. That I had done this under most trying conditions, Mr Stanley fully appreciated; and warmly reciprocated by showing me every courtesy in his power, on the march to the coast, in Zanzibar, and in Egypt.’ Thomas returned to England around 1895, got married and became manager of the Garrick Theatre in London. He died in 1935 and was buried at St Marylebone Cemetery in East Finchley, London. We bet you’d love to see that famous bike wouldn’t you? Unfortunately, while cycle manufacturer The Pope Company preserved Stevens’ bike for 50-plus years, it was lost to a scrap metal drive during the Second World War…

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 27

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One of London’s Leading Permanent Makeup Artists Now In Berkhamsted!

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20/10/2023

11:56

The Magic of Christmas! Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a magical trip to the pantomime. Here’s our festive local favourites…

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

The Court Theatre, Tring 28 December 2023 - 7 January 2024 www.courttheatre.co.uk With over 45 years of producing pantomimes, the Court team are delighted to present this traditional festive extravaganza packed with fun and laughter for the whole family, without a single TV celebrity in sight! Plus all that want to are able to join the cast on stage for the singalong song.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury 1 December 2023 - 3 January 2024 www.Atgtickets.com/Aylesbury (Fees apply) Mirror, mirror, on the wall, this year’s Panto has it all! Get ready for a star cast, barrels of laughter, stunning sets, dazzling costumes, spectacular song and dance, and maybe, just maybe, a bad apple or two! Don’t miss this much-loved Christmas tradition for all the family. Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to panto you go!

Christmas Sudoku

Christmas Wordsearch

CANDY CANE CAROL CHRISTMAS TREE GIFTS GINGER MAN GREETING CARDS ORNAMENTS REINDEER SANTA CLAUS STAR STOCKINGS WREATH

COLOUR ME IN!

BOOKS

Cuddle up this winter with one of these books from local authors there’s something for all ages! Finding Bear

By Hannah Gold Our young reviewer Zoe Clark-Monks writes: Finding Bear is the sequel to The Last Bear, and follows the story of April Wood who, having returned from Bear Island, finds out that a polar bear has been shot in Svalbard and fears that it could be her friend, Bear. After convincing her father to come with her to Svalbard to see if Bear is all right she encounters multiple obstacles on the way. This book really enlightens you about the effects of climate change on animals and is a great read. It grips you from the very start and takes you on an unforgettable and amazingly illustrated story of courage and faith. Hannah Gold is a bestselling author who grew up in Tring.

Capital Vices By Conor Montague If you’re looking for a very different read, this collection of stories from Conor Montague might fit the bill. Conor is well travelled and his stories take the reader around the world, from tough tales of Irish country life to the trials and tribulations of an Irish man paying a visit to the Taj Mahal. Why would a man find the latest robot disappointing - and what goes through a boxer’s mind while he’s being counted out? Find out this and much more. While Conor’s writing has a dark and sometimes disturbing tone, the stories’ humour evokes some laughout-loud moments. The images he paints with his words will remain with you for a long time. Conor is originally from Ireland but now lives in Tring. He runs a local weekly writing class.

Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop By Lesley Eames Our favourite wartime trio are back again. Following hot on the heels of the second book in this Trilogy, Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop welcomes back Naomi, Alice and Kate. This time, Naomi is trying to rid herself of the man who married her for her money, while Alice’s husband has returned to the war - but she has something to look forward to as she is now pregnant with their child. Kate now has help from the land girls, but when her brother returns with terrible injuries what will this mean for her life? And why has her pilot beau Leo stopped writing? As the festive season approaches, can their friendship and the spirit of community in the Hertfordshire village help them have a merry Christmas? This is another cosy, comforting and heartwarming story from Lesley - perfect to read on a winter’s evening or discover in your Christmas stocking! Award-winning author Lesley Eames lives in St Albans.

38 / Berkhamsted Living

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Dance Me To The End of Time By Tanya Wheway Tanya’s book is a moving tale of hard work, love and the importance of family. It is a fascinating account of Tanya’s life from her upbringing in Malta and Singapore, her spells in America and her all-encompassing love of one man, their resilience in the face of adversity and finally Tanya’s exotic travels with one of her granddaughters. It tells us how Tanya and Allan developed the concept of Champneys in Tring – familiar to many in the local area - and ran it not once but twice. It’s a very engaging read, part autobiography and part coach, delivering a multitude of ‘life lessons’ between the covers. It’s flamboyant and sparkling!

