Sticks November 2017

Issue 55 November

2017

In this edition of The Sticks Exclusive interview with Motown Legend Martha Reeves Q and A with Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace Panto Time Part 1 Win your Christmas Party with Best Parties ever (worth £500) Russell Grant’s November horoscopes The Cheese Plate Advice from Consensus HR BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace – What Does Healthy Living Mean to You? Aiden on the Hop Big Barn Food Column And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks 1

2

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 Martha Reeves Q and A with Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace HR Column from Consensus HR Curwens Column Russell Grant’s November Horoscope Art Column What Does Healthy Living Mean to You? Win your Christmas Party with Best Parties Ever Aiden on The Hop The Cheese Plate Big Barn Food Column Film Review – Blade Runner 2049 Panto Time Part 1 Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks

Page 4-6 7-10 11-12 13 14-15 16-17 18 20-21 22 23 24 25 27-32 34-42

Contributors: Terry Sullivan, Janey Lee Grace, Sharon Struckman, Toby Archer, Russell Grant, Matthew Pinto – Chilcott, 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 8pm every Monday exclusively on SG1 Radio (Repeated on Wednesday at 6pm) www.sg1radio.co.uk

www.sg1radio.com/player.php

3

Exclusive Interview with Motown Legend Martha Reeves It was in 1962 that Motown's Artist and Repertoire Director William “Mickey” Stevenson first heard the voice that would become synonymous with "the sound of young America." A young jazz/blues singer with the unlikely name of "Martha Lavaille" was bringing audiences to their feet at Detroit's famed 20 Grand Nightclub singing songs made popular by singers the likes of Gloria Lynne and Della Reese. He invited her to audition at the new Motown Records headquarters, "Hitsville, USA." Though the audition never happened, within a year, Martha had taken the reigns of the company's A&R department, ingratiating herself. She saw that musicians showed up on time and got paid. She watched, learned, and whenever opportunity presented itself, she sang. And when she did, everyone took notice. When Mary Wells couldn't make a session, Martha was called to the mic. With her group, the Del Phi's, she recorded "I'll Have to Let Him Go," and Martha and the Vandellas was born.

The song was rather forgettable, but Reeves' sound wasn't. While waiting for her first hit, Martha (along with Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard) backed Marvin Gaye on his first three releases and sang with him on stage. Soon, however, they emerged from the shadows with "Come and Get These Memories," followed by an enviable string of hits: "Heat Wave," "Quicksand," "In My Lonely Room," "Nowhere to Run," "My Baby Loves Me,", "Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things," "I'm Ready For Love," "Jimmy Mack," and, of course, the Motown anthem, "Dancing In The Street."

The Sticks recently caught up with Martha ahead of her show in London You joined Motown in 1962, what was it like in Detroit then? It was just like London, Liverpool; it was like everywhere we travelled in ’62, enterprising and filled with music lovers. It is so good we recorded music that lasted over the ages and I can celebrate 55 years of performing and recording.

When you started did you think your career would last this long? I never put a time on it, I never dreamed I would be so overwhelmed with the success of the music, the ambition was to please Mama, who taught me to sing, to do my best, to use my voice and sound like her and my dad, who played blues guitar. There was never a time put on it, it was always the ability and the blessing of having my talents.

I come from a family of 12 siblings and my daddy worked for the city water department and growing up we only had a radio to listen to, no television when I

4

was little, all we did was sit about sing, recite poetry and try and keep music in our hearts.

When did you discover your talent for singing? In a choir not everyone can sing but when you blend it sounds like angels singing. My grandfather was a Methodist minister and he discovered I could sing when I was just a tot, my brothers and I won candy in my grandfather’s church on a Saturday night in the talent contest.

Mum let me be the boss of the candy and rewarded me when I did what she told me to do. She taught us song that we would sing in church and that was the beginning of my career. That when I realised I had something and mum tutored me so that is how I started singing.

I am product of public schools in American and I used to sing there, the public school teachers paid more attention to the gifted children, my teacher Mrs Emily Wagstaff in the 5th grade realised I could retain lyrics, she then singled me out of the class and would get me to sing five minutes before the end of the class with the pianist Mrs Douglas, this also happened in high school, where I got to sing solo at the Henry Ford auditorium in front of 4,500 people at the age of 17, my little knees were knocking with fear but it went alright. We were the first high school singing live on the radio, I guess that was my entry into show business. Before I realised it I found I could please someone with my voice.

Mum always told me don’t sing a song unless you can sing it from your heart and I used that as a yardstick when choosing songs at Motown; there were 17 writers and their job was to create music for Berry Gordy’s artists and they would compete with one another.

When I was A&R secretary, I would sit there everyday and see the acts come in; and record - like The Contours for instance also I would call the different people in for recording sessions. It gave me very little pay but a lot of compensation because I did demos for $5 and I did the job from 9-5 for $35 a day, so it turned out to be a good job and a great way in to a contract with Motown Records.

How did your big break happen? I called the group The Andantes in to do a session that was scheduled but they were not available, so I called in my girls The Del Phi’s and we sang back up on Marvin Gaye’s “Stubborn Kinda Fellow”. I saw William Stevenson write the song and Marvin Gaye had recorded previous to my arrival at Hitsville USA but he had not had a hit. William liked our harmonies and made us in to a group and we became Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. Our first release was “I'll Have to Let Him Go," it did not sell very well, but then Holland, Dozier, Holland (the great Motown song writers) got wind of our harmonies and gave us "Come and Get These Memories," It was the first song that they had 5

collaborated on. Motown was a very magical place to be, Berry made over 30 acts famous.

Hitsville USA was a five bedroom house that was transformed by Berry’s father who was in construction. They took the garage and made studio A, it was a beautiful music making machine and the front door was always left open so you could always go there to create or listen to music.

Do you come to UK often? Yes, I have been on tour 3 times this year and I have been coming to the UK for 55 years. I would like to perform for the Queen, I did once get a glimpse of the Queen Mother. I performed recently with Mary Wilson (of The Supremes) on the Queens Variety show but sadly the Queen was unable to attend as Prince Phillip was ill. I feel very much at home in England and come there so regularly I should take up residence!

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions? I would like to receive a Grammy, I have had many nominations but never won, also I have never had a number1 record or a gold record presented to me; even though over the years I have sold millions of records those are the unfulfilled ambitions but my dream is one day to make a movie of my life and experiences. I have written a book called “Dancing in the Street – The Confessions of a Motown Diva” which will give people the vision of what it was like at Motown.

For more information on MARTHA REEVES http://www.missmarthareeves.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/MARTHA-REEVES-Official-Page Twitter - https://twitter.com/MARTHAREEVESvan

Tickets for Martha Reeves London show taking place on Saturday 18th November are available from: London – ULU (London University) Box Office No – 0844 477 1000 Website – http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ Doors – 7.00pm Tickets - £25.00

6

Q and A with Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace What can audiences look forward to about Tango Moderno? Flavia: It's our first show that's set in the modern day and it's set in a city. It's left to the audience to work out where the city is but it's quite urban. The main difference is that we're not going to be characters in the show but rather we'll be narrating it through dance, with an urban poet helping tell the story.

Vincent: It's a very modern story that reflects what's happening at the moment, with all these gadgets and phones and internet dating.

Flavia: It's lots of different stories about people who meet and fall in love.

Vincent: We capture the feelings of the moment and evolve it into dance.

It's billed as your hottest, most thrilling and audacious show yet. Can you elaborate on that? Flavia: We've done three shows that have all been based around love stories, where we meet, break up, get back together. We didn't want to come back with another show about the same thing. It's going to be more flamboyant.

Vincent: I'm really happy we're doing this because as Flavia says we've done shows set in the past and people see us as being from that era.

Flavia: Like Fred and Ginger...

Vincent: That comes from the ballroom thing, Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack. But we've done that and this time we wanted to push ourselves and use modern songs with choreographically up-to-date storytelling. We can't keep doing the same thing so this is really exciting for us.

What is the soundtrack this time round? Vincent: It's much more contemporary.

We have some songs that have been on the radio this year, like Human by Rag 'n' Bone Man, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran – which is very new for us.

Flavia: But there are also some beautiful ballads in there which will allow us to do a waltz and a foxtrot. The tango music isn't traditional because it wouldn't fit the theme, but there's a lot of modern tango music out there.

What are the big challenges for you as performers with this particular show?

Vincent: The thing that's really new for us is that we're not going to be the

7

protagonists. We don't have strong characters that the story revolves around, we revolve around other stories.

Flavia: We're basically Cupid's arrow so we try to make people meet, we try to make them fall in love, we try to manipulate them.

Vincent: But it doesn't mean there's less of us in the show than usual. If anything it's double the work because we have to be around making sure the characters meet, making the story happen, then we have to capture the feeling through dance numbers.

What are you most looking forward to about taking Tango Moderno around the country? Vincent: We're proud of everything we do because we give everything to it and this is no exception. It's like 'Guys, please come and see this because it's amazing what we've created'. I also like how audiences are so different wherever you go and when you have a matinee they're not as flamboyant as an evening crowd who [laughs] may have had a drink or two.

Flavia: It varies from town to town, whether it's a matinee or an evening show or a Friday or Saturday night. Being on the road also means you get to explore other places, although you try and rest as much as you can because it's hard work doing seven or eight shows a week. There are places I love going back to, like Canterbury and Bath and Glasgow and Edinburgh – there are so many beautiful places on this tour.

After your last show The Last Tango you said you wouldn't be touring again.

