The Sticks February 2013

Issue 7 February 2013

In this edition of the Sticks Exclusive interviews with actor/singer Neil Jackson, opera producer Ellen Kent, Billy Fury impressionist Michael King, Guitarist Eduardo Niebla and Comic Mark Thomas Also how to Dress to Impress and BBC radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace writes on Back Pain We road test the Subaru Forester Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Welcome to the February edition of the digital Sticks magazine!

The most talked about magazine in Herts, Beds & Bucks With over 15,000 readers a month

In this issue: Introducing Neil Jackson Interview with Ellen Kent Michael King as Billy Fury Interview with guitarist Eudardo Niebla Interview with comic Mark Thomas Pearces Food- Purple Sprouting Broccoli Janey Lee Grace on Back Pain Dress to impress - Donna Obstfeld Road Test –Subaru Forester Events listings

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Contributors: Janey Lee Grace, Martin Wilson, Terry Sullivan Photo credits –Eduardo Niebla-Eric Richmond, Mark Thomas-Idil Sukan Draw HQ

See you in March Editor & Sales:

Terry Sullivan

Layout and design:

Martin Wilson

Tel: 07756 274444 Email: thesticks9@gmail.com www.the-sticks.co.uk Follow us on twitter @thesticks9

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Introducing Neil Jackson Luton born actor, writer and now singer Neil Jackson known most recently for his role as dashing chauffer Harry Spargo in BBC’s Upstairs, Downstairs has spent the past 6 months working on his debut album “The Little Things” which showcases Neil Jackson’s talent as a singer/songwriter and guitarist which was recorded in Bedford. Neil is continuing with his acting projects and will star in new ITV drama Lightfields - a follow-up to hit supernatural drama Marchlands, with a big cast including Kris Marshall and Dakota Blue Richards. Lightfields is a supernatural drama based on the Suffolk coast, which follows three different periods (1944, 1975, and 2012) at Lightfields farmhouse.

The three periods are linked by the ghost of a teenage girl, who died in mysterious and tragic circumstances. The series will air early in 2013.

Neil has had a great career to date starring in many hit US shows including CSI Miami, FlashForward, Stargate: Atlantis and Blade: The Series. British drama’s include Sugar Rush with Lenora Crichlow, The Last Detective and Silent Witness. Films include Alexander with Colin Farrell and Angelina Jolie, Quantum of Solace, and more recently “Push” with Chris Evans and Camilla Belle and Woody Allen’s movie “You will meet a tall dark stranger”, starring Anthony Hopkins and Naomi Watts which is out in cinemas now.

Off screen Neil has a passion for fitness and was once Cherie Blair’s personal fitness instructor. Neil was a competitive amateur boxer for years prior to his acting and has a degree in Sport and Human Movement and an MSc in Coaching Science. Although Neil’s main focus is his acting he continues to endure a dedicated and tough training routine in his free time which includes running, boxing, yoga and snowboarding and he holds an Open Water scuba diving license. His talents do not stop there as Neil trained in dance at Dance Works in London.

The Sticks spoke to Neil about his career to date plus his album out this month The debut album “The Little Things” tell us a bit about it? As you know it is my first album I have released, I have been playing guitar and writing songs and on New Years Eve 2011/2012 it finally felt like the time was right. I had been doing loads of gigs and open mike nights and little bits of recording here and there and it finally felt like I had found my voice and my style and set to recording the album. Everything on there are fairly recent songs that have been written in the last 18 months and they are kind of personal stories, all things that have happened to me or experiences that have happened in my life. I wanted the whole album to have a personal feel which is part of the reason I wanted everything to be acoustic on there. Every single instrument is acoustic even down to the harmonium, so was hoping it would have a small live intimate feel and Iam really proud of it.

Who are your musical influences? When I was growing up I used to love Elvis the later Elvis the sort of”68 Comeback Special” and the Vegas years. The song “Falling in Love “on the album I actually wrote with Elvis in mind and when I played it to my producer Nick Maylin on the guitar, it does not seem like a guitar song I always imagined it as big

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band number with Elvis in the spotlight, all the way through we thought it needed this dirty blues trombone solo and thankfully Nick knew exactly the guy and he came in to the studio and did it in one take the guy was just genius. Also I listen to the Counting Crows and Iam a big Damian Rice and Jack Johnson fan too.

Is there anyone you would like to perform with (either alive or dead)? Elvis for definite but I love Emeli Sande she is incredible just her voice her powerful voice is amazing would be cool to do something with her like a duet.

Away from the music you act and write which do you prefer? It’s completely transient, I see all as part of the whole. I was thinking about this the other day, my girlfriend asked me how I saw myself do you see yourself as an actor or musician or what and I told I kind of see myself as a storyteller. I have always loved writing stories, even as a kid I put on little plays for my family and stuff like that.

What’s been the high point of your career so far? Well there have been 2 for me; one the very first film I wrote that we got produced called “The Passage” in Morocco and we were filming in the square in Marrakech and I had a camera and was shooting some behind the scenes stuff for the DVD and I looked round and the police had closed the square off and 2-3000 people watching from behind the barriers and the look of shock on my face that this idea I wrote n my bedroom had suddenly become this thing that had take over the city. The other one purely on geek factor was having a scrap with James Bond in Quantum of Solace.

What’s been your favourite acting role so far? Favourite role so far is chauffeur Harry Spargo in “Upstairs Downstairs” to see that through for 2 seasons and really get to grips with the character and see it evolve was fun to work with the writers and see how he changed. That was fun I loved all the period stuff.

Is there a part you would love to play? Yes I would love to play the “Scarlet Pimpernel” I have the rights to it and have written a script but the studio who were going to make it the funding fell through, so that’s on the back burner for now but Iam going to try again this year. He is like the original Batman and James Bond rolled into one. During the day he is a fool and he puts a mask at night becomes a hero and saves the French. It would be a dream role for me.

What’s your favourite song? It has to be “In The Ghetto” by Elvis. It is so atmospheric

To find out more about Neil check out his website www.neiljackson.me

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Interview with Award winning opera producer Ellen Kent Ellen Kent’s productions of operas Carmen and Tosca bring a kaleidoscope of colour to the stage with magnificent sets, luxurious costumes and heavenly singing Ellen, who is reviving her role as promoter to bring these two new productions to the stage, said: “I try to do opera that people actually want to see – that people can identify with and cry and feel moved. I aim to make opera understandable and enjoyable – using the same genre as the best of musicals, such as Phantom of the Opera or Miss Saigon. People don’t want to be educated, they want to be entertained and have a great night out.”

In preparation for the current tour and her new staging of Tosca, Ellen took a trip to Puccini’s house in Italy. She said: “It was quite magical. I didn’t think it would be quite so inspiring. It was almost eerie – exactly as you would imagine someone with Puccini’s mind to have, with beautiful memorabilia everywhere. There were his shoes and clothes and pipes and all the models of his operas and his actual scores with all his notes on them. The walls were painted with frescos and there was exquisite stained glass everywhere.

“My productions are always rather beautiful and I suddenly realised that in my view, I have been doing what Puccini would have liked and wanted. It felt like meeting somebody I knew.”

The shows also feature local children from stage schools in the area and include a boys’ choir and a shepherd boy’s solo. In Carmen, Ellen is drawing inspiration for the sets from paintings by Goya with the backdrop of the bullring. The set has flowers everywhere, date palms and fountains flowing with water, with the Moorish architecture and balconies of Seville foremost. Ellen spent her teenage years in Spain and has a rich store of experiences to draw as she weaves passion and drama into the production.

Ellen said: “My mother used to run the equivalent of the RSPCA in Spain when I was growing up and the farm was full of 30 to 40 donkeys, the same number of dogs and even more cats.

“We used to travel miles across the countryside to festivals when they were planning to sacrifice a donkey. We’d buy the donkey off them and run – often chased by villagers.

There was never a dull moment.”

As a tribute to Ellen’s mother, a real donkey from the local area will be used in the show and a collection made to raise money for animal welfare.

Bizet’s dramatic and sensuous opera Carmen tells the story of the downfall of soldier Don Jose, who is seduced by the fiery, beautiful and passionate gypsy Carmen.

Abandoning both his childhood sweetheart and his military career, Jose pursues Carmen but loses her to the glamorous bullfighter Escamillo. In true tragic operatic fashion, Jose can’t bear to be without Carmen and stabs her in a jealous rage.

The tour features celebrated international soloists mezzo soprano Nadia Stoianova, soprano Maria Tsonina, baritone Vladimir Dragos, tenor Sorin Lupu, and soprano Elena Dee, reprising her first ever leading operatic role as Tosca.

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We catch up with Ellen before the start of the tour to ask her about her life What first got you into producing Opera and theatre? I was an ex performer so was treading the boards on the other side of the stage. I trained as a actor and dancer and in 1984 decided to run my own company from the kitchen of my house where Iam speaking to you from now together with my ex husband, as he is now when he work for BBC radio Kent, we set up a production company, we did lots of new writing and we brought shows over from Europe for children. Then I went in to commercial opera in 1992 and that’s basic where Iam now. I have done ballet too we have toured in quiet a big way from the Albert Hall to smaller theatres. In 2009 I closed all my business’s and directed some operas for a promoter who Iam no longer involved with and I thought Iam killing myself and he is getting all the money and you are relying on them to pay you so I got out quickly. If Iam going to work this hard you might as well take the risk and have the money going into your account rather than someone else’s So why produce and direct rather than to take part? My ex husband was more in to theatre so he was not very happy when I decided I wanted to do operas I was producing and administrating and ex was directing and writing plays that carried on and I managed to get a few big names involved like Judy Dench. (Judy is a patron of the current company) we had a high profile, well I just used to ring people up and they said yes. With commercial opera we started in a big way even though I knew nothing about them although I trained as an opera singer, I won a place at the royal academy of music to be an opera singer but I decided to become an actress instead so guess the love of opera stems from there. So here Iam doing operas .We launched our very first show in 1993 at Rochester Castle we had 7,000 people there it was a sell out .I brought 200 Romanian actors over in to Manston airport in Kent in the president of Romania’s plane which he lent us and we had sponsorship from Tarom the airline company but there plane was not big enough we had to put the whole set in the belly of there plane so it all started very dramatically.

So why this year have you chosen Tosca and Carmen to do? I have done opera for so long so it is going round in a cycle but Tosca is my favourite opera and we did Carmen last summer at Leeds Castle which was a sell out with over 6,000 people there.

For more information on the 74-date tour of the UK and Ireland, go to www.ellenkent.com or follow us on Twitter @OperaBalletIntl.

