Living Magazines - Tring - Spring 2021 by Magazine

g n i v i L TRING

ISSUE 55

SPRING 2021

YOUR QUALITY LOCAL MAGAZINE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES SINCE 2007

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT!

TRING IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS SEE OUR NEW BUSINESS DIRECTORY INSIDE

Grow your own veg and edible ornamentals

ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE

Tips that will help your teens stay safe, and help calm your nerves!

WALKS AROUND TOWN

Explore the Ridgeway this weekend

How to join

Step 5: Payment details Chiltern Society By Direct Debit instruction to your Bank or Building Society

Visit us at www.chilternsociety.org.uk Return the form below to Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1AG

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Registered Charity 1085163 • Company limited by guarantee no 4138448 Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham Bucks HP5 1AG 01494 771250 • office@chilternsociety.org.uk • www.chilternsociety.org.uk

CONSERVING • CAMPAIGNING • PROMOTING

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Long-term financial security for you and your loved ones is your priority, and it’s ours too. Navigating the savings allowances and exemptions available to you at tax year-end can have a big impact on achieving your goals. It’s our job to guide you and provide expert advice. Contact us before 5 April, and together we can plan the route to your future.

STRINGER MANN CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Tel: 01442 874888 Email: stringermann@sjpp.co.uk www.stringermann.com

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances. The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

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Welcome to the Spring issue!

TRING SPRING 2021

fter a long winter we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead this spring. As we go to press, we are still in lockdown 3. But hopefully, by the time you read this, those measures will have eased as the vaccinations continue. Whatever is going on in your life right now, there are some constants - teenagers always grow up, and always want independence, so we have some great tips to help them as they venture out. Gardens will burst into life in spring whether we are in lockdown or not, so we look at growing veg that both looks and tastes good. Many of us will continue to try to keep fit and healthy, and after a long winter lockdown, we’ve come up with some quick and simple healthy habits that should get you moving in the right direction. And if you’re hoping to move house, we have some expert

advice for anyone wanting to get on the property ladder. We do have something new for you too - a crossword by Ian Bateman, based around local place names. We hope you like it, do let us know what you think! As always, the magazine includes local news, events (where possible) and features. We love to hear from local people, groups, schools and organisations, so please email Naomi at editorial@livingmags.info. Also, remember it’s the first digital Census day on March 21! We hope this issue finds you safe and well and wish you happy reading.

Alison and Naomi Owner & E

ditor

CONTENTS 4

News and views from Tring and surrounding villages

20 Shop Local 23 Bake these colourful cookies

25 B2B Directory: Find local

companies that can help your business

30 Grow veg that looks good enough to eat

32 Tring’s proud sporting

IN LIVINGMAFGOS@ .INFO

heritage

34 Healthy habits you will stick to!

36 Discover the Ridgeway from Wendover

37 The latest books from our region’s authors - and a chance to win!

40 Keeping teens safe

42 Get on the property ladder 46 Local events this spring 50 Essential local services 51 Try our new crossword -

and win Catherine Alliott’s latest book

The only local magazine offering shrink-wrapped guaranteed delivery to 10,616* addresses in the HP23 postcode area, by Royal Mail every quarter. *Royal Mail postcode data . Published quarterly in March, June, September & November 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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Letter from the Mayor Fellow Residents,

s I write this we have snow and ice on the ground but the sun is shining and the sky is blue. It describes our lives at the moment as we are back in lockdown, unable to mix, but the vaccines are rolling out and a brighter, safer future beckons. By the time you read this I hope that all vulnerable residents of Tring have had their first vaccination and have got the date for the second booked. Over the past year I think that I have walked down every road and am always delighted by hidden gems such as glorious gardens and interesting buildings. The best thing about my walks for exercise are the greetings from others, many of whom I don’t know. I would like to encourage everyone to say ‘hello’ to those that they pass as this may be the only time that someone has spoken to another person in days. The situation that the country is in has lasted a year and it has been difficult for everyone, so do be mindful of others on a daily basis. Tring Town Council has continued with regular business. A great deal of time has been given to consideration of the Dacorum Local Plan. This consultation finished on 28 February 2021 and I expect that many of you took part. The Tring Council’s response is available on our website for you to see. The council is looking at ways in which our town can be maintained and improved and we always welcome ideas from you, such as more cycle racks, benches and signposted walks. The Farmers Market has moved back to the Market Place in Brook Street to give social distance space and allow more food stalls.

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Shopping locally gives you the chance to talk to our local growers and producers while reducing food miles. In 2019 this council declared a climate emergency and we all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint. I am hoping that many of us will consider how such things as a safe garden pond or a new tree would help. To encourage biodiversity in the garden we are supporting the ‘bee friendly town’ initiative (see livingmags.info for more details) and looking at planting wildflowers where we can. Tring Together will once again be arranging activities throughout the spring and I shall be supporting them whether it is on-line or in person and look forward to seeing as many of you involved as possible. The new Mayor will be appointed in May and I would like to thank you for the support that you have given me this year.

Happy birthday to us!

t’s a big year for Living magazines! We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this winter and would love you to join in our celebrations. We are calling for local people, organisations and businesses to tell us about Berkhamsted 20 years ago. Perhaps you have photos from the high street 20 years ago, that show how it has changed. Maybe you belong to a local organisation and have photos from that year. Or maybe your own business or organisation is celebrating a special anniversary this year too. Please email stories, information and images (high-resolution please) to editorial@livingmags.info

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

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Hunt for stolen Benny continues A s we went to press, officers investigating the theft of a dog in Tring released a description of a potential male witness. Benny the Pomeranian was stolen from his owner’s car in Tring Tesco supermarket car park on 17 December 2020. Benny is described as having sandy or strawberry-blonde coloured fur. The man police wish to speak to is believed to have been in the area at the time. He is described as white, aged between 50 and 60, and of large build. He had very short, cropped hair with ‘speckles’ in it, and may have been wearing spectacles on top of his head. He was wearing a dark-coloured checked

shirt, baggy trousers and a puffer jacket. Email PC Hardy at matthew.hardy@herts. pnn.police.uk with information. Inspector Nicola Dean, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Team, said: ‘Concerns have increased around dog thefts during lockdown as the demand for pets has grown. ‘While thefts in Hertfordshire have remained relatively low, across the country there has been growing concerns over the theft of dogs from homes and breeders’ kennels. Dog owners should join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch to get the latest alerts and advice: www.owl.co.uk/herts.’ For more advice on protecting your pets from theft head to www.livingmags.info/dog-thefts

Brewery’s bright idea for a great night in

ockdown has been tough on independent local businesses and local people - so Tring Brewery has come up with a solution that should help local companies and offer something different for yet another evening at home. The folk at the brewery have teamed up with their close friends to bring you the ultimate night-in, with all proceeds going direct to local independent businesses. #HertsAtHome is a night-in-a-box that features delicious treats from Tring Brewery, Chiltern Charcuterie, Yvette’s Chocolates and Beechwood Fine Foods.

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Here’s what you will find in your #HertsAtHome box: • 1x Mixed charcuterie platter (produced by Chiltern Charcuterie) • 1x Selection box of eight chocolate miniatures (Produced by Yvette’s Chocolates of Potten End) • 1x 500g of Wookey Whole Cave Aged Cheddar (curated by Beechwood Fine Foods of Tring) • 6x bottles of Tring beer, branded craft glass and place mats • Tasting notes, pairing suggestions and introductions to each producer • Nationwide next day delivery This one-off collaboration can be ordered from the Tring Brewery webshop. Order at tringbrewery.co.uk/product/herts-at-home

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Doing what comes naturally

ne consolation of the past 12 months must be our intensified connection with nature. In the darkest days of the pandemic people have found strength and comfort in the stunning countryside that makes the Chilterns so special. Yet this connection also has consequences. Home working is here to stay, meaning people can live away from the urban sprawl, driving the demand for new housing and infrastructure. And our desire to be outdoors has seen nature reserves and private landowners alike appeal for visitors to stay on paths and take litter home. This is an irony not lost on charities such as the Chiltern Society, which has been on a 50-year mission against the threats of

omestic abuse can affect anyone and it’s on the rise. In fact it’s now being called the Silent Pandemic. The need to stay home or self-isolate has meant more victims are stuck in lockdown with their abusers, unable to escape. What’s worse is that more children are witnessing the abuse. It’s not just about physical violence, abuse can be about controlling behaviour, financial control,

overbearing development, wildlife habitat loss and climate change. ‘Covid-19 has changed the way we work, travel and spend our free time,’ says Tom Beeston, chief officer at the Chiltern Society, ‘There is an opportunity to put nature at the heart of our recovery and mitigate some of the risks facing the Chilterns.’ One development the Society is closely watching is the Dacorum Borough Council Local Plan, which plans on building another 16,899 (+28%) houses in Dacorum by 2038. The Plan promotes building nearly 17,000 new homes with major development to the South & South West of Berkhamsted and to the East of Tring. Yet Tom is positive. ‘Chiltern Society has a growing army of members and volunteers helping improve and protect the area,’ he says. ‘Whether it be business reducing their carbon footprint or volunteers maintaining pathways, we are lucky people care so passionately and want to join us on our mission to protect the countryside.’ To get involved with Chiltern Society campaigns or to become a member visit chilternsociety.org.uk threats, sexual violence or combinations of all of these and many other things. We welcome calls from anyone – victimsurvivors, men as well as women, those in samesex relationships, BAME, the elderly and those with disabilities, concerned friends, family members and work colleagues, as well as professionals. Domestic abuse is everybody’s problem. It’s time to make it stop. If you would like more information about domestic abuse please go to www. hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org. Call us free on 08 088 088 088 to talk to us confidentially – we won’t ask your name and contact details. You can talk through the issues that concern you and we’ll give you some phone numbers to call when you are ready. If you prefer you can send us a confidential email at Kim@mailpurple.org

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Spring 2021 / 7

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The silent pandemic

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Get a breath of fresh air

t’s important to look after yourself during these challenging times, and Lindengate offers a safe space to do just that. The mental health charity near Wendover offers free drop-in Rest and Reflect sessions for anyone who may be struggling with their wellbeing, or who just want a safe space to enjoy nature. The site, on Aylesbury Road, is open Mondays 9am–12pm,and Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 1pm–3pm for free drop-ins, giving you time and space to ‘be’ in a calm, safe environment, while relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings.