What changed your minds? Vincent: After every show we go 'No more!'

Flavia: The kind of show we put together – with a big cast and big sets, props, lots of group numbers – is always a huge challenge. Every time you start the process you think to yourself 'OK, I'll do it this time but there's no way we can put ourselves through it again'. Physically and mentally it's so demanding and we've been touring with our own shows since 2011.

Vincent: With The Last Tango we got offered ten weeks in the West End after the tour and we couldn't say no to that because it's such a big opportunity. We found when creating The Last Tango that we had so many new creative ideas and raw choreography that we just couldn’t accommodate them into that production.

Flavia: But as I say we can’t say no!

What is it about the tango in particular that continues to inspire you? Vincent: The music. I can be driving the car and a tango comes on the radio or my iPod and I get goose bumps. Not many people can feel the tango – it's a gift that you either have or you haven't. We hear a tango and we're in awe of the music. We feel it and you can see that in our dancing. It's not just a routine, it's a passion that comes from inside and you can't teach that.

Why do you think dance shows continue to be so popular, both in the West End and around the country? Vincent: People just love them. Dance is an art and it can inspire feelings in you – it can make you laugh, it can make you happy, it can make you sad. Theatre is the best platform for that and I always say our shows 8

have to be a rollercoaster of emotions. The first show Midnight Tango was all about the tango so it had passion and drama, then our second show Dance 'Til Dawn was a comedy and people loved it, then The Last Tango was quite emotional and moving. There's so much you can do with dance when it comes to telling stories.

Flavia: Obviously Strictly has made dance popular and it's made it popular amongst men too, which is something that was lacking before. It's about being transported into another world. People can come along for two hours and forget about their lives and their problems and just enjoy great music and great dancing.

What do you most enjoy about working together? Vincent: It's easy. We share the same passion and we know how our bodies work together. We know exactly what we're capable of doing together. Our director Karen Bruce has worked with us for the last seven years and she knows our strengths, and we have an amazing creative team. There's also a chemistry. People say 'Nobody can dance like you do, nobody can do the tango like you do' and I have to agree. It's that extra magical thing that you can't explain, it just happens.

Flavia: We're also quite versatile. We do ballroom, we do Latin, we do Argentine tango, so with a lot of the routines we do we tend to fuse things together. We don't just do tango or a waltz; we take a traditional version of a dance and mix it with other things.

Spending so much time together, do you ever get on each other's nerves?

Flavia: [Laughs] Of course!

Vincent: It's not that we get on each other's nerves, it's more about the pressure.

We're professionals and if something goes wrong it can be frustrating because we want things to be perfect.

Flavia: But with other dancers with the pressures we have it might get very dramatic in rehearsals, but we've done this so many times that we know we haven't got time for arguing or bickering, we have to get the job done. Sometimes it's better to bite your tongue and crack on with it.

Vincent: It's professional, not personal.

How do you get match-fit for a tour? Vincent: Rehearsing the show over and over keeps you fit. You're dancing every day and that keeps you in shape.

Do you have any pre or post-show rituals? Flavia: I always brush the suede soles on my dance shoes. They call it 'scratchy scratchy' because you can always hear me brushing my shoes before a show. Then afterwards it's a hot bath in the hotel to relax.

Vincent: I sometimes take Rescue Remedy because I get nervous. I care so much about the performance that the nerves kick in and Rescue Remedy calms me down a bit. Then after a show I just relax and maybe watch a movie.

9

Will you be keeping up with this year's Strictly Come Dancing? Vincent: We don't have the time because we perform on a Saturday evening and on Sunday we're travelling.

Flavia: But it's a great show and I think it will always be successful because it's glitzy and glamorous. People want to see beautiful costumes and hair and makeup, they want to see stories, they want to boo and cheer the judges and all of that.

Vincent: Everyone has their favourite celebrity.

Flavia: And it's fascinating for viewers to see the highs and the lows. If you're at home on a Saturday night I can't imagine what else you'd want to watch.

When you meet fans are there things they tend to ask? Flavia: [Laughs] 'When are you going back to Strictly?'

Vincent: Or 'Why did you leave Strictly?'

Flavia: But we left at the right time and we love doing what we're doing now. It's good to move forward.

Will Tango Moderno be your last touring show? Flavia: I don't think we'll change our minds this time.

We've done four shows, four stories, four concepts that we're really proud of. I don't think our feet and our backs will want to do seven or eight shows a week after this. There are so many other things we could do – teaching, choreographing, workshops, the documentary film industry that we've touched upon. There's plenty for us to get our feet into.

Vincent: One of the reasons we left Strictly was because we wanted new challenges. Touring has been a challenge and there are other things to explore now.

Flavia: And hopefully if we're not on the road all the time we'll enjoy life a little more. For the whole of our career we've sacrificed a lot of our personal time because of our work and our dancing. We're away from home a lot so it'll be nice to have much more of a balance.

See Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace in Tango Moderno at Milton Keynes Theatre - Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 November www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

10

TK Maxx employee fired after ‘fight’ over trainers wins tribunal This is a very interesting retail case in relation to an employee being dismissed over a fight over trainers and failure to obtain professional medical advice when needed.

Matthew Pinto-Chilcott MD of Consensus HR comments “This case highlights the importance to businesses of ensuring that medical advice is obtained when needed as too many times business owners make decisions that are not fully investigated whilst not seeking the advice / support of medical professionals and ensuring the correct action is taken. Throughout my career and especially in my operation days within hospitality, I had to seek a medical professional’s advice (GP / Consultant) to ensure the correct action was taken. In this case the issue of remedy will be determined at 10 a.m. on 18 September 2017 but as it includes discrimination the award can be unlimited.”

JUDGMENT - Case Number: 2200211/2017 The unanimous Judgment of the Tribunal is as follows: 1. The claim of unfair dismissal succeeds; 2. The claim of wrongful dismissal succeeds; 3. The claim of Discrimination Arising from Disability (s. 15 of the Equality Act 2010) succeeds; 4. The claim that there was a failure on the part of the Respondent to make reasonable adjustments (ss 20 and 21 of the Equality Act 2010) succeeds; 5. The issue of remedy will be determined at 10 a.m. on 18 September 2017 save in the event of the parties advising the Tribunal that such issue has been settled between them Marianne Calnan's of People Management (2nd Oct 2017) comments further: The Central London Employment Tribunal heard that Ali Sadeghi worked for the clothes and homeware chain for around 13 years in various store-based roles, including as a temporary Christmas shop assistant, before becoming store manager in 2009, and general manager in 2013. In March 2016, Sadeghi was promoted to general manager of TK Maxx’s High Street Kensington store. Shortly after Sadeghi took up the role at the High Street Kensington store, it was alleged that he behaved inappropriately towards some colleagues. When he was asked about this by his District Manager and the Regional HR manager, Sadeghi told them he suffered from depression and anxiety, including having suicidal thoughts. This, in turn, negatively affected his sleep and mood, and made him quick to anger.

Sadeghi mentioned at the time that he was receiving therapy and taking medication for his condition. However, witnesses for TJX UK – which owns the TK Maxx brand – claimed they had not been aware that this was an on-going illness, although the tribunal determined that, after examining the evidence, it was unlikely that this was the case.

11

Matthew from Consensus HR comments “Too many times businesses do not communicate fully with their teams when a member of the team cannot be seen to performing well and assume that there is nothing wrong. Managers need to have a good enough relationship with their employees to be able to identify when something is not right and ask their team member if all is ok or is there something we can help with? Of course there will be some times when even doing this an employee will not open up as they find it personal and maybe shaming to admit to depression and anxiety or another illness. A culture within the business should be created that supports all employees and if needed permission sought to write to their GP / Medical professional for advice on how to support them going forward. I am not saying this is easy, especially when you have a business to run but through ensuring the correct policies and procedures / culture are created and management development can help to ensure this does not happen within your business.”

In August 2016, Sadeghi claimed he was abused, including being sworn at loudly, by a customer after he told them he could not refund a pair of trainers because they appeared to have been worn outside, which would have been against TK Maxx’s returns policy.

The tribunal was told that the unhappy customer then pulled out his phone to record the incident. TK Maxx had previously been involved in a TV programme including covert recordings made at its stores. Sadeghi was aware that the company had issued advice to employees to prevent such recordings from being made in the future and pulled the phone away from the customer over the shop counter.

When the customer refused to let go of his phone, a contractor cleaner tapped him on the shoulder and took the opportunity to snatch the device away and throw it to Sadeghi. The police were called and escorted the customer off the premises.

The customer later wrote to TK Maxx to complain, with claims including that Sadeghi had tried to rob him of his phone, that he was punched by the cleaner and that, after the cleaner punched him, Sadeghi and a security guard had joined in.

After receiving the complaint and reviewing the CCTV footage of the incident, some of TK Maxx’s management team called Sadeghi to a disciplinary hearing in October 2016.

He was subsequently dismissed for gross misconduct.

Allowing Sadeghi’s claims, which included unfair dismissal and disability discrimination, the tribunal concluded that TK Maxx had gone ahead with its disciplinary procedure without first obtaining a proper medical opinion to confirm whether Sadeghi’s mental health issues had been on-going.

“This may mean getting additional medical opinions before they make any decisions, which both mitigates the alleged conduct and the severity of any disciplinary sanction that may otherwise be awarded,” she said.

Please ensure that you continually discuss any employee issues with us when they happen and as part of your monthly HR service so that we can ensure the correct action is taken and the wrong result avoided as we have written to medical professionals on numerous occasion’s to ensure that we can support the individual & business.

