Sticks April 2016 by The Sticks

Issue 39 April 2016

In this edition of The Sticks Exclusive interview with Fish NEW! Russell Grant’s April Horoscope Bespoke Wedding Cheese Cakes Advice from Consensus HR What is Mediation? BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace – Sustainability in Herts Win Tickets to the Flashback Festival And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks 1

Welcome to the April edition of The Sticks Magazine! The most talked about magazine in Herts, Beds & Bucks With over 16,000 readers a month

In this issue: Exclusive Interview with Fish HR Column from Consensus HR What is Mediation? Curwens Column Art Column Russell Grant’s Horoscope Janey Lee Grace – Sustainability in Herts Superhero Films Win Tickets to the Flashback Festival Bespoke Wedding Cheese Cakes Big Barn Food Column Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Contributors: Terry Sullivan, Janey Lee Grace, Jo Coker, Sharon Struckman, Toby Archer, Russell Grant, Sonny Etchell

See you in May! Editor & Sales: Terry Sullivan Tel: 07756 274444 Email: thesticks9@gmail.com www.the-sticks.co.uk Follow us on twitter @thesticks9 www.facebook.com/sticksmag

Listen to The Sticks Radio Show at 10am on Mondays on Secklow Sounds www.secklowsounds.org

Exclusive Interview with Fish (Ex-Marillion front man)

Fish is a Scottish singer-songwriter and occasional actor. He achieved prominence as the lead singer and lyricist of the neo-progressive rock band Marillion from 1981 until 1988. In his solo career since he has explored contemporary pop and traditional folk. Fish is playing a handful of UK shows where he will play Marillion’s 1985 chart-topping album Misplaced Childhood in full for the very last time, ahead of releasing his final-ever album in 2017. "Kayleigh” is an iconic song and the one everyone remembers is it not? It is the one everyone wants to hear and the one everyone knows the band from and my history with them. As you say it was an iconic song at an important time, the album it came from, “Misplaced Childhood”, introduced people to the band on the back of Kayleigh, it threw a lot of people because we had only released the albums “Script for a Jester's Tear” and “Fugazi” up until that point, everyone saw us as arty, progressive rock, Genesis clones and suddenly it came out and threw everyone’s perceptions of where we were at, and then a lot of people when they heard the album got pulled into the band and catapulted us into the limelight. It was a strange song and strange album in as such I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the song and I love the album which I why I am out there doing the 30th anniversary of “Misplaced Childhood” concerts, at the same time it was the album that signalled the end of Marillion. The success the album brought along with it also brought along with it a whole conundrum of problems. We suddenly went from being a gang who was kicking about aiming for stuff and we hit that league and our approach to the business changed and because then there were a lot of people that were attracted to the success and a lot of people who were feeding off it, very much as the Spaniards with the Incas, there were lots of diseases brought in as far as the physiological stuff goes; awareness of money, awareness of business and suddenly it was not a game anymore, it was something that was in a different league, and we had to learn and adjust very quickly. The fame and fortune it brought along had different effects on the guys within the band, and because I was the front man it hits you first and you are the first one who has got to deal with it. Everyone wanted to talk to me, not the other 4 guys, I was the big 6 foot 5 Scottish guy called Fish, who at that point, was just finishing off with the make up and I think ego wise I struggled for a bit to get my balance again. I love “Misplaced Childhood” and I have already said I am planning to retire in 2018 and on the farewell tour, I did not want us to play huge chunks of that album, I felt it deserved one final set of performances as a complete album because, that was how it was written and recorded. It was written basically as one piece of music. It is 31 years since it was released.

Where did the name “Fish” come from? That is the most frequently asked question but short version, it comes from staying in the bath for too long, I used to have an old Scottish landlady, when I was working in the forestry business way up north and she decided to get some more money out of me and she decided I was only allowed one bath a week and any subsequent baths would cost me 20 pence so she could make an extra quid, I was lucky that I was working in a community centre at nights so I used to get my showers up there but the Thursday night when I was not working, I used to spend an hour and a bit in the bath and her being the stereotypical old tea drinking landlady and there was only one toilet in the house, it used to give me great satisfaction to hear her open the door and have to go to the neighbours for a pee. A mate of mine once turned up when I was in the bath, he was waiting for me for ages and she never told me he was in the house so when I came out he said are you some kind of fish or something, also with a name like Derek William Dick, you embrace a nickname pretty fast. Teenage life at school was hell but I took the Woody Allen school of thought that if you can make people laugh with you it is a lot better than them laughing at you, I developed a good positive defence system, it served me well when I moved to fronting the band. So how did the group get started? When I joined Marillion it was my first real serious band, even though in 1981 when I joined we were still playing minor places, I have fond memories of playing The Starting Gate pub in Milton Keynes, I have heard that is no longer there. It was our old killing ground, when we first started in Aylesbury; as we were not a fashionable group, we decided we were going to have to go and play live and I adopted the face make-up, we found props, we had for what was a pub band quite an elaborate little stage show. We played around Bedford, Aylesbury as it was our home town, and we toured on the circuits around Oxford and then eventually to the Marquee club in London. That became our home turf in London and it was just playing all those gigs, that we got noticed. When we signed the record deal we already had quite a substantial following. Everybody thought the band came from nowhere but by the time we signed we had done 160 or so shows which, was a lot for a band at that time. Do you feel you bucked the trend in the 1980’s being a 70’s prog-rock band? You had the NME and the ilk, they destroyed progressive rock, Genesis and Yes had really become very much dinosaurs, the music was kind of stagnant around about then and the press turned on them quite rightfully, in favour of something that was more vibrant and exciting. They thought they had buried it as that genre was hated among the young journalists there at that time, but we were underground and like I said we came through the live circuit and the people who were coming along to see us, were people who did not listen to what the press was saying and all that. They were not interested in the fashionable aspects of music, they just wanted to 5

hear the music they wanted to hear and at the time we were providing it. It was a very 70s sound because everybody in the band at that point was influenced by the big kingpins of the progressive rock scene. How do you think the music business has changed since 1980’s? When we signed a deal with EMI in 1982 the only musical formats were vinyl and cassette. The first album we released on CD was Misplaced Childhood. You look at the changes in the business now, we were told way back in early 80s when we signed deals that the publishing, copyrights and everything were going to be our pension but thanks to Spotify, Deezer and streaming, illegal downloads and piracy and stuff, the income from recorded music has been cut from beneath us, therefore a lot of people are going out into the live arena. For some bands the only way they can survive is to play live and at the same time there are a lot of younger bands using Facebook, using social media and they are able to integrate that with what they are doing, with their live performances to create a following, very much like we did, they cannot rely on being noticed by record companies and signed up. In all honesty signing up to a record company these days is a very old fashion way of going about things. When you were at school did you see yourself as being a singer or performer? Not really. I wanted to be an archaeologist, then I wanted to join the army but I was too big for tanks. I have always loved music, I was always going along to gigs, and at Christmas I got record tokens. I used to go to Edinburgh to the record stores and come back with armfuls of vinyl and I think it was one of those things; it was a dream more than anything else. I went along to see a Peter Gabriel gig at the Odeon in 1979 I think it was, it was the period when he was stuttering and stammering and it was not a particularly great performance, I thought these guys are not gods, you saw the mortality of them all. As I came out of the gig I bumped into a friend of mine from school who was a drummer and he asked me to audition for a band, so I went along and I had never sung through a microphone before and was standing about a foot off the mic trying to sing, he said come back when you have got a bit more experience. That got me fired up and being stubborn and Taurean and all the rest of it, I am going to do this and I joined Marillion in 1981 - that’s a long time a go. So the album “A Feast of Consequences” you released recently is not going to be your last? No I am working on a new album later this year which we will be recording the beginning of 2017, the time frames have moved back a little bit. I think “A Feast of Consequences “which came out 2012/13 it was a real labour of love and I really enjoyed writing it, especially the “high wood” section, a five song suite about World War One and the Somme battlefield. I just got really into writing and at the time I was unsure about what I was going to do, “13th Star” the previous album, that was about 2007 and I had gone through two vocal operations since then and I was really unsure what I was doing. I had done the Fishheads club tour which was a big 180 date acoustic tour just as a 3 piece - guitar, piano and my vocal and then I got back in to song writing by de-constructing the songs on that tour and it 6

got me excited so when I went into “A Feast of Consequences” I took a very different stripped down approach to it all. When you listen to the songs they are all very strong and it took a while doing it, I did not want to rush out and create a piece of plastic to throw at a fan base and get the trawl net out for the money, I wanted to make something I was proud of. When it came out the reviews were inspirational, I think if the reviews had been mediocre and it had not sparked up anything, then I think I would already be retired, but it made me want to go on and I thought there is one more album we can do and it seems like when I went out on the tour I realise there is a like sell by date in a way that I felt that I am going to be 58 this year and in 2018, I am going to be 60, and it is harder and harder on the road now to do tours as you get older, it is easy when you’re 30 years old, your recovery rate’s great, you’ve got a lot of energy and vitality on a 24 hour basis, the reality is I need to be playing to 2-3,000 people a night to make it work on a regular basis and I am not going to be doing that, the business has completely changed. The live circuits are overloaded because there are so many bands on the road, I thought, wait a minute there are other things I want to do, but 2018 that does not mean I am just going to be going out and gardening, there are biographies I want to write, there are screenplays I have been wanting to write for ages. When I was at school there was a parallel dream about did I want to be an actor or singer and if I had found a theatre group back then I might had been doing an interview with you about my latest movie rather than as a singer in a band, at this point in my life I would like to go and do some more acting, I have not done enough in the last 10-15 years that I would had liked to had done. The bottom line is I am a writer who can sing, I am not a singer who writes and I want to explore my writing a lot more.