Regular exercise has been proven to fight fatigue and boost energy levels, so wrap up warm and visit Lindengate, where you will be able to take time for yourself in the five-acre therapeutic gardens and wildlife haven. You could bring someone from your household or support bubble, or meet a friend safely for your daily exercise. There is space and plenty of sheltered areas for parents to bring supervised children and quiet areas for those seeking peace and quiet. Find out more at www.lindengate.org.uk For more ideas on keeping healthy, turn to our healthy habits feature on p34.

Masons drives jab scheme

ocal coach firm Masons has had a tough time over the past year and yet they are still volunteering to help the local community. The Long Marston based company had, when we spoke to them as we went to press, run 40 trips to take vulnerable members of the community to get their Covid vaccinations. Candice Mason told Tring Living: ‘I started seeing where the centres were and I could see that some of our local residents just wouldn’t be able to get there. Then some of our drivers volunteered to help out. We’ve been all over - Stevenage, the Odeon at Aylesbury, Stoke Mandeville, Hemel, Leighton Buzzard…’ She has nothing but praise for the volunteers at the centres. ‘At one centre they came out and did the vaccinations on the bus so our passengers didn’t have to come out in the cold!’ Local folk can call Masons if they are stuck for a lift to a vaccination centre (01296 661604).

8 / Tring Living

You can also start booking trips and holidays now for later this year. Excursions on offer include theatre trips, days out to stately homes, such as Burghley House - as seen in Netflix drama The Crown. Masons guarantee to refund or transfer your ticket price if the trip cannot go ahead due to the pandemic. See bookings.masonscoachhire.co.uk/Tours

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Rosalee writes a book for Frankie

osalee Guinness didn’t know how much her life would change when she agreed to look after a rather special little girl. ‘I was just going to help for a few weeks,’ Author Rosalee Guinness, left, recalls Rosalee. with Frankie, right, and Frankie’s ‘That was four mum Rita years ago!’ The girl Rosalee helps to look after is Francesca Ross (nicknamed Frankie Doodle) who has a condition called Rett Syndrome – Frankie, who is 16 in May, was born completely normal but at the age of two and half started to regress, losing her ability to walk, talk,

purposefully use her hands, and will always need 24 hour-care. Now Rosalee has published a book, written especially for Frankie and, inspired by helping at the girl’s special school, is studying to become a primary teacher. ‘Frankie just loves reading and I just thought I could write a book about her,’ explains Rosalee. ‘I thought it would be a nice present, but then I sent it off to a publisher and now it’s gone much further!’ Rosalee hopes the book will do two things help children with disabilities realise that they can also have adventures, and to help raise awareness of Rett Syndrome. Frankie loves adventures such as swimming, horse riding and theme parks. My Doodle is a Little Different, by Rosalee Guinness, is published by Austin Macauley. Find out more about Rett Syndrome at www.reverserett.org.uk

Tring School build on track 2

021 is an exciting year for Tring School, with new buildings and state-of-the-art sports facilities taking shape. Several blocks have been demolished - Neville, Watkins, Hobson and half of Fells. The fabric of the old school has been used to form part of the foundations for the new school.

The three-storey building will be one of the most sustainably designed schools in the country with additional facilities to support the pastoral care and emotional well-being of the students. Funding has come from a local benefactor to create expanded sports facilities. The new build project is on time and on schedule with completion due in late 2021, and the new buildings open for use at the beginning of 2022. After this, more old buildings will be demolished (apart from the Beloe and Desborough blocks) and the final works will begin on the parking areas and landscaping. The new building works will not provide more school places - the numbers remain at 240 students per year group and 300 in the Sixth Form. You can see progress on the build at www.tring.herts.sch.uk/358/new-build.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Spring 2021 / 9

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Tring comes together for Spring Fayre

he Tring Together Spring Fayre is a threeweek period dedicated to welcoming spring in Tring, supporting the good causes of our local community groups and charities as well as highlighting the beauty of our surrounding countryside and promoting related activities. Throughout the three weeks following its launch on Saturday 24 April, there will be a great variety of free events and activities for all generations to enjoy and join in with Tring’s great community spirit. Together with so many fabulous local businesses and organisations, Tring Together has prepared three fun-packed weeks of virtual activities, resources, and (hopefully) live events for you. Organise and promote your event, activity or offer for FREE in the Spring Fayre Brochure. Just email Steffi at steffi@tringtogether.org. uk with a short description of your plans, your logo or event poster. All activities must take place during the Spring Fayre period from 24 April-15 May 2021.

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To whet your appetite, there are two events already in the calendar: Henry Grace’s first marathon in aid of Keep Tring Together Running, and the Spring Fayre Photo competition. Upload your spring in Tring photos via TringTogether.org.uk.

Writer Jules makes shortlist

ood luck to Tring novellist Jules Wake who is shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s prestigious 2021 Romantic Novel Awards. Jules is one of nine finalists in the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award category with her novel The Spark, published by One More Chapter, HarperCollins. The winners of the awards were set to be presented by actor and presenter Larry Lamb in a digital event on Monday 8 March.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Making a difference C ommunity Action Dacorum is a charity that supports individuals and organisations in Dacorum Borough and beyond. Community Action Dacorum offers local residents a wide range of services that improve their lives. The Repair Shed, for instance, is a series of three workshops around the Borough that allow people to come together to tinker in a shed, make friends and share their lives. The latest shed is being built with Sunnyside Rural

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Trust as you read this in Northchurch for people in Tring and Berkhamsted who want to get involved. Shedders (as they like to be known) fix things, build new items out of wood and metal and sell them to keep their shed running. To get involved email tony@ communityactiondacorum.org.uk. Other projects under way include: Innoculation volunteers - recruiting people to help at vaccination centres marshal patients, be patient advocates, ensure people remain well after the vaccination and to administer the program. Email volunteering@ communityactiondacorum.org.uk if you can help. Volunteer drivers help those who are struggling to get to the vaccination centres. The charity has also partnered with Masons Coaches. Access the service on 01442 212888.

Theatre hopes to rise once more

ill The Court Rise? ‘We certainly hope so!’ says Ian Gower, artistic director in charge of programming, who told Tring Living: ‘However, like many other venues, activity has been decimated by the Covid-19 outbreak and that doesn’t look to ease any time soon.’ In the year prior to the pandemic The David Evans Court theatre boasted around 80% occupancy and was set to continue this trend

through 2020 and 2021. However, the reality is now more likely to be less than 15% year on year, which is a huge drop. Ian went further, stating that the theatre was lucky to have a benevolent landlord who has supported the theatre for many years and a great volunteer base that operates the charity that runs the venue. In recent years both the landlord and The Court Theatre Charity have spent tens of thousands of pounds on new seating, flooring and technical infrastructure to further the development of the arts and opportunities for performance and artistic endeavour in Tring and surrounding area. As things hopefully improve and the vaccine rolls out, the team at the theatre hope to get back to more regular performances after the summer and then build from there, including a return to pantomime, with Cinderella to look forward to during the festive season.

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Tony goes on tour! Local Plan consultation ends

ony Evans, known for his voluntary work as front of house director at the Court Theatre Tring, has set up a long-distance cycle touring business. Glaudax Cycle Tours has been created in partnership with Tony’s brother, Richard, an ultra-distance cyclist who has cycled round the world. The six-day tours of Snowdonia start and finish in Aldbury at Musette Cafe, which is popular with cyclists. Tours begin in May. Given the uncertainty due to Covid restrictions, Glaudax are offering flexible payment terms and a full refund guarantee if tours are cancelled. Find out more at www.glaudax.co.uk.

s we went to press, the deadline came to an end on the public consultation for the Dacorum Local Plan. The plan drafts out the future of local communities (from 2020 until 2038) setting out where new facilities, homes and infrastructure will be provided. The Plan promotes building nearly 17,000 new homes, with major development to the East of Tring; Tring faces an increase of 55% in population and loss of Green Belt. The Chilterns Countryside Group, Chiltern Society and Berkhamsted Rotary have questioned a number of points on the plan. You can find the plan at www.dacorum.gov.uk, and the CCG’s objections at www.chilterncountrysidegroup.org.