Contact us at Consensus HR by filling in our enquiry form or telephoning us on 01462 621243

12

YOUR LOCAL SOLICITORS

I’ll leave it to the cats’ home!”

It’s a fact – you do have the right in law to leave your money to anyone you like – even the cats’ home – and I’m sure they would be very grateful. The problem comes when you don’t provide for certain categories of dependents who can argue they are entitled in law to receive some provision.

Private client lawyers are always advising their clients to think carefully before cutting off relatives who may have recently upset them and who have stopped visiting. The Court lists are full of cases where these relatives who feel upset at being cut-out of someone’s estate are seeking to, in effect, re-write the terms of a will after death because they can claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Families and Dependents) Act 1975 This act aims to allow the Court to look back at the deceased’s estate and balance the stated wishes of the deceased with the fair and reasonable provision for relevant people who come within certain categories, such as a spouse or civil partner. This can be where the provision left for them is not enough or where they have been left out of the will entirely. It can also be used when there was no will at all, and under the strict rules of intestacy, a dependant is left wanting.

There is no substitute for proper legal advice – firstly when drafting your will, and secondly if you are dealing with the after-effects of a devastating will provision, what you can do about it.

If you would like to talk about this, contact one of our experts in the private client team on 0208 363 4444.

Curwens have offices in Royston, Hoddesdon and Enfield.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listings To get your listings included in the December / January issue of The Sticks Email the details putting listings in the subject line to thesticks9@gmail.com

Deadline: Friday 17th November

13

Russell Grant’s Monthly Horoscopes for November ARIES (March21st-April20th) CANCER (June22nd-July23rd) Devoting yourself to cultural pursuits will be good for you at the start of November. Dive into a good book, listen to beautiful music and enjoy a movie marathon or a box set night in. The Full Moon on the 4th brings in an impressive payment for a job well done. Use some of these earnings for a solitary trip. Staying at a tranquil place by the water will give you the peace and quiet you feel your soul needs. You'll be celebrated for your unique style toward the middle of the month. Don't be surprised when you're asked to share your inspired ideas with others.

Your audience will love the innovative spin you put on traditional forms. On the 18th, the New Moon will mark an exciting turning point in a close relationship. You may decide to make a serious commitment to a loving partner or pool your resources to start a business venture. Follow your conscience when faced with an ethical choice at the end of month.

Use the opening days of November to satisfy your wanderlust.

Whether you go on a spiritual pilgrimage, visit a bustling metropolis or enjoy some armchair travel is immaterial.

The important thing is to enjoy the sights, sounds and sensations of another culture. On the 4th, the Full Moon will inspire you to attend a party. Don't be surprised if you start turning heads at this get together. Don't leave until you have gathered a few phone numbers. An unusual career opportunity will fall into your lap in the middle of the month. Be sure to follow it up, even though it involves some heavy responsibilities. You'll find this job to be one of the most rewarding you've ever held. The New Moon on the 18th will mark the announcement of an engagement, marriage or pregnancy. Indulging your own whims could result in an argument at the end of the month. Don't feel guilty about doing what you want to do.

TAURUS (April21st-May21st) LEO (July24th-August23rd) Enjoy the good things that come along with your world of work at the beginning of the month. On the 4th, the Full Moon will put you squarely in the spotlight. This is a wonderful opportunity to show off your creative knowledge and know how. A prestigious organisation will give you a grant, loan or scholarship toward the middle of the month. As a result, you'll be able to earn add to your qualifications, study with a seasoned expert or take a world tour. The New Moon on the 18th finds you irresistibly drawn to someone with a commanding personality. Embarking on a romance or starting a business are all worth considering. A legal matter could go against you at the approach of December; you will have to decide whether it's better to carry on or settle now and cut your losses. Conserving your resources is more important than creating trouble for someone who cheated you. Christmas is coming; don't spoil it by seeking revenge.

Spend the opening days of November catching up with your nearest and dearest. Domestic pursuits, like fixing lavish meals for a family dinner, will be good for the inner you. You could be in line for a rise, promotion or both on the 4th, when the Full Moon highlights your considerable professional skills. If you've been looking for work, you'll land a new position on or around this magical day. You'll be able to travel for both business and pleasure toward the middle of the month; embrace the chance to visit an exotic country that's not a typical tourist destination. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for buying or selling a piece of property. Moving to a secluded area that helps you decompress from public appearances is strongly advised.

As November draws to a close, you'll be attending a bewildering array of parties. Make sure to wear something special to these festive occasions; all eyes will be on you.

GEMINI (May22nd-June21st) VIRGO (August24th-September23rd) Your creative work will earn you a reputation for innovation and skill at the start of the month. Don't be surprised if you're given more artistic assignments as a result of a job well done. If you're looking for work, you could find an excellent career opportunity involving film, fashion or photography. Alternatively, you might join a charitable or humanitarian organisation. The Full Moon on the 4th will bring a welcome opportunity to rest, relax and reflect. Clear your schedule of responsibility and give yourself permission to daydream. At the middle of November, you'll get tremendous moral support from a capable partner. Let your best friend, lover or business associate encourage you to pursue an unusual dream. As the month draws to a close, your expenses are bound to rise. That's only natural with the approach of Christmas.

Set limits on your spending and give yourself enough time to shop for gifts. Some you can buy and others you can make.

An intimate relationship will be a profound source of comfort at the beginning of the month. Clear your schedule so you can spend quality time with your favourite person. On the 4th, the Full Moon brings the successful conclusion of a legal or official matter. At long last, you'll feel free to travel. Schedule a trip to a destination that is famous for its natural beauty. You could get a generous gift from a relative at the middle of the month. Don't worry; there will be no strings attached to this tribute. Write a heartfelt thank you note for this present. The New Moon on the 18th will inspire you to sign up for a challenging course. Acquiring valuable skills will dramatically expand your professional opportunities. As the month winds down, you'll be spending more time at home with your nearest and dearest. Arranging and planning a big Christmas party will appeal to your love of planning.

14

LIBRA (September24th-October23rd)

to take a long trip for pleasure. Visiting a destination that appeals to your spiritual side would be well worth thinking about. At the middle of the month, you'll get some surprising news from a relative that sparks a string of celebrations. This is a great chance to come together in a spirit of harmony. The New Moon on 18th is ideal for attending a party. Your powerful charisma will attract admirers from far and wide. If you're single, you may decide to steer a friendship into romantic waters at this time. You'll have a showdown with a pushy person as the month draws to a close. If you decide to move on and find employment elsewhere, keep your job search a secret. Apply for work at hospitals, government agencies, and universities.

There will be a market for your impeccable taste at the beginning of November. If someone asks you to plan an event, don't do it for free.

Your skills are valuable; charge accordingly. The Full Moon on the 4th brings an impressive windfall in the form of a work bonus, inheritance or legal settlement. Use this money to splash out on some new clothes, luxurious bed linens or fluffy towels. Anything aimed at making daily life more pleasant is more than a good idea; it's a brilliant idea! An unusual partnership will open doors for you at the middle of the month. You'll benefit from your partner's contacts and vice-versa. There's also a chance you'll obey an impulse to exchange wedding vows in an offbeat setting.

On the 18th, the New Moon brings a fantastic job offer.

Being able to earn money while working from home will be the answer to a prayer. Keep your work and living areas strictly separate.

AQUARIUS (Jan21st-Feb19th) A moneymaking opportunity that is both financially and spiritually rewarding will arrive at the start of the month. You are proof that one can earn a living from making the world a better place. The Full Moon on the 4th brings your attention to the home front. Throw a party for a relative who is celebrating a birthday, anniversary or even an academic achievement. Exciting news could arrive via a social media site at the middle of the month.

You'll be relieved and delighted by a friend's bill of clean health. On the 18th, the New Moon will bring an impressive career opportunity. Working for a dynamic gogetter will be a good use of your organisational skills.

You'll enjoy the challenge of sharing their hectic schedule. As November turns to December, you will reap the benefits of a club membership. Don't forget to pay your dues or you will be left out in the cold.

SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd) Your star power will attract opportunities for love, adventure and fun in the beginning of November.

Taking a risk will pay off nicely during this golden period. On the 4th, the Full Moon will prompt you to pay an affectionate tribute to someone special.

Whisk your romantic partner off on vacation, give your best friend a gift certificate for a spa treatment or take a dreaded chore off a business associate's plate. Towards the middle of the month, you'll have an opportunity to share your expertise with an appreciative audience.

Getting paid to pass on your expertise and experience will be a very satisfying experience. The New Moon on the 18th will encourage you to change your look in one way or another as you feel you need an image and style that reflects your ideas and ambitions. As the month draws to a close, serious financial talks and a long term cash decision will improve your income.

PISCES (February20th-March20th) Your idealism will be rewarded in the opening days of November. Don't compromise your principles when it comes to art, romance and the finer things of life. By holding out for the best, you will get precisely that. On the 4th, you'll get positive feedback on a creative project. You might even find that word of your skills is all set to reach a much wider audience. You'll be paid handsomely for your unique abilities at the middle of the month. Take this opportunity to apply for a promotion or launch your own business. The New Moon on the 18th will find an intimate relationship taking a torrid turn. Enjoy a rendezvous with someone who makes your pulse pound. As December approaches, your intuition will grow stronger and stronger. Trust your instincts when searching for the perfect gifts. You'll find exquisite items for friends, relatives and colleagues by closing your eyes and reflecting on the recipient's best qualities. A professional presentation will go very well at the end of the month.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st) Working as part of a team will be rewarding at the start of the month.

