Berkhamsted Living Magazine - Autumn 2020 by Magazine

g n i v i L

ISSUE 76

BERKHAMSTED

AUTUMN 2020

YOUR QUALITY LOCAL MAGAZINE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES SINCE 2001

WELCOME BACK! Autumn what’s on guide

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FREE WITH THIS ISSUE! BERKHAMSTED’S QUALITY QUARTERLY MAGAZINE. DELIVERED BY TO 11,271 HOMES IN BERKHAMSTED & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Make the most of your space indoors and out with design, Feng Shui, ergonomics and more

Welcome to the Autumn issue!

BERKHAMSTED AUTUMN 2020

s we are all getting used to our ‘new normal’ we’re happy that what is still normal, is this magazine dropping through your letterbox. We may be wearing masks and keeping a social distance where appropriate, but at least we can meet you through the pages of the magazine. We hope - as we go to press - that the children will be back to school soon, many of them after an absence of several months, and school may be quite a different place. With that in mind, we have gathered together some expert advice on how to support children and teens this term. Many of us have realised we need more space, after weeks of being at home together, so we hope we can inspire you with our feature on garden rooms, and our ideas for making the most of your garden as the nights draw in.

And finally, if pounding the streets is not your idea of fun, we offer you more gentle ways to get back into exercise after the summer holidays. Things are ever-changing, so our what’s on section is a mixture of real world and online events. Do check with organisers before making a journey. Visit our website at www.livingmags.info for local daily news and event updates. And sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter at www. livingmags.info/sign-up-to-our-newsletter. We wish you happy reading.

Alison and Naomi Editor Owner &

CONTENTS 4

News and views from Berkhamsted and surrounding villages

14 Shop Local 19 Bakewell Tart recipe from Rumbles

20 Local history: The story of Peter the Wild Boy

22 Ease yourself into

exercise with more zen and less pounding

24 Be a winner in this

issue’s competition

26 Stuck for space at home? How to create an extra room

28 Bring happiness and

calm using Feng Shui

29 Working from home – the new ‘normal’

34 Enjoy your garden for longer this autumn

38 Support your kids

LIVINGMAGS.

as they go back to school

44 The latest books from our region’s authors

45 Walk over Pitstone

Hill and through the Ashridge Estate

46 What’s On 48 Essential local services

The only local magazine offering shrink-wrapped guaranteed delivery to 11,271* addresses in the HP4 postcode area, by Royal Mail every quarter. *Royal Mail postcode data . Published quarterly in March, June, September & November The Team: Publisher: Alison Page / Editorial: Naomi MacKay / Photographer: Adam Hollier / 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.

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INFO

LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: EDITORIAL@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 7/10/20

Local (shop) hero

NEWS IN BRIEF

uring lockdown, Fiona Rowland, the owner of Cedar, the newly refurbished village store and now coffee shop in Potten End, helped keep villagers supplied with essentials. And they have now repaid her, with more than 100 nominations for a Hero of Hertfordshire awards, which was presented by the Mayor of Dacorum. What’s even more extraordinary is that the shop has only been open for a year. But during lockdown, Fiona went out of her way to get in

supplies that people couldn’t get elsewhere, and a team of volunteers helped to deliver essentials to the elderly and other people who were shielding. She began to stock fruit and veg, sourced from Michael Smith & Son, who have a stall on Berkhamsted market, meat from a local butcher, and approached lots of suppliers so she could stock essentials that her customers needed. The coffee shop became a storeroom for all the extra produce, but has now reopened, providing breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. ‘The community of Potten End and the surrounding areas has been absolutely fantastic too, patient, understanding and always smiling,’ she says. The efforts of the Cedar team have not gone unnoticed by their customers either. One said: ‘You and your family have made this village a better place. You help everyone and also encourage others to be better with your example. A tiny giant, that’s what you are!’

Car park open?

Happy 30th!

We are hoping that by the time you read this the multi-storey car park will be open. As we went to press, Ben Hosier at Dacorum Borough Council told Living: ‘There has been a slight delay on the completion of the S278 Highway Works and these are programmed in to be completed in the first half of August. ‘The car park cannot become operational until the works are completed and certified by the Highways Authority, so the opening plans are on hold for the time being, but I am hopeful that this is only a short-term period.’

Congratulations to Berkhamsted’s Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners, celebrating its 30th year. Robert Stringer and Richard Mann first met 30 years ago, on Independence Day – 4 July 1990 – when they were both working at a regional independent financial advice firm Despite coronavirus blocking any plans for a party, a donation will be made to the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation to assist those struggling as a result of the pandemic.

4 / Berkhamsted Living

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Businesses get ready to bounce back

ow are our local businesses managing post lockdown? Living speaks to Peter Elsworth, Chairman, Berkhamsted Chamber of Commerce. ‘They are feeling bruised in many cases,’ he says. ‘It’s difficult to gauge what will happen because I’m waiting to see how many reopen on the high street. Zen hairdressing closed. Laura Ashley is going, but that’s nationwide. Clintons reopened and then shut. Carphone Warehouse is shut. If you walk down Lower Kings Road there are several empty premises. ‘What we have to do is increase the footfall in the town and then we need to try to attack costs for businesses. We will try to push for landlords to offer a discount if the businesses

are pushed to the edge – some rent is better than no rent while you try to find new tenants.’ He also wants to encourage businesses to cross trade with each other. By the time you read this, the multi-storey car park should be open, and plans should have moved on for the town centre to be pedestrianised on Saturdays. ‘If this happens, Lower Kings Road up to St Peter’s will be closed to traffic, as it is for the Festival of Lights. The market will move into the road, and there will be space for businesses to expand on to the pavement,’ explains Peter. He adds that, with 320 spaces in the new car park, people will be able to get out of the car and walk up an esplanade of shops, which will be an attractive proposition.

Advice for local businesses

Ready for your close-up?

Jonathan and Pippa at SR Consulting suggest three ways in which businesses can weather the Covid storm. 1. Gain a deep understanding of your customers’ needs. Ensure you are offering the right products and services at the right time with an exceptional level of service and experience. 2. Take a step back from your business and review it warts and all. Start thinking about what you were and are doing right. Can you provide your services in a different way? Can you improve delivery times, or prioritise the customers most in need? 3. Pinpoint the core purpose of your business. A lot of businesses are thriving despite the major challenges presented. The common thread is their authentic commitment to a purpose that goes beyond profitability. www.sr-consult.co.uk 6 / Berkhamsted Living

he shoots for Northchurch photographer Adam Hollier’s Berkhamsted People book were put on hold over lockdown, but he did take a series of doorstep photos, which will appear in the book when it is published. Photoshoots should resume in the autumn – join the Facebook group Berkhamsted People - Portraits of a Town, for updates.