By Brenda Hurley A magnificent carved bed is key to this final part of the trilogy about Louis, and has led to reality and the netherworld existing side by side in a room at the Royal Oak. When Debs visits North Yorkshire and falls in love with its people and the countryside, she finds a number of strange coincidences that bring danger, romance, angels and demons to the inn. This intriguing tale switches between the real world and the spirit world, where Louis is finally with his love - but what is threatening their happiness? Will there be a happy ending in both worlds? You’ll want to keep reading to find out. Tring author Brenda Hurley is a landscape artist, who only began writing in her late sixties. Ghostly Embrace and Ghostly Return are the first two parts of the trilogy. We have three books to give away! See our competition page for details.

Sour Cherry Soup By Sara Clifford Chilterns Stories is a collection of tales inspired by the diverse cultural and natural heritage of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to provide new ways for people living and working in the area to appreciate the value of the landscape all around. The collection includes four original books (with two more to come), as well as two well-known titles. Sour Cherry Soup is written by playwright Sara, who weaves stories of Romans, agricultural history, bodgers, weavers and cherry growers into this one-woman show, which toured the Chilterns this year. Find out more about the project and its other publications at www.chilternsaonb.org/chalkcherrieschairs.

The Ponies and Taren By Pam Howard Pam’s books regularly feature on our pages, but usually involve dragons and Ashridge woods. This time, Pam has focused on another animal, with this tale of Taren, who wins a scholarship to a private school that has a wonderful stables. Taren may be pony mad, but she’s also football crazy, and when her chance to play on the school team is scuppered by an unfortunate incident, she has to clear her name. Tackling the school bully, she is supported by her friend Max, who is star of the boys’ football team. This very readable school story is aimed at children aged eight-plus, and proves how kindness and honesty can win through. A lovely read for anyone who likes football, ponies or both! Pam lives in Little Gaddesden and has had a lifelong passion for horses and riding.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 39

Local authors! Let us know about your book releases. Email editorial@livingmags.info

Ghostly Light

STEPPING IN TO THE

NEW YEAR You don’t need to hit the reset button on your fitness New Year resolutions if you maintain a balance throughout the year. One refreshingly simple way to strike this equilibrium? Incorporate a daily walk into your routine Combatting the festive calories: As the festive season rolls on, the continual pull of decadent Christmas puddings and mince pies is undeniable. Yet, there’s good news for those with a sweet tooth: indulge in your favourite festive treats without guilt, knowing that a brisk stroll can effectively balance those extra holiday calories. Heartfelt benefits: A regular walking routine greatly enhances heart health. By consistently engaging in this simple exercise, you can not only strengthen the cardiovascular system but also significantly reduce the risk of serious conditions, including heart disease and strokes. Boosting immunity: As winter unfolds, the risk of colds and flu intensifies. Engaging in regular walking activities strengthens and invigorates your immune system,

40 / Berkhamsted Living

transforming it into a formidable defence against these seasonal adversaries. Brain and mood boosters: The cognitive and emotional rewards of walking are vast and undeniable. Regularly embracing this simple activity acts as a potent remedy: promoting brain health, uplifting mood and bolstering overall mental wellbeing. Night-time bliss: During the season characterised by its shorter days, many find their sleep patterns disrupted. However, taking regular walks can also promote deeper, more restful slumbers.

“

As winter unfolds, the risk of colds and flu intensifies. Engaging in regular walking activities strengthens and invigorates your immune system…

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“

The benefits:

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RECIPE

NIGELLA’S TURKEY HASH She’s the undisputable queen of Christmas, but Nigella Lawson doesn’t just have you covered for the big day, she also knows exactly how to use up those Christmas lunch leftovers.

