The March Sticks Magazine - What's on in Herts, Beds and Bucks by The Sticks

Issue 67 March 2019

In this edition of The Sticks The Searchers Say Farewell with an interview with bass player Frank Allen Russell Grant’s March Horoscopes Cheese Column Advice from Consensus HR BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace – The Power of The Plants Curwens Legal Column Art Column Big Barn Food Column Wine Column Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks

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

In this issue: Page The Searchers Say Farewell HR Column from Consensus HR Curwens Column Russell Grant’s March Horoscopes Janey Lee Grace – The Power of The Plants Art Column Cheese Column Big Barn Food Column Wine Column Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks

4-7 8 9 10 -11 12-13 14-15 16 17 18 19-29

Contributors: Terry Sullivan, Sharon Struckman, Janey Lee Grace, Toby Archer, Russell Grant, Matthew Pinto – Chilcott

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

Listen to The Sticks Radio Show at 8pm every Monday exclusively on SG1 Radio (Repeated on Wednesday at 6pm) www.sg1radio.co.uk .

The Searchers Say Farewell Interview with Searchers bass player Frank Allen After a non-stop professional touring career of a mind boggling 57 years (they count their anniversaries from June 1962 when they threw in their day jobs to head over to Hamburg and the legendary Star Club) you might wonder how and why The Searchers have never slowed down or stopped. It is a back breaking schedule that has constantly amazed their contemporaries in the heady world of pop music. But wonder no more because at last the band has decided to end the touring and enjoy a well-deserved rest. It is surely a sad time for their loyal and devoted followers who thought they would go on forever. The Searchers were founded by guitarist John McNally (he started the outfit like so many other kids of the day as a skiffle group in the late fifties) and along with bassist/front man Frank Allen who left hit-making band Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers to replace Tony Jackson on August 3rd 1964 they still maintain the heritage and reputation of the band which today is almost regarded as a national treasure. Terry Sullivan of The Sticks recently spoke to Frank Allen the bass player with The Searchers: Terry: How are you doing Frank? Frank: I am doing very well thank you Terry: This year 2019, 57 years after you started you are retiring, why in 2019? Frank: Well you know, we are getting on in life and life is not much fun traveling up and down motorways all the time, that is one of the main reasons for it and I think it is about time to see if their is another life out there and something more to offer, also a bit more spare time to spend with friends and do things that I have never had chance to do before, whilst there is still time. Terry: Can I ask what? Frank: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know really, and a friend says donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t retire as you will be bored out of your mind and I may well be and I may have made the wrong decision. I think I am mature enough to have a future out there, will do a lot more traveling around

the world on a social level, in fact earlier this morning I was trying to work out flights to New York to go there for 10 or 11 days in May to check out all the shows and just lig about around Broadway and things like that. I go to London a lot and I spend a lot more time with friends dining out in London and I will do some city breaks around the world and who knows I might find a hobby! Terry: Is going to the theatre not a hobby? Frank: Yes, going to the theatre and eating out are my 2 main hobbies and they are the two things I occasionally get the chance to do. I love the theatre in New York - as you’re in a holiday mood, you’re up for things like that and the weather is usually good at the time of the year I go. I always look forward to it, I have not been to New York for a couple of years now, I went to Canada last year so it will be nice. Terry: I have not been to New York in 57 years, I was born a couple of months after The Searchers were founded. Frank: Yes it was 1962, because that is when the band went to the Star Club for the first time. That was not the founding date; it was when the band turned professional. They had been The Searchers since 1957, when the band was named after the John Wayne film but only in a semi pro way up until ‘62. Terry: You and John McNally are the only two original members in the band? Frank: I was not there in ‘62, John was, and he was there in fact in 1957. The beginning of ‘63 was when I first met The Searchers at the Star Club in Hamburg and at that time I was still one of Cliff Bennett’s Rebel Rousers. I was a southern softie and they were from nosed Liverpool, I got on very well with them and made friends with them and that was the year that everything took off because of The Beatles; at the beginning of ‘63 they went into the studio and into the charts and were number one and my friends were international stars very, very quickly. I was enjoying their company, hanging on there coat tails and then almost a year later August 3rd 1964, I took over from Tony Jackson on bass. Terry: Did you always want to be a bass player and singer? Frank: I started off as a rhythm guitarist, but I wanted to be a singer but that’s not very good when you have a voice like mine because it is not that great although I was always a harmony singer. I joined the Rebel Rousers as a rhythm guitarist and 5

six months later a few of the people left and the only one we could not find a replacement for was the bass player, so they decided I should take over, it would be cheaper and more efficient if I did. End of ‘61, I was a rhythm guitarist, first week of ‘62 I was a bass player! Terry: Have you ever had a proper job? Frank: Yes, I had a proper job for about a year and a half. When I left school, I had about two or three weeks off then I went to work for Penguin books. Terry: What were you doing there? Frank: I was not writing books or doing anything clever, I was a dispatch clerk and not a very good one - I used to send things by the wrong means and to the wrong places! It was a lovely environment as I always loved books and of course several decades on I wrote two books, so it was good grounding. Terry: I was going to ask you about the books later but can you tell us about them now? Frank: I was asked by a Welsh publisher to expand an article I had written because they thought it would make a good book and I took the challenge up; I did not know if I could write a book and I was given six months and it ended up in a book called “Travelling Man” which has stayed in hardback for ten years and is now available as a download. When that had seen out its life, people had been saying to me why don’t you write the proper biography as the first book was more a book of humour as it was in fact. I was not going to write the full detailed biography, then again I took up the challenge and spent four years researching it and that ended up in a book called “The Searchers and Me” which was twice as big at 446 pages, with 167 photographs (almost none of which were used in the first book) and it was the most satisfying experience of my life. Terry: Is it a warts and all book or are there a few stories missing? Frank: There are a few intimate ones but nothing that is going to get anyone in to trouble, we were never that type of band and I would not want to do anyone down - but there are some interesting facts in there. Terry: So it is not sex, drugs and rock “n” roll? Frank: We were not very good at that, it was more dinner, tea and cocoa before bed!

Terry: We have spoken before and you told me a story about someone I had the pleasure of looking after in 1988. Frank: You mean Dusty Springfield - everyone’s intrigued by that and a lot people do not believe it is true but it is. It is the story about Dusty wanting to have my baby, I remember the night it happened it was in Kensington, it was in the 70’s -I can’t actually remember the year, I went out with Dusty to a club called “Yours and Mine” and she got very, very drunk that night, bear in mind that I did not drink at all, I was tea total at this time. I did not fornicate much either so we got in to my mini and she said “my body clock’s ticking, I would love to have a baby and it would be good if you and I could have a child, it would be a good looking kid”. I thought that’s all right but if it had my voice it is going to be in trouble. While she was talking she placed her hand in a place you are not supposed to place your hand with out prior permission of the owner, she said “I will take care of it you will bear no responsibility”. My mind is racing by this time, I thought how can you absolve someone of responsibility, I got sort of frightened about the whole thing and as quick as she said it she said “ok lets go home”, I put the key in the car and we drove back to her place. Nothing happened by the way. Terry: I believe you Frank: If something had happened I would tell you Terry: You have performed all over the world, is there anywhere you would had liked to have worked? Frank: I don’t feel I have missed out too much on anything but it would had been interesting to go to Japan, which was one of the areas we never touched. We never did South America either, as we were never big out there, also as far as I can remember we only did two shows in France, outside that I think we have pretty much done the whole of the world. Terry: You have headlined above the likes of Marvin Gaye? Frank: I can give you the whole line up, it was The Searchers, Dusty, Marvin Gaye, Milly, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey and the Miracles, The Temptations, The Contours, The Ronettes, The Shangri-las and that was six shows a day for a week, so 42 shows in all at the Fox Theatre in Brooklyn. It was the first time I had been to America was a great experience.