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

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Letter from the Mayor Dear Berkhamsted Residents

he current Covid-19 crisis has disrupted all of our lives, in ways we would never have thought a few months ago. I hope you and your families are all well and managing to stay safe. The impact of this crisis continues to be a concern, and the Town Council continues to have funds available to support local good causes helping residents in Berkhamsted deal with the impact of the pandemic. The grants have been used to ensure vulnerable Berkhamsted residents have received essential supplies and health care workers have received essential PPE. The grant application form is available at www. berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk/uploads/ grant-application-form-covid19-support.docx

The impact of the pandemic on the well-being and mental health of some of our residents has been noticeable, particularly for some of our younger people. The Town Council would actively welcome grant applications from organisations assisting our young people in Berkhamsted, with counselling and other support. We should expect the new Borough Plan (Planning) to be consulted later this year. Dacorum Borough Council’s planning team has been tasked to draw up a robust plan that can deliver more than 1,000 new houses each year for the next few years. I will ensure that the consultation process is fully engaging and captures as much local input and involvement as possible. Work on our Climate Change initiatives is progressing. We would still like to receive interest from local residents who would like to get involved. Finally, the Town Council continues to hold Committee Meetings via Zoom. Local residents can attend via Zoom upon request. Please look at the calendar on our website and email townclerk@berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like to attend. Cllr Garrick Stevens, Town Mayor

Access granted

erkhamsted’s Rectory Lane Cemetery, which won a £1million lottery grant for a restoration scheme, is opening its gates for visitors to see the results. The cemetery will be hosting Heritage Open Days for the sixth year on Sept 12, 13, 16, 19 and 20. Small groups will have the opportunity to see round the cemetery at the culmination of its three-year transformation programme. Kate Campbell, Community Engagement Officer, says: ’We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back into the Cemetery.’ Details at www.rectorylanecemetery.org.uk 8 / Berkhamsted Living

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

Culture gets creative

erts Year of Culture (HYOC2020) is reminding everyone that while many events have been cancelled so far this year, creativity certainly hasn’t! Many local organisations quickly and imaginatively moved activities online. For example, Open Door Community Hub in Berkhamsted has been hosting online exhibitions and creative workshops. Many activities will continue online through the year, but if you are planning to attend any face-to-face HYOC2020 events, please check with the organiser before setting out. If you are a local creative or cultural organisation or artist and have an online activity that you would like to be part of HYOC2020, then email active@dacorum. gov.uk.

The 2020 Fun Palace will be a virtual event and programme of free online activities. The event will take place on Saturday 3 October. Get updates at www.dacorum.gov.uk/HYOC2020 . Finally, get your running shoes on. Last year, Active Dacorum held a 5k run, but for 2020 it is planning a virtual challenge. See website for details.

Stepping out for MS Centre

ood luck to Patrick Burke of Berkhamsted, who is aiming to raise £5,000 for the Chilterns Multiple Sclerosis Centre with a sponsored walk. But this is no ordinary walk, because Patrick, 66, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, is unable to lift his foot off the ground. Instead, he uses a fourwheeled walker, which he must hold onto with both hands to maintain his balance. He uses a clever electrical device to stimulate muscles so he can take small steps. Patrick aims to walk as far as he can in one hour. He explains: ‘The walk will be a huge challenge for me. Walking for an hour will knock me out physically for a couple of days.’ Patrick’s walk will take place at the Wendover centre on Sunday, 13 September. To make a donation please visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/walk4onehour

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Autumn 2020 / 9

A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

The generation game Prudent financial planning should cater for the needs of all family members, from the youngest to the oldest.

hen the Queen turned 94 on 21 April 2020, she served as a very public reminder of how much longer, as a society, we are living. In her own family, four generations are now all alive at the same time, from the Queen herself down to her latest great-grandchild. An increasing number of families now find themselves in the same position, which has implications for financial planning. As a nonagenarian, Her Majesty is far from alone. The number of people over 90 years old rose by 44% between 2008 and 2018, according to the report Estimates of the very old, including centenarians, UK: 2002 to 2018, published online by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in September 2019. We are now witnessing a phenomenon where the baby boomers – those born in the post-war era and in retirement – represent the wealthiest generation in society. However, whilst they enjoy the fruits of their labour, they are sandwiched between elderly parents facing the challenges of old age and children struggling with the hangover of university debts and rising house prices.

For those born after the Second World War and in the 1950s, the economy of their working years was benign and kind to them; but it was less so for those born in the 1980s and 1990s – the so-called ‘millennials’ – who are finding it harder to get jobs and to get onto the property ladder. Increasing life expectancy and major social change mean many need their wealth to work harder for the whole family While our children are struggling with their finances, our parents are living longer. This has led to an increase in the need for long-term care, which is likely to be financed from accumulated savings, selling the family home or with support from younger generations. A study into intergenerational wealth and retirement planning, which combined ONS data with an Opinium Research survey of 4,000 UK adults in April 2019, estimated that the number of families with multiple generations in retirement at the same time will exceed one million in the next 20 years. This means people may need to

start reassessing how they plan for the later stages of life. Traditionally, wealth has passed from one generation to the next upon death. However, intergenerational wealth management challenges that notion and looks at how families can use their wealth more collaboratively to support each other during their lifetimes. This offers legitimate estate planning and tax mitigation opportunities, whilst providing the much-needed assistance to help alleviate the financial burdens of everyday life. St. James’s Place provides a range of family-oriented financial products and services, enabling families to work collaboratively to support each other across the generations. Financial support need not be in the form of a handout; it can become an integral part of generational financial planning. Whether you would like to help your children onto the housing ladder, contribute to a grandchild’s education or wedding, or help your parents with later-life planning, careful consideration can ensure your wealth works harder for all your family without putting your own security and retirement comfort at risk.

01442 874888 stringermann@sjpp.co.uk www.stringermann.com

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 websitewww.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. H2SJP0672 07/20

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Hospice at Home figures hit record high

ennie Grove Hospice Care cared for more patients than ever through its hospice at home service, which has continued to offer specialist care to a number of local families throughout lockdown. In the course of caring for a record 600 patients, the hospice at home nurses working in West Herts and Bucks made 2,586 visits to patients at home, day and night, during the period from 23 March to 31 May. They also supported this with 15,609 hours of phone calls, providing advice to patients and families and liaising with other healthcare professionals and agencies.

If you want to help this amazing service, please consider donating, or if you fancy more of a challenge there are two fundraising events to take part in this autumn: The whole family can tackle the Chilterns 2 Peaks challenge on September 13. Choose from two beautiful routes to walk, with scavenger hunt and picnic spot recommendations for the kids. And thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medals at the end too. Or put on your running shoes for the virtual 10k and Half Marathon on October 4. All details at www.renniegrove.org

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

Autumn 2020 / 11

LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: INFO@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 7/10/20

Wellness Hub opens

Independent Living returns

concern for the declining mental health and well-being of lonely friends, clients and family during lockdown opened Emma James’s eyes to the need for a community-driven and based Wellness Hub in the heart of the town. Emma’s plan was to create a place where people could have their wellness and well-being needs met – and that place is now at 26 LowerKings Road. On offer are wellness treatments and state-ofthe-art physiotherapy and massage facilities, as well as more traditional forms of muscular skeletal treatments.

