Sticks May 2016

Issue 40 May 2016

In this edition of The Sticks Exclusive interview with Absolute Radio’s Christian O’Connell Interview with Gyles Brandreth Russell Grant’s May Horoscope Hero Cheese of the Month Advice from Consensus HR How to Cope with Depression BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace – Natural & Organic Products Win Tickets to the Flashback Festival And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Welcome to the May edition of The Sticks Magazine!

The most talked about magazine in Herts, Beds & Bucks With over 16,000 readers a month

In this issue: Exclusive Interview with Christian O’Connell Interview with Gyles Brandreth HR Column from Consensus HR How to Cope with Depression Curwens Column Art Column Russell Grant’s Horoscope Janey Lee Grace – Natural & Organic Products Win Tickets to the Flashback Festival Hero Cheese of the Month Big Barn Food Column ADHD Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks

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

See you in June!

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

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

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Exclusive interview with Absolute Radio’s breakfast host Christian O’Connell

Christian O’Connell presents the award winning “The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show” on Absolute Radio weekday mornings. He makes use of irreverent features and sometimes mocks the music that he plays. He is well known for his frequent discussions of embarrassing real life situations, often discussing the gender differences between men and women, and what the role of the man should be in a given situation and, in September 2008 he published a book “The Men Commandments” to this effect.

Christian originally comes from Winchester. He attended the Henry Beaufort School and then Peter Symonds College before studying at Nottingham Trent University. He supports Barclays Premier League football side Southampton F.C. but he now lives in Dorking, Surrey; with his wife and children.

Multi-award winning radio host Christian O’Connell is back on the road with his critically acclaimed new show “You’ve Ruined My Morning … And Other Fan Mail” In the show Christian recalls the ups and downs of being a breakfast DJ. From winning multiple awards for his show (good), to receiving death threats and abusive letters from offended clowns and angry cat lovers (not so good).

You have a colossal amount of listeners to your award winning breakfast show on Absolute Radio? Not as many as Chris Evans (BBC Radio 2). I could always do with more but I am very lucky. I have been doing the breakfast show I am currently on for about 10 years now, 17 years in total on breakfast radio, so I guess I am used to being permanently jet lagged. I am on from 6am till 10am Monday to Friday on Absolute Radio, it used to be Virgin Radio, then we had a change of ownership and a new name. I am very lucky, I love doing it, and it is a great job. It is great fun trying to make people smile in the morning, it is a great gig. Before I did radio, I had a sales job and that felt like a proper job. Being paid to sit and play records and to muck around is great.

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What did you sell before the radio? All my word, I worked for magazines selling advertising space and for a period I was working on the BBC Good Food magazine and I could not even cook at the time, it was before I got married. My cooking involved around putting things in the microwave and take-aways. I did lots of different sales jobs.

When I graduated I started with a telesales job I had debt to pay off and had moved down to London, and I was a job you can easily get but it is so hard telesales and I learnt so much about how to speak to people and how not to speak to them. I look back now and it is the best possible training for being a DJ, honestly I mean it. Telesales is harsh; people don’t want to speak to you and are irritated by it, thank goodness I was not cold calling - it was selling classified advertising to photo shops basically but I had to learn very quickly how to establish a rapport with people and tricky customers, I learnt so much via telesales bizarrely, about how to speak to people on the radio and callers and stuff like that, so it was a strange boot camp for being a DJ. You have a competition on your show called “Who’s Calling Christian?” Yes I don’t know why it ever works but it does. I remember years ago I walked past Sergeant Bob Cryer (Eric Richard), you know from The Bill and oddly when I saw my mate in the pub I said to him that I had just seen the guy from The Bill and I found myself being very excited that I had just seen someone from The Bill and that’s when I thought, I wonder if there’s a competition here, if people did see a celebrity to ask them to give me a call and we run it kind of as a bounty hunter thing, where we said if they win the vote at the end of the two weeks they can win £10,000 for the charity of their choice, because all celebrities have some kind of affiliated charity.

It is just for a three minute phone call and they get to publicise the charity as well and I love doing it. It is strange because literally I never know who is calling in, then you have to do an interview, straight away, they might be in their trailer, Nick Knowles called in once from a doctors surgery, where the doctor told him I will see you as long as you just call this man right now and handed him the phone. We have had Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) calling from the set of 24, Tony Blair, when he was Prime Minister calling from number 10 Downing Street to take part in it, so you get all kinds of weird and wonderful ones. I love doing it! With Facebook, Twitter and social media it is a lot easier than when we were kids, to actually contact celebrities, it is way easier now.

Who has been the biggest surprise calling you? It was when Tony Blair called, it was the last half an hour of it just before it ended and Liam Gallagher, had been the big one, that everyone was talking about and then my producer says to me “I’ve got the press secretary for number 10 on the phone now, Tony Blair has been asked to call you by one of his constituency members, do you want to speak to him”, do I want to speak to the Prime Minister, yes!! So that was a real moment, wow I have 5

the Prime Minister calling in! That was one when we were really stunned. Most of the celebrities who are asked to call in will do so, if they have the time and they can fit it in to their schedule. I remember one of my favourite ones was the Oscar winning actress Charlize Theron, called from her private jet on a runway somewhere in London and the pilot was refusing to take off unless I enter this competition and give you a call. She was brilliant really, really funny, but is down to people who listen to the show that competition.

How did you get from sales to the radio? My wife was a big kick up the backside like most women are to us men and she said “ I know you are desperate to try and get in to radio and it is not happening at the moment so why don’t you take a sales job at a radio station and you can get in that way “ and I said “that’s not the way it is done, no one has ever done that” “well it is not happening now, so what have you got to lose” and so I did. I started working for this company that owned about 12 radio stations, I sold sponsorship, promotions. After about 6 months, I was drunk one night and I was introduced the guy who was in charge of all the DJ’s of all 12 radio stations and after a few too many drinks, I said that “I was funnier than a lot of your breakfast show people.” He said “someone is quitting Bournemouth, go down and audition if you’re any good”. So next morning I woke up and I suddenly remembered something and thought oh no. I went down and auditioned, they offered me the job. I had to take a 60% pay cut and move down to Bournemouth with my wife, at the time I had only been married about a year, my in-laws thought I was crazy. I was dragging their daughter down there to do a job I had never done before in my life, but I saw it as an apprenticeship. I thought I will be bad at this to begin with but over time I could get better. Bournemouth was great fun I did 2 years down there and I loved it, they were really good times, I have never had such a good tan.

During the summers when I did the breakfast show and we would have meetings on the beach down near Sandbanks.

Where is the strangest place that people listen to you on the radio? I find that fascinating because you do the radio show and you have people in their cars going to work, the school run, going home from work and they are all doing stuff that goes on in life. I have heard from people, who were listening to me whilst having an MRI scan, whilst having root cannel surgery, I know there is a maximum security prison in this country where the officers listen to the show. I find it endlessly fascinating but that is the great thing about radio, it is so portable and that is why it is so important to us, it is your friend that you can take anywhere.

Anyone who is thinking of becoming a radio host/DJ, what advice would you give them? Well there is nothing to stop them getting off their backsides, I get a lot of emails asking me this everyday and if I was a teenager now, I would already be doing my own radio show via the thing called youtube, you can load up and start podcasting, do a radio show get your voice out there. It is the same with stand-up actually, it is like you need to build up your air miles, you are only going to get any good at doing radio by doing radio. You don’t get better because the shows are bigger; you get better by doing it. You can get a cheap microphone from say Maplins and jack it in to a laptop or Ipad and get used to talking into a microphone 6

and how it sounds and feels and what kind of tone you want to have, also what you are going to talk about. It is easier now and people think you need permission to do it; no you don’t just get on with it. When you think you are good enough send it off to a radio station and see if you can get some weekend shows, start like that.

What is the oddest thing you have read about yourself? It was that I had had a fist fight with Chris Evans. Chris gave me my first job in TV, a chat show live 5 days a week; I had never done any TV. This was about 12 years ago; he had heard me on XFM and then called my agent. Chris is one of the people, why I do what I do. So we worked together for 4 months and I read in the paper that we had an actual fight, it was utterly, utterly bizarre.

Who are your radio heroes? We have lost one of them this year, the late great Sir Terry Wogan, he was genuinely a nice bloke and very good at talking and being on the radio, he was always very nice to me, he loved a dirty joke too and he had that Irish charm also Danny Baker, Chris Evans and Howard Stern. Howard is the best interviewer on TV or radio over in America. I listen to more podcasts now than I do radio.

If you could only play one song on the radio, which one would it be? That’s a hard question, but I think it would be a Bruce Springsteen song but it would not be one of the big hits that everyone knows it would be a track called “Growin’ Up”.

Tell us a little bit about your stage show titled intriguingly “You’ve Ruined My Morning … And Other Fan Mail” Well it is because I have been doing radio for 17 years, I have collected all the weird, odd and abusive complaints I have ever had and we go through them during the show. The thing I have noticed is one of the biggest changes is the amount of complaints people like me get whether you be on the radio, TV or a comedian, and I don’t think it is because I am anymore offensive, as I would not be in my job - I would have been fined, suspended or sacked by now, it is because people are more over sensitive and they like to complain more now. That’s what the show is all about - trying to work and do what I do in this ridiculous culture; every week the online mob are demanding that some one is made to apologise or get fired. It is getting really silly at the moment and it will affect our freedom of speech, also the kind of humour we get and what we see and hear on TV and radio. It feels like a conversation I have been having with myself for the last 5-6 years. When I read out the complaints on stage and they are all genuine, the audience are stunned.

See Christian in his new show “You’ve Ruined My Morning… And Other Fan Mail” on Saturday 14th May at Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk Box office 01582 767525 To find out more about Christian visit his website www.christianoconnell.com twitter: @OC 7

Gyles Brandreth – Word Power!

Gyles Brandreth, wit and word-meister, former MP and star of Just A Minute, The One Show, QI, Have I Got News For You and Room 101, will be taking his new show Word Power!, an uproarious magic carpet ride around the world of the English language.

What can audiences expect from your ‘Word Power’ show? A two-hour show that takes you on a roller-coaster ride around the amazing world of words. It’s a show that should make you laugh and might even make you cry. It’s based around my lifelong love of words and includes stories from my life in the theatre and politics. It’s a show for people who love live theatre and who enjoy listening to Just A Minute or watching QI.

What do you love about the English language? Everything! English is the richest language in the world. There are 500,000 words in the English dictionary. The unfortunate French only have 100,000 words in their vocabulary – and that includes “le weekend”. Language is what makes us human. As the philosopher Bertrand Russell said, “No matter how eloquently a dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his parents were poor but honest. Only words can do that.”

What is your favourite word and why? My favourite word changes from day to day.

I’m currently rather liking the word YEX. It’s an old word for a HICCUP and it’s very useful for playing Scrabble. I’m enjoying another old word at the moment, too. To SQUIDDLE is to waste time in idle talk. I do quite a bit of that.

How do you usually go about developing a new show? I was an MP – until the people spoke. When I lost my seat, I wondered what to do next. Someone suggested I take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe. I did. And I was very lucky. The show won awards and five star reviews. Since then I have taken three more shows to Edinburgh and I’ve been just as lucky with them. I try to create a show about a subject I love and that I think will interest and amuse people. My Word Power! show is my favourite so far.

Are there any particular places/regions you always like to take your shows to? I go where they’ll have me! No, seriously, I love touring the length and breadth of the UK. As anyone who follows me on Twitter - @GylesB1 – will know, as a reporter for The One Show on BBC1 I am out and about and all over the country all the time. I have literally been from Land’s End to John O’Groats. With a stage show I love to go to beautiful theatres in places I know (like the Swansea Grand or the Richmond Theatre) – I love going to theatres with a history and heritage. In this show I tell

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some stories about great actors of the past and their amazing way with words, so it’s exciting to be appearing in the sorts of theatres they appeared in. My wife was born in Wales; my parents and grandparents came from Lancashire and Cheshire; my teddy bear collection is soon moving to Newby Hall in North Yorkshire – so really wherever I go I’m happy to be. What I really like is a town where I can get a nice cup of tea and a toasted tea-cake before the show.