Frank and the Searchers will be retiring at the end of March following a sell out tour their final show is at The Stables in Wavendon on March 31st

National Minimum Wage - April 2019 2.4 million workers will benefit from the confirmed increases to minimum wages. The new pay rates, set to take effect in April 2019, are set out below: National Living Wage (workers aged 25+) – from £7.83 to £8.21 an hour National Minimum Wage rates: • • • •

workers aged 21-24 – from £7.38 to £7.70 an hour workers aged 18-20 – from £5.90 to £6.15 an hour workers aged 16-17 – from £4.20 to £4.35 an hour apprentice rate – from £3.70 to £3.90 an hour

"Now’s the time to get prepared for the National Minimum Wage increase, which is due to take place in April this year, with your payroll systems updated and HR paperwork. Why leave it till the last minute?" comments Matthew from Consensus HR Making GDPR HR easier to manage: HR Software designed to tame all of your HR chaos … easily and safely access all your HR data, manage and monitor employee sick leave and absences, securely store or share documents with specific employees, and more! Click here for further information "This is a great product that takes away the pain of HR Admin and ensures that companies are GDPR compliant. In this day and age in 2019, employees should have IT access to their HR documents such as Contract of Employment and Employee handbook whilst having the ability through an App on their phone to book holidays etc. These are just a few of the great things that our Cloud based system offers starting from only £9 per month" comments Matthew from Consensus HR. Contact us today for your FREE Trial. Gender pay gap reporting Private sector organisations with 250 or more employees will again be required to publish their gender pay gap figures on 4 April 2019, whilst public organisations will need to do the same by 30 March. Although many organisations will be reporting for the second time, this year will be the true test as figures are expected to be heavily scrutinised in order to determine whether efforts to address any significant pay disparity highlighted in the previous year have been successful. "Our argument in relation to this is why wait even if you have a workforce of under 250 or more employees? Keeping a simple spreadsheet when recruiting and documenting key KPI's will ensure equality for all areas from sex, age, race etc are kept and the appropriate action taken if needed." comments Matthew from Consensus HR.

YOUR LOCAL SOLICITORS

How do you Own your Property? I am sure many of you will confidently reply “jointly, of course” because you purchased the property with a loved one – whether you are married to them or not. The problem is that there are different ways of owning your home jointly – and at the time of your death they can each impact on how your share in your home is treated. The legal terms are Joint Tenants and Tenants in Common, and at the time of purchasing your home you would have had to sign a Transfer Deed with a box ticked to clarify which option you are choosing. To assist you, the conveyancer should have advised you on the differences between the two options, but with the modern age of dealing with transactions electronically this advice can sometimes be lost. So the main differences:Joint Tenants - there is a presumption of an equal 50:50 ownership - if you die, the property is automatically transferred to the other co-owner, regardless of anything you state in a will Tenants in Common - there is no presumption of what proportion you each own in the property, so it is important to agree this at the outset, and ideally have it stated in a formal Deed of Trust - you can leave your share in the property to whoever you want in your will If you are still unsure of how you own your own home it is easy to check. The Land Registry website allows you to obtain the details of your property and its owners online from as little as £3. You need to ask for the Official Copy of the Register of Title and check under the Proprietorship Register (Part B). If it just names you and your co-owner, perhaps with your contact address and sometimes the price you paid for the property but nothing else you are Joint Tenants. If there is the following wording you are Tenants in Common – “No disposition by a sole proprietor of the registered estate (except a trust corporation) under which capital money arises is to be registered unless authorised by an order of the court.” If you feel the way you currently own your property is incorrect, or you need any other legal advice, please contact Curwens through our website Curwens.co.uk We have offices in Royston, Hoddesdon and Enfield. 9

Russell Grant's Monthly Horoscopes March

ARIES (March21st-April20th)

CANCER (June22nd-July23rd)

Embarking on a spiritual journey is advised for the beginning of March. The New Moon on the 6th urges you to turn your attention inward. If your current job or lifestyle makes you uncomfortable, it's time to make a change. It may be necessary to take up another line of work or relocate to a different part of the world. Trust your intuition; it will not let you down. Dreams contain psychic messages at this time. Keep a pen and paper handy at all times this month. On the 21st, the Full Moon brings a relationship problem to light. Spending too much time on career concerns is creating resentment with your best friend or romantic partner. Stop telling yourself work is the most important thing in life. Good relationships are more precious than gold. Give them the time and attention they deserve. Scaling back your job responsibilities is strongly advised.

You'll have a chance to expand your horizons at the beginning of March. That's because the New Moon on the 6th will prompt you to improve your qualifications, take an overseas trip or develop a personal project. Whatever path you take will have an educational component to it. Being exposed to new ideas and attitudes will prompt you to make some changes to your lifestyle. It's possible you'll take up a spiritual practice or relocate to a different part of the world. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams this month; they will lead you to happiness. The Full Moon on the 21st puts strain on your family life. Relatives may be threatened by the transformation you are undergoing. Stop looking for other people's approval. This is your life; nobody else can lead it for you. If certain family members can't accept your decision, stay strong. Give yourself time to grieve the relationship and move on.

TAURUS (April21st-May21st) LEO (July24th-August23rd) Joining a group or team will pay off handsomely during the first half of March. The New Moon on the 6th urges you to join forces with other creative people. Whether you're collaborating on a work-related proposal or developing an artistic project is immaterial. The important thing is that you will get the encouragement and affirmation you crave from people you respect. On the 21st, the Full Moon will create some disappointment on the health front. It will be necessary to improve your eating and exercise habits. Instead of expecting overnight results, pace yourself slowly. It may take a few weeks before you have renewed energy, so be patient. A diet that is mainly comprised of lean protein, fresh produce and whole grains is critical to your wellbeing. Keep sugar to a minimum, as it weakens your immune system and saps your strength. Daily exercise, even if it's a brisk walk, will also improve your physical and mental health.

Money from an inheritance, royalty payment or legal settlement will arrive on the 6th, just when you need it most. The New Moon is urging you to enjoy a quiet retreat. If you're in a romantic relationship, you'll have an especially good time with your amour. Are you single? You could meet someone special at a seaside resort. Be open to flirting with a charming stranger. Letting down your defences will pay off handsomely at the beginning of March. On the 21st, the Full Moon brings distressing news about work. There may be layoffs in the pipeline. Instead of panicking, breathe deep and take a longer view. This could be your chance to transition to a more rewarding career. You may have to acquire some advanced skills to land a job that is worthy of you. If that's the case, grin and bear it. Getting a license or certificate will put you in line for some very lucrative work.

VIRGO (August24th-September23rd)

GEMINI (May22nd-June21st)

The New Moon on the 6th paves the way for a passionate encounter with your partner. Take this opportunity to enjoy a relaxing vacation with your amour. You'll enjoy visiting restaurants, shops and sites of local interest together. Are you single? You'll meet someone special at a religious, cultural or creative event. It will be hard to resist the charms of an engaging newcomer at work or on your social scene. Entering into a creative alliance is definitely worth thinking about at the beginning of March. In both love and business, two heads are better than one. On the 21st, you'll be amount of a paycheque. Deductions may have been made for hidden expenses or additional taxes. No matter how much you fight for more money, your efforts will fall flat. Let this be a lesson moving forward. If you aim to get paid a decent wage, you must raise your rates. This won't make you popular, but it's necessary for your own well-being.

The New Moon on the 6th pulls an exciting career opportunity into your orbit. You could take on a new role with a charitable organisation, cultural institution or creative company. Your ability to work with people from all walks of life will fuel your success. When going on job interviews, emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills. They will help you win this highly desirable job. The Full Moon on the 21st delivers disappointing news about love. A relationship that once looked promising could fall apart at the seams. It's possible you're dealing with someone who cannot be happy, regardless of their circumstances. Playing the role of rescuer will be a game of diminishing returns. You're better off going solo. Are you in a serious relationship? Your partner may experience a terrible blow. A creative project could be rejected or a financial loss could occur. Do your best to create the emotional stability they need.

on the right path. Take comfort in the knowledge your kindness and generosity has been recognised. If you get a chance to study with someone you have always admired, take it. Sign up quickly, as spots will be filled faster than expected. On the 21st, the Full Moon will create some disappointment in the career arena. You may be blamed for something you didn't do. Alternatively, you may be taken to task for not assuming a false front. You're not the type to pretend everything is coming up roses during a famine. Resist the temptation to quit your job before you have another firm offer. Protect your interests at all costs.

LIBRA (September24th-October23rd) Finding ways to rest and relax will cultivate renewed health at the beginning of March. Listen to what your body is telling you on or around the 6th. That's when the New Moon will urge you to scale back your work schedule. Taking a vacation, cutting back your work hours or establishing a soothing bedtime routine will make you feel years younger. If you're unemployed, you'll be offered a job in a creative field. The Full Moon on the 21st will put you in an uncomfortable position. It may be necessary to deliver painful truths to a delusional relative. You might be forced to find accommodations for an elderly family member who can no longer live on their own. Alternatively, it may be necessary to have an intervention for a loved one who is in the grips of an addiction. Your initial remarks will not be well received. Stay strong and be honest.

SCORPIO November22nd)

AQUARIUS (January21st-February19th) On the 6th, the New Moon will attract a moneymaking opportunity. Getting paid to exercise your creative talent will be the answer to a prayer. If you're not happy with your current job, you could accept a position with a charitable, cultural or religious organisation. Not only will this work be profitable, but it will also be emotionally satisfying. Leaving the corporate world will be especially satisfying. The Full Moon on the 21st could create some legal trouble. A court decision could go against your interest, making you very upset. Instead of dwelling on your anger, find a healthy outlet for it. How you deal with this setback will determine the opportunities ahead. If you accept defeat gracefully, you'll be able to move in to a more supportive environment. Defying authority will further compound your problems. The choice is yours. Resist the temptation to isolate yourself when sadness sets in. Friends can lift your spirits.