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, peeled and chopped • 2 red peppers, deseeded and chopped • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced • 250g shredded cold turkey • 75g pitted black olives • 2 tbsp soured cream • 2 tbsp leftover turkey stock • 1 egg • A few dashes of Tabasco sauce, or to taste • 75g grated Parmesan • 1–2 tbsp chopped flatleaf parsley to garnish (optional)

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• 15g butter

1. Toss the flaked almonds in a hot, dry pan over a medium to high heat until toasted. Remove to a plate for a while.

baked potato

• 50g flaked almonds

es 2 hung Serv ry

2. Add the butter and oil to the pan, then throw in the chopped onions and peppers and cook, stirring, over a medium to low heat for about 10 minutes. 3. Stir in the garlic, then add the shredded turkey and cook until piping hot. Return the reserved toasted flaked almonds to the pan, add the olives and mix in. 4. Whisk together the soured cream, turkey stock and egg, then pour into the pan, give a quick stir to combine and shake in the Tabasco sauce. 5. Finally, add the grated Parmesan and stir until it begins to melt into the hash. On serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley, if wished. Top tip Channel your inner Nigella and feel free to make whatever swaps necessary to suit your tastes and provisions at hand. No turkey? No problem, shredded gammon would work just as well.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 41

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Ingredients:

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Though written as an actual recipe, the doyenne of dining makes it clear that the quantities are meant to be a guide only. They are more of the ‘a handful of this, a handful of that’ school of cookery, allowing you to add your own specific brand of festive flair.

MINDS MONEY ON OUR

The psychology of currency, and understanding our relationship with money

A class apart A 2019 study conducted by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) found that 70% of people in the UK consider themselves part of the ‘middle class’, despite an uneven distribution of wealth. As a result, many people may perceive that, in terms of money, they have more, or at times less, than they actually do. The debit disconnect This intriguing disparity between perception and reality is dangerous when you factor in how credit and debit cards have transformed our spending habits, given that they provide a

42 / Berkhamsted Living

“

Financial struggles can exacerbate feelings of despair and hopelessness, often creating a vicious cycle where mental health issues lead to worsening financial situations

“

very aspect of our lives is in some way influenced by money, yet we often overlook the psychological complexity of our relationship with it. Whether we realise it or not, our perceptions of money and spending can significantly affect our financial reality and wellbeing; and yet if anything, we are ebbing further away from this.

sense of ease, convenience, and sometimes a disconnect from the actual expenditure. An experiment conducted at the University of Bristol suggested that using physical cash can significantly reduce impulsive buying compared to card payments. The tactile experience of handing over cash helps create a deeper connection to the transaction, making the loss more real and thereby curbing reckless spending. Consumerism Moreover, our relationship with money has undeniably changed over time. The shift from a cash-dependent society to a digital economy has rendered the ‘pain of paying’ more abstract.

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FINANCE

Making the link Financial distress and mental health are intimately entwined, with poor financial management often leading to increased anxiety and wellbeing concerns. In a comprehensive study by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, it was found that one in four people in the UK experiencing mental health problems are also in problem debt – three times the rate among the general population. Meanwhile, a survey conducted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists revealed that half of UK adults with debts have contemplated suicide. What’s more, financial struggles can exacerbate feelings of despair and hopelessness, often creating a vicious cycle where mental health issues lead to worsening financial situations, further deepening the mental health crisis.

Healthy habits As we navigate the intricate relationship with money, it’s crucial to consider ways we can foster a healthy financial mindset. First, transparency with our personal finances can be a powerful tool. Regularly reviewing bank statements and budgets not only keeps us informed but can also help realign our spending habits with our financial reality. Secondly, as discussed, using cash for smaller, day-to-day transactions can heighten our awareness of spending. Lastly, we should continually educate ourselves about financial matters. Resources like the Money Advice Service, a UK government initiative, can provide free advice to improve financial literacy and promote sound money management. Overall, while our relationship with money is complex, influenced by shifting societal norms, personal perceptions, and a rapidly evolving digital economy, understanding these influences is the first step towards fostering healthier financial habits in future, as well as a more secure, more realistic and happier life for us and those around us.

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The tactile experience of handing over cash helps create a deeper connection to the transaction, making the loss more real and thereby curbing reckless spending

“

Furthermore, the societal push towards consumerism, accelerated by aggressive marketing strategies and the rise of online shopping, has driven a culture of ‘buy now, pay later’. So while consumerism drives economic growth, it can also lead to adverse effects such as over-indebtedness and a disconnect from financial realities. A report by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute found that compulsive buying affects up to 5% of UK adults, indicating the need for better financial management strategies and awareness. So, is consumerism a foe or friend? It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fuels economic activity, innovation, and a wealth of choice for consumers. Conversely, it can create an unhealthy obsession with material possessions, foster financial recklessness, and lead to environmental degradation. Striking a balance is vital.