You'll enjoy entertaining the group at your home. Take this opportunity to host or plan a festive dinner; playing genial, generous host appeals to your natural generosity.

The Full Moon on the 4th brings the successful conclusion to a demanding job. People will be so impressed with your work that you will be offered a chance to take on a more influential role. Choose the role that offer the most creative satisfaction. At the middle of the month, you'll fall under the spell of a wild rebel. Let them introduce you to an unusual hobby, cuisine or travel destination.

On the 18th, the New Moon will prompt you to spend more time on solitary pursuits. While everybody else is getting ramped up for Christmas, you'll turn your attention inward. Exploring your spiritual needs will relieve stress and allow you to enjoy the true spirit of the holiday season.

www.russellgrant.com Call Russell Grant's Psychics & Mediums now on 0906 539 1526 (ÂŁ1.50p per min + phone access charge, 18+) or pay by Credit/Debit card on 0207 111 6162

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)

Calls to 0906 cost ÂŁ1.50p per minute plus your phone providers access charge;18+ only. All calls are recorded for your protection & safety. This Entertainment service is regulated by PhonePayPlus and is provided by Russell Grant Astrology Ltd. Customer Services 0808 206 4514

Working behind the scenes will boost your professional reputation in the early days of November. On the 4th, the Full Moon will mark the end of an incredibly busy period, allowing you

15

Artist and Author – Kevin Archard It was love at first sight. My love for the Spitfire was already luke warm, having made my most treasured Airfix kit of that aircraft.

Standing on the grass near the runway at Elstree aerodrome, I could not have predicted the effect my first sight of a real Spitfire would have on me. It came across the airfield low and fast, its curves and slim lines shouting out "I am a thoroughbred" and then the noise hit me. There is nothing in this world to equal the sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin at full throttle. As the Mark Nine Spitfire cannoned over my head my knees turned to water. I was in love. And so my lifelong love affair with aircraft was cemented and soon after that wonderful day, my love of art began.

I was born in 1951 in Balham London at a time when the ravages of world war two were clear to see. Food was still rationed, and children had few toys or entertainment, using their imaginations to become a 'Knight in Armour' or maybe a 'Spitfire Ace'.

I was massively impressed with the amount of coloured pencils and paints available to me when I started school. I clearly remember during art lessons, joining my piece of paper to that of my friend sitting next to me. We would then act out the most exciting battles, by drawing tiny tanks, ships and of course planes. His attacking from the one side and mine from the other until finally the winner would be proclaimed. I usually lost, because I was spending too much time getting the details on my miniature drawings correct.

By the time I left school I was drawing regularly and have continued to throughout my life. Later, after falling in love, marrying my wife and producing two beautiful children, I found another passion. Steam locomotives. I have spent many years travelling around the U.K. in pursuit of a life that has passed us by, gone, except for the wonderful Railway Preservation community. The puffing and spitting, chuffing and whistling, clanking and screeching are sounds once so common in Britain. I have ridden the footplates of several of these powerful and charismatic

16

machines and it is true that they have a personality so strong that they become almost a living entity, each different but all are proud and almost defying us to ignore them.

In these travels I have visited many parts of Britain and inspired by the different architecture, landscapes and character of these unique regions, I have tried to represent them in my paintings.

Now retired and I can spend more time enjoying all my passions. I hope you enjoy my humble efforts as much as I have enjoyed creating them.

For more information and to see my painting and find the link to my books go to www.kevinarchard.co.uk or visit The Golden Fleece in Braughing from 16 November until the New Year where I will be exhibiting. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

If you are reading this so are your potential customers To advertise your event, show, restaurant or business in our December /January digital magazine Call 07756 274444 Or email thesticks9@gmail.com Prices from £50 per month

17

Janey Lee Grace - What does healthy living mean to you?

I reckon its time to eschew the ‘pill for every ill’ mentality and take control of our own ‘self-care’ If we all did that, the NHS would be less burdened, the economy would thrive due to less work days lost and we would undoubtedly be happier and healthier.

The ‘holistic’ community has always known the importance of mindset, but now even conventional doctors say that attitude affects your health and happy people have a stronger immune system; what can be better than to get on board with the simple tweaks you can make to your own nutrition and personal care that will enable you to feel well and know that you are contributing to sustainability.

(We believe that by taking the natural approach the ‘eco’ box gets ticked automatically).

So the Healthy Living popup will see a variety of stalls, speakers and experts on a wide variety of topics all connected to health and wellbeing. Our first event is at Morrisons Harrow in their great open space on Thursday 16th November, we are thrilled that we are partnering with UK health radio and Asian Voice magazine and the charity supporting is #Ifican, their aim is to provide support and practical help for those affected by sudden change or crisis. It’s especially important to be working with Morrisons supermarket on this first event as they have been incredibly supportive giving their excess food for delivery, community cafes and sales for Ifican.

I’ll be giving a keynote talk, there will be lots of experts around for Q and A, and we have live music courtesy of Bedfordshire based Hannahs Yard. It’s free to attend (please tell your friends) but if you do register in advance you will be guaranteed a goody bag full of cool healthy products. See you there and if you’d like to talk to us about being involved in the event or organising a Healthy Living Popup in Hertfordshire we look forward to speaking with you.

www.thehealthylivingpopup.com

18

19

Win a table for 10 at this year's Best Christmas Party in Milton Keynes: Midnight at Monte Carlo at Willen Lake (Worth £500)

Now is the time to starting thinking about your Christmas Party... and you could be in the chance with winning one thanks to Best Parties Ever.

Imagine an opulent and entertaining world where anything can happen at a fantastically themed Christmas party this festive season, organised by leading Christmas party experts, Best Parties Ever!

This year, one lucky winner plus nine guests will be transported into a world of extraordinary surroundings and party in style at a Midnight in Monte Carlo themed spectacular.

Indulge in a night of glitz, glamour and sophistication designed for your enjoyment. Join the jet-set, avoid the paparazzi and stroll down the red carpet into Millionaires Casino.

Sensational performances include gravity defying aerial artists as well as dancers, acrobats and pyrotechnic entertainers all found within a beautifully lit, sumptuously decorated venue. Party goers will enjoy a range of delicious hot and cold canapés whilst relaxing with a drink in the uniquely themed bars.

As if that wasn’t enough, a fabulous four course dinner will follow, accompanied by a glamorous and daring show from our troupe of world class specialists.

20

And the fun will not stop there, afterwards guests will be able to head to the casino for a flutter, jump on the exhilarating dodgems or can simply dance the night away!

Entertaining over 190,000 guests every year at 22 venues across the UK, Best Parties Ever has got the festive season down to a fine art!

So join us this year for an unforgettable night - Christmas Parties in Milton Keynes don't get better than Best Parties Ever! from 26th November to 23rd December.

We have one table of ten to give away on any night of your choice (subject to availability). To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below‌.

Question: At how many locations do Best Parties Ever host events?

Email your answer along with your name and a contact phone number to thesticks9@gmail.com Closing date for entries noon on Friday 17th November 2017

For more details of to book your table www.bestpartiesever.com

21

Aiden on the Hop - Join the Beer Revolution!

Visiting St Albans Food and Drink Festival this past month I was delighted to discover a local beer brewed by local beer lovers using local ingredients, including fresh water from their very own Hertfordshire borehole. No fuss, no pretension just three men’s passion and a year’s hard work brewing ales that the people of Hertfordshire, can be proud of.

The word “classic” is often used to describe products. The 3 Brewers “Classic” is the best beer I have tasted in a long while.

This beer left a lasting impression on me, to say the least. As it was poured from the barrel, the colour was the first thing that stood out; a deep amber colour, a light hoppy aroma and a rich and rounded malty taste balanced by subtle hoppiness, to give a supremely clean, smooth and refreshing ale. They have created a modern classic here and I am confident that you'll agree.

Some might say silence is golden, but it’s worth breaking that rule to let you know their golden ale is brewed using Cascade hops which give a subtle citrus flavour, coupled with Cara malt to give a light golden colour and a hint of sweetness.

Their Special English Ale is a robust and full bodied Premium Ale, using chocolate malt to give it a deep copper colour and the finest English hops give the ale a hint of berries. It's a well-balanced, smooth and moreish ale. This Beer has won them a Gold Medal in the Champion Strong Bitter of East Anglia and Finalist in the Champion Beer of Great Britain 2017 The brewery also produces a dark mild and an India Pale Ale, both produced with British hops. Their newest addition to the range - Blonde Ale - was produced in a very limited Dry Hopped Special Edition for the St Albans Beer & Cider Festival.

To find out more, give the brewery a call or go to their website at www.3brewers.co.uk

22

The Cheese Plate With over 200 cheeses to choose from you'll be spoilt for choice at The Cheese Plate in Buntingford; whether you're looking for that one special cheese or want to create the perfect cheeseboard for a dinner party, visit them and one of their friendly, knowledgeable staff will be able to help you select the right cheese for your requirements.

This month we thought we would share some interesting facts about two of the soft cheese we stock at The Cheese Plate.

Our first is Stinking Bishop.

A soft textured, washed rind cheese that develops a distinctive, meaty pungency with age. The cheese is handmade by Charles Martell on his farm in the heart of Gloucestershire. The name of the cheese is derived from the variety of pear “Stinking Bishop”, the juice of which is made into a “perry” and is used to wash the cheese.