What is your favourite English accent? I love the variety of accents we have in the British Isles. Just to be difficult, I rather like a Brummie accent. I don’t mind what the accent is, so long as whoever is speaking can be understood. I can’t stand mumbling. These days on TV I often find myself watching the TV with the subtitles so I can follow what’s going on.

In September last year, you ran a ‘Just A Minute’ challenge at the Radio Times Festival, exclusively for children to take part in, to encourage more varied language use. Are children’s vocabularies shrinking? There are 500,000 words in the English dictionary, but William Shakespeare managed to write all his plays only using 26,000 words, so it’s not the number of words you know it’s the way you use them that counts. I’m encouraging young people to learn new words, to extend their vocabularies and to have fun with language. Language is power. The more clearly you can express yourself the better you will get on in life.

What can you tell us about your book ‘Word Play’ and how does it tie in with this show? I love puns and palindromes and anagrams and word play of every kind. I love asking people to take the word MONDAY and rearrange the letters in MONDAY to form another everyday English word . . . and then seeing how long it takes them to come up with DYNAMO. Word Play is a book that contains all the fun and funny and fantastic things I’ve learnt about our language in my lifetime. After the show, I always stay to meet the audience in the foyer or the bar after the show and if anyone fancies a copy of the book I sign it for them.

Should we be worried about the impact of the internet and mobile technology on the English Language? No! The English language is rich because it isn’t pure. New words are arriving all the time and lots of them have come along with new technology. I like acronyms like YOLO. I like fun abbreviations. RIDIC is a bit ridiculous, but why not? I love new words. Do you ever MOSH? (I do!) Of course, there are dangers in the brave new world of texting . . . and some of the funny ones feature in Word Power!

Do you think the English language will be as important a language in 100 years’ time? Yes! English is getting more and more important every year. English is now truly the lingua franca of the world. More people are speaking English than ever before. We are so blessed that our language, English, is the world’s language!

Word Power! Truly: get it, use it, conquer the world!

You were the MP for Chester from 1992 – 1997 but have spoken out about MPs’ use of clichés. What is it about politicians’ use of language that you dislike? I don’t like ANYONE using clichés because clichés are lazy. During the last election I thought I’d go mad if I heard another politician talking about ‘hard working families’. I like language that is fresh and surprising. The word ICONIC is overused. The word 9

PASSIONATE is overused. I passed a white van today. On the side it said: ‘Passionate about Plumbing.’ Please!

Who is your linguistic hero? William Shakespeare. He died 400 years ago this year, but he is one of the reasons that English is the world’s richest and most wonderful language. Until Shakespeare came along, the English language lacked EXCITEMENT. Yes, Shakespeare invented the word – along with more than a thousand others. It appears first in his play, Hamlet. (When I was a young actor, I played Hamlet once – not very successfully. The audience threw eggs at me. I went on as Hamlet, came off at omelette.)

You recently met Miley Cyrus. Where did you meet her and what did you tell her about ‘twerking’? I met Miley in a lift at the BBC. She is famous for her ‘twerking’.

She seemed to think she had invented the word. I told her TWERKING was what’s known as a “portmanteau” word, combining two words in one, and has been around since the early 1800s. It’s a mix of TWIST and JERK. She kindly said she’d come to see my WORD POWER show so if you come look out for Miley. You may be there on the same night.

If you could give your 25 year old self a piece of advice, what would it be? Live in the moment. Relish the here and now. You only get today once, so make the most of it.It’s the advice I was given when I was 25. My father passed on to me the words of a great American playwright, William Saroyan: ‘Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.’ Living in the moment is why I love live theatre. It’s only happening here and now – tonight. With my Word Power! show, I hope audiences will have a happy, surprising, interesting time. The one thing they’ll know is that it’s live: a real performer with a real audience having an evening together that’s unique. Every show is a little bit different. I hope you’ll come and, afterwards, I hope you’ll come and say hello.

WORD POWER! – Tour Dates

7 May 15 May 29 May 16 Jul 17 Jul

Hertford Potters Bar Stevenage Bishop’s Stortford Milton Keynes

Hertford Theatre Wyllyott’s Theatre Gordon Craig Theatre Rhodes Theatre The Stables

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Rallying Remote Workers Managers have a lot of responsibility, from legal requirements employers have to meet to ensuring that people are engaged and motivated in the workplace.

Technology has created global talent mobility and alongside it, an increasing number of remote workers. In fact, 43% of US employees work remotely. It’s easy to see the benefits: empowerment, autonomy, increased job satisfaction and increased productivity. But – individuals have different perceptions of autonomy.

For some this means being left to ‘get on with it’. For others, this means a regular call to see how their actions are progressing.

According to Ere Media, there are three ways to manage the expectations of remote workers and employers, ensuring that these are aligned. Author Cord Himelstein explains: “Here is my go-to list: •

Set remote office hours/email deadlines – A chief benefit of working remotely is setting your own hours, but if you’re only getting emails on Friday evenings from your teleworkers, it can seem like they’re on their own schedule, or worse, disengaged from the organization, which is a real fear.

Don’t be afraid to set email deadlines and ask them to stay aligned with actual office hours. You’d be surprised at how simple a conversation this is as long as you bring it up beforehand.

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Design an accountability structure – Remember that the employee doesn’t always know how to get the most out of a remote work situation either.

Many know that they would enjoy the autonomy, but don’t know what doing it successfully would actually would look like, so help them out! Have the conversation about accountability. What can be expected on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? How will we measure success? When you set tolerable limits it becomes much easier for everyone to meet expectations. Each person is different, so remain flexible enough to adapt on the fly as you learn more about what works and what doesn’t.

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Schedule weekly check-ins – The weekly check-in can be a manager’s best friend when it comes to teleworkers as long as it’s used efficiently. It’s important to let the employee know it’s not an issue of trust, merely a way for you to stay informed about their workflow. There are four questions I always make sure to ask on a weekly check-in: What are you working on?

Are you facing any challenges?

How can I help? and, 11

How is everything else?

You might already know the answers to those questions, but the time spent making the personal connection and keeping them close to the organisation’s pulse is what’s important.”

Matthew of Consensus HR is especially aware of the requirements of remote workers: “When I worked within Welcome Break, I was classed as a remote worker as I was on the road within the UK at all times visiting the 26 company sites.

“Remote workers need clear expectations of what is needed by the company and clear SMART objectives, monthly catch up times (telephone or email) and regular feedback on what is to be achieved by them whilst out working remotely.

“They need to know what is expected so that should this not be achieved the relevant action can be taken and objectives or task adjusted accordingly. I have seen the benefits and disadvantages of working remotely. It totally depends on the way you are managed and kept informed – these factors directly influence results.”

Does your organisation employ remote workers? Are you getting the best results from them? Contact Matthew from Consensus HR to find out more.

www.the-sticks.co.uk To advertise your event, show, restaurant or business on our website or in our digital magazine

Call 07756 274444 Or email thesticks9@gmail.com Prices from £10 per month

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How to cope with Depression 18 months ago, out of the blue, my friend Sam developed an acute depression.

While he had no history of depression, work stress and an illness tipped him into a severe depression. Normally a gregarious person, he became withdrawn, started to isolate himself and stopped taking care of his appearance. Thankfully Sam had a good network of friends who recognised he was in difficulty and stepped in to help him get the help and support he badly needed; but not everyone is so lucky. It is important to realise that depression affects approximately 1 in 5 people at any one time, and it can affect anyone at any time of their life. Often, like Sam, it is triggered after a traumatic experience, or when several issues compound each other and build up. Sufferers often report that the mind focuses on the negative and thoughts become sad. They may also notice reduced energy and difficulty getting through their normal day-to-day activities either at home or at work. This in turn may impact on their relationships, jobs and feelings of self worth. At this stage, like Sam, folk often report feeling isolated and alone. Left untreated a depressed person can become at risk of self-harm or in extreme cases suicide.

So what can a depressed person or their family do?

Firstly do not suffer alone, get help. You are not alone and seeking help early will limit the extent of the illness and help you to develop strategies that will help you recover and stop relapse.

What are the symptoms of depression and how do you know if you are depressed?

Generally if you are depressed you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest and enjoyment in things you once enjoyed. If these symptoms persist and start interfering with work, relationships and social life you should seek help and advice.

Below are some of the symptoms you may experience. Remember we are all different and you will not necessarily have all these symptoms, and may be able to continue to function in all aspects of your life, but at a reduced level. So called “functional depression�.

Psychological symptoms include: Low mood or sadness, Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, Low self-esteem, Feeling tearful, Feeling guilty, Feeling irritable and intolerant of others habits, No motivation or interest in things you used to care about, Finding it difficult to make decisions, Getting little enjoyment out of life, Feelings of anxiety, Numbness, Thoughts of harming yourself and suicide.

Physical symptoms may include: Slowing in affect, Change in appetite and/or weight, this may be increase or decrease, Constipation, Physical pains, Lack of energy for physical activities, Lack of interest in sex (loss of libido), Changes to your menstrual cycle, Poor sleep, for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning.

Social symptoms include: Poor performance at work, Lack of interest in social activities and avoiding contact with friends, No appetite for activities you previously enjoyed, Relationship problems

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Antidepressant medicines Antidepressant medicines are commonly used to treat moderate or severe depression. Obviously medication cannot alter the issues that may have lead to the depression, but the symptoms can be eased, allowing you to work on the issues that underlie your depression. Antidepressants usually take 2-4 weeks before they take effect, so you need to give them time to “kick in”. A normal course of an antidepressant lasts for at least six months after symptoms have eased. It is unwise to stop them without medical advice as the symptoms may return. There are several types of anti-depressants which differ in their action and their possible side-effects. Your GP will work with you to find the one that suits you best.

Psychological Therapy Many people find psychological therapy helps them overcome depression and tackle the difficulties that may underlie the condition. Research has shown that a combination of an antidepressant and a psychological treatment potentiate recovery best. There are many types of psychological therapies and different therapies suit different people. You GP will be aware of the NICE guidelines and help you find what is available in your area on the NHS, or you can access therapy through a private service such as Local Counselling Centre (LCC) Exercise Many people also find that exercise improves their mood as it stimulates neurotransmittion and the production of endorphins. So it is wise, even though you may not feel like physical activity, to try and take some each day.

Sam was lucky his depression was treated effectively and early with a combination of medication, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and exercise in the shape of a new dog who he continues to walk twice a day! He returned to work after four months and has been well since.

Consult our website for lots of helpful information and if you want to see a therapist remember help is just a phone call away sessions are available from just £15.00 (subject to status)

Local Counselling Centre T: 01462 674671 E:

hello@localcounsellingcentre.co.uk W: www.localcounsellingcentre.co.uk

LCC, Suite 2, Venture House, Fifth Avenue, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 2HW

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Landlord and Tenant Headaches Landlord and Tenant law is a notoriously tricky area. It’s all too easy to get into difficulty. Whether you’re a Landlord dealing with a commercial lease or residential tenancies, the chances are that before too long you will come up against a “difficult” tenant.

Of course, if you are the tenant trying to negotiate fair terms for a new tenancy or lease you may well argue you are having to deal with a “difficult” landlord!

In our commercially minded world, Landlords and Tenants have to negotiate hard on many issues within a Tenancy or Lease:– – – – –

break clauses, service charges, late payment of rent, obligations for repairs, and dilapidations.

It’s very important for anyone in this position to get the right kind of legal and commercial advice - particularly in respect of dilapidations (in commercial premises), where an experienced surveyor can even be instructed to carry out a valuation to help negotiate a fair settlement.