Tickets are on sale now in High Wycombe from the box office on 01494 512000 or go online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk; in Dunstable from the box office on 01582 602080 or go online at www.grovetheatre.co.uk; in Aylesbury from the box office on 0844 871 7607; and in Watford from the box office on 0845 075 3993 or go online at www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk.

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Michael King as Billy Fury 2013 commemorates 30 years since the untimely passing of Billy Fury; however it is reassuring to know that his name and music is far from forgotten.

The Billy Fury Years is quite simply ‘The Ultimate Billy Fury show to ever hit the stage’.

Hailed as "the best Fury since Fury”, Michael King and his fantastic collection of musicians take you on a journey through the musical career of Britain's best loved rock n roll legend.

An exciting 2 hour show filled with Billy Fury's greatest hits and more delivered live in true Fury style. This is a night of pure breathtaking Billy Fury entertainment plus the best Fury sound you will ever hear!

The whole show is further enhanced by fantastic audio and video effects plus various costume changes depicting the ever changing image and face of the Fury phenomenon.

The Sticks spoke to Michael King who portrays Billy Fury on stage When people come to see “The Billy Fury Years” will they be seeing a bio of his life or a concert? The first half is a bio of his life it is a complete show because we take into account the musical legacy. We start off in 1959 when Billy released his first album “The Sound of Fury “which was, not just a rock and roll record but it was self penned by the singer which was unheard of then. We then go through all Billy’s movies, his appearances on that great TV show “Oh Boy” also when he went over to American to do the “Shindig!” Show so it is a musical journey through his life which incorporates all his live performances, and then in the second half we recreate the 70’s concerts, when Billy toured up and down the country. It relies heavy on the music because that’s what Fury was all about. We try and get as close as we can to it and the music is all live, I would not have it any other way.

What is it like playing an icon like Billy fury on stage? It is a big ask to be honest it is one of those things you have to get right or certainly to the best of your ability. Iam slightly fortunate in that I look like Billy, even his widow says so. It is something that has to be taken very seriously it has to be researched and things have to be right because at the end of the day sadly Billy is not here to look after himself so it is up to us as fans of his music to look after him. It is a tall order and there is only one Billy Fury and I never lose sight of that but if we can bring back a few happy memories to people then that’s great we have done or job.

It must be extra special this year with it being the 30th Anniversary of his death? It’s like a double edged sword as it is sad he had to leave us so early anyway but the 30th anniversary we just felt it was an extra special time that something really needed to be out there that was fitting for the man and his music. This year we have legendary

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drummer Clem Cattini who played with Billy joining us (he holds the record for the drummer who has played on top ten hits than any other) he is an amazing drummer and has great fondness and memories of Billy.

So tell us a bit about Michael King the performer?

I was brought up on rock and roll, both American and British rock and roll like Elvis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and all that as well as Billy and all the Mersey beat stuff. Iam just a fan first and foremost a fan, also I portrayed Elvis for a few years as well and have been know to play various rock and rollers on stage. I was born not far from Liverpool so it is like going back to my roots.

How many years have you been performing and how did you get into the music business?

I picked up a guitar when I was younger as soon as I could leave school I did could not get out of there quick enough (which is not something I recommend) I just wanted to go and play music which is what I did it was very local to kick off with the pubs and clubs and it grew from there, then went into the larger venues which was when the club scene was at it’s height and then got into the theatres. Don’t know why but have a knack of playing different characters all my heroes from when I was younger. Iam like a kid in a sweet shop, Isay one day I will get a proper job but very much doubt it, as I have been performing for over 20 years and playing Billy for over 9 years. I think Billy is very underrated even if you just go by the amount of records he sold. (Billy Fury had more Decca hits than any other recording artist and he equalled The Beatles 24 chart hits with 332 weeks in the UK charts)

See the Billy Fury Years at Rhodes Arts Complex - Bishops Stortford on 15th February and Gordon Craig Theatre - Stevenage on 17th February

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Interview with Guitarist Eduardo Niebla In a career spanning four decades, flamenco jazz guitar virtuoso and composer Eduardo Niebla has been acclaimed as one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion today. Following his flamenco gypsy jazz roots he bridges them with Indian, Arabic, classical and modern jazz roads to produce the most electrifying, brilliant and poignantly poetic guitar playing.

It’s a journey which has led to many collaborations with artists across the globe including jazz saxophonist Lol Coxhill, Indian maestros Nishat & Wajahat Khan, Deepak Ram (bamboo flute) Kala Ramnath, Jyotsna Srikanth (Indian violin) & Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), as well as flamenco bass pioneer Carles Benavent, his brother Salvador Niebla (drums), the spiritual gypsy singer and percussionist Paban Das Baul, Palestinian oud player Adel Salameh, electronic global phenomenon Juno Reactor and pop musicians George Michael and Craig David.

Eduardo’s music is not only marked by brilliant technique, passion and verve, but a poignancy that comes from his childhood years and a desire always to create meaning, connection and truth.

Born in Tangiers in 1955 Eduardo is the 7th of 11 children (mythically the 7th son of the 7th child), who became a refugee and fled with his family to Girona, Cataluña (Spain) where he grew up. It was an impoverished upbringing, but the guitar was his salvation.

At 18 he formed the cult symphonic rock band “Atila”, whose albums are now serious collectors’ items, and was rated alongside Paco de Lucia as one of the top guitarists in the Hispanic Peninsula We spoke to Eduardo whilst he was recording his new album When people come to see you at The Stables, Wavendon and The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead what can they expect? I will be playing some of my new songs for the album Iam currently recording which features the Pavao string quartet, Millegro Choir and Prima Vocal Ensemble, together with pupils from Ackworth School and lots of my previous tracks. The concert at the Stables will be as a trio with Dharmash Parma on the Indian tabla and Matthew Robinson on guitar Why have you made your home in Yorkshire when you were born in Tangiers then lived in Spain? I had a band in Spain which was very successful and then I wanted to go to Boston in USA to study music but had one problem - I could not speak a word of English so I decided to come to London. The first 3 years I was so broke that I could not move from London and then I met my wife Katherine there and she is from this part of the country and we got married and she was expecting our first child and we were looking to move out of London and this house became available and it is very close to Katherine’s

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parents. I am very fortunate as I live in the countryside and I have my own recording studio which is liked to the house as well. I have never studied music I am self- taught.

Where’s the best place you have played in? That’s a difficult one because each place has it own beauty and we play concert halls all over the world but the most exciting thing I did was the Olympics in Greece in 2004 and the 50th Anniversary of India’s independence.

Is there anyone you admire musically? I enjoy playing with a variety of musicians but I like John McLaughlin and Martin Taylor, but I find it refreshing to meet other musician and see the way they do things.

What would you like to do in the future?

Would like to do more orchestration work which is amazing it was so far away from where I started and thanks to software that mimics orchestras so it is a very exciting times for music but I like using real musicians to add a bit of soul.

What’s you favourite piece of music? That’s very difficult, I like some many from Miles Davis, many many musicians but depends on the moment - sometimes I listen to cello music and then I have a recording of Pablo Casals playing Bach but in the car at the moment I have the latest album by Tomatito a Spanish guitarist. I think at the moment the Spanish side of music is quiet interesting, it is going to another level

See Eduardo Niebla live at The Stables, Wavendon on Sunday 17th February and at The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead on Saturday 18th May. - 11 -

Interview with Comic Mark Thomas After walking the wall in the West Bank, becoming Guinness World Record holder for political protests, and chasing arms dealers around the country, one of Britain’s most acclaimed comics and influential activists, Mark Thomas, turns his attention to matters closer to home with a show about his father in this award-winning, critically acclaimed show.

First commissioned by London’s prestigious Royal Opera House, Bravo Figaro is the true tale of Mark’s father, a self-employed builder with a passion for opera, his degenerative illness, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Mark’s attempt to put an opera on in a bungalow in Bournemouth. It is about love, death, fathers and sons, and the search for peace in an imperfect world, with a few gags thrown in for luck.

Mark’s biography is simply too long to list in detail, so let’s sum it up... six series on Channel 4, numerous awards, several television documentaries, three books, a Guinness World Record, sell-out tours, a published manifesto, a series on Radio 4, writing for various publications, producing charity benefits, a Medal of Honour, secretly filming torturers, stinging arms dealers, battling multinational corporations, exposing abuses of civil liberties and corporate skulduggery, and succeeding in changing some laws. These are just a few of the things that have kept him mildly busy over the last few years.

The Sticks spoke with Mark after his show recently in Stevenage The show is called Bravo Figaro and tells about your dad how did it come about? Well it is a funny old show, I suppose because Iam known for doing political stuff and direct action and going off and having adventures and that sort of thing. This is much more personal, the show came about because I told a story on radio 4 on a Saturday morning show where they have a thing called inheritance tracks were you talk about a song you inherited from your family and the song that I chose was Figaro’s aria from the Barber of Seville by Rossini and I talked about my Dad who was working class, self-employed, selfeducated builder left school with no education and discovered a love of opera. He was a real brutal man in many ways but lots of amazing things about him, very skilled and very curious but would be capable of acts of violence which would really put a chill down you if you witnessed it, he was a mass of contradictions very religious but incredibly rude and he would take his operas up to the building site and play them there, I would hate them but there was a weird thing that when dad developed this illness which is progressive supranuclear palsy where we started to lose him (it is a awful disease where you can’t walk, move or swallow - he now needs 24 hour care) as this happened I started to listen to opera, it was a way of contacting him. So I told this story and someone from the Royal Opera House heard me and I was approached whether I wanted to do something for there festival so I wrote it on the condition they gave me opera singers which we took down to my Dad’s bungalow in Bournemouth to put on a opera in his bungalow and that’s the story. It is quiet different from other shows - 12 -

How did you get into comedy? I started 27 years ago and at that time you could just phone up people and ask them for gigs and you would just go do them. I always liked comedy - it was the one thing everyone watched, my favourites would be Dave Allen and Steptoe and son. I watched these guys on TV and I wanted to do comedy then. I left school and got a drama degree which was great fun. I used to love compeering the Comedy Store in London as you could make the gig your own but it is a funny thing the shows that I have done have always been different. I did a show about dam building in the Kurdish region of Turkey, again it is not a subject you would expect comic to get up and talk about. In fact we won the case as they stopped building.