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Across Clues: 1. A professional who alters (6) 5. Type of cotton twill fabric (5) 7. To fit together tightly (9) 10. In the middle of (4) 11. A singing voice range (4) 12. A network of informal communication (9) 16. A flat, typically rectangular piece (5) 17. To suffer from lack of food (6) Down Clues: 1. A vehicle for hire with a driver (4) 2. Above (4) 3. Informal, chocolate (4) 4. A rectangular game piece (6) 6. A thin cord (6) 8. A temporary cessation (5) 9. Australian sheepdog (6) 10. Sudden (6) 13. A cylindrical device used for winding (4) 14. The direction toward the rising sun (4) 15. A state of comfort (4)

Across 1. Tailor, 5. Chino, 7. Interlock, 10. Amid, 11. Alto, 12. Grapevine, 16. Panel, 17. Starve. Down: 1. Taxi, 2. Over, 3. Choc, 4. Domino, 6. String, 8. Letup, 9. Kelpie, 10. Abrupt, 13. Reel, 14. East, 15. Ease.

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CHILFEST TICKETS!

Marc Almond

hilfest music festival will certainly not need a hard sell next year as they’ve secured a Soft Cell icon in Marc Almond as headliner. The 80s legend tops another fantastic lineup for 2024 for the family-friendly festival in Tring on 5-6 July. Almost half of the acts this year are making their Chilfest debut. Go West will be bringing a dose of Californian sunshine. Nik Kershaw hopes to keep the sunshine going with his die-hard hit I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me. The crowd will be in heaven with a visit from Glenn Gregory

and Martyn Ware of Heaven 17 and their mega crowd-pleaser Temptation. Ska royalty The Selecter are guaranteed to get the revellers on their feet and other acts include 90s favourites The Farm, East 17 and Baby D. For the younger generation, Chilfest also welcomes Scouting for Girls. Friday will see headliners Rule the World, an exceptional Take That tribute band, ‘Shine’. They will be joined by acts paying homage to iconic 80s and 90s artistes, including I’m Every Whitney, Rogue Minogue, Badness, and The Smiths UTD. To enter, answer the question below at www.livingmags.info/competitions by 30 January 2024. Who is the headline act at Chilfest’s Saturday event? We have one pair of tickets for Friday night, and one pair of tickets for Saturday to give away. Please state if you have a preference. For more information visit www.chilfest.co.uk

A WINTER READ!

e have three copies of Tring author Brenda Hurley’s fantasy romantic novel Ghostly Light to give away - see our books page for details.

To enter, answer the question below at www.livingmags.info/competitions by 30 January 2024. Name the first two books in the trilogy Terms & Conditions apply. Refer to website for details.

Congratulations to Sandy Warden of Tring, who won a family ticket to the panto at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in our autumn competion.

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Beat the festive rush and get all your letters, cards and parcels in the post on time!

• Monday 18 December - Royal Mail 2nd Class & 2nd Class Signed For • Wednesday 20 December - Royal Mail 1st Class & 1st Class Signed For • Thursday 21 December - Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed

odie’s early childhood was a happy one. This changed when she was 10 years old when a close family member started abusing her. The abuse continued for years, until she left home at 16 to escape. Initially, Jodie coped ok, finding a job and a flat. But over time, the trauma of her childhood reemerged, and her drinking spiraled out of control. Jodie lost her job, and then her home. She was homeless. Thankfully, Jodie found DENS who gave her emergency accommodation, and this is where her journey to recovery started. Jodie now lives independently but remains part of the DENS family, receiving support whenever she needs it. Please donate £20 to DENS Winter Appeal and help support more people like Jodie.

www.dens.org.uk/winter-appeal 46 / Berkhamsted Living

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Open now Free exhibition of images featuring the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Rising Star Categories Book a free ticket today at nhm.ac.uk/tring

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.