Arguably, there is extra pressure on residential Landlords as, whether you have just one buy-to-let property or a large portfolio, you need to ensure you have completely up to date advice on all matters regarding how to enforce your Tenancy Agreement. The process of evicting a non-paying tenant is even more of a minefield. It’s so easy to make a simple mistake when dealing with a residential tenant and if your Court application fails, it can leave you out of pocket for outstanding rent and the Court costs. Even worse, you could still be stuck with the non-paying tenant and have to start the eviction process all over again.

For the unwary, there are far too many traps to fall into. Our advice is – take good legal advice!

At Hoddesdon, we have a new commercial property solicitor who has recently joined us. Jo can be contacted at Jolyon.Bland@curwens.co.uk Curwens LLP is your local firm of solicitors offering most areas of legal advice – based in Royston, Hoddesdon, and Enfield.

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A CELEBRATION OF ETHICAL TEXTILES FROM AROUND THE WORLD From the Earth exhibition is an international event that will be taking place in Hertfordshire this June 2016. Artists working with natural fibres, natural colours and natural mark making techniques were invited to apply to participate in the exhibition.

Its aim is to promote ethical textile practices in the broadest sense through the use of natural dyes and printing processes, natural fabrics and fibres with particular reference to those produced in ethical ways, upcycling and incorporating other natural materials and ‘found’ items.

This exhibition starts on 1 June and runs for a month until 26 June at Mardleybury Gallery in Datchworth. In addition to this, they are putting together a series of associated workshops by well-known textile practitioners, which will be held at nearby ArtVanGo in Knebworth.

The Workshops will include ‘Organic Indigo Dyeing: Ancient Techniques, A New Twist’ with Jenny Leslie, ‘Eco Prints and Memory Cloth’ with Fabienne DorsmannRey where textile artists will deepen their understanding of plant magic, alchemy potions and enjoy the magnificence of the natural colours gained in respect of nature and the slow passing of time. For all other courses being run please go to their website.

All these courses are intended for those who already have some experience with eco dyeing and desire to widen their understanding of plants and mordants on various fabrics as well as learn new techniques to expand the range of their artistic expression.

They are very pleased to have Alice Fox as their guest artist at the exhibition and Jenny Dean has kindly agreed to officially open the exhibition.

Everyone interested in visiting this exhibition, meet these amazing textile artists or book for future workshops can find out more information on https://fromtheearthtextiles.co.uk or www.mardleyburygallery.co.uk

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Russell Grant's Monthly Horoscopes - May

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

Your social life will sparkle with excitement at the beginning of the month. Be sure to attend a party on the 6th, when the New Moon will put you in the path of some interesting, attractive people. If you're looking for love, you could find it with a tremendously accomplished person. Are you already in a relationship?

Your partner will be proud to be on your arm. Acquiring marketable skills will improve your job prospects. Sign up for an adult education course in May. The Full Moon on the 21st will yield impressive results of a health regime.

You'll look good and feel great during the second half of May. If you mistakenly offend a colleague, offer a sincere apology. Back up your words with actions. By demonstrating good will, you could make a friend out of an old rival. Lean on your romantic partner for support when your confidence wavers.

You can turn a creative pursuit into a moneymaking venture in early May. The New Moon on the 6th is ideal for landing a lucrative job, getting a pay rise or increasing your prices. Getting paid what you are worth is imperative. When more funds arrive, put a percentage of them into a savings account.

Having a financial cushion will protect you from uncertainty. If you're self employed, it will be easier to find steady work and good customers during the first half of the month. Have you been thinking of opening your own business? The middle of May is the best time of the entire year to do so. On the 21st, a legal decision could be rendered in your favour, allowing you to leave the past behind and forge a brighter, happier future. An old romantic partner may try to reconnect as June approaches. Be wary about getting involved again, even if there is powerful chemistry between you.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

You'll achieve great prominence in your career throughout early May. This is also a wonderful time to run for office. Launch your campaign on the 6th, when you will have the strength of the New Moon behind you. Your hard work and accomplishments will win the respect of people from all walks of life. If you're happy with your current position, take this opportunity to improve your workspace. Thriving plants, vibrant colours and comfortable furniture will make you much more productive. Ask your superiors to make improvements during May. The Full Moon on the 21st marks an exciting turning point in your love life. You could meet someone special at a sporting event, gym or walking the dog. If you're already in a relationship, schedule a fun trip with your amour. Money could be tight in late May; cut back on household expenses. Stretch resources as far as they will go. Prepare meals instead of eating out.

Love, romance and adventure are yours for the asking in May. If you're thinking about updating your appearance, the New Moon on the 6th presents the perfect opportunity to do so. Don't be afraid to spend a little more money than usual on clothes, toiletries and spa treatments. Your creative powers will be more impressive than ever; devote more time to painting, playing music and designing works of beauty. Are you looking for love? You could find it at a garden, park or campground. If you're already in a relationship, you and your amour will enjoy a relaxing break together. The Full Moon on the 21st will attract money from an inheritance, legal settlement or refund. Save this windfall for equipment repairs, it's important to keep your car, computer and appliances in good working condition. A disagreement over values could put strain on a friendship or romance towards the end of the month.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

A chance to expand your horizons will arrive in early May. This is a wonderful time to study, write and travel. The New Moon on the 6th could prompt you to visit a beautiful country that has always captivated your imagination. If you're looking for romance, you will find it on this trip.

Do you already have a partner? It will be virtually impossible to resist your charms during the first half of the month. Take this opportunity to ask for a favour or push your agenda. Getting a pet is a distinct possibility.

The Full Moon on the 21st could find you buying or selling a property. This transaction will improve your financial standing. Be patient while a loved one adjusts to a change in your home life. You'll embrace this transition, but a relative will not share your enthusiasm at first. Be as supportive as possible.

Keeping a low profile will be enjoyable in early May. Solitary activities like reading, writing and communing with nature can keep stress at bay. This is also an opportune moment to enjoy the company of pets. The New Moon on the 6th will prompt you to adopt a more spiritual approach to problems. Suddenly, money and status could become relatively unimportant. If you need a bank loan, scholarship or grant, submit an application during the first half of the month. Your business or romantic partner will have exciting news on the 21st, courtesy of the Full Moon. Your lives will become much more adventurous as a result. Go ahead and yield the spotlight to your partner during the second half of May. They've worked hard for this recognition; let them bask in their fame and acclaim.

Be receptive to advice from an accomplished but stuffy expert. It's best to play it safe at work as June approaches.

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LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd

will turn you into a virtual love magnet. Are you already in a relationship? Plan a special evening for you and your amour. The two of you will find each other irresistible.

Planning a fun holiday together will greatly enhance your relationship; choose a destination that appeals to both you. On the 21st, the Full Moon will prompt you to pull away from work and enjoy some solitary activities.

Reading, writing and communing with nature can recharge your batteries. Don't let pushy relatives and friends interfere with your private time. It may be difficult to gain access to an exclusive club or institution at the end of the month. Don't let it bother you.

Your love life will heat up considerably in May. If you're single, you could meet someone special at a restaurant, garden or luxury goods store. Are you already in a relationship? You and your amour will feel like you're falling in love all over again.

The New Moon on the 6th will mark an especially passionate encounter. Alternatively, you might receive an impressive windfall from a legal settlement, insurance refund or dividend. Take this opportunity to rest, relax and pamper yourself. The Full Moon on the 21st is ideal for attending a party. You may cross paths with a bold entrepreneur at this gathering. If you play your cards right, you could enter into a business alliance. Be conservative with your initial investment. It will take time and hard work to build a solid venture. Be patient; slow and steady wins the race as May turns to June.

Hasty decisions will be cause for regret.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Home life will be a profound source of pleasure in early May. Take this opportunity to stock the pantry, tidy your surroundings and do the laundry. Comfortable surroundings will keep stress at bay. Hosting a dinner party is strongly advised for the 6th, when the New Moon will cultivate an atmosphere of happiness and harmony. Money from a scholarship, grant or loan could become available in the first half of the month, causing you to heave a sigh of relief. Take this opportunity to enjoy some creature comforts. You're not especially materialistic, but it is important for you to enjoy sensual pleasures from time to time. The Full Moon on the 21st marks an exciting turning point in your social life. You could meet an influential teacher at a party. Let this instructor take you under their wing. Sparks might fly between you and someone close towards the end of the month.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd A close friendship or romance will be a profound source of pleasure in early May. If you want to get engaged or married, the New Moon on the 6th presents the ideal opportunity to do so. Are you already in a committed relationship? Your partner may have some exciting news; be sure to go out and celebrate. A stalled group project could come back to life during the first half of the month. Don't be surprised if you are asked to take the helm of this organisation. The Full Moon on the 21st brings in some extra money; use it to upgrade your car, computer or phone. Having equipment that operates well will further improve your earning potential. Be prepared to refuse a loved one's request for a loan at the end of May. The last thing you need is to mix friendship with finance; keep these realms strictly separate.

SAGITTARIUS November December 21st

23rd

PISCES February 20th - March 20th You'll be pleasantly busy in the opening days of May. Running errands, stocking the pantry and returning phone calls will make the days fly by on wings. The New Moon on the 6th will bring good news about a family or community matter. This will be cause for celebration. Hosting a party will bring everyone together in a spirit of harmony.

Your love life will also get back on track, thanks to your amour's increased availability. If you're single, it will be easy to meet someone who is supportive, kind and enthusiastic. Resist the temptation to speed up the courtship phase. Instead, enjoy getting to know someone special before making a serious commitment. The Full Moon on the 21st will bring fame and acclaim. Use this positive attention as a springboard to bigger and better career opportunities. A well connected friend could get you a job interview at the end of May.

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A fitness program will yield impressive results at the beginning of May. If you've been longing to get in shape, use the strength of the New Moon on the 6th to propel you forward. Establishing better eating, exercise and sleeping habits will be relatively easy. Your career prospects will also improve during the first half of the month. Don't hesitate to accept more responsibilities at work. You'll quickly earn the respect of both your peers and superiors. Negotiating a pay rise is a distinct possibility in money minded May. Let your best friend or romantic partner lavish you with affection on the 21st.

That's when the Full Moon will illuminate your charms.

Being receptive to love will make you a better friend, partner and relative. Beware of discouraging a family member from pursuing their dreams at the end of the month. You have very different priorities, so you're bound to take divergent paths.

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

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

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

Love, romance and adventure will find you in May. If you're single, this is the best time of the entire year to meet someone special. Be sure to attend a party or social gathering on the 6th, when the New Moon

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Natural & Organic Products

Last weekend I went to the Natural & Organic Products Europe 2016 at Excel, it’s the UK’s biggest trade show for natural and organic food, health and beauty products and eco-living products.

There were significantly more visitors than previous years, over ten thousand across the two days, it’s becoming obvious that more and more consumers are looking to take a bit more control of their own health and wellbeing and are choosing natural skincare, beauty and personal care products, not just in order to be ethical or to alleviate any allergies they may have, but because they are equally as good, if not better than their conventional rivals, and kinder to your health, and of course the planet.

It was great for me as a passionate advocate of natural products to see some of the trends emerging in new products, superfoods are the new rock and roll, many people recognise the importance of eating (or drinking) your greens and kale and broccoli are now not only available in juice and shot drinks but superfoods are also making their way into skincare, there are now serums including Kale, and some lovely face masks, and the well-established company Green People have shampoo and conditioner that contains Quinoa. Of course raw chocolate has long been known for its anti-oxidant effects but again you don’t have to eat it, there are several raw chocolate lips balms, face masks and even a chocolate shampoo from Faith in Nature (a brand usually stocked in Oxfam shops) When I wrote my first book “Imperfectly Natural Woman” there were only about three ranges of natural makeup and only around fifteen natural skincare companies, now there are literally thousands, everything from creams, serums, and oils and, if you’ve never tried facial oil as a moisturiser, I’d urge you to try (guys too), as plant based oils rehydrate the lipidic film of the skin, essential oils are often added so there’s a therapeutic effect too. Don’t forget hair oils too, Tabitha James Kraan have an award winning scented hair oil and of course organic extra virgin Coconut oil, now famous among celebs for all manner of uses from dental to nutritional is great as a deep intensive hair conditioner.