What are our plans for the future? I have a new series of the Manifesto on radio 4 which will come out in April then nothing else planned but what general happens is an idea comes, like one of the shows I did was about walking the length of the Israeli barrier and it just grabbed me and I loved rambling along it. It is just what grabs you at the moment. I find people with 5 year plans tedious. So after I have finished this tour I will have a cup of tea and get on with the next thing what ever it is. I find the people who say it is hard touring unbelievable as it is not as hard as a proper job like working on a building site in all weathers.

See Mark perform Bravo Figaro on Weds 27th February at the Stables in Wavendon

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HIGHLIGHTS FOR FEBRUARY

Mozart by Candlelight Saturday 9th February at 7:30pm

Tickets £20

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The Gruffalo’s Child Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th February, All seats £10 -------------------------------------------------------

Dr Feelgood Saturday 23rd February at 8pm, Tickets £16.50 Tickets from the Rhodes Box Office on 01279 651746 or www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk - 14 -

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Food Ideas from Pearce’s Farmshop & Café Purple Sprouting Broccoli – the poor man’s asparagus February is one of those in-between months, too early for the wonderful spring bounty but still hanging on to late winter’s beige root veg. Though the choice maybe more select there are still some wonderful fresh ingredients about. Look to alliums, chicory, radicchio whose sharp flavour goes well with sweet or starchy foods and parsnips whose sweet nutty taste has really been enhanced by the cold that turns the starch in their roots into sugar.

This month also sees the welcome arrival of the colourful purple sprouting broccoli, tall and slender with vivid purple buds and dark green leaves. First cultivated by the Romans and introduced to the UK in 1720 when it was called Italian asparagus and described as a ‘sprout colliflower’. It is only in the last 30 years that the purple sprouting variety has become popular and as it is unaffected by winter frosts, is at its tender best during February and March.

One of the superfoods, purple sprouting broccoli contains phytochemical sulpharaphane, thought to help prevent cancer and provide resistance against heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. It’s also packed full of vitamin C and a good source of caretenoids, iron, folic acid, calcium, fibre and vitamin A. Purple sprouting broccoli is best eaten as soon as possible after picking so do look out for it at farmshops, farmer’s markets or in the veg box. With its slender stems, purple sprouting broccoli is a true broccoli unlike calabrese, the fat-headed type that is a different variety. If you are used to eating just the florets of the calabrese, don’t be put off by the stalks of the purple sprouting – you eat the whole thing, stems, heads, leaves and all. The heads are actually immature flowers.

Broccoli is a cruciferous plant belonging to the cabbage family and like cabbage will get sulphurous and soggy if overcooked. Unlike cabbage though, purple sprouting broccoli has a surprisingly delicate taste, so do keep the cooking simple to enjoy the delicious flavour. Ways to enjoy them include: steaming, that keeps the colours, or boil for about 3 minutes until just tender. Serve with a little melted butter, lemon juice and seasoning. Sometimes called poor man’s asparagus, you can also cook the whole spears upright in an asparagus steamer and serve with hollandaise sauce and parmesan shavings or dipped into poached egg. Try them with anchovies, chopped and cooked in melted butter; with soy sauce, grated fresh ginger and sesame oil or toasted sesame seeds; cut into small pieces they are perfect for stir-fries such as with beef and oyster sauce or use in quiches and risottos; blanch them and fry with a little olive oil, chilli and garlic or eat raw dipped in hummus or in a salad. Wonderfully versatile, so do make the most of their short season.

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Potato & Stilton Frittata with Warm Salad of Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Pepper & Almonds Ingredients for Frittata: Per portion 2 eggs, beaten 4 tbsp double cream 2 new potatoes, thinly sliced ½ onion sliced 25g Stilton or blue cheese 1 tbsp fresh parsley, mint, chives, chopped Method Sauté the onions and potatoes in olive oil in a small frying pan, then cover and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Beat the eggs with the herbs, Stilton and plenty of black pepper.

Pour over the potatoes and onion and return to the heat and cook over low heat for 15 minutes or until no liquid egg left.

Either turn frittata over and cook for few minutes until underside is golden brown or place under grill until top is browned.

Leave to rest for 5 minutes and serve with warm purple sprouting broccoli salad Ingredients for Warm Salad Per portion

½ bunch purple sprouting broccoli ½ onion ½ red pepper 50g almonds, toasted To serve Yogurt mixed with 1tbsp chives, Chervil to garnish Method Blanch the purple sprouting broccoli Sweat the onion and red pepper in oil until just soft.

Mix the broccoli with the onion/pepper and add almonds.

Make a dressing from 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, drizzle over salad.

Serve with slices of frittata and yogurt and chervil to garnish

Pearce’s, the Farmshop and Café for fresh produce and good food on the A10 between Buntingford and Puckeridge. www.pearcesfarmshop.com

A natural solution to back pain …and - 17 -

sitting pretty.

We all know someone who has had their life turned upside down by back pain of one kind or another. There are those who have played too much football with the children, serious sportsmen with injuries and those who seem just unlucky and get a slipped disc going about their daily business.

Whatever the cause having a bad back is the leading reason of sickness absence from work and costs the NHS a staggering £1.3m a day. It doesn’t stop there though as £13m a day is spent on disability benefits and the total cost to the UK economy is £19b a year. So chronic back pain not only wrecks lives but is also doing a pretty good job helping to wreck the economy too.

Locally we don’t do any better with 1,198 Physiotherapists resident in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. They won’t be working with back patients all the time but it is a major part of their work and that doesn’t include all the osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, Alexander technique teachers, Rolfers and all the others that profess to help us with back pain. I am a huge fan of the Bowen Technique and its always helped (during pregnancy I suffered awful back pain) but it’s interesting that therapists always advise good follow on habits by way of prevention, especially around carrying heavy bags on one shoulder and sitting correctly (I am especially guilty - if I’m at a computer all day - I sometimes actually cross my legs while typing – terrible!!) Over the years I’ve been advised to try sitting on a Yoga exercise ball, but of course my kids just take it and use it as a space hopper!

Gillian Brown from the Harpenden Osteopathy & Sports Injury clinic has noticed more people who work at home coming to her practice. Whether this is because commuting is becoming more of a chore or because the advances in technology allow it she says ‘with more people choosing to work from home for a day or two a week it is becoming more common to not have a good work set up at home and working on the kitchen table can be the reality for many. This can lead to real problems – possibly not immediately but after some time a chronic condition is likely to ensue. I am very keen to advise my patients on an effective ergonomic set-up at home and also at the office.

I’ve recently been introduced to a great innovative chair called The Back App that enables you to sit still for longer and not slouch, when you first sit on it, it feels rather - 18 -

like the position you’d adopt when sitting on a horse but you quickly get used to it, the height adjusts too. It comes highly recommended by Murielle Carrasco, a Pilates teacher, who has recently started a posture clinic. She says that her clientele has changed in recent years from middle aged women to fit 30 year olds with disc problems.

The cause according to Murielle is ‘hours slouching’ and ‘a few hours at the gym doesn’t seem to compensate for their bad posture.’ Her advice is to ‘avoid slouching and do not sit still for more than one hour.

The body is designed to move. That is why I love the Back App so much.’

So what is the best way to sit? Well many Therapists and Ergonomists are moving away from the traditional advice having your feet flat on the floor, with the angle between your trunk and thighs (hip angle) at 90 degrees. Kieran O’Sullivan is a Physiotherapist and a back pain scientist and he has shown that sitting with a more open hip angle makes sitting upright in a good posture easier.

Most back pain professionals all agree that people need to sit less, have breaks if they do need to sit for long periods and sit without slouching.

The Back App chair can help us achieve this. Go to www.relaxbackuk.com to learn more and contact the retailers below for more advice and to arrange a trial of the Back App. Alternatively contact Mike Dilke of Back App UK on 01727 757221 You can see the Back App in action at Apex Office Furniture and Interiors Luton, Bedfordshire www.apex-office.com GWB Office Furniture Welwyn, Hertfordshire www.gwbofficefurniture.com Perfect Balance Clinic Hatfield, Hertfordshire www.perfectbalanceclinic.com References - http://www.backcare.org.uk/ The Back Pain Show is February 22nd/23rd at Olympia. There will be a chance to win a free Back App at the Back App stand.

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Dress to impress

by Donna Obstfeld

Fashion has changed significantly over the years and many of the trends of the past have also seen revivals, but what of dress trends at work?

Do people dress to impress? Do people look at themselves in the mirror before leaving for work and think "am I dressed appropriately?" and for that matters, what is appropriate? Like fashion, dress in the workplace has also changed significantly over the years. It is of course, job environment specific and what a mechanic wears would not be appropriate in an office environment, but on the whole, do people still power dress for work? Are there different standards for men than those for women and do employers care what staff look like as long as they get the job done – in fact should they care what staff look like?

I once interviewed someone for a job in the finance department of a large company and the candidate came in wearing a tracksuit, this is absolutely true! I was so disgusted that anyone would turn up for an interview looking such a mess and having taken so little pride in their appearance that I have to admit, I paid little attention to the content of the interview, spent as much time as I needed to be polite and terminated the discussion at the first opportunity that I had. Was I right to do so? In my opinion, yes - if someone can't make an effort for an interview, it says a lot about their personality and you would wonder how much effort they would make in the working environment.

As an HR Advisor, I work with a lot of businesses of varying sizes and cultures and dress code does differ considerably. On my first visit to a company I will always wear a suit, after that if the company is less formal, I will wear trousers and a top. I will always wear shoes never trainers or sandals and as a woman, I will always wear discreet makeup and jewellery. It is about image.

I am influencing, building credibility and delivering tough messages, it is easier to do this if I feel I am dressed appropriately.

Over the years many businesses have become less formal and not everyone needs to wear a suit, but being appropriately dressed is important. Would we want our child's teacher or doctors and nurses in clothes more appropriate to a night club? Would we want builders and decorators walking round in a suit? The key to dressing for work is to find out what the policy is on dress code and make sure you have suitable clothing in your wardrobe. If a uniform has to be worn, it can make life easier and for this reason many employers issue either full or part uniforms to their staff, or provide a clothing allowance and stipulate the colour or the type of clothing to be worn.

So if you are interviewing someone for a role in your business, take into account how they are dressed, remember to communicate your desired dress code when offering a job, if this is documented in the contract or an employee handbook – even better. You should also be dressed as you would expect your candidate to be. Likewise, if you are attending an interview or starting a new role – do some dress code homework first!

www.dohr.co.uk - 20 -

Road Test - Subaru Forester The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has built a strong reputation for robust underpinnings, capable on-road driving dynamics and surprising ability off-road. What you are looking at here is the third-generation Forester with the company’s familiar flat-four 2.0-litre, 148bhp petrol engine which boasts reduced emissions and 10% improved economy resulting from a sump-up rework compared to the previous model. A 2.0-litre 145bhp diesel is also available.