(October24th-

On the 6th, the New Moon attracts romance like a flower draws bees. If you're single, you'll be surrounded by admires at the beginning of March. Choose the sensitive artist who brings out your protective side. This could be a love match for the ages. Are you already in a relationship? Your amour will perform a gesture on your behalf that is truly touching. Be receptive to a gift or favour that comes from the heart. Letting down your guard with your partner will pave the way for a closer, happier relationship. The Full Moon on the 21st brings a shocking secret to light. It's important to be more discreet with people you don't know very well. If someone who has pretending to be your friend betrays you, stay calm. Treat this as a teaching moment. It may be necessary to apologise for some catty remarks you made about a neighbour or relative.

PISCES (February20th-March20th) The New Moon on the 6th invites you to dream big. Realising a cherished goal will make your soul sing. Whether you want to relocate, land a great job, complete a creative project or embark on a romance is not the central factor. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it. The first half of March is also ideal for revamping your image. Getting a new hairstyle, updating your wardrobe or joining a new social circle will lift your spirits and improve your outlook. On the 21st, you may have an argument over a joint financial account. A business or romantic partner has a very different attitude towards money. This is putting stress on your relationship. Consulting a money manager may be the only way to resolve your differences. Being able to discuss your concerns with an objective third party will cause some breakthroughs. If each of you are willing to compromise, you can salvage this union.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec21st) The New Moon on the 6th marks a happy time at home. A pregnancy or a birth could be announced. You might relocate to a beautiful place. It's even possible you'll sell or buy a piece of property; this deal will create both emotional and financial stability. If you've always wanted to adopt a more spiritual lifestyle, do so at the beginning of March. Just because you were raised to value certain things does not mean you have to maintain these priorities. Create a lifestyle that makes you happy. The Full Moon on the 21st will mark some changes to your social circle. You're tired of dealing with someone who enjoys raining on your parade. Going your separate ways will make you breathe a sigh of relief. Don't feel guilty about this break. Pouring energy into this draining relationship has been too costly. Move on to greener pastures.

www.russellgrant.com Call Russell Grant's Psychics & Mediums now on 0906 539 1526 (ÂŁ1.50p per min + phone access charge, 18+) or pay by Credit/Debit card on 0207 111 6162 Calls to 0906 cost ÂŁ1.50p per minute plus your phone providers access charge;18+ only. All calls are recorded for your protection & safety. This Entertainment service is regulated by PhonePayPlus and is provided by Russell Grant Astrology Ltd. Customer Services 0808 206 4514

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-January20th) Good news reaches your ears on the 6th. The New Moon has a powerful message for you. Be open to accepting signs from the spiritual realm. A strange coincidence, a chance encounter or a found object will affirm you are

Janey Lee Grace - The power of plants unravelling the mystery of CBD oil Dr Gemma Newman is known as the Plant Power Doctor, and it’s rare to come across a GP so passionate about the power of plants and holistic medicine. We were chatting in an interview recently, primarily around the whole idea of the nutritional benefits of plants but also about the power of plants to heal and relieve symptoms of many chronic conditions. I’m sure you will have heard about the rising popularity of Cannabis Oil, which despite many conflicting reports and controversial opinions is legal and is now even being added to beauty products. CBD oil is usually extracted from hemp which is another name for cannabis. It can be extracted from the leaves, flowers, stalks and seeds. Cannabidiol is normally extracted from plants which are high in CBD and low in THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). It’s important to stress that Cannabidoil (hemp extract) unlike THC is non-toxic and not psychoactive and won’t cause you to feel ‘high’ or stoned. It’s always been present in Hemp which has been used for thousands of years for foods, medicine, clothing, paper et al and it appears to be beneficial at helping to maintain many important physiological processes in our bodies including our immune system, healing, mood, emotions, pain, cognitive processes and inflammation. CBD and cannabis oil are currently being researched for a wide range of possible benefits, but as yet, most of the work has been focussed on laboratory and animal tests and human clinical trials are only just beginning for a significant number of health and wellbeing applications. Cannabidiol has become extremely popular in the last few years due to media reports of healing effects claimed by users of CBD. Many celebrities and famous sports stars have also admitted to using legal cannabis oil. CBD oil made from industrial hemp is one hundred per cent legal in the UK Always think about quality though, Má premium CBD products are made with highly purified concentrated CBD and users have reported that they get better sleep and

find they can quit smoking more easily. There’s an interesting story behind their brand name too, Má was the first word ever used for cannabis. From Taiwan 10,000 years ago, Má identifies the magical moment of the first production of hemp. The symbol from which Má is translated, beautifully depicts two of these precious plants, drying under a wood shelter. Má - original purest finest cannabis products are made with love and care, I was interested to note that they are vegan too. They do stress that their products are not intended for under 18s or anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, and if you are using the vaping products you should consult your doctor first. https://macbdoil.co.uk/

Marilyn Comparetto, Artist and Owner of Mardleybury Gallery By Sharon Struckman

Marilyn Comparetto has a portfolio of work that spans over a period of 45 years. Earlier works consisted mainly of wildlife but over the years her portfolio has widened to include abstract, portrait, still life and landscape paintings. In 2002 Marilyn began an intensive time of experimentation that lead to a freestyle form of painting that she calls ‘Mixism’. ‘Mixism' is Marilyn’s theoretical approach for portraying emotions and connotations that are intertwined within the compositions of her artwork. By pulling deep thoughts and emotions either from her own subconscious or from influences in the world around her she creates a visual interpretation. Poetry or prose, written by Marilyn, is often attached to a Mixism piece conveying the story to the viewer. Between 2006 and 2010 Marilyn demonstrated ‘Mixism - the ultimate form of expressionism’ to over 20 art societies around the UK. After a break Marilyn has been ask to provide art demonstrations, across a variety of styles, to Art Societies in the South East of England throughout 2019. In addition, Marilyn continues to exhibit her work in both solo and group exhibitions in the UK and internationally. Her art affiliations are with: Art Platform Collective, Herts Visual Art Forum, Society of All Artists and the Institute of Contemporary Artists

www.marilyncomparetto.co.uk, www.mixism.co.uk, www.art-platform-collective.co.uk

Marilyn is now the owner of ART @ MG, (Mardleybury Gallery) which is an eclectic place displaying and selling, original art, limited edition prints, cards, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, glass, woodwork and photography. It is a permanent gallery exhibiting the art of established artists who live in the UK and more recently she also exhibits artists from around the world. In addition, the Gallery offer a diverse range of art workshops throughout the year, for more information please check out her art workshop page.

ART @ MG _Mardleybury Gallery is situated in Datchworth, Hertfordshire, surrounded by fields, an ancient bluebell forest and a small lake. It is a wonderful place where creative people can source information, network with others and showcase their art. Every Thursday they host a free art group encouraging people of all ages and abilities to join them so they can explore experiment and realise their potential through creativity. She invites you to pop over and visit Mardleybury Gallery and looks forward to meeting you.

For more information go to www.mardleyburygallery.co.uk or follow her on social media.

The Cheese Plate, Buntingford By Sharon Struckman www.whatishootieat.co.uk

Eat In Eat In at this specialist Cheese shop, based in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. The award-winning cheesemonger and cheese shop offer an extensive range of over 280 cheeses both British and Continental and specialises in artisan cheese. Take a table at one of their window seats and enjoy lunch or afternoon snack – perhaps a Cheeseplate Rarebit or Croque Monsieur with a glass of wine. The Cheese Plate has become the place to eat out at and visit in Hertfordshire. Toby Archer’s passion for all things cheese and his knowledge of this wondrous invention have stood him in good stead to be a judge at The World Cheese Awards in Birmingham, so whenever you visit you will be in good hands. To make a booking please call on Toby Tel: 01763 271533 or Email: Toby@thecheeseplate.co.uk or pop in and see us. Wholesale They now have a fantastic wholesale brochure to offer their clients. In this brochure is a list of all the cheese they supply, along with tasting notes and prices but remember they don’t just offer wholesale, they will also cater for weddings and outside events. For more information please go to www.thecheeseplate.co.uk or follow them on social media and why not follow their new blog at www.thecheeseplate.co.uk/blog/welcometothecheeseplate