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here’s a not-so ‘new kid on the block’ in New Road, Princes Risborough. Independent Living (ILC) has relocated back into the town and the increase in customer numbers confirms that it is the right move. The folk at ILC are celebrating their return with a new logo and some long-overdue improvements to their website. Everything else remains as it was: the fully-trained team continues to be led by a retired health and social care professional with more than 30 years of experience working in local acute hospitals and the surrounding community. They carry a wide range of mobility and personal care products; their friendly, trained staff are available to assist customers in making an informed choice when seeking a solution to a temporary or long-term mobility or personal care need. www.ilcmobility.co.uk

Back in the saddle

egulars at the Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled (RDA) have been keen to get back in the saddle, after the centre reopened after four long months. With 80 per cent of riders saying that being unable to access RDA had a negative impact on their physical wellbeing, the charity was keen to welcome them back to the centre. Grace and Skye, Gaddesden Place RDA Riders, said: ‘We’ve really missed it, we think and talk about it every single day. We’ve missed the ponies most of all but we’ve also missed being busy on a Saturday morning.’ Like many charities, the centre has lost a lot of funding, so has launched a Buy a Bale Campaign to help care for its five horses. You can donate at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/buy_a_bale

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

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SHOP LOCAL Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our selection of great things to buy in Berkhamsted, Tring and the villages 01

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13 LOCAL

Fancy That - Tring 07 Beatrix Potter Soft Toys £15 & £20 08 Chess sets £24 and £30 09 Shut the Box £7 10 Raindrops Kids Umbrellas £12.99 17

Beechwood Fine Foods - Tring 01 Cheyney’s Chilli Sauces, sweet and subtle or hot & spicy £4.95 02 Percy’s luxury biscuits, a modern twist on classic flavours £3.95 03 BCP - Sarah’s homemade seasonal preserves £2.95 Creative Collective - Berkhamsted 04 Mallow & White, award winning, all natural hand sanitiser with 70% alcohol - In £5 & £12 bottles Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates - Berkhamsted 05 Signed & framed illustrations of local landmarks £45 06 Bespoke signed & framed home illustrations £95

Number Twenty - Berkhamsted 11 Ginko accordion lamp £47 12 Blue glass tea light holders £5.75 13 Yellow chair £325 and cushion £35 each 14 Powder bamboo trainer socks £7.50 Gems and Jules - Tring 15 Sterling silver fused wire heart bracelet £55 16 Sterling silver daisy toe ring £15 17 Sterling silver turquoise charm ankle chain £18 Puddingstone Distillery - Wilstone 18 Campfire Gin glass £6 for one or £30 for a box of 6 19 Hertfordshire Cook Book by Meze Publishing featuring Hertfordshire restaurants and food producers. RRP £14.95 available online and instore for £13

Autumn 2020 / 15

LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL

Puddingstone Distillery Wilstone 20 Domestique Gin £33 Tring Brewery 21 Raven King IPA £2.50 22 Lunardi’s Oatmeal Pale £2.50

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Ingredients: • 200g shortcrust pastry • 2tbsp raspberry jam • 125g caster sugar

• • • •

125g soft margarine 2 medium eggs 80g ground almonds 60g plain flour

• 1tsp almond essence • 40g flaked almonds

RECIPE

BAKEWELL TART

Delicious served warm with some whipped cream, ice cream, or just with a cup of coffee, this Bakewell Tart is a perfect teatime treat for the whole family. 1. Preheat the oven to 160C, Gas Mark 3. 2. Line an 8in shallow round tin with shortcrust pastry. 3. Make fork holes in the base then spoon in the jam and spread evenly. 4. Beat margarine and sugar till well combined then add in the eggs and essence. 5. Fold in the flour and ground almonds then put on top of the jam base and level out. 6. Top with flaked almonds and bake for 45-50mins or when the sponge bounces back if you touch it. 7. Allow to cool then remove from tin and dust with icing sugar. With thanks to Suzanne Maccaig from Rumbles.

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Autumn 2020 / 19

A wild tale How did a mysterious wild boy from Germany find his way to Northchurch?

n the churchyard at St Mary’s, Northchurch, is a gravestone with a rather unusual engraving. It simply says PETER the Wild Boy 1785. So, who was Peter, and how did he come to be buried in a small Hertfordshire village? His tale begins back in 1785 in Northern Germany, when a farmer discovered a boy wearing just the remnants of a shirt and foraging for fruit and acorns in a field near Hamelin – best known for its legend of the Pied Piper. Here was another legend in the making as the boy, thought to be around 12 years old, walked on all fours, appeared unable to speak and instead grunted like an animal. To the Royal Court in England, Peter was an intriguing mystery, and courtiers were under the romantic notion that he had been reared by wolves or bears in the wild. Peter was brought to England by King George I, apparently at the request of Caroline, Princess of Wales, where he became a ‘human pet’ at Kensington Palace. The plan was to

20 / Berkhamsted Living

LOCAL HISTORY teach him how to talk, however poor Peter was unable to learn, although he was apparently adept at stealing kisses from the ladies and picking the pockets of courtiers! Fast forward a couple of hundred years and the theory of a boy raised by wild animals was finally put to rest. In 2011, an analysis of a portrait of Peter, held at Kensington Palace, led to a rather less romantic possible diagnosis of Pitt-Hopkins, a chromosome abnormality that leads to an inability to learn to speak. Back then, however, Peter became quite the celebrity for a time – there was a waxwork statue of him in the Strand in London and he was even invited to dine with the king. However, his lack of table manners did not go down well, and when his tutor, Dr Arbothnot, was unable to teach him, the court tired of their pet. As a result, the Queen’s bedchamber woman, Mrs Tichbourne, arranged for Peter to be looked after by James Fenn, a farmer at Haxters End, with a fee of £35 a year for his trouble. This was not the end of Peter’s celebrity – people would come to Berkhamsted to find him, and many writers including Daniel Defoe were inspired by his story. He even appears in two Charles Dickens’ novels. Peter, who was prone to wandering, wore a brass collar bearing this inscription: ‘Peter, the Wild Man from Hanover. Whoever will bring him to Mr Fenn at Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, shall be paid for their trouble’. The collar, which is now held at Berkhamsted School, was made after Peter managed to wander all the way to Norwich, where he was arrested as a Spanish spy! When Mr Fenn died, Peter moved to Broadway Farm at Bourne End. He died there on 22 February 1785. It was estimated that he was around 75 years old. Flowers are still placed on Peter’s grave from time to time – do you know who puts them there? Do you have an interesting story about the history of Berkhamsted and surrounding villages that you would like to share? Email us at editorial@livingmags.info

www.livingmags.info

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YOURSELF You don’t have to pound the streets or whizz up and down country lanes on two wheels to get fit. Here’s our guide to a more gentle way of exercising

here were two kinds of people over lockdown – those who busily posted up their latest 10km run route, and those who busily took a walk to the fridge and back! If you have got out of the habit of exercising there are plenty of ways for men and women to get back into gentle exercise. Want you back for good Pilates is well known for being good for backs, but is definitely a whole body exercise. It promotes a balanced, toned, flexible and strong body, by increasing muscle strength and tone. If you thought Pilates was just for girls, think again, as Liz van Hullen at Tring Pilates Studio, explains: ‘Joseph Pilates invented Pilates when working with hospitalised prisoners of war, on their rehabilitation. It was designed by a man, for men. There are even some Pilates movements that bear specific considerations for men.’ Well loved by ballerinas, rugby players, event riders, and golfers, Liz says: ‘Pilates is