There were some great Herts companies showcasing too, including Hadley Wood Healthcare who offer health products and dietary supplements, and the Konjac sponge an innovative natural sponge perfect for cleansing make-up (there’s even one for pets) The message is clear, there is a natural alternative to just about everything, support your local independent health store – we have lots in Herts, Beds and Bucks and the supermarkets who are willing to offer natural and organic products and check out www.janeyloves.co.uk for some of my recommendations

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

The Sticks have teamed up with UK Events (the people behind The Flashback Festival) and Steaming Kettle PR and have a pair of camping tickets for the whole weekend (worth £198) for you to Win!!!!!!!!!!

Flashback Festival is to be welcomed into the grounds of Rockingham Castle this summer. With a weekend of fantastic music from across the decades there will be something for everyone … legendary artists from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s will be performing live for a Rockingham crowd.

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

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This is must for music enthusiasts and the atmosphere caters for everyone. By using our many years of experience, we will ensure that Flashback is the “must go to” festival of 2016!

There will be themed bars and food stalls catering for all tastes. So bring along your deck chairs and then either sit back and relax or dance the nights away whilst listening to our fabulous artists.

To win a pair of Camping tickets for the whole weekend (worth £198) all you have to do is answer the following question: What was the title of the only No1 single Billy Ocean had in the UK? Email your answer together with your name and contact details to thesticks9@gmail.com Closing date: Noon on Friday 24th June.

First correct entry drawn will win the camping tickets.

There is no cash alternative, usual your publication rules apply and the Editor's decision is final.

Rockingham Castle, Rockingham, Leicestershire, LE16 8TH Tickets adults £80 for the weekend or £43 per day www.theflashbackfestival.com Booking line 0845 075 6101

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Hero Cheese of the Month - Muldoon’s Picnic The Saddleworth Cheese Company is committed to making handmade artisan cheese using only PR3 post coded milk from the heart of the Trough of Bowland to form various cheese including Lancashire crumbly “Muldoon’s Picnic”, Lancashire Creamy “Hows yer father”, Lancashire Tasty “Mouth Almighty” and a specially formulated medium soft blue cheese “Smelly Ha'peth”.

Muldoon’s Picnic is a Lancashire term given to a room full of screaming kids! “What d’ya think this is Muldoon’s Picnic?!”

Muldoon’s Picnic is a Lancashire crumbly cheese which was their first Major competition category winner in 2009 - 2013 at The British Cheese Awards. They are bringing a fully traditional handmade, artisan cheese to their range that has a fresh acidity and broad curdy creaminess to the palate, giving a pleasing aftertaste and character that you just don't find with the factory equivalent.

They are keen to bring the REAL flavour of their crumbly to you in the hope that you will enjoy it on a lovely crisp olive salad or on a fresh cut cheese sandwich with some piccalilli or simply toasted on your favourite bread which brings out the true character of the cheese as it toasts perfectly. Equally it would make a lovely talking point around a table of friends enjoying a bottle of Gewürztraminer whose acidity perfectly matches the acidity of their cheese.

To date Muldoon’s Picnic has been the judge’s choice as 2009 - 2013 brought a multitude of awards including A British Cheese Award, Best Cheese in Show at Bakewell including Best Crumbly and Best Farmhouse Cheese and the Silver Medal in The Chipping Show Cheese Competition. Fair praise indeed for this essence of English Lancashire Crumbly Cheese.

All their cheeses are suitable for vegetarians as they use only vegetarian rennet’s.

Their aim is to stir with specially formulated cultures that connect to create a cheese that tastes like it used to taste! With traditional cutting they are preserving the all-important body and character of the curd, which really does make all the difference when it comes down to true taste.

So if you would like to give this delicious cheese a try, pop over to The Cheese Plate on the High Street in Buntingford. www.thecheeseplate.co.uk

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Eggs It’s egg time! And why not when 1.2 trillion eggs are consumed every year! Eggs are not only incredibly versatile but also help keep you fuller for longer which means you are less likely to snack throughout the day.

More Egg facts: – Forty per cent of the world’s eggs are consumed in China.

– An egg shell is made of calcium carbonate, makes up 9-12 percent of an egg’s total weight, and contains pores that allow oxygen in and carbon dioxide and moisture out.

– An egg white is made mainly of protein and contains about 57 percent of an egg’s protein.

– The colour of an egg yolk is determined by hen’s diet. The more yellow and orange plant pigments there are in the grain fed to a hen, the more vibrant the colour of the yolk will be. (a happy chicken will also lay a brighter orange yolk) – The other colours within an egg vary with its age and other factors. Egg whites that are cloudy indicate that the egg is very fresh, clear egg whites indicate an egg is ageing; pink or iridescent egg whites indicate spoilage, and these eggs should not be consumed.

– The average hen lays between 250 and 270 eggs a year but some lay more than 300.

– According to research published in 2008, male dinosaurs were sometimes responsible for sitting on eggs until they hatched.

– The world record for eating hard-boiled eggs is 65 in 6min 40sec – The colour of an eggshell is purely dependent on the breed of the hen.

– When an egg hatchets the chick assumes the first big animal it sees is its mother.

If you haven’t experienced the joys of keeping chickens I highly recommend it. They may be our nearest relation to T-Rex, and not very cuddly but are very funny and can be great pets.

I had a chicken that used to climb the stairs to my office every day and sit on the chair next to me watching me work. Unfortunately, despite my numerous warnings, she eventually got taken by a fox (the risk of complete free range), but had a much better life that the average battery hen.

Chickens are also a fantastic way to help children understand where our food comes from, and I believe every school should have some preferably in an allotment to also learn about fruit and veg.

For the freshest real free range eggs head to your local farm shop on the BigBarn local food map. You might even find someone to sell you some hens.

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Food Campaign Gives Rural Businesses a Boost Local support is essential to ensure the survival of small producers, rural businesses and independent retailers, which is why this year's Make One Change campaign is more important than ever.

Back for the second year running, the Make One Change campaign, which runs throughout May, is asking shoppers to look closer to home for their groceries with a new strap-line 'Keep It In The Community'.

Local and rural food businesses are the key to the future of food. If supermarkets are allowed to continue to drive down prices, before we know it all of our food will be imported from abroad and UK food producers will cease to exist.

To safe-guard the future of our British food industry, we need to support small producers, shop locally and give our farmers a fighting chance. “Make One Change 2016 focusses on community spirit and we're asking shoppers to seek out their local shop or food producer, support or start up a community shop or farmers' market and grow their own crops and sell them through local retailers,” explains Anthony Davison, founder of food and drink not-for-profit website www.bigbarn.co.uk, who came up with the idea for Make One Change.

Make One Change puts shoppers in the driving seat, giving them a chance to vote with their wallets and see the difference they can make with just a few small changes. “Make One Change wants to put small businesses on the map and guarantee the future of our food industry,” continues Anthony. “It's a worrying time for British food. Small, family farms are going out of business because they can't make ends meet, tonnes of homegrown crops are being wasted every day because they don't meet the high standards of the supermarkets and more and more crops are being imported. If we don't act soon, we won't have a food industry to talk about,” he explains.

“BigBarn is all about driving new business to local food and drink producers and retailers and encouraging more people to shop locally. Make One Change supports this and this year's theme 'Keep It In The Community' aims to reignite peoples' interest in the high street and really get shoppers thinking about the way they buy their groceries and whether they do have time to visit the local butcher, get their fruit and veg from the farm shop, or sell a few of their own crops through their local store. Small changes can make a big difference, so every little counts!”

Last year Make One Change received publicity on a national scale and Anthony is hoping this year's campaign can go a step further and really start to bring small communities together through food. “There's a long way to go to really change the way people think about food and shopping, but we have to start somewhere. Make One Change is just one of the ways that we can support British farmers and growers and build a new audience for local food and drink,” concludes Anthony.

For more information on the Make One Change campaign visit www.bigbarn.co.uk/make-one-change

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WHY JUST SURVIVE, WHEN YOU CAN THRIVE WITH @ADHDWORLDWIDE @ADHDworldwide was started in October 2015 by Kayleigh Ruthven after an 18 month long battle with Doctors in which she has been battling to get an assessment for ADHD. (This battle is still ongoing).

In November 2015 Ashley Fielder, who wasn’t diagnosed till he was 27 years old, found @ADHDworldwide and after speaking with Kayleigh decided to join her on her quest for awareness Our initial aim @ADHDWorldwide is to raise awareness of the condition that is still so often overlooked despite the NHS stating that it is the most common behavioural issue they deal with. In raising awareness we are also looking to reduce the negative stigma that surrounds ADHD. Our long-term aim is to raise enough money to be able to spread support groups and clubs for children and families living with ADHD around the UK. We will be looking to do this with many different campaigns and an “ADHD Awareness Festival” is already being planned along with our soon to be released Merchandise from which proceeds will continue to support our campaign.

During the past 6 months we have been campaigning and raising awareness of ADHD on social media & we now have in excess of 3000 followers across; Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Of our followers we are pleased to also say that we have Norman Lamb & Paul Farmer (CEO of MIND) following along with a number of Celebrities.

We have also been in contact with other national UK charities for ADHD, as well as smaller organisations. Kayleigh has also spoken with Russell Barkley from the USA who suggested speaking with Sandra KooIj the founder of the European network of ADHD and many other ADHD professionals in the hope of gaining their support in raising awareness.

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Throughout our mission is to continue raising awareness of ADHD with our main focus being to help people, especially children and families with ADHD & remove the negative stigma that is often reflected in the national media, which is seen as a burden on families that are already struggling living with ADHD themselves or with a child who has ADHD. Follow our story at:

www.adhdworldwide.org

www.facebook.com/adhdworldwide

www.instagram.com/adhdworldwide

www.twitter.com/adhdworldwide

Support our Pledge by voting at

T-Shirts From ÂŁ8.00, with proceeds going to @ADHDWorldwide

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Herts Listings Cream Teas - Mon 2 May Cream Teas at an enchanting Grade I listed building in the heart of Ware on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2.30pm – 5pm. Cream teas, homemade cakes and other refreshments on sale. Organised by Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust.

