Issue 35 November 2015
In this edition of The Sticks Exclusive interview with Michelle Heaton Panto Time part 1 Our Hero Cheese of the Month Advice from Consensus HR BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace – Just For Tummies Christmas and the elderly Must See Movies this Winter And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks
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Welcome to the November 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 Michelle Heaton Panto Time Part One HR Column from Consensus HR Christmas and the Elderly Curwens Column Must See Movies this Winter Art Column Janey Lee Grace – Just For Tummies Hero Cheese of the Month Big Barn Food Column Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks
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Contributors: Terry Sullivan, Janey Lee Grace, Jo Coker, Sharon Struckman, Sonny Etchell
See you in December! 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 Michelle Heaton Michelle Heaton is a pop singer, actress, television personality, personal trainer and former glamour model. Heaton, born in Gateshead, was a member of the pop group Liberty X from 2001 until they announced their split in 2007 and this December, she is starring in Aladdin at the Harpenden Public Halls. You were part of a band called Liberty X but how did you get into music? It was kind of a bit of an accident. I always wanted to act and be on stage and entertain people and that’s the path I followed. I went to drama school and all of that but singing - I just loved to sing but was not going to be professional. I have never had singing lessons or anything like that. I then found out there was an audition from the creators of Five, The Spice Girls and S-Club and it was a regional audition, which meant they came to Newcastle, instead of me having to go down to London. I jumped at the opportunity and it just went from there really. Before that you had been singing with a band in Newcastle called The Sirens? Yes that was about a year before “Popstars”. I did it to see A: if it was something I was any good at and B: if I enjoyed being part of a group. It was really good fun but it was not particularly going anywhere fast and I think we all had other career paths we wanted to follow, one was a successful model, another into horses and at that point I still was not sure if I wanted to sing or weather I wanted to act, as I had studied at Emmanuel City Technology College in Gateshead and Newcastle College of Performing Arts. Were you the class show off? No I would not say I was a show off but I would definitely say that I was very loud, bubbly and got myself into trouble for talking too much and too loud, in fact I was a bit goofy, I was not one of the popular girls and I did not blend, I was somewhere in the middle.
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When you got together to enter “Popstars” where you came second you had the name “Liberty” why? Yes, Liberty was the name we came up with to reflect the freedom all of us experienced following our participation in “Popstars” but we got sued, as you do, and as most successful pop acts do we had to change our name because Liberty was already in use by a man band - in fact a funk R&B band and they wanted their name back for whatever reason as I don’t think they actually did anything after that. They wanted their name back so we gave it them back, and we did not want to change it too much so we ran a competition and asked readers of The Sun to suggest a new name and somebody entered “LibertyX” as their entry and we really, really liked it, we thought it was kind of cool and at that time our music was very R&B and it fitted really well. Did you think you would be as successful as you were? No not at all, after the show we carried on and for 6 months went back to our old jobs and we thought that was it, in fact I think I was 21 at the time and I knew, realistically, pop bands have a shelf life of 5 maybe 6 years and you have to be under 20 to make it, so I thought I was towards the end of my shelf life. So I thought that was it and then we got brought down to London to sing on the Lorraine Kelly show (who I work for now and again as a presenter which is amazing, sort of come full circle) and the 5 of us sang on TV and Richard Branson was watching and within a couple of weeks we were signed to Virgin Records and had a record deal. We had “Thinking It Over", "Got To Have Your Love", "Song 4 Lovers" and "Holding on for You" which all reached the top 5 in the UK Singles Chart and "Just a Little", reached Number 1 in May 2002 and also 3 albums so we had a good run at it you could say. "Just a Little" was a song we stumbled across in the recording studio and thought we have to record that. Growing up, who would you say were your musical heroes? I think it would have been Mariah Carey for voice and vocal range and as a fan of music maybe Alanis Morissette, Bon Jovi and Transvision Vamp, so quite a range. Since the band finished you have done lots of TV work including a documentary “The Truth About Binge Drinking”? Yes that’s right, I made an educational programme which is now still shown in schools in America actually and it was a shock tactic to show the price that binge drinkers pay for their habits. I consumed a total of 349 units of alcohol over the space of 21 days. My body fat index increased from 25% to 29%, and my liver dysfunction increased from 16% to 86% and I hope it helped highlight the perils of binge drinking. In 2008 I did a celebrity edition of “Come Dine with Me” alongside fellow celebrities Peter Stringfellow, Lee Ryan, and Linda Barker. Lee is a friend of mine and so are all of Blue and Linda was so lovely and Peter was a bit of a weirdo to be honest. He was very pleasant but towards the end of the week he became not so pleasant when his façade came down and his cooking was not going to plan. You also did celebrity Big Brother? It was interesting, very interesting, it was hard a lot harder then I anticipated. It is not the type of place a vulnerable person needs to be at all, it plays on ones mind. Is there a reality show you would like to try? It would be a sin not to want to do Strictly. It is one of those shows that is so classy and so inspirational to do also you get to wear the most amazing costumes plus you get to dance with really fit blokes 5
and you get taught how to dance, as a performer there is nothing sexier or more inspirational than seeing somebody who can move. Of all the things you do - presenting, singing etc. what do you enjoy most? I think it would have to be presenting, but it is very difficult to choose because they are very different types of entertaining. I love being on stage and I can’t wait to do panto but the thing about stage work is it is not there all of the time. So it is hard to compare them. Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions? I am not one for regrets and I think I have had a very turbulent few years and I do believe everything happens for a reason. I am a firm believer in fate and I don’t think I would change anything. This is not your first panto? No I have done 2 previously, Cinderella in Sunderland with Mickey Rooney and then Aladdin in Southport where I played Princess Jasmine and now I am playing Aladdin, which is a bigger role so there’s a bit more responsibility. I am nervous, but my daughter Faith is disappointed I am not Princess Jasmine, she does not get it why I am playing a boy, but that what makes panto so much fun. What do you think you will be able to bring to the panto? I think we have a lovely mix of cast. We have got TV, stage school performers and I am probably not as professional as some of them but I am a really young at heart person and I want to make people smile and I love singing and performing and I hope to bring to Aladdin a kind of softness that a bloke would not do, but also a bit of cheekiness that a Geordie can. I have not worked with any of the cast before but met them 4 weeks ago for the very first time, so will be fun. What will you be doing on Christmas day? I will be at home; I live in Hertfordshire, just down the road, so even when I am in Aladdin I will get to commute and stay at home whilst working so this year has worked out especially well. So Christmas will be here and my mum will be coming down, she lives alone in Newcastle with her doggy. See Michelle starring in Aladdin with Peter Dean (EastEnders’ Pete Beale), Ernie Almond (BBC 3 Counties Radio), Sophie Massie and Chris Law (Harpenden panto favourite) at The Harpenden Public Halls from Friday 11th till Tuesday 22nd December Box office 01582 767525 or online www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk
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Panto Time Part One Our first look at the Pantos and Christmas shows around the area
Peter Pan
Don’t miss this year’s fun-filled pantomime, Peter Pan at The Alban Arena. Opening on Friday 4 December it stars everyone’s favourite TV baddie, Jake Wood (EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing), Katrina Bryan (CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons) and St Albans’ legend, the one and only Bob Golding as Mrs Smee. Once again Hertfordshire’s biggest pantomime will be written by Paul Hendy and brought to you by Evolution, the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit, Jack and the Beanstalk. Promising lots of audience participation and spectacular special effects, it is already on track to be St Albans biggest and most spectacular pantomime ever. With tickets flying out the window, be sure to get them quick, the croc is ticking! Friday 4 December – Sunday 3 January The Alban Arena Box Office 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk 7
From LA to MK: Priscilla Presley in Aladdin at Milton Keynes Theatre
First Family Entertainment and Milton Keynes Theatre are thrilled that Priscilla Presley will be starring in this year’s dazzling family pantomime –Aladdin. Priscilla Presley, Hollywood royalty, TV icon and, yes, wife of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, will be making wishes come true by bringing all the magic of the Christmas season to life as the Genie of the Lamp in the most spectacular pantomime on this side of the pond! Priscilla, who is best known for co-starring with Leslie Nielsen in the Naked Gun film series and for her role as Jenna Wade in Dallas - the most successful primetime soap opera ever - says: “I’ve done some amazing things in my career but, three years ago, I was introduced to the crazy world of pantomime and I can honestly say it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. My grandchildren absolutely loved seeing me on stage and I can’t wait to get out in front of a live audience again. It’s such a wonderful honour to be spending Christmas here and being part of this very special British festive tradition”. ’ Aladdin is seasonal family entertainment at its best. The exotic setting in Old Peking is home to all the much-loved characters you could hope to meet in a Christmas show. Take Widow Twankey – please! Proprietor of the local Chinese laundry, this Dame is something to behold. And played by actor, comedian and national treasure Gary Wilmot, you can guarantee that it will all come out well in the wash. Magic is what theatre is all about and, when it comes to the story of Aladdin, there’s plenty more enchantment in store. Wayne Sleep OBE, dancer, choreographer, actor and director, can now add ‘Genie (of the Ring)’ to his list of credits. Wayne, who last performed here in Cabaret a few years ago, is delighted to be returning to the stage of Milton Keynes Theatre. You can’t have Aladdin without ‘a lad in’ the show who will cause hearts to melt and send tingles down the spine. Singer/songwriter and former A1 boyband member Ben Adams will be climbing aboard the magic carpet as the eponymous hero, Aladdin! Hooray!