22 / Berkhamsted Living

recognised for its qualities in promoting flexibility and managing back pain – neither issues that are specific to women.’ It’s great for people who sit at a desk all day, and you can start off with a really low level of fitness. Breathing techniques also help to improve aerobic health. You don’t really get sweaty, so it’s perfect for a lunchtime workout. And if you’re a stranger to exercise? ‘It’s never too late,’ says Liz. ‘Pilates generates a mind to muscle connection and goes on to lengthen, stretch and strengthen.’ Go with the flow ‘Tai Chi is more than just a physical exercise, it is beneficial for mental health and well-being,’ says Catherine Birkinhead, who teaches in Berkhamsted, Tring and Cheddington.

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HEALTH AND BEAUTY Sometimes referred to as meditation in movement and originally an ancient Chinese Martial Art, many people turn to this gentle and yet powerful form of exercise for its health benefits. ‘It is particularly complementary for recovery programmes of illnesses including Covid-19 as it can help to strengthen the lungs and chest cavity as well as the immune system,’ explains Catherine. Its relaxed, flowing movements are low impact and can develop flexibility, strengthen joints, tendons and muscles, develop coordination, balance and core strength, and also ease stress. Catherine adds: ‘It can easily be adapted to your own ability level and slow mindful movement means students are unlikely to overdo exercises and hurt or injure themselves during training.’ Train your mind and body As well as the physical benefits, yoga can help manage stress, improve sleep, reduce headaches, help to ease back and neck pain and improve immune function. If you are new to yoga, or returning to exercise after a break, Pauline Gibbons at Tring Yoga Studio recommends beginner classes to ‘introduce you to basic postures and allow you to move on to a more challenging class or stay where you feel happy.’ Classes vary enormously in intensity. Some are very meditative and gentle such as Yin or Kundalini. Others are more challenging such as Flow, Ashtanga or Strength Core and More (originally designed for men but now open to all). And the good news is it’s never too late to start yoga. Pauline says: ‘We have members of all ages, shapes and sizes. We believe in adapting and modifying any practice to suit the individual rather than trying to get the individual to suit the practice.’ Get some help If you don’t know where to begin with exercise, getting an expert to help you is a great idea. Personal trainer Adele Lambert, who has her own private studio in Tring, explains:

‘For someone a bit older who wants to get back into exercise, the key is doing something they enjoy, listening to their bodies and bearing in mind any health, mobility or joint issues.’ She suggests indoor cycling as it takes pressure off the knees, and provides a cardiovascular workout. Kettlebell workouts offer all-round cardiovascular exercise while targeting specific muscle groups Adele says: ‘Personal Training sessions work particularly well for people getting back into exercise. People are engaged more as they know they are doing exercises that are designed specifically for them. They see results quicker and are more likely to stick to their plan. ‘If someone hasn’t exercised for a while they need to be careful of overdoing it and putting themselves off or injuring themselves. Personal training can help you exercise safely and effectively if you have medical issues, have been pregnant, and are post or peri menopausal.’ There are many other gentle forms of exercise to consider. Enjoy a social game of golf, a leisurely cycle ride or a swim. Great for cardio fitness and kind on the joints. Whatever exercise you choose to do, have fun and as Adele Lambert says: ‘Reap the benefits of the endorphin rush and feeling better, looking better, being more agile and having less postural issues or joint problems as you age.’

Autumn 2020 / 23

COMPETITION

COOK UP A STORM WITH THIS MONTH’S COMPETITION

eatured in our Shop Local pages, up for grabs in this issue are two copies of the justpublished Hertfordshire Cook Book, courtesy of Puddingstone Distillery. Published by Meze Publishing, the book features a number of Hertfordshire restaurants and food producers including Tring’s own Puddingstone Distillery (of course!), Tring Brewery and P E Mead Farm Shop (Chiltern Oils). The book is the latest from the ‘Get Stuck In’ series of regional cookbooks from the publishers. Celebrating the county’s best food and drink producers with more than 35 recipes, it includes bars, cafes and restaurants too, including

Lussmanns, which featured in The Sunday Times’ top 100 favourite eating spots in the UK, and dessert specialists The Pudding Stop in St Albans. Each venue or producer has submitted a recipe for the book. If you’re not lucky enough to win a copy, the Hertfordshire Cook Book is being sold by the producers who feature in it. To find out more and enter head to: www.livingmags.info/competitions. Terms and Conditions apply. See website for details.

G A R DEN R ET R E AT

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OWN A ROOM OF ONE’S

Did lockdown make you realise your house isn’t big enough? A garden building could be the answer. We show you how to create a ‘man cave’, a games or playroom, an office, gym or guest room

s so many of us have spent a lot of the spring and summer at home, you may have finally realised that you need more space! You could move or extend, but these options require a pretty hefty cash injection - despite the stamp duty holiday. So, adding a garden room is a good compromise. It isn’t as pricey as an extension, nor does it involve much upheaval. In fact, specially designed garden rooms or offices can start from just under £10,000. If you don’t want to stretch the budget that far, you could consider using a large shed or summerhouse, especially if you already have one that could be converted. With the addition of a sofa bed, some teamaking facilities – and even a spare toilet if funds and planning allow, your garden room could make an extra space for guests to stay though do check our ‘planning points’ on the next page.

Make a man cave If you didn’t get a lot of say in the decoration of the main house, take the opportunity to make

26 / Berkhamsted Living

your man cave as masculine as you want. A classic American ‘den’ features plaids and stripes in deep greens, dark reds and browns. A man cave should reflect your interests. It may be where you keep your guitar and music collection, it could be a creative area for a hobby, where you can hide away your materials and tools from the kids, or perhaps you’d rather have your own bar, complete with bar stools, optics and beer pumps.

Games or playroom Extra space for the children to play can be a lifesaver, especially if you only have one reception room. A playroom allows space for bigger toys such as toy kitchens and workbenches. You can also set up activities in the playroom, rather than having them take over the kitchen or living room. If your home has a neutral palette, take the opportunity to be bright and bold in the playroom. Get creative and paint a fun mural, or order some fun giant decals of favourite cartoon characters for the walls.

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Set up a painting/creation station with lots of drawers for craft materials, and make sure there is space in front of the playroom for water and messy play.