Place House Hall Bluecoat Yard, East Street, Ware SG12 9HL

Hertford Arts Festival - til Sun 8 May This free of charge art trail allows the public to take a tour around Hertford and visit over 25 pop up art exhibition venues. The artwork ranges from sculpture to textile, oil on canvas to water colour and the majority of the art is available to buy. Hertford Town Centre

Lemsford Village Fete - Mon 2 May As is traditional, this splendid event will provide a true English country fete experience with maypole dancing, coconut shy, tea-cup ride, live music. St. Johns C of E Primary School, Lemsford Village, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City AL8 7TR

Kimpton Art Show - til Mon 2 May Discover affordable and original paintings, ceramics, glass and other media - celebrating the work of established and emerging talent from around Hertfordshire. St Peter & St Paul, Church Lane, Kimpton SG4 8RP Hertfordshire Garden Show - til Mon 2 May Get your garden into shape for the new season. Choose from a wide range of plants and garden accessories. Book tickets online to save 10% - your ticket includes admission to the Gardens and Park, Dinosaurs and Adventure playground. Knebworth House SG1 2AX

Gentle Stroll - Bluebells - Wed 4 May Join one of our knowledgeable volunteers for a gentle walk through the woods from Ling Ride to Dockey Wood to see the wonderful bluebells. The stroll takes around 2 hours. No need to book, just turn up with sensible walking shoes. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT

Herts Motorcycle Run 2016 - Sun 1 May This year’s Herts Motorcycle Run takes place on Sunday 1st May, starting at the Herts Police HQ in Welwyn Garden City following a 60 mile route and finishing at the our Motorcycle Show at North Weald Airfield – home of the Herts Air Ambulance. Herts Police HQ AL8 6XF

Guys and Dolls - Wed 4 to Sat 7 May Broxbourne Theatre Company bets on another winner, this time with gamblers, sinners, night clubs, mission dolls, romance as well as well known music, where good really can come out of evil. Spotlight Theatre, Cock Lane near High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE

Stapleford Flower Festival - Sun 1 and Mon 2 May The Stapleford Flower Festival is an annual event that has been running for 47 years. Every year our beautiful 12th century church is decorated with flowers, all in arrangements which fit the chosen ’theme’ of the year. St Mary’s Church, Church Lane Stapleford SG1 4NB

Up Pompeii - Wed 4 to Sat 7 May Based on the original characters devised by Talbot Rothwell and Sid Colin for the Frankie Howard BBC comedy, this hilarious romp through ancient Pompeii brings back all the television favourites in this full-length play. Digswell Village Hall AL6 0AT

Beltane Summer Festival Sun 1 May Celebrate the start of Summer with a funpacked days of activity for all the family at Celtic Harmony, the Iron Age Settlement just outside Hertford.

Live Music, Drumming Workshops, Fire Procession, Fire Breathing.

Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon Lane, Hertford SG13 8NY

David Starkey - Magna Carta - Wed 4 May The UK’s leading constitutional historian, known for his forthright views, talks about the 13th century agreement that, imperfect though it was, and radically modified in its first ten years, limited for the first time the power of the monarch. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Aldbury May Fair - Mon 2 May A great day out for all the family, with plenty to see and do. From the traditional May Pole dancing, crowning of the May Queen and Morris Dancers to the excitement of the Laser Arena, Climbing Wall and Fairground Rides. Aldbury Village, Nr Tring HP23 5RT

Rich Hall - 3:10 To Humour - Fri 6 May Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit.

The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

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Supreme Queen - Fri 6 May Supreme Queen have been paying homage to the world’s most theatrical and dramatic Rock band, Queen since 1995, and in that time have had a huge impact on audiences across the UK, Europe and Asia. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Watford Model Railway Exhibition - Sat 7 May Model Railway Exhibition with more than 20 layouts in a variety of scales and gauges.

Trade support attending. Free parking, full disabled access, refreshments. Excellent family day out. Queens School, Aldenham Road, Bushey WD23 2TY A Parisian Promenade : Mozart to Montand, Puccini to Piaf - Sat 7 May A visual, musical and evocative lecture exploring how Paris has inspired countless musicians throughout the centuries. From classical to popular, ethereal to “ooh-la-la”, their music conjures up the atmosphere of Parisian boulevards, cabarets & cafés. Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Road, Hitchin SG5 1QG

Blake in Harmony - Sat 7 May Brit-AwardWinners Blake Fresh from recent appearances on the Graham Norton Show, Strictly Come Dancing & The One Show, British harmony trio BLAKE present a brand new tour featuring the finest songs from stage and screen. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL Gyles Brandreth: Word Power! - Sat 7 May Get It! Use It! Conquer The World! ‘No matter how eloquently a dog may bark, he cannot tell you that his parents were poor but honest.’ Only words can do that. Language is power. Words are magic. Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG13 1PS

Local Charity Band Night - Sat 7 May Raising money for the Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, local bands and solo artists will be performing music ranging from soul, to jazz to rock classics. Come along for a fantastic evening of music and support a great cause. Attico Arts Centre, High Street, Watford WD17 2DQ

The Grand Vintage Fair - Sat 7 May Full to the rafters with retro relics and kitsch collectibles! Come and find vintage fashions and accessories, gold and silver jewellery, upcycled furniture, local art, china, books and more. The Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans AL3 5BU

Ashridge Estate - Bluebell walk - Sat 7 May A four-hour walk to see some of the best bluebell areas on the Estate. Join two of our knowledgeable volunteers on this 5-6 mile walk across Aldbury Common, Sallow Copse and Dockey Wood to see the renowned Ashridge Bluebells at their best. Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX

Spring Concert Series - Sat 7 May Throughout May, St Lawrence Church will present its second Spring Concert Series. The proceeds from the concert series will go towards the church’s Extension Appeal. St Lawrence Church, Abbots Langley WD5 0LS

The Little Hadham Antiques Fair - Sun 8 May An established fair known for its wide range of quality antiques at reasonable prices. Little Hadham Village Hall SG11 2BP

Omid Djalili - Sat 7 May Omid Djalili is an award-winning stand-up and an acclaimed actor. Intelligent, sometimes provocative, always entertaining, his stand-up is an energetic and captivating comedy masterclass. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Forever Plaid - “The Broadway Hit” - Sun 8 May Join the boys of Forever Plaid on a humorous ‘heavenly’ journey through some of the greatest close-harmony songs of the 50’s.

The Plaids deliver nostalgic hits Rags To Riches, Love Is A Many Splendid Thing, Catch A Falling Star, and many more. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Groove is in the Heart - Clubbing with the kids - Sat 7 May A new fun way for families to spend an afternoon We’ve got a fantastic afternoon of ’Alice in Wonderland’ themed Clubbing with the kids. We have DJ Hybrd on the decks playing Classic Club Anthems. St Michael’s Mount Community Centre, Hitchin SG4 0QY

Hertfordshire 100 - cycling in aid of Willow Sun 8 May Get on your bike for 25, 60 or 100 miles in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside all in aid of Willow, the only UK charity to provide special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds. Whether you’re a keen cyclist or reluctant rider. Stanborough Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6DQ

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Musical Sunday Afternoon - Sun 8 May Enjoy a musical Sunday Afternoon listening to this fascinating collection of unique self-playing musical instruments. Includes tea and coffee in the interval. (Every 2nd Sunday of the month til November) St Albans Organ Theatre, St Albans AL1 5PE

family owned wedding venue, just a few minutes from the M25. Admission and parking are free of charge. Doors open 5.30- 9.30pm.

See over 30 local companies, enjoy the ambience and great food. High Elms Manor, Watford WD25 0JX Soul Manifesto - Otis Redding III and Angelo Starr - Thu 12 May The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD

Ashwell at Home 2016 - Sun 8 May 11am5pm Our theme for 2016 is ’Ashwell Treasures’. Come and discover all that the beautiful, historic village of Ashwell offers.

Entertainment for all the family with open gardens. Ashwell SG7 5NY

Nights on Broadway: The Bee Gees Story Fri 13 May Nights On Broadway present a tribute to the Bee Gees through a fantastic live concert, featuring the Gibb Brothers incredible songs, from over four decades, from the 60s to the 90s. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

St Albans Country Market - Sun 8 May Local food cooperative. Selling cakes, biscuits, scones, savouries, jams & preserves as well as handmade or homegrown items. All produce is homemade fresh, and all cooks hold level 2 hygiene and food safety certificates. St Albans AL1 3DP

Baron Bluebeard - Fri 13 and Sat 14 May Bluebeard is a musical comedy/horror based upon a French folk story. It tells the tale of Baron Bluebeard who murders a succession of wives because they are unable to obey him and stay out of his secret chamber. Meldreth village hall, Meldreth SG8 6LX

Highfield Park History Walk - Sun 8 May Highfield Park was created from the grounds of the former Hill End and Cell Barnes Hospitals. The walk will be lead by several of the Park’s trustees and offers a fascinating insight in to the history of Highfield Park.

Highfield Park, West Lodge, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA

Hal Cruttenden: Straight Outta Cruttenden Fri 13 May Host of Live At The Apollo and star of Radio 4, the great Hal is back ranting about the real evils of the modern world - over sharing on social media and the 5:2 diet. The more he complains the funnier he gets.

Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG13 1PS

Hertford Castle Craft Market & Open Day part of the Hertford Arts Festival - Sun 8 May Free Entry, Charity Donations Welcome To mark the end of the Hertford Arts Festival, Hertford Castle will open its doors to the public for the first time this year. Visitors are welcome to explore the Castle Gatehouse and grounds free of charge. Hertford Castle SG14 1HR

Hitchin Symphony Orchestra Concert - Sat 14 May Conductor Paul Adrian Rooke Leader Janet Hicks Soloist Ben Ward Edward Elgar Overture "Froissart”. Tchaikovsky. - Piano Concerto no 1. Brahms. - Symphony no 3. St Mary’s Church, Hitchin SG5 1HP

“Birds Of Southern Sri Lanka” – Jonathan Forgham - Wed 11 May Illustrated talk organised by Watford Local RSPB Group.

Jonathan has visited Sri Lanka several times watching and photographing the stunning birdlife of this wonderful island. Stanborough Centre, 609, St Albans Rd, Watford WD25 9JL

Theatre Organ Concert - Sat 14 May Richard Hills F.R.C.O The international classical and Theatre organist plays at the St Albans Organ Theatre. St Albans Organ Theatre, St Albans AL1 5PE Maple Lodge Nature Reserve - Open Weekend - Sat 14 and Sun 15 May Over the weekend this private nature reserve will be open to the public. The reserve is one of Rickmansworth’s hidden secrets and is home to a rich variety of wildlife including waterfowl, woodland birds and bats. Maple Lodge Close, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth WD3 9SN

Emma - Wed 11 May Emma Woodhouse is handsome, clever and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition.

She’s also a bit of a meddler. After her governess is married to the kindly Mr Weston (at Emma’s instigation of course) The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL High Elms Manor Wedding Fair - Wed 11 May A superb wedding fair held in a stunning

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Vienna Festival Ballet Presents: Swan Lake Sat 14 May Music by Tchaikovsky One of the best known love stories, performed by the ever popular Vienna Festival Ballet. Lavish costumes, stunning scenery, international stars, and the glorious music from Tchaikovsky make this a night not to be missed. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

for all participants including a race T-shirt, free activity passes for Westminster Lodge and more! All monies raised go to Rennie Grove Hospice Care. Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL RLOS Presents: Jesus Christ Superstar - Tue 17 to Sat 21 May Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground breaking rock opera with lyrics by Tim Rice, is brought to the Radlett Centre by the award-winning Radlett Light Opera Society for the very first time. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Herts Early Dance May Revels - Sat 14 May Welcome in the summer with: Tudor feast Dancing led by Anne Daye Crowning of our May Queen Music by ‘The Presence’ Entertainments & much merriment!

St Stephen’s Church Hall, Watling Street, St Albans AL1 2PX

That’s Life - Thu 19 to Sat 21 May That’s Life is a ’Rat Pack’ style musical, set in The Domino Club in the heart of 1920s New York.

This exciting, original show features the brilliant Club Band and Singers, its crazy Charleston dancers, some very seedy Mafia.

The Bull Theatre, 68 High Street, Barnet EN5 5SJ

Museums at Night - Sat 14 May6.00-9.00 pm Join us for a special evening opening to celebrate the Museums at Night initiative!

Enjoy a drink and listen to live music from local bands. Drop in, it’s free! Donations welcome. Pay bar. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain SG14 1DT

Think Floyd - Thu 19 May The 2016 Tour, featuring complete performances of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.

With over 20 years experience recreating the legendary sound of Pink Floyd live on stage.

Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

May Fair - Sat 14 May The May Fair is an annual event held in the High Street of Hoddesdon town centre. It incorporates an array of craft and charity stalls alongside a full entertainment programme and performances from local dance and theatre groups. High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8TL

Flamstead Book Festival - Fri 20 and Sat 21 May Flamstead Book Festival 2016 - Books in the Belfry. Authors include novelist Renee Knight talking about her best-selling Gone Girl style thriller Disclaimer; Dermot Turing on Decoded - his biography. Various venues Flamstead village AL3 8DD

Newgate Street Village May Fayre & Fun Dog Show - Sun 15 May Traditional family fun with stalls, entertainment, food, rides and much more including Fun Dog Show. Entries from 12 midday and classes start at 1pm.