Save Money, Buy Good Beer, Support Your Local Brewery and Save the Environment! Yes this can be done and all keen beer drinkers who care about the environment should get involved. Environment - because food miles, aluminium mining is bad and recycled beer bottles either end up in landfill or require a large amount of energy to melt them down and make in to new bottles. So how can we do this? Find you local micro brewery, save and clean all your beer bottles, then take them to the brewery to get refilled. Simple. Or, if your brewery do not have a bottle filling and capping service, save a large carton or bottle, get them filled at the brewery then bottle at home and put caps on using a ‘home’ cap kit (about £15). You should find that there is just enough yeast and sugar left in the unpasteurised, natural, local brew to naturally carbonate your bottles of beer after a week or 2 storage. (It might be worth asking your local brewery what they recommend). Your local ale? I had the idea this morning after talking to a local, ‘environmentalist’, a brewer who refused to put his beer in cans due to the devastating effect of aluminium mining, and bottles, due to the energy cost above. He also told me about how his, and nearly all real beers, could be bottled and naturally carbonated. If like me you would like to support your local brewery, get great beer, and do the right thing, please check our Local Food and Drink map to find your local brewery and ask them about filling your bottles/cartons. It might be a good idea to go for a tasting session first if the brewery has a Tap Room open on regular dates. This is a classic example of localism and what BigBarn is all about. If everyone buys from their local supplier; microbrewery, cider maker, farm shop, dairy, butcher, baker, each business can be profitable and much more sustainable. Also, like the case above, packaging and food miles can be drastically reduced and the money spent will remain in the local area to boost the economy and create jobs.

The Rise of Vegan Wines Over the past year we at Cavavin have noticed more and more people requesting Vegan wines. Veganism is increasing globally, and as more and more consumers switch to vegan diets for health and environmental reasons, they are also beginning to question the wines they drink. Many big players in the drinks business are following suit, it is noted that Guinness has recently joined a long list of beer brewers to go fully vegan across their range. The wine trade is no different. At Cavavin we can offer two Vegan wines from the J. Mourat vineyard (ÂŁ11.50, the Collection range) which is found just south of the mouth of Loire river. This is an under ripening region therefore has a nice red berry expression, low tannins and spice due to the usual blend of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, giving us a medium body and a very crowd pleasing and fantastic wine that works well with tomato based pasta dishes. From the same area can be found their white wine which again due to under ripening produces a very fresh bright wine almost unnoticeable that this is a blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc (a rare blend) the clean palate forms through apples with a small hint of biscuit on the finish, a very easy drinking white that works very well on its own or with white fish. I can already hear the question, how are other wines not suitable for Vegans as wine comes from grapes right? Wine can be cloudy, so fining agents are often added to wines to improve their colour, flavour, texture, clarity and stability, and a large number of these are animal-derived products such as gelatine, milk, marrow, egg white and fish oil. Off putting it sounds, but the world demands clear wines therefore this method is being used. So is there another option? Time is the alternative ingredient that winemakers can use to achieve the same results as animal-derived fining agents. For example, according many experts, if given a few extra months a wine will typically become less cloudy on its own. Despite such an impassioned push for strictly plant based products, many of even the staunchest vegans do not realise that their eating habit also applies to their wine, so I am sorry if I have just spoilt your favourite wine for you. CAVAVIN The Wine Shop 22 Maidenhead Street Hertford SG14 1DR Tel: 01992 558 311 Email: sales@cavavin.co.uk

important thing I have ever done". St Albans Cathedral, Holywell Hill, St Albans

Herts Listings Bothered & Bewildered by Gail Young - til Sat 2 Mar Bothered and Bewildered is a comedy drama by Gail Young about one woman’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. Set in 2001, the play follows Irene and her two daughters Louise and Beth as they lose their mum in spirit but not in body, and work out their own relationship. The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Watford

Stay and Play at Hertford Museum - Sat 2 Mar Drop in and play with some traditional toys and get hands on with a family craft activity. It’s Free! Donations welcome! Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford Supper Quiz - Sat 2 Mar A Fun Supper Quiz Night in tables of 8 where questions are wide and varied. 7.15pm for 7.30pm start in the Large Hall, Elm Court Youth and Community Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar

The Octopus Electric Vehicles Drive Day! Sat 2 Mar Book an advance place for the Octopus Electric Vehicles Drive Day by emailing hello@octopusev.com. Locals will get the chance get behind the wheel of the best EVs on the market and find out how to make the life and climate-changing switch to zero emissions driving. The Mercure St Albans Noke Hotel, Watford Road, St Albans

Wow! It’s Night Time - Sat 2 Mar The curious little owl is back and this time she’s ready to discover the wonders of night-time; from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. But where are all the other owls? The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead

Orwell Pannier Market - Sat 2 Mar Biggest village market for miles! 25+ stalls with a great mix of local produce, homemade bread, cakes, preserves and pate, artisan foods, local crafts and jewellery, skin products and horticulture. Also a terrific tearoom serving drinks, homemade cakes and bacon butties, a great place to meet your friends. Orwell Village Hall, High Street, Orwell, nr Royston

Berkhamsted Half Marathon & 5 Mile Fun Run - Sun 3 Mar The 2019 Berkhamsted Marathon and 5 Mile Fun Run are routed through the beautiful Chiltern countryside. The start is at Berkhamsted Cricket Club which is close to Berkhamsted Station and parking at the station is free for the day. Berkhamsted Cricket Club, Castle Hill Singers at the Barn - Sun 3 Mar Come along to Singers at the Barn for a live music show full of song. We have 16 individual acts, a brilliant pianist and huge amount of songs to entertain you. Looking forward to seeing you there. Barn Theatre Club Room, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City

Harlem Nights - Vintage Music & Dance - Sat 2 Mar Come and join us for Hertfordshire’s top social dance with dancers from Herts, Essex, Beds, Bucks, Cambs, London and more! Fun Class | Top DJ’s | FREE Snacks Live Music on occasion! Come swing out to our fabulous DJs. Don’t miss it!! Beechen Grove Baptist Church, Clarendon Rd, Watford

Dementia Friendly Community Cafe - Tue 5 and Tue 19 Mar With an ageing population, cases of dementia are increasing, which means that more and more people in the local area will be affected by the condition at some point in their lives. Digswell Village Hall, 30 Harmer Green Lane, Welwyn

Hitchin Priory Wedding Fair - Sat 2 Mar Why not visit this tranquil wedding venue surrounded by parkland. The Wedding Fair is open between 11am and 3.30pm featuring over 35 leading exhibitors from the Hitchin area and beyond. There are two fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2pm. Hitchin Priory, Tilehouse Street, Hitchin

Train to Teach Hatfield - Tue 5 Mar People in Hatfield are being encouraged to help shape the lives of the next generation by choosing a career in teaching, ahead of a recruitment event at University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield

Duke Ellington: Sacred Concert, Bruckner Mass in E minor - Sat 2 Mar Duke Ellington’s celebratory Sacred Concert is a spectacular blend of gospel and jazz music with traditional choral singing. Although Duke is best known for his jazz arrangements, he wrote Sacred Concert toward the end of his life and described it as "... the most

The Poor Child’s Friend: - Tue 5 Mar Andy Gibbs’ illustrated talk charts the amazing life and lasting legacy of the educational pioneer, Joseph Lancaster, who left his mark around

expressive or smooth jive event!) Tea, Coffee and Light Buffet provided, Great Dance track sounds from our talented DJ. Large on site free car park, party atmosphere and a warm welcome to all. Only £10 on the door. London Road Social Club, Cell Barnes Lane, St Albans

the globe - and here in Hitchin. British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Hertford Regional College Open Evening Wed 6 Mar HRC’s last Open Evening of the year is sure to be busy, so make sure you book your tickets early to beat the queues! HRC offers a wide range of full-time study programmes, apprenticeships, higher education options and part-time courses. We are committed to providing quality education for all ages. Broxbourne Campus - Ware Campus

BCS Herts: .helloworld Hertfordshire Hackathon - Sat 9 Mar Join BCS Herts in association with the University of Hertfordshire for the Hertfordshire Hackathon. Join us for the day or just pop in to learn, socialise and have fun. New Chapman Lounge, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield

Identiplant - Wed 6 Mar A talk given by Dr Brenda Harold who was a lecturer at Brunel University and tutored courses on Wildflowers. She now runs on-line courses. 8pm at Small Hall, Elm Court Youth and Community Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar

Sphere Science Show - Sat 9 Mar An exciting 45 minute Science Show for all ages with particular interest to primary age children. With tips and ideas to take away. There are six time slots to choose from. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No parking on site but car parks in Tring town centre which are very close. Temperance Hall, Christchurch Road, Tring

West Herts College Caribbean Fever - Wed 6 Mar The West Herts College is offering a three course meal sampling some of the fine delights of the Caribbean along with traditional Caribbean entertainment and a silent auction. West Herts College Restaurant, Watford