Fish has just release re-mastered and repackaged solo albums – Sunsets On Empire, Raingods With Zippos and Fellini Days. Each of these is the definitive 3CD version containing demos, live recordings and rare exclusive material. Each album is housed in a unique hardback book with 48 pages of sleeve notes, lyrics, artwork and photographs – packaging designed by the award winning Mark Wilkinson. The legend that is Fish plays Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury on Monday 11th April on the ‘Farewell to Childhood’ tour Tickets priced £25 advance (subject to booking fees) 24 Hour ticket hotline – 0844 478 0898 / www.thegigcartel.com Website – http://fishheadsclub.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/derek.dick Twitter – https://twitter.com/FishDerekDick

Is Your Business Ready? The Living Wage I am currently working with my clients to get ready for the forthcoming introduction of ‘The Living Wage’ and what it entails so that they are ready for the 1st April 2016, but what does this mean to business owners? If an employee is working and aged 25 or over and not in the first year of an apprenticeship, they will be legally entitled to at least £7.20 per hour. That’s an extra fifty pence per hour in their pocket. The Government is committed to increasing this every year, so by 2020 it will be more than £9 per hour or 60% of UK median earnings if higher that £9 at that date. Employers need to make sure they are paying their staff correctly from 1st April 2016, as the National Living Wage will be enforced as strongly as the current National Minimum Wage. Take these steps to be ready for the change: 1. Take the appropriate payroll action. 2. Let your staff know about their new pay rate. 3. Check that your staff under 25 are earning at least the right rate of National Minimum Wage. What happens if an employee is under 25? The change won't affect people aged 24 and under currently on the minimum wage. At the moment, the national minimum wage is £6.70 and applies to everyone aged 21 and over. 18-20 year olds' current rate is £5.30 per hour. The rate for 16 to 17 year olds is £3.87 per hour. Around 1,600 employers have already voluntarily chosen to pay a Living Wage you can find out who they are here. How will the National Living Wage be paid for? Businesses will be helped to make the changes to wages, George Osborne has said. Corporation tax is being cut by two per cent to 18 per cent by 2020. And, employers will be able to reduce the amount of National Insurance contributions (NICs) they pay for their employees by 50% up to £3,000.

Isn't there already a living wage? Yes, but it's up to employers to decide if they want to pay it or not and should not be confused with the National Living Wage as discussed above which is compulsory. The current Living Wage for London is £9.15 an hour, lower than what the Government says its National Living Wage will be by 2020. Elsewhere the rate is £7.85 an hour, more than what has been proposed in the Budget. If you need any help with the future changes and getting your teams ready and informed about what to expect call Consensus HR. If you need professional HR advice. Contact Matthew call 01462 621243 or email him via matthew@consensushr.com …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

What is Mediation? Many people in life find themselves grappling with a problem or issue with another person that they find hard to resolve no matter how hard they try. This may be because the other person is very “black and white” in their thinking and cannot shift their position, or it may be that both parties find it hard to see through the “noise” of the problem. It is at times like this that Mediation can help. Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution. It is a voluntary process and will only take place if both parties agree. It is an extremely effective way of choosing to resolve disputes without the need to go to court and incur the enormous expense entailed, and risking the uncertain outcome. Mediation involves an independent third party - a trained mediator - who helps both sides come to an acceptable agreement. Mediations are completely confidential and the information discussed within them cannot be used in Court or in any other legal action issued at a later date. Mediation is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations such as: Divorce settlements, Consumer disputes, Workplace disputes, Contract disputes, Family disputes and Neighbourhood disputes. The role of the mediator is to help parties reach a solution to their problem and to arrive at an outcome that both parties can live with and accept. Mediators are neutral and do not make judgement on the issue or give advice. They simply open up effective communication and understanding between the parties so that they can reflect on why the dispute has happened and how it can be resolved. The focus of a mediation meeting is to reach a common sense settlement agreeable to both parties. There are no “winners” or “losers” If parties are unable to reach agreement, they can still go to court. Details about what went on at the mediation however will not be disclosed or used at a court hearing. Both parties share the cost of mediation, which will depend on the value and complexity of the claim. What are the benefits? Mediation can be quicker, less stressful and cheaper than going to court. The uncertain outcome of a court case is also avoided. Once a settlement has been reached a mediation agreement can be drawn up, and the parties tend to keep to the mediation agreement because they have prepared the terms themselves. Clients often leave mediation with a much clearer understanding of the issues that led to the dispute and often report closure of the emotions they have experienced. Most people are relieved not to go to court. Mediation at LCC If you feel that mediation could help you, please contact Joanna Coker who is an Accredited Mediator on joanna.coker@localcounsellingcentre.co.uk or contact Kathy Freemanthe Practice Manger on 01462 674671 option 2 or email hello@localcounsellingcentre.co.uk

March has been a very busy one in our property department and it is probably the same in many other solicitors firms across the country. This is due to the increases in Stamp Duty Land Tax coming into effect on 1st April when buying a second residential property. Now you might think the increase only applies to property developers, and those looking to rent out an investment property - but that is not the case. Could any of the following scenarios affect you? • • • •

Buying a new home, but using bridging finance as you have not yet managed to sell your old home? Purchasing a buy-to-let property to boost your pension income but still owning your own home? Buying a small holiday home somewhere in England for your own use? Helping your children to get on the property ladder by buying a property jointly with them, whilst continuing to own your own home

In all these situations you would technically own two or more properties at the same time. Many more people could be affected by this change than you think – so make sure you get the right advice as the rules and regulations are rather complex. Everyone knows when they buy a property to budget for the Stamp Duty, legal fees and estate agent’s costs - but it is now more important than ever to check you can afford the Stamp Duty as it might be higher than you expected. To see the difference clearly, look at the table below showing the different rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax that you have to pay if you are buying a second residential property. Property Value

Usual rate on your one residential property

The new rate on your second (or subsequent) residential property

£0 - £125,000 Over £125,000 - £250,000 Over £250,000 - £925,000 Over £925,000 - £1.5 million Over £1.5 million

0% ("nil rate band") 2% 5% 10% 12%

3% 5% 8% 13% 15%

If you need any assistance when purchasing a property, please contact us at Curwens LLP - your local firm of solicitors based in Royston, Hoddesdon and Enfield. www.curwens.co.uk

Feature on International Artist Marilyn Comparetto By Casey-Lee Kirk Work Experience student from Da Vinci school of Creative Enterprise in Letchworth

Talented artist Marilyn Comparetto started her painting career at age 19 not only exhibiting her artwork in the United Kingdom but all across the world, from Portugal to South Korea. She first exhibited her artwork in a library in South Norwood, London in 1976. This international artist taught herself to paint primarily wildlife. Then she moved on to experimented with lots of different styles and strategies. Following an initial intensive time of experimentation, Marilyn finally found she could be totally expressive by breaking all the rules and ignoring all of the criticism around her. She continues to develop the theoretical approach of portraying emotions and connotations intertwined within the compositions of her art work. Creating paintings by pulling deep thoughts and emotions from her own subconscious or/and from influences in the world around her, she launches them onto a canvas. As part of this process Marilyn often not only gives a visual image but also creates, and attaches, some poems or prose so that the viewer can understand the emotions that were being delivered in front of them. This artist has named this free style form of art â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mixism-the ultimate form of expressionism and has demonstrated this style of art around the UK to 20 art societies. Today Marilyn continues to develop her Mixism works, alongside the more traditional style of art.

In 2014 Marilyn was invited to join an International artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collaboration where she created a painting influenced by the tragic radiation accident in Japan, Tokyo. Naming this piece 'Caesium Raincat', the painting depicts a tabby cat cleaning itself surrounded by radioactive rain water. This painting is based on one of many poems written by Taro Aizu (Japanese poet) interpreting his experiences and views on the disaster at Fukushima.

If you are interested in starting or continuing with your art, Marilyn will be delivering a series of art workshops, for beginners and intermediate level artists. She also gives art demonstrations to art societies and clubs throughout the United Kingdom. 6. To find out more about this visit her at www.marilyncomparetto.com or www.mardleyburygallery.co.uk

Russell Grant's Monthly Horoscopes - April

ARIES March 21st - April 20th CANCER Jun 22nd - Jul 23rd An opportunity to get an advanced degree, travel overseas or publish some written work could arrive in early April. Your charisma will be at an all time high, making it easy to attract romance. A jealous authority figure may try to block your path to success. Resist the temptation to get drawn into a power struggle on the 7th, when the New Moon ignites your rebellious side. You'll be able to strike out on your own towards mid-month. Launching your own business or taking a freelance assignment is a strong possibility. Don't hesitate to negotiate a higher salary than you are offered. Your ability to wheel and deal will be very strong during the second half of the month. Resist the urge to overindulge or you could become tired and listless. It's important to look your best at work. The Full Moon on the 22nd marks an exciting turning point in an intimate relationship.

You can make good progress on the fitness front in the opening days of the month. Take this opportunity to launch an exercise regime. Eating well and sleeping more are also strongly advised. The New Moon on the 7th will tempt you to accept a job offer, but beware. It may be advisable to wait for a better situation. You don't want to work for an oppressive tyrant. Launching your own business is definitely worth considering in April. A relative or neighbour who believes in you might be prepared to offer you some start up capital. A creative project will come to fruition on the 22nd, courtesy of the Full Moon. This impressive performance will pave the way for more lucrative opportunities. Getting paid for your artwork will be the answer to a prayer. You might decide to get involved with an artists' collective as a means to showcase your work. As May approaches, there will be power in numbers.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st An intense relationship will make you excited about the future. You may decide to make a serious commitment in the early days of April. Keep this union a secret for the first half of the month. This will allow you and your amour to get used to the new arrangement. The New Moon on the 7th could cause some pangs of anxiety. It will be harder than you expect to relinquish your independence. Going on a solitary holiday may ease your fears. Don't be afraid to have a heart to heart talk about finances with your partner in April. You may decide to have three bank accounts: Yours, Mine and Ours. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will help you and your partner form a united front. If you're single, you could meet your soulmate in a club, a nightclub, an environmental group or even an antique shop. Splash out on some new clothes or a makeover as May approaches.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd You'll have a chance to do some business related to the arts in early April. If you're looking for work, you could land a steady job in a creative field. Serving as an apprentice or an assistant to a prominent figure in the painting, publishing or design world is a distinct possibility. You might have to ask for additional training near the 9th, when the New Moon reveals some gaps in your knowledge. Don't be afraid to admit your lack of experience; it's the fastest way to acquire marketable skills. Adopting a humble attitude isn't easy for you, but it is very likely to lead to career success in April. The Full Moon on the 22nd will mark an improvement to your home life. You could move to a nicer place or add a relative or roommate to your household. This base of operations will make it easier to improve your job prospects during the closing days of the month.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Your best friend, romantic partner or a colleague will be extremely supportive. Accept their help while pursuing a cherished dream. You could reach heights you never dreamed possible in early April. Jealous friends could fall by the wayside near the 7th, when the New Moon puts strain on weak relationships. You're about to learn an important lesson about loyalty. During the second half of the year, you could receive an inheritance, tax refund or legal settlement that will put you in a more secure financial footing. Take this opportunity to launch your own business or change careers. Pursuing work in a creative field will be exciting, but you'll have to be frugal in the early stages. Don't hesitate to accept an entry level position around the 22nd, when the Full Moon will send some intriguing work your way. You might be serving as an assistant to an important artist, producer or gallery owner.