Rosettes 1st-6th, prizes and doggie hamper raffle. Newgate Street Village Green SG13 8RA

2nd Berkhamsted Beer Festival - Sat 21 and Sun 22 May The 2nd Berkhamsted Beer Festival aka BerkoBeerFest is a Celebration of the Chilterns. 18 ales from 14 breweries from across the Chilterns. Live music all day courtesy of up and coming local musicians. A barbecue provided by Hazeldene Farm.

Haresfoot Brewery, 2 River Park, Billet Lane, Berkhamsted HP4 1HL

Plant Fair - Sun 15 May Stock up on an exceptional range of plants from our volunteer growers and local nurseries.

Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT Sponsored Walk - Sun 15 May Come and join us for our annual spring time 5-6 mile sponsored walk in and around Wendover Woods. The walk starts from the Rescue Centre. Registration is from 2.30 for a prompt 3pm start. Bromley Heights, St Leonards Road, Chivery, Nr Tring HP23 6LD

On Your Bike for Isabel Hospice - Sun 22 May Isabel Hospice’s annual bike ride returns for its seventh year and 2016 promises to be the best yet! Starting and finishing at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club there are three circular distances to choose from (25k, 50k, 100k).

Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club, Silver Leys, Hadham Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2QE

The Mayor’s City Sprint Triathlon - Sun 15 May 5k cycle in the sports hall 200m swim 3k run around the meadow. Free activity bags

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The Hospice of St Francis Garden Party at Ashridge House - Sun 22 May Set in the beautiful gardens of Ashridge House our Garden Party offers a perfect afternoon for all the family. The event is jam-packed with a large selection of quality stalls with a delicious choice of food including our popular cream teas. Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS

looking to hold their wedding. Knebworth House SG1 2AX Swinging At The Cotton Club - Wed 25 May Featuring: The Jiving Lindy Hoppers & Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra Take a step back into 1920s New York City and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, ’The Cotton Club’! The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Herts Auto Show - Sun 22 May Join us at this year’s charity car show in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, there will be classic vehicles as well as latest models. It will be a fun and lively day out for all the family. Stanborough Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6DQ

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers - Thu 26 May 24 Years of Rock’n’ Rolling The World! This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD

Capability Brown 300th Anniversary Walk Sun 22 May Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown’s birth with a guided walk in one of his finest designed landscapes - the Golden Valley. Please bring suitable footwear and dress according to weather conditions.

Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT

Bingham String Quartet Concert - Fri 27 May Programme includes:- Shostakovich: String Quartet No 7 Op 108 Steve Reich: Different Trains Shostakovich: String Quartet No 13 Op 138 Admission price includes programme Free parking on site Licensed bar Pre concert dining available. Benslow Music Trust, Ibberson Way, Hitchin SG4 9RB

Mini-beast Safari - Sun 22 May Search for mini-beasts on the Village green in Highfield Park. Village Green, Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0DB

Does it Matter? 12 inch canvas exhibition Fri 27 May An open exhibition for established and aspiring artists, all proceeds to our 10 favourite charities- The Norma Adams Tribute Fund at Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Haircare, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, ERIC, Safe Houses, Razed roof. Gravelly Barn, Gravelly Lane, Braughing SG11 2RD

Will Millard – The Last Hunters: Adventures of the South Seas - Tue 24 May Will Millard is the Presenter of BBC Two’s widely-praised Hunters of the South Seas series, a writer (for Geographical, Outdoor Fitness, BBC, Daily Telegraph and Vice magazine) and a jungle explorer. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Letchworth Food and Drink Festival - Sat 28 and Sun 29 May Food lovers have proved themselves hungry for a huge helping of the Letchworth Food and Drink festival taking place in Letchworth Garden City Town Centre from 10am to 4pm. Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EA

Night Must Fall by Emlyn Williams - Wed 25 May In a forest in deepest Essex lives Mrs Bramson, a crotchety widowed hypochondriac. In her household we find niece Olivia, cook Mrs Terence and maid Dora. Mrs Bramson then hires a charming young man, Danny, as a live-in companion.

The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 2JP

Spring Special - Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Live daily Sheep Shearing and plenty of springtime fun including the new Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground.

With farmyard animals, adventure play, funfair rides, JCB Young Drivers Zone, bouncy castles and inflatable slide. Willows Activity Farm. Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans AL4 0PF

The Premier Wedding Fair Knebworth House and Knebworth Barns - Wed 25 May The Premier Wedding Fair at Knebworth House and Barns promises to be unique wedding fair simply like no other! Enjoy the rare opportunity to view the inside of Knebworth House, the perfect location for couples

Hertfordshire County Show - Sat 28 and Sun 29 May Traditional County Show Allinclusive Free family entertainment including National Festival Circus, Face Painting, Professor Crump, Mr Alexander’s Travelling

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Show. 300 Trade Stands, Award Winning Food Hall. The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn AL3 7PT

with the Ware Town Tour. Place House Hall Bluecoat Yard, East Street, Ware SG12 9HL Watford Celebration 2016 - Mon 30 May This is Watford’s colourful multicultural free annual festival with performances of music, dance and drama, as well as demonstrations of martial and other arts, international lunch time food from the communities in Watford.

Multi Cultural Community Centre and St Michael and All Angels Church, 70, Durban Road, Watford WD18 7DS

Hoddesdon Methodist Church - Sat 28 May 3pm to 5 pm Organ Recital and cream tea £7 per person. Tickets available, further information from 01992 471646. Organ recital given by Christopher Price from Royton Lancs. proceeds in aid of water Aid. Hoddesdon Methodist church EN11 9ED Oak Apple Day - Sat 28 May 10.30-3.30 pm Come and celebrate Oak Apple Day at Hertford Museum! Meet re-enactors, take part in a free craft activity and more. Drop in, it’s free. Donations welcome. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Beds Listings Woburn Abbey and Gardens - til Tue 17 May Discover the splendour and history of Woburn Abbey and Gardens. Woburn Abbey is the family home of the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Woburn Abbey & Gardens MK17 9WA

Classics in the Park - Sun 29 and Mon 30 May Join us as we host a new two day motoring event for 2016 ‘Classics in the Park’.

Music and memories from a bygone age with live entertainment all day in the grounds of Knebworth Park. Knebworth House SG1 2AX

Early Bird plant Sale - Sun 1 May Get your bedding plants, baskets, tomato and other tender veg plants at great prices. One week before our great Farm Open Day you can have the pick of this year’s products. Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade SG18 8JB

Preston Open Gardens Day - Sun 29 May A large number of gardens in this pretty village 3 miles south of Hitchin, Hertfordshire offer a variety of sizes, styles and planting with many interesting details including unusual plants, wild areas and water features. Preston, Hitchin SG4 7RU

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

Live Like A Celt - Sun 29, Mon 30 and Tue 31 May Come along to Celtic Harmony Camp for a brilliant Celtic Experience day! Visitors will be greeted by their very own personal Celtic warrior or princess, who will be your escort around the village. Celtic Harmony Camp The Iron Age Settlement, Brickendon Lane, Brickendon SG13 8NY

Pop Up Board Game Cafe - Sun 1 May Shun technology for an afternoon and grab your friends, children, parents or neighbours and spend an afternoon playing Scrabble or Guess Who? Or try something a bit different: Bang!

The Dice game - Battle it out in the Wild West. Sharnbrook Village Hall, Lodge Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1JP

Green Man and Frost Queen Crafts & Trail Mon 30 May to Fri 3 Jun Make and decorate your own Green Man and Frost Queen masks before completing our spring trail. All children must be supervised by an adult.

Please bring suitable footwear and dress according to weather conditions. No need to book, just drop in. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT

Mad Hatters May Day Festival - Sun 1 May Watch Morris and Maypole dancing displays at this Mad Hatter themed event, with an opportunity to join in during timed afternoon sessions. Enjoy crafts and storytelling; take a picnic in the magical grounds of the Swiss Garden. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden SG18 8EP

Cream Teas - Mon 30 May Cream Teas at an enchanting Grade I listed building in the heart of Ware on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May 2.30pm – 5pm. Cream teas, homemade cakes and other refreshments on sale. Coincides

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - 50 Things Walks - Sun 1 May Grab your wellies and join the Rangers for a family walk. Complete some of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4’ on the way and collect stickers and scrapbooks when you get back.

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hours. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden, SG18 8EP

Booking Not Needed. Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Music Night with The Fenny Stompers Jazz Band - Sat 7 May Bedford Lions Club are proud to announce a fundraising event at Bromham Village Hall, Bromham, Bedfordshire. The musicians will be The Fenny Stompers Jazz Band, from Fenny Stratford near Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

Bromham Villlage Hall, Village Road, Bromham MK43 8JP

Alpine Garden Society Bedford branch - Mon 2 May We are a small group of keen gardeners who are interested in alpine plants (i.e. plants that grow in mountains). We don’t have mountains in our gardens so we grow our plants in pots, on rockeries and in pretty much normal gardens. Wilstead Village Hall, Wilstead MK45 3BX Fun Dog Show - Mon 2 May Charity Raising Fun Dog Show. Classes to include;- Best Rescue Waggiest Dog, Best Outfit, Best Trick, Musical Sits, Best Biscuit Catcher, 11-legged Race, Mini Me. West Car Park, Ampthill Great Park, Woburn Road, Ampthill MK45 2HX

Binocular & Telescope open day - Sat 7 and Sun 8 May Impartial & friendly advice on choosing the best binoculars, telescopes & accessories to suit your needs. Take your time comparing the different models & have the chance to try them outdoors. RSPB, The Lodge Shop, Sandy SG19 2DL

Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden - Wed 4, Wed 11, Wed 18, Wed 25 May Open Wednesdays with guided tour. This is an opportunity to show our progress to visitors when our volunteers, both gardeners and conservationists are at work. Tours of the garden and the Victorian farm buildings.

Luton Hoo Estate Walled Garden LU1 4LE

Bromham Mill Food and Drink Market - Sat 7 May This market is in the lovely setting of Bromham Mill. Have a look at the locally made artisan food and drinks and then have a walk or a cycle or a tea in the Bromham Mill cafe! Bromham Mill, Bromham MK43 8LP Music at St Mary’s - Caduceus Brass Quintet - Sat 7 May Perhaps the most experienced performers we have ever had at St Mary’s including the principal trumpet and trombone players from the Scots Guards and the principal horn player from the RAF band. St Mary’s Church, Eaton Bray LU6 2DP

Bedford Girls’ School Open Morning - Thu 5 May From 10am until 1pm. Registration will take place from 9.30am followed by talks from our Headmistress, Miss Jo MacKenzie, and Head of the Junior School, Mrs Carolyn Howe, at 10am. Bedford Girls’ School, Cardington Road, Bedford MK42 0BX

Dawn Chorus Walk for Late Risers - Sat 7 May For those less inclined to get up before dawn, our Late Risers walk still catches some of the most beautiful sights of the Park (does not include breakfast) whilst starting at a slightly more forgiving hour! £4 per person Forest Centre, Bedford MK43 0PS

Binocular & Telescope open day - Thu 5 May Impartial & friendly advice on choosing the best binoculars, telescopes & accessories to suit your needs. Take your time comparing the different models & have the chance to try them outdoors. RSPB, The Lodge Shop, Sandy SG19 2DL

Ailesbury Mausoleum & Crypt - Sun 8 May This is a fine example of one of the first mausolea to be built in the country with the earliest parts being built by Thomas Bruce, a descendant of the legendary Robbie! The Mausoleum is in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, Maulden. St Mary’s Church, Church Rd, Maulden MK45 2AU

Spring Walk and Lunch with the Head Gardener - Fri 6 May Seasonal highlights and a tour of the Swiss Garden in the company of our craftsman gardener, who will share the story of the garden, those who created it and the recent restoration project which has brought this wonderful regency landscape back. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden SG18 8EP

Shuttleworth Season Premiere - Sun 8 May The event season at Shuttleworth gets underway for 2016 with the ‘heavies’. Join us for live music, vehicle parades and a wonderful flying display of visiting and Collection aircraft.