This gives the cheese its distinctive nose. The cheese should be the texture of thick clotted cream but on occasions is spoonable rather than sliceable! Stinking Bishop was made infamous after making a cameo appearance in “Return of the Were rabbit” – a Wallace aand Gromit film. This cheese may smell powerfully pungent, but the flavour is rather delicate and herbaceous.

Our second delicious soft cheese is Tunworth, a very British Camembert; soft, white-rinded cheese wonderfully reminiscent of its French cousin.

Tunworth is made markedly different thanks to the rounded green hills and lush grazing of its rural Hampshire terroir. Despite being refined and perfected over the years Tunworth is still made entirely by hand – from the first ladle of pasteurised whole cow’s milk to the waxed paper wrap and poplar box packaging.

The finished 250g cheese has a soft, thin and wrinkled rind, a rich and earthy mushroom fragrance, and a long-lasting sweet and nutty flavour.

Next month we will be helping you put the perfect Cheeseboard together for the Festive Season.

For more information go to www.thecheeseplate.co.uk or follow them on social media.

23

Weekly Roast Whatever the weather we would promote a roast any time of year, a great meal for getting the family together, round the table. No phones or TV, just a great time to catch up and celebrate great food.

‘Roasts’ should never mean that vegetarians are left out. A really good roast should have plenty of veg and a caring host can easily make a separate non meat stock gravy.

The supermarket shelves are stacked with imported meat joints at lower prices. It can be tempting to buy these cheaper meats but the reality is that due to lower animal welfare standards abroad, we don’t know what kind of life the animal has had or how much water has been pumped in to the meat. If, however, you head to your local butchers you can ask about the meat you buy, whether grass fed beef, free range chicken or lamb, or even slow growing rare breeds for extra flavour.

Sunday lunch for the family

For some of us who are lucky enough to grow our own veg the humble roast is a great way to use up your bounty from the garden. Leeks are out and are perfect in a cauliflower bake or even roasted squash to partner your golden roast potatoes.

We would even recommend left over peppers with a beef or lamb joint. Just halve and stuff them with some tomatoes and a touch of basil pesto, bake for 30 minutes at 200ºC and you have a perfect accompaniment to a rich joint with some mashed potatoes.

You need look no further than our local food map for producers and retailers offering everything from delicious British meat, to condiment companies making the tastiest mint sauce and mustards.

And, whatever your meat preference – lamb smothered with mint sauce, or pork with a dollop of apple sauce and a chunk of crackling, you’ll find the best meat for sale on the BigBarn marketplace.

www.bigbarn.co.uk

24

Film Review – Blade Runner 2049

by Sonny Etchell

Blade Runner 2049 is the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 classic. Ryan Gosling stars as ‘K’, a blade runner who uncovers information that leads him on an investigatory journey in which he needs to track down the long missing, Rick Deckard. 2049 is directed by Denis Villeneuve, one of the outstanding directors working today, with titles like Prisoners, Sicario and Arrival under his belt. With 2049, Villeneuve has brought us back to the Blade Runner world and has revitalised the 1982 masterpiece in an epic and necessary sequel.

Blade Runner 2049 is stunningly gorgeous to look at. Villeneuve brings back Roger Deakins, who’s cinematography will have your jaw dropping like it was the first time you watched the original. The setting of 2049 Los Angeles, although bleak, is stunning to look at onscreen. The more advanced versions of the holograms from the first film, with their arcade, neon colours make for a beautiful contrast to the gloomy, collapsed cityscape.

Gosling is great, as is Harrison Ford who gives some of his best work in years. Sylvia Hoeks, however, maybe steals thee film with her excellent performance as Luv. She was menacing and badass as a character you leave the film wanting even more of. Ideally, Villeneuve would have scrapped Jared Leto’s character and given her more to do. It’s not that Leto isn’t good in the film, but his scenes didn’t add much in the ways of story and were the most tedious part of the film. That’s the only slight fault you could give 2049. Also worth a mention is Ana De Armas who plays Goslings lifelike A.I girlfriend and gives some of the more heartfelt moments in the movie.

Blade Runner 2049 is not a film that was made for huge profit or franchise. It’s a film made by a hard-core fan of the first film, made with a sheer love and admiration for the first film. It’s 3-hour runtime, slow pacing and complex themes are not going to bring in box office but it’s a piece of work that, like the original, could become as a sci-fi masterpiece in years to come.

Blade Runner 2049 is a film that honours the original and expands upon the Blade Runner universe. It should be seen on the biggest screen possible, with the best sound possible for the enhancing score that imitates Vangelis’ droning, otherworldly score from the cult classic.

Sonny is an 18 year old student and film journalist Find more at : www.sonnyblog.wordpress.com 25

26

Panto Time Part 1

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and UK Productions are pleased to confirm the return of BBC 3 Counties Breakfast Show presenter Andy Collins and glam icon La Voix, in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Fri 8 - Sun 31 Dec. No stranger to Christmas at the Waterside, this will be Andy’s 7th family pantomime, and once more he will be owning the stage with his trademark humour, (and no doubt some pots and pans!) playing the loveable Muddles. Bucks’ very own funny man, Andy can be heard on BBC 3 Counties’ airwaves every morning, setting listeners up for the day ahead, whilst regularly warming up the masses on hit TV shows including Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, The Chase, Big Brother and Celebrity Juice.

Despite all of Andy’s TV and radio ventures, there’s only one place he wants to be during the festive season, and the much-loved star explains why: “Panto is an annual highlight, not just for me as a showbiz luvvie, but for all the incredible audiences who seem to be booking earlier than ever to get their Christmas panto fix. It’s a magical thing – so much fun, and I genuinely thrive on the buzz. In the words of Dorothy, ‘there’s no place like home’ and for me that’s Christmas at the Waterside. I can’t wait to be back!”

La Voix made a lasting impression in last year’s record-breaking production with her unmistakable red hair, super glitzy costumes and powerhouse vocals. The larger-than life Britain’s Got Talent star who also hit the big screen in 2016 appearing in the Ab Fab movie, returns to play Nursie, and is already getting to work on her priorities: “My outfits are being designed as we speak, and darlings, you’ll be needing sunglasses this winter! I intend to sparkle like a disco ball! Sharing the stage with Andy last year was a hoot… but that was merely a warm up!

Laughter is the best medicine, and as Nursie I’ll be making sure there’s plenty of it!”

Also starring Su Pollard playing Wicked Queen, and a team of the cheekiest dwarfs in the business, if you’re looking for the ultimate escape this December, look no further! Grab your shovel and your pick and book now for this year's magical, must-see family pantomime. Call 0844 871 7607 (calls 7p per min plus your phone company's access charge) or visit www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury.

27

Date: Friday 8 December, 2017 – Tuesday 2 January, 2018 Tickets start from £12.75 Box Office: 01582 60 20 80 (opt 7) Book Online: www.grovetheatre.co.uk Grove Theatre, Dunstable in partnership with Evolution Pantomimes has a fantastic cast of stars to be performing in this year’s spell-binding and breathtaking adaptation of the pantomime Sleeping Beauty!

Evolution Pantomimes, led by television presenter Paul Hendy and his partner Emily Wood, is the most successful pantomime company in the country, producing spectacular shows throughout the UK. They have continued to work their pantomime magic with Sleeping Beauty in Dunstable, starring: John Partridge, best known for his role as Christian Clarke in Eastenders but also a highly regarded West End star, will be turning on the charm as the Prince in Sleeping Beauty. John originally trained in ballet at the Royal Ballet Lower School in London, but tasted the success of his future TV career when appearing in an adaptation of Stan Barstow’s novel A Kind of Loving, at just 11 years old. Leaving school at 16 John joined the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats in which he toured for three years. He burst on to your TV screens in 2008 when he joined the cast of Eastenders, playing Christian Clarke for the next four and a half years.

He is an ultimate showbiz master, with the talent to act, sing, dance and present John has worked with several rock and pop acts, including U2 and the Pet Shop Boys in the past, he was invited to judge Lloyd Webber’s TV show Over The Rainbow and more recently, has played Albin in La Cage Aux Folles, Zach in the West End revival of A Chorus Line, and Billy Flynn in a 2016 UK tour of Chicago.

Fans of John Partridge, be sure not to miss his royal appearance as Prince Charming this December!

One of soaps feisty females, Sally Lindsay, who played Shelley Unwin in Coronation Street, will take no nonsense as the wicked fairy godmother Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty this Christmas. After Coronation Street, Sally has starred on screen in series including Mount Pleasant, Open All Hours and Scott & Bailey, as well as appearing as a regular panellist on Loose Women. She is also an established stage actress, starring in numerous musicals and plays including Ella, meet Marilyn, Much Ado About Nothing and A Taste of Honey. Sally appears as a regular guest contributor to the Radcliffe and Maconie Show on BBC Radio 2, which lead her to

28

be hand-picked for the voice of Piella Bakewell in Wallace and Gromit film A Matter of Loaf and Death, after creator Nick Park heard her voice on the radio.

Now taking on the role of the evil Carabosse, watch as Sally uses her powerful voice for evil in Sleeping Beauty, sends shivers down your spine. Boo!

Where there is evil, you can always find good to counteract it, and CBeebies presenter Rebecca Keatley is sure to shine brightly as Fairy Moonbeam in Sleeping Beauty. A popular character in family entertainment, Rebecca is best known for her energetic and bubbly role in CBeebies’ Justin’s House and Swashbuckle, but more recently CBeebies fans will be watching her on the hit children’s TV show Let’s Play. She is also the narrator on CBeebies’ Time for School and My Family.