VIRGO August 24th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sept 23rd A legal settlement, dividend or inheritance will arrive in the early days of the month, relieving some of your financial problems. Resist the urge to splash out on some luxuries with this windfall. It's better to conserve your resources. The New Moon on the 7th will require you to pay a big bill or satisfy an old debt. The longer you put off this obligation, the more expensive it will become. A temporary job assignment could become available at a religious, cultural or educational organisation at midApril. You might have to postpone a home improvement project until you build up your savings. Good news about a loved one's job will arrive on the 22nd. Go out and celebrate this marvellous turn of events. Try not to be resentful of their success. Their progress is the result of a team effort. Taking pleasure in their happiness will make you more attractive to positive energy.

radical changes to your surroundings. It's better to maintain the status quo right now. Around the middle of April you'll have a chance to study or travel. Expanding your horizons could put you on the path to love. If you're already in a relationship, take a relaxing holiday with your amour. Resist the urge to push a relative into making a hasty decision during the second half of the month. A strategic retreat will yield better results with this family member. On the 22nd, you should attend a party. Your magnetism will turn heads and attract admirers. Prepare to make some powerful friends. You will find someone with a foreign accent particularly charming. The two of you will make a great team.

LIBRA Sep 24th - Oct 23rd Traveling on business could put you on the path to love in early April. If you already have a romantic partner, this would be a good time to sign a long term contract with a vendor or investor. Turn a deaf ear to a manipulative relative who is always criticising your best friend. On the 7th, the New Moon will force you to make a choice between friends and family. Take this opportunity to draw healthier boundaries with your kin. Don't allow them to dictate the terms of your romantic and social lives. An intense flirtation will fill you with excitement during the second half of the month. It's fun to banter with someone who is as witty and intelligent as you. The Full Moon on the 22nd will draw some extra money into your bank account. Take this opportunity to splash out on clothes, jewellery and toiletries. Luxury products are as essential as food and water to you.

AQUARIUS Jan 21st - Feb 19th You'll meet some influential people in the opening days of the month. This would be a great time to attend parties and professional conferences. Try to listen more than you speak at these gatherings. The New Moon on the 7th warns against blurting out embarrassing remarks. You should also double check the address field on emails before clicking the 'send' button. The middle of April brings you a chance to improve your living situation. This will be a great time to move to a nicer place, buy a piece of land or make some home improvements. An exciting career opportunity will arrive on the 22nd. Working for a focused executive will be a welcome change of pace. You're tired of taking orders from disorganised people who lack vision. You'll have a chance to buy some beautiful furniture and artwork as April turns to May. Don't hesitate to splash out on quality items.

SCORPIO Oct 24th – Nov 22nd A steady job with plenty of growth opportunity will arrive in early April. Be sure to accept this offer, even if it means starting at the bottom of an impressive organisation. You'll quickly rise up the ladder to success. Resist the urge to get into a war of words with a pushy colleague on the 7th. That's when the New Moon will implore you to establish yourself as a team player. Your love life will show signs excitement during the second half of the month. This is a great time to embark on a romance, plan to get engaged or think about exchanging wedding vows. The Full Moon on the 22nd invites you to spoil yourself. Splash out on some luxuries and give yourself a treat or two. Propose an idea for a new product or service as May approaches. Originality will set you apart from the crowd. Buy your best friend or romantic partner a beautiful token of your appreciation.

PISCES Feb 20th - March 20th A career opportunity will arrive in early April. This is the best time of the entire year to land a terrific job. Don't hesitate to ask former employers, teachers and coaches to write some referrals for you. Steer clear of discussing money matters on the 7th, when the New Moon will undermine your earning power. Your job description could change around the middle of April. Stay calm. These adjustments could ultimately work in your favour. If you can't get the salary you want, you'll be able to negotiate some good fringe benefits near the 22nd. That's when the Full Moon can attract impressive perks. When given a choice between taking a flat salary and earning a commission, choose the latter. You'll easily outperform the competition. Advertising and social media will be key components to your success. A captivating blend of words and images will drive new business to your door. Be relentless about getting the word out.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23rd – Dec 21 The opportunity to travel for business will arrive in the opening days of April. This is a great time to sign some new business or extend an existing contract. If you're unfamiliar with certain customs, ask to be enlightened. It's better to admit your ignorance than pretend to possess expert knowledge on the 7th. That's when the New Moon invites you to adopt a humble attitude for the sake of acquiring new information. Your health will undergo a dramatic improvement in the second half of April, thanks to a new fitness regime. Resist the urge to adopt a rigorous exercise routine. Slow and steady wins the race. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will prompt you to get some rest and relaxation. Even a social butterfly like you needs to recharge your batteries from time to time. Finding a steady job is a strong possibility in the closing days of April.

www.russellgrant.com Call Russell Grant's Psychics & Mediums now on 0906 539 1526 (£1.50p per min + phone access charge, 18+) or pay by Credit/Debit card on 0207 111 6162 Calls to 0906 cost £1.50p per minute plus your phone providers access charge;18+ only. All calls are recorded for your protection & safety. This Entertainment service is regulated by PhonePayPlus and is provided by Russell Grant Astrology Ltd. Customer Services 0808 206 4514

CAPRICORN Dec 22nd – Jan 20th Home life will be very satisfying in the opening days of April. This is a great time to scale back your social life for the sake of some down time. The New Moon on the 7th warns against making

Sustainability in Herts

You may know about it already – Hertfordshire can boast having a winning restaurant in its county, not just any award either, Lussman’s who have restaurants in St Albans, Hertford and Harpenden has been named the winner of the People’s Favourite category in the Food Made Good Awards, the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s annual celebration of the UK’s ethical eateries. Ethically sourced British produce has always been intrinsic to Andrei Lussman’s philosophy; he has been using seasonal ingredients for years and really cares about provenance. It’s my all time fave restaurant anywhere in the UK – you’ll find me there regularly, usually with a notebook as it’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch writing columns like these – away from the hustle and bustle of the home office! www.lussmans.co.uk

Talking of taking time out to write, it was national stationery week recently and I gave them a quote for their marketing, around the ‘dying’ art of handwriting, I always recommend that people handwrite anything they have really got to remember, so if you are writing a script for a speech, notes for a presentation or even just a shopping list, the act of physically writing it down by hand helps the cognitive brain. How is that in any way linked to sustainability you ask? Well I’m thrilled to have found the great Herts company 4Roffice who do exactly that, provide brilliant eco and sustainable options from office furniture to eco cleaning equipment – and much more besides, currently loving the 100 per cent recycled notebooks – as already said, you’ll see me in Lussmans scribbling in mine! www.4roffice.co.uk

Carmen & Rafaele

Carmen & Rafaele is a brand new local WGC British lifestyle brand bringing “Art into Fashion” offering affordable luxury, specialising in high definition exclusive print ranges in wovens and jerseys. We specifically design stylish and timeless easy to wear comfortable garments printed only on quality natural fibre fabrics that are washable and that fit the body shape of today’s clients. We also ensure that all our garments are made in the best certified factories in the world. Carmen & Rafaele has at present two ranges comprising of the Carmen & Rafaele "Premium range" and the "T-shirts & Gladrags" range retailing between £43.00 and £180.00 and for Spring/Summer of 2017 they will be launching the Carmen & Rafaele "Athleisure range" consisting of deconstructed tailoring. The Ethos behind the brand is:Exclusive and original high definition prints. Garments are designed to be transitional and timeless ensuring and all year round selling window. All garments are made of only premium natural fibres and specified to be easy care and washable. New exclusive block patterns to ensure a comfortable fit. Only ethical and certified factories are used to produce our garments. Carmen & Rafaele is a youthful original clothing range that suits all age groups and is comfortable and practical to wear and care for.

www.carmenandrafaele.co.uk 0845 0944534

Award Winning Local Company - Champagne Buy Gémeaux Karen and Ian Dibbs, founders of Champagne Buy Gémeaux, based in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, were chosen by the legendry Dragons Den ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis to be awarded Small Business Sunday #SBS. They attended the #SBS winners event 2016 in Birmingham on 12th February where they met and had there photograph taken with the man himself. Having first visited the Champagne Region of France in 2008 with some friends, and falling in love with the area. Karen and Ian have since been back many times and tasted lots of Champagne produced by the smaller champagne houses that are were not available in the UK. There are hundreds and hundreds of Champagne producers in The Champagne region of France. Many of them as we know, produce Champagne in vast quantities, and sell their Champagne worldwide, but there are also hundreds of them who are very small independent farmers, who have been growing grapes and producing quality Champagne for generations. Due to their small size these growers cannot afford to invest time and money exporting their Champagne outside of France, we then had a brilliant idea. Why don’t we import it ourselves!!! We then went on and approached a number of the smaller independent champagne houses, to ask if they would allow us to bring their lovely champagne into the UK and so Gémeaux was born. Why is the company called Gémeaux? Karen is a Gemini, and had a very successful beauty salon for 20 years by the same name. So it’s always been lucky for them. Champagne is French so we made Gemini French!! GÉMEAUX Check out their online store www.champagne-buy-gemeaux.co.uk, and they also have a mobile Champagne Bar which we take to local events, so everyone can enjoy a glass of chilled Champagne while they are enjoying their day, also it gives people the chance to taste the Champagne. The bar is also available for private hire for Weddings, Garden parties corporate events etc. Karen and Ian also hold Champagne tasting parties, in the comfort of your own home.