The Shuttleworth

Dawn Chorus Walk - Sat 7 May Led by a member of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Countryside Access team and members of the Swiss Garden Team, enjoy an early morning wander outside of the garden’s usual opening

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Collection, Old Warden Biggleswade SG18 9EP

flying in all 3 disciplines: RC/CL/FF. The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Biggleswade SG18 9EP

Aerodrome,

Super Plant Sale and Open Day - Sun 8 May A great Family day out. Plant sales from the farm (bedding and basket plants, Hanging Baskets, Herbs, tomato, Chilli & Pepper plants) also perennials, shrubs etc from The Hardy Plant Society tent. BBQ, Games and family activities. Stratton Upper School, Biggleswade SG18 8JB

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - Beautiful Butterflies - Sat 14 May Explore Whipsnade Downs with the Ranger Team and discover the beautiful butterflies that call the area home. Booking Essential. Phone: 01582 500920. Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Capability Brown Talk by Sir Timothy Clifford - Wed 11 May An informative and entertaining talk ’The Patron, The House and the Park’ by Sir Timothy Clifford. Ticket includes a pre-talk drink. The Connolly Hall, Redbourne School, Ampthill MK45 2NU

Pavenham Nursery Plant Sale - Sat 14 May The seventh annual Plant Sale will feature a wide range of nurseries including some newcomers. We are expecting 10 nurseries from 6 counties: Alpines, Clematis, Exotic plants, Herbs, Perennials and Shrubs, Roses, Shade-lovers. Pavenham Village Hall MK43 7PH

Romeo and Juliet - Thu 12 to Sat 14, Thu 19 to Sat 21 May Two families, whose hatred of each other is so deeply rooted that even their servants brawl in the streets. A grudge, the cause of which no-one even remembers, although it continues to fester in old and young alike. Tads Theatre Conger Lane, Toddington LU5 6BT

Farmers’ Market - Sun 3pm. Third Sunday of the made, fresh produce and Centre, Station Road, MK43 0PS

15 May10.30am – month – local, hand tasty treats. Forest Marston Moretaine

Forest Folk And Roots’ First Birthday Bash With Sicknote Steve And Hope In High Water - Fri 13 May From Cardiff Sicknote Steve is a true to life tribute of the unlikely American hobo blues star Seasick Steve. Expect a great session of raw blues. Support comes from MK duo Hope in High Water. The College Arms College Road, Cranfield MK43 0SR

Biggleswade Antiques Fair - Sun 15 May If you have an eye for antiques or are after something unique and beautiful for your home or collection, then visit Biggleswade Antiques Fair. We have over 45 stalls offering a wide range of antiques from silver, quality jewellery and much more. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

An Evening Talk on the Brickworks - Fri 13 May David Syzmanski returns after his highly successful Learning Lunchtime last year. We are looking for anyone with relevant artefacts, photos of memorabilia from the Brickworks to bring it along on the evening.

Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Alison Carter - Fri 20 May Vintage lounge smooth classics at sunset. Local singer from Leighton Buzzard. Come and enjoy the evening with Alison at sunset. Full menu or just drinks available on the night. For more information and/or to book call Hayleigh on 01525 234260. Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach LU7 0EB

A Traditional Village Fete - Sat 14 May A traditional Fete in the Church Grounds. Lots of stalls, exhibitions, music, children’s entertainment with refreshments (lunches, tea and coffee) and a barbeque. St Mary’s Church grounds, High Street, Clophill MK45 4BE

At Home with Shuttleworth - Sat 21 May New for 2016. One of the most exciting aspects of Shuttleworth is being able to get up close to the aircraft and vehicles so this year ‘At Home’ is replacing our traditional evening air shows. Shuttleworth SG18 9EP Dunstable Race for Life Pretty Muddy 5k Sat 21 May Race for Life Pretty Muddy is our brilliant 5k muddy obstacle course where you can show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink. Cancer plays dirty, but so can we! You must be over 13 years old to take

Mayfly: Aeromodellers Weekend - Sat 14 and Sun 15 May Traditionally name ‘Mayfly’ the theme for 2016 is ‘Nostalgia Weekend’. In addition to the annual Mayfly events, there will be various Vintage type competitions organised by SAM 35 as well as general sports

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part in this event. Dunstable Whipsnade Road, Dunstable LU6 2GY

Twenty20 Cricket Day - Mon 30 May Join us for a day of exciting Twenty20 cricket! The day kicks-off with an Under 19 Twenty20 match between Eversholt CC U19 and Great Brickhill CC U19 at 11am. At 3pm, the showcase event sees Eversholt CC 1st XI V Great Brickhill CC 1st XI in a Twenty20 match.

There will be music, coloured kits, pink balls; a BBQ and bar open all day. Bring the family down for a relaxing day of entertaining cricket, great food and drink, and all at one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the country! Eversholt Cricket Club, Eversholt MK17 9DT

Downs,

Guitar Concert - Sat 21 May Don’t miss Woody Mann who is returning to the UK on tour, “Mann blurs the lines between jazz, blues, classical, and world music creating his own sound in the process”. Pavenham Village Hall MK43 7PE Dixieland C M C Country Music Club - Sat 21 May Live country music and line/ partners dance with Longshot. Barton Village Hall Hexton Rd Barton MK45 4JY Dunstable Race for Life 5K & 10k - Sun 22 May Cancer Research UK’S Race for Life is back for 2016 and is open for Entries! Join us by taking part in a Race for Life 5k or 10k event! 5k is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities and you can run, walk or even dance your way round. Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable LU6 2GY

Bucks Listings New Exhibition at Buckingham Old Gaol Mon 2 to Sat 7, Mon 9 to Sat 14, Mon 16 to Sat 21, Mon 23 to Sat 28, Mon 30 May to Sat 4 Jun "Long to Reign, Woman Monarchs of Britain" This will commemorate the 90th birthday and long reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham MK18 1JX

Gifts For All Occasions Craft Fair #5 - Sun 22 May Over 60 Stalls - Free Entry - Raffle – Refreshments. Plus a special appearance from Footballer Minion. All profits made by the organisers shall be in aid of St. Trizah School in Nakuru, Kenya. A trip to support children who have HIV/AIDS. The Weatherley Centre, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

The Art of Islam - Tue 3 to Sat 7, Tue 10 to Sat 14, Tue 17 to Sat 21, Tue 24 , Wed 25 May Treasures on display will include carpets, paintings, furniture, metalwork, jewellery, splendid calligraphy from across the Near East, Pakistan and Muslim India. Exhibits borrowed from the British Museum, Birmingham City Museum and Art gallery.

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

Invertebrate Walk - Wed 25 May For those who enjoy the natural world, join members of the Bedfordshire Invertebrate Group in a walk around the beautiful Swiss Garden and adjoining Woodland. The walk will seek out interesting specimens from the invertebrate world. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden SG18 8EP

Art @ Christ Church - Sun 1 May Christ Church’s annual exhibition of paintings and crafts by local artists including work by renowned aviation artist John Young. This year’s theme is ‘Sea and Ships’. Artwork and artists’ cards are available to buy. Christ Church, Waterside, Chesham HP5 1PY

Mentmore Arts Festival - Sat 28 to Mon 30 May Over the last few years this event has become increasingly popular both locally and further afield with over 1,000 visitors and in excess of £16,000 worth of art sold in 2015. St Mary’s Church Mentmore and Mentmore Village Hall, The Green, Mentmore LU7 0QF

The Sleeping Beauty Ballet - Sun 1 May The Rosemary Lane School of Ballet & Theatre Arts A ballet adaptation of this wonderful classic fairy tale featuring our talented local children supported by professional dancers in the principal roles. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Willington Dovecote and Stables - Classic cars at The Dovecote - Sun 29 May Bring along your classic vehicle or just come to look. This event attracts more than sixty classic cars and motorcycles dating from the ’twenties to modern day, with many visitors staying to watch the beautiful sunset.

Willington Dovecote and Stables, Willington

Lambing Weekend - Sun 1 May 11 - 4pm Ample Parking Weekend Activities include Meet our new lambs, Local food produce & Home made crafts. Hazeldene Farm Asheridge Road Chesham HP5 2XD

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Boarstall Duck Decoy - Bluebells - Sun 1, Mon 2, Wed 4 , Sat 7 to Mon 9, Wed 11, Sat 14 to Mon 16, Wed 18, Sat 21 to Mon 23, Wed 25, Sat 28 to Mon 30 May Enjoy a walk through our beautiful bluebell woods throughout May 2016. See the bluebells under the dappled canopy of the trees .We recommend checking before you visit as flowering times vary. Booking Not Needed.

Children welcome. Boarstall Duck Decoy, Boarstall, near Bicester, Buckinghamshire HP18 9UX

Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HB Abba Forever - Fri 6 May Presented by Sweeney Entertainments ABBA - Forever is one of the UK’s leading International tribute Shows and theatre audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop group. The Elgiva, St Mary’s Way, Chesham HP5 1HR Heaven Sent Ball - Fri 6 May A heavenly night of glamour at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service’s annual black tie ball, in the glittering surroundings of Stoke Park, Stoke Poges. Money-can’t-buy lots will be open to bids in the live and silent auctions. Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges SL2 4PG

Stowe - Family explorers: We’re going on a bug hunt - Sun 1 to Tue 31 May Challenge this month tick off all three bug-related 50 Things activities! Will you dare to peek under a log' Are you brave enough to hold a scary beast' Can you set up your very own snail race' Pick up our creepy-crawly guide for tips.

Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham MK18 5EQ

Comedy Night GX - Fri 6 May First ever Comedy Night at The Memorial Centre. 3 Comedians - Wayne Deakin, Jim Tavare, Phillip Simon Jim Tavaré is an internationally acclaimed comedian famous for appearing with his double bass. The Memorial Centre, 8 East Common Gerrards Cross SL9 7AD

Elizabethan Adventure - Sun 1 and Mon 2 May Discover life in the 16th Century and meet costumed re-enactors in the Museum’s historic buildings. Watch as the Elizabethans duel for your entertainment, and watch exciting displays of artillery from the longbow to the gun. Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB

Waddesdon Manor - Behind the Scenes Tours - Fri 6 May Learn about life at Waddesdon, how it was used in the 19th century and how it was run. Explore rooms where the servants lived and worked, and find out how we use these areas of the house today. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Hughenden - Meet the beekeepers - Mon 2 & Mon 30 May Meet the Hughenden beekeepers and learn all about the fascinating honey giving creatures. Our volunteers even make candles from the hive produce and these will be available to purchase. Hughenden, High Wycombe HP14 4LA

Baby & Children’s Market - Sat 7 May Lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby and children’s items from birth to 8 yrs, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and selling their products. Hazlemere Community Centre, Rose Avenue, Hazlemere HP15 7UB

May Day Celebrations - Tue 3 May Join Buckingham’s primary school children for traditional country dancing and maypole dancing. The dancing will take place at 11am on the village green outside St Peter & St Paul Church, Castle Hill, Buckingham MK18 1BS

Fund Raising Games Evening - Sat 7 May A fund raising evening for Christian Aid with individual games of fun, skill and dexterity, like Skittles, Darts, Putting and Hoopla . A relaxing evening of fun and amusement with a light interval supper. Trinity United Reformed Church, London Road, High Wycombe HP11 1BJ

Don’t You Know There’s a War On? - Wed 4, Fri 6, Sat 7 May The history in dramatic form of the town of Winslow during the Second World War. Written and directed by Chris Chapman. Winslow Public Hall MK18 3JA DNA Tests For Family Historians - Wed 4 May Do you know which parts of the genetic material and its inherited variations can be tested? Or what commercial products are available and how the results should be interpreted?