Office Taking your office out of the house and into the garden has so many benefits. You can work away from everyone else’s noise and it allows you to make noise away from everyone else – perfect if you like to get up early or work into the wee hours. It also has the benefit of allowing you to ‘close the door’ on work at the end of the day. Make sure you have a decent Wi-Fi signal – if you can’t get decent internet, you’ll be back at the kitchen table in no time! A Wi-Fi extender is an easy option but its reach will be limited. A powerline network uses the electrical power cable to link between the house and garden room. If you are having electricity laid to your garden room, get an ethernet cable laid at the same time for a more reliable and secure connection. Decorate your garden office in colours that inspire you - yellow is supposed to be stimulating, green energising, and soft peaches and pinks are said to boost creativity and focus.

Gym Release your exercise bike from its duty as clothes hanger and pop it into the garden room. A garden room can give you room to lay out an exercise mat, and if you enjoy exercise videos and streamed classes, make sure you have a TV and an internet connection in the room. The best bit about a home gym is that you can choose your equipment – if you just do cardio work, you can include a bike, a rowing machine and plenty of space to do aerobics, boxercise or whatever your favourite exercise class is. Remember to include a decent fan too, for when you get a sweat on! Planning points Paul Smith, director at Milton Keynes-based Apex Planning Consultants, explains that your garden room may be covered by permitted

development, meaning you don’t need to apply for planning permission. However, he says: ‘the use of the outbuilding must be incidental to your home – so if it is being used as an extra bedroom, that is unlikely to be classed as incidental. Experience shows that the interpretation of what is ‘incidental’ can subtly vary depending on your local planning authority, so it might be prudent to seek its preplanning advice. Alternatively, you can submit an application for a Certificate of Lawful Proposed Use or Development, which would confirm that the building work is lawful – useful if you ever sell up.’ Find out more at www.apexplanning.co.uk.

Better by design Emma Holbrook from Berkhamsted’s Soden Style offers design tips: • Keep it simple, less is more both inside and outside and makes the space feel bigger • Create a Pinterest board of your likes and get inspired by a theme • Think about crafty storage to keep the space decluttered and welcoming • Remember adequate electrical sockets and lighting plus heating and plumbing • Invest in great comfy seating that can be turned into an extra sleeping space • Get as much natural light as you can, then add task/atmosphere lighting • Ensure your ‘walls talk to you’, so any art you love, photography, treasures from your travels, loud wallpaper…

Get as much natural light as you can, then add task/atmosphere lighting, says Emma Holbrook

Autumn 2020 / 27

BRING HAPPINESS AND CALM USING FENG SHUI

ow that we’re spending extra time at home, having a calm and happy environment has never been more important. The ancient art and science of Feng Shui can help you create an everyday living space that supports you and all members of the family. Using Feng Shui generates more peace and harmony, while encouraging productivity and helping you be more creative. Just a few Feng Shui tweaks can produce effective changes. Here are my top Feng Shui Tips for a calmer and happier home. 1) Remove all clutter from around the front door. The quality of Qi (pronounced chi), or energy, that flows in though the entrance sets the tone for the rest of the house. If your front door, either inside and out, is blocked by shoes, boots, coats, or worse still rubbish, the Qi will be messy and disturbed. Clearing the entrance and hallway way will encourage calm and free flowing Qi. This creates more harmonious Qi that can then flow around your house. 2) Are you or your family members sitting or sleeping under a pointed lightshade or a light fitting with sharp edges? This creates agitated Qi where people don’t feel settled, or can even become argumentative. Change to smoother, rounded shapes and enjoy a less stressful atmosphere. 3) Working from home? Move your desk so that you have a solid wall behind you. This creates good Feng Shui support so that you can be

28 / Berkhamsted Living

Feng Shui Specialist Denise O’Dwyer offers five tips for a happier home

more focused and productive, and less tired at the end of the day. If you sit in line with a door, either move to another place or make sure you close the door when you work. Sitting in line with an open door puts you in the path of fast-moving Qi, which depletes your personal energy. This also applies to children studying at home. 4) Bedroom Feng Shui is important because that’s where we spend around a third of our lives. Make sure your bedroom door is closed when you sleep. This slows down the Qi and creates a restorative and healing environment for sleeping. Never sleep in line with an open door, and always keep any ensuite door closed to stop the Qi draining away. If the quality of your sleep is not as good as you would like it to be, remove the TV or other electronic devices from the bedroom. Cover the TV with a cloth or scarf when you sleep if you must have a TV in the bedroom. 5) Finally, take a look at your garden. If there are any broken items or stagnant water, clear them away. Garden Feng Shui also has an effect on your life. So put on your Feng Shui glasses and if anything looks or feels negative remove it to make sure your Feng Shui is as harmonious as possible. Give Feng Shui a try. You could be surprised by the results. Denise O’Dwyer, Feng Shui Specialist www.FengShuiElement.co.uk. 07905 9099037

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WORKING FROM HOME – THE NEW ‘NORMAL’ Ergonomics expert Laura Clark offers tips on how to set up a home office for comfort and health

lot of us have been faced with the new challenge of working from home and not everyone is well kitted out for this. Some people are lucky enough to have some kind of designated office area or building, but some are having to make do with the sofa or dining table. From an ergonomic viewpoint, this is far from ideal. Because working at home may continue for some time, it is imperative to ensure that the home set-up is good, or as good as it can be. Over time, incorrect set ups can lead to areas of discomfort developing and worsening, if not addressed. Follow these simple tips for a home working environment that is comfortable and offers the correct support.

Breaks Working in the comfort of your own home often means you get up less frequently than at the office. There is no one to go and speak to, and communication is done via Zoom, phone or email. Plus you are generally more relaxed. The body is designed to move and, even with a good set-up, it can start to go wrong if regular and consistent breaks aren’t taken. Lunchtime needs to be away from the working area. Top tip: Leave your work area a minimum of once an hour, even for a few minutes. This gives the eyes a rest from the screen, keeps the muscles active and blood flow stimulated.

Laptop or PC use Laptops aren’t very ergonomic inventions. You need to make sure the screen is at the right height so your head and neck are looking straight at it, not downwards, which can cause headaches and upper back issues. A laptop stand, or even some thick books can be used to raise it. A separate keyboard and mouse should be used

because the built-in options cause a lot of wrist, elbow and shoulder issues such as RSI. Have the keyboard and mouse within easy reach and a little gap in front of the keyboard to rest your wrists when typing. Top tip: Use the laptop essentially as a PC with screen at the correct height, and separate keyboard and mouse. The same rule for screen height applies to a desktop computer.