It can dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 10.2 seconds, helped by a kerb weights of just 1,510kg.

The Forester is a relaxed and refined place to be and an easy car to drive. Its nononsense exterior coupled to the practical interior is a constant reminder that it is as useful on road as it is off it. This view is reinforced by the retained low-range transfer box that accompanies the 5-speed transmission. Despite a slight reluctance to engage reverse, the gearbox is a slick, well weighted device that makes using it an enjoyable experience. It responds best to a gentle approach – in line with its intended purposes – and rewards with a smooth, relaxed and refined power delivery.

The suspension allows the Subaru to cope admirably with rough roads and bumps well, but the trade-off is a bouncy ride which means the car pitches and wallows over uneven surfaces.

In the XS trim of our test car, there is a generous equipment list with alloy wheels, climate control, Bluetooth, xenon headlamps and reversing camera – and ambient lighting to flood the cabin at night.

Inside, the cabin is logically laid out, but there is no denying that the design is somewhat dated now and the materials look and feel cheap with a lot of shiny black plastic on offer. The dashboard is lifted directly from the Impreza which means you get a fairly uninspiring but functional design. However, all the controls are light and direct, and the generous height and large expanses of glass means the driver gets a grandstand view of the road. The front seats are extremely comfortable and supportive in an understated way.

As a practical family hold-all, the Forester is a good car. It offers a spacious cabin that allows five adults to be easily accommodated whilst those in the rear will enjoy more head and legroom that they would if they were in more stylish competitors such as the VW Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. There are plenty of useful little cubby holes to store their paraphernalia too. There’s plenty of luggage space too: 450-litres with the seats in place and a very impressive 1,660-litres with them folded.

Running costs are high though. We only managed to achieve 39.0 mpg during our 770 miles, and with 198g/km CO2 emissions, there is a hefty road tax bill. Our car cost £27,120 as tested, but it will struggle to retain 40% of that after three years.

In summary, the Forester may not be the best-looking nor most desirable off-roader, but it is extremely adept off-road and offers plenty of space and practicality. If you are looking for a competent, no-frills 4x4 with excellent reliability and cost of ownership

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isn’t your number-one priority, then actually, you might be hard pushed to find a better alternative.

Herts Listings

time students) Concert starts at 7pm Telephone: 01582 840333 ext. 4 Email: l.peck@beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk Beechwood Park School, Pickford Road, Markyate, Near St Albans AL3 8AW

China in the East: An exhibition showcasing spectacular Chinese collections- til Saturday 16 Mar This exhibition features Chinese collections from a number of museum in the Eastern region; revealing the unexpected connections between China and the East of England. Part of the Eastern Exchanges festival; an official partner of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad Programme.

Free entry; open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, 01992 582686 Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Disco Inferno Night -Friday 1 Feb We’re back with a red hot Disco Inferno Night! Our fantastic DJ, "Neil the Inferno O’Hara", our amazing compere, Rizzo "The Pimp Daddy" plus fabulous live vocalist Gemma "Bubble Gum" Samuels and simply stunning stage dancers "The Dream Team" are all guaranteed to get you in the party mood and transport you back to the decade that taste forgot - the funktastic 70s! You’ll be dancing the night away to one classic floor-filler after another including Car Wash, I Will Survive, Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel and many more groovy tunes. If you feel like singing along then join us in the Grand Lobby where we’ll be hosting a fab Karaoke Party! Fri 1 Feb, 8pm. £10 in advance, £12 on the door. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Monthly Table Top Sale- Sat 23 Feb Table Top Sale in the Methodist Church Hall Tables are available at £8 each, bookable in advance only.

The Sale runs from 10am to 12 noon the next sale will be Saturday 26 January. For those wishing to book a table should ring 01992 462047. Entry is free. Telephone 01992 462047 for more information. Hoddesdon Methodist Church, Middlefield Road Hoddesdon EN11 9ED Maria’s American Adventure- Friday 1 Feb Learn all about Arts Centre Chief Executive Maria Iredale’s trip to the north-east US on a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship. She has returned brimful with new ideas. “I chose to explore the capacity of the arts to regenerate communities,” says Maria. “I visited Detroit, Chicago and Boston – very different cities, with unique histories and unique aspirations that share a belief in the arts as a social and economic driver. They encourage artists to live and work in communities as they have found them to be ‘active citizens’. 6.00 for 6.30pm. Free (but a donation to the Arts Centre would be nice). Booking required on 01462 670788. Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Macmillan Cancer Support Film Screening - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel- Friday 1 Feb Film Night in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Celia Imrie If you missed this the first time round, now is your chance to see this wonderful film. Or, of course, you may want to see it for a second (or third) time.... Tickets are £10 (and include wine and nibbles). They can be purchased either: by email or by phone from Judie Caunce, jac@events-plus.co.uk / 01582 765006; or in person or by phone from The Harpenden Public Halls (Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm 01582 767 525). The evening is kindly supported by Harpenden Film Society. £10 tickets (include drink and nibbles).

7.30pm refreshments. Film starts at 8pm. Tickets available: by email or by phone from Judie Caunce, jac@events-plus.co.uk / 01582 765006; or in person or by phone from The Harpenden Public Halls (Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm 01582 767 525).

Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD

Popular Clarinettist, Emma Johnson, to give recital at Beechwood Park- Friday 1 Feb Tickets are now on sale for Emma Johnson’s clarinet recital. Beechwood Park’s Headmaster, Patrick Atkinson notes “It is wonderful that such a leading performer, and winner of awards, including BBC Young Musician of the Year, who has been described by The Times as ‘Britain’s favourite clarinettist’ is coming to perform at Beechwood Park.” Emma Johnson’s concert is sponsored by award-winning solicitors, Taylor Walton, with offices in Luton, St Albans and Harpenden. Emma will be accompanied by pianist John Lenehan in an enticing programme which will include works by Mozart, Weber, Schumann and Paul Reade’s award-winning Suite for clarinet and piano from The Victorian Kitchen Garden. Tickets: £15 and £7 (under 18s and full-

The Nightingale -Saturday 2 Feb Imagine you could have anything you wanted... the best that money can buy. Unfortunately for the little King, he already has that, and he still feels something’s missing. That is, until he is enchanted by the most beautiful sound in the world and finds friendship in the most unexpected place. Horse and Bamboo make theatre that is fantastically visual. This age old story from Hans Christian Andersen is told - 22 -

through a mesmerising blend of masks, puppetry, animation, vivid performance and original music.

A sweet, funny and beautiful show for families.

2.30pm Tickets £5.50/ £4 DC Box Office: 01442 228 091 The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

their chosen artist. The girls have all worked with acrylic on canvas. Open Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Admission is free to all Galleries.

Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Stay and Play at Hertford Museum Sat 2 Feb On the first Saturday of each month, The Andrews Room at Hertford Museum will be open for families to enjoy a free play session. Come along and play with traditional wooden toys, make something crafty and read a book. Whilst you are here why not use the discovery station toys to explore the galleries too? 10.30 am - 2.00 pm, Free entry, 01992 582686 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Memory Capsules -- one of our 1970s and 80s Festival events- Monday 4 Feb to Thursday 28 Feb Come and explore the precious items of the 70s and 80s collected by local schoolchildren and placed in capsules designed by local company Ogle Design Continuing the 1970s and 80s theme from our Festival. Café Gallery. Open Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Admission is free to all Galleries.

Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

ReikiLove Reiki Retreat Day -Sunday 3 Feb Come and enjoy a day of relaxation, discovery and nurturing through Reiki and meditation.

Experience and experiment with different Reiki techniques. Make new Reiki friends. Reconnect with yourself. Open to all Reiki levels and lineages, these gatherings offer a supportive and non judgemental environment in which we can share Reiki, grow as individuals and come together as a Reiki community. Sessions will be led by experienced Reiki Master teachers, topics to include: Angelic Reiki Reiki Drumming Self Healing Empowerment Sending Reiki to Global Situations. Vegetarian sandwich lunch, fruit, biscuits and herbal teas included. Please wear comfortable clothing. Free parking. 10.15am 4.30pm Tickets: £65 per person (over 18s only please) Early Bird price £55 ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL at reikilove.org For more info contact Papu Jordan on 01582 623985 or info@papujordan.com.The Essex Room, Holiday Inn, London Road (A5), Markyate AL3 8HH

Art from Fearnhill and Highfield -Tuesday 5 Feb An opportunity to see the wealth of talent at the Highfield and Fearnhill schools, Letchworth Garden City, with this display of ALevel work by local sixth-formers. Open Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Admission is free to all Galleries.

Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4ET Scamp and New Prospectives Theatre Company presents Farm Boy- Thursday 7 Feb Michael Morpurgo’s compelling sequel to the awardwinning War Horse is a beautifully-crafted reminder that stories really can reach out across the generations. Having had runs all over the world, the magical tale has once more been brought to life with a combination of drama, storytelling and original music. Suitable for ages 7+ £15, £13 concessions, £10 Groups Thursday 7th February at 1:45pm and 7:45pm BOX OFFICE 01992 531500 Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG13 1PS

Love Crime (15) -Sunday 3 Feb Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas) is a ruthless and sadistic business executive who enjoys using people for her own twisted enjoyment and taking credit for their ideas, including those of assistant Isabelle.

But has Christine underestimated Isabelle’s ambition? Screened in French. 3pm & 7.30pm £8 (conc £6.50) Rumour members: £4 01923 225671 Watford Palace Theatre 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

Roy Orbison & Friends- Friday 8 Feb Barry Steele presents his all live spectacular multimedia tribute to The Big O. Using original film footage and backed by a fabulous five piece band, the show features classic Orbison hits from the 60s right through to the late 80s when he joined The Traveling Wilburys. Mix in the sound of The Shadows, Ray Charles and Jerry Lee Lewis along with special star guest tributes to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, and you have a spectacular fusion of good old ‘rock ‘n roll’ and contemporary musical genius all on one stage.

8pm. £20; Group discounts available. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Portraits: Pupils at St Francis’ College, Letchworth Garden City -Monday 4 Feb Self-portraits by Year 9 pupils at St Francis’ College, Letchworth Garden City -- in the style of an artist each girl has found inspiring. The project began with each girl researching and then studying a portrait that inspired her. The girls then had several weeks to practise and develop a portrait of themselves in the style of

Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareFriday 8 Feb , Sat 9 Feb, Mon 11 Feb to Sat 16

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Feb Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. Directed by Laura Eddy and John Keogh. Performances 8pm.