Charlotte Ashton (flute) : Octagon Music Society - Sun 10 Mar Octagon Music Society (Watford) is looking forward to welcoming flautist Charlotte Ashton and pianist William Vann to the Clarendon Muse at 4pm. Lovely concert hall, free parking. Do come and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music. The Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford

Stamp Club Meeting - Wed 6 Mar GB Overprints of Morocco Agencies (B.S. Cook). Organised by Bishop’s Stortford & District Philatelic Society. Organiser contact: David Armitage (Secretary). Pre-Preparatory Department, Bishop’s Stortford College, Great Hadham Road, Bishop’s Stortford

ADFAS Talk - A Hungarian Metropolis: Art and Culture in Budapest - Wed 13 Mar ADFAS Evenings is pleased to welcome back our speaker for the evening, Gavin Plumley, the well known writer and broadcaster, frequently appearing on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4 and contributing to The Independent on Sunday and The Guardian. The Civic Centre Berkhamsted, High Street, Berkhamsted

National Trust Watford and District Association - Thu 7 Mar Speaker: Paul Heslop Lord Armstrong of Gragside: Colossus of industry. Paul’s presentation focuses on a very fascinating person who built a much loved National Trust house. Inventor, industrialist, munitions manufacturer, arms dealer, William Armstrong was all of these things. Stanborough Centre, 609 St Albans Road, Garston, Watford Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman - Thu 7 Mar Singalonga Productions , producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Grease bring you their newest show, the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing - The Greatest Showman! Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford

BCS Herts: An Introduction to the role of BSI and Standards in IT - Wed 13 Mar Thomas Harrison (Engagement Manager) and Emma Quigley (Sector Proposition Manager, IT), BSI Come visit the British Standards Institution’s global centre of testing excellence to learn about how Standards affect and improve the business resilience of the UK. BSI, Kitemark House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead

WeJig Present A Modern Jive Night Of Dancing - Fri 8 Mar WeJig present a Modern Jive dance night. (This is not a chill out

“Flowers of the Chilterns” – Dr Brenda Harold - Wed 13 Mar Illustrated talk organised by Watford Local RSPB Group. An

A Festival Concert - Sat 16 Mar Vivace Choir and Strings are honoured to have been invited by our friends at Tilehouse Street Baptist Church to help celebrate the 350th Anniversary of their church in Tilehouse Street. The concert will be the opening event in a week of festivities to mark the anniversary. Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Tilehouse Street, Hitchin

expert botanist who lives locally will tell us about the flora of these beautiful hills: beech woods and chalk downs with many special plants including orchids. This is our annual non birding talk but will be of much interest to anyone who walks the Chilterns. Stanborough Centre, 609, St Albans Rd, Watford Rock and Roll Revolution - Fri 15 Mar Award-winning band The Bluejays (featuring stars of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Dreamboats & Petticoats and Million Dollar Quartet) take you on a jiving journey through the fabulous fifties. Packed with over 40 classic hits including Rock Around The Clock, That’ll Be The Day, Jailhouse Rock, Johnny B. Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett

Lea Singers Easter Concert – Bach Magnificat & Roth’s A Time to Dance - Sat 16 Mar J.S. Bach’s Magnificat and Alec Roth’s A Time to Dance form a double-bill for tonight’s concert featuring the Lea Singers and a baroque orchestra. The inspired and uplifting Magnificat is one of Bach’s finest works, dating from 1723. Perfectly complementing this is A Time to Dance by UK-based composer Alec Roth. St. Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden

Neil Diamond, The Experience - Fri 15 Mar Neil Diamond, The Experience is truly an amazingly close tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond. Featuring the official UK #1 Neil Diamond tribute singer Dominic Kaye and an 11 piece ensemble formed from the musicians of the internationally renowned Opus One band. Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Potters Bar

Mrs Barbara Nice: Raffle - One-Woman UK Tour Stand-Up Comedy Show - Sat 16 Mar First flying visit to Welwyn Garden City, for one night only. Janice Connolly as “Mrs Barbara Nice” brings her touring show to Collingwood Suite, Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City

Spring Floral Demonstration with Gill McGregor - Fri 15 Mar Come and join The Nightingale at our Spring Floral Demonstration with Gill McGregor International floral designer, tutor & author. Gill will show you the latest in floral designs and arrangements. Lunch & refreshments are included and you will have the chance to win an arrangement in the raffle. Cuffley Hall, Maynards Place, Cuffley

Ware Antique & Collectors Fair - Sun 17 Mar 30+ tables offering antiques and collectables Doors open at 10am to 4pm £1 entry (50p concessions) Age Concern Hall, Priory Street, Ware. Great British Dog Walk - Sun 17 Mar Join in this fabulous walk with family and friends, with or without a dog! This is a great walk for dog lovers of all ages, with a free doggie bandana for every adult booking. There are two walk distances to choose from - 3k and 6k - through Munden Estate’s stunning parkland. Munden Estate, Watford

Boogie Shack - Vintage Dance - Sat 16 Mar This vintage dance night will focus on playing an eclectic range of music from swing and jive to blues and RnB, so there’s something for everyone! Although this evening will have a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than usual (great for practising those new moves! The Zoo Café, Pioneer Hall, Ware Rd, Hertford

A Clockwork Orange - Tue 19 Mar Join us for this screening of A Clockwork Orange, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1962 novel by Anthony Burgess. Weston Auditorium, Hatfield

Oaklands College Lambing Weekend - Sat 16 and Sun 17 Mar Join us to meet the new lambs on the College Farm. As well as seeing the lambs and ewes in our Lambing Barns, you will be able to learn about the different stages of lambing and chat to our Agriculture students, who are on call throughout lambing season supporting our College Farm Manger. Oaklands College, St Albans Campus, Hatfield Road, St Albans

Beyond the Curtain of Death - Essential Understandings - Tue 19 Mar Life after death is one of the greatest mysteries of all. Billions of people believe that life continues beyond the point of death, yet this mostly gets bottom-lined into some vague concept of ‘Reincarnation’, and doesn’t offer real insight into this vast, profound and mostly unknown realm. The Centre, 1 Bath Place, High Barnet

Perennials In The Royal Park at Highgrove Wed 20 Mar An illustrated talk given by George Lockwood, who is Capel Manor trained. 8pm at Small Hall, Elm Court Youth and Community Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar

Snow White, Rose Red, Bear Brown - Sat 23 Mar Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends – have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. Brought up by their hardworking Mother to be kind, caring and forest fluent... if sometimes a little over enthusiastic in their deeds! The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead

The Grand Duke - Wed 20 to Sat 23 Mar In the Grand Duchy of Pfennig-Halbpfennig, the citizens are well and truly fed up with their leader, The Grand Duke. Queen Mother Theatre, Walsworth Road, Hitchin

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave - Sun 24 Mar Award-winning, pioneering Big Fish Little Fish family rave return triumphantly to the Watford Colosseum with a Superhero event. DJ Barry Ashworth (Dub Pistols) will be playing acid house, techno, and drum ’n’ bass throughout the afternoon. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford

Haunted Hertford - Fri 22 Mar An atmospheric guided walk through the ghostly haunted sites of Hertford. Gian Luca Lastraioli - Fri 22 Mar A programme of Baroque lute music given in association with the Lute Society including works by Lorenzini, Vallet, Dowland and anonymous Italian composers of the 16th century. Benslow Music Trust, Benslow Lane, Hitchin

The Letchworth Hall Hotel Wedding Fair Sun 24 Mar Wedding Fair at Letchworth Hall Hotel. The Wedding Fair is open between 11am and 3:30pm featuring over 35 leading exhibitors from the Letchworth area and beyond. There are two fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, showing the latest wedding dresses together with live entertainment. Letchworth Lane

The Show Must Go On! - Sat 23, Tue 26 to Sat 30 Mar Dive into the world of show business and discover Hertford’s rich history of performance. It’s Free! Donations welcome! Open Tues – Sat 10am-5pm. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford

South Pacific - Tue 26 to Sat 30 Mar Set against the dramatic background of an idyllic South Pacific island during WWII, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific intertwines the themes of romance, duty, and prejudice to create a story that is all at once hilarious, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden

Hope4Dementia - Sat 23 Mar A charity dinner, dance and auction to raise funds and awareness of Admiral Nurses and Dementia UK. It is a fun night with bubbles on arrival, a three course dinner, auction then dancing to a live band til midnight. An enjoyable evening in aid of a very worthwhile cause. The Oak Room, Melbourne Lodge, Brocket Hall

Space Themed Laser Tag Party - Fri 29 Mar Every child at our Space themed Laser Tag Party will get to enjoy a galactic space battle with an epic game of Laser Tag! We will be serving a delicious party buffet for all the children – a couple of slices of pizza and chips for everyone & each child will also get a tasty mocktail slush & some delicious ice cream. Gambado Watford, Woodside Leisure Park, North Orbital Road, Garston, Watford