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Silliness is a vital part of any pantomime – which is why Milton Keynes Theatre couldn’t resist welcoming back the world’s most famous ex-pat Armenian comedian, Kev Orkian, as Aladdin’s cheeky (and, according to him, betterlooking) brother Wishee-Washee! Add to that amazing stellar line-up sensational songs played by a live band, dazzling dance routines, hilarious slapstick comedy and bags of audience participation, plus the magnificent sets and costumes Milton Keynes Theatre is famous for and what have you got? The best pantomime in the whole new world – oh yes it is! Fri 4 Dec – Sun 10 Jan Box Office: 0844 871 7652 Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Hansel and Gretel comes to Hertford
Hertford Theatre welcomes you this Christmas to the frosty, magical world of Iceland! (The country, not the shop). Join our daring duo as they journey into the heart of the frozen forest, dodge the foxiest foxes and wrestle with the wickedest of wicked! Created by the same team
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that brought you the box office smash hit Cinderella which flew into Hertford last year; Hansel and Gretel promises to be the best Hertford Theatre pantomime ever! Hansel and Gretel is a fairy-tale panto for all the family, full of volcanic dances, sweet touched songs and giggles by the sledge-full. Want a recipe for the perfect Christmas? Then add some ginger and join us at Hertford Theatre for the panto – adventure of a life time! Rhys Thomas, Director of Hertford Theatre said “I am delighted to be directing the panto again this year, we have a real treat in store for our audiences. We can’t wait!” Schools have been taking advantage of a fantastic offer from the theatre, with tickets priced from £10, free ice creams and a contribution towards coach travel if required! Some of these schools performances are sold out. However, there is still some availability so if you are a school looking for a great value Christmas treat then contact the theatre now! Tickets for Hansel and Gretel, which runs from Friday 5th December – Friday 1st January, are on sale now at the Hertford Theatre Box Office (01992 531500) and tickets can be booked on line at www.hertfordtheatre.com The show runs for 2 hours and 15 mins and is suitable for children aged 3 upwards.
Cinderella Friday 11 December – Sunday 3 January Tickets: Start from £12.50 Box Office: 01582 60 20 80 (opt 7) Book Online: www.grovetheatre.co.uk
Was it a bird? Was it a plane?! No, it was three cast members from this year’s pantomime at the Grove Theatre, Dunstable adding a sparkle to the streets of the town. Ahead of the Cinderella performance run, Blue’s Antony Costa (playing Prince Charming), Lucy Reed (playing the title role of Cinderella) and Jasette Amos (playing Fairy Godmother) visited the area. In panto mode and full of excitement, the cast wore their glittering costumes proudly in order to give us a taste of the action waiting ahead this festive season.
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It was the first time that the leading lady and gent had met each other. Any producer or cast member knows that this a crucial moment within a production with lots of unknowns and endless questions. Will the actors gel together? Will they bounce off one another? Lucy confessed that she was a little nervous at first to meet the pop superstar, but these nerves were soon swept away. Lucy beamed, “Antony is lovely! He’s going to be great to work with.” The two had instant chemistry – perhaps, a testament to their Essex roots! The pantomime producer even chortled, “With Antony and Lucy, panto is going to a little bit Essex this year”.
Antony is no stranger to the Dunstable audience. As part of the national UK tour of Blood Brothers in 2006, the singer performed to packed out theatres across the country, including the Grove Theatre. The Dunstable crowd enjoyed his performance as loveable rogue Mickey Johnstone: a role which he absolutely mastered. Antony said, “When we toured with Blood Brothers, we were used to playing at really old theatres. It was nice to have a bit of a change and perform at the Grove, which is more modern. It’s just beautiful.” The two will be playing alongside vocal coach to the stars, Jasette Amos. As a singer, Jasette has been challenged to develop a versatile, powerful and resilient voice, to enable her to deliver consistently, whether recording for twelve hours in a studio, performing three shows a day on stage, or touring arenas for two months. She’s sung with the likes of Elton John, Lionel Richie, One Direction and many more big names. Jasette’s also known for her “cheerful disposition”, which is sure to have the audience in stitches of laughter this coming season. Don’t miss your chance to see these sensational performers live! Cinderella will be playing at the Grove Theatre, Dunstable from Friday 11 December – Sunday 3 January. Tickets start from just £12.50 and can be purchased from the Box Office on 01582 60 20 80 or online at www.grovetheatre.co.uk
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Dick Whittington First Family Entertainment and the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre are delighted that playing this year’s panto baddie, Queen Rat, will be X Factor finalist Melanie Masson in Dick Whittington Fri 11 Dec – Sun 3 Jan. Melanie joins fellow X Factor 2013 winner Sam Bailey playing Fairy Bowbells and local funny man Andy Collins who returns due to popular demand as Idle Jack. Melanie trained at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh gaining a Diploma in Dramatic Art. Best known for her powerhouse performances on ITV's X Factor 2012, Melanie amazed the judges and public with her incredible voice, covering Janis Joplin's Cry Baby. She reached the live shows with mentor Gary Barlow. Since then, her life’s been a whirlwind. Melanie signed to major music company Delirious/Blacksmith, sharing a roster with Sam Smith and Emile Sande, and is recording a new album. She toured the UK, was nominated for a Capital FM best newcomer and starred in David Baddiel's The Infidel at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London. She has recorded and toured with Pink, The Stereophonics, Kasabian, Norman Cook, Shaun Ryder, Russell Watson, Mark Owen, The Prodigy, Leo Sayer, David Essex, Mike Batt, Don Black, Midge Ure, Wet Wet Wet, and Altered Images. Theatre credits include: Mary Lou in Jailhouse Rock (Piccadilly Theatre, London), Delores in Peggy Sue Got Married (Shaftsbury Theatre, London), LV in Little Voice (National Tour), What A Feeling! (Flying Music), Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Edinburgh Festival), Here and Now Arena Tour (Tony Denton Productions) and The Lenny Beige/Steve Furst Comedy Show.
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No stranger to TV, Melanie has appeared on Celebrity Juice, This Morning, The High Road, Taggart, Top of the Pops, Children in Need and even appeared in a worldwide TV ad for Nokia 5510 as a busker! In 2014 Melanie played Fairy Godmother alongside John Barrowman and The Krankies in Cinderella at the SECC arena, Glasgow, and is delighted to be appearing in Dick Whittington at the Waterside Theatre. Join Dick, Fairy Bowbells and the booable baddie, Queen Rat on the road to London this Christmas, book your tickets now. Call the Box Office 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee). Tickets: £10 - £27
A Giant Pantomime for the Whole Family! Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a family trip to your local theatre and nobody does traditional pantomime better than Rhodes! The team that have brought you critically acclaimed productions of all the great festive tales will this year take you to new heights with the story of the young boy who swapped his cow or a bag of magic beans and ended up with a whole lot more than he bargained for! Join us as the daring Jack has to face his fears and confront the biggest baddie in pantomime history to rescue his beloved Jill and save the day! With slapstick fun from the comics, great songs and breath-taking special effects you’ll find out why the critics think so highly of the Rhodes annual pantomime. “The musical set pieces are quite brilliantly staged, alive with clever parodies and some truly splendid original songs. An original and highly entertaining take on a classic tale.” Mike Martin, The Stage, Dick Whittington “There is a wonderful convivial atmosphere to Rhodes pantomime. A show that is technically, musically and artistically impressive!” Hugh Homan, The Stage, Aladdin Jack and the Beanstalk will be showing at the Bishop’s Stortford Theatre in the Rhodes Arts Complex from the 12th December – 2nd January. School performances will be from the 9th – 17th December. Ticket prices range from £12-£19. For a full list of performances, please see the Rhodes website at www.rhodesbishopsstortford.org.uk to book online or call the Box Office on 01279 710 200.
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Boss Sued by Thief Employee
Frogmarched ... Mark Gilbert and Simon Cremer EastNews As an employer, if you feel wronged by an employee, it can be very tempting to take the law into your own hands. This is especially true when you are also the business owner. But – the case detailed below shows how this can go very wrong. It proves that you must always follow the Acas Code of Practice and act in a reasonable manner – even though you may not wish to! A perfect example… Simon Cremer paraded light-fingered Mark Gilbert through the streets of Witham, Essex, wearing the handmade cardboard sign saying: "THIEF. I Stole £845 am on my way to the police station." He took him to the police station after discovering the father-of-three had written out a company cheque to himself and taken it to Cash Converters in October 2008. Gilbert, 40, admitted the crime and was let off with a police caution while his boss Mr Cremer was hauled into court facing a life sentence for false imprisonment until the case against him collapsed. To add insult to injury Gilbert then SUED Mr Cremer for his "humiliation". And the flooring firm boss has now had to pay out £5,000 in compensation and £8,000 court costs to the worker who stole from him. The response… Mr Cremer, 47, said "I think it's absolutely disgusting that he was even able to sue me after he had stolen from me to be honest. I don't want to give him a penny after what he did, so it really sticks in my throat. "He stole from me yet he is the one who is walking away with the money. It makes me so angry."