Matinee on Saturday 16th February at 2.30pm.

Tickets £10. Box Office 01707 324300 or online.

Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST

expanded. Now bitter and middle aged, with a Buddha belly and no hair products in sight, the award winning Scottish comedian rails against the disappointments of the modern world with eloquence and passion. Religion, skinny jeans and politics. Nothing is left out! Alan Francis is an award winning comedian, writer (Alistair McGowan’s Big Impression), and actor who was recently seen in Psychoville with the League of Gentlemen, and Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge. He has also received great acclaim for his roles in Scottish productions including Caledonia at the National Theatre of Scotland, A Winter’s Tale at the Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh and A Streetcar Named Desire and The Snow Queen 8pm £9/ £7 concessions Box Office: 01442 228 091. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

60s 70s 80s 90s 00s Club Classics Dance PartyFri 8 Feb The Place for Music Loving and Partyin’ Mature Over 30’s.....

Recapturing The Atmosphere & Music of Clubs as They Used To Be. Very Smart Casual (smart denim ok) No T Shirts or Trainers. Free M’ship (ID must be shown). A Fantastic Adult Nite Out Dancing to all the Well Known Classics presented by a DJ with years of experience. £7 adm. 9pm ’til 1am last entry 10.30... We are OPEN one FRIDAY A MONTH www.tamlamotownsoulpartynights.co.uk or call 07860 578708 9pm ’til 1am.The Mercure Hotel previously The Ramada Jarvis Hotel, (A41), Watford by Pass, Watford, WD25 8JH

Don Quixote (As Live from the Bolshoi Ballet)Sunday 10 Feb One of the most charming and amusing of all 19th century romantic Russian ballets, Don Quixote tells the famous tale of the obsessive, romantic, short-sighted and eccentric elderly nobleman determined to revive chivalry on an adventurous quest. All sorts of hilarious scrapes ensue when his high-minded idealism confronts humdrum reality... Sun 10 Feb at 7.30pm - £15 (no concessions) 01923 225671 Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

Hertfordshire Chorus: Mozart & Mendelssohn in St Albans Abbey -Saturday 9 Feb Mozart’s Mass in C Minor (the ‘Great Mass’) is far more ambitious and elaborate than even his magnificent Requiem. Although it was never completed, it is a wonderful work on the grandest scale, and considered by many scholars to be one of the greatest mass settings of all time. This sublime work is a real treat for all lovers of choral music, and St Albans Abbey is the perfect setting for a performance.

Mendelssohn’s rousing choral spectacle Die Erste Walpurgisnacht was hailed by Berlioz as a masterpiece of romanticism. A sort of musical ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’, the piece tells a story of Druid pagan rituals in the Harz mountains. Concert Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £25,£20 £15,Restricted view £7.50, concessions £5 St Albans Abbey, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1BY

The Upbeat Beatles- Tuesday 12 Feb It’s 1963 and a new band is taking the country by storm, playing a heady mixture of blues, motown and rock ’n’ roll… Since 1997 The Upbeat Beatles have been the best in the business at re-creating the excitement, raw energy and authentic sound of the original Fab Four. Four supremely talented guys – no tricks, no backing tracks – just great powerhouse vocals and close harmonies pumped out with a driving backbeat to give you a night you’ll never forget. 8pm. £17.50; Group discounts available. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Comedy Club - Saturday 9 Feb Our monthly comedy night returns, with Comedy store regular and Jongleurs stalwart Sean Meo. Plus, Damian Kingsley and Darren Walsh, the two runners-up in last year’s New Act competition, both get to do short sets as their prize. Come and see two rising stars! As always, your host is the inimitable Paul B Edwards. Licensed bar. Doors open 7.30. Show starts 8.30. Tickets £10 (Comedy Club members £8) from 01462 670788. Letchworth Arts Centre.

2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

My Gay Best Friend -Tuesday 12 Feb Racquell (Louise Jameson) is a 50-something would-be diva who works in Boots but is about to make her stage debut. She’s locked herself in the ladies, furious because her gay best friend Gavin (Nigel Fairs) isn’t there to support her; he’s sitting in a walk-in wardrobe about to become a father with a lesbian couple and a turkey baster. The show has universal appeal with adult content! You’ll laugh, cry and think.

8pm £10/£8 concessions/£6 DC Box Office: 01442 228 091.The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Alan Francis Expands- Saturday 9 Feb After twenty years on the circuit eating pies from petrol stations there’s no doubt Alan Francis has

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Toddler Tuesday - Valentine Crafts -Tuesday 12 Feb Come along and take part in themed crafty activities, play with toys and share a story! £1.50 per child including refreshments for all – please book in advance. ALL children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times 10.30 - 11.30 am, £1.50, 01992 582686 Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

both satirical barrels at the politicians, bankers and celebrities making the news this month. If you like your satire with a bite and your tunes with a topical twist, this is the show for you. £9.50/ £7.50 conc 8pm 01442 228 091 The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE Life of Pi 3D (PG) -Friday 15 to Sunday 17 Feb A young boy who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic incredible journey. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor, a fearsome Bengal tiger.

From the international best seller, directed by Ang Lee. Fri 15 Feb at 3pm, Sun 17 Feb at 3pm & 7.30pm - £9.60 (conc £7.80) Rumour members: £5 01923 225671. Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

“RSPB Natural Secrets” by Peter Holden Wednesday 13 Feb Illustrated talk organised by Watford Local RSPB Group.Peter, who started working for the RSPB in 1969, was responsible for setting up the RSPB’s Young Ornithologists Club.

A lifetime spent enthusing the public about birds has earned him an MBE in the 2009 New Year Honour’s list. This talk is about the 13,000 wildlife species found on RSPB reserves. Sales table for bird feed etc. Raffle 8 pm. Entry £3.

Contact 01582 792843 Stanborough Centre, 609 St Albans Rd, Watford WD25 9JL

Rob Newman’s New Theory of Evolution- work in progress -Friday 15 Feb Join Rob as he tries out material in advance of a major new UK tour.

Watch it evolve in front of your very eyes! As a writer and comedian Rob’s is a familiar face to many from his tv work including History of the World Backwards; Newman & Baddiel In Pieces and The Mary Whitehouse Experience. 8pm.

Tickets £10.The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Elvis - The Ultimate Performance -Wednesday 13 Feb Elvis is definitely in the building!

Europe’s largest and most authentic Elvis show, starring the world’s leading Elvis performer Chris Connor and accompanied by Barisons Orchestra this show is designed for every Elvis fan.

Recreating two landmark performances in Elvis’s career - the ‘68 Comeback Special and the Aloha from Hawaii - and featuring Elvis’s greatest hits, including Suspicious Minds, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Jailhouse Rock, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Love Me Tender, American Trilogy, Burning Love, A Big Hunk of Love, If I Can Dream, Fever. 8pm. £18; Group discounts available. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Heart of Herts Casino Night- Saturday 16 Feb Join us for a fun filled evening and raise funds for Herts Air Ambulance 7.30pm.The Fairway Tavern, Welwyn Garden City AL7 2ED Country Dance Workshop and Barn DanceSaturday 16 Feb English Miscellany. New for 2013. Country Workshop for all led by Chris Turner with music by English Miscellany followed by our annual Barn Dance. Come and dance to the music of the BURSLEDON VILLAGE BAND with Chris Turner calling. A day not to be missed. No experience necessary, just bring lots of energy! Supper served following the workshop.

More details at www.englishmiscellany.com.

Workshop £6.00 Barn Dance £10.00 (Under 16s £6.50) Combined Workshop and Barn Dance £14.00 (Under 16s £10.50) Tickets are available from: Brenda on 01582 629732 or Helen on 020 8386 3779 Red Gables West Common Road Harpenden AL5 2JQ then Public Halls Southdown Road Harpenden AL5 1TE

Boogie Nights - The 70s Musical in Concert Thursday 14 Feb Starring The Osmond Brothers (Merrill, Jimmy and Jay), Gareth Gates, Louisa Lytton from Eastenders, X Factor stars Andy Abraham and Chico, and Shane Richie Jnr as Roddy. The original and best-loved West End hit 70s musical in an unmissable remixed one night concert event of the year! Featuring all the hit songs, and an all-star cast of 14 singers, dancers and live musicians. Join us at the Colosseum and sing along with hits including Celebration, Blame it on the Boogie, Y.M.C.A, Boogie Wonderland and Disco Inferno along with many, many more!

Thu 14 Feb, 8pm. £35.50, £32.50; Group discounts available. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom- Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 Feb Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where

The Treason Show -Friday 15 Feb Brighton’s legendary Treason Show team returns, aiming

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flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure. Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston the Ladybird clean up his messy cave, they go on a trip into The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum, even plan a surprise birthday party for King Elf, and oops, let’s hope there’s not another jelly flood! Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter on an enchanting journey through the Magical Kingdom. With actors, masks and colourful costumes this beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family. 8pm. £16.50, £14.50, £12.50; Under 16s £2 off; Family & group discounts available. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band, ("Superb, they swing like crazy!” – Sheila Tracy, BBC). Featuring Simone from the latter days of the Ivy Benson Orchestra plus Chris Smith (Jnr), composer and arranger for Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb, and the BBC Radio Big Band. Doors open 6.30. Show starts 7.00 Tickets £10. from 01462 670788.

Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW Letchworth Hall Wedding Show- Sunday 17 Feb Come and meet all your Herts Suppliers under one roof! Fashion Shows at 12p.m and 2p.m Free Admission 11a.m - 3p.m 0844 9970630 Letchworth Lane, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3NP Great Hallingbury Wedding Show -Sunday 17 Feb Come along to see this lovely venue & meet an array of suppliers ready to help in the planning of your day FREE ENTRY, 11am 3.30pm, 01245 362883, Free Goody Bag for all Brides. Great Hallingbury, Bishops Stortford CM22 7TJ

February Frolics- Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 Feb Newborn lambs daily in our lambing marquee with bottle-feeding demonstrations, Bo Peeps fun hunt for her lost sheep with prize, farmyard animals, fun fair rides, synthetic ice rink, JCB Young Drivers Zone, under cover adventure play in Captain Chicken’s Egg Dodge and Woolly Jumpers indoor play barn, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and Mad Science farming shows in Woolly’s Showtime Theatre. Daily 10am to 5.30pm. Call 0870 129 9718 or visit website for details www.willowsfarmvillage.com. Willows Farm Village. Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans AL4 0PF

Children’s Activity - Glorious Grain- Tuesday 19 Feb Make a stunning picture using grain. Age 4+, cost £3.00 per child. 10am, 11.15am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. Mill Green Mill and Museum AL9 5PD Chinese Customs and Crafts family activitiesTuesday 19 to Thursday 21 Feb This half term come along and take part in crafty activities inspired by the visiting exhibition ‘China in the East’. 10.30 am - 3.30 pm, just drop in, £1.50 per child. (Last entry 3pm) Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Kids Club: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Saturday 16 Feb In this prequel to THE LORD OF THE RINGS, Jackson brings back several Tolkein regulars for the fantastical tale of Frodo’s uncle, Bilbo Baggins and his quest to reclaim the lost treasure of the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Drenched in the most vivid colour this will delight newcomers as well as die-hard fans of this series. Enjoy the best childrens films at our Saturday morning Kids Club! All Saturday Kid’s Club tickets £2.50 each 10:00am Box Office 01992 531500. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG13 1PS

Children’s Activity - Rain stick -Wednesday 20 Feb Design and make a rain stick shaker filled with grain Age 4+, cost £3.00 per child. 10am, 11.15am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. Mill Green Mill and Museum AL9 5PD Micky Flanagan-Back in the Game- Wednesday 20 Feb Micky Flanagan – one of British comedy’s biggest stars – will travel the length and breadth of the UK & Ireland for what will be the most anticipated comedy tour of 2013, which follows on from the huge critical and commercial success of last year’s Out Out tour. Micky has appeared on The Royal Variety Performance, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, amongst others, and the DVD Micky Flanagan Live: The Out Out Tour has been the number 1 selling stand-up DVD in 2012. 19:00.

Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans. AL1 3LD

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Hertford Museum! -Saturday 16 Feb Celebrate Chinese New Year by visiting our China in the East exhibition and taking part in food tasting, crafty activities and museum trails. 10.30 am - 3.30 pm, Free (but donations are welcomed), just drop in, 01992 582686. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT Hits From the Blitz -Sunday 17 Feb The unique “feel-good” 1940s show, as featured at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights. Famous wartime tunes and “sing-a-long” songs brought to

Eugene Onegin (Live from the Royal Opera House)- Wednesday 20 Feb Director of The

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Royal Opera Kasper Holten makes his directorial debut at Covent Garden with a brilliantly cast new production of Tchaikovsky’s classic poignant opera: his tender exploration of a young girl’s awakening passion, her rejection by the aloof Onegin and her ultimate choice of honour over true love. 7.15pm - £15 (no concessions) 01923 225671 Watford Palace Theatre 20 Clarendon Road Watford WD17 1JZ

members: £4 01923 225671.Watford Palace Theatre 20 Clarendon Road Watford WD17 1JZ Talk by Kenton Cool - Everest- Friday 22 Feb In May 2012, British mountaineer Kenton Cool reached the summit of Everest for a recordbreaking 10th time. He climbed to fulfill a 90year-old olympic pledge, taking a gold medal awarded to the1922 British Everest Expedition to the summit of this iconic mountain just weeks before London 2012 kicked off.60 years after Hilary first summited this iconic mountain, Kenton will be talking about his experiences on Everest and his twenty year career as one of the world’s leading high altitude mountain guides, including his 2007 expedition to lead Sir Ranulph to summit the infamous North Face of the Eiger.

An exhilarating evening of mountaineering stories and images from the top of the world.

8pm, £15 conc £14, 01923 859291. The Radlett Centre, Radlett WD7 8HL

Micky Flanagan - Back in the Game -Thursday 21 Feb Micky Flanagan – one of British comedy’s biggest stars – will travel the length and breadth of the UK & Ireland for what will be the most anticipated comedy tour of 2013, which follows on from the huge critical and commercial success of last year’s Out Out tour. Micky has appeared on The Royal Variety Performance, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, amongst others, and the DVD Micky Flanagan Live: The Out Out Tour has been the number 1 selling stand-up DVD in 2012. 8pm. £23.50. Ages 14+. Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Puppetry of the Penis- Saturday 23 Feb From the West End of London to Broadway in New York, the boys have been getting it out all over the world and now it’s your chance to see them at Watford Colosseum! The name Puppetry of the Penis was originally conceived by Simon Morley, as the title of a highbrow art calendar showcasing twelve of Simon’s favourite penis installations (known as “Dick Tricks”). Years before, Simon’s youngest brother, Justin, had shown him his first installation - ‘The Hamburger’. Natural sibling rivalry resulted in the evolution of a grand repertoire of genital gesticulations. Simon teamed up with fellow puppeteer David “Friendy” Friend in 1997 and a global phenomenon was born! After more than a ‘dickade’, the world continues to embrace the art of Genital Origami so come and see this hilarious show for all to enjoy. You’re NUTS if you miss it! 7.30pm. £19.50. Ages 16+. Contact: 0845 075 3993.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Strictly Come Hospice -Friday 22 Feb It’s time to get romantic! Join The Peace Hospice in celebrating the 6th Strictly Come Hospice sensational Latin Grand Finale. Local dance schools, plus professionals will be joining our new strictly couples to battle out the Rumba and Samba after only 7 weeks of dancing lessons.

In true Strictly style, our contestants will perform their routines and be scored in front of a guest judging panel when only one couple will be crowned Strictly Come Hospice Champions!

The Peace Hospice cares for people living with a life limiting or terminal illness and supports their families from across South West, 7.30pm. £16.

Contact: 0845 075 3993. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN Jungle Book Kids- Friday 22 to Sunday 24 Feb Join Sharpe Academy as they present this smash hit Disney musical during February half term. A perfect piece of entertainment for all the family. Tickets: £8-£12 Shows at 2.30pm Fri, Sat, Sun and 7.30pm on Sat Eve Box Office: 01923 711063 Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1EH

Oil Painting- Saturday 23 Feb Suitable for beginners and improvers, you will paint directly on to canvas board after having prepared your surface using an acrylic base. Using water soluble oils whilst receiving guidance on image composition, colour mixing and creating texture, enjoy getting creative whilst furthering your understanding of the medium. With expert tuition this is a perfect opportunity to explore, experience and create something different.

10.00 - 16.00 - £55.00. The Tudor House Studio & Gallery, 38 Knight Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AX

Midnight’s Children (12A) -Friday 22 to Sunday 24 Feb An adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s comic and magical Booker Prize winning epic novel about a pair of children, born within moments of India gaining independence from Britain, who grow up inextricably linked to India’s whirlwind journey of triumphs and disasters. Fri 22 & Sun 24 Feb at 3pm - £8 (conc £6.50) Rumour

Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings 3D (U)Saturday 23 Feb Computer animated journey

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with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the Mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventures lead Tink to an amazing discovery, revealing a magical secret that could change her world forever. Sat 23 Feb at 10.30am - £7.20 (conc £5.40) Rumour members: £5 Watford Palace Theatre 20 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ

by storm. Whether looking to experience this sensational show for the first time, or returning for the fifth, the Essence of Ireland Bigger and Better tour is not to be missed! 8pm. £22, £20; Under 16s £16; Conc. & group discounts available. Contact: 0845 075 3993. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Moore Vintage! Fair- Sunday 24 Feb Moore Vintage! is a new type of vintage fair that is a wonderful mix of vintage, handmade and retro products that buyers cannot resist! Live music and a vintage tea shop make it an event a perfect day out! Free entry and free parking makes it easy for visitors. 11am to 4pm Free entry and free parking. The Royal Masonic School for Girls, Rickmansworth Park, Rickmansworth WD3 4HF

California Suite- Wednesday 27 to Saturday 2 Mar A witty play from Neil Simon, full of comical situations and delightfully outrageous characters. Set in the Beverly Hills Hotel, California, this hilarious play treats you to a comedic take on 4 different couples in a hotel suite. A nicely set up and fun play for you to laugh at, squirm at and enjoy! - every evening at 7.45pm, plus Sat matinee at 2.45pm. Tickets £12 or £10.50 concession (over 60’s and under 16’s on all performances). Box office: 07917 324 179 or 0845 521 3453. The Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Watford, WD17 2JP

A Separation (Film, 2011, Cert PG) -Sunday 24 Feb Banned in Iran, this complex, emotional drama cuts across boundaries of gender and class, and explores the contradictions at the heart of Iranian society. Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Subtitled. 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (£4 members) www.watfordfilmsociety.org.

01923 223980. Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ

A Night of Dirty Dancing -Thursday 28 Feb Have the time of your life – come and experience this brand new spectacular featuring all the hits from everyone’s favourite dance movie Dirty Dancing. It’s the sexiest song and dance sensation of 2013, presented by an all-star cast including West End performers, with all the hits including She’s Like the Wind, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Hey Baby, Wipeout, Do You Love Me, Be My Baby, Hungry Eyes and, of course, the Oscarwinning (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life. Take a trip back to the summer of ’63, relive Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s sizzling performance in the ultimate coming of age romance. 7.45pm. £23.50; Conc. £1 off; Group discounts available.

Contact: 0845 075 3993 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Jazz Night - Sunday 24 Feb Our monthly jazz night returns, with Jazzin’ Around. Sit back, relax, and listen to some great music. Licensed bar. Doors open 7.30, Tickets £5 from 01462 670788 or on door. Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW Rockin’ Through The Ages- Tuesday 26 Feb Featuring classics such as We Built This City On Rock and Roll, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Livin’ On A Prayer and the much loved Queen anthem We Will Rock You! Come and rock out to some of the best rock anthems of all time! The inspiring cast of superb rock singers and vibrant, energetic and fierce dancers will transport you back to the days of rebellion. A night out that will certainly rock!!! 7.30pm. £19.50. Contact: 0845 075 3993.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

CALENDAR GIRLS- 28 February – 9 March The funny, feel-good, true story of how that famous calendar came to be published. This play has become the fastest selling in British theatre history. Catch it while you can! Evening shows start at 8pm, Sunday 3 March at 2.30pm. Book online at www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or phone the box office 01727 857861

Essence of Ireland -Wednesday 27 Feb The spectacular Essence of Ireland is back with a new show, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Now with its biggest and most talented cast of dancers, singers, and musicians, Essence of Ireland combines breathtaking dance routines with the very best of Irish music and a touch of Irish craic. Anyone Irish or otherwise, cannot fail to be mesmerised by this truly amazing show.