Music: That Joe Payne The Court Theatre, Tring. 8pm. Award-winning vocalist That Joe Payne & band return with their critically-acclaimed Christmas concert, performing the 2022 self-released Christmas album’Ding Dong’ in full, plus seasonal symphonic pop and rock favourites. courttheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 9 DEC

group for an enjoyable but productive networking session and the chance to meet new business associates. See website for booking information. www. tringtogether.org.uk

Monday 4 December:

MONDAY 4 DEC

WEDNESDAY 6 DEC

Fundraisers: Santa Float To 17 Dec. The Rennie Grove Santa Float will be visiting houses in Tring and the surrounding villages. For dates and routes visit website. renniegrovepeace.org

Fundraisers: Charity Quiz The Robin Hood, 1 Brook Street, Tring. 8.30pm every Wed. In aid of Hector’s House. www. robinhoodtring.co.uk

The Rennie Grove Santa Float

Fundraisers: Santa’s Sleigh To 18 Dec. Santa will be doing the rounds of Berkhamsted as well! His routes and tracking information will be publicised on the website. berkorotary.org Fairs / Festivals: Christmas at Waddesdon To 1 Jan. With a new festive theme in the house and new light displays and trail in the gardens to enchant and delight. waddesdon.org.uk

Berkhamsted Rotary Santa Float

Fundraisers: Age UK Dacorum Community Christmas Concert St Peter’s Church, High Street, Berkhamsted, 7.30-9.30pm. Featuring traditional congregational carols, festive music performed and sung by the Castle Choir, well known Christmas chart toppers led by local musicians, extracts from the Bible together with modern yuletide messages. tickets.mp/ ageukcarols Business: Tring BusinessMart Join the friendly BusinessMart networking

Comedy: Rich Hall Shot from Cannons Court Theatre , 8pm. Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Montana’s transatlantic messenger returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly. www.getstuffed.biz

THURSDAY 7 DEC Talks: safeTALK XC Centre Hemel Hempstead, 10am. A half-day CPD-accredited course by Hector’s House that provides attendees with the tools to be Suicide Alert Helpers. www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/safetalksuicide-alertness-trainingfor-everyone-half-daytickets-728181389137

FRIDAY 8 DEC Fairs / Festivals: BerkoBeerFest Berkhamsted Civic Centre. 6pm. Comedy evening and pop up beer bar. berkobeerfest.co.uk

Fairs / Festivals: Festive Street Food Fair Frogmore Paper Mill, 2-8pm. Free entry. The best street food, independent craft brewery, coffee, award-winning gins, local businesses, music and brass band. www. frogmorepapermill.org.uk Comedy: The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz: Fancy Another Round? The Court Theatre, Tring, 7.30pm. After a 2022 sell-out run, the world’s funniest alcohol experts are back in quizness with a brand new show that serves up FIVE DISCERNING DRINKS for everyone. www.get-stuffed.biz Music: Perhaps Trio BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. Full Bar facilities. An intriguing combination of instruments and vocals. Julian Costello on sax has his own distinctive sound accompanied by Patrick Naylor on guitar and Natalie Roasario on cello & vocals. www.bjazz.org

SUNDAY 10 DEC Music: Piano and More Tring parish church, 3-4pm. Free entry; donations to expenses welcome. pianoand-more.org.uk Fairs / Festivals: The Hospice of St Francis Virtual Light up a Life Event 4pm. Celebrate your loved

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Winter 2023 / 47

ones from the comfort of your own home. www. stfrancis.org.uk

MONDAY 11 DEC Film: A Bunch of Amateurs Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk

WEDNESDAY 13 DEC Talks: Champneys: Carrot Juice or Starvation Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Wellcome Great Hall, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. A look at the many different treatments given over its 90 years, together with a brief look at the owners of Champneys before 1925. Speaker: Richard Tregoning. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

THURSDAY 14 DEC Talks: Tring U3A Christmas Social Victoria Hall, Akeman St, 10am-12noon. For those no longer working full-time to find ways to spend time laughing, learning and living life to the full. Musical entertainments and free refreshments. www. tringu3a.org.uk

SATURDAY 16 DEC Fundraisers: Repair Café High Street Baptist Church Hall, Tring. Third Saturday of each month, 10.30am-1pm. A place where people can gather and fix those objects from everyday life that would otherwise end up in landfill. www.sustainabletring.org. uk/repaircafe Music: Town Carol Service St Peters Church, Berkhamsted, 6pm. As we prepare for the joy of Christmas, the whole community is welcome to this service of congregational carol singing. www.stpetersberkhamsted. org.uk