Tring or Thailand you decide!

Tring in the Media 14 November 2020: The Telegraph: Aldbury, Potten End and Little Gaddesden are among villages named as best places to live for ‘the new normal’. 11 January: Daily Express: A focus on Bradley Walsh, presenter of TV’s The Chase, reveals that ‘Bradley showcased his sporting talent playing for Tring Town, Boreham Wood and Chalfont St Peter before his football career came to an end in 1982.’ 16 January: Daily Mail: Tring coach company Masons’ Candice Mason features in an article about businesses that have missed out on the Chancellor’s Covid support scheme. She says: ‘We provide a vital service but in terms of financial support we’ve fallen through the cracks.’

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hile many of us have been grateful that we live in such a lovely area during the past 12 months of lockdowns, it would be hard to equate Tring with the exotic delights of Thailand. Yet when filming of the BBC’s serial killer drama The Serpent, in Thailand, was cut short due to Covid restrictions, it was our town that came to the rescue. Tring Park School for the Performing Arts was transformed into far more exotic settings during August last year. Look out for Mumbai, a scene in a Delhi post office, and scenes in Karachi in Pakistan.

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Keeping it loql In the bag A

scheme started by a Berkhamsted man, with the aim of helping the high street benefit from digital orders is going from strength to strength. Loql was created by Matt Lindop, along with a worldwide group of digital natives, based as far apart as Portugal and South Africa. The initial idea was to create an online store, so that small independent shops and restaurants could take advantage of online shopping, without having to pay the large commissions charged by some of the bigger online delivery organisations. The scheme has just taken its 100th order and hopes to sign up Tring businesses too. The non-profit group has plenty of ideas up its sleeves, the next being an electric cargo bike, for local deliveries. ‘Lots of people value the convenience of digital and this shows that there’s nowhere more convenient than your local high street.’ Matt told Living. ‘One of our purposes is to look at better ways of living our lives.’ To this end there is another plan coming soon to Berkhamsted - although we can’t reveal it just yet, keep an eye on the Living website for more details soon! See more at https://berko.loql.ly/

big thanks to Curiositea Rooms in Ivinghoe. Hayley Wesley and Sven Tonks have been providing 83 free packed lunches a day to families in need during lockdown - and did the same during last year’s lockdown. The scheme had been costing them £200 a day, and this lovely pair had to be convinced to start taking donations from locals. Their community spirit saw them receive a Make a Difference award from BBC Three Counties Radio and make the finals of the Little Ankle Biters Awards 2021 for Bucks.

Need a helping hand to find the right mortgage for you? Arrange a no obligation consultation with Tring-based Gavin Ross to discuss: • • • • • • •

Simple rate switch up to 6 months before your current rate ends In-house Equity Release Specialist First time buyers Gavin Ross Remortgage Mortgage Adviser Life Assurance t: 01727 85 22 99 Purchases m: 07595 151 912 Buy-to-let e: gavin@kdw.co.uk w: www.kdw.co.uk

KDW is a trading style of K D Wright Financial Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration No: 509886. Registered Address: Verulam Point, Station Way, St Albans AL1 5HE. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Quarter Page Living Tring Magazine Portrait Jan 2021.indd 1

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28/01/2021 13:27:31

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Carmenta Adult & Baby Medical & Wellbeing Centre. 10 years of therapeutic services

hat an incredible journey it has been for Carmenta Life from conception to a fully-grown, 10-year-old, vibrant and forward-thinking Medical and Wellbeing centre! Conveniently situated in the heart of Berkhamsted, in one of the most historic and tranquil areas of the town, Carmenta has made an impact and contributed to the health and wellbeing of many men, women and families in the area. During this time, our experienced team of medical and wellbeing practitioners have been providing outstanding quality care and services in a comfortable and relaxing environment offering an extensive range of physical and mental health therapies for adults and children as well as a wide variety of fertility, pregnancy and baby services. Since opening, our range of services has

extended to meet the needs of the community. BodyRefine corrective and rehabilitation exercise, massage and personal training have been popular additions, plus our regular adult and baby Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Massage, Counselling, Coaching, Ultrasound Scanning, Medical Consultations and Private GP services. This year we also welcome experienced Five Elements Acupuncturist David Thorpe. Over the years we have added specialist baby services, such as Tongue Tie assessments and division by Lactation Consultant, Julie Carden alongside our regular FREE weekly Breastfeeding support and antenatal courses for the NCT, plus Hypnobirthing classes. Adult Yoga and Tai Chi are now firm fixtures, along with our usual Parent and Baby Music, Massage and Pre and Postnatal Yoga Classes.

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Carmenta Adult & Baby Medical & Wellbeing Centre

Here for you. A confidential freephone number for anyone affected by domestic abuse. Contact us and we will signpost you to the help you need.

Services Include: General Practitioners Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Sports & Deep Tissue Massage Personal Training Pilates & Yoga Counselling & Psychotherapy

Freephone 08 088 088 088 Monday to Friday: 9am–9pm Weekends: 9am–4pm

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Men, Women & Child Health Pregnancy & Fertility Scans Antenatal & Postnatal Care

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Reﬂexology & Acupuncture

Chesham House, Church Lane, Berkhamsted, HP4 2AX

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

www.carmenta-life.co.uk 01442 872 591 03300 886020

Spring 2021 / 15

LOCAL

Family Law myths by Georgina Allen, Solicitor at Rayden Solicitors, Berkhamsted

often get asked about family law myths so here I share two of the more common ones. It’s important to dispel these myths because often misconceptions lead to bad decisions, which can have a serious impact on someone’s life. We’re not married but I am a common law spouse This is one of the most common myths I hear repeated to me. It is a mystery how it has attained mythical status but let me be clear – there is no such thing! Okay, so there was such a thing but it was abolished in 1753 - nearly 300 years ago! The simple position is that when a relationship of two people who are not married or in a civil partnership breaks down, the Courts’ powers are limited. Separated partners can ask the Courts to deal with the regulation of ownership and sale of property on principles of Trust and Property Law. They can potentially seek financial support from their ex-partner for the benefit of their children and can apply for Child Arrangements and other Court Orders under the Children Act 1989. Unfortunately for separating partners, this is largely the extent of it. The Courts are not concerned with fairness, the overall picture or maintenance for the benefit of one of the former partners. However, the good news is that a proposed Bill, the Cohabitation Rights Bill, has started its journey through Parliament, receiving its first reading in 2020. But the second reading is yet to be scheduled so if the draft Bill does make its way into law, it isn’t going to be any time soon! Pre-nuptial agreements - not worth the paper they are written on! This is no longer true, but as with many things in law, the answer isn’t straightforward. While there is no legislation dealing with pre-nuptial agreements in the UK, there is a growing body of supportive case law.

Georgina Allen

English law currently states that pre-nuptial agreements are not automatically binding. However, if properly prepared, they may well be upheld. So what does ‘properly prepared’ mean? Well, these are the key criteria for a pre-nuptial to be capable of being upheld (although there is still no guarantee): 1. The agreement must be freely entered into (with each party taking independent legal advice). 2. The couple must understand the implications of the agreement (which means full financial disclosure from each other so they understand what future claims either may be giving up). 3. It must not be unfair to uphold the parties to their agreement in the circumstances at the time of the divorce. Pre-nuptial agreements are more likely to be upheld in short marriages - there is less chance of the agreement becoming out of date or being superseded by unforeseen events during the marriage. This area of law is in desperate need of reform. In 2014 the Law Commission made recommendations for pre-nuptial agreements to be legally binding. However, anything is yet to come of it. So, couples considering a pre-nuptial agreement should each seek independent legal advice, and make sure the agreement is done properly. If they do this, there is far more chance of the agreement being upheld.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Spring 2021 / 17

I track all our enquiries I can confirm that the Living magazine has been a great source of interested customers. Charles Ashby, Dagnall Container Storage

Advertise in Tring and Berkhamsted Living Magazines and your business will be delivered by the Royal Mail to almost 22,000 homes and businesses in the area. We are the only magazine delivering to every postcode in HP4 and HP23. It couldn’t be easier! Email advertising@livingmags.info or visit www.livingmags.info/advertise.

Its working. People are coming in now that they know we are here and selling quality goods. Singh at Village Wines in Tring.

A man rang us first thing Monday morning after receiving his magazine through the post. He said he’d seen our advert in the magazine and particularly wanted to place an order with us. Alison Cyster-White, Our Bookshop, Tring.