Described by the Irish World as ’Entirely unique’ and ’Highly recommended’, the critically acclaimed Essence of Ireland is taking theatres

Beds Listings Get follicled: the true story of Rapunzel- Fri 1 & Sat 2 Feb The follicley-challenged enchantress Alopecia discovers, through a prophecy, that the Baron’s only child will play a vital role in her fortune. When the child – daughter called Rapunzel - is born, Alopecia steals her away and locks her in a high tower in the middle of the enchanted forest. Rapunzel, it appears, has a strange condition which makes her hair grow at - 28 -

an astonishing rate, so Alopecia uses the young girl’s locks to secure her fortune in a wig-making business. Many years later, a frustrated Rapunzel watches couples making out in the bushes below her tower and is desperate for some close ’company’. When Prince Albert happens upon her tower all her inhibitions are released. Can Albert - the virgin prince - be the one she’s been waiting for? TADS Theatre, Conger Lane Toddington 1/2 February at 7.45 Box office: 07952633234 Email: boxoffice@tadstheatre.org Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/tads Tickets: All tickets £10 Over 18s only. Tads Theatre Conger Lane, Toddington LU5 6BT

Shop Vale Farm, Woburn Road A421 Nr Lidlington MK43 0NL Natural Luton’s ’ Get Involved Guided Walks’ A Winter Wander- Sunday 10 Feb 10am - 1pm Join us for a beautiful brisk walk over Warden Hill to look at our Nature Reserve and its wildlife in all its wintry splendour as well as the historic Chilterns landscape beyond. Wear sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing for whatever the weather may hold! Free. No need to book. Meet at Links Way car park, Luton.

Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA

Dolls Houses & Miniatures Fair -Sunday 3 Feb Annual event featuring handmade dolls houses plus a huge selection of 1/12th & 1/24th scale miniatures & accessories. Open 10.30am to 4pm.

Entry 2. Senior Citizens £1.50. Accompanied children under 16 FREE. 01945 870160. www.dollysdaydreams.com.

The Sharnbrook Hotel, Park Lane, Sharnbrook MK44 1LX

Family Fun Trail -Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 Feb Join us this February half term for our Family Fun Trail, find the hidden clues to solve the puzzle and win a yummy prize. 11am-4pm.

Suitable for Children. Booking not necessary.

Information: 01525 860000 or 0870 333 1181 Wrest Park MK45 4HR Make a Nestbox -Saturday 16 Feb Birds will soon be searching for places to nest; as part of National Nestbox week. Come and make a nestbox to take home and put up in your garden to help them raise their young. Information available about nesting and feeding birds and you can follow the Homes for Wildlife trail to see if you can match each creature to the correct home Booking essential-limited numbers. Two sessions : 11:00am to 12:30pm and then 1:00pm to 2:30pm Cost : £7 per nestbox Admission fee: £4 per motor vehicle to non- RSPB members.RSPB The Lodge Sandy SG19 2DL Tel 01767 680541

Free Age UK Talk- Thursday 7 Feb Free lunchtime talk, An expert from Age UK will be visiting to talk about what you may be entitled to as years gather pace. Stop by in our Lakeside cafe afterwards for a cup of tea or lunch! 11AM 12PM, Free entry, Contact: 01234 767037 Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS A Book by Its Cover -Friday 8 Feb Knowing how a book is put together and what it is made from help you to look after it, whether it is a treasured family album or a favourite paperback.

This talk by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service’s conservator will give you some tips to help preserve your books. 2.15 - 3 pm, £3.50 bookable via the Bedford Retirement Education Centre www.recbedford.co.uk/talks.html Bedford Central Library, Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG

Real Arts and Crafts - Saturday 16 Feb Craft fair featuring a wide range of high quality crafts including cards, jewellery of various kinds, ceramics, knitted and sewn goods, cakes, jams, pictures, silverwork. Goods on sale have been made by the stallholder or a member of their partnership.

See www.supportbritishhandmadecrafts.co.uk for full details including a list of crafters showing. Open 9.30am to 4pm. Free entry Contact 07770 344914 Woburn Sands Memorial Hall MK17 8RH

Giant Browse and Book Sale -Saturday 9 Feb Come and browse and buy our huge selection of nearly new books. Enjoy refreshments teas/coffee cakes & biscuits, home made soup.

Also Hand Made cards a Raffle and a Fairtrade stall. All profits to Blunham Church Fabric Fund.

Time 10:00am to 3:00pm Entry FOC St Edmund or St James Parish Church, Blunham MK44 3NQ

Biggleswade Antiques Fair- Sunday 17 Feb Over 45 stalls offering a range of antiques from jewellery, glass, china, pictures, postcards, kitchenalia and militaria. Popular cafe serving lunches, hot and cold drinks as well as a range of cakes, jams and chutneys to buy. Plenty of free parking and something for all antiques collectors. Telephone: 01480 382432 Mobile: 07906 647346 www.madisonevents.co.uk

Valentine Entertaining on the AGA with Sarah Whitaker -Saturday 9 Feb If you want to impress a special someone for Valentines Day this demonstration is the answer! Sarah shares her AGA tips and techniques for confident cooking and entertaining – with little effort, but big impact! £25 per person 11.45am - 2pm The AGA

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population don’t have a will, so here’s your opportunity to listen to the experts. Stop by in our Lakeside cafe afterwards for a cup of tea or lunch! 11AM - 12PM, Free entry, Contact: 01234 767037. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

9.30am-4.00pm Admission £1.50. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH Retro/Vintage/Handmade Fayre -Sunday 17 Feb A family fun filled event encompassing all that is good in Retro, Vintage and Handmade. 30/35 stalls with an eclectic mix of sellers dealing in memorabillia, clothing, pop culture, art, fabrics, pottery, woodturning, glass, ceramics and lots more besides. Childrens art and crafts area, face painting, crafting demonstrations throughout the day. Music covering the 20th Century from the roaring 20’s, through the War years, Big band music, 50’s Rock and Roll, 60’s Flower Power, the Glam Rock 70’s, through to the New Wave of the 80’s and everything in between. Quality refreshments throughout the day with a distinct "retro" flavour. Stallholders enquiries always welcome, see website link below. Open to public 10.00am - 4.00pm Adults £1 Under 16 Free!

Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Road, Flitwick MK45 1HP

Coffee Morning -Thursday 21 Feb Stalls, refreshments, raffle, Call in for a coffee toys for children to play with. 10-12 noon free admission St Anne Church, Crawley Grn Rd Luton LU2 0RB Picture This! Bedfordshire & Luton Archives’ Photographic Collections- Monday 25 Feb This illustrated talk will look at the photographic collections held by the Archives Service. Did you know that the Archive Service holds the negative collections of the Bedfordshire Press from c1936 - 2000? This collection alone contains approx 1/4 million glass plate negatives and untold 1000s of plastic negatives. However the service also has many other collections of negatives and prints, why not come along and find out more? 2.30 pm - 4 pm, tickets £1.00 from Flitwick library, 0300 300 8057. Flitwick Library, Coniston Road Flitwick MK45 1QJ

Children’s Woodpecker Hunt -Monday 18 to Sunday 24 Feb Pick up a trail sheet and head out to search for the woodpecker pictures hidden around the reserve. Look out for the real woodies as well and listen out for their drumming as you walk around! Half Term Week Event. Cost £1 per sheet. Self-led walk. 10am to 4pm Cost £1 per sheet. Admission fee: £4 per motor vehicle to non- RSPB members. RSPB The Lodge Sandy SG19 2DL. Tel 01767 680541

Mount Pleasant Golf Club Wedding ShowTuesday 26 Feb Come and meet all your Beds Suppliers under one roof! 5p.m - 9p.m Free Admission 0844 9970630 Station Road, Lower Stondon, SG16 6JL One Law for All, a talk by Anne Marie Waters Tuesday 26 Feb Anne Marie Waters represents the ‘One Law for All’ campaign and will be with us in February to tell us about Sharia Law in the UK and why it should be a matter of concern to all of us. One Law for All is an organisation which opposes the introduction of Sharia law into the UK. Their position is that there should be just one legal system which applies to everyone in the country. Their objections are specifically based on Human Rights grounds. They do not campaign against religion as such, but against religion in the law, and have worked with and have followers and supporters who consider themselves Muslims. Sharia is the legal system based on the Koran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Mohammed). Sharia criminal and family law involves many things which the ‘One Law fo 19.00 for a 19.30 start.

Entry £2.Retirement Education Centre, 6 Rothsay Gardens, MK40 3QB

Skeptics in the Pub -Thursday 21 Feb Stephen Law presents "Believing Bullshit: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole" Wacky belief systems abound. Members of the Heavens Gate suicide cult believed they were taking a ride to heaven on board a UFO. Muslim suicide bombers expect to be greeted after death by 72 virgins. And many fundamentalist Christians insist the entire universe is just 6,000 years old. Of course its not only cults and religions that promote bizarre beliefs significant numbers of people believe that aliens built the pyramids. How do such preposterous views succeed in entrenching themselves in the minds of sane, intelligent, educated people and turn them into the willing slaves of claptrap? Stephen Law is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London. Arrive 19.00 for a 19.30 start. Free admission (a donation towards expenses will be requested). The White Horse, Newham Ave, Bedford MK41 9PX

Bucks Listings

Free Writing Your Will Talk with Park Woodfine Heald Mellows LLP- Thursday 21 Feb Free lunchtime talk, Have you written your will, or does your will need updating? 70% of the

Treasure Island - Friday 1 and Saturday 2 Feb Along time ago on an island far, far away……….

Tread the Boards present Treasure Island their latest fun-filled family show. Robert Louis

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can! Be sure to hold onto your seats, hats and horses as you are entertained by one of the funniest Story Teller’s to date. Contains adult material.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Stevenson’s classic tale of pirates, mutiny and buried treasure is retold with songs, laughs and thrills galore. Join Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver in their quest to find a legendary hoard of pirate plunder. Aaargh! Treasure Island is a thrilling family adventure with songs, humour and some very desperate buccaneers. Friday 1st February at 7.15pm Saturday 2nd February at 2.30 and 7.15pm Book before 6th January & save!! Adults £7.50 Concessions £5.50 Family and group tickets available Ticket prices after 5th January Adults £8.50 Concessions £6.50 Book online - www.tread-the-boards.org.uk, enquiries 01908 617908 Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Willen Park South, Milton Keynes MK15 9JY

Chesham Folk Club- Monday 4 Feb Lisa Winship & Andrew Mathewson Lisa and Andrew played at Chesham in 2012 and the universal response from everyone was to book them. Their material covers blues, jazz standards and folk music with superb vocals from Lisa and fantastic musicianship as a guitarist and accompanist from Andrew.

To hear and see visit http://www.lisaandandy.org/page2.htm 8.15 pm to 11.00pm £6 members. White Hill Centre, Chesham, HP5 1AG

Quiz Night in aid of South Bucks HospiceSaturday 2 Feb The annual quiz night at the Curzon Centre, Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield.