Local 17 year old Film Reviewer Sonny Etchell Talks Superheroes â&#x20AC;Ś

In the superhero-movie saturation that we are currently amidst, Tim Miller's Deadpool was an utterly relentless, raw and refreshing comic-book movie. Deadpool had been in development for years before 20th Century Fox allowed it to be made. In fact, this passion project of Ryan Reynolds would probably never have seen the light of day if it weren't for the leaked test footage that caught the attention of the fans who's overwhelming response to this exciting, fresh authentic adaptation of the sly antihero gave the movie the green-light to be made and happily, it was well worth the wait. Plot summary from IMDB.com: A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool. When you're not fixated on the entertaining ultraviolence that the movie feeds to you, you'll be in hysterics at the crude and self-referential humour. From the meta jokes about other superheroes movies like The Avengers and X-Men, to the fourthwall breaking references of Ryan Reynolds as an actor, Deadpool is a hugely selfaware comedy. While some of the humour is more aimed towards American crowds and fell flat over here, the film is aware of its audience as exemplified by a hilarious David Beckham gag that turned out to be one of the funniest lines of the movie. With its surprising financial success, Deadpool is a game-changer that will hopefully grant studios the freedom they need to branch-out more, creatively. The relentlessly entertaining flick that combines action and comedy with a genuine and raunchy love story is one of the best we've had so far in 2016. Continuing in the trend of superhero movies, the ultimate showdown that is Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is hitting our cinemas. Will Ben Affleck's rendition of Batman be badass like the trailers suggest? Could this movie be the dawn (no pun intended) of great DC Comics movies. I sure hope so. www.sonnyetchell.com

Would you like to see Billy Ocean, Kim Wilde, Heaven 17, The Bay City Rollers, The Human League, Soul II Soul, Paul Carrack and many more … Live on 9th & 10th July for Free?

The Sticks have teamed up with UK Events (the people behind The Flashback Festival) and Steaming Kettle PR and have a pair of camping tickets for the whole weekend (worth £198) for you to Win!!!!!!!!!! Flashback Festival is to be welcomed into the grounds of Rockingham Castle this summer. With a weekend of fantastic music from across the decades there will be something for everyone … legendary artists from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s will be performing live for a Rockingham crowd.

A host of fantastic artists have now been announced such as: Kim Wilde, Bay City Rollers, Soul II Soul, Paul Carrack, Heaven 17 Nick Heywood, Living In A Box,T’Pau Tunde (the voice of the Lighthouse Family), The Real Thing, Dr + The Medics, and 10cc … along with two iconic headliners; Billy Ocean on Saturday and The Human League on Sunday … it doesn’t get better than this!

This is must for music enthusiasts and the atmosphere caters for everyone. By using our many years of experience, we will ensure that Flashback is the “must go to” festival of 2016! There will be themed bars and food stalls catering for all tastes. So bring along your deck chairs and then either sit back and relax or dance the nights away whilst listening to our fabulous artists. To win a pair of Camping tickets for the whole weekend (worth £198) all you have to do is answer the following question: What was the title of the only No1 single Billy Ocean had in the UK? Email your answer together with your name and contact details to thesticks9@gmail.com Closing date: Noon on Friday 24th June. First correct entry drawn will win the camping tickets. There is no cash alternative, usual your publication rules apply and the Editor's decision is final. Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, Leicestershire, LE16 8TH Tickets adults £80 for the weekend or £43 per day www.theflashbackfestival.com Booking line 0845 075 6101

Bespoke Wedding Cheese Cakes Cheese wedding cakes have really taken off over the last couple of years. People choose them because they want something a bit different ... or because they just love cheese! Whether you are having a small wedding and need a modest selection or planning to host an event requiring a spectacular tower; The Cheese Plate will put it all together for you. We make up dozens of cakes annually and with our combined expertise and experience we can accommodate almost anything. We recommend that you contact Toby to schedule an appointment first. We will aim to book you in approximately one to two months before your special day. This is due primarily to seasonality; a cheese tasted in March for an August wedding might not be at its best in late summer, and vice versa. Due to the nature of the shop being busy at weekends we suggest scheduling a meeting on a weekday evening. During the appointment we will ask if you would like a tiered cake or a cheese board selection. This will often determine the best styles of cheese to choose. In order to make the right choice for you, we will also discuss your menu and can then look at cheese to complement the style of food you will be serving. (What is in season? Preferences on milk or cheese-type?) We will then have a tasting of your choices to help in making your final decisions. When you have made your decision, we will discuss budget, number of guests and make a suggestion on cheese weights and numbers of pieces.

For more information, contact www.thecheeseplate.co.uk or email directly to toby@thecheeseplate.co.uk

Lamb

Spring is finally here and there is no better indicator then the arrival of all the lambs. With lots of sheep and lambs now out in the fields we celebrate spring and what a delicious meal lamb makes! Buying British lamb not only means you are supporting British farmers but you are also buying a local, high welfare, low carbon foot print product. But you don’t just have to buy lamb; mutton is also an excellent product that tastes just as good. Here is food hero Joanna Blythman on the difference between Lamb and Mutton. Joanna: People who think they know what lamb is all about may do a double take when they first eat hogget and mutton (that’s meat from sheep aged more

than

one

and

two

years,

respectively). These traditional meats offer all the reliable taste we expect from lamb, only more so. Most modern lamb comes from sheep four to six months old. But if the animal is given more time to range freely; all the while chomping away on tussocky bracken, heather, herbs and clovers, its meat develops an infinitely more interesting, fuller flavour that is exceptionally satisfying. The grain of the meat becomes finer too – even more pleasing to the tongue.

At this time of year, why buy anaemic and overpriced â&#x20AC;&#x153;springâ&#x20AC;? lamb from sheep fattened up indoors on compound feeds, or imported long-haul from the southern hemisphere, when hogget and mutton, patiently reared in the UK, is on offer? Why is it good for me?

Joannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant book The high-quality protein in hogget and mutton sates the appetite and repairs and maintains our bodies. These meats have every essential amino acid we need, along with high levels of valuable micronutrients, including easily absorbed iron to energise us, zinc to support the immune system, and B vitamins to help us think straight. Since sheep graze on green pastures, the fat in their meat is an excellent source of conjugated linoleic acid, which is heart-healthy and helps protect us against cancer. To discover some fantastic lamb & Mutton producers online try our MarketPlace . Or search our local food map for a farm shop or deli in your area selling high quality meat where you can ask about how it was reared.

www.bigbarn.co.uk

we mix and mingle with local singles. Fully hosted by Meet-balls dating. Old Owens Sports & Social Club Coopers Lane, Northaw, Potters Bar EN6 4NE

Herts Listings The City of Butchery Green - till Sat 9 Apr The shopping centre of Bircherley Green stands on the site of Hertford’s most notorious slum. As Hertford considers the future of Bircherley Green we look back on the stories of Bircherley Green’s inhabitants. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Peter Rabbit Holiday Hop - Sat 2 to Sun 17 Apr We are opening our brand new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground for the start of the school break, with a holiday programme including Jemima Puddleduck chocolate egg hunt, Peter Rabbit Hunt with prize. Willows Activity Farm. Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans AL4 0PF

Easter Trail - That’s Not My Egg Gallery Trail - til Sun 17 Apr Explore the galleries to help kiwi find her lost egg to win a chocolaty prize. - sheet £1, suitable for all ages. The Natural History Museum, The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP

Hertford Museum Presents: A Pop Culture Quiz at St John’s Hall - Sat 2 Apr 8.00pm Think you know your pop culture? Pop down to St John’s Hall and help us raise money for our Picture This! project. Form a team of ten in advance or make new friends on the night. St Johns Hall, Hertford SG13 8AE

Easter Crafts - til Fri 15 Apr Join us at the visitor centre to make a springtime craft. All children must be supervised by an adult. No need to book, just drop in. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT

Clare Teal Celebrates Doris Day - Sat 2 Apr Award winning Jazz and Big Band Singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal has always championed the music of the most beloved female singers of the 20th Century. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Little Red Riding Hood - Fri 1 to Sun 3 Apr Join us at The Bull Theatre for another Eggciting Easter pantomime. A fun adventure for the young & the young at heart. Little Red Riding Hood is an interactive performance with singing, dancing and plenty of giggles! The Bull Theatre, 68 High Street, Barnet EN5 5SJ

Mash It Up! - Sat 2 Apr With Reggie ’N Bollie, Rough Copy, Just Jay Dance, Gabz, Andy Abraham, DJ Michael Andre. The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD 1True Grit for Isabel Hospice - Sat 2 Apr Could you take on 10ft walls, barbed wire, tunnels, water, ice, fire, scramble nets and mud and even more mud to raise funds for Isabel Hospice? Benington Lordship, High Elms Lane SG2 7DG

Ashridge Estate - Easter Crafts - Fri 1, Mon 4 to Fri 8, Mon 11 to Fri 15 Apr Bring the children to enjoy our Easter crafts. Come along to make and decorate your own Easter themed crafts. Booking Not Needed. Dogs on leads welcome. Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX

Herbal workshop - a detox with nettles - Sat 2 Apr Come and learn about the medicinal, versatile nettle from our herbalist in beautiful settings near Broxbourne woods. Broxbournebury Vineyard, Cock Lane, Hoddesdon EN11 8LS

2Tone - Fri 1 Apr The Golden Lion, London Colney AL2 1RG Pinocchio - Fri 1 Apr Join Ballet Theatre UK as we tell the tale of a wooden puppet carved from pine with but only one wish…to become a real boy. Set to a stunning score, this original production will delight ballet audiences and families alike. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Spring Fair - Sat 2 Apr Welcome to this lovely seasonal event which will be enjoyable for everyone. There will be a children’s’ activity table and lots of stalls. These will feature homemade cakes and marmalade, bric-a-brac and cards, toys and books, and clothing. Letchworth Free Church Hall, bottom of Leys Avenue, on Norton Way South, Letchworth SG6 3HS

Cheeese and Whine - Singles Party Night Fri 1 Apr Join Meet-balls Dating for our fun, light-hearted Cheeesy Singles Party Night. Have your best cheeesy chat-up lines ready as