Methodist Church Hall,

Vale Harvest Local Food Market - Sat 7 May Award-winning monthly market featuring a range of award-winning produce from across the Aylesbury Vale. With over 20 stalls each

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month selling a wide variety of hot and cold food and drink. Banks Park, Haddenham Village Hall, Haddenham HP17 8EE

Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB Warmly Romantic Dvorák - Part of Music in Quiet Places: A Musical Journey Across Aylesbury Vale - Sat 14 May Featuring: Lucy Bignall – Violin, Gillian Secret – Violin, Robert Secret – Viola, Julian Metzger – Cello, Sally Jane Wright - Double Bass. The Church of St Mary & St Nicholas, Chetwode MK18 4JX

Misbourne Symphony Orchestra concert Sat 7 May The Misbourne Symphony Orchestra, Nick Zagni (trumpet), conductor Richard Jacklin. Wagner: Meistersingers Overture, Arutunian: Trumpet Concerto, Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor.

Tickets (adults £12, concessions £10, students/children £5). The Amersham School, Stanley Hill, Amersham HP7 9HH

Cheeki Monkeys Pop-up Baby & Children’s Market – Sat 14 May Pop-up Baby & Children’s Market Event and Fun Family Outing – Free Outdoor Play For Kids Booking Now for sellers of pre-loved, craft and local business & children’s entertainers! River Valley Community Centre, Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes MK4 2AS

Marlow May Fayre - Sat 7 May Organised by Marlow & District Round Table to raise money for local charities and causes. Higginson Park, Pound Lane, Marlow SL7 2AE Lyrical Haydn and Glowing Brahms - Part of Music in Quiet Places: A Musical Journey Across The Vale - Sat 7 May Starring: Pauline Lowbury – Violin, Gillian Secret – Violin, Robert Secret – Viola, Julian Metzger – Cello. The programme includes Haydn, String Quartet in D major, Op. 76 No.5, Brahms, String Quartet in A minor, Op. 51 No. 2.The Church of St Peter & St Paul, Wingrave HP22 4PF

YorkieFest! 2016 - Sat 14 May Raising money for The British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. YorkieFest, now in its 4th year, has a packed and varied line up of music and entertainment booked for this year’s charity event. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ Music for Queen Katherine, Ballads, Bawds and Beverages! - Sat 14 May Minstrel Dante Ferrara will play on a selection of period instruments. Refreshments will be available during the interval. This concert aims to raise funds for a new display case to hold Queen Katherine’s crucifix. Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham MK18 1JX

Chalfont St Giles & Jordans 2016 Literary Festival - Tue 10 to Sun 22 May Biennial Literary Festival taking place at a number of venues in and around Chalfont St Giles. The 2016 festival speakers include Professor (Lord) Robert Winston, contemporary English poet Wendy Cope. Chalfont St Giles HP8 4QD

Teatime Concert of Music by Gabriel Faure Sat 14 May Marlow Choral Society presents Faure’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, conducted by Chris Grant. Songs by Faure will also be performed by the soloists with piano accompaniment. All Saints Church, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA

The Future of Genealogy On The Internet Tue 10 May Author of the best-selling guide The Genealogists Internet, Peter Christian is well placed to discuss what has become an essential medium for genealogists, in terms of both access to records and publicising your pedigree. Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX Real Music, Real Ale - Fri 13 May An evening of Jazz, Blues and Funk with The Average Wife Band, 9 ordinary women playing extraordinary music, and Upbeat! An all male jazz and blues combo band. Royal British Legion, Station Approach, Marlow SL7 1NT

Priestfield Arboretum Open Day - Sun 15 May Private collection of rare & specimen trees growing in small woodland setting.

Managed by volunteers. Free guided tours throughout the day. List of trees & Guidebook £2. Sturdy footwear advised. Not suitable for disabled. £2 entry. Stony Lane, Little Kingshill, High Wycombe HP16 ODS

Enchanted Museum - Sat 14 May Special late opening for Museums at Night 4 pm – 8.30 pm As part of the national after-dark experience ‘Museums at Night’ the Museum, in Chalfont St Giles, will open for a unique and exciting family evening event. Chiltern Open Air

Great British Dog Walk at Stowe National Trust - for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Sun 15 May Come and join Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for a beautiful walk around the gardens and parkland of Stowe National Trust, Buckingham. There is a choice of a long or

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Hughenden - Ranger walk - Sat 21 May Discover spring flowers on this walk through the bluebell woods with our ranger. Booking Not Needed. Hughenden, High Wycombe HP14 4LA

short route (approx. 8k and 3k) where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the lakes. Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EQ Aylesbury Race for Life 5K - Sun 15 May Cancer Research UK’S Race for Life is back!

Join us by taking part in a Race for Life 5k event! 5k is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities and you can run, walk or even dance your way round. Waddesdon Manor, Silk Street, Waddesdon HP18 0JY

Claydon - The hidden beauty of Bach - Sat 21 May Concert pianist and music producer Jeremy Holtom performs Bach masterpieces during a recital interspersed with anecdotes about music, performance and creativity. The West Terrace is open from 5pm for picnics before the event. Claydon, Middle Claydon, near Buckingham MK18 2EY

Sid’s Show - Sun 15 May Join Sid from CBeebies on a heroic quest to find out where in the world his favourite socks and shoes have gone to – share in the adventure at the bottom of the sea, deep in the jungle or floating in outer space. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

StagTastic Fun Day - Sun 22 May Come along to our first ever Stag Rugby Fun Day. The event is in aid of the Future Building for a new club house. There will be activities children and adults, craft and food stalls, a BBQ and Lou Lou’s Tea Room for refreshments. Hazeldene Farm, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2XD

Fawley Hill Steam + Vintage Transport Festival - Fri 20 to Sun 22 May Three days of everything that moves from Camels to Jet planes and every form of locomotion in between. Heavy horses, Steam Trains, Tanks, Traction Engines. Vintage Fariground, nonstop entertainment in the Big Top. Fawley Hill, Fawley, near Henley on Thames RG9 6JA

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers - Sun 22 May24 Years of Rock ’n’ Rolling The World!

This breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre HP20 1UG

My Ancestors In The Royal Navy - Sat 21 May Paul Blake’s talk is the first in this first world war centenary period to focus on the Senior Service. Paul follows a single family having many generations which served in the Royal Navy.

Southcourt Community Centre, Prebendal Avenue, Aylesbury HP21 8LF

The Artisan Food & Crafts Pop-Up Market Sun 22 May There will be bringing you a carefully chosen selection of fantastic local producers & artisans. Food: Charcuterie, Home-baked bread and cakes. Clayton’s Marlow, 16 Oxford Road, Marlow SL7 2NL

Some Old Favourites and a World Premier!

- Sat 21 May Music in Quiet Places: A Musical Journey Across Aylesbury Vale. Starring: Christopher Redgate – Oboe, Celia Redgate – Flute, Gillian Secret – Violin, Robert Secret – Viola, Julian Metzger - Cello. The Church of All Saints, Marsworth HP23 4LX

Dance Workshop: Rock n Roll - Thu 26 May This workshop will take the learner/Improver through the steps and technique of the exciting and fun Rock n Roll! It is open to all adults both dancers and non dancers (14 years plus) and has limited spaces available.

MKSnap, 20, Bourton Low, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes MK7 7DE

Cliveden - Dawn chorus with breakfast - Sat 21, Sun 22 & Sat 28 May A feast for the senses as the estate’s birds wake up on a spring morning. It’s an early start, but this is the time of the morning when Cliveden’s feathered residents break into song. Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JA

CODA - a Tribute to Led Zeppelin to Rock Milton Keynes! - Fri 27 May CODA are the UK’s most authentic-sounding tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin, featuring four musicians who faithfully recreate the excitement, energy, passion and magic of the world’s most famous rock band! Keller Cl, Milton Keynes MK11 3LH

BBOWT Plant & Produce Market - Sat 21 May Excellent value plants; tasty homemade produce; books, crafts, gifts, refreshments; free entry, free parking (1hr) Great Missenden HP16 9AE

Corinne West - Fri 27 May Based in California, USA Corinne West embarks on her

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first UK tour in four years in May / June 2016 to coincide with the release of her latest album Starlight Highway. The Limelight, Queen’s Park, Aylesbury HP21 7RT

looking for charities, canine craft stalls and demonstrators to be part of this event. Willen Lake, Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT

The Legends of Motown - Fri 27 May Baby I need Your Lovin’ This amazing show takes you on a journey into Tamla Motown’s rich history, from Berry Gordy’s humble beginnings in the Detroit of 1959 to the label’s move to LA in 1974. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Bonsai Exhibition - Sun 29 May An impressive display by the Chiltern Bonsai Society and associated clubs, of a wide range of deciduous, conifer and pine species, both native and non-native to the UK. Liston Hall, Marlow SL7 1DD Roman Gladiators - Sun 29 and Mon 30 May If you’re looking for a great educational half term day out for the family then come and see our Roman Gladiators battle! Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB

Moulding madness - Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Kids can learn all about conservation in a new way this May half-term. Help to restore Hughenden’s library ceiling. Create new plaster mouldings from plaster of paris and decorate them gothic style. Hughenden, High Wycombe HP14 4LA

Don’t Dribble On The Dragon - Sun 29 May People’s Theatre Company My brother has a dragon and he keeps it secretly Within a box beneath his socks. He’s hiding it from me…

Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a secret dragon … and a dribbling problem that just won’t stop! Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Boarstall Duck Decoy - 50 Things - den building - Sat 28 to Mon 30 May Try building your own den in our woods with this fun hands-on family activity. Booking Not Needed.

Children welcome. Dogs on leads welcome.

Boarstall Duck Decoy, Boarstall, near Bicester HP18 9UX

Tree climbing with the Big Tree Climbing Company - Mon 30 and Tue 31 May Ever wondered what it is like to be high up in the tree tops' Now’s your chance to explore a whole new side of the woodlands. As well as using ropes and harnesses to climb up into the trees, there’ll be a zip wire and rope swing.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JA

Waddesdon Manor - Colourscape- Sat 28 May to Sun 5 Jun Colourscape is a large and extraordinary labyrinth of colour and light.

Enter a new world where you can explore intense light, colour and space in 74 interlinked chambers, encountering unusual musical experiences during your journey.

Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Denham Village Fayre - Mon 30 May A Charter Fair with its origins in the 15th century when a market was held in Cheapside Lane. Denham Village UB9 5BH

Bewigged - Sat 28 May Britain’s newest stand-up comedian Chris M’Gra performs his very first show, Bewigged! Hilarious tales of a tough childhood, we discover for instance that aged 9, Chris was probably the world’s youngest ever bank robber! Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Kids Club - Tue 31 May to Fri 3 Jun Our all new active, creative holiday scheme for children from 5-13 years 8.15am - 5.30pm (early drop-off at 8am available at additional cost). The fun never stops come rain or shine.

Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN

Wonderful Schubert Masterpiece - Sat 28 May Music in Quiet Places: A Musical Journey Across Aylesbury Vale Starring: Christopher Atkinson – Clarinet, Sally Bartholomew – Bassoon, Julian Faultless – Horn, Charles Sewart – Violin, Gillian Secret – Violin. The Church of St Michael and All Angels, Waddesdon HP18 0JQ

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

Big Doggie Do - Sat 28 May One day doggie event in the park. Bring your four legged friends and enjoy the charity stalls, activities and dog show. The organising team are

Deadline for June Issue 15th May

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