Chair If you are lucky enough to have an office chair, avoid perching and leaning forwards, and sit nice and upright with your back fully against the backrest. This provides optimal support. Armrests should be positioned just under your arms when they are at a 90-degree angle. This relieves the strain on the shoulders. Top tip: Avoid using the sofa if possible and if you really have to use a dining chair, try to use a cushion in the lumbar area, and make sure you get up regularly. Laura is a self-employed workstation assessor. Normally she travels to workplaces to carry out workstation assessments for employees who are experiencing discomfort or who need more specialist attention but at the moment she is offering a ‘Workstation overview’ service for companies that want to make sure their staff are well set up at home. All that is needed is a photo of each end user at their home set-up. laura@lauraclarkergonomics.co.uk, www.lauraclarkergonomics.co.uk

Autumn 2020 / 29

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EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR GARDEN

Summer may be coming to a close, but you don’t have to head indoors and hibernate. Clever use of autumn planting, lighting, outdoor heating, garden buildings – even cosy blankets – can help you enjoy your outdoor room throughout the autumn

uring lockdown, lots of us got busy making our outdoor space a lovely place to spend time in, so it would be a shame if we headed back inside, just because ‘summer’ is over. A few alterations will help you enjoy your garden right through the autumn and even into the winter.

Let there be light Jules Cant of Tierra Designs says: ‘Winter lighting can be used to highlight parts of the garden that are often overlooked, be it the gnarled bark of a tree or the seedheads still standing late into the year. The key is using subtle lighting to illuminate the bits you want to highlight, rather than blanket lighting the whole garden.’ Umbrella lights can be attached to your patio parasol, so they can light up a table. Hang single lights in the trees like baubles, and place uplighters at the base of architectural plants. For a modern look, try running LED strip lights underneath a bench, or steps.

34 / Berkhamsted Living

But do remember to turn off mains-powered lights before you go to bed, both for safety and so that they don’t disrupt wildlife.

The heat is on Don’t let the party end because everyone gets chilly. If you tend to pop out in the garden for an hour or so after work, a heater that you can just switch on and off is ideal. If you are choosing an electric heater look for an infrared one – it will heat your body, rather than the air around you, so is perfect for breezy weather. Freestanding heaters are handy as they can be moved where you want them – even inside sometimes - although a wall-mounted one might be better if you have younger children. Gas heaters can be very effective, but remember that the gas canister can make them heavy. Sitting around a fire pit or chimenea can make you feel like you are camping – and of course it’s what you need to toast marshmallows! Some can double up as

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GARDENS barbecues with the addition of a suitable grill. Or sit a Dutch oven on the fire to cook warming stews and even bread.

Give me shelter

‘Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ is another late flowerer with arching bottlebrush flowers – it’s also quite well behaved so ideal for the smaller garden. Panicum grasses also come late to the party and offer some good autumnal interest.

Keep a pile of suitably soft and snuggly blankets in a pretty basket by the patio door so that you can slip one around your shoulders, or over a cold seat, as the sun goes down.

Rudbeckia

‘Grasses will often hold their seedheads well into the autumn as well as offering some nice golden tones in the low winter sun. Molinia caerulea subsp.arundinacea ‘Skyracer’ is a tall grass that turns a warm yellow and even looks great when covered in frost.

Creating a little shelter from the wind and light rain can open up many more hours of garden time. A huge cantilever parasol can cover a big table and give some shelter from a bit of drizzle. If you want something more permanent, there are plenty of custom-made and DIY wooden gazebos to choose from. Or how about a covered reading seat, ideal for just one to enjoy a book before the sun goes down. If you want to cover a larger area of patio, a cheap way to do this is a with a waterproof patio sail. If your garden is particularly windy, use existing features - the walls of the house, or a hedge - to create a more secluded area. A very sociable area can be created with a sunken seating area surrounding a fire pit.

Autumn stunners Jules Cant of Tierra Designs recommends his favourite autumn plants.

Cosy up

‘Later-flowering perennials include Schizostylis, Asters, Heleniums, and Rudbeckia, which not only flowers late but holds its seedheads right through winter, offering great colour and texture for the last quarter of the year. ‘The seedheads of Phlomis russelina stand right through winter and offer an amazing spectacle on a frosty morning. ‘For larger shrubs and trees, nothing quite beats Rhus typhina or the sumach tree for vibrancy. Abelia grandiflora, meanwhile, provides beautiful scent well into November.’

Autumn 2020 / 35

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I wanted to thank you again for donating the ad space to us in your recent Tring and Berkhamsted Living editions. As you know we used it as an opportunity to promote our Buy a Bale campaign and did see donations increase as the magazine was distributed. It also prompted a few volunteers and supporters that had previously been involved with us to reach out and say hello which was lovely. Thank you again for supporting us. Karen Gosen, Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled Centre. 

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HAVE A

HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL

As children go back to school – many of them after a break of almost six months - it will be important to support them

‘W

hen they have a big change, children can have underlying anxiety,’ says Gayle Hamill, integrative psychotherapist and founder of Tring-based Circle Therapy. Gayle explains what parents can look out for as children return to a school that may appear different in many ways to the one they left: ‘For primary school children, what you’ll see is some regression in behaviour. They could be irritable, and be oppositional at home, less willing to take part in things and help out. ‘You also need to watch out for them withdrawing from family activities that they would normally have engaged in, and they may be more emotional. For instance, challenges with friendships may come across as being more of a problem. ‘When children can’t express themselves, you’ll see them acting out, snacking more (because they are after a dopamine hit), and more resistant to coming off screens.’ Older kids and teens For secondary-age children, parents should keep an eye out for them becoming more withdrawn. ‘They will be angrier and less tolerant – it could

38 / Berkhamsted Living

be about what they eat or what they have to do around the home. ‘They will want more screen time and be more withdrawn from things they would normally enjoy.’ So, what can parents do to help? Gayle says parents should ‘be more curious’ about how children are feeling, but give them space, rather than interrogating them. She suggests talking in the car, so it feels less pressured, and giving them some positive control. Perhaps letting them choose some treats to go on the shopping list, being allowed to choose the film for a movie night or deciding on a destination for a day out. Particularly for older children, avoid heated exchanges, and encourage communication with friends and other trusted family members. Mindfulness Mindfulness can be a good way to ease anxiety. Mindfulness helps you to ‘be in the moment’ concentrating on what you are doing and letting go of all the other things on your mind – school, work, exams, friend problems and so on. Colouring is a great mindfulness activity for children who can sit still long enough, Baking is also good. Gayle explains that it is ‘grounding’

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More advice Sarah O’Brien, from Hector’s House, the Berkhamsted-based suicide prevention and mental health awareness charity offers more advice: Validate: Validate every emotion they present to you. If they tell you that they are feeling anxious, angry or upset - reassure them that the emotion is normal, welcomed and accepted. Tell them it’s okay to not feel okay right now, because everything is different and that’s hard to deal with. Tell them by allowing their negative emotions space, the quicker they will pass - because all feelings, good and bad, come and go as long as we recognise them. Physical feelings: If they are struggling to communicate how they are feeling emotionally, ask them how it feels physically. This is much easier and ‘real’ for young people to explain. Are they feeling a tightness in their chest? Feel like they need to cry or shout? Is their heart racing? Again, remind them these feelings are common signs of stress or worry, and help them through it using techniques mentioned by Gayle (such as colouring, mindfulness, etc). It’s not black and white: Remember that children and young people have limited life experience, and this means they are more prone to catastrophising situations. This is very common with exam-age young people, who may be worried about the amount of time they’ve had to prepare. Sit down with them and ask what they are worried about, and write down the absolute worst case scenario and the absolute best. Help them to recognise these are

KIDS

When children can’t express themselves, you’ll see them acting out, snacking more (because they are after a dopamine hit), and more resistant to coming off screens

“

and has many sensory properties as well. Older children might like to try journaling, and exercise is really important too. You could even try lying down and looking up at the clouds, watching them float by, and talking about what you see in them, how they make you feel. Teens might be happier listening to a podcast such as Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place or the Headspace app for guided meditation and mindfulness.