St Albans Choral Society performs Bach’s St John Passion - Sat 23 Mar St Albans Choral Society and Orchestra Nova perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s St John Passion in German, under conductor George Vass. Soloists are: Mark Dobell, Evangelist; Edward Grint, Christus; Kirsty Hopkins, soprano; Rebecca Afonwy-Jones, mezzo-soprano; Greg Tassell, tenor; and Samuel Pantcheff, baritone. St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, Holywell Hill, St Albans

Strictly Come Hospice - Fri 29 Mar Have you ever fancied learning the Salsa or Rumba? Well this is your opportunity to have seven weeks of professional dance lessons, and perform at our Grande Finale in front of an audience of 500 people and our panel of expert judges! YMCA Watford, Charter Place, Watford

The Who Tribute - Sat 23 Mar See the UK’s finest The Who tribute at this great live venue Who Are You UK are the UK’s hottest The Who tribute – recreating the unique excitement and power of one of rocks greatest ever bands. The Horn at The Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford

The Museum’s a Stage! - Sat 30 Mar Drop in Enjoy a collection of short scenes performed throughout the museum by the Company of Players. Vintage tea and cake served in the Andrews Room. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford

Gang Show - Letchworth and Baldock Scouting and Guiding - Fri 29 and Sat 30 Mar Gang Show is a fast moving variety show with a cast of local members of Scouting and Guiding. The show is made up with mixture of singing, dancing and sketches. Suitable for all ages. Disabled access. Under 6 years recommended to attended Saturday Matinee show. Tuck shop and beverages in auditorium St Francis Theatre, St Francis College, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City

Beds Listings Thinking Drinkers: Pub Crawl - Fri 1 and Sat 2 Mar Enjoy five free drinks as these awardwinning professional drink experts definitively prove that alcohol has influenced everything that has ever happened. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Grand Charity Quiz Night - Sat 30 Mar Have fun testing your knowledge and enjoying an excellent meal while helping two very worthwhile charities at Letchworth Howard Rotary Club’s Charity Quiz Night. St George’s Church Hall, Norton Way North, Letchworth Garden City.

Roxton Village Hall Quiz - Sat 2 Mar Come along to the Roxton Village Hall Quiz Night. Ploughman’s supper included in price. Bar open (cash only) Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton

Exhibition Opening: Citizen Science - Sat 30 & Sun 31 Mar Come along to the opening of our new exhibition about citizen science and wildlife surveying, before heading out onto the estate and having a go yourself. Ashridge is an important habitat for lots of species of plants, animals and fungi. Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted

Tempsford Museum and Archive - Sun 3 Mar The Exhibition Will Be “The Histories of Specific Points of Tempsford” With Photographs, Ephemera and Written History of specific places in Tempsford St. Stuart Memorial Hall, Church Street, Tempsford

Exhibition Opening: Nature Detectives - Sat 30 Mar We’re opening our new Nature Detectives exhibition at 11am. It’s your chance to learn more about wildlife surveying and citizen science projects that you can get involved in. Check out our ‘What to see this month’ wall before going on a walk and try out surveying for yourself. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted

Jumble Sale - Sun 3 Mar Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadets are raising funds for their unit. Cadets and their friends and family are decluttering & re-cycling all their pre-owned & pre-loved items ready for their next jumble sale. We will be selling toys, clothes, bedding and bric a brac amongst other items. Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadet Unit, Althorp Close, Flitwick

Curious About St Albans - Sat 30 Mar Have fun discovering St Albans with two selfguided, quirky, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt. Buy in booklet or instant download format. Are you curious about St Albans? Looking for an unusual and quirky activity which gets you out in the fresh air whatever the weather? Starts at St Peter’s Church, St Albans

Big Book, Tall Tales - Sun 3 Mar Presented by Booster Cushion Theatre for Children. Join us ahead of World Book Day for Big Book Tall Tales; a story that takes place in a forgotten tattered library. Our Rainbow Caretaker can’t stop talking about all his favourite books while he cleans the forgotten rooms, when suddenly, he finds a 6ft tall book! Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Concert : Handel’s Samson - Sat 30 Mar Harpenden Choral Society presents Handel’s oratorio Samson, a setting by the librettist Newburgh Hamilton based on Milton’s Samson Agonistes, was composed immediately following Messiah. The first performance on 18 February 1743 was a great success, with six further performances in its first season in London. High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden

Mad About the Musicals in aid of Mad About Harry - Sun 3 Mar Concert by Leighton Buzzard Children’s Theatre and Advance Theatre Company - Sunday 3rd March, Vandyke Upper School Theatre, tickets £5- In Aid of Mad About Harry - why not buy a ticket, have a great afternoon and support a wonderful cause? Vandyke Theatre, Vandyke

Upper School, Buzzard

Vandyke

Road,

Leighton

Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable

Memory Café - Tue 5 Mar The MacIntyre Memory Cafés offer a fun, welcoming and relaxing environment for people to take part in social activities, make new friends and enjoy fantastic cake and cups of tea and coffee. The Cafés can also be a great chance to just have a chat or sit back and read a newspaper. Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Road, Flitwick

Meet The Entertainer’s Jack at The Mall Luton - Sat 9 Mar Children’s favourite Jack will make a special visit to Luton’s The Entertainer store. Jack is currently touring some of his favourite stores in the country and Luton is on his list! Meet him from 10am4pm The Mall Luton, 37 The Mall, Luton The Apologists - Sat 9 Mar Unlikely Productions presents In celebration of International Women’s Day join us for three monologues that explore female characters struggling with the act of public apology. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Tales for Tots - Tue 5 Mar Enter the museum before we open to public and step into a world of fantasy and imagination. Join our friendly museum staff for a special, cosy storytelling session in the museum’s library. Information about the chosen storybook to be confirmed. Age guidance: 0 - 4 years. Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton

Arrival ® - The Hits Of Abba - Sat 9 Mar On the 45th anniversary of their legendary Eurovision win, come and join us to celebrate the music of one of the biggest selling and most iconic bands of all time. Arrival ® ‘The Hits Of Abba’ is the show that every Abba fan has been waiting for. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable

If Hats could Talk: What would they say? Thu 7 Mar Luton Culture presents A hat isn’t just a hat! Discover the life stories behind the making of hats in this fascinating talk by hat industry historian, Veronica Main. If a hat could talk it would tell the most amazing stories of where its materials came from, of the people who made it and the people who wore it. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Music in the Museum: Jazz - Sun 10 Mar Jazzcotech presents a jazz music performance taking place in the stunning Drawing Room, surrounded by the museum’s unique art collection and with spectacular views overlooking Wardown Park. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Women-Wise - Thu 7 Mar Untold Dance Theatre presents in celebration of International Women’s Day, join Untold Dance Theatre, an intergenerational female dance company on a journey that any woman is sure to recognise. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Indoor Boot Fair - Sun 10 Mar From 8.00am to 12.00pm. Admission: £1 (After 10am 50p) Facilities: Refreshments, Toilets Come along and grab a bargain! Redborne Upper School, Flitwick Road, Ampthill

Utter! Lutonia - Fri 8 Mar Utter! Spoken Word supported and co-produced by Luton Culture present our regular spoken-word event hosted by Lee Nelson. An eclectic and ever-changing line-up of Spoken Word (and sometimes musical) talent from Luton, London and further afield. Age guidance: 16+ Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

The Giant Jam Sandwich - Sun 10 Mar New Perspectives presents Celebrate World Book Day and join the villagers of ’Itching Down’ in their giant sandwich-making plan to defeat the wasps and help save the day! What a todo! One hot summer’s day, four million wasps invade the quiet village of Itching Down. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Let Me Entertain You - The Robbie WIlliams Story - Fri 8 Mar Be captivated by the world of our greatest pop star Robbie Williams in this full stage production, celebrating the music of our UK born icon with huge stage sets, a host of talented musicians, state of the art video and that hint of Robbie magic.