Before Rebecca started wearing beards full time, she performed in stage productions including Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Jane Austin’s Emma, as well as on screen in ITV’s Life and Debt. This Christmas, Rebecca is saying Let’s Play a magical pantomime to bring the whole family together with fun, laughter and of course, magic.

With a top quality cast, lots of audience participation, lavish sets and stunning special effects, Sleeping Beauty promises to be Grove Theatre’s funniest and most magical pantomime ever!

The production opens on Friday 8th December, 2017 and runs until Tuesday 2nd January, 2018. Tickets start from just £12.75 and can be purchased from the Box Office on 01582 60 20 80 or online at www.grovetheatre.co.uk …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

29

Welcome to the fairest, hairiest tale of them all!

Rapunzel lets down her hair at Hertford Theatre Longing to untangle herself from the hair curling clutches of the cruel witch, Mother Gothel, Rapunzel is trapped in the tower of towers! Will she escape? Where have all these mice come from? And who pull up that enormous purple parsnip?

Hertford Theatre director, Rhys Thomas, who writes and directs the panto says “families can expect an enchanting Christmas show, with jokes, music and brilliant characters, written with local families in mind”.

Chock full of fabulously frizzy fun and cracking corkscrew capers: Rapunzel is bought you by the same team that created the smash its Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and last year’s blockbuster show Little Red Riding Hood.

Whether you are 4 or 104, this wonderful family Christmas show is a sure fire – remedy for any bad hair day!

So come and let your hair down this Christmas at the best show in town.

Marketing Manager Emma Parlow says “we’re delighted to be holding our press launch at Tom Ashley Hair in Hertford. It makes perfect sense to work in partnership with a local business such as this and create a buzz in the town. A perfect way to start the panto season!”

Rapunzel runs from 2nd December 2017 until 1st January 2018 with various times and prices for each performance.

Full information can be found at www.hertfordtheatre.com

30

Television, musical theatre, pantomime legend and Strictly star Brian Conley stars as Buttons alongside fashionista and television presenter Gok Wan as the Fairy Gokmother with the beautiful Lauren Hall in the title role in Milton Keynes’ mustsee show which delights thousands of theatregoers every festive season.

In a career spanning three decades Brian has appeared in award-winning West End musicals and television sitcoms, presented his own chat shows, recorded three albums and completed numerous sell-out tours of the UK including Hairspray and the title role in the UK tour of Barnum, both of which played Milton Keynes Theatre previously. Brian has completed a nationwide tour of Brother Love, celebrating the music of Neil Diamond, directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, starred in the nationwide tour of Oliver! playing Fagin, played the title role in Jolson, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award, and had leading roles in Me and My Girl, The Music Man and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Brian is one of the celebrity contestants on the BBC hit show Strictly Come Dancing.

Gok Wan’s TV career started with the overwhelming success of his Channel 4 series, How to Look Good Naked and through his expertise as a fashion stylist and the show’s phenomenal success he became an ‘institution for women wanting to find their own unique style and confidence’. The show was so successful it returned for a further six series before he went on to host three series of Gok’s Fashion Fix. Gok’s other recent TV credits include How To Cook Chinese, Gok’s Style Secrets, Gok Live Stripping For Summer, Too Fat Too Young and Gok’s Teen’s The Naked Truth. Gok is a regular guest presenter on ITV1’s This Morning and Gok’s Lunchbox. Before panto, this autumn Gok will tour the UK in his own show Gok Wan – Naked & Baring All. Cinderella in Milton Keynes marks Gok’s third pantomime with Brian Conley having starred together in Cinderella in Southampton and Robinson Crusoe in Southend to fantastic audience and critical acclaim.

West End performer Lauren Hall joins them in the title role of Cinderella. Lauren has previously appeared in Mrs Henderson Presents in the West End and at the Royal Alexander Theatre in Toronto, Annie Get Your Gun in Sheffield, Kiss Me Kate, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Legally Blonde, Singin’ in the Rain, Loserville, 42nd

31

Street, Jersey Boys and appeared in the Olivier Award winning musical revival of Gypsy opposite Imelda Staunton.

Cinderella also stars Ben Stock and Neal Wright as the Ugly Sisters, Matthew Goodgame as Prince Charming and Matthew Malthouse as Dandini alongside Jordan Goodenough, Selina Hamilton, Mari Macleod, Sergio Milella, Lorenzo Pryce, Abbie Quinnen, Jared Thompson, Masha Verdegem with children from Dancebox Studios.

With the clock ticking, tickets to Buckinghamshire’s biggest Royal Ball are selling fast so audiences shouldn’t leave it any longer to book for this year’s must-see pantomime featuring a coach-load of audience participation, laughter, magic, stunning costumes, dazzling choreography and plenty of Strictly surprises along the way.

Box Office: 0844 871 7652 Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 9th – Sunday 31st December Upstage Productions return to The Radlett Centre with this heart-warming show that has something for everyone, combining a popular classic fairytale with all the cherished traditions of a family pantomime.

With fantastic musical numbers, dazzling sets and costumes, this production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ promises fun and laughter, colourful pantomime characters, a beautiful heroine, a beast who is not as he seems and lots of audience participation!

www.radlettcentre.co.uk Box office: 01923 859291

32

33

Disney Themed Fireworks Night - Fri 3 Nov Welwyn Garden City Football & Social Club, Herns Way AL7 1TA

Herts Listings North Herts Association of the National Trust: ‘Wimpole Hall’ - Wed 1 Nov A talk by Veronica Bennett, 7.30 pm. Non- members welcome, £2 on the door. (Membership of National Trust not necessary). Tea and coffee served during the evening. Second hand books and homemade preserves are on sale at every meeting.

Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF

St Albans Cathedral Fireworks Spectacular Sat 4 Nov Come and enjoy a spectacular event full of fantastic fireworks, food and fun for the whole family! Verulamium Park, St Albans AL3 4SW The Best of Bob Marley - One Love Festival Sat 4 Nov Legend are seven top class musicians and singers dedicated to the life and music of the late, great Bob Marley.

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

A Night of Dirty Dancing – The Ultimate Tribute Show - Wed 1 Nov No film has captured the hearts of a generation like Dirty Dancing. Relive the Passion, the Romance & Joy of the Cult Classic and celebrate the music. Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD

Free Museum Tours - Sat 4 Nov Have you discovered the Bishop’s Stortford Museum?

Join us on a guided tour at 11am. Bishop’s Stortford Museum at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Live Midweek Music - Que Pasa - Wed 1 Nov Our resident Jazz Quintet, Que Pasa, will explore and improvise in a range of musical languages, from Jazz, through Cuban to modern. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Nettleden Church Jumble Sale - Sat 4 Nov@ 11am Adm. 50p Lots of stuff, tea, coffee etc.

Potten End Village Hall Nr. Berkhamsted HP4 2QG

Laurence Jones - Thu 2 Nov Public Halls, Harpenden AL5 1PD

Murder Mystery Weekend - Sat 4 & Sun 5 Nov Are you an armchair detective? Think you could outsmart the Police when it comes to solving crimes? Hitchin Priory SG5 2DL

Watford Beer Festival - Thu 2 to Sat 4 Nov The 23rd Watford Beer Festival will take place at the West Herts Sports Club, 8 Park Avenue, Watford WD18 7HP

Saturday Special Evening Clairvoyant Mediums with Mediums John Chafer and Sue Hewer - Sat 4 Nov Clairvoyant Mediumship Evening with two well known and respected mediums. John Chafer and Sue Hewer. 236-238, Foresters Hall, Turners Hill, Cheshunt EN8 9DD

Shalamar: Friends 35th Anniversary Tour Fri 3 Nov The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD The Nutcracker - Fri 3 Nov One of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions and a popular Christmas ballet presentation, The Nutcracker, will be brought to life by Ballet Theatre. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Fireworks 2017 - Sat 4 Nov Bishops Stortford Rugby Football Club CM23 2QE LGVA Fireworks Display - Sat 4 Nov Gates open at 5:30pm. Leverstock Green Village Hall, Village Centre, Leverstock Green, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8QG

Coull String Quartet concert - Fri 3 Nov Programme includes:-Prokofiev: String Quartet No 1 in B minor Op 50, Mozart: String Quartet No 22 in B flat major K589, Dvorák: String Quartet No 12. Benslow Music Trust SG4 9RB

Hertford Heath Christmas Fayre - Sun 5 Nov A Christmas Fayre with over 20 stalls offering unique gifts for all. Book signing by local author Adam Jewitt. The Village Hall 121 London Road, Hertford Heath SG13 7RH

BBC safari star to give local talk - Fri 3 Nov Saba Douglas-Hamilton rose to fame as an elephant conservationist and TV presenter on the BBC series This Wild Life and Big Cat Diaries. Wyllyotts Theatre, 34 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2AA

The de Havilland Philharmonic OrchestraFire Works! - Sun 5 Nov An explosive concert, full of musical pyrotechnics!

Mosquito Way AL10 9EU

34

ADFAS Evening Lecture - From Wild Beasts to Pickled Sharks - Linda Collins - Wed 8 Nov The opening of Tate Modern in 2000 took London by storm. Thousands more visitors than expected piled into the building. The Court House High Street Berkhamsted HP4 2AX

The Harpenden Wedding Fair - Sun 5 Nov Why not join us at Rothamsted Conference Centre for the Harpenden Wedding Fair.