“

both pretty unlikely, and something in the middle is much more probable - and easier to handle. Inform your child: Give them as much information about the new school system as you can before they go back so that they are well prepared. Create a safe space at home: Going back to school will be exhausting, so they will need downtime. Don’t nag about untidy bedrooms or homework and allow them to rest. Create a healthy bedtime routine too. Active listening: If your child or teenager begins to open up to you, if possible, drop everything you are doing and listen. Non-direct conversations are usually best, so if you can, go for a walk or a drive to avoid the awkwardness of eye contact and body language. When your child opens up to you, remember your 4 P’s: Praise, Praise, Praise and Patience. Be honest: It’s oddly reassuring to a child to know their parents don’t always know the answers, so be truthful about that. It will remind them you are human too and that it’s okay to not know the answers! You are not alone: If you are seriously concerned about a young person’s well-being, there are countless number of helplines out there for you and your child. • Call Young Minds Parent Helpline for advice: 0808-802-5544 • Remind your teenager of helplines such as texting HECTOR to 85258 if they want someone anonymous to talk to. • Email hihector@hectorshouse.org.uk for any tailored advice or help you may need. We are here for you.

Autumn 2020 / 39

Balance and pace While it is true that children have missed classroom time, trying to ‘make up for lost time’ with intensive work will prove overwhelming. The school day will be draining, and your child will need plenty of time to rest in the evenings and at weekends. They may well be resistant to doing anything additional to their homework, and if so then avoid pushing them. Once they are feeling settled, you may like to introduce some practice at home. Reading together, quick-fire mental maths in the car, helping you to measure while cooking – all are simple ways to consolidate key learning without it feeling too much like a chore. Family board games and entertaining puzzle books, such as crosswords or Sudoku, are also fun options.

RETURNING TO THE CLASSROOM WITH CALM AND CONFIDENCE Going back to school after the long summer holiday is never easy, but for many children the return this year will be the hardest yet! Here’s how you can help Preparation is key Leading up to the new term, begin re-implementing routine. Aim to spend a regular amount of time each day on educational activities. Replace some video game or TV time with reading, creative projects or puzzles. A set bedtime routine will help to minimise sleep disruption due to nerves or over-tiredness when school starts. If your child is anxious about going back to school, encourage them to reframe this feeling as excitement – after all, both can feel like butterflies in your tummy! Picking out pretty stationery, a cool new school bag or uniform shopping can morph nerves into looking forward to a fresh start. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) offers a range of tools that can aid children in managing their feelings, such as the Learning State and anchors.

40 / Berkhamsted Living

But what about the Eleven Plus exam? The sensible decision to delay the Eleven Plus (11+) exam means that children now have around seven to eight weeks of preparation time left. While it may seem counter-intuitive, a gentle approach is even more important for these pupils. Pushing too hard now may easily lead to burnout or frustration with the whole process, particularly when they are also managing the return to school. Support, understanding and plenty of rest will be crucial. Need a little help? Flying Start Tuition is an award-winning tuition centre offering classes for children from year one through to GCSEs, including their popular Eleven Plus programmes. Classes and courses run at their main centre in Chesham and at their five satellite centres in Amersham, Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, Jordans Village and Little Chalfont. Flying Start are Ofsted registered and accept Childcare Vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare. Bursaries are also available – please ask for details. For further information, contact: t: 01494 772 898. e: hello@flyingstarttuition.co.uk w: www.flyingstarttuition.co.uk For Berkhamsted tuition, contact: t: 01442 385 896. e: kaitlin@flyingstarttuition.co.uk

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Power up

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At Flying Start, we understand that everyone learns in diﬀerent ways. That’s why we oﬀer a variety of tuition options, designed to support your child whatever stage they’re at. From laying strong foundations in Years 2 and 3, through to tailored test preparation in Years 4 and 5, our unique programmes of term-time, holiday courses and mock tests will: • Strengthen competency in core subjects • Grow confdence and ability • Boost motivation • Raise self-esteem • Conquer exam nerves Contact us now and find out how we can help your child Power up for the Eleven Plus! t: 01442 385 896 e: kaitlin@flyingstarttuition.co.uk w: www.flyingstarttuition.co.uk Don’t forget... We are Ofsted Registered and accept Childcare vouchers!

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www.cheshamprep.co.uk Autumn 2020 / 43

BOOKS

The latest books from our local and regional authors

A Million Dreams Dani Atkins. Published by: Head of Zeus. Out now The story tracks Beth Brandon and Izzy Vaughan and their mutual families, through love and friendship. Both must make heart-wrenching decisions that will affect the rest of their adult lives. A superb read that will grip you from the first page! Dani lives near Buntingford with her husband, Siamese cat and a Border Collie. She is the author of four other bestselling novels, one of which – This Love - won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2018.

Intact Sue Hampton. Published by: TSL Out now in paperback and e-book Unfulfilled 60-year old Maggie revisits her childhood passions and decides to take control of her own destiny. An entertaining and poignant story based around the arresting character of Maggie, which explores the complexities of modern-day lives and loves. We’re looking forward to the sequel. Sue Hampton lives with her husband and two children in Berkhamsted. This is her 37th novel and possibly her last (which blows our hope for a sequel!) with a view to being a full-time climate, peace and justice activist.

The Hour of Separation Katherine McMahon. Published by: W&N. Out now Christa’s father returned from the First World War to the family home in Watford with a tale of a brave Belgian woman called Fleur who helped to save his life. With the world on the brink of another war, Christa makes contact with the Belgian family, forming a complex web of relationships with Fleur’s family. A combination of romance and mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Katherine McMahon is a former Watford resident and taught at local schools and the University of Hertfordshire.

The Girl Who Sewed Parachutes Christopher Baker. Available on Amazon. Out now Another wartime tale – this time the subject is 19-year-old Daisy, who is a seamstress in a parachute factory. But soon she is given a special job that she must keep quiet. Daisy is used to keeping secrets, until she decides to act on something she has kept to herself for a long time… A compelling tale of wartime morals, secrets and consequences that will keep you gripped until the end. Chris Baker lives in Dudswell, Berkhamsted. An astrophotographer, this is his first novel, but a book based on his images of space, Photographing the Deep Sky - Images in Space and Time, is published by White Owl Books. COMPETITION We had a record number of entries to our summer reading bundle competition, so well done to winners Moya Willis and Anne Chatterley – and happy reading!