The Mall Luton to host YMCA Bedfordshire’s SleepEasy Event - Fri 15 and Sat 16 Mar The annual YMCA Bedfordshire SleepEasy Event is to be hosted and sponsored by The Mall Luton. The event, which aims to raise funds for the vital services provided locally by YMCA Bedfordshire and increase awareness of rough sleeping, will take place at The Mall

from 7pm on Friday 15th to 7am on Saturday 16th March. The Mall, Luton

Kempston Challenger Academy, Hill Rise, Kempston

Awesome Ombre Powertex Workshop - Sat 16 Mar Starting with ivory powertex, build a one-off piece of art using a range of interesting materials with a broad range of textiles. Add personal elements such as old keys or jewellery to make your piece totally individual. Tudor Rose Patchwork, Unit 1, Oakley Park, Station Rd, Oakley

Mirror Mirror - Sun 17 Mar Red Earth Theatre in association with Nottingham Trent University presents a mischievous take on the ever-popular Snow White, combining lovable puppets, spirited storytelling and mesmerising sign language. When a kind old lady offers Snow White a juicy red apple, the girl is sorely tempted. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

St Patrick’s Day Murder Mystery Evening Sat 16 Mar Enjoy an evening of entertainment in the grand setting of The House, Shuttleworth. It is St Patrick’s Day and everyone is in the mood to celebrate with plenty of alcohol. Rick claims to have created a new formula for whiskey to mature in 1 month, instead of 15+ years. The House at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Nr Biggleswade

Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair - Sun 17 Mar If you love antiques, you’ll love this fair. Packed with over 45 stalls with an abundance of every type of antique you can think of including silver, jewellery of all types, books, small furniture, pictures, advertising, china and lots of vintage too. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade

East Bedfordshire Chamber Choir (EBCC) Sat 16 Mar Choral concert. Programme: Faure Requiem & Durufle Requiem. Organ Justin Waters, Conducted by David Beer. St Swithun’s Church, High Street, Sandy

Crafts, Cake and a Cuppa - Sun 17 Mar Come along to this well- established craft fair as there’ll be a wide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft items, with many different crafters attending. Tea, coffee and light refreshments available all day. free admission and free parking in the large car park outside the hall. Woburn Village Hall, Crawley Road Woburn

Workshop: Spring Propagation - Sat 16 Mar Learn how to sow seeds successfully and grow your own plants at this workshop run by senior members of the Swiss Garden team. Whether you want a display of summer flowers or to grow your own herbs and vegetables, this workshop will explain how. Includes tips on mixing your own compost and selecting seeds. The Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth

A Brief History of Music - Thu 21 Mar Green Matthews presents Whizz through 600 years of musical history in 90 minutes! Beginning in the Middle Ages and ending up in the 20th century, this fun and fast-moving show is a whistle-stop tour of Western musical history. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Turning Mammy - Sat 16 Mar Cliffoney Dramatic Society present The Irish Forum are back in our theatre to celebrate St. Patricks Day with the hugely successful John McDwyer comedy (with a few serious bits); Turning Mammy! Turning Mammy has won the hearts of audiences all over Ireland with its clever mix of madness and melancholy. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

The Comedy Bar - Fri 22 Mar Join resident MC Jake Pickford for an evening of stand-up comedy from the nation’s up and coming talent. Line up: Lateef Lovejoy (headliner), Stephen Catling, Daniel Cadey, Joe Hobbs, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Zahra Barri .Age guidance 16+. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

The Pauline Quirke Academy Bedford - Free Open Day - Sat 16 Mar The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts is opening its doors to launch its afternoon academy with a free open day! Students aged 6-18 are invited to come along and try out all of our classes for free which include Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television.

Medea Electronica - Sat 23 Mar Medea Electronica is a powerful and deeply moving gig-theatre retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy Medea, set in the technological turbulence of the 1980’s. A heart stopping story of a family caught in the brutal throes of a marriage unravelling. Luton Library Theatre, Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton

Bedfordshire’s Biggest Afternoon Tea - Sun 24 Mar Keech Hospice Care are hosting the biggest afternoon tea in Bedfordshire and would love you to join them from 2pm in the garden marquee at The Cross Keys, 13 High Street, Pulloxhill

tempting lunch menu. The Woburn Hotel, Woburn Mothering Sunday Garden Tours - Sun 31 Mar Treat your Mum to a Swiss Garden tour on Mothering Sunday. Enjoy a guided tour of this lovely garden and see spring highlights as well as finding out a bit more about its history and recent restoration. Free with garden admission. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden

Music in the Museum: Two Clarinets - Sun 24 Mar Sinfonia Verdi present a classical music performance will take place in the stunning Drawing Room, surrounded by the museum’s unique art collection and with spectacular views overlooking Wardown Park. Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Mother’s Day Sunday Roast - Sun 31 Mar This Mother’s Day Shuttleworth invites you to enjoy a carvery style Sunday Roast in the magnificent setting of The House, Shuttleworth. To celebrate Mother’s Day, all Mums will receive complimentary entry for two voucher to visit The Swiss Garden. The House at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park

Beds & Herts Fuchsia Society - Thu 28 Mar Gardens Through The Centuries. A talk by a National Trust speaker. Henlow Park Pavilion, Groveside, Henlow Oskar’s Amazing Adventure - Sat 30 MarFunloving Oskar has to run down a mountain to find a friendly animal to play with. But where are the animals? And why does Oskar have to wait till spring to play his favourite game again? A heartwarming and entertaining play for young children and their families, full of good humour, adventure, music and song. Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton

Bucks Listings Winter Weekends - Sat 2, Sun 3, Sat 9, Sun 10, Sat 16, Sun 17, Sat 23, Sun 24 Mar The cold weather bring frosty mornings, scenic snowdrops and winter aconites to the Waddesdon grounds. Enjoy a bracing walk on one of our five mapped routes and take in the superb wintery landscapes, across the Aylesbury Vale. Take the family on a multisensory adventure with a sensory map and backpack. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Near Aylesbury

Dunton Community Garden Coffee Morning Sat 30 Mar 10.30am All Welcome. Come and enjoy a drink & fresh bake at our second coffee morning of 2019. Chat, play or wander round the garden. Dunton Community Garden is run by volunteers & worked on organic gardening principles. Dunton Community Garden, Great Close, Church Farm, Church Street, Dunton near Biggleswade

Yin Yoga & Gong Repairs - Sat 2 Mar Experience the magical sounds of Kanti’s Crystal bowls, bells, chimes and healing Gongs, combined with the subtle yet effective Yin postures guided by the wonderful Ali. We will take up residence in our bodies as this nourishing session enhances and stimulates Chi flow through the body’s meridians. Whitespace Yoga & Wellbeing Studio, 5 St Pauls Court, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes

Mendelssohn: Elijah - Sat 30 Mar Luton Choral Society, Conductor - Crispin Lewis, Fae Evelyn- Soprano, Hannah Bennett - Mezzo Soprano, Ronan Busfield- Tenor, Thomas Asher - Baritone, Chiltern Sinfonia. St Andrew’s Church, Blenheim Crescent, Luton

Wolverton Light Orchestra Spring Concert Sat 2 Mar Following the success of last year’s spring concert, this year the WLO will return with a lively selection of popular light classical music. The concert will form part of the orchestra’s charity fundraising and tickets will be available at the door priced at £8 (Concessions £6). St Mary & St Giles Church, Stony Stratford

Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea - Sun 31 Mar The Woburn Estates is home to afternoon tea, popularised in the 1840s by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford. The Woburn Hotel, Woburn Mothering Sunday Luncheon - Sun 31 Mar Dine with us and enjoy a delicious threecourse lunch designed especially for Mothering Sunday. This year, sit back and relax with your family whilst dining from our

MK Handmade & Vintage Spring Weekend Extravaganza - Sat 2 and Sun 3 Mar This substantial indoor event has a reputation as one of the best markets in the country. Inviting some of the region’s most original and affordable designer-makers, artists, artisans and specialist dealers, you’ll find an eclectic mix of thousands of special high quality goodies. The Centre:MK ,Central Milton Keynes

installed new equipment in the woodland for the family to explore. Booking Not Needed. This activity is made for children to explore. Dogs on leads welcome. Boarstall Duck Decoy, Boarstall, near Bicester Hughenden - World Book Day - Sat 9 and Sun 10 Mar Dress up as your favourite book character and join us in Hughenden’s dressing up room for storytelling and more. Head over to our gift shop and find the perfect book to spend your 1 token on. Booking Not Needed. Suitable for all ages. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Hughenden, High Wycombe

Chamber Music Concert - The Adderbury Ensemble - Sat 2 Mar The Adderbury Ensemble is a flexible and versatile group of leading music professionals. Tonight’s ensemble is: Viv McLean - piano Martyn Jackson and Jenny Sacha - violins Chris Windass - viola Jane Fenton - cello The concert features three great chamber music works: Beethoven’s Piano Trio Op. Dr Challoners High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont

TV & Screen Concert - Sat 9 Mar Aylesbury Town Mayor presents the Aylesbury Concert Band performing popular and classical tunes from the world of TV & Screen Get transported away into the fantasy world of Games of Thrones, on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble dynasties are vying to claim the throne or fighting for. St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Square, Aylesbury