BOOKING & ADVERT INSERT NEWS ARTWORK DELIVERY DEADLINE DEADLINE DEADLINE

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Contact: advertising@livingmags.info or telephone 01442 824300

18 / Tring Living

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

New move for Tring Farmers’ Market

ver the past year, Tring Farmers’ Market has gone from strength to strength, with more than 14 food stalls now regularly attending the market during the early 2021 lockdown. Due to the big increase in stall numbers and customers, the directors of the market decided it was necessary to move from Church Square back to the original Market Place site on Brook Street, to allow for safer social distancing for everyone. It is a welcome return to its roots on the larger historic market site. Tring was host to one of the first Farmers’ Market in the country, launched in May 1999 by John Craven, then the main presenter of the BBC’s Countryfile. The Market has always tried to focus on making local produce and prepared food available, and in recent years has encouraged a small number of local artisan craft and local

interest stalls to broaden its appeal, recently adding its own musical ‘Market Mynstralls’ playing traditional folk music to enjoy while you shop! Following guidance, the market has remained open throughout the pandemic. It remains a community and stallholder led market assisted by Tring Town Council. Let’s hope it can continue to flourish, delivering a genuine local market supporting our local producers and related retailers.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Spring 2021 / 19

LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL Here’s our selection of great things to buy in Berkhamsted, Tring and the villages

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LOCAL

Bailey & Sons - Berkhamsted 01 Silver Knot Bangle £55.00 02 Silver Hoops £19.50 03 Silver & Gold Plated Bee £65 Beechwood Fine Foods - Tring 04 Bakedin Home Baking Kit £3.45 05 Diforti Italian Style Pastries £3.50 06 Sawuchay Table Sauces £3.25 Berkhamsted Arts and Crafts - Berkhamsted 07 Macrame Planter Kit £15.40 Creative Collective - Berkhamsted 08 Cotton Velvet Robes £95 09 Organic French Soaps & Hand Creme Gift Set £26 10 Velvet Cushions £38 to £40 Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates - Berkhamsted 11 Framed Illustration of Berkhamsted Cricket Club, Ashlyns School and Berko Over The Rainbow £45 each. Doodleshoe Paper Goods - Berkhamsted 12 Sausage dog birthday card, Cat birthday card and Playing cards birthday card £2.75 each

20 21

Fancy That - Tring 13 Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Elephant Baby £12.50 and Medium £20 and Matching Book £11 14 Harry Potter Dobble £14.99 15 Dunoon Fine Bone China Mugs from £14.50 16 Padi Cushion £15 Gems and Jules - Tring 17 Dreamcatcher earrings £29 18 Bohemian orbital pendant and earrings £145 Wigginton Village Shop - Wigginton 19 Yvette’s Chocolates Potten End from £4.95 20 Bee Bombs wildflower seeds £7.99 21 Dionne’s Garden bird nesting boxes £19 If you would like to present your seasonal products in our Shop Local section, get in touch: info@livingmags.info

Spring 2021 / 21

Notes of spice, juniper and citrus with a hint of colour and sweetness without the use of sugar.

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Head over to our distillery shop on Friday or Saturday to discover our full range of award winning gins.

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In 2021 our Monthly Specials will be raising funds and awareness for Chilterns Dog Rescue Society.

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RECIPE

RAINBOW COOKIES

n this issue, Victoria Chidgey of Little Tring Cakes, who opened Waters Edge earlier in the year (previously Bluebell Tea Rooms) at Marsworth Reservoir, shares with our readers how to make one of their most popular items - Rainbow Cookies. Perfect for some family baking over the Easter weekend!

Method Pre-heat the oven to 160 C fan, 180 C 1. Cream together the butter and sugar, until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually beat in the egg and vanilla. 3. Add the sifted dry ingredients to form a stiff cookie dough mixture. 4. Let the cookie dough rest in the fridge for at least an hour. 5. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll into balls. 6. Dip each ball into the smarties and then place onto a baking tray, ensuring they are well spaced apart (to allow for spreading) 7. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown in colour. 8. Once out of the oven leave the cookies to cool on the baking tray.

For the cookie dough: • 260g Plain Flour • ½ tsp Bicarbonate Soda • ½ tsp Baking Powder • 0.180 kg Butter

• 225g Caster Sugar • 1 Egg • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract • Smarties to decorate

Waters Edge serves cakes, barista made coffee and selection of savoury food (all homemade and locally sourced). They plan to serve an all-day brunch menu, wine list supplied by Tring Winery, a cocktail list, premium draft beers and an evening ‘small plates’ menu. Do you have a family or favourite recipe that you would like to share with our readers? Maybe you have a recipe for a local speciality or heritage dish? Email us at editorial@livingmags.co.uk Spring 2021 / 23

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THE

MAGAZINE B2B DIRECTORY

ur new B2B directory is designed to help local business owners get the message about their services and products out to other business owners. With more people than ever working at home, it’s a great way to get in touch with other business owners...

Not only are they just around the corner if we need help, or have to pick something up, but with few networking groups running virtually during this lockdown, it’s a great way to make contact with like-minded people while so many of us are working from home.

Shopping local has kept our favourite shops and eateries in and around Tring and Berkhamsted afloat over the past year.

We have invited our favourite B2B providers to make contact through our B2B Directory. We’d love to make this bigger as time goes on. If you would like to be included in the next edition, please email us at info@livingmags.info

When Dee Fagg of 3DVA happened to mention that she, and no doubt many other businesses, was really missing the leads and referrals generated by business networking, we put our heads together to come up with a solution. Now so many of us are working from home and some running companies from our home offices or kitchen tables, it makes sense that we try to shop local for our business needs as well. Here at Living Magazines we thought that we were all missing a trick - of course we should be using our neighbouring businesses to help us with the products and services we need to keep our businesses running smoothly.

So read on to find the best service and product providers for all your business needs - right here on your doorstep!

It is really important that businesses understand where their enquiries have come from. If you contact a company advertising or mentioned in this magazine, please mention our name. It’s just a little thing, but a really important one.

Tring is Open for Business 3DVA

ActionCOACH West Hertfordshire

Business & Professional Services

Business Coaching Practice

Present your business in a consistent professional way with a range of bespoke documents, helping you to look good & save time. Reports, slides, processes, user guides, data tables & graphs, fillable forms, infographics & memes, created for you.

We pride ourselves on being Hertfordshire’s Complete Business Coaching Practice. Our coaches are experts in doing whatever it takes to make the life of an SME easier & more effective. Our coaches will help you to add insight into your business no matter its size.

Suite 8, George House, High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 4AF | 07549 900447 | hello@3dva.co.uk | www.3dva.co.uk

68 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 4AG | 01442 773310 | westherts@actioncoach.co.uk | www.westherts.actioncoach.co.uk

Alison Page Marketing

Chuffed Productions

Marketing Agency

Video Production

Looking for marketing assistance to help your business grow? We are a team of experienced professionals who provide bespoke strategic marketing services, combined with sound business sense, to SME’s in Herts, Bucks & Beds.

Helping brands & businesses produce high quality, engaging video content, delivered on time & on budget. Testimonial, Case Study, Brand, Product, Training & Instructional Videos. Animated Explainers & Live Streaming.

4 Jubilee Gardens, Tring, Herts HP23 4JG | 07963 002065 | hello@alisonpagemarketing.co.uk | www.alisonpagemarketing.co.uk

2nd Floor, Aldbury House, Dower Mews, High Street Berhamsted, Herts HP4 2BL | 01442 601709 | hello@chuffed.video | www.chuffed.video

DENS

GS2 Design

Charity

Graphic Designers

DENS support people in Dacorum facing homelessness, poverty & social exclusion. Refer to the next page for details of the DENS Business Partnership programme & become part of our legacy.

An ideas led, full service graphic design agency creating…impactful graphics, strategic print & digital marketing, websites that attract & perform, branding, packaging, signage, display & more…

The Hub, Paradise, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 4TF 01442 800268 | fundraising@dens.org.uk | www.dens.org.uk

George House, 64 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 4AF 01442 827727 | hello@GS2Design.co.uk | www.gs2design.co.uk

HJP Chartered Accountants

Lloyd Donnelly Solicitors Limited

Chartered Accountants

Solicitors

Helping Ambitious Business Owners Scale & Grow. Business Mentoring • Tax Planning • Accounts Compliance • Payroll & Bookkeeping • Xero Gold Partners • Experts in Tax, Business & People. At HJP Everybody Counts.

Local friendly law firm specialising in employment law, consumer affairs & contracts. We can advise on all aspects of employment law inc Employment Tribunal claims for disputes relating to unfair dismissal, contracts, discrimination, whistleblowing, holidays & redundancy.

Audley House, Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EH | 01442 872878 | angela@hjpchartered.com | www.hjpchartered.com

64-66 Akeman Street, Tring, Herts HP23 6AF | 01442 915260 | info@lloyddonnelly.co.uk | www.lloyddonnelly.co.uk

Matz Skoog Coaching

Naomi MacKay, Creative Copywriter

Performance Coaching

Copywriting, Social Media & Editing

Former dancer & Artistic Director, performance coach for ambitious professionals looking for clarity, confidence & courage for decisive actions in business & in life; helping you go further than you thought possible.

Creative copy for all business communication. Great copy tells a story – let me tell your business story, whether that’s on your website, in blogs, social media, or brochures. I can also refresh & revitalise your existing web copy & other marketing materials.

New Kingswood Cottage, Swan Lane, The Lee , Bucks HP16 9NU | 07833 335038 | matz.skoog@gmail.com www.matzskoog.com

17 Mill Road, Slapton, Beds LU7 9BT 07802 426594 | naomimackay@gmail.com | www.naomimackay.co.uk

SR Consulting

Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners

Business Advice

Chartered Financial Planners

Practical advice for ambitious, time poor business owners. Help in 3 ways: • Support to gain clarity on your business plan • Delivery of a ‘grown up’ tool kit to guide your day to day • Advice on how to make the most of your time & pin down your priorities.