Teams can be made up of 8 - 10 people. Last year’s event was a great success and considerable funds were raised for the Hospice.

Licensed bar available. 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Teams of 8 - 10 people, tickets cost £17 per person (including a 2 course hot supper).

Please call the Fundraising department on 01494 464045 for more information or to book tickets.

Alternatively, you can book tickets online at www.sbh.org.uk. The Curzon Centre, Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1RG

The Classic Rock Show at the Milton Keynes Theatre -Monday 4 Feb The Classic Rock Show Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ Jimmy Carr Gagging Order at the Milton Keynes Theatre-Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 Feb Brand new show, brand new jokes, same old Jimmy. Gagging Order promises to be a hilarious night out...let’s see shall we.The show will be packed with one-liners, stories & jokes. Some clever, some rude & a few totally unacceptable.

Everybody’s welcome.

Just leave your conscience, sense of common decency & moral compass at home & come on out for a laugh.

Jimmy has sold over a million DVDs & hosted countless TV shows but live comedy is what he does best, come and see for yourself. Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Stallion Showcase GB Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 Feb One of the most exciting events of the 2013 breeding season with a showcase of 70 stallions.

The event will include Show jumping and Event Stallions in GB with Loose Jumping Competition and Dressage to Music Competition as well as entertaining and educational demonstrations and trade stands. Be sure to check the website page for times and latest information, especially in case of bad weather. Addington Manor Equestrian Centre MK18 2JR

Family History Talk: Smethurst’s LuckWednesday 6 Feb Peter Maggs relates the story of Dr Thomas Smethurst, who in 1859 was tried for the murder by poisoning of Isabella Bankes, his bigamous wife. On being convicted, there was an outcry in the general press, the impression being that the prosecution case was flawed; even his deserted wife said he could not murder anyone. He received a last minute reprieve, but was immediately re-arrested for bigamy. 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Free; non-members of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; a small donation will be appreciated. Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HB

Farm Boy -Saturday 2 Feb It sometimes felt as though time had stood still on the family farm swallows nesting in the eaves, the old tractor quietly rusting in the back of the barn, Grandpa still tending his chickens - that is, until the summer his grandson finished school and came to stay, and the old man started telling stories of what it had been like on the farm when he was a boy. A delightful show combining drama, storytelling and original music. 2.30pm £10.50 / children £8.50 Family ticket £34.00 01908 324422. Stantonbury Campus Theatre, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN

Lockdales Coins and Collectables Free Valuations and Buying-In Event Saturday 9 Feb Bring along your coins and collectables for a free, no obligation expert valuation. You will also have the option to consign your goods to our auction or to sell them direct to us for a cash

Jethro at the Milton Keynes Theatre- Sunday 3 Feb It’s laughter all the way. Cornwall’s ambassador of comedy will once again take you on a fun and wild journey, in only a way that he

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sum. Items that we are able to value are:- Coins, Tokens, Stamps, Banknotes, Medals & Militaria, Swords, Bayonets, De-Activated Weapons, Gold, Silver, Watches & Clocks, Cigarette-Cards, Postcards, Pre-1960 Sports Programmes & Tickets, Antiquarian Books, Maps, Documents and Ephemera, Scientific Instruments, Antiques and Objects of Virtue Times:- 11am - 3pm www.lockdales.com sales@lockdales 01473 218588 Free admission and free expert valuations The Olney Centre, High Street, Olney MK46 4EF

pan. Free Entry. The Green, St Peter & St Paul Parish Church, Buckingham MK18 1BS Lara Melda, piano- Saturday 16 Feb Lara was the winner in the 2010 Young musician competition and will be performing works by Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Liszt concert starts at 19:45 tickets £16 (£5 students) or annual ticket £60 (£15 students) from 01494 678595 Beaconsfield High School, Wattleton Road HP9 1RR Model Railway Exhibition- Saturday 16 Feb Milton Keynes Model Railway Society annual exhibition. All major scales and gauges and some not so major - something for everyone! Plenty for all ages and levels of modelling interest. New Venue for 2013 - almost double the size. Opening times: 10.00am - 5.00pm Ample free parking; reductions on admission price if you travel by train (see below). Admission: Adults: £5.00, Children/Concessions: £3.00, Families (2 + 2): £10.00 Reduced price if you travel by train and present your valid rail ticket: Adults: £4.50, Children/concessions: £2.50, Families (2 + 2): £9.00 Shenley Brook End School, Walbank Grove, Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes MK5 7ZT

Milton Jones On The Road 2013 at the Milton Keynes Theatre -Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 Feb Milton Jones On The Road Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ Snowdrop Walk Sunday 10 Feb The annual snowdrop walk is a special day to remember the babies and children who have died and the children who are bereaved each year. Snowdrop Planting - Individual snowdrops are available for you to purchase on the day where you can plant them at The Temple of Venus within the park.

Rhyming Creature Hunt - Join in the fun, find the missing rhyming creatures throughout your walk and receive a fun-filled goody bag at the end.

Refreshments and hot food will be served in the village hall at the end of your walk. There will also be some children’s activities taking place including colouring and puzzle building. 12 noon - 4pm Adults: £2.50 Children and Concessions: £1.50 Under 3: Free. West Wycombe Park HP14 3AJ

The Fifth Bletchley Seed Swap- Saturday 16 Feb Collect seeds from your vegetables and flowers, and bring them in labelled paper envelopes or packets. You may also bring unwanted commercial seeds. On entry, (£1), hand in your seeds. You are entitled to one packet for each packet you bring. You may take away extra packets of seeds for a donation of 50p per packet. Choose the seeds that you would like to take away. No seeds to swap? Packets can be taken away for a donation of 50p per packet.

If you have seeds to swap, but no time to packet them, bring them along to be packeted on the day. Alternatively, phone one of us as soon as possible, and we can do it before the Swap. Stay for our delicious home made refreshments and a chat! A gardening bring and buy stall is available.

Bletchley Garden Club members are always happy to talk Gardening Saturday 16th February 2013. 10am- 2pm. Entrance £1. Details 01908 372138. Freeman Memorial Methodist Church, Buckingham Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 5HH MK3 5HH

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac- Monday 11 Feb Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Start time:19:30.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury. HP20 1UG Family History Talk: Bucks FHS Digital Publications -Tuesday 12 Feb Derek Ayshford and Brian Horridge demonstrate some of the Society’s latest digital publications, featuring research material such as school log books, poll books and records of Aylesbury prisoners. 7.15pm for 7.45pm.

Free; non-members of Buckinghamshire Family History Society are very welcome; Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX Pancake Race -Saturday 16 Feb The pancake race is a long established event in Buckingham.

The event is open to everyone and is free of charge. There are races for four age groups. 5yrs and under, 6-11yrs, 12-16 yrs and adults open class. A small prize is awarded to all winners. To enter all you need to do is turn up on the day wearing a headscarf, apron and carrying a frying

Hairy Bikers Larger Than Live at the Milton Keynes Theatre- Sunday 17 and Monday 18 Feb Hairy Bikers Larger Than Live Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ Family Activities at Bucks County Museum & Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery - Fabric Dolls Tuesday 19 Feb Be inspired by the Toys

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That’ll Be The Day at the Milton Keynes Theatre- Monday 25 Feb Prepare yourself for a party as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nations favourite rock ’n’ roll variety show returns by popular demand. This hugely entertaining rock ’n’ roll spectacular features an all new line up of knock-out hits from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, mixed with loads of new zany comedy routines to produce a show with a real feel good party atmosphere. Now in its 26th year of touring continuously in the UK and Europe, That’ll Be The Day is living proof that rock ’n’ roll will never die! ’What a great value-formoney show That’ll Be The Day is. Not to be missed!’ The Daily Mail .Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

exhibition and make your own to take home!

Fabric Dolls Transform a plain canvas doll into your own character. Wed 20 Feb - Wooden Spinning Tops. Decorate a toy with patterns that will baffle your eyes! Family activities cost £2.50 per child/participant. Adults/carers not making anything are FREE! Drop in any time between 10am and 12 noon or 1pm and 3pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book. Call 01296 331441 or visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/museum for more details.

Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom - Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 Feb Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Boogie Nights- Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 Feb Boogie Nights captures the heat, the madness, the heartache and the joy of being young and in love. Packed with the classic seventies floor fillers including Boogie Wonderland, Celebration, Disco Inferno, Enough is Enough, I Will Survive, Play That Funky Music, Street Life, We Are Family and YMCA. Boogie Nights is a celebration of the undying spirit of the decade that brought us glam, funk, flares and disco! Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Family Activities at Bucks County Museum & Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery - Wooden Spinning Tops- Wednesday 20 Feb Be inspired by the Toys exhibition and make your own to take home!. Decorate a toy with patterns that will baffle your eyes! T Family activities cost £2.50 per child/participant. Adults/carers not making anything are FREE! Drop in any time between 10am and 12 noon or 1pm and 3pm.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book. Call 01296 331441 or visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/museum for more details. Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Sally Morgan at the Milton Keynes TheatreThursday 28 Feb Fresh from her new TV Series Psychic Sally On The Road on Living TV, Britain’s best loved celebrity psychic, Sally Morgan returns by overwhelming public demand. Sally has used her gift over the years to help many people, most notably famous for her work with the late Princess Diana. Her reputation has been built from her close relationship with many high profile celebrities. Sally now brings her amazing abilities and her tremendous personality to the stage with a unique theatrical experience, which is both hugely entertaining and enlightening.

Sally Morgan has taken the UK by storm!! Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Family Activities at Bucks County Museum & Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery - Felt Hand Puppets Thursday 21 Feb Be inspired by the Toys exhibition and make your own to take home! Create your own puppets ready to put on a show! Family activities cost £2.50 per child/participant. Adults/carers not making anything are FREE! Drop in any time between 10am and 12 noon or 1pm and 3pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book. Call 01296 331441 or visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/museum for more details.

Bucks County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

To be included in future listings

Harry Hill- Friday 22 and Saturday 23 Feb Harry Hill - Sausage Time. Milton Keynes Theatre, 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes. MK9 3NZ

Email: thesticks9@gmail.com Putting ‘Listings’ in the subject line, giving details of your event and contact details.

Yamato Drummers at the Milton Keynes Theatre -Sunday 24 Feb Yamato Drummers, Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Deadline for March Issue 15th February

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www.the-sticks.co.uk To advertise your event, show, restaurant or business in our March digital magazine Call 07756 274444 Or email thesticks9@gmail.com Prices from ÂŁ50 per month - 34 -

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