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Thief Gilbert started legal action against his boss in a bid to claim for two years of lost earnings and the "distress" he suffered. The floor-fitter's claim had been for the trauma, distress and psychological help he said he needed after the incident. The case had been due to come before a civil court yesterday but dad-of-two Mr Cremer said he could not risk the expense involved. The boss reluctantly paid an out of court settlement to Gilbert because he said it would cost him more than that to fight the case in legal bills. He was also saddled with Gilbert's legal fees leaving him with an £8,000 legal bill for the case. Mr Cremer, who lives with his partner Karen Boardman, 45, who has been battling breast cancer. in Little Maplestead, Essex, said "It would have cost me £25,000 just to go to court, so I had no option but to settle out of court. I could not afford to take it to court, so there was no other option. "It would financially ruin me, it would break me. I would lose my business and I would risk losing my home because I would have to remortgage it. "I am not happy with him getting a penny of my money. This has left me with no faith in the justice system whatsoever - absolutely none. "I can't really afford a payout like this - times are hard for the business." Gilbert, formerly of Colchester, Essex, has since moved away from the area and is believed to be living in Bristol. He admitted writing the cheque out to himself and cashing it in claiming he was owed wages that he wanted to use for a holiday and his boss was too busy to write it himself. But the staff at Cash Converters were suspicious and contacted Mr Cremer who called Gilbert into work to confront him along with three other workers. Speaking after the incident in 2008, Gilbert said he feared he was going to be killed as he was bundled into the back of a van. Mr Cremer, who runs In House Flooring in Witham, was stunned when Gilbert was released with a caution for theft yet he was charged with false imprisonment after the incident — which carries a maximum life sentence. Mr Cremer and his brother Andrew Cremer, 43, and two colleagues were hauled into court but to their relief the case against them was dropped in December 2008. Consensus HR’s comment … Ultimately, the employer should have known that his behaviour would backfire on him. Whilst the employee was in the wrong, the business owner couldn’t justify the actions he took. Correct procedures should be in place and followed, ensuring that the employee is dealt with appropriately and the employer is not put at risk of legal action. If you would like to discuss your own organisation’s culture and requirements, arrange an informal discussion with Consensus HR. 15
Christmas and the Elderly For many of us, as Christmas approaches it is a chaotically busy time of year that sees us juggle work and family demands alongside trying to organise catering that would not be out of place on Master Chef; only to collapse in a haze of exhaustion the day after Boxing Day. However, please spare a thought for the older folk in our community. Did you know that almost a quarter of a million older people will spend Christmas Day alone this year? Bereavement, poor health, loss of confidence and change in family demographics will all contribute to this very sad toll. Recent research by the WRVS found that many in the over 75 age group listed loneliness as their greatest problem, with one in ten saying that they feel intensely lonely most of the time with no-one to talk to. The research also shows that as many as one million people over 75 do not know their nearest neighbour and feel they have no-one to turn to if they need help. This is a terrible situation and one that has prompted Esther Rantzen to set up Silver Line, a confidential helpline that provides information, friendship and advice to older people. http://www.thesilverline.org.uk I know we are all busy at this time of year, but if you are out and about and see an older neighbour, please make some time to speak and say “hello” and get to know them. It may make all the difference in the world to them, and actually it is a wonderful present to give. Jo Coker Clinical Director LCC Sessions 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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Husbands with Hidden Assets Many of you will have seen the recent headlines about the Supreme Court decision allowing two ex-wives to reopen their divorces to make further financial claims against their ex-husbands because it had been proven that the ex-husbands had hidden or undervalued assets. Whilst this was heralded by the press as a groundbreaking decision, which would open a floodgate of new cases, those in the legal profession were less shocked. It is a common rule known to all family law practitioners that each party must give Full and Frank Disclosure, both before and during proceedings regarding matrimonial finances. Failure to do so can allow a supposed final order to be revisited or even reversed. If you think you may have been affected by an ex-spouse failing to give proper Disclosure, here are some simple steps to test if you could revisit your final settlement. Step 1 – Has there been a failure to give Full and Frank Disclosure? This usually comes to light if you discover your ex-spouse has assets which were not apparent at the time of the financial settlement, or they are worth considerably more than was thought. Step 2 – Is this Non-Disclosure Important? This depends on whether it is: (a) deliberate non-disclosure (i.e. fraud) This gives a presumption that the non-disclosure is important and allows any final order to be set aside. It would then be up to your ex-spouse to show that it does not make a difference to what would have been ordered anyway. OR (b) accidental non-disclosure(i.e. negligence) This scenario requires you to prove that the non-disclosure is important enough to allow your final order to be revisited. Until you have achieved this, there remains the presumption that the final order is still valid. Step 3 – What is ‘Material’ Non-Disclosure What makes the non-disclosure important enough to allow a final order to be revisited ? The court has to accept that the final order would have been substantially different if your exspouse had provided Proper Disclosure. The timing is crucial as the Non-Disclosure must make a difference as at the time the final order was made – not just if the division of assets was being done now. So the fact that an asset has increased in value much quicker than everyone thought is unlikely to be sufficient to reopen matters if a reasonable value was placed on it at the time of the original order. For more information, contact our specialist family team at www.curwens.co.uk Curwens LLP is your local firm of solicitors offering expert legal advice – based in Royston, Hoddesdon, and Enfield.
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Must See Movies this Winter Apparently Britain is going back to the movies, cinemas across Herts, Beds and Bucks are doing great business as the winter season kicks in, we asked budding film reviewer – 17 year old Sonny Etchell for his spin on the ones to watch With the assuredly monumental arrival of Star Wars: Episode 7 – The Force Awakens this December, here’s my take on some other films landing in cinemas this winter
The Revenant From Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, acclaimed director of last years, Academy Award winning 'Birdman' comes The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and Domhnall Gleeson. A mere watch of the trailer for The Revenant left me impassioned at the sense of dread, brutality and masterful filmmaking this film looks to embody. Inspired by true events, The Revenant captures Hugh Glass, an 18th century American pioneer who was left for dead by his comrades including John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) after a vicious bear attack. The Revenant captures Hugh's endurance of utter grief and fierce conditions, and his longing for redemption and revenge. A hugely impressive aspect to the trailer is its showcase of exquisite, low-to-ground cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki - double Oscar winner for Birdman (2014) and Gravity (2013). The Revenant's gorgeous wide shots of vast, uncharted terrain and strikingly shot action were apparently captured harnessing only natural light for "maximum realism" - Yeah, the guy has Oscar written all over him. Speaking of Oscar worthy, the film stars DiCaprio, a man long due an academy award in my opinion. His outstanding performance in 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street saw him nominated for best actor but, arguably robbed of the Oscar. From the footage we have so far, his intense-looking portrayal of Hugh Glass looks to impress in this gritty, visually stunning brutality-fest.
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The Hateful Eight The Hateful Eight reunites Reservoir Dogs buddy's Tim Roth and Michael Madsen as well as Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell for Quentin Tarantino's second western. With 2012's badass Django Unchained and the completion of The Hateful Eight, Tarantino is becoming an established Western director. As he said himself at this year’s San Diego Comic Con: "you have to make at least three westerns to call yourself a western director". The Hateful Eight looks to be a revisit to the concentrated, single-location approach that Tarantino took for Reservoir Dogs. Although vague, the plot involves eight strangers following the civil war, who, amidst a colossal blizzard, take shelter. A tale of treachery and deceit looks to unfold in Tarantino’s classic, violent and witty style. In an interview on Tarantino at Comic Con, Bruce Dern said: "He creates an atmosphere where you get the chance to be better, to get better". Tarantino's qualitative career and sheer admiration of his actors prove it – the guy can do no wrong. The Hateful Eight looks to be no exception and for film buffs will be the best [slightly late] Christmas present they get this year.
Joy Now for something a little less raucous. Joy is a film you, most likely, won’t have heard of, and will be Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper's third collaboration under director and writer David O. Russel. The trailer does an excellent job in presenting the film in an alluring way, while revealing little-to-nothing regarding the plot. Nonetheless, as summarised by 20th Century Fox, "Joy is the story of a family across four generations and a woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty." The acting trio of Lawrence, De Niro and Cooper, although unexpected, is one of charming prowess and a [no pun intended] joy to watch in these very human dramas written by David O. Russell. Joy, if akin to the style of O. Russel's Silver Linings Playbook (2012) might just be that hidden gem to watch out for this winter. Sonny Etchell (i7) is a student with a passion for film and writing. Visit his blog: sonnyetchell.com and follow him on Twitter @sonny_etchell
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A Focus of Photography Derek Dewey-Leader is a licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society and a member of two of their specialist groups, Contemporary Photography and Nature Group. He is a lifelong photographic enthusiast and is former chairman of Welwyn Garden City Photographic Society and a member of Herts Foto Forum. Derek leads an experimental photography group for Welwyn Garden City Photographic Club which encourages photographers to work creatively outside the mainstream of landscape and portraiture work. He is a lifelong motorcyclist and enjoys capturing the art work portrayed on modern motorcycles. His main interests include photographing nature and wildlife from birds to seals and whales, specialist areas such as macro photography of insects, sea shells, and botanical subjects. He has travelled extensively in America, Australia’s Northern territories, in Northern China, Tibet and the deserts and ancient cities of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, India Baluchistan and Waziristan, and the North West frontier of India and Pakistan including the Khyber Pass.
He has visited many of the American National Parks and made several visits to Yellowstone Park to capture the colours of the hydrothermal regions in this area of fires, bubbling hot mud pools geysers, hot springs and fumaroles. It is an area famous for its hot waters of pools and springs.
His work is permanently on display at Mardleybury Gallery. www.mardleyburygallery.co.uk or you can find him on facebook, Derek-DeweyLeader-Photography.
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Just For Tummies – Dedicated To Your Digestion Let’s be honest as the festive season approaches you are probably looking forward to lots of parties and a bit of over indulgence. It’s worth asking yourself if your digestive system is also looking forward to it! Some women are literally panicking about fitting into the little black dress because they feel so bloated. Many people think that bloating, and in more serious cases IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is caused by stress and can’t be treated, but this isn’t true. Stress can certainly contribute to the symptoms, but IBS is almost always a physiological condition, caused by an imbalance in the digestive tract, that responds well to a program of supplements, combined with diet and lifestyle changes. Leading natural digestive health practitioner Linda Booth runs one of the UK’s most successful natural digestive health and gut disorders clinics and having carried out more than 20,000 consultations and treatments, her combined years of study and experience inspired her to create her wonderful range of products that can be used safely and effectively daily to improve digestive health. She suggests getting yourself ‘sorted’ before the festivities kick in (obviously if you can be sensible as well that would help!) but there’s a lot you can do to beat the bloat. Linda’s approach is simple – strengthen and balance the gut, and symptoms of IBS tend to recede. It’s well known these days that supplementing your diet with a good live bacteria – sometimes called probiotics or friendly bacteria – improves your digestive and gut health and can help with many other health problems too. Linda’s also recommends a plant-based Digestive Enzyme tablet to support the body’s digestive processes, and a high quality Omega 3 fish oil to help strengthen the gut wall. This combination of three supplements, taken daily, has worked for thousands of Linda’s patients, and now you can use the same approach at home. www.justfortummies.co.uk Twirl those hips If you want to make double sure that you feel great and fit into your party clothes then you’ll need to move your body too, I can’t recommend highly enough the brilliant classes at the Sportspace centres across Herts. There’s everything from Yoga to Bodypump. Spinning to Zumba and even Hula Hooping and my current fave – Fitsteps which is Strictly without the sequins – or the partner, but hey its great fun and no-one being rude about your Cha-cha.