We provide a wide range of wealth management services in both the private & corporate financial services sectors, allowing us to provide specialised advice & guidance to our valued clients.

c/o Haines Watts, Milton House, Gatehouse Road, Gatehouse Industrial Area, Aylesbury HP19 8EA 01296 340404 | jonathan@sr-consult.co.uk | www.sr-consult.co.uk

Travel Impressions of Tring

236a High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1AG 01442 874888 | stringermann@sjpp.co.uk | www.stringermann.com

THE

Travel Agent (Independent) An independent travel agent located behind Costa Coffee on Tring High St. We can help with booking holidays & cruises worldwide as well as closer to home. We offer a friendly, personal service & use only fully bonded companies. Suite 4, George House, 64 High Street, Tring HP23 4AF 01442 890265 | enquiries@travelimpressions.co.uk | www.travelimpressions.co.uk

MAGAZINE B2B DIRECTORY

Become part of our legacy! Join our Business Partnership today and work with us to increase our positive impact in the community and together, we can help rebuild more lives.

There are tangible rewards too: • An exclusive DENS Business Partner Logo to display on your website

By providing a regular ﬁnancial commitment, you can help us plan for the future, knowing that this provides a reliable, steady income throughout the year.

• Oﬃcial DENS Certiﬁcate to display on your premises

By partnering with us, you can display your commitment to our cause and create positive publicity and PR for your organisation.

• Priority CSR Corporate Volunteering opportunities at our services

Please set up a monthly donation today and you and your business can become part of our legacy.

• Pride in the knowledge that your organisation is creating social impact and making a positive contribution in your community

• Visibility and recognition on our website and click-through to your website

• DENS presentation to staﬀ

Membership No. of Employees

Monthly Donation

1-3

4-10

11-50

51-100

£15

£25

£50

£75

101-150

151+

£100 £150

For more information, please email business@dens.org.uk or call 01442 800268 Your support is greatly appreciated Thank you.

www.@dens.org.uk Registered charity number: 1097185

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watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and a light - all fully fitted in less than a day from just £355! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles. At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make

that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9558 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

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Following COVID-19 Secure Guidelines

EAT! GOOD ENOUGH TO

Did you dabble with growing your own fruit and veg during last year’s lockdown? Take it to the next level this year with some edible ornamentals and new varieties…

Gareth Richards, editor of the RHS Grow Your Own newsletter, offers his top tips... 1. Sow salad plants like lettuces and radishes regularly in small quantities, to ensure a steady supply of harvests. 2. Club together with friends and neighbours to swap seeds. 3. Remember to feed crops in pots with liquid plant food for better harvests. 4. Try growing strawberries in growbags for a decent crop from a small space. 5. Don’t be tempted to sow seeds of outdoor crops too early. Tender but quick-growing things like courgettes, sweetcorn and runner beans need to be sown late April at the earliest. Find out about the RHS GYO newsletter at rhs.org.uk/gyo

30 / Tring Living

t’s incredibly satisfying to grow your own, with whatever space you have. All kinds of veg can be cultivated in containers, and micro salads and herbs can also thrive in a spot on a sunny kitchen window, so you don’t even have to have any outside space! Sunnyside Rural Trust’s* Matt Felix and Catherine Jones have this great advice to get you started: ‘The easiest are types of root veg, where some tubers can be saved back and replanted for the next year’s crop, and almost forgotten about for the growing season. These include plants such as potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes and ocra, a special South American root vegetable that grows well in UK summers. Many have beautiful flowers and foliage to admire before your harvest and have a lot of nutrients in them too. ‘The most important rule of growing your own food is to only grow what you like to eat! It seems

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“

GARDENS

The most important rule of growing your own food is to only grow what you like to eat! simple but it’s easy to plant so many things that you may end up not eating. Select your top five favourite veggies and stick to them as a starting point.’

Plan your seed sowing It’s easy to go mad, and sow a whole pack of carrot seeds at once - but the problem is that you will have a whole patch of carrots ready at the same time. Sow every couple of weeks and you’ll have a continuous supply. And remember, carrots come in all kinds of colours - which may tempt young picky eaters. ‘Cosmic Purple’ has purple skin and is light orange inside, or look for a seed selection that also includes yellow and white carrots - Thompson & Morgan’s Carrot ‘Sweet Imperator Mix’ for example. Salad leaves are probably one of the easiest things to grow - and you’ll save a packet if you usually buy bags of leaves from the supermarket! Just remember to sow regularly.

Where to grow? If you have plenty of space in your garden, you can have a proper veg patch. Divide into beds, using sleepers or proprietary raised bed kits - and make sure you leave enough space for you to sow, tend to, weed, and harvest without stepping on surrounding plants. Raised beds are great, especially if you have a bad back or other mobility issues. And because the beds are filled with fresh compost you don’t have so many issues with weeds and stones.

White butterflies away from cabbages and broccoli - and you can use the petals in salads. Other good looking, and edible plants include: Kale ‘Jardin Mixed’ - vegetable plant of the year 2020, this pretty brassica will surprise you with frilly leaves ranging in colour from purple to green and white. Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’) has fern-like foliage and yellow flowers. Globe Artichoke - majestic thistle-like plants with wonderful purple flowers and silvery green leaves. Chard - a reliable and useful crop. Choose the multicoloured stems of ‘Bright Lights’ for maximum good looks. Peas - choose the variety ‘Blauwschokker’ for its pretty lilac and purple flowers and deep purple peapods. Chives - easy to grow, the pink-purple flowers brighten up a dull corner - use them to make onion fragranced, pretty pink chive vinegar. Note: Correct identification of edible flowers is essential - see https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/ profile?PID=764 for advice. * Sunnyside Rural Trust is a charity and social enterprise offering training and work experience for vulnerable people. They grow fresh veg that is sold in their shops either fresh, or in jams and chutneys. Most of the 30-plus types of vegetables, plus soft fruit and herbs are grown on the Northchurch site. They also run a veg box scheme from April to December. Find out more at www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk

Edible ornamentals Your veg plot can look pretty and be functional. Grow French marigolds around beans, sweetcorn and tomatoes to keep aphids away. Multicoloured nasturtiums will lure Cabbage

Chives

Spring 2021 / 31

LOCAL HISTORY

A league of its own Heather Harris takes a look back at Tring’s proud sporting roots with this focus on two of the town’s teams

hen it comes to balls – whether oval or round - Tring certainly has a great tradition. For such a relatively small town, it clearly has a history of attracting a number of extremely sporting inhabitants. Football came first and Tring Corinthians FC was formed in 1956 by Fred Evans who worked at the local bus station and Tug Wilson, Headmaster of Osmington boarding school. In 1981 they bought the farmland at Icknield Way, which had a grain store in the corner, which was later converted into the clubhouse, and where they still play today. They were followed in 1958 by Tring Athletic Football Club which, in 2013, merged with the third local team, Tring Town. In 1964 a new sport arrived with Tring Rugby Football Club. Many of the players who first ran up and down the pitch - dribbling or carrying – a ball are still very much part of their respective teams today. Don Dover, 92, can still remember the day when he first arrived in Tring fresh from the Army, where he had always been a keen rugby player: ‘I couldn’t believe they hadn’t got a local

32 / Tring Living

team and was about to sign up for a London club with my friend, Arthur, when a local newshound heard about our dilemma.’ Jim Ackroyd from the Bucks Examiner ran with the story and soon news spread. ‘We couldn’t believe it, suddenly we had players coming out of the woodwork who had played at a really high level, including the local doctor who was a Cambridge blue and the dentist who played for Edinburgh University.’ In just three weeks, Tring Rugby Football Club (TRFC) was officially formed, and local farmer Geoff Mead gave up his land at Manor Road for them to play on. (They moved to their current home at Pendley Manor in 1968). But it was the arrival of New Zealand All-Black trialist and Davis Cup tennis player Mark Otway that really put this sporting club on the map. As current President, Martyn Kirk told me: ‘Mark soon introduced junior players into the club and TRFC is rightly proud that in 1965 it was the first club in England to have a junior section – currently there are around 500 young members.’ By this time the town also had a flourishing football club. Current Chairman Bob Winter and Life Vice-President Ralph Griffiths recall how it

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1: 1967 football match at Tring Town FC 2: & 3: Tring Rugby, mid 80s. 4: Tring Rugby 1996. 5: Tring Rugby after Paris Tour 1975. 6: Tring Rugby vs Chesham.

all started: ‘A group of local men noticed how many young lads there were in the town kicking a football around. The men clubbed together to help buy some land at Miswell Lane for them to play on, and the team was born in 1958.’ 6 The cost of buying the land as well as materials for the clubhouse, fencing and equipment came to around £2,000, which as Ralph pointed out, ‘was a lot of money in those days!’ Their investment was rewarded as the youngsters soon made a name for themselves, winning trophies against established adult teams in the West Herts Saturday League including the Division 1 title three times in five years in the early 60s. While their rugby colleagues hit the headlines with their introduction of juniors, it was the arrival of world-renowned, professional referee Graham Poll that put Tring Athletic Football Club on the media radar. ‘The first game he refereed after his famous ‘three yellow cards’ incident in the 2006 World Cup, was our friendly against Bedford – a fact he included in his autobiography,’ says Bob. Fast forward to the present day and the town’s rugby and football clubs, (Corinthians

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and Athletic) are now well-established fixtures in the community. But sport can be costly. As Martyn explains: ‘It costs over £3,500 a month to finance the Rugby Club.’ A fact echoed by Bob: ‘We’ve spent £75,000 in the past six months alone refurbishing the football clubhouse and replacing the worn-out floodlights.’ They have certainly come a long way - Don remembers how the first-team rugby kit cost just £6 for shirts, shorts, and socks, ‘And it only arrived a few seconds before we were due to kick off for our very first game!’ Calling all sports clubs in the area! Get in touch with your news by emailing editorial@livingmags.info EDEN Sixth AD.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 15:09 Page

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SPRING INTO HEALTHY HABITS!