Music: Tring Choral Society Winter Concert St Peter and St Paul Church, Tring, 7.30pm. Charpentier ‘Messe de Minuit’; Vivaldi ‘Dixit Dominus’; Bach, JS ‘Magnificat in D’. www. tringchoral.org.uk

SUNDAY 17 DEC Music: Christmas Carol Services St. Mary’s, Puttenham, 3.30pm. St Peter & St Paul, Tring 4pm. St John the Baptist, Aldbury 6pm. www. tringteamparish.org.uk

MONDAY 18 DEC Talks: Ordinary Council Meeting The Council Chamber, Market House, 61 High Street, Tring HP23 4AB. 7.30pm. www.tring.gov.uk/ town-council/meetingcalendar

TUESDAY 19 DEC Kids: The Nutcracker Ashridge House. Various times to 24 Dec. An epic adventure through Ashridge House with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 20 DEC Music: Outdoor Carol Service St Peter & St Paul, Tring 7pm. www.tringteamparish. org.uk

THURSDAY 21 DEC Business: Berko Interchange Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8.30-9.30am. Informal and free business networking over coffee. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ berko-interchangetickets-547761187457 Music: The Looters Blues Bar Tring, 8pm. Playing live music from the 60s & 70s, blisterin’

48 / Berkhamsted Living

rhythm ‘n’ blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and classic pop. www. bluesbartring.co.uk

SATURDAY 23 DEC Music: Chiltern Chamber Choir Christmas Concert St Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted, 7.30pm. Handel’s Messiah. www. chilternchamberchoir.com

SUNDAY 24 DEC Music: Simple Communion St Peter & St Paul, Tring 10.00am. www. tringteamparish.org.uk Music: Children’s Crib Services St Peters Church, Berkhamsted, 3pm & 5pm. Hear the magic of the Christmas story at these special services with carols, stories and prayers specially aimed at young children. www.stpetersberkhamsted. org.uk Music: Crib Services St Peter & St Paul, Tring, 2pm & 4pm. Long Marston Church, 4pm. St John the Baptist, Aldbury 4pm. www. tringteamparish.org.uk Music: Christmas Carol Concert Forge car park, Tring, 6.30pm. Tring Lions Club Christmas carol concert featuring The Vale Symphonic Woodband. www.tringlions.org.uk Music: Lessons and Carol Service St Cross, Wilstone 7pm. www.tringteamparish.org.uk Music: Midnight Mass St. Mary’s, Puttenham, 9.30pm. St John the Baptist, Aldbury 11.30pm. St Peter & St Paul, Tring 11.30pm. www. tringteamparish.org.uk Music: Midnight Mass St Peters Church, Berkhamsted. Choir carols

View all our editions at www.livingmags.info |

11pm, full service 11.30pm. Celebrating the holy night of Christ’s birth with readings, prayer choral music and carols. www. stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk

MONDAY 25 DEC Music: Holy Communion All Saints, Long Marston 10am. St John the Baptist, Aldbury 10am. St Peter & St Paul, Tring 8am & 10am. www.tringteamparish.org.uk Music: Christmas Day Parish Mass St Peters Church, Berkhamsted, 9.30am. Christmas morning Eucharist in joyful celebration of Jesus’s birth, with congregational carols. All are welcome. www. stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk

THURSDAY 28 DEC Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk Court Theatre. To 7 Jan. Packed with fun and laughter for the whole family, and all done without a single TV celebrity anywhere in sight! www. courttheatre.co.uk

FRIDAY 5 JAN Talks: Historic Graffiti Scratches on the Wall Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Local History Group. By Zoom. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. Speaker James Wright, archaeological excavation project leader and academic historian. www.cholesbury.com

SATURDAY 6 JAN Fundraisers: Christmas Tree Collection Recycle your Christmas Tree and support your local Hospice! Also 7 Jan. www. stfrancis.org.uk Fundraisers: Open Door Repair Café Open Door Berkhamsted.