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Hero Cheese of the Month - Lancashire Bomb The Shorrock family have been making Lancashire Cheese for generations. John Gaskel Shorrock won Supreme Champion at the last Preston Open Cheese Competition before the war broke out in 1938. Since then the Shorrocks have championed many cheese competitions and in 2006 Andrew Shorrock himself did a clean sweep and took all the prizes at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show, which was named 'The Battle of the Lancashire’s'. Only Lancashire cheeses were allowed to enter this competition. Andrew has since been the original creator of the Lancashire Bomb, having originally made the first bomb as a leaving gift over 25 years ago for a friend emigrating to America. This was the start of this amazing product. The famous Lancashire Bomb is a real culinary treat and must be tasted to be believed. The bombs are so popular due to the very creamy and full flavoured taste which leaves you wanting more. This is their classic, famous, Lancashire Bomb, wonderful creamy cheese presented in our traditional black wax. As well as the original Lancashire Bomb the Shorrock family now make a selection of flavoured bombs ranging from the delicate and delicious Strawberry & Champagne to the very popular Red Onion and the best seller Luxury Spiced Apple and Port. Their bombs are great tasting but look amazing and they take great pride in creating such tasty and attractive products. The Original Bomb comes in two sizes the larger 460g and the smaller 230g. All the flavoured cheeses come in 230g. The Lancashire Bombs are matured over two years creating a very creamy and full flavoured taste and texture. In addition to this original Lancashire Bomb Shorrock's now produce a variety of different flavours, this includes the Vintage Gold which is an extra year matured. It can be enjoyed on its own or is superb with some fruit and/or a good red wine.
26 High Street, Buntingford, Herts, SG9 9AQ www.thecheeseplate.co.uk Tele: 01763 271533 Email: Toby@thecheeseplate.co.uk
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Should there be a Sugar Tax? Doctors have stated that sugar is responsible for more disease than alcohol and smoking combined. As we have tax on alcohol and smoking, shouldn’t there also be tax on sugar to contribute to the £9 billion/year NHS cost? Diabetes UK says the disease is the fastest growing health threat of our times. The NHS spends one tenth of its budget on diabetes. Jamie
Oliver
and
Sustain
have
a
petition
running asking for a tax of 7p per regular-sized can of soft drink with added sugar. This could generate £1 billion per year and be ringfenced to support much needed preventative strategies in the NHS and schools around childhood obesity and diet-related disease. Studies show that soft drinks with added sugar are the largest single source of sugar in the diets of UK school children and teenagers. Tooth decay caused by sugar is the most common reason that children aged 5-9 years are admitted to hospital and type-2 diabetes is costing the NHS around £9 billion a year. Its clear action is needed. To sign Jamie’s petition click here Why stop at soft drinks? This tax will only raise £1 billion of the required £9 billion. Just like alcohol and smoking shouldn’t people, or parents of children, who chose to buy products that do them harm, pay tax to contribute to their eventual healthcare?
www.bigbarn.co.uk
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Herts listings The Snow Queen - Sun 1 Nov Join Ballet Theatre UK in their beautiful re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy-tale ballet, The Snow Queen. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG
Ministry Of Science Live - Wed 4 Nov Warning! 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300% Explosive. 400% Fun. Please keep your head firmly on your shoulders, and your arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all time! Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG
The Watford Hilton Wedding Fair - Sun 1 Nov A great wedding fair conveniently located for both North London and Watford on the A41. Fashion shows 12.30pm and 2.30pm featuring the latest Bridal Gowns. See over 40 exhibitors. Doors Open 11am - 3.30pm Free admission and free parking. 1 Elton Way Watford WD25 8HA
Radlett Players Presents: Yes, Prime Minister - Wed 4 to Sat 7 Nov A stage version of the recently revived popular television series of the 80’s. As with the series, the play deals with how a prime minister might cope with tricky situations. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL
Barkway Antiques & Vintage Fair - Sun 1 Nov In its fifth year, this antiques fair is set in the picturesque village of Barkway in North Hertfordshire. Featuring a range of fabulous stalls with a wide variety of stock from, jewellery to ceramics, curios to clothing. Barkway Village Hall, Cambridge Road, Barkway SG8 8BS
The Queen Extravaganza - Thu 5 Nov 7:30pm The Queen Extravaganza produced by Roger Taylor plays one special night at Watford Colosseum to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their platinum-selling album, A Night At The Opera including their classic hits, Bohemian Rhapsody, You’re My Best Friend and Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon. Tickets £24.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Orchestral concert - Sun 1 Nov Welwyn Garden City Orchestra and Chorus. Orchestral Music in a rustic setting. Concert of professional standard, with professionals and amateurs, and soloists. The Tythe Barn, Tewinbury Farm, B1000/Hertford Road, Welwyn AL6 0JB
The Magic Of Motown - Fri 6 Nov 8pm An allnew show for 2015! The Magic of Motown returns with 36 back-to-back massive Motown hits. The night will see music from the Four Tops, The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and The Isley Brothers as well as dazzling dance moves and glittering costumes. Tighter than the Funk Brothers in their prime, The Magic of Motown band will be here with a great big bang! Tickets £26.00, £25.00, £22.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Jim Davidson - Sun 1 Nov 7:30pm Jim Davidson OBE brings to Watford his brand-new show Charlton Nil. Son of a Glaswegian father, born and bred in Charlton – from drummer to window cleaner via shelf stacker – this evening is guaranteed to be irreverent, outrageous and truthful. Tickets £23.50, £20.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Soulfish and 2Tone perform to raise money for Harpenden Mencap - Fri 6 Nov Soulfish and 2Tone will be performing to raise money for Harpenden Mencap. Doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets are £20 each and available from: soulfish4harpendenmencap@gmail.com. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD
Strictly Come Killing - Murder Mystery Dinner - Mon 2 Nov Dinner 8pm Pull on your spandex, and dust off the sequins for this special one off edition of the dance show. There’ll be glamorous dancers, hunky celebs, and dizzy co-star Floss. But suddenly there’s a blood curling scream, and it’s not because of Bruce’s jokes ... a dead body appears and it’s quite literally murder on the dance floor!! £30.00 including three-course meal. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
The Elvis Years - Fri 6 Nov This spectacular show is packed with over 50 greatest hits, from the early days of Sun Studios and That’s Alright Mama, through the Hollywood
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years ago in order to reduce firework accidents at home. Verulamium Park, St Albans AL1 4SW
years. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG Phoenix Rising - Fri 6 Nov Written and directed by Campbell Kay, Performed by Paul Slack, Phoenix Rising presents a fresh take on D.H. Lawrence’s early life. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE
Gigspanner - Sat 7 Nov Since his departure from folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span at the end of 2013, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight has turned his full attention to his trio Gigspanner. Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ
Robert Wolfe plays St Albans Organ Theatre - Sat 7 Nov Robert Wolfe is recognised as one of the world’s leading interpreters of the Theatre organ. Acclaimed for his sheer artistry, renowned for his musicality, he is without question one of the top British organists. St Albans Organ Theatre, 320 Camp Road AL1 5PE
Stay and Play Saturdays at Hertford Museum - Sat 7 Nov 10.00 am – 4.30 pm On the first Saturday of each month, The Andrews Room at Hertford Museum will be open for families to enjoy a free play session. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT
4th Annual Bonfire Party - Sat 7 Nov With Fireworks and Live Music, Hot food, Sweets, Glowing Merchandise. Rectory Farm, Camlet Way, Barnet EN4 0NJ
The Falcon’s Malteser - Sat 7 Nov New Old Friends in partnership with Theatre Royal Bath’s Egg, Newbury Corn Exchange, the Natural Theatre Company and Walker Books present The Falcon’s Malteser By Anthony Horowitz The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
An Evening with Ronald Wright - Sat 7 Nov 7-9pm Join us for a glass of wine as Hertford’s own LGBT illustration pioneer shares stories of his astonishing life and talks us through some of his favourite drawings. Hertford Museum SG14 1DT
Watford Philharmonic Society - Sat 7 Nov 7:30pm Inspired by the sea, the music in this concert was written by three composers from the British Isles. Vaughan Williams’ majestic work, A Sea Symphony, leaves the listener in awe of the power of the waves. Benjamin Britten’s Four Sea Interludes are taken from his famous opera Peter Grimes, set in a Suffolk fishing village. Cecilia McDowall’s Ave Maris Stella (Hail, Star of the Sea) is a moving short work composed in the wake of 9/11 in 2001. Tickets £19.00, £18.00, £16.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
The Snow Play - Sat 7 Nov Ages 3+. Wonderful winter production. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG With a voice of Singing - Sat 7 Nov A delightful concert of inspiring songs from musicals, operetta and Male Voice Choir repertoires. Luton Male Voice Choir is joined by Letchworth Salvation Army Songsters, the Garden City Singers and Philip Fisher - Tenor Horn Soloist. Letchworth Free Church, Gernon Road, Letchworth SG6 3HS
Hertford Choral Society - Sat 7 Nov Handel’s Messiah featuring Natasha Page (sop) Ian Aitkenhead (counter-tenor) Mark Chaundy (tenor) James Gower (Bass) and Hertfordshire Baroque Soloists. All Saints Church Hertford SG13 8AE
Uncle Funk and the Boogie Wonderband Sat 7 Nov Uncle Funk will be helping Rhodes celebrate it’s 10th Anniversary! Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG
The Little Hadham Antiques Fair - Sun 8 Nov Little Hadham Village Hall SG11 2BP
Nettleden Church Jumble Sale - Sat 7 Nov 2pm. Adm. 50p Potten End Village Hall Nr Berkhamsted HP4 2QG
Bishops Stortford Annual Fireworks Display Sun 8 Nov Lots of pre-fireworks entertainment, including Live Entertainment, Children’s Fun Fair, BBQ, and lots of side stalls. Bishops Stortford Rugby Football Club CM23 2QE
St Albans Fireworks Spectacular in Verulamium Park - Sat 7 Nov Come and enjoy a spectacular event full of stunning fireworks, music, food and fun for the whole family! Taking place in Verulamium Park, this amazing public display was started over 25
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The Three Lakes Restaurant Wedding Fayre - Sun 8 Nov Come and see over 20 exhibitors full of wedding inspiration and ideas. From dresses to photographers to full venue decor. Also a chance to look around the venue which makes a great venue for your wedding ceremony, Wedding breakfast or evening. Westmill Farm, Ware SG12 0ES