Tours of Rothamsted Manor will be available on the day. Rothamsted Manor House, Rothamsted Estate AL5 2BG Singers at the Barn - Sun 5 Nov Come along to ‘Singers at the Barn’, a monthly music variety show at the Barn Theatre, Club Room, Welwyn Garden City. Barn Theatre Club Room, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST

Buddy Holly & The Cricketers - Thu 9 Nov 25 Years of Rock ’n’ Rolling The World! 2017 – For quarter of a century, this breathtaking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Free Fireworks Display - Sun 5 Nov Fairlands Valley Park, Six Hills Way, Stevenage SG2 0BL

Voodoo Room - A Night of Hendrix and Cream - Fri 10 Nov Fantastic musicians paying homage to two legendary rock artists.

No costumes or gimmicks, just the songs of Cream and Hendrix, played brilliantly.

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

Zorro The Musical - Tue 7 Nov to Sat 11 Nov The thrills and excitement of the legendary masked hero Zorro have kept readers, filmgoers and audiences enthralled for almost 100 years. Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN An Evening with Alan Gilzean and Alan Mullery hosted by Micky Hazard - Tue 7 Nov A nostalgic look back on White Hart Lane with two of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s most inspirational players in Alan Mullery and Alan Gilzean. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

The Knebworth Christmas Fair - Fri 10 to Sun 12 Nov A wide range of Christmas and seasonal goodies including art, craft, design, food and drink. Knebworth House, Knebworth SG1 2AX Jerusalem - Fri 10 to Sat 18 Nov Jez Butterworth’s contemporary classic. Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron, local waster and modern day Pied Piper, is a wanted man. Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL

West Side Story - Tue 7 to Sat 11 Nov After bringing a bit of the West End to St Albans with Sister Act, the NODA awarding winning St Albans Musical Theatre Company, SAMTC. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Shark in the Park - Sat 11 Nov When Timothy Pope receives a brand new telescope for his birthday, boy is he excited to test it out at the park! Mosquito Way AL10 9EU

thescreen: RSC Live Encore - Coriolanus (12A) - Wed 8 Nov A full-throttle war play that revels in the sweat of the battlefield, Coriolanus transports us back to the emergence of the republic of Rome. thescreen, Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishops Stortford CM23 3JG

Stevenage Choral Society - Puccini’s Messa Di Gloria - Sat 11 Nov SCS and Mid-Herts Youth Orchestra are proud to present this Concert. Giacomo Puccini’s Messa or Messa a quattro voci. Church of St. Andrew and St. George SG1 1XX

Shark in the Park - Wed 8 Nov Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope –but wait, is that a Shark, in the Park!? From the creative team behind ‘The Hairy Maclary show’.

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

Theatre Organ Concert - Sat 11 Nov Robert Wolfe - Resident Organist at the Thursford Collection in Norfolk and one of the World’s leading Theatre Organists. St Albans Organ Theatre, St Albans AL1 5PE

“Costa Rica” - Ken Panchen - Wed 8 Nov Illustrated talk organised by Watford Local RSPB Group. Stanborough Centre, 609, St Albans Rd, Watford WD25 9JL

London Klezmer Quartet concert - Sat 11 Nov LKQ brings you Klezmer at its most beguiling and seductive. Benslow Music Trust SG4 9RB

35

Christmas Show! Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Mozart Requiem and Dyson Hierusalem - Sat 11 Nov Harpenden Choral Society opens its 42nd season with a programme of works by Sir George Dyson and W.A. Mozart.

Harpenden High Street Methodist Church AL5 2RU

Christmastime at Gravelly Barn - Thu 16 to Sun 19 Nov Fine arts and gifts for Christmas created by local artists from Essex and Hertfordshire. There will be painting, glass, photography, cards, and ceramics. The EJD Studio, Gravelly Barn SG11 2RD

Mind Body Spirit Event - Sat 11 Nov Spiritual Development Events Ltd presents a Mind Body Spirit Fayre at The Ware Priory High Street Ware SG12 9AL

Hatfield House Christmas Frost Fair 2017 Thu 16 to Sun 19 Nov Held in the Old Palace, Riding School, Stable Yard and large heated marquees. Wonderful original and unusual gifts for family & home. Hatfield House AL9 5NQ

Beach Hut The Musical - Sat 11, Sun 12, Sat 18, Sun 19 Nov Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive AL4 0JQ Christmas Market - Sat 11 Nov 10am - 2pm.

Hoddesdon Methodist Church Middlefield Road, Hoddesdon EN11 9ED

Festive Floral Designs with Gill McGregor Fri 17 Nov Gill McGregor will be demonstrating her Festival Floral Designs in aid of The Nightingale Cancer support Centre (Reg. Charity No: 1094435) Cuffley Hall, Maynards Place, Cuffley EN6 4JA

Lea Singers Concert -Duruflé Requiem & Chichester Psalms - Sat 11 Nov From the most simple melodies and the oldest words comes this evening of strikingly “modern” music. St John’s Church, 5 St Johns Road, Southdown, Harpenden AL5 1DJ

Midge Ure, The Christians & Altered Images - Fri 17 Nov Midge Ure with his Band Electronica, The Christians and Altered Image featuring Clare Grogan. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Musical Sunday Afternoon - Sun 12 Nov Enjoy a musical Sunday Afternoon listening to this fascinating collection of unique selfplaying musical instruments. St Albans Organ Theatre, St Albans AL1 5PE

Book Sale - Fri 17 and Sat 18 Nov Do come and have a cup of coffee and browse our large selection of Fiction, Classics, Reference and Children’s Books. St. Mary’s Church, Reed SG8 8AN

The Little Hadham Antiques Fair - Sun 12 Nov An established fair known for its wide range of quality antiques at reasonable prices. Little Hadham Village Hall SG11 2BP

Parmiter’s Christmas Craft Fair 2017 - Sat 18 Nov The Parmiter’s Christmas Gift Fair is a successful and popular annual event for those looking for gifts and has over 70 stalls.

Parmiter’s School, High Elms Lane, Garston, Nr Watford WD25 0UU

Sister Act - Mon 13 to Sat 18 Nov Following numerous award winning and nominated performances, BSMTC present this unique show, based in 1970’s Philadelphia. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Vamp til Ready - Sat 18 Nov Chipperfield Choral Society is hosting a social event featuring ’Vamp til Ready’ at 7.30pm in Sarratt Village Hall, The Green, Sarratt, Rickmansworth WD3 6AS

TAMED: With Professor Alice Roberts - Mon 13 Nov How do you tame wildness? For hundreds of thousand of years our ancestors existed in a world where they depended on wild plants and animals. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

The Rezillos - Sat 18 Nov Public Halls, Harpenden AL5 1PD

Afro Celt Sound System - Tue 14 Nov with The Dhol Foundation. St Alban's Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD

Potters Bar Baptist Church Christmas Fayre - Sat 18 Nov Fun for all the family with childrens games, cakes, handmade cards and gifts, nearly new stall, toy stall, children’s treasure hunt and more. Potters Bar Baptist Church, 63, Barnet Road, Potters Bar EN6 2RB

That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show 2017 Wed 15 Nov Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit get ready to party as That’ll Be The Day returns with its Brand New 2017

36

anniversary in the business as he, together with Eden Kane, Mike Berry, and The Wildcats. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Hidden Hertford Walks - All Saint’s Church Sun 19 Nov Why not take a leisurely stroll to work up an appetite on a Sunday morning? All walks begin at 11am prompt. Booking is essential, £2 per person. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Hertford Christmas Gala - Fri 24 Nov The annual Christmas Gala event with Christmas markets, street entertainment, performance stage, petting reindeer. Hertford Town Centre, Various Locations.

Christmas Craft & Gift Fair - Sun 19 Nov Head down to Hertford Theatre and find some unique Christmas presents for all the family. As always, our café will be open.

Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS

Omid Djalili - Schmuck for a Night - Fri 24 Nov Award winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili known for his legendary stand-up performances, is back on a nationwide tour!

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

Octagon Music Society: Richard Watkins (horn) - Sun 19 Nov In this recital Richard will talk about the horn and demonstrate it’s evolution to the present day. The Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JA

Cabaret Evening 2017 - Fri 24 and Sat 25 Nov Based on Stephen Sondheim’s Comedy Tonight, Ware Operatic’s popular Cabaret Evening returns to Ware Drill Hall,17 Amwell End, Ware SG12 9HP

Symphonia Acedemica concert - Mon 20 Nov Programme includes:-Beethoven: String Trio No 1 in G major Op 9, Crusell: Clarinet Quartet No 3 Op 7, Mozart: Oboe Quartet in F major K370. Benslow Music Trust SG4 9RB

Harpenden Circle Gift & Craft Fair - Fri 24 and Sat 25 Nov Christmas Gift & Craft Fair with over 50 stalls selling jewellery, pottery, clothing, toys, accessories, artwork, Christmas decorations and food. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD

The Stylistics - Tue 21 Nov Direct from the USA with their greatest hits in concert. The Stylistics are known instantly for their recognisable hits. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Wilde Without the Boy - Fri 24 Nov A solo adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis, a letter Wilde wrote to his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, from Reading Gaol. Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL

Jim Davidson - 40 Years On - Wed 22 Nov Britain’s most controversial comedian celebrates an explosive 40 years in show business. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Christmas Bonanza! - Fri 24 Nov 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm. To celebrate the Christmas lights switch on in Hertford, drop in for some festive fun! Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert - Wed 22 Nov Brand new stand up show from the unrivalled master of observational comedy! As seen on Mock The Week (BBC) and Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure (BBC). Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Craft & Gift Fair at Place House Hall - Sat 25 Nov 11am – 3pm, free entry. Come and browse the stalls for ideas for Christmas gifts in Ware’s beautiful Place House Hall, Bluecoat Yard, East Street, Ware SG12 9HL

John Mayall in Concert - Thu 23 Nov For over 50 years, John Mayall has served as a pioneer of blues music, rightly earning him the title, “The Godfather of British Blues”.

Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Christmas with the Dedicated Divas - Sat 25 Nov Along with Christmas favourites, female vocal group the Dedicated Divas will present a programme of popular classics and show tunes. 16 -18 Victoria Street AL1 3JB

Anglian Mist - Fri 24 Nov Love, lies and betrayal form the content of Stuff of Dream’s 2017 production. Roe Hill Hall, Briars Lane, Hatfield AL10 8EY

Waterloo The Best of Abba - Sat 25 Nov This phenomenal tribute show looks back at the sensational rise to stardom of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid. Bishop’s Stortford

The Solid Gold Rock ‘N Roll Show - Fri 24 Nov Join us in celebrating Marty Wilde’s 60th

37

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

famous classical ballets of all time. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Christmas Market - Sat 25 Nov Over 20 stalls with a huge variety of products - almost every stall is raising funds for charity.

Berkhamsted Civic Centre HP4 3HD

David Hockney: A Bigger Picture / 82 Portraits and 1 Still Life - Sun 26 Nov Widely considered Britain’s most popular artist, David Hockney is a global sensation with exhibitions in London, New York, Paris and beyond. The SandPit Theatre, Sandringham School, The Ridgeway AL4 9NX

Countdown to Christmas: Festive Fun Day Sat 25 Nov Join the HIT Team for a fantastic festive jamboree this November with Watford Mencap and you’re sure to be entertained.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Elaine Paige in Concert 2017 - Sun 26 Nov The First Lady of Musical Theatre Elaine Paige has performed live in concert all over the world. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Praying Mantis - Sat 25 Nov The Rock Den, Hatfield AL10 8TP

Victorian Christmas Fair at Mill Green Museum - Sun 26 Nov Santa will be in his grotto along with his trusty elf. There will also be Victorian street sellers, Victorian photos, Christmas Pop-Up Shop. Mill Green Mill & Museum Bush Hall Lane Mill Green, Hatfield AL9 5PD

The Big Annual Quiz Off - Sat 25 Nov A fun evening to celebrate musical theatre with a range of rounds from general knowledge to show tunes and picture tests. Hitchin Boys School, Grammar School Walk, Hitchin SG5 1JB

Jason Manford - Tue 28 Nov Jason Manford, is back with a work in progress show ahead of his national tour in 2018, which promises to feature a wealth of comedy anecdotes. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Tenors Unlimited - Sat 25 Nov ‘Venice to Vegas.’ Hear the best songs from the world’s Opera Houses, Broadway Theatres & Concert Halls.

Broadway Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD

Milton Jones Is Out There - Wed 29 Nov Milton Jones is Out There. No, really out there and this time he hasn’t just forgotten his keys. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Hoddesdon Loves Christmas - Sat 25 Nov High Street, Hoddesdon Letchworth Town Centre Christmas Gala & Lights Switch On - Sat 25 Nov Letchworth Town Centre

Live Midweek Music - Bill Cornell & The Golden Era Jazz Band - Wed 29 Nov Come along to see The Golden Era Jazz Band where you will hear music from New Orleans including marches, stomps and blues, Chicago Dixie and New York. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Think Christmas, Think Hertford - Sat 25 Nov Christmas markets, craft workshops and seasonal offers. Hertford Town Centre, Various Locations St Elizabeths Christmas Bazaar - Sat 25 Nov Lots of stalls selling a variety of gifts for Christmas.

St Elizabeths Centre, Perry Green, Much Hadham SG10 6EW

Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band - Thu 30 Nov Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band released ‘Big Machine’ (Topic Records) to critical acclaim in February 2017. Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

Christmas Gift & Coffee Morning - Sat 25 Nov Christmas gift stalls, toys, preserves, raffles, tombolas. Refreshments including bacon butties, sausage butties, cakes, tea and coffee. St Lawrence Church Hall, St Lawrence Church, High Street, Abbots Langley WD5 0AS

Ladies Night & Fashion Show - Thu 2 Nov Treat yourself at our evening of fizz and (affordable) fashion, presented by Pure Heart Jewellery! Forest Centre MK43 0PS

The Nutcracker - Sat 25 Nov Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the most

Bonfire & Fireworks Display - Sat 4 Nov Gates open 5.30pm BBQ - Bar - Fairground

Beds Listings

38

rides Bonfire 6.30pm Fireworks 7pm. 36a Barford Road, Blunham MK44 3NL

Song of the Sea (PG) - Sat 11 Nov This superb Irish animation is an enchanting and very moving family film. The story is rooted in Irish folklore, with selkies, giants and faeries. The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65-67 Bute Street LU1 2EY

Binocular and Telescope Event - Sat 4 and Sun 5 Nov Impartial, friendly advice on choosing the best binoculars, telescopes and accessories to suit your needs. The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL

Winter Birds and Thrushes Walk - Sat 11 Nov £4 per person - a guided walk around the Millennium Country Park to see what winter birds have arrived! Forest Centre MK43 0PS

The Cross Keys Fireworks Display! - Sun 5 Nov The biggest Fireworks Display yet from Ampthill Round Table and UK Events and Tents will be taking place from 3:30pm. The Cross Keys MK45 5HB

Amazing autumn adventure! - Sat 11 Nov A walk to discover and learn about some of the trees, fungi and other signs of autumn in the woodland and gardens at The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL

Sunday Stroll - Sun 5 Nov A light, guided stroll around the Park. Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. £1 payable to the leader on the day, no booking required. Forest Centre MK43 0PS

Give Nature a Home Day - Sun 12 Nov An event full of fun and discovery, held on the Gatehouse lawn. Close up views of the birds at the ringing demonstrations. The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL

Fantastic Fungi - Sun 5 Nov Come along to discover and identify some of the many hundreds of wonderful fungi that fill the woodland at The Lodge at this time of the year. The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL

War Notes from Woburn: Remembrance Sunday - Sun 12 Nov Enjoy a traditional two course lunch to commemorate Remembrance Sunday at The Sculpture Gallery, Woburn Abbey MK17 9WA

Antique Showroom Open Days - Fri 10 and Sat 11 Nov Williams Antiques & Restoration along with Ralph Moss Antiques & Copperplate maps will be holding their showroom open days. 1 Hampshire Buildings, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedford MK44 2JZ

Christmas Gift Fair - Sun 12 Nov Lots of stalls, refreshments available, In aid of Tiddlywinks Toddler Group.

Kempston Hammers Sports & Social Club, 134 High Street, Kempston MK42 7BN

Housekeeper’s Know-how - Fri 10 Nov Ever wondered what it takes to preserve and care for a great stately home and its treasures?

Woburn Abbey and Gardens MK17 9WA

Stargazing Night at RSPB The Lodge 16 Nov The Sandy Astronomical Society be visiting The Lodge and showing us amazing planets and stars of the night The Lodge, Potton Road, Sandy SG19 2DL

Woburn Abbey Garden School: Christmas Flowers with Jonathan Moseley - Sat 11 Nov This Christmas Flowers session will give participants the opportunity to experience Jonathon’s talent first hand. Woburn Abbey Gardens MK17 9WA

Thu will the sky.

J.R.R Tolkien’s ’Leaf by Niggle’ - Thu 16 Nov Based on the book by J.R.R Tolkien.

Niggle is a painter. Not a very successful one, partly because he has so many other things to do. The Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65-67 Bute Street LU1 2EY

Shillington Gold Cup Race Night - Sat 11 Nov A great evening out! Come and compete in the races, have a delicious supper then try another race or two! Shillington Village Hall, High Road, Shillington SG5 3LL

Forest Folk and Roots present - Ciircus Street plus support - Fri 17 Nov Nominated

by Alt-Reading as one of the Sounds of 2017.

The College Arms College Road, Cranfield MK43 0SR

Poppy Prom - Sat 11 Nov A concert celebrating the best music from The Festival of Remembrance and The Last Night of the Proms. St Mary’s Church, High Street, Eaton Bray LU6 2DJ

Handel: Messiah - Sat 18 Nov Luton Choral Society, Conductor - Crispin Lewis, Claire Coleman - Soprano, Tristram Cooke - Counter Tenor, Daniel Thomson. St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Luton LU1 3JF

39

Decorations; Christmas Cards; Cakes & Bakes; Preserves & pickles; Crafts. Tombola.

Melchbourne Village Hall, Park Road, Melchbourne MK44 1BB

Aviation lecture: Pathfinder! - Sat 18 Nov This year’s annual Aviation lecture is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first RAF Pathfinder Missions during World War 2. Shuttleworth SG18 9EP

Christmas Fair British Red Cross Bedfordshire 2017 - Sat 25 Nov The programme will include demonstrations, tastings & activities. The Great Hall, Bedford Boys School, Burnaby Road, off De Parys Ave., Bedford MK40 2TU

St Mary’s Christmas Fair - Sat 18 Nov Traditional Christmas Fair -come and buy your presents: Cakes, plants, toys, craft stalls, gifts for Christmas. Eaton Bray Village Hall LU6 2DJ

A Dickens Christmas Festival - Sat 25 and Sun 26 Nov Windows decorated by various village organisations on a Dickens Theme.

Saturday there will be various Stalls, Homemade Preserves, Cakes. Blunham Parish Church MK44 3NQ

Enchanted Forest Grotto - Sat 