Singers at the Barn - Sun 3 Apr Chase away your winter blues by hot footing it along to the next Singers at the Barn evening. We will be presenting two new voices along with some of our hot favourites. There will be a minimum of 16 separate acts. Barn Theatre Club Room, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST

world for thirty years. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG13 1PS Half Term Full Fun - Thu 7 & Fri 8 Apr Looking for something a little different to do with the kids this half term? Try our half arts day (10am to 1pm); dance, craft -making and storytelling - all in one place, all for one price. Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Screaming Blue Murder - Mon 4 Apr Screaming Blue Murder (or SBM to its friends) continues to entertain down in the murky depths of The Cellar Club. If Mondays always seem like the worst day of the week, cheer yourself up with a dose of belly-laughs! Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Hertford Arts Festival 2016 - Fri 8 Apr to Sun 8 May The annual Hertford Arts Festival will showcase and promote the local arts. A variety of activity will take place such as the Hertford Arts Trail, English Celebration Street Festival and Hertford Castle. Hertford Castle and Hertford Town Centre Hertford SG14 1HR

RSPCA Fun Quiz - Mon 4 Apr A fun quiz, less confrontational that those of a more serious nature. A cheap night out, some interesting questions, and a chance to socialise whilst helping a good cause. Drinks and food can be purchased at the bar. George & Dragon, 19 High Street, Graveley SG4 7LE

The Make it Fun-ky Show - Fri 8 Apr It’s education through sensation, it’s a festival of fun for everyone, it’s the Glastonbabies’ Make it Fun-ky show. A must for pre-schoolers and their families. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

An Evening with Ian Waite and Camilla Dallerup - Tue 5 Apr For one night only, join Ian Waite & Camilla Dallerup from Strictly Come Dancing plus professional singer Paul Amer & guests for a spectacular evening of Dance, Singing and stories from their time on the BBC hit show. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Hertford Arts Festival Launch - Fri 8 Apr Tickets priced £5 each to include a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. 50% of the ticket price will go to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity. This exclusive charity event will showcase a preview art piece from each of the artists taking part. Hertford Castle Hertford SG14 1HR

Easter Half Term - Exotic Animals! - Tue 5 to Thu 7, Tue 12 to Thu 14 Apr 10.30-3.30 pm (last entry 3pm) £1.50 per child Drop in and take part in craft activities inspired by the exotic animals in our collection. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Theatre Organ Concert - Sat 9 Apr Len Rawle M.B.E. A St Albans favourite makes a welcome return to play the St Albans Organ Theatre. St Albans Organ Theatre, St Albans AL1 5PE Opera - Sat 9 Apr Benslow Baroque Opera Presents Venus and Adonis Musical Director: Julian Perkins Stage Director: Dionysios Kyropoulos Benslow Music Trust, Hitchin SG4 9RB

AS Roma Junior Football Camp - Tue 5 to Fri 8 Apr We are pleased to host the first AS Roma Junior Camp to be held in the UK, right here on our fantastic 3G pitch at The Arena! The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock SG7 5AU

Broadway and Beyond - Sat 9 Apr Featuring a brand new selection of songs from a century of Broadway’s finest musicals, this show is designed to dazzle and delight. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Alice in Wonderland Film & Fun Day - Tue 5 Apr Put your mad hat on and come and join us for a tea party with Alice. There’ll be drama, games, arts and crafts, film and popcorn. For ages 4-14The Ark Theatre, Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood, WD6 1TS

The Railway Children - Sat 9 Apr The Olivier award-winning stage show of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children steams into cinemas. York Theatre Royal’s production of Mike Kenny and Damian Cruden’s imaginative stage

The Amazing Bubble Man- Tue 5 Apr Louis Pearl, the Amazing Bubble Man is coming to Hertford with his unique show that has been delighting audiences of all ages around the

adaptation was filmed at the National Railway museum. Hertford Theatre, Hertford SG14 1PS

Watford and always popular. Stanborough Centre, 609, St Albans Rd, Watford WD25 9JL The Best Thing - Thu 14 Apr Vamos Theatre present a swinging sixties story of unconditional love from the UK’s leading full mask company. Suitable for 12+, this production is equally accessible to hearing and deaf audiences. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Dog Event at Christopher Place - Sat 9 Apr Come to our brand new event at Christopher Place, we have joined forces with Glendee Dog Rescue who will bringing their fundraising team along as well as one of their professional dog trainers who will share some tricks of the trade. Upper Dagnall Street, St Albans AL3 5DQ Musical Sunday Afternoon - Sun 10 Apr Enjoy a musical Sunday Afternoon listening to this fascinating collection of unique selfplaying musical instruments. Includes tea and coffee in the interval. St Albans Organ Theatre, St Albans, AL1 5PE

RSPB Evening Talk- The wildlife of Bhutan by Jeff Blincow - Fri 15 Apr Jeff has been lecturing about wildlife since 1980 and is one of the founder committee members of the Neotropical Bird Club. Tilbury Hall, United Reformed Church, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1BZ

St Albans Country Market - Sun 10 Apr Local food cooperative. Selling cakes, biscuits, scones, savouries, jams & preserves as well as handmade or homegrown items. All produce is homemade fresh, and all cooks hold level 2 hygiene and food safety certificates. St Albans AL1 3DP

A Tribute to Cliff Richard and The Shadows - Fri 15 Apr Jimmy Jermain is perhaps Europe’s finest and most professional tribute to Cliff Richard and is now firmly established as the number 1 Cliff look and sound-alike. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

The Muddy Mucker© - Sun 10 Apr The Muddy Mucker© returns at the brand new location of Chiswell Green, St Albans! Join us at 10am and test your endurance in a 5 mile obstacle challenge. Chiswell Green Lane, St Albans AL2 3AJ

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark - Fri 15 Apr Based on the bestselling children’s classic by Jill Tomlinson. Adapted for the stage by the Blunderbus team, with music and lyrics by Frank Goodhind. Plop is a baby Barn Owl. He lives at the top of a tall tree, in a field. He is fat and fluffy. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

The Railway Children - Tue 12 Apr When Father is taken away by two strangers, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered. Their mother is forced to take them from their comfortable London home to live in a simple country cottage. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

For One Knight Only ... In Perfect Harmony - Sat 16 Apr Following a sold-out event last year, the Knights of Harmony will be hosting their 2016 Annual Show at the impressive Centenary Theatre in Berkhamsted. They will be joined by the UK’s No.1 barbershop quartet, Reckless. Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted HP4 3BG

Gentle Stroll - Signs of Spring - Tue 12 Apr Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk near the visitor centre to look at Ashridge’s huge variety of species of plants and trees. May not be suitable for children. No need to book. Please dress for the weather. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT

The East of England Food Festival , Arts, Crafts and Gifts - Sat 16 & Sun 17 Apr A celebration of all that is good to eat and drink from across the Eastern Region and far beyond From condiments, artisan cheeses, home cured and fresh meat, dairy products, confectionary, bakery, wine, beer and other drinks, together with cookware. Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX

“Waders, Waders Everywhere” – Chris Ward - Wed 13 Apr Illustrated talk organised by Watford Local RSPB Group. Chris will tell us all about waders both from the UK and the rest of the world, their habitat, their feeding and where they live. Chris is a regular at

Thriplow Daffodil Weekend - Sat 16 & Sun 17 Apr Each year 7,000 - 10,000 people visit Thriplow for our annual Daffodil Weekend.

Visitors step back in time, walking the beautiful traffic-free lanes and connecting footpaths, visiting residents ’Open Gardens’, Craft Barns, Marquees. 2 Middle Street, Thriplow SG8 7RD

Chopin: Cello Sonata. The venue has excellent acoustics, level access and ample free parking. The Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JA

Shalamar - Sat 16 Apr The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD

EBLOS: Oliver! - Wed 20 , Fri 22, Sat 23 Apr The classic British musical, based on Charles Dickens’ book. Songs include As Long As He Needs Me, Where is Love, Who Will Buy and Consider Yourself. A wonderful heartwarming show for the whole family. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Rye Meads Spring Funday - Sat 16 Apr Join us for our big annual spring fun day! Have a go at our trails and wildlife hunts, grab a net for pond dipping, try your hand at our games, make a craft, hold a creature, paint a picture, plant some flowers, eat some cake. Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8JS

Free Business Networking Event - Thu 21 Apr Free networking event with guest speaker Charlie Ryan, MD of CMR Recruitment. Join us and the leaders of Hertfordshire’s business community, Peace Hospice Care WD17 3PH

Open Air Cinema - Grease Sing-a-Long - Sat 16 Apr Grease! If you want to see it big, hear it loud and sing a long why not enjoy this all time favourite on a 24 ft outdoor screen. Food and drink available from the venue cafe. In Aid of The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre Enfield. Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB

Music Club: 4 Girls 4 Harps - Thu 21 Apr Since their formation in 2000, this unusual quartet have delighted audiences throughout the UK and Europe. Featured on several radio programmes, they have also released two albums, playing a dynamic and innovative repertoire. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

The Watford Hilton Hotel Wedding Fair Sun 17 Apr Why not visit this tranquil wedding venue, surrounded by beautiful walled gardens and enjoy the wonderful floral spring colours. The fair is open between 11.00am - 3:30pm with fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. The Watford Hilton Hotel, Watford WD25 8HA

The Rat Pack Live - Fri 22 Apr Celebrating the centenary of Sinatra, the UK’s no 1 Dean, Sammy and Frank combine for the first time ever in the all new smash hit. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

The Whistling Duck Wedding Fair - Sun 17 Apr Brides, bring the whole family and relax in this stunning new wedding venue nr Hertford. Meet quality local exhibitors and enjoy two great fashion shows at 12.30 and 2.30pm Admission and car parking are free of charge. Open 11am - 3.30pm. The Whistling Duck, Lower Hatfield Road, Hertford SG13 8XX