try to pass off as originals, based on the hope that you've never heard them before! Doors 8pm, band starts at 9pm. Fiver to get in. Dress code - Punky! Half Moon, 31 North St, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2LD Book Sale - Fri 13 and Sat 14 Nov St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Reed will be holding its annual book sale from 9.00 am–5.00 pm. Entry is free, come and browse the books new and second hand, fiction and non-fiction. St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Reed SG8 8AP
St Albans Country Market - Sun 8 Nov 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. All food is wrapped. St Albans AL1 3DP
Knebworth Christmas Fair - Fri 13 to Sun 15 Nov Browse and buy from our wide range of arts, craft and gift stalls; where you can find jewellery and other accessories, handicrafts, hand made cards, photography, candles, aromatherapy. Knebworth House SG1 2AX
Hairspray - Tue 10 to Sat 14 Nov Following the recent successes of ‘Grease’ and ‘Oliver!’ the critically-acclaimed St Albans Musical Theatre Company (formerly Operatic Society) are back this November with ‘Hairspray’. The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD
Sixties Night – The Small Fakers - Fri 13 Nov Stortford Music Festival is celebrating the legacy of the band and venue by getting the sensational Small Fakers, the UKs only tribute to the Small Faces, to headline a celebration of the sixties. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG
Harry Manx - Wed 11 Nov Movin Music presents Harry Manx Harry Manx has been dubbed an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
Philharmonia At The Movies - Fri 13 Nov 7:30pm A celebration of the songs of screen heroes including Indiana Jones, James Bond, Superman, Harry Potter, The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sherlock Holmes, Mission Impossible and more... Carl Davis conductor Tickets £37.50, £35.00, £28.50, £15.00.VIP Tickets £44.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
An Evening with Spurs Legends - Thu 12 Nov Sporting Celebrities presents a Spurs night with football aces Gary Mabbutt MBE, Micky Hazard and Graham Roberts. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG Rare Productions Presents: Fame - Thu 12 to Sat 14 Nov Fame follows the lives of a group of students from differing backgrounds and cultures who are attending New York’s High School for the Performing Arts - the FAME school. With well-known songs such as Hard Work, Bring on Tomorrow and the title song. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL
Clare Teal and her Mini Big Band - Sat 14 Nov 7:30pm As the UK’s Queen of Swing, Clare Teal’s Mini Big Band concerts are becoming renowned across the country for their energetic exuberance. Join Clare at Watford Colosseum for an evening of toetapping big band and swing songs which appeal to all and will have the audience dancing in the aisles Tickets £25.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
The Err... Yeahs – Fri 13 Nov The Err...Yeahs are back at the Half Moon in Bishop's Stortford for another evening of Punky mayhem. What could POSSIBLY go wrong?! Loud and raucous covers of Punk and New Wave classics from the likes of the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned to The Jam, The Undertones and The Buzzcocks, and all stations in between! Plus a few obscure tracks lobbed in for good measure that they'll
The Grand Vintage Fair - Sat 14 Nov Full to the rafters with retro relics and kitsch collectibles! Come and find vintage fashions and accessories, gold and silver jewellery, upcycled furniture, art glass, china, books
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Dolly is one of the most successful Broadway shows ever, winning a record breaking 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Based on the Thornton Wilder play The Matchmaker, it follows the adventures of matchmaker Mrs Dolly Levi in 1890s.The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL
and more. The Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans AL3 5BU Christmas Craft Fair - Sat 14 Nov We have 30 craft stalls selling a wide variety of items from jewellery and knitting to wood turning and stained glass. Elm Court Community Centre, 363 Mutton Lane, Potters Bar EN6 3BP
A Journey Round My Skull - Tue 17 Nov Written by Nick Walker and Olivia Winteringham KILN in association with house presents A Journey Round My Skull A Journey Round My Skull is a beautiful and beguiling love story that really gets inside your head. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
Music Medley to raise funds for Harpenden Mencap - Sat 14 Nov Join us for our third annual Music Medley and help raise funds for Harpenden Mencap. Acts performing will include: Harpenden Light Operatic Society, The Dance Studio, The Kings of Herts, St George’s School Jazz Band and The Music Makers. High Street Methodist Church, High Street, Harpenden AL5 2RU
Dr Oooh! - Murder Mystery Dinner - Tue 17 Nov Dinner 8pm The intrepid time traveller has landed in another time and dimension, within 10 minutes he ends up dead. You’ll need more than a sonic screwdriver, tin pot robot dog and ditzy kissagram assistant to get you out of this wormhole. Tickets £30.00 including three-course meal. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Methodist Market - Sat 14 Nov 10am - 1pm. Stalls selling books/DVDs, used stamps, cakes, Christmas cards and stationery and wrapping paper, second hand toys, Jigsaws all good condition. Hoddesdon Methodist Church Middlefield Road Hoddesdon EN11 9ED Shaun the Sheep Movie (U) - Sat 14 Nov Shaun the Sheep Movie When Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
That’ll Be The Day - Wed 18 Nov 7:30pm Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit get ready to party as That’ll Be The Day returns with its brand-new 2015 Christmas Show! The UK’s most popular rock ‘n’ roll variety show celebrates the festive season with all your favourite Christmas classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy! Tickets £25.00, £23.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Friends of Greneway School Christmas Market - Sun 15 Nov The Friends of Greneway School will be holding their annual Christmas Market from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm This year’s market features over 40 exciting and varied stalls. The Greneway Middle School, Garden Walk, Royston SG8 7JF Aubrey Park Hotel Wedding Show - Sun 15 Nov Aubrey Park Hotel has been granted planning permission for a new function suite, come and find out more, see the plans & meet wedding suppliers. With over 25 of the finest exhibitors from the Hertfordshire area and Bedfordshire borders. Aubrey Park Hotel, Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourn, St Albans AL3 7AF
Russell Watson - Thu 19 Nov 7:30pm. Russell Watson never imagined he would one day be one of the world’s most prominent tenors, selling in excess of seven million albums worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to hear ‘The Voice’ as you have never heard him before. He will be performing an intimate evening with his musical director, a stunning string quartet and a local choir. Tickets £45.00, £38.50, £32.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
The Pirates of Penzance - Mon 16 to Sat 21 Nov Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company bring the classic operetta Pirates of Penzance to the Rhodes stage. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG
“There Goes The Bride” a Farce by Ray Cooney and John Chapman - Thu 19 to Sat 21 Nov A hilarious Comedy Classic with everything that you’d expect from a Cooney
Radlett Light Operatic Society Presents: Hello Dolly - Tue 17 to Sat 21 Nov Hello
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Hitchin Symphony Orchestra Concert - Sat 21 Nov Leader Janet Hicks Conductor Paul Adrian Rooke Piano Alicia Chaffey McCabe. Suite: The Lino, the Witch and the Wardrobe Beethoven: Piano Concerto No 4 in G Beethoven: Symphony No 4 in B Flat. St Mary’s Church, Hitchin SG5 1HP
and Chapman collaboration – chaotic confusion, confused characters and circumstances all combine into comedic chaos. The Spotlight theatre (formerly known as Broxbourne Civic Hall), High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE Christmastime @ Gravelly Barn - Thu 19 to Sun 22 Nov Fine arts and gifts for Christmas by local artists. Seasonal refreshments will be available on all days. The EJD Studio, Gravelly Barn, Gravelly Lane, Braughing SG11 2RD
Christmas Charity Event in aid of the Garden House Hospice - Sat 21 Nov Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is hosting its Christmas Charity Event, in aid of the Garden House Hospice, at its luxurious ’destination’ studio / workshop barn in rural Hertfordshire. Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hitchin SG4 7DP
Charity Dinner Dance and Auction - Fri 20 Nov Come and have fun in aid of Dementia UK, good food, great wine, inimitable live band and fantastic auctioneer all the ingredients for a great night in aid of such a worthwhile cause. Brocket Hall Golf Club, Welwyn AL8 7XG
Jo Harman - Sat 21 Nov Movin Music presents Jo Harman Recently voted ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ at the British Blues Awards, Jo Harman is widely regarded as the most exciting blues/soul/roots artist to emerge in Europe for decades. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
Bill Bailey - Fri 20 & Sat 21 Nov 8pm The gap between how we imagine our lives to be and how they really are is the subject of Bill’s new show, Limboland. With his trademark intelligence and sharp wit, he tells tales of finding himself in this halfway place. And no Bill Bailey show would be complete without music, so we have Bill’s fabulously downbeat version of Happy Birthday. Tickets £26.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Sue Ryder, Stagenhoe Christmas Fair - Sun 22 Nov 12.30 to 4pm. Sue Ryder, Stagenhoe Park, St Paul’s Walden SG4 8BY Octagon Music Society: Hannah Marcinowicz (saxophone) John Reid (piano) - Sun 22 Nov Programme to include: Granados: Intermezzo from Goyescas, Rachmaninov: Vocalise Op 34 No 14, Terry Trower: A Day in New York City, Pedro Iturralde: Pequena Czarda. The venue has excellent acoustics, level access and ample free parking. The Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JA
Swinging 60’s - Eat, drink and dance the night away! - Sat 21 Nov Join us for an evening of Dance, Live Music and typical 60’s buffet The band “Choice” will take us back in time to the glorious 60’s with: Do You Love Me, Twist And Shout, Brown Sugar, Satisfaction, Pinball Wizard, Johnny B Goode. Cuffley Hall, Maynard Place, Cuffley EN6 4JA
Nils Lofgren - Sun 22 Nov 8pm Legendary American songwriter, virtuoso guitarist and pianist, Known for his world-class guitar playing, and his on-stage acrobatics, Nils Lofgren is a true rock legend in his own right. A superb front-man both with Grin and under his own name Gold Circle Tickets £43.50 Tickets £33.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Christmas Craft Fair - Sat 21 Nov Christmas Craft Fair at the Oval Community Centre in Stevenage. Lots of fabulous stalls selling crafts perfect for Christmas presents, stocking fillers or for a loved one. More details on our FB page. Coffee bar open for refreshments. Vardon Road, Stevenage SG1 5RD
Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet –Giselle - Mon 23 & Tue 24 Nov. The Nutcracker - Wed 25 Nov 2:30pm & 7:30pm.Under the direction of Marina Medvetskaya, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet has won plaudits across Russia, Scandinavia and the United States. Now Watford audiences have the opportunity to experience the superb artistry of this acclaimed company on its first UK tour.