Run For Chocolate - Sun 3 Mar Run for Chocolate is a celebration of fitness, fun and wellbeing! Participants of all ages and abilities can enjoy the benefits of exercise with the comforting reward of a luxury hot chocolate at the finish line. Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes

Come Along to Eden’s Elephant Escapade! Sat 9 Mar Your little calves are invited to join Eden Shopping Centre between 11am-4pm to complete their worldwide animal adventure. Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe

David Baddiel’s ANiMALCOLM - Wed 6 and Thu 7 Mar Malcolm doesn’t like animals, which is a problem because his family loves them, in fact, they’re wild about them! Their house is full of pets of all shapes and sizes, but what it’s not full of is stuff Malcolm likes. Such as the laptop he wanted for his birthday. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Exchange Street Aylesbury

Waddesdon Pudding Club - Sat 9 Mar Brush away those winter blues and join us for this exquisite tasting menu of four dessert courses and one cheese course, created by our talented Head of Pastry, Craig Clark, and his team. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury Paul Carrack - Sat 9 Mar Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury

An Audience with Lee Dixon - Thu 7 Mar For all football fans we are pleased to welcome Lee Dixon, retired professional footballer and TV pundit. Joining our popular ‘Audience with’ series, Lee will give our supporters an insight into his football career with Arsenal, Burnley, Bury, Chester City and Stoke City as well as the England national team. Wycombe Wanderers FC, Adams Park, High Wycombe

Laughing Chili Comedy Club - Sat 9 Mar Come join us in Marlow for a fabulous night of comedy, to support Cancer Research UK. Comedic whirlwind and star of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, headliner for the night, Jonny Awsum comes armed with an impressive arsenal of jokes and his trusty guitar. Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Marlow Landscape Photography with Lillian Spibey Sat 9 Mar Join professional photographer Lillian Spibey and learn how to take great landscape photographs around the Waddesdon Estate. Lillian will discuss how aperture, shutter speed and ISO work together to create great landscape photographs. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury

Talk at Buckingham Old Gaol - Thu 7 Mar An illustrated talk by Bev Kelly on Queen Mary, 1867-1953, the woman who saved the British Monarchy. Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham Boarstall Duck Decoy - Natural play - Sat 9 to Sun 31 Mar Come and test your skills of outdoors play, balance and adventure. Weve

Artisan Food Market - Sat 9 Mar Start your weekend with delicious, locally-grown food and produce. Offering the very best in quality, fresh, seasonal produce all locally sourced. Our new Artisan Market aims to support local, small-scale, independent food producers. Waddesdon Visitor Car Park, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury

harmonies, fiddle, dobro, guitar and mandolin around beautifully written original songs and melodies. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford Glorious Glass Forum - Sat 16 Mar 10am – 4pm. Open to all - glass artists, enthusiasts or those simply curious! Celebrating 20 Years of CGS, this is a chance to hear from 4 glass artists using a range of different glass techniques. They will talk about their work and what inspires them about Glorious Glass! Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury

No Kids -Tue 12 Mar Co-artistic directors George Mann and Nir Paldi are a real-life couple trying to answer a question many of us face. Stowe School, Stowe Return to the Forbidden Planet - Wed 13 to Sat 16 Mar Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton is a musical is a sci fi loosely based on the play The Tempest by William Shakespeare. Shelley Theatre, Court Garden, Pound Lane, Marlow

Chamber Music Concert - Ensemble Mirage Sat 23 Mar Ensemble Mirage tonight features three very talented young musicians who have all appeared recently at the Amersham Concert Club as soloists: Matthew Scott clarinet Alexandra Lomeiko - violin Alexandra Vaduva - piano. Dr Challoners High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont

Cliveden - Cliveden Critters workshop - Wed 13, Wed 20, Wed 27 Mar These workshops teach little ones the value of nature from a young age. In a small group, they’ll explore Cliveden’s estate and create their own adventure. A weekly workshop for pre-school children aged 2 to 4.5 years, with hands-on creative crafts, nature-focused activities and story-time. Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead

Music and Mysticism - Sat 23 Mar Milton Keynes Chorale Vaughan Williams: Five Mystical Songs and Serenade to Music Finzi: God is Gone Up and Eclogue Tavener: Song for Athene Baritone: Daniel Tate Piano/Organ: Alex Aitken; Conductor: Mark Jordan. St Peter and St Paul Church, Olney

Touch Tour – Glass - Wed 13 Mar Our regular museum Touch Tour for blind and partially sighted visitors will focus on glass in our new exhibition Glorious Glass. This touch tour will explore specially selected pieces of glass artworks on display. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury

Table Top Sale - Sat 23 Mar An ideal opportunity to pick up some bargain Birthday, Mother’s Day, and even Christmas gifts for all ages for all your celebratory events in 2019. Stalls include:- Children’s books/toys, hand knitted items, ladies fashion accessories and bric a brac. Amersham Free Church Woodside Road Amersham

Cliveden - Beginners Floristry Workshops Wed 13, Wed 20, Wed 27 Mar Learn how to make the most of the early spring flowers and how to make your own floral creation to take home. Cliveden, Taplow

Kimber’s Men - Sat 23 Mar We are doubledelighted to be hosting this event! Audiences everywhere, rave over the harmonies of Kimber’s Men. They have appeared at Festivals in Ostende, Appingedam, Portmagee, Portsoy, Fano in Denmark, and all over the UK. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford

Rock n Roll Paradise - Fri 15 Mar Two hours of rock and roll like it used to be, brought to the stage by the UK’s best tribute artistes. Music of the legends of the 50s and early 60s, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, the Big Bopper, backed by the Paradise Band and with many guest artistes on stage. The Elgiva Theatre, St. Martins Way, Chesham

Contemporary Glass Society Makers Fair Sat 23 Mar 10.30am – 3pm. A marvellous opportunity to buy unique handmade glass direct from the makers. Entry by donation. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury

Alden, Patterson and Dashwood - Fri 15 Mar Fresh from their tour supporting Show of Hands. Norwich based folk trio Alden Patterson and Dashwood weave rich vocal

The Sky at Night - Sun 24 Mar Gordon Rogers, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and proud to have been proposed for membership by Sir Patrick Moore, will speak about his state of the art “Crendon Observatory” and the Deep Space images he takes there. Chartridge Lodge, Chartridge Lane, Chesham

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Mother’s Day Workshop - Sat 30 Mar It’s that time of the year when flowers spread the greatest cheer. Come on your own, with your mum or even with friends and spend the morning creating your very own hand tied arrangement to give to someone special, or just simply treat yourself. Summerlin Centre, Woburn Sands

Psychic Switch - Sun 24 Mar Experience 4 different Psychics, Mediums in 1 amazing psychic night. Book a ticket for yourself or come with friends, family etc for a great social psychic evening. Everyone is guaranteed a message. Bar open, over 18’s only. Novotel Hotel, Milton Keynes

Chipperfield Choral Society Spring Concert Brahms Requiem - Sat 30 Mar Chipperfield Choral Society’s Spring Concert Brahms Requiem and Hear my Prayer by Mendelssohn, with two wonderful, world class soloists, Emma Bell (Soprano) and Charles Rice (Baritone). Musical Director Delia Meehan. The King’s Church, Raans Road, Amersham

Circus of Horrors 2019 - Mon 25 Mar Circus of Horrors is touring throughout the world with its latest & greatest show, featuring unbelievable sword swallowers, hairculian women swinging around the auditorium from her hair, demon dwarfs, strong man, whirlwind acrobats, flaming limbo, sensational sinister aerialists, knife throwing, cross & long bow. High Wycombe Swan, St Mary’s Street

Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea - Sun 31 Mar Spend time together as a family this Mothering Sunday at our special Waddesdon sparkling afternoon tea served with a selection of delightful pastries, cakes and dainty savouries served in the Manor Restaurant. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury

Hands-on Victorians - Wed 27 Mar Find out what life was like during Queen Victoria’s reign in this special exhibition for families and schools. Lots to touch, see and do. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury

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2019 Opening Day WW1 Nissen Hut Celebration - Sat 30 and Sun 31 Mar For this weekend only – explore the Museum by paying a donation only! On this day in celebration of English Tourism Week we will be officially opening our completed WWI Nissen hut to the public! Join us for a special WWI living history event. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles

Listings

Wedding Fair - Sat 30 Mar Your chance to come and see our beautiful building set up for a ceremony, chat to our suppliers and discuss your day with our wedding planner. Pre-register your attendance at the fair to receive a fabulous free goody bag on the day, full of special offers, discounts and treats. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury

To get your listings included in the April Issue of The Sticks Email the details, putting listings in the subject line, to thesticks9@gmail.com Deadline: Monday 18th March

Craft Fair - Sat 30 Mar An extra Craft Fair this year just in time for Mother’s Day gifts!