44 / Berkhamsted Living

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PITSTONE HILL, ASHRIDGE AND ALDBURY WALK

WALKS AROUND TOWN This walk follows the ancient Ridgeway with stunning views from the top of Pitstone Hill before returning through the beautiful woodland of the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate Points of Interest • Tring station was constructed by the railway engineer Robert Stephenson. • The Ridgeway National Trail. • Aldbury Nowers Nature Reserve. • Pitstone Hill. • Ashridge Estate. • Albury

his six-mile walk is moderately stile-free. Surfaces are good but slippery at times. There’s a number of kissing gates and one steady and one steeper climb. This circular walk starts and finishes at Tring Railway Station or National Trust Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre car park. Note: This route follows The Ridgeway path to Waypoint 2. Leave the station, cross the road and turn right along the pavement. Cross over Northfield Road and stay in the same direction along the road edge for 100m to the entrance to Westland Farm. Turn left through the gate, walk up beside the concrete driveway and stay in this direction for 130m to a major path junction. 1. Waypoint 1 - Turn left along the wide track for 550m and bear right uphill past the entrance to Aldbury Nowers nature reserve. Ignore the first path on the left, walk forward a few metres and climb the steps to the left. Follow the path through the woods for almost 1km before passing through a gate on to the grassy hillside of Pitstone Hill. Keep straight ahead climbing round the side of the hill to the top and along the ridge before

descending to the car park below. Cross the road and through the gate opposite. Continue straight ahead, keeping to the left of the fence for 550m to a path junction. 2. Waypoint 2 - Turn right, follow the path uphill, through a gate and on to a path junction at the top. 3. Waypoint 3 - Turn right, go through a gate to the right of the kennels and stay on the wide track (Duncombe Terrace) for nearly 2km to arrive at a tall tower, the Bridgewater Monument, and the visitor centre. 4. Waypoint 4 - Continue in the same direction past them and take the wide path downhill. After about 200m fork right to continue to drop down to a road (Toms Hill Road). 5. Waypoint 5 - Turn right and go over the road junction into Station Road. Walk past the pond, the Post Office and village hall. Just after the church turn right on a path signposted to Pitstone Hill. Go through two gates and left through a third just before a large barn. Follow the path through two more gates to reach a T-junction. Turn left and stay on this path to reach a road. Turn right to return to the station and finish the walk.

SEE OUR WEBSITE WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO FOR FULL DIRECTIONS Autumn 2020 / 45

WHAT’S ON WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/EVENTS

As we go to print on the magazine, it is still uncertain on the rules around mass gathering events. Please check with the organisers in advance as to whether their event will be going ahead. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event

Check the enclosed leaflet from Berkhamsted Music for their events on Saturday 10 October and Saturday 7 November, both to be held at Berkhamsted Civic Centre. TUESDAY 1 SEP Charity: The Alternative Mix96 Tour de Vale Bike Ride 2020 In aid of WheelPower, runs from 1-30 September. Register for free. www.tourdevale.com Exhibitions: A New Dawn Black Gallery, Unit 44 The Silk Mill Business Park, Brook Street, Tring. 10am-6pm to 5 Sep. The Hastoe Artists, all members of Bucks Art Weeks, exhibit their latest work. www.instagram. com/2020hastoeartists WEDNESDAY 2 SEP Exhibitions: Roses from my Garden Coach House Gallery, the Stables, Waddesdon. 11am-5pm to 25 Oct. Free with grounds admission. Pre-book time slots online. www. waddesdon.seetickets.com/ timeslots/waddesdon-grounds TUESDAY 8 SEP Talks: Ann Cleeves Our Bookshop, Tring, 7pm. Celebrating the award-winning crime writer. See website for latest information. www. tringbookfestival.co.uk/bookshop FRIDAY 11 SEP Fairs / Festivals: Heritage Open Days Through to Thurs 17 Sep. BLHMS’s HODs include about 10 different events taking place in different locations in Berkhamsted. Events are FREE. Booking required by email or phone. www. berkhamsted-history.org.uk/ heritage-open-days SATURDAY 12 SEP Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market Church Square, Tring, 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Fine produce from around the district. www.tringfarmersmarket.co.uk WEDNESDAY 16 SEP Business: BDCC Champagne Networking Breakfast Berkhamsted Cricket Club, 7.15-9.15am. Informal networking over champagne/coffee. Elevator Pitch for your business, full English breakfast, speaker. www.berkhamstedchamber.co.uk

SATURDAY 19 SEP Fairs / Festivals: Chilterns Heritage Festival To 4 Oct. A series of exciting events across the region, designed to celebrate the diverse heritage of the Chilterns. Booking essential. www.chilternsociety.org.uk/ heritage-festival/ SATURDAY 3 OCT Kids: Fun Palace Virtual event and programme of free online activities. The Fun Palace campaign promotes culture at the heart of community and community at the heart of culture. www.dacorum.gov.uk/HYOC2020 SATURDAY 10 OCT Music: Reiko Fujisawa Carducci Quartet A masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose. Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm SUNDAY 18 OCT Sport: SimplyHealth Great South Run 2020 Join Team WheelPower at the world’s leading 10-mile running event as it returns to Portsmouth, and help provide opportunities for disabled people to lead active lives. www.wheelpower.org.uk FRIDAY 23 OCT Kids: Family Camps Wendover Arm Canal, Bucks to 25 Oct. £15pp. Work outdoors and learn new skills, find out about canal restoration and heritage. Open to families with children aged 6-14. www.wrg.org.uk SATURDAY 7 NOV Fairs / Festivals: Berkhamsted Rotary Fireworks Berkhamsted Cricket Club. Features a top-class firework display, DJ and music, bar, BBQ and other attractions. www.berkobang.org Fairs / Festivals: Tring Festival of Fire Charity event to raise money to support the local community featuring The Tring School Swing Band, Rock Chorus and Sweet-cornbread, food and drink. www.tringfireworks.co.uk Music: Ashley Wass Piano Great critical aclaim and frequently heard on Radio 3. Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm

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STORAGE

Beginners to GCSE. Experienced senior teacher tutors all ages online. Email: Luciepoole@hotmail.com

I have just received the current Tring Living mag l am impressed with the compostable bag it’s in. Although small, l will use it. Thank you. Barbara

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Autumn 2020 / 49

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/berkhamstedessential-services

Defibrillator machines in the town

TRANSPORT

Bus

0300 123 4050 or visit www.intalink.org.uk 30/31 to Hemel Hempstead via Ashridge, the Gaddesdens and Potten End (not Sun) 354 to Northchurch (not Sun) 354 to Chesham (not Sun) 500/501 to Aylesbury via Tring 500/501 to Watford via Hemel Hempstead

centre can be found by The Civic Centre, 161 High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 3HD. For a full list of defibrillators in the east of England, visit our website using the above link.

502/532 to Northchurch via Sportspace (not Sun)

HEALTH

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. Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of each month to Waitrose, Berkhamsted.

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

502/532 to Hemel Hempstead via Potten End

Community Action

Train

London Northwestern Railway 0333 3110039 or visit www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk to download the operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s app To London Euston via 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 / Berkhamsted Living

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