Festive Market - Sat 21 Nov 12-3pm Start your Christmas shopping with an array of stalls offering a wide selection of: Artisan Crafts & Gifts Christmas Cards, decorations & personalised baubles Floral arrangements & wreathes. The Priory School, Bedford Road, Hitchin SG5 2UR
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Turning the tables on Piers Morgan - Thu 26 Nov Television presenter, writer, journalist, talk show host, columnist and Arsenal fan, Piers Morgan will be sharing anecdotes of his career at an exclusive dinner in aid of Willow. Champneys, Tring HP23 6HX
Combining classical training and technique with the best-loved Russian ballets, Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet’s performances have an air of magic, complemented by a full orchestra and outstanding male soloists who will take your breath away! One of the few 19th century Romantic ballets to survive intact, Giselle tells of a village girl whose everlasting love saves her beloved from a wretched dance to the death. The Nutcracker is a delightfully festive tale, and the perfect introduction to ballet, as Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure by her Nutcracker prince. Tickets 7.30pm £34.50, £28.50, £19.50,Family Of 4 (must include 1 adult) £29.50/£23.50 per ticket. Wed 25 2.30pm £31.50, £26.50, £17.50.Family Of 4 (must include 1 adult) £26.50/£21.50 per ticket. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Dave O’Higgins Quartet - Thu 26 Nov Dave O’Higgins Quartet Dave O’Higgins - Tenor, Graham Harvey - Piano, Geoff Gascoyne Bass, Sebastiaan DeKrom – Drums Dave is a popular and well known figure on the international jazz scene. Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE Stewart Francis -Thu 26 Nov 8pm The star of Mock The Week, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and Live At The Apollo, brings his fantastic and hilarious new show to Watford Colosseum. Tickets £18.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Santa’s Spectacular Grotto & Festive Farm Fun - Mon 23 Nov to Thu 24 Dec Meet Santa and receive a golden key to enter his toy shop to choose any gift. Visit the reindeer, write a letter to Santa in the Elves House and skate on our magical ice rink (synthetic ice). With farmyard animals to meet. Willows Activity Farm. Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans, AL4 0PF
Whitney – Queen Of The Night - Fri 27 Nov 7:30pm. A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. This award-winning production features a stellar line-up with rising West End star Rebecca Freckleton delivering a powerhouse and breathtaking performance as Whitney. Tickets £22.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Dickens abridged - Tue 24 and Wed 25 Nov Reduced Shakespeare Company presents Dickens abridged Adam Long, founding member of The Reduced Shakespeare Company and co-creator of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) now presents Dickens abridged – a fast-paced musical. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
Santa Claus and his Christmas Adventure Fri 27 Nov – Thu 24 Dec Featuring the voice of Russell Grant as the Santa-Nav Controller. From the producers of last year’s recordbreaking production, this new magical adventure filled with songs, nursery rhymes and stories promises to be the Christmas treat you won’t want to miss. A truly unforgettable experience which includes the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every show! It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is flying high above the clouds delivering presents to all the very good boys and girls around the world. Hiding in the back are two naughty elves Charlie and Kara who have snuck on-board for the ride...!All is well until suddenly, just as Santa Claus flies high above Watford, the Sat Nav goes haywire and breaks leaving him stranded without his list of postcodes to deliver presents to! With the clock ticking and morning fast approaching it’s down to Charlie, Kara and Muffin the bear to come up with a clever plan to save
Radlett Music Club Presents: The Galliard Wind Ensemble - Tue 24 Nov This quintet have played together for nearly twenty years. They have become one of Britain’s leading chamber groups, with appearances at the BBC Proms, music festivals and major venues. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL The disappearing bee and its life history Tue 24 Nov The Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Mid Herts Local Wildlife Group are pleased to welcome David Brown, 15 years a Beekeeper with Hertfordshire Beekeepers Association to help us to understand the importance of these creatures. Howlands Baptist Church, The Commons, Welwyn Garden City AL7 4RS
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Christmas. As an added Christmas treat, all of the good boys and girls in the audience will meet Santa after the show and receive a present of their own. Tickets: Adults £13.50, Children £12.50, family of 4 (must include 1 adult) £12.00 each. Premium Seats (front two rows) Adults £15.50, Children £14.50, Schools £11.00. Red Performances, Adult £15.50, Children £14.50, family of 4 (must include 1 adult) £12.50 each. Premium Seats (front two rows) Adults £17.50, Children £16.50, Schools £12.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
comedy circuit today. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE Hoddesdon Loves Christmas - Sat 28 Nov A Christmas shopping event will be held in Hoddesdon town centre and will see an array of craft/charity stalls in the High Street selling a selection of gifts/goods for the festive season. High Street, Hoddesdon EN8 8TL Craft Fair - Sat 28 Nov An annual event at this central location. A lovely variety of crafts including wood, all sorts of sewing, bags, preserves, cakes and savouries, cards, jewellery, paintings, glass and more. Come along for your Christmas or Birthday gifts. Kings Langley Community Centre, The Nap, Kings Langley WD4 8ET
Christmas Magic - Fri 27 Nov 4:00 – 8:00 pm To celebrate the Christmas lights switch on, drop in and get into the festive spirit with a craft activity, meet our very own Father Christmas and more! Drop in - it’s free! Donations welcome. Hertford Museum Hertford SG14 1DT
Redbourn Christmas Market - Sun 29 Nov Redbourn will be kicking off the festive season with its Christmas market which this year is bigger than ever. There will be covered stalls in Cumberland Gardens, the Village Hall and car park, as well as stalls along Redbourn High Street. Redbourn High Street AL3 7LW
Disco Pigs - Fri 27 Nov Disco Pigs By Edna Walsh, directed by Cathal Cleary Join Pig and Runt on their 17th birthday binge as reality violently collides with their fantasy and their world begins to crumble. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
Beds listings
Hertford Christmas Gala - Fri 27 Nov 16:30 20:30 Free Entry The Christmas light switch on is always a favourite with locals and visitors to Hertford. Head to Hertford to meet Santa and stroke his reindeer, browse the Christmas markets. Hertford Town Centre
Gamlingay Spooky Fireworks Spectacular to music - Sun 1 Nov British Fireworks Champions present Gamlingay’s Spooky Fireworks Spectacular to music. Bring the whole family to enjoy our professional display by Fantastic Fireworks. Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay SG19 3QP
Home (U) - Sat 28 Nov Home When Oh (Jim Parsons), a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip who is on a quest of her own. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE
Blunham Firework Display - Sun 1 Nov Blunham Playing Field, 36a Barford Road, Blunham MK44 3ND Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - 50 Things Walk - Sun 1 Nov Join our rangers and get out into the countryside for a free family exploring session. Make sure you dress for the weather and be prepared for adventure! Booking not needed. Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY
The Nick Ross Orchestra Presents Sounds of the Glenn Miller Era - Sat 28 Nov The lights soften, the mood settles. An audience waits for that first moment of sound. The Big Band is poised, relaxed, but with eyes anxious for the lead. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL So Comedy Live: On the Road - Sat 28 Nov So Comedy presents So Comedy Live: On the Road The producers of The Graham Norton Show take to the road to bring you their pick of the very best names on the UK stand-up
Free Learning Lunchtime Talk - Wheels Around Willington: A History of Transport Mon 2 Nov Merv Askew talks about the history of transport links within the Bedford River Valley Park area. Learning Lunchtime talks
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The Mansion House Shuttleworth - Sun 8 Nov Visit The Bedfordshire Wedding Fair and the beautiful Mansion House at Shuttleworth. Enjoy two fabulous fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm featuring the latest bridal gowns. Doors open 11.15am-3.30pm with free admission and parking. The Mansion House, Shuttleworth Park, Old Warden Park, Old Warden, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9EA
are approximately 1 hour, with time for questions and answers. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS Introduction to Palaeography - Tue 3 Nov “That looks amazing.. But what does it actually say?” Come along and discover the basics skills of reading old handwriting with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX
Free Learning Lunchtime Talk - Around the World in 60 Minutes - Mon 9 Nov Robert Chadwick takes us on an information packed journey across the globe. Find out about latest travel trends and popular ’must-see’ destinations with a few surprises along the way. Learning Lunchtime talks are approximately 1 hour. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS
Isn’t it all online? - Thu 5 Nov While researching from the comfort of home has much to be said for it there is more to be uncovered if you venture out. Discover why some material can be accessed online and why some cannot with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES
Talk on Costume Dressed Dolls by Christine Parfitt - Wed 11 Nov Come and join us for an interesting talk which will perhaps inspire you to get creative. Christine Parfitt will talk about how she creates Gilbert and Sullivan replica costumes for dolls. West Room, Parish Hall, Church Road, Harlington LU5 6LE
Binocular & Telescope open days - Thu 5, Sat 7 and Sun 8 Nov 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
Forest folk and Roots present Under a Banner and Ella Hayes - Fri 13 Nov Anthemic folk rockers Under a Banner are sure to get The College Arms rocking - support comes from bluesy roots artist Ella Hayes. The College Arms, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield MK43 0SR
Poppy Prom - Sat 7 Nov A concert celebrating the best music from The Festival of Remembrance and The Last Night of the Proms. Featuring South Beds Concert Band, St Mary’s Choir and the Dagnall Community Choir. Licensed bar. St Mary’s Church Eaton Bray LU6 2DJ