Nettleden Church jumble sale - Sat 23 Apr Bumper jumble sale to raise money for church upkeep. Potten End Village Hall Nr Berkhamsted HP4 2QG Purple Zeppelin - Sat 23 Apr Come and experience the excitement of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin in one mesmerising show! In a full on show with costume changes, you’ll hear more than 30 classic songs - basically the best bits, all of the time! Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Bubble Rush - Sun 17 Apr Enjoy a Bubblicious day out with your friends and family at the only Bubble Rush event in Herts, Beds and Bucks and have some fabulous frothy-fun! Run, walk or dance your way through Bubble Stations as you are blasted by cannons. Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3HQ

Chilterns Dog Rescue Society Quiz Night Sat 23 Apr Another one of our popular quiz nights. Teams of 6. £12.50 per person. A hot supper is included. Just bring your own drinks, glasses and snacks! Nora Grace Hall, Faversham Close, Tring HP23 5BA

Octagon Music Society: Jessie Ann Richardson (cello) Simon Callaghan (piano) Sun 17 Apr Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata, Bruch: Kol Nidrei, Phibbs: Sonatina (2011),

Sawbrigeworth Art and Photographic Exhibition and Sale - Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr This Art and Photographic Exhibition shows the work of Hertfordshire and Essex artists. The event displays over 450 paintings and photographs which will be for sale. Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall, The Forebury, off Knight Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9BD

under the baton of Michael Cayton. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road WD17 3JN Haileybury College Charity Gala Concert Tue 26 Apr Join Isabel Hospice for a chilled and informal evening of jazz standards and solos performed by the fantastic and talented students of Haileybury College. Haileybury College, Hertford Heath SG13 7NU

De Havilland MRS - Annual Model Railway Exhibition - Sat 23 Apr Two floors of exhibits all accessible to those with limited mobility. Over a dozen layouts in a variety of gauges including our famous club layout Havil Junction. The exhibition is supported by local traders and societies, free parking. Ludwick Way Methodist Church, Ludwick Way (by Woodhall Parade), Welwyn Garden City AL7 3PN

Radlett Players Present: The Odd Couple Wed 27 to Sat 30 Apr In this hilarious female version of The Odd Couple, Olive Madison is divorced and living in cheerful chaos in her New York apartment. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL Graham Gooch and Alvin Martin - Thu 28 Apr Sporting Celebrities presents an evening talking all things football and cricket. This promises to be a great evening to hear the views of two of the sports most respected figures. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Shakespeare’s World in Concert: A concert to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death - Sat 23 Apr Featuring settings of songs from the plays and Shakespeare’s contemporaries and other music inspired by Shakespeare’s work by Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, Vaughan-Williams, Bernstein, and Verdi. St. Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP

Winter Journey - Thu 28 Apr Join Egg Curator Douglas Russell to learn about Captain Scott’s fateful last expedition, where his team collected some of the Museum’s most famous specimens. The Natural History Museum, The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP

English Celebration Festival part of the Hertford Arts Festival - Sat 23 Apr To celebrate St George’s Day and mark the 400th year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, the streets of Hertford Town Centre will be filled with live music, theatrical performances and a variety of entertainment. Hertford Town Centre.

Ashridge Estate - Archaeology Walk Clipperdown - Thu 28 Apr Join Gary Marshall for this interesting walk on Clipper Down. This walk will take in a range of archaeological features on Clipper Down. Booking Essential. Phone: 01442851227. Dogs on leads welcome. Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX

Stores Open Day - Sat 23 Apr 11.00 am – 3.00 pm drop in • Go behind the scenes at Hertford Museum stores. • Discover how we store and care for our vast and varied collection. • Visit the Roman corn drying oven. The Seed Warehouse, Hertford SG14 1PX

Kimpton Art Show - Fri 29 Apr to Mon 2 May As part of Kimpton May Festival Bank Holiday Weekend. Discover affordable and original paintings, ceramics, glass and other media celebrating the work of established and emerging talent from around Hertfordshire. St Peter & St Paul, Church Lane, Kimpton SG4 8RP

SCS and Brandenburg Sinfonia present J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion - Sat 23 Apr The St John Passion (German: Johannes-Passion), BWV 245, is a Passion or oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach, the older of two surviving Passions by Bach. Church of St. Andrew and St. George, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage SG1 1XX

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers - Fri 29 Apr This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Watford Philharmonic Society Spring Concert - Sat 23 Apr The choir and orchestra of the Watford Philharmonic Society present "An Evening With Handel" We will perform "Alexander’s Feast" and Zadok the Priest"

Allegri String Quartet Concert - Fri 29 Apr Programme includes: - Mendelssohn: String Quartet No 2 Op 13 Alec Roth: String Quartet No 2 Brahms: String Quartet No 3 Op 67 Admission price includes programme Free parking on site Licensed bar. Benslow Music Trust, Ibberson Way, Hitchin SG4 9RB

Preserving Our Archival Heritage - til Thu 21 Apr A small exhibition of documents to show the dangers to documents and how our archive conservator works to prevent and repair damage done. Bedfordshire Archives Service, Riverside Building, Borough Hall, Bedford MK42 9AP

Living With Luke - Sat 30 Apr Danson Thunderbolt is no ordinary Dad, and his teenage son is not so ordinary either. For Luke is autistic and the Autistic Shadow gets between them every day making communication a struggle. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Lambing Is Back At Mead Open Farm - til Sun 10 Apr The cute lambs are back at Mead Open Farm! Meet all the newborns in the Lamb Nursery and help the farmers bottle feed the older lambs. Plus, back for 2016, watch all the lambing action back at home on Mead Open Farm’s 24/7. Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH

Baldock & Letchworth Fire Station Open Day - Sat 30 Apr We have a variety of attractions available on the day including Chip Pan and Road Traffic collision demonstrations (Simulated Crash Car), fire safety advice, smoke experience, BBQ and Reqs the Fire dog will be making an appearance. Weston Way, Baldock, SG7 6EY

Woburn Abbey and Gardens - til Tue 17 May Discover the splendour and history of Woburn Abbey and Gardens. Woburn Abbey is the family home of the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Woburn Abbey & Gardens MK17 9WA Easter Fun at Woodside Animal Farm - til Sun 17 Apr Come and join in with the many activities taking place at Woodside this Easter. Meet and feed many of our residents including the Easter chicks and new born goat kids. Mancroft Rd, Aley Green, nr. Luton LU1 4DG

Hertfordshire Garden Show - Sat 30 Apr to Mon 2 May Get your garden into shape for the new season. Choose from a wide range of plants and garden accessories. Book tickets online to save 10% - your ticket includes admission to the Gardens and Park, Dinosaurs and Adventure playground. Knebworth House SG1 2AX

The Eggs-Factor! - Fri 1 Apr With our fun action packed workshop each child will have their opportunity to discover and develop new skills! Our two day drama is perfect for children aged 7 and up, looking to have fun, learn something new and make new friends! The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH

Ashridge Estate - Dawn Chorus Walk - Sat 30 Apr Join our Ashridge Ranger on this early morning walk to look for and listen to birds on the Ashridge Estate. It’s well worth the early start. Breakfast at The Brownlow Cafe is included. Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX

Easter Fun At Frosts, Woburn Sands - Fri 1 Apr Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands has an eggcellent range of Easter activities for your little ones to get stuck into this Spring. Take a look at what Frosts is offering, I’m sure you’ll egg-ree! Frosts Garden Centre, Newport Road, Woburn Sands MK17 8UE

Animal Magic Family Event at Hertford Museum! - Sat 30 Apr 11 am – 3 pm Drop in! Meet some crazy critters and cuddly creatures! Just £1 per person. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Community Litter Picking - Sat 2 Apr Join us at Galley & Warden Hills Nature Reserve for a Spring clean. Everyone welcome, with under 16s to be accompanied by an adult. Well behaved dogs on a lead welcome too. All equipment provided. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Warden Hill Road/Links Way LU2 7AE

Beds Listings Heron Watch - til Wed 13 Apr A unique opportunity to watch the entire heron nesting cycle close up. Join the Heron Watch volunteers in the visitor centre every day of the week, to observe these magnificent birds in the heronry. Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach LU7 0EB

Grand Charity Auction - Sat 2 Apr An auction held to raise funds for the church Donations

welcome - contact the Rector if you have items you would like to donate Furniture, ornaments, pictures, anything that fits in a car. All Saints Church, Shillington SG5 3LH

and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY Easter Fun At Frosts, Woburn Sands - Mon 4 to Fri 8 Apr Frosts Garden Centre in Woburn Sands have an eggcellent range of Easter activities for your little ones to get stuck into this Spring. Take a look at what Frosts is offering below, I’m sure you’ll egg-ree! Spring Time Fun. Frosts Garden Centre, Newport Road, Woburn Sands MK17 8UE

Binocular & Telescope open day - Sat 2 & Sun 3 Apr Impartial & friendly advice on choosing the best binoculars, telescopes & accessories to suit your needs. Take your time comparing the different models & have the chance to try them outdoors. RSPB, The Lodge Shop, Sandy SG19 2DL

Springtime Fun! - Tue 5 Apr A morning jampacked with games, crafts and lots and lots of fun! The theme for this fun morning is ’Springtime’. £6.50 per child. The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH

Art Out of Ten - Sat 2 & Sun 3 Apr A group of local artists called Art Out Of Ten is staging an exhibition of work to raise funds for St John’s Hospice at Moggerhanger. The Bowls Pavilion, Sandy Conservative club, Bedford Road, Sandy SG19 1EL

The Railway Children - Tue 5 Apr The Olivier award-winning stage show of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children steams into cinemas. York Theatre Royal’s production of Mike Kenny and Damian Cruden’s imaginative stage adaptation was filmed at the National Railway museum. Leighton Buzzard Theatre LU7 4TN

An Evening of Live Music with Singer/Guitarist Johnny Wheeler! - Sat 2 Apr An evening of live music and dancing to the very popular Johnny Wheeler! Leighton Buzzard Royal British Legion, Bossard Hall, West Street LU7 1DA

Wellies in the Wetlands - Wed 6 Apr A chance to explore the Wetland Trail and discover what animals and birds live in the secret parts of the Reserve. On this two hour event, we’ll be visiting the bird hides and meeting the ranger. Walk of several km. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Hardy Plant Society, Cambs & Beds - Sat 2 Apr The Hardy Plant Society is a national organisation for keen gardeners, whether beginners or more experienced. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH Biggleswade and District Gardening Club Sun 3 Apr Spring flower show daffodils in several colour combinations of white, green, pink, orange and not just yellow 43 competitive classes of different spring flowers A display by local flower arrangement society and alpine society. Weatherly Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