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First Saturday of each month, 9.30am-12.30pm. Throw it away? No way! Bring along your broken items and let the experts take a look, in exchange for a donation. opendoorberkhamsted. co.uk/repair-cafe

WEDNESDAY 10 JAN Talks: Surprising Painting Techniques Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am. Chantal Brotherton Ratcliffe gives an insight into some of the surprising materials used by artists in the 14th-16th centuries, before industrial processes changed the artists’ world. artssociety-tringpark.co.uk Talks: Duke Of Windsor and the Nazis Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Wellcome Great Hall, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. Dupe or traitor? A closely guarded secret of the Royal family? Speaker: Tony Eaton. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

THURSDAY 11 JAN Music: The Gary Fletcher Blues Band Blues Bar Tring, 8pm. Gary plays his own songs on acoustic guitar. www. bluesbartring.co.uk

SATURDAY 13 JAN Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market High Street, Tring, 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Fine produce from around the district. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk Music: Wassailing with New Moon Morris Meet at Church Square. 2-4pm. Join New Moon Morris and friends for their annual Wassailing tour of the lower end of Tring. An ancient tradition of singing,

dancing, making noise, and drinking cider to bless our local trees and wish good health to neighbours. newmoonmorris.co.uk Music: Tom Ridout Band BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. Full Bar facilities. From the local Ridout family, multi-award winning saxophonist Tom leads a superb quartet along with brother Lester, playing standards and own compositions. www.bjazz. org

MONDAY 15 JAN Music: Open Rehearsal with Tring Choral Society Akeman St Baptist Church, Tring, 7.45pm. Thinking about joining a choir? Would you like to sing some of Mozart’s Requiem? Join this rehearsal to see if you’d like to be part of Tring Choral Society or would just like to experience choral singing. www.tringchoral.org.uk Film: The Quiet Girl Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk

WEDNESDAY 17 JAN Talks: A History of Tring’s Local Breweries and Pubs High Street Baptist Church, Tring, 8pm. Tring’s History Society Chair, Tim Amsden will deliver the fascinating history of a subject everyone has an interest in, one way or another, Tring’s breweries and pubs, some of which were in existence in the 19th Century and are still opening their doors to Tring residents today. tringlocalhistorymuseum. org.uk

THURSDAY 18 JAN Business: Tring BusinessMart 6pm. Join the friendly

Sunday 21st January: Tring Chamber Music Midwinter Concert

BusinessMart networking group for an evening of enjoyable but productive networking and the chance to meet new business associates. www. tringtogether.org.uk

SATURDAY 20 JAN Fundraisers: Repair Café High Street Baptist Church Hall, Tring. Third Saturday of each month, 10.30am1pm. A place where people can gather and fix those objects from everyday life that would otherwise end up in landfill. www. sustainabletring.org.uk/ repaircafe Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. An opportunity for local customers to buy high quality produce direct from the producer. www. facebook.com/berkofm

SUNDAY 21 JAN Music: Tring Chamber Music Midwinter Concert The Anthony Hall, Aston Clinton, 11am and 3pm. Programme to include Mozart ‘s great Divertimento for string trio and music by Purcell, Britten. Paul Barritt, violin; Jonathan Barritt, viola; Joely Koos, cello. www. tringchambermusic.co.uk

MONDAY 22 JAN Talks: Ordinary Council Meeting The Council Chamber, Market House, 61 High Street, Tring HP23 4AB. 7.30pm. www.tring.gov.uk/ town-council/meetingcalendar

THURSDAY 25 JAN Business: Berko Interchange Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8.30-9.30am. Informal and free business networking over coffee. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ berko-interchangetickets-547761187457

FRIDAY 26 JAN Film: Tring Cinema Nora Grace Hall. Doors 7.30pm, film 8pm. www. tringcinema.com

SATURDAY 27 JAN Music: Victor Maslov (Piano) Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm, £20. Rachmaninoff - Selection from Etudes Tableaux Op 33 and 39, Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition. www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk

TUESDAY 30 JAN Film: What’s Love Got to Do With it? Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk

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THURSDAY 1 FEB Music: Mississippi MacDonald Blues Bar, Tring. 8pm. Back by popular demand after his great show back in 2022, Mississippi MacDonald is a three times British Blues Awards nominee, from London. www.bluesbartring. co.uk