Spring is a great time to begin your new road to a healthier lifestyle - we’ve compiled some simple ideas that should get you feeling fitter and looking good in no time…

ands up who has stuck to their New Year’s resolutions? No, us neither! January is not the best time to start a new healthier lifestyle. It’s cold, the days are short and have we mentioned lockdown 3.0? But never fear, spring is a much better time to get started on some healthy habits. According to scientists it takes 66 days to form a habit, so try these easy ideas and they’ll be part of your lifestyle before summer rolls round… Get a breath of fresh air: ‘My healthy habit over the past few months is my daily lunchtime walk,’ says Claire Foster, community partnerships and wellbeing officer for physical activity and sport at Dacorum Borough Council. ‘Whatever the weather I take this opportunity to get away from my laptop and get some fresh air! If you want to set yourself a challenge there are lots of virtual events, including Dacorum’s Your Town 5k event run later in the year, that you can work towards.’

34 / Tring Living

Meditate: ‘Find time every morning to meditate, even if it is just five minutes,’ says Hollie, senior therapist, at Cecily Day Spa in Berkhamsted. ‘This will give you the perfect time to check in with yourself and listen to what your mind/body needs’ If you struggle with the concept of meditation, just sit still for five minutes with your feet flat on the floor, shut your eyes, and breathe. Get some balance: ‘Grab a chair and sit up straight, holding your core in,’ says Heather Harris, coach at Berkhamsted’s Jog On. ‘Lift one leg out straight in front of you, foot flexed and then lift it higher, slowly 10 times. Swap legs. Repeat this set three times (30 on each leg). Progress by doing the whole exercise standing up holding onto a wall then, as your confidence improves you can step away from the wall and again repeat the leg lifts. This simple exercise will improve strength and balance.’

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HEALTH AND BEAUTY

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It’s easy to get involved in a Netflix bingewatch or scroll through Facebook before bedtime, but the blue light is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. Leave the TV downstairs and invest in an alarm clock so you can leave your phone elsewhere too!

“

Ditch the screens: It’s easy to get involved in a Netflix bingewatch or scroll through Facebook before bedtime, but the blue light is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. Leave the TV downstairs and invest in an alarm clock so you can leave your phone elsewhere too! Multitask: ‘Create a new healthy habit based around some activity that’s already part of your daily routine,’ says Karin Voller, event director at Tring-based Run the Wild. ‘Combine brushing your teeth with some balance work (stand on one foot for half the time and then the other), or squats, or perhaps lunges. When you go to the shops, could you walk and carry your shopping home in a backpack? Rather than driving to the local postbox, try walking to one.’

activities such as singing, dancing, music, arts and crafts activities are a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. You can find lots of online creative events and activities by visiting www.creativehertfordshire.com’ Stretch it out: ‘I’m making it a habit this year to start each day with a few yoga stretches before I hit my desk with a large mug of tea in hand,’ says Berkhamsted’s Cecily Day Spa manager Nikki. ‘Beginning my day with a good stretch is a wonderful way of softening some of the kinks we get from sleeping and gets the blood flowing – providing the perfect energy boost to face the day.’ Stock up the freezer: ‘Frozen fruit and vegetables tend to be cheaper than fresh, and don’t compromise on nutritional benefits as the freezing process can preserve nutrients,’ says Karen Lem, director of Hastoe-based Vivo Fitness. ‘Frozen produce is often prepared and pre-cut, saving you time, and is easy to cook or defrost and add to smoothies, cereals, soups and stews.’

Check your posture: With many of us working from home at kitchen tables and on unsuitable chairs, make a note to correct your posture as you sit or walk. Your back will thank you for it. Dance like no one’s watching: ‘I love dancing to all kinds of music, even in my kitchen or front room,’ says Annie Smith, community partnerships and wellbeing officer for Arts and Culture at Dacorum Borough Council. ‘I recommend putting on some music you like and moving to it in any way you feel! Creative

Run the Wild

Spring 2021 / 35

WENDOVER WOODS AND BACK

WALKS AROUND TOWN

Points of Interest

The 7-mile circular Walk to Wendover Woods and back follows part of The Ridgeway National Trail. The Woods have wonderful displays of bluebells in late April and early May. There is also a cafe at the main car park, a children’s playground and an ancient hillfort, now rather overgrown. The café is currently open for takeaways.

Start point: Wendover Railway Station, Grid Reference: SP849067 Distance: 7 miles, allow 3½ to 4 hours. Accessibility: Uphill for about 2 miles. There are no stiles or kissing gates on this route. About a mile of the section from Wendover to The Hale is considerably uphill. There is an All Ability Trail suitable for wheelchairs near Wendover Woods main car park. 1. Leave Wendover railway station by the road and turn left past the Shoulder of Mutton pub. Continue along Wendover High Street past the shops. Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue down the High Street. 2. Just after the last shop turn right onto a footpath (signposted Ridgeway), which passes through a park alongside a stream – continue to follow Ridgeway signs.

3. Go straight on, following The Ridgeway National Trail signs (which are waymarked with an acorn symbol) past the lake and church and along the road. At the crossroads go straight across, up Hogtrough Lane. Continue to follow The Ridgeway, which forks left after Boswell’s Farm into woodland. Follow this forest trail for over one mile gently uphill. You will eventually cross Hale Road and enter Wendover Woods. 4. The Ridgeway drops down (via steps) to meet a bridleway in a sunken lane. Turn 90 degrees left here (leaving the Ridgeway) and after some 40 metres take a public footpath to the right. Follow this well waymarked path uphill through the wood until it meets a wider stony track. Turn right along this track and follow it, climbing gently. At a fork of tracks take the right (upper) one, which brings you to the Wendover Woods main car park. 5. Follow the tarmac road to the left (the café is ahead of you where you meet the road) and turn left to follow a wide track for ½ mile, which passes picnic areas with barbecues. Keep straight on at a sign for Boddington Bank viewpoint. After 300 metres there is a piece of fitness equipment (part of the fitness trail): do not turn left here – go straight on and follow the track downhill. You will eventually meet another track, turn right and join this track, continuing downhill. Then carry straight on until you reach the road at the bottom. 6. Turn right and follow the road back to Wendover (please take care if walking on the road). At the junction turn right and after 50m take the path between houses on your left. This brings you back to the park at the start of the walk. Follow the stream and then on to the Heron Path to come out on the High Street by the Clock Tower. Turn left and walk back up the High Street to the rail station. Thank you to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for supplying this walk. You can find out more on the website at www.chilternsaonb.org.

TO DOWNLOAD A MAP OF THE WALK, VISIT WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/TYPE/WALKS 36 / Tring Living

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BOOKS

The latest books from our local and regional authors

Catherine Alliott, queen of romantic comedy

As bestseller and Tring author Catherine releases her 16th novel, Behind Closed Doors,

the queen ofLiving caught up with her to talk about her favourite places around the area Catherine Alliott

Catherine’s latest novel, Behind Closed Doors, is set in Oxfordshire, when her heroine moves in with her elderly parents after being unexpectedly widowed. But she says, ‘I’ve kept the area vague. It’s in the Chilterns and about half an hour from Thame - which we are here! I purposely keep my locations vague otherwise people call up and tell you that your character couldn’t possibly have caught a bus from here or there because the bus service stopped three years ago. It’s so lovely here why wouldn’t I set my novels around the Chilterns - and setting them somewhere I didn’t know would take such a lot of time to research!’

t know where to turn.

Favourite walk: ‘We live right next to the Ridgeway. It’s beautiful, we are near Ashridge so walk along there and towards Pitstone Hill and down onto the Downs.’ returns home. Her parents' Favourite restaurant: ‘On special occasions The King’s Head in Ivinghoe. We still mourn the loss of The fe throws her in the path of an decades. Regal Chinese restaurant in Berkhamsted.’ (Ed’s note – so do we all!) ask questions. Favourite Takeaway: ‘We’ve just discovered a wonderful Indian restaurant called Papad, in Chesham.’ ething far worse behind ... On Tring High Street: ‘I love the hardware shop Metcalfes. It has a lovely, old-fashioned feel, as you collect enched in Catherine’s picture hooks or whatever and place them in a paper bag! I like the Market House for things such as linen seph’s lead Mother’s Day napkins and milk jugs and Almars is very good too.’ all, second chances. Favourite place for coffee: ‘I meet my friend in Waitrose in Berkhamsted and when we have filled our - Marian Keyes trolleys we have our coffee there and sit and chat. You feel like you’ve done something useful, not just phie Kinsella had coffee!’ mes • Win a copy of Catherine’s latest novel! See page 51 for details.