Autumn Bazaar - Sat 14 Nov St.Augustine’s Church Hall. Catsbrook Road/Icknield Way. Luton LU3 2JR
Gifts For All Occasions Craft Fair - Sun 8 Nov There will be over 60 stalls, all with Christmas presents ideas, a raffle and refreshments. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade SG18 8JH
Christmas Fair - Sat 14 Nov Come and buy your presents: Cakes, plants, toys, craft stalls, gifts for Christmas. Refreshments + lunches - including bacon butties. Eaton Bray Village Hall LU6 2DJ
Classics Central’s Classic Car Auction - Sun 8 Nov Come on down to the Bedford Autodrome for your slice of the classic car action! Classics Central presents a selection of handpicked classic cars to be sold at auction. The Bedford Autodrome, Thurleigh business Park, Thurleigh MK44 2YP
Elgar Cello Concerto - Sat 14 Nov Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra; Michael Rose (conductor) Sibelius - Pohjola’s Daughter Elgar - Cello Concerto (soloist: Julian Metzger) Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL
Open Day - Free Healing and Holistic Therapy advice - Sun 8 Nov We are having an Open Day to celebrate our 18th Anniversary as a Healing Organisation. We will be open from 11 am to 4 pm. Wrest Park Enterprise Centre, Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HS
Farmers’ Market - Sun 15 Nov Bringing fresh, local produce to the Forest Centre. Free entry, selection of stalls each month. 10.30 3pm. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS
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Biggleswade Antiques Fair - Sun 15 Nov If you have an eye for antiques or are after something unique and beautiful for your home or collection, then visit Biggleswade Antiques Fair. We have over 45 stalls offering a wide range of antiques from silver, quality jewellery. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH
Bedfordshire landscape. Learning Lunchtime talks are approximately 1 hour, with time for questions and answers. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS I have a Plan - Tue 24 Nov Architectural drawings can tell us more about our world than the buildings that survive. Come and explore a world that was and a world that might have been with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX
Free Learning Lunchtime Talk - The Nature of the Forest: Photography Around the Vale - Mon 16 Nov Professional wildlife photographer Peter Smart focuses on the beauty of nature in the Forest of Marston Vale. Learning Lunchtime talks are approximately 1 hour, with time for questions and answers. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS
Charity Christmas Fayre - Tue 24 Nov 6:00pm - 8:30pm Free Entry Stocking Fillers, Gifts or Treat yourself All welcome, please invite family & friends Raising funds for Help for Heroes, Cystic Fibrosis & Multiple Sclerosis. Mount Pleasant Golf Club, Station Road, Lower Stondon SG16 6JL
Great Estates - Tue 17 Nov Fancy the Downton lifestyle? Find out more about these great estates and the people who lived and worked on them with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX
Leighton Buzzard Tree Festival - Fri 27 to Sun 29 Nov A display of trees decorated to the theme of A Christmas Carol this year. Societies and traders in the town are invited to put an entry into the festival depicting what the theme means to them. We are now inviting everyone to come along and join in. All Saints Parish Church, Church Square, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1AE
St. Mark’s Church 21st Annual Christmas Craft Fayre - Sat 21 Nov 10.30am - 3.30pm Grand Prize Draw - 1st prize a LED freeview digital television & various other prizes Entrance 50p. Over 25 professional craft stalls. St Mark’s Church & Community Centre Calder Rise/Avon Drive Bedford MK41 7UY
Antiques Exhibition - Fri 27 and Sat 28 Nov Williams Antiques & Restoration along with Ralph Moss Antiques & Copperplate maps will be holding a Christmas shopping exhibition of fine Antique furniture, silver, antique maps, glass, pottery, paintings and collectables. 1 Hampshire Buildings, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedford MK44 2JZ
Melchbourne Christmas Fayre! - Sat 21 Nov Have a great Christmas shopping experience. Join us for a glass of mulled wine and other refreshments while you browse a great selection of stalls: Craft Stalls, Village Pantry and Jewellery. St Mary Magdalene Church, Melchbourne MK44 1BB
Festival of Fairies and Pixies - Sat 28 Nov Loads of magical fun for boys and girls aged 6 – 12 years, both under cover and outdoors. There will be funky face painting, spellbinding stories in the woods and refreshments. Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach LU7 0EB
Christmas Craft Fayre - Sat 21 Nov 10.- 2pm. Books, Raffle, Craft Items, Parachuting Teddies from the Church Tower, Tombola and lots of other things. Refreshments . Admission £1 All Saints Church Renhold The Elves & The Shoemaker - Sun 22 Nov Shooooooooooooooes ....! Ah, new shoes .... Delightful on the feet. Soft, dancing shoes; swarthy pirate shoes; silver buckle and silken soles. No one makes shoes like an elf. Cranfield Village Hall MK43 0DR
Binocular & Telescope open day - Sat 28 and Sun 29 Nov 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
Free Learning Lunchtime Talk - An Unassuming County: The Making of Bedfordshire - Mon 23 Nov Local author Brian Kerr talks about the fascinating geological and agricultural past of the
Eclectic Eighties Presents The Finale: Return Of The 80’s - Sat 28 Nov The original Dunstable 80’s Night since 2008 is here for the second assault of eighties pop this year!
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free range turkeys and pre order yours ready for Christmas! You can also pre-order your goose, duck, chicken, gammon, rib of beef, chipolatas, sausage meat and bacon. Hazeldene Farm HP5 2XD
Tonnes of 80’s classics from 8.30pm until 3.00am 23 High Street North, Dunstable LU6 1HX Christmas Fayre - Sat 28 Nov Stalls, Refreshments, Raffles, Tombola, Craft Stall – Lunches. St Anne Church, Crawley Green Rd Luton LU2 0RB
Chiddlers’ hour: Esio Trot - Tue 3 Nov For 0 to 3 years: 30 minutes of songs, storytelling and adventure and 30 minutes of free play and crafts based on Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Luton Choral Society Concert - Sat 28 Nov Haydn - Little Organ Mass, Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs, Vaughan Williams - Dona Nobis. St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Luton LU1 3JF
Ladies Festive Shopping & Fashion Evening Wed 4 Nov What better way to get yourself in the Christmas spirit than coming along to an evening of Festive shopping and Fashion whilst raising money for Scannappeal. The Wycombe Swan Old Town Hall and Oak Room, High Wycombe HP11 2XE
Bucks Listings WI 100th Anniversary Exhibition - til Wed 9 Dec Did you know that in the 1933 BFWI Cookery Book Stokenchurch WI had a recipe for Bacon Badger – and Ballinger WI were making sloe Gin and Elderflower Champagne? Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Waddesdon Manor - Christmas cookery school - Wed 4 to Fri 6 Nov Ensure Christmas is stress-free in the kitchen this year. If you’re looking for some stylish ideas for entertaining that you can prepare in advance this is the day for you. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH
Stripeypants Doodle Dolls - til Sun 1 Nov The Doodle Doll project began its journey in a very small way when UK artist Shelly Wyn-deBank made a few cotton blank dolls for her immediate family to doodle on. She watched them doodling, relaxing and enjoying it. Stantonbury Theatre (Stantonbury Gallery) MK14 6BN
The Tythe Barn at Christmas - Thu 5 Nov Find something wonderful this Christmas. Once again we have a great selection of Christmas decorations and gorgeous gifts. The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Church End, Haddenham HP17 8AH
Crazy Entertainers - Sun 1, Sat 7, Sun 8, Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 21, Sun 22, Sat 28, Sun 29 Nov Every Weekend In November, enjoy the Madness and Mayhem of Odds Farm Park’s Crazy Entertainers! All included in entry and with several shows daily. Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe HP10 0LX
Amersham Concert Club - Sat 7 Nov Chamber Music Concert given by The Prince Bishop Brass Quintet, Mike Walton, Derek Ruffell - trumpets, Stuart Gray - trombone, Chris Senior - French horn, Stephen Boyd tuba, Fanfare ‘La Peri’ ~ Dukas, Suite in D ~ Jeremiah Clarke. Dr Challoner’s High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Amersham HP7 9QB
RAF in Concert Tour - Sun 1 Nov A musical tribute to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain featuring the Bands of the Royal Air Force. Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe HP11 2XE
Oompa-Loompa trail - Sat 7 Nov For all ages: hunt for rhyming clues around the Museum and then make up your own Oompa-Loompa rhyme. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Discover the demons in Dahl’s archives Sun 1 Nov For 10+ years: a behind-the-scenes peek at our archive store, which houses Roald Dahl’s unique collection of original letters and manuscripts. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Dickens Abridged - Sat 7 Nov Written & Directed by Adam Long. Newbury Productions Dickens Abridged is a high-speed comic journey through Dickens’ Greatest Hits, including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations (complete with flaming bride), David Copperfield. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Turkey Tasting Day & Early Christmas Gifts Sun 1 Nov Our Annual Turkey Tasting Day is a great chance to taste our beautiful bronze
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Theresa Yu piano recital - Sat 7 Nov Sydneyborn young pianist Theresa Yu, from the Royal College of Music, plays a programme of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Granados. Christ Church URC, Oxford Road, Marlow SL7 2NL
storytelling and adventure and 30 minutes of free play and crafts based on Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL Hi-de-Hi! - Wed 11 to Sat 14 Nov Chesham Theatre Company present a stage adaptation of the hugely popular British TV series, Hi-deHi, which revisits the 1950’s and Maplins Holiday Camp with its colourful characters. The Elgiva Chesham HP5 1HR
Comedy Night with Marlon Davis - Sat 7 Nov An evening of award winning stand-up comedy from The Comedy Cow in the intimate setting of The Crown, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes. Headlining the evening is Marlon Davis, a bright young comedian, improviser and actor. The Crown, 9 Market Square, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BE
University Lecture: The Cowper Collection Thu 12 Nov Hugh Belsey, art historian and lecturer at University of Buckingham 12 November 6.30 – 8pm £7.50; free refreshments during short interval. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Childrens Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Ruby’s Vintage & Retro Fair - Sun 8 Nov The beautiful Old Town Hall will be full to the brim with vintage loveliness - 30 plus stalls of vintage clothing and accessories, homewares, linens, kitchenalia, upcycled and vintage furniture, retro gifts and so much more. The Old Town Hall, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe HP11 2XE