Binocular & Telescope open day - Thu 7 Apr Impartial & friendly advice on choosing the best binoculars, telescopes & accessories to suit your needs. Take your time comparing the different models & have the chance to try them outdoors. RSPB, The Lodge Shop, Sandy SG19 2DL

Sunday Stroll - Sun 3 Apr £1 payable on the day. 10.30am – 12.30pm approx. Join us in the Millennium Country Park for a gentle, guided walk. We’ll mainly be sticking to level, surfaced tracks but some small sections have a slight gradient (up to 1.9). Dress for the weather! Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Spring Fashion Show, Pamper Evening and Shopping Night - Fri 8 Apr 7pm till 10.30pm. New and nearly new clothing Clothing by Red Dress clothing Emporium. Mini treatments for £5. Roxton Parish Hall, Roxton MK44 3EB Grand National Race Night - Fri 8 Apr Bedford Lions Club are once again holding this popular annual fund raising event. This year it’s primarily in aid of Bedford Guild House a well known charity in Bedford. The race night uses films of actual UK horse races. Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club, 290 Hillgrounds Road, Kempston MK42 8UB

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - 50 Things Walks - Sun 3 Apr Grab your wellies and join the Rangers for a family walk. Complete some of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ on the way and collect stickers and scrapbooks when you get back. Booking Not Needed. Dunstable Downs

Rock and Roll Live Music Evening with Gerry and The Attricks - Sat 9 Apr This popular Luton band will be rocking the night away in aid of Keech Hospice Care. Playing songs from the 50s 60s and 70s Fish and Chip supper included. Fully licensed bar and ample parking. Haynes Village Hall, Northwood End Road, Haynes MK45 3QB

make his home. Leighton Buzzard Theatre LU7 1RX Dixieland c m c live country music - Sat 16 Apr Live country music and line/ partner dance with Cliff Weston. Barton Village Hall, Hexton Rd, Barton MK45 4JY Music from Six Centuries - Luton Choral Society - Sat 16 Apr Luton Choral Society will be singing music by Allegri, Batten, Bruckner, Finzi, Josquin des Prez, Lotti, Rachmaninov, Stanford, Sanders and Yardley. Lutenist Benjamin Narvey will also talk about the Lute and its history and play some interludes. St Augustine’s Church, Icknield Way, Limbury, Luton LU3 2JR

25th Anniversary Handbell Concert - Sat 9 Apr Biddenham Handbell Ringers and The Barn Ringers proudly present a 25th Anniversary Concert to support Prebend Day centre, Tibbs Dementia Foundation and Medical Detection Dogs. The Concert also features Jo Reveley (flautist) and Zoe Rooke. St. Peter de Merton Church, De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TX

Farmers’ Market - Sun 17 Apr 10.30am – 3pm. local, hand made, fresh produce and tasty treats. For more information call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

‘Design Your Garden’ Workshop - Sat 9 Apr With RHS & Chelsea Award Winning Garden Designer - Philippa Pearson. Learn the basics of garden design and pick up expert tips from RHS and Chelsea Flower Show award winning garden designer Philippa Pearson. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden SG18 8EP

Crafts, Cake and a Cuppa - Sun 17 Apr There’ll be a wide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft items, with many different crafters attending as well as a charity stall. Tea, coffee and light refreshments available all day. free admission and free parking. Woburn Village Hall, Crawley Road, Woburn MK17 9QD

The House Shuttleworth Wedding Fair - Sun 10 Apr Visit The Bedfordshire Wedding Fair and the beautiful Mansion House at Shuttleworth. Enjoy two fabulous fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm featuring the latest bridal gowns. Doors open 11.15am3.30pm with free admission and parking. The House Shuttleworth, nr Biggleswade SG18 9EA

Biggleswade Antiques Fair - Sun 17 Apr If you have an eye for antiques or are after something unique and beautiful for your home or collection, then visit Biggleswade Antiques Fair. We have over 45 stalls offering a wide range of antiques from silver, quality jewellery. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

Pop Factor, The Concert! - Sun 10 Apr A Fantastic Family Show! The Number 1 Pop Show touring the UK right now. Pop Factor, The Concert is a celebration of the biggest popstars and current chart hits! From Taylor Swift to Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry to Olly Murs. Grove Theatre, Dunstable LU5 4GP

Flower Demonstration - Tue 19 Apr Relax and be dazzled by fabulous spring flower and plant displays. A fantastic opportunity to watch a professional flower demonstrator show you how to make beautiful, modern and contemporary, spring flower and plant arrangements. Savin Wholesaler, Vinegar Hill, Sandy SG19 1PR

ZoieLogic Dance Theatre Presents Safe What Is The State Of Your Empire? - Fri 15 Apr Set against the imagined backdrop of the 1930’s construction of the Empire State Building, Safe is a tale of skill and bravery, grit and determination, brotherhood and camaraderie, brought to life by ZoieLogic Dance Theatre. The Quarry Theatre at St Luke’s, 26 St Peter Street MK40 2NN

Live Music at Rushmere - Fri 22 Apr 7.30 pm. Jazz, Soul and Blues with Natasha Seale and trio (vocals, piano, double bass). ‘An accomplished jazz singer’ - The Times. Limited availability so book soon on 01525 234260 Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach LU7 0EB

Stig of the Dump UK Theatre Tour - Sat 16 Apr Barney is staying with his grandparents on the chalk downs of southern England when he falls over the edge of an old pit to find Stig, a caveman with shaggy black hair and bright blue eyes who uses people’s rubbish to

Vauxhall Choir - Sat 23 Apr An evening of music by renowned Vauxhall Choir Raffle and refreshments. St Anne Church, Crawley Green Rd Luton LU2 0QN

free springtime craft takeover! Shopping Centre HP11 2DQ

Eden

Waddesdon Manor - Mimi’s Super Spring - til Sun 10 Apr Come and join Mimi the Mynah, Waddesdon’s very own mascot, as she enjoys an outdoor trail for all the family, with a spring theme. Booking Not Needed. Suitable for children of all ages. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Bedfordshires Mind Body & Soul Fair - Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr 2 day event offers free parking and free talks all weekend. We have a wide variety of exhibitors offering aura photography, clairvoyance, reiki, amatsu, candle magic, red kite native American flutes & lessons, sound with gongs. The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH

Hughenden - Trail trackers - Tue 5 Apr Kids, get ready to put your tracking skills to the test. Get the kids exploring the outdoors in a new way. Grab a map and compass and explore the estate with our Ranger team. Hughenden, High Wycombe HP14 4LA

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - Knit and Stitch at the View Cafe - Sat 30 Apr Come and join us at the View Cafe for a relaxing morning of crafting and gentle conversation against the stunning backdrop of the Downs. All welcome: beginners and experts alike! Crafting workshops will be running each session. Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Jazz in the Bar - Fri 1 Apr Join us for a laid back evening of jazz - 1 piano - 2 voices - a mixture of jazz standards and pop. The Bar will be open from 7-11pm Free Entry. The Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, Gerrards Cross SL9 7AD

Bucks listings

Stowe - Family explorers: Beautiful birds Fri 1 to Sat 30 Apr How many birds can you spot in the air, water and trees at Stowe' Use our free bird guide to work out which feathery friends you’ve seen. Bring along your binoculars or borrow some of ours to help spot those birds soaring high. Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham MK18 5EQ

intu Milton Keynes launches campaign to bring in the new season’s fashion in style til Sun 10 Apr The intu Style Garden is coming to intu Milton Keynes; a floral fashion frenzy, this spectacular installation showcases the latest fashion trends available. intu Milton Keynes, 67 Midsummer Place, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3GB

Waddesdon Manor - Behind the Scenes Tours - Fri 1 Apr Learn about life at Waddesdon, how it was used in the 19th century and how it was run. Explore rooms where the servants lived and worked, and find out how we use these areas of the house today. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Easter Bytes - til Sun 10 Apr Educational fun for all the family, providing Bytes sized tasters of coding, robotics, game design, virtual reality, programming, and much, much more! The National Museum of Computing, Block H, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB

Talk: Along the Silk route with Textile Traders - Sat 2 Apr Take a journey along the ancient Silk Route from Khiva in Uzbekistan to Kashgar in China looking at the textiles that can be found along the way. Also includes a pop up shop. The Barn Hall, Amersham community centre, Chiltern Ave, Amersham HP6 5AH

The Art of Islam - Sat 2, Tue 5 to Sat 9, Tue 12 to Sat 16 , Tue 19 to Sat 23, Tue 26 to Sat 30 Apr Treasures on display will include carpets, paintings, furniture, metalwork, jewellery, splendid calligraphy from across the Near East, Pakistan and Muslim India. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Spring Dance - Sat 2 Apr Ballroom and Latin Dance including Charleston Dance demonstration and lesson - come along and learn the Charleston. Lovely hall with bar and large sprung floor. Tylers Green Village Hall, Church Road, Penn, High Wycombe HP10 8LN

Free Family Easter Entertainment - til Fri 8 Apr Looking for free activities over the school holidays? This Easter, Kids Corner at Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe is hosting a

StonySwings! 3: Dirty Bizness - Sat 2 Apr (In aid of York House Centre) Dirty Bizness is back in bizness! So, expect a lively evening of jazzybluesyswingy treats from this fine band fronted by Sue De Souza (erstwhile Gray). From Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ

with old Gang Show traditions. Lancaster Arts Centre, Wycombe Abbey School, High Wycombe HP11 1PE Arrival ® - ’The Hits Of Abba’ ....The Ultimate Abba Show - Thu 7 Apr Arrival ® ’The Hits Of Abba’ is the show that every Abba fan has been waiting for. This International multi-award winning show, voted ’Best Abba Show’ and ’Most Authentic Abba Show’ of 2015’. Wycombe Swan Theatre HP11 2XE

Vale Harvest Local Food Market - Sat 2 Apr Award-winning monthly market featuring a range of award-winning produce from across the Aylesbury Vale. With over 20 stalls each month selling a wide variety of hot and cold food and drink. Banks Park, Haddenham Village Hall, Haddenham HP17 8EE