FRIDAY 2 FEB Talks: The British Civil Wars 1642-51 in Art Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Local History Group, St Leonards Village Hall. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. Speaker Stephen Baker, designer of museum exhibitions and lecturer on military history. www. cholesbury.com Comedy: Geoff Norcott Basic Bloke Court Theatre , 8pm. New national tour for star of Have I Got News For You, A League Of Their Own, The Last Leg, Would I Lie to You?, Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Backstage With Katherine Ryan and many more. www.get-stuffed.biz

SATURDAY 3 FEB Fundraisers: Open Door Repair Café Open Door Berkhamsted. First Saturday of each month, 9.30am-12.30pm. Throw it away? No way! Bring along your broken items and let the experts take a look, in exchange for a donation. opendoorberkhamsted. co.uk/repair-cafe

TUESDAY 6 FEB Theatre: Lord of the Flies Court Theatre, 7.30pm. To 10 Feb. Presented by Tring Youth Theatre Project. After a plane crash leaves a group of schoolchildren stranded on a remote island, they attempt to establish order

and survival. However, their society unravels, leading to a descent into chaos and primal instincts. www. courttheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 10 FEB Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market Church Square, High Street, Tring, 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Fine produce from around the district. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk Music: John Maddock’s Jazzmen BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. Full Bar facilities. Septet play clarinet-led trad jazz. www. bjazz.org

MONDAY 12 FEB Film: Les Choristes Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 13. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk

WEDNESDAY 14 FEB Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast 8am. Join the friendly BusinessMart networking group for a morning of enjoyable but productive networking and the chance to meet new business associates. www. tringtogether.org.uk Talks: Vermeer and Music Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am. Lydia Bauman explores the role of music and musical instruments in both life and art of the Dutch Golden Age, with musical excerpts. artssocietytringpark.co.uk Talks: The Red Lion at St Albans Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Wellcome Great Hall, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. A social history look at public houses. The provision of inns across the country

expanded significantly over the 18th century in terms of numbers, scale and appointments. Was this the case in Herts? Speaker: Jon Mein. berkhamsted-history. org.uk

THURSDAY 15 FEB Music: Knight and Spiers Court Theatre, 8pm. The exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and classical music makes the music of Peter Knight and John Spiers compelling and beguiling. www. courttheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 17 FEB Fundraisers: Repair Café High Street Baptist Church Hall, Tring. Third Saturday of each month, 10.30am1pm. A place where people can gather and fix those objects from everyday life that would otherwise end up in landfill. www. sustainabletring.org.uk/ repaircafe

SUNDAY 18 FEB Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. Third Sunday of every month. An opportunity for local customers to buy high quality produce direct from the producer. www. facebook.com/berkofm

MONDAY 19 FEB Talks: Meeting The Council Chamber, Market House, 61 High Street, Tring HP23 4AB. 7.30pm. www.tring.gov.uk/ town-council/meetingcalendar

TUESDAY 20 FEB Comedy: Omid Djalili WIP The Court Theatre, Tring, 8pm. Also 21 Feb. Legendary festival favourite,

stand-up comedian, film and television star Omid Djalili guarantees you an evening of experimentation. courttheatre.co.uk

THURSDAY 22 FEB Comedy: Andy Parsons Court Theatre, 8pm. Join Andy Parsons for his new show Bafflingly Optimistic. www.get-stuffed.biz

FRIDAY 23 FEB Film: Tring Cinema Nora Grace Hall. Doors 7.30pm, film 8pm. www. tringcinema.com

SATURDAY 24 FEB Music: Resol Quartet Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm. Mozart - Quartet No19 in C Major K 465 ‘Dissonance’, Puccini Crisantemi, Bosmans - Quartet, Mendelssohn Quartet No 2 in A Minor Op 13. www.berkhamstedmusic. co.uk

MONDAY 26 FEB Film: First Cow Berkhamsted Civic Centre, Also Tues 27. 8pm. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk

THURSDAY 29 FEB Business: Berko Interchange Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8.30-9.30am. Informal and free business networking over coffee. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ berko-interchangetickets-547761187457

FRIDAY 1 MAR Talks: The Lollards of Amersham Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards Local History Group, St Leonards Village Hall. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. Speaker Dr Peter Burrows, scientist and volunteer at Amersham Museum. www. cholesbury.com

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