Mail

Telegraph

hless’ - Red romance’ - Time Out

cluding About Last Night, My cret Life of Evie Hamilton, and in Hertfordshire.

adharajan 62 | @sriya__v

Die in the Dark by Dave Sivers, Ivinghoe A vicious homophobic attack sees the start of a new investigation for Aylesbury Vale detectives Lizzie Archer and Dan Baines. Dave is a founder of the annual BeaconLit festival of books and writing.

Your Kids are Boring By Tom James, Berkhamsted A wry, light-hearted look at modern parents’ obsession with their children. Tom also wrote Fifty Shades of Gravy: The Cookbook, and the comedy podcast I am Idiot.

Prince of Dragons - Book one of the Ashridge Adventures By Pam Howard, Little Gaddesden Thrilling fantasy adventure set in Ashridge Forest. The book’s castle is based loosely on Ashridge House. For ages nine and over. Pam lives in Little Gaddesden and was inspired by walks in Ashridge Estate. She says: ‘It’s a truly magical place and if I close my eyes I can imagine elves flitting through the trees and dragons flying high above.’

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

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ENCOURAGING

INDEPENDENCE

ou may be nervous when your teen starts going out without you (Covid regulations permitting), but provide them with the right tools to stay safe and you won’t worry quite so much! Tanith Carey, author of What’s My Teenager Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents* explains: ‘As your child hits adolescence they want more control over their social life. This is part of the necessary and expected separation away from adults, to find their own tribe. Be warned that the age of 14 is when the Fear of Missing Out on social activities peaks. Rather than thwart social plans - or trying to wrap your child in cotton wool - it’s better to work with our teens on ways they can learn to stay safe.’

40 / Tring Living

It can be scary when your young teen starts going out with their friends, but these tips will help them stay safe and help you calm your nerves! Tanith’s stay safe tips: • Get them used to making short easy trips with friends to the park or running errands. • Young teens are not aware of how difficult it is for drivers to see them if they cross the road without looking. When you are in the car with them, help them see the driver’s point of view on pedestrians. • Teens can feel invincible. This means they can take dangerous risks when crossing roads. Be a good role model by crossing roads at designated safe crossing points. Also explain why they must always take their earbuds out when they cross the road - accidents among this age group have soared sharply in recent years for this reason. • Children are now more likely to be targeted by muggers because they carry more electronics and phones. Talk about

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KIDS

•

“

Teens can feel invincible. This means they can take dangerous risks when crossing roads. Be a good role model by crossing roads at designated safe crossing points

“

•

prevention, staying aware of people around them, keeping electronics out of sight and how pickpockets often use drama and distractions. Talk about why it’s more important to give up their phones or purse than risk serious injury, and assure them you will not be angry with them. Talk to your teen about the importance of sticking together when they are out, and acting as lookouts for one another. If they are coming home later for some reason, such as an after-school activity, they should sit in a carriage with other people or behind the driver if they travel by bus. Update your chats about stranger danger. Adolescent girls can often be targets. Tell her no one has the right to make her feel uncomfortable or be treated as a sex object to be stared at. Tell her how to stay safe by avoiding empty carriages or platforms and tell her if she is being followed that she is not causing a fuss or being impolite if she asks transport staff for help. If your teen thinks they are being followed, tell them to cross the road, abruptly change direction, or go into a shop or ring the doorbell of a house until the threat passes. If your teen is being followed in a car, or is asked to get inside, tell them to create as much distance as possible, as quickly as possible and not to be afraid to shout for help. Explain that a condition of your adolescent having a phone is that they leave the house with it charged and keep it on when they are out so you can get hold of them if needs be.

We asked local parents for their advice: ‘We have a code word/code question. So if she’s out with friends and isn’t comfortable (wants to leave) she texts us this. The plan is we then ring and say she’s got to come home – which gives her an excuse - and/or we meet her.’ ‘Use the app what3words which has a share location option and can pinpoint with great accuracy your whereabouts.’ ‘I use an App called Life360. I can always see where my daughter is and how to find her.’ ‘Always go out with a power bank to charge their phone.’ ‘Let them go out a bit hungry, teenagers and food go hand in hand so it means they’re never too long or too far away!’ ‘Always take a bank card so parents can transfer money if needed.’

* What’s My Teenager Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents Tanith Carey with Dr Angharad Rudkin, published by DK.

Spring 2021 / 41

GET ON THE PROPERTY

LADDER It might be harder than ever to buy your first home these days, but it is possible. Here’s how...

Remember the rules One of the first mistakes people make when trying to work out how much they can borrow is that they forget about ‘affordability’ – but the banks don’t. So while you might think that, because you can afford £1,200 a month in rent, that the banks will easily lend you that much, sadly you’re likely to be wrong. There are three main rules to remember, explains David. ‘First, remember that for most average earners the bank’s loan-to-income ratio will never be more than five times your salary,’ he says. ‘Depending on your circumstances and the

42 / Tring Living

“

…banks will consider more factors than just your salary when trying to work out affordability. They will take into account the cost of living…

“

t the end of 2020, the average house price had reached an all-time high, but if you’re trying to get your first steps onto the property ladder, don’t despair. There are still ways you can do it. We find out more from mortgage adviser David Milbourn from Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners in Berkhamsted.

bank, it could be less.’ For example, you’re more likely to be offered a loan that’s four times your salary if you’re a first-time buyer with a low deposit of between five and 10 per cent. Second, banks will consider more factors than just your salary when trying to work out affordability. ‘They will take into account the cost of living, and any unsecured loans you may have,’ explains David. ‘They will also make sure you would be able to pay that amount back if interest rates rose to 7 per cent. ‘Third, they look at how sustainable your income is. So if you’re self employed or do contract work, they will decide whether they

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PROPERTY

“

think your current income is sustainable, and either take into account an average for the previous three years or the most recent annual income.’ Commissions and overtime are also likely to be averaged and often must be supported with a P60 showing consistency of earnings. But there are other ways to buy:

Help to Buy Equity This is a great option for first-time buyers who might have a decent income, yet have no substantial deposit. If you are earning decent money, but paying high rent, you may not have had the chance to save a big deposit. This scheme could help.

The Help to Buy scheme is basically a government loan of 20 per cent of the property price (40 per cent in London) on new-build homes only, which is interest-free for the first five years. If you then pay it back you’ll never pay interest on it; although you will still owe 20 per cent of the future value, otherwise you will pay interest on it for the next 20 years until it must be repaid in full. ‘This could be the difference between being able to afford to buy your own home and not,’ says David.

Shared Ownership ‘This can be a great option for low or single income families,’ says David. You can choose to buy a percentage of the property, while a housing association owns the rest and you pay them rent. You can choose to increase your percentage as and when your income rises. This can sometimes also be on a new property; a house builder will build a new development and the housing association will buy a percentage of those properties to offer as shared ownership properties. ‘Some people don’t like the idea of this as it means you’re still paying rent. But this is a great solution because it means you’ve made the first step onto the ladder. It means you can buy a much nicer house than you would be able to afford without this scheme, and you’re also able to ‘staircase’ the amount you own – in other words, if your income goes up, you can choose to buy a larger percentage of the property, usually up to 75 per cent.’ As the price of the property goes up, so does the value of the percentage you own. It also enables people to have stability rather than the uncertainty of renting. • Stringer Mann can offer a wide range of mortgages from across the market. Visit www.stringermann.com to find out more. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Spring 2021 / 43

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WHAT’S ON WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/EVENTS

As we go to print on the magazine, we are still in lockdown 3. Please check with the organisers in advance to confirm whether their event below will be going ahead. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event.

WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH

Business: BDCC Networking Via Zoom 8-9.30am. www.berkhamsted-chamber. co.uk

Music: Ruisi Quartet Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm, £16. www.berkhamstedmusic .co.uk

SATURDAY 13 MARCH

WEDNESDAY 17 MARCH

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market The Market Place on Brook Street, Tring. 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

Talks: History of Allotments Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Wellcome Great Hall, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

46 / Tring Living

THURSDAY 18 MARCH

Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast Via Zoom 8-9.30am. www.tringtogether.org.uk SUNDAY 21 MARCH

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook. com/berkofm SATURDAY 3 APRIL

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Book Fair Court House, Berkhamsted, 10am-4pm. 01442 862011 Walks: Brazier & BBQ Bubbles Spring Meadow Farm, Whelpley Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 2SX. Tuesdays all day and Saturday afternoons. ‘BBQ Bubble’ and health walk across 30-acre eco-farm. www.faithworkstrust.org.uk

Business Planning Webinar

Meet like-minded business owners

Develop your 90-day business plan

Create achieveable goals

Friday 19th March 1-4PM www.westherts.actioncoach.co.uk

SATURDAY 10 APRIL

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market The Market Place on Brook Street, Tring. 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

livingmags.info

TUESDAY 13 APRIL

THURSDAY 13 MAY

Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast Via Zoom. 8-9.30am. www.tringtogether.org.uk

FRIDAY 16 APRIL

FRIDAY 14 MAY

Talks: A Fresh Look At Wycombe St Leonards Parish Hall, 8pm for 8.15pm. www.cholesbury.com

Talks: AGM followed by Marsworth Polish Hostel 1948-1961 Cholesbury Village Hall, 7.30pm. www.cholesbury. com

SUNDAY 18 APRIL

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook. com/berkofm

SUNDAY 16 MAY

THURSDAY APRIL 22

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook. com/berkofm

Music: Nine Below Zero’s Greaves & Feltham Court Theatre, Doors & Bar 19.00 Band 20.00. courttheatre.co.uk

Music: The Malone Sibun Band Court Theatre, Doors & Bar 19.00 Band 20.00. courttheatre.co.uk

THURSDAY MAY 20

SATURDAY 24 APRIL

THURSDAY MAY 27

Fairs / Festivals: Tring Spring Fayre Virtual three-week festival celebrating the outdoors. Includes Henry Grace’s ‘Keep Tring Together Running’. www.tringtogether.org.uk

Music: Brave Rival Court Theatre, Doors & Bar 19.00 Band 20.00. courttheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 1 MAY

Walks: Brazier & BBQ Bubbles Spring Meadow Farm, Whelpley Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 2SX. Tuesdays all day and Saturday afternoons. ‘BBQ Bubble’ and health walk across 30-acre eco-farm. www.faithworkstrust.org.uk FRIDAY MAY 7

Music: John Verity Court Theatre, Doors & Bar 19.00 Band 20.00. courttheatre.co.uk SATURDAY 15 MAY

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market The Market Place on Brook Street, Tring. 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

Open for orders, collection or deliveries, as well as gift subscriptions and author events Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm Sun 11am to 1pm www.ourbookshoptring.co.uk

FRIDAY MAY 28

Music: Spikedrivers plus Tyzack & Tortora Court Theatre, Doors & Bar 19.00 Band 20.00. courttheatre.co.uk SAVE THE DATES! SATURDAY 26 JUNE

Fairs / Festivals: Tring Summer Carnival Pound Meadow, Tring www.tringtogether.org.uk WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE

Business: BDCC Networking and Social Berkhamsted Cricket Club, 5-8pm. Summer Chamber/ Networking Social Event in aid of ‘The Big Five Charities’ in Berkhamsted: Age UK Dacorum, Berkhamsted Town Hall Trust, DENS, Hospice of St Francis and Open Door. berkhamsted-chamber.co.uk

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TV AERIALS

PHOTOGRAPHY

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sales@tringmarketauctions.co.uk www.tringmarketauctions.co.uk

LOCAL ESSENTIALS Need a number in a hurry? Keep this page handy Visit our website for more essential services and telephone numbers including opticians, dental surgeries and vets for both Tring and Berkhamsted www.livingmags.info/tring-essentialservices

Defibrillator machines in the town

centre can be found by The Baptist Church, High Street, Tring HP23 4AB. For a full list of defibrillators in the east of England. For a full list of defibrillators in the east of England, visit our website using the above link.

HEALTH Hemel Hempstead Hospital & Urgent Care Centre (Open 24/7) Hillfield Road, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4AD. 01442 213141 Late Night Pharmacy Open until 10.30pm 7 days a week 172 Tring Road, Bedgrove, Aylesbury HP20 1JR. 01296 432 696

ADDITIONAL USEFUL NUMBERS Police Emergency 999 Police Non-Emergency 101 NHS Medical Advice Line 111 Samaritans Call free from any phone on 116 123 Child Line For free and confidential help for young people: 0800 1111

TRANSPORT

Bus

0300 1234050 or visit www.intalink.org.uk 50 to Aylesbury via Wendover (Sun only) 50 to Marsworth via Pitstone (Sun only) to Aylesbury (not Sun) 61 to Dunstable (not Sun) 164 to Aylesbury via Aston Clinton, Weston Turville (not Sun) 164 to Wilstone (not Sun) 194 to Chesham (Wed, one service only) 387 to New Mill (not Sun) 387 to Tring Station, Aldbury and Beech Park, Wigginton (not Sun) 500/501 to Aylesbury via Aston Clinton 500/501 to Watford via Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead

Community Action

This service provides older or disabled people who have difficulties in using public transport safe, reliable and accessible transport to a local supermarket. 01442 253935 or visit www. communityactiondacorum.org/door-to-store. Thursday morning every fortnight to Tesco’s, Tring.

Train

London Northwestern Railway 0333 3110039 or visit www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk to download the operator’s app To London Euston via Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and Watford Junction To Northampton via Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes Southern Railway 0345 1272920 or 0208 1850778 from a mobile, or visit www.southernrailway.com To Milton Keynes via Leighton Buzzard To South Croydon via Watford, Olympia and Clapham Junction

50 / Tring Living

LOCAL PLACES CROSSWORD ANSWERS TO ‘LOCAL’ CLUES ARE ALL CLOSE TO BERKHAMSTED AND TRING Across Down 8 Setting half-mile leads instead (6) 1 Local colour of prince, reportedly (8) 9 Local donating topless gardener’s tool (8) 2 Miles and I take luxury car or replica (6) 10 A quiet hilltop local (8) 3 Plain kernel of hard nuts turned over (6) 11 Calm saint wears old hat (6) 4 Absorbs summaries (7) 12 Intimidate and harshly criticise local (3,5) 5 Local fruit centres (8) 13 No diversity of colour (6) 6 Simple worker supports endless neglect (8) 14 Local with energy line gradient (3,4) 7 Pig has least ability to come back (6) 17 Merciless villain holds back support at 15 Weird hag troubles local (8) summit (7) 16 Ruined cathedral seen by new local (3,5) The newwas novel 20 Scan peaks to the east (6) 18 warm-hearted Local assembly room tornfrom apartthe at queen of comedy and No 1 bestseller, Catherine Alliott 22 Local soldiers take first train further (8) romanticfirst (8) 25 Less attractive fabrication in wayward 19 Limbless monkey ate me up (7) wig (6) 21 Force breaks enthusiastic return of Behind Closed Doors 26 Discovers a hunter’s collection (8) Jamaican beat (6) 27 Infection team joins Frenchman (8) 23 Even unfit teachers have relations (6) Catherine Alliott 28 Still regularly play on the level (6) 24 Target last produce at town bazaar (6) 4th March | HB/A | 9780241384718 Penguin Michael Joseph | £12.99 #BehindClosedDoors

COMPETITION

WIN A COPY OF CATHERINE ALLIOTT’S But she gets much more than she bargained for when she returnsNOVEL! home. Her parents' LATEST When Lucy is unexpectedly widowed, she doesn't know where to turn.

She seeks refuge with her elderly parents in Oxfordshire, hoping for an escape from past memories - and from her overbearing sister-in-law. bungalow is falling apart, and their surprisingly busy social life throws her in the path of an old childhood friend she hasn't seen for decades. e have three copies of local

author Catherine Alliott’s book - Behind Closed Doors to give away! Is she running away from her grief? Or did she leave something far worse behind . . . Yet as Lucy begins to move on, others start to ask questions.

Witty, poignant, at times heartwrenching, and drenched All you have to do toinbeCatherine’s in with a characteristic warmth and humour, this ischance Michael lead Mother’s Day to Joseph’s win is answer the title – a story about love, loss, family, and above all, second chances.

following question at www.

livingmags.info/competitions: Praise for Catherine Alliott: ‘Her writing is both intelligent and sparkling’ - Marian Keyes

Who wrote the Hound of the

‘A huge treat. Hilarious yet poignant’ - Sophie Kinsella Baskervilles? ‘Compulsively readable’ - The Times

Terms and conditions apply, visit website for details. Winners will be ‘Hilarious and full of surprises’ - Daily Telegraph chosen at random. Closing date Friday 23and Aprilbreathless’ 2021. ‘Classy, wonderfully gossipy - Red ‘Warm, witty and wise’ - Daily Mail

‘An addictive cocktail of wit, frivolity and madcap romance’ - Time Out

Crossword Answers - Across: 8 Milieu. 9 Ivinghoe. 10 Ashridge. 11 Stolid. 12 Cow Roast. 13 Orange. 14 Ley Hill. 17 Meeting. 20 Browse. 22 Mentmore. 25 Uglier. 26 Unearths. 27 Gangrene. 28 Evenly. Down: 1 Wilstone. 2 Mirror. 3 Tundra. 4 Digests. 5 Pitstone. 6 Ignorant. 7 Homing. 15 Hawridge. 16 Lye Green. 18 Northall. 19 Amputee. 21 Reggae. 23 Nieces. 24 Market.

Catherine Alliott is the author of fifteen bestselling novels including About Last Night, My Husband Next Door, A Rural Affair, One Day in May, The Secret Life of Evie Hamilton, and Wish You Were Here. She lives with her family in Hertfordshire.

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