Waddesdon Manor - Early Doors House Tour - Thu 7 Apr Join one of our 11am early doors guided tour of the ground floor, with a Waddesdon Manor guide, ending with an exclusive viewing of the musical elephant automata in action. Booking essential. Phone: 01296 653226. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Sunday afternoon with live music by solo singer/guitarist Johnny Wheeler - Sun 3 Apr We welcome back talented singer/guitarist Johnny Wheeler. He’ll be entertaining the members and guests with an afternoon of live music from the days of swing through Rock ’n’ Roll to ballads and (a little) country. Riverside Ex Servicemen’s Club, St. Mary Street. High Wycombe HP11 2HE

Stantonbury Stand Up - Fri 8 Apr Stantonbury is seeing the funny side of things and setting up a Stand Up Comedy Night in the intimacy of the Gallery Bar with a dazzling line-up of up and coming and already arrived comics. Compeering the evening will be Robin Morgan. Stantonbury Gallery MK14 6BN

Free Creative Writing workshops at Explore Learning! - Tue 5 Apr Come for a free Creative Writing workshop at Explore Learning High Wycombe! Explore Learning is an award-winning maths and English tuition centre supporting children of ages 5 to 14. Inside Sainsbury’s, Oxford Road, High Wycombe HP11 2DN

Cheese Makers Market - Sat 9 Apr Once a year Premier Cheese together with La Cave À Fromage, hosts the Cheese Makers Market where members of the public and professionals alike can see, taste and buy some of the wonderful cheeses produced in the United Kingdom and Europe. The Market Place, Beaconsfield HP9 2JN

Terrific Tuesday - Tue 5 Apr Our Terrific Tuesdays are a fantastic family fun day out. This Easter holiday get involved in special craft activities, play some games, dress up, explore our historic buildings, playground and woodland all for the standard admission price. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB

Martin James Bartlett - Piano (Wendover Music) - Sat 9 Apr We are delighted to have Martin James Bartlett, the BBC Young Musician in 2014 back for the second concert. He is reducing his commitments this year so we will be one of the few places to see him. We recommend early booking! St Mary’s Parish Church, Church Lane, Wendover, Aylesbury HP22 6LY

Mending Bodies, Saving Souls - Wed 6 Apr Medical advances and funeral traditions have touched every era of society. Ian Waller’s talk looks at the subject’s social history and at the effects medical science had on our forbears. Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley MK2 2HB

Craft and Vintage Fair - Sat 9 Apr In the lively Olney Centre, Olney High Street, we present our Craft and Vintage Fairs, featuring a lovely mix of craft and vintage stalls; something for everyone and every pocket. There is so much to see! The Olney Centre, High Street, Olney MK46 4EF

High Wycombe Scout & Guide Gang Show Wed 6 to Sat 9 Apr Gang Shows have a rich history, from their London show beginnings in 1932 under the direction of Ralph Reader to the shows of today which combine new and original material, popular music and dance

Wedding Open Morning - Sun 10 Apr We are inviting wedding couples who are looking for wedding venues to come and view the Museum site and talk to our Wedding Team between 10am and 12.30pm you can also meet a selection of our recommended wedding suppliers. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB

own food and drink. Bingo books £2 each covering 4 games (approximately 8 games played). Education Suite @FNHC. Unit 2 Walton Lodge, Walton St, Aylesbury HP21 7TA Suffragettes - Sat 16 and Sun 17 Apr Pummelling policemen and fighting, quite literally, for the Vote! In the early 20th century Newland Park, a Georgian style house set in the 550-acre estate in Chalfont St Giles (next to what is now the Museum site), was a refuge for suffragettes. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB

"Celebration of Benny Goodman" - Tue 12 Apr The highly acclaimed Martin Hart Band recreate the sound of one of the best loved groups in jazz history, and feature Mike Wills, clarinet; Alan Grahame, vibes; Ken McCarthy, piano; Peter Hughes, bass and Martin Hart at the drums. Marlow Jazz Club at The Royal British Legion Hall, Marlow SL7 1NT

Spring Fair - Sat 16 Apr Lindengate in Wendover is hosting a Spring Fair 14:00 17:00. We are opening up our therapeutic garden and there will be art and craft stalls, conservation stands, kids activities, refreshments (including homemade cakes). Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site, Wyevale, Aylesbury Road, Wendover HP22 6BD

Stowe - Capability Found exhibition - Tue 12 Apr to Fri 10 Jun Visit the gardens in 2016 as we celebrate the life and work of Lancelot ’Capability’ Brown, including talks, walks and an exhibition space. Here you’ll be able to sit and overlook Brown’s masterpiece at Stowe. Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham MK18 5EQ

Great British Dog Walk at Hughenden Manor National Trust - for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - Sun 17 Apr Come and join Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for a beautiful walk around the grounds and parkland of Hughenden Manor National Trust, High Wycombe. There is a choice of a long (6k) or short (3k) route and children under 16 are free. Hughenden Manor National Trust, High Wycombe HP14 4LA

High Wycombe In The Great War - Tue 12 Apr Mike Dewey’s illustrated talk will describe how the First World War affected the town of High Wycombe. He will consider typical examples of local men who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who went to war and returned. Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX

The Buckinghamshire Baby & Toddler Show - Sun 17 Apr Come and visit the biggest and best baby and toddler show in Buckinghamshire. Bumps, Babies & Beyond brings the Buckinghamshire Baby and Toddler Show which is made up of over 70 businesses, running stalls and free activities. Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN

Witness for the Prosecution - Wed 13 to Sat 16 Apr The gripping court room drama from Agatha Christie. It is 1952 and Leonard Vole faces a murder charge. If found guilty he will hang but his wife can provide a water-tight alibi. But what will she say when she takes the stand? Stantonbury Theatre, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN

Jesus Christ Superstar - Wed 20 to Sat 23 Apr An Amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. Chesham Musical Theatre Company presents Jesus Christ Superstar, a global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for over 40 years. Elgiva Theatre, Chesham HP5 1HR

Masquerade Charity Ball in aid of Willen Hospice - Sat 16 Apr We are 9 friends who have decided to do the craziest thing ever and skydive in aid of Willen Hospice. We have decided to hold a Masquerade Ball with a silent auction at the Double Tree, Hilton Hotel, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST

Tread the Boards Theatre Group presents Bedroom Farce - Thu 21 and Fri 22 Apr Tread the Boards stage a revival of their first ever production in May 1986. In Bedroom Farce Trevor and Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest: Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Milton Keynes MK15 9JY

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity "Put a Spring in your step" Bingo Night - Sat 16 Apr A fun Bingo evening to raise money for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Tickets £5 each, to be booked in advance. Bring your

The Great Marlow Bandfest 2016 - Sat 23 Apr Following last year’s successful Festival, we present another gala concert featuring six local concert, brass and wind bands, with a mix of young players and adults. All Saints Parish Church, High Street, Marlow SL7 2AA

household- above and below stairs- through the long years of The Great War, left behind, to cope as their men-folk march off to Flanders. Stoke Hammond Village Hall, The Community Centre, Bragenham Side, Stoke Hammond MK17 9DB

Fun on the Farm: Meet the Lambs - Sat 23 and Sun 24 Apr Meet the gorgeous spring lambs born at the Museum. Explore our traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold, and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns. Take part in fun family craft activities. Standard admission prices. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB

Narrow Boats to Norway - Clive and Gill Field - Wed 27 Apr A Narrowboat in Norway? Well Clive and Gill Field have been there, done that - and probably have the tee-shirt. Clive and Gill were detectives in Gloucestershire and Clive was in national security before retirement. Little Chalfont Village Hall, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP8 4UD

Clayton’s Marlow Presents... DJ YODA - Sat 23 Apr Named by Q magazine as ‘one of the ten DJs to see before you die’, multi award winning DJ Yoda’s turntable skills have been enjoyed by music lovers in clubs and at festivals around the world. Clayton’s Marlow, 16 Oxford Road, Marlow SL7 2NL

3point3 Live at Clayton’s Marlow - Thu 28 Apr Resident band 3point3 return to Clayton’s Marlow to play the best in vocal jazz, Latin grooves and soul. Clayton’s Marlow, 16 Oxford Road, Marlow SL7 2NL The Sleeping Beauty Ballet - Fri 29 Apr to Sun 1 May The Rosemary Lane School of Ballet & Theatre Arts A ballet adaptation of this wonderful classic fairy tale featuring our talented local children supported by professional dancers in the principal roles. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

The Railway Children - Sat 23 Apr Image Musical Theatre When Father is taken away by two strangers, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are shattered. Their mother is forced to take them from their comfortable London home to live in a simple country cottage. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Longwick Village Fete - Sat 30 Apr A fun day out for all the family. Starts at 12 noon with traditional May Day celebrations. Lots of activities, entertainment, music, craft and food stalls. Go Karts. Fairground. Competitions including Novelty Dog Show, Tug of War. Longwick Village Hall Playing Fields HP27 9QY

Music Concerts at Windmill Hill - Sat 23 Apr Enjoy four classical concerts in the beautiful setting of Windmill Hill. We are delighted to partner with Tring Chamber Music for their anticipated debut at Windmill Hill. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Baby & Children’s Market - Sat 30 Apr Lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 yrs, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and selling their products and services all under one roof. Amersham Polish Club, Raans Road, Amersham HP6 6LX

Chiltern Challenge: Orienteering at Wendover Woods - Sun 24 Apr Run, jog or just walk! This is an exciting introduction to orienteering, organised by Thames Valley Orienteering Club, and is ideal for all ages & abilities. Wendover Woods, Wendover, nr Aylesbury HP22 5NQ ModelKraft 2016 - Sun 24 Apr The premier Scale Model event in the local area, attracting hundreds of visitors, clubs and traders from all over the UK. Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN

Borderline Crossing in Concert - Sat 30 Apr Featuring Leicestershire musician and music producer, John Montague (guitar, vocals), local musicians Neil Mercer (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Tim Smith (bass, vocals) and Ian Spratley (guitar, vocals).York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ

The Thankful Village (Stoke Hammond) Wed 27 Apr A poignant play that follows the lives of three women from the same rural