The Chiltern Camerata performs a Concert of Concertos - Sat 14 Nov The Chiltern Camerata, Conductor Sam Laughton, performs a Concert of Concertos The first concert in our 2015/16 season – our 20th season - is given over entirely to concertos, in which in which the members of the orchestra will combine as players. Amersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham HP6 6AJ
Fantastic Family Fireworks Night - Sun 8 Nov Fireworks Night for the Family. Hog Roast - Mulled Wine - Snacks - Glow products - and of course a Fantastic Firework Display. Holtspur School, Beacon Close Entrance, Holtspur HP9 1BH
Off the Wall Art Fair - Sat 14 Nov to Sat 12 Dec This popular and vibrant selling show returns this autumn with oils, watercolours, prints, sculpture and ceramics. A range of art will be on offer to suit all pockets and you can buy and take away on day of purchase in time for Christmas. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Write a rhino with John Hegley - Sun 8 Nov For 8+ years: John Hegley, one of the UK’s most popular and most hilarious poets invites you to join him for a deep and daft session of stories, music and verse. Draw your own dragon, write your own rhinoceros and hear about parrots and guillemots. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL Militaria Fair - Sun 8 Nov Arms and Armour UK are very proud to present The Bedford Militaria Fair at Stantonbury and hope that you will join us at the next event. As the press say, Bedford is the miltaria fair with the big queue, come and find out why! Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN
Little Chalfont Farmers’ Market - Sat 14 Nov Great selection of quality, locally produced food at this monthly market. Buy rare-breed pork, bacon and sausages, lamb, game and poultry. Plus seasonal fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, artisan breads, pies and baked goods, cheeses. Village Hall car park, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP8 4UD
Shakespeare Schools Festival - Tue 10 to Fri 13 Nov The Stantonbury Theatre is thrilled to welcome local talent to the stage as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Each night four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays. Come and celebrate the achievements of our local schools. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Mr Fox’s foraging hunt - Sat 14 Nov For all ages: tunnel your way through the Museum, looking for clues to find out where Farmer Boggis keeps his chickens.81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL Fantastic foraging bags - Sun 15 Nov For 5+ years: decorate a cloth bag with prints, ready to go foraging in the woods like Fantastic Mr
Chiddlers’ hour: Fantastic Mr Fox -Tue 10 Nov For 0 to 3 years: 30 minutes of songs,
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Where is Wonderland - Sat 21 Nov An immersive drama workshop for children to stretch their imaginations and develop their creativity and drama skills. Explore the world of Wonderland meet some of the characters and have a chance to create your own fictional world. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Fox. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL 25th Anniversary Concert - Sun 15 Nov James Goff Big Band With singer Jeannie Dee Milton Keynes (Stony Stratford) Lions Club The Lions Club are pleased to bring back James Goff and his Big Band for the 25th year for this ever popular event. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Wonderland Tea Party - Sat 21 Nov Ever wondered what it would be like to have tea with the Mad Hatter and March Hare? Well now you can. Get Creative and have a go with a feast of fun games, activities and crafts and let your imagination take over as you explore Wonderland. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Chiddlers’ hour: The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me - Tue 17 Nov For 0 to 3 years: 30 minutes of songs, storytelling and adventure and 30 minutes of free play and crafts based on Roald Dahl’s The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Norwegian Christmas Tree Trail - Sat 21 Nov For all ages: hunt for Christmas trees around the Museum and find out about Roald Dahl’s Norwegian heritage along the way. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Winter Exhibition of Affordable Art - Fri 20 to Sun 22 Nov A group of 13 artists from Buckinghamshire and nearby have regrouped following a highly successful summer exhibition at Green Dragon Eco Centre, to exhibit fresh new work across a huge variety of artistic pursuits. Green Dragon Eco Centre, Hogshaw, Claydon Road MK18 3LA
Bellowhead - Sun 22 Nov Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury HP20 1UG Elgar and Vaughan Williams - Sun 22 Nov Choral and orchestral concert, including the Elgar Cello Concerto and Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony. Danesborough Chorus and Milton Keynes Chorale with the Milton Keynes City Orchestra conducted by Ian Smith. Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ
Where’s Alice - Fri 20 and Sat 21 Nov Black Sheep Collective 2015 sees the 150th anniversary of one of the world’s most wellloved books, Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN Schools Education Workshop Devising and Theatre adaptation - Fri 20 Nov An opportunity for schools to participate in an educational drama workshop based around the production. See how the team put the script and the adaptation together. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Awesome advent calendars - Sun 22 Nov For 5+ years: decorate your very own advent calendar from fantabulous fabric, ready to hide lots of surprises inside. 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL Chiddlers’ hour: The BFG - Tue 24 Nov For 0 to 3 years: 30 minutes of songs, storytelling and adventure and 30 minutes of free play and crafts based on Roald Dahl’s The BFG. 8183 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Waddesdon Manor - Clocks and Automata Lecture - Fri 20 Nov Join Jonathan Betts, Curator of Horology at Royal Museums Greenwich, who will examine the history of clockwork automata and how clocks were created over the centuries. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH
Autumn Talk - Wed 25 Nov “People and Land in Bucks: Population Studies 1086-1801” A talk by Michael Ghirelli. Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham MK18 1JX
TV Themed Concert by The Woburn Sands Band - Sat 21 Nov The programme for the next concert by this popular brass band includes TV themes and music from TV adverts past and present. Come along to remind yourself of some great TV themes. The Venue MK, Fyfield Barrow, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes MK7 7WH
Elegy For An Echo by Intangible Productions - Wed 25 Nov It’s been eight months since Connor’s fiancé died, driven to suicide by her own personal demons. Since then his life has quickly fallen apart; Stantonbury Theatre Buckinghamshire MK14 6BN Hughenden - Christmas Wreath Making Wed 25 Nov Ever wondered how the
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Gloriumptious pre-Christmas event - Sat 28 Nov For all ages: part of Great Missenden’s Village Christmas Festival the Museum will be open for free from 3.00pm to 8.00pm. Join in with storytelling, drop-in Christmas crafts and head to the Shop for some festive offers. 8183 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
professionals make those stunning Christmas wreaths' Get into the festive spirit and create something special this Christmas! Places are limited. Tea, coffee and festive nibbles included. All materials are provided. Hughenden, High Wycombe HP14 4LA Town Farm Art Show - Fri 27 to Sun 29 Nov Perfectly timed for that special Christmas gift! Eleven talented artists & makers showing an exciting mix of hand-crafted, high quality artwork. Paintings, illustration, ceramics, woodcraft, woodcarving, Egyptian quilts & jewellery. 6 Town Farm, Cheddington, Near Tring LU7 0TT
Buckingham Christmas Light Switch On - Sat 28 Nov Annual Christmas Light Switch on and Carols around the tree outside the Old Gaol. The lights will be switched on at 6pm by Buckingham’s Mayor, Cllr Andy Mahi, MK Dons mascots Donnie and Mooie will also be present. Buckingham Town Centre MK18 1JX
Classic Clapton at The Stables Milton Keynes - Fri 27 Nov The World’s No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band featuring front-man Mike Hall will be will be making a welcome return to Milton Keynes Stables as part of their 30th Anniversary Tour. The Stables Theatre, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU
Learn about Artists - Sat 28 Nov Meet artists exhibiting in the Off the Wall selling show. Find out more about how they work and their inspiration. 11am – 3pm. Diana Strathon, printmaker, and Susan Gray, seascape artist, will be in the gallery in the morning. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
Meet Me at Machu Picchu - Sat 28 Nov Late one night, home alone (again) Cat asked the gods: ‘Send me an adventurer!’ And they did. He came via an online dating site, and soon Cat left cold Birmingham behind to fly to Peru. Padbury Village Hall MK18 2AP
Christmas Celebration and Light Switch On Sun 29 Nov A fantastic traditional family event with free kids rides, free refreshments (including Mulled Wine for the adults) and free amazing entertainment. Donations welcomed and all proceeds this year to charity. The Theatre District, Central Milton Keynes MK9 3PU
Classical Music Concert - Music to suit everyone - Sat 28 Nov Crendon Camerata will be directed by Robert Salter, formerly director of the Guildhall String Ensemble. Programme: Mozart Divertimento, Grieg Holberg Suite, Suk Serenade and two pieces by Gerald Finzi. St Marys Church, High Street, Long Crendon, Aylesbury HP18 9AL Christmas Craft and Food Fair - Sat 28 Nov Yes it’s back for another feast of festive family fun, and it’s even bigger than last year with over 60 artisan food and handicraft stalls including everything from teddy bears to turkeys. We have sourced the very best local and regional craftsmen. Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN
To be included in future listings Email: thesticks9@gmail.com Putting ‘Listings’ in the subject line, giving details of your event and contact details.
A Potted History of Magic - Sat 28 Nov Adrian Ward - Mr Magician Come and travel with Adrian through an interactive hysterical historical whistle-stop tour of magic from the medieval to the modern day. By the way he’ll need some help from the audience! Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN
Deadline for December /January Issue 15th November --------------------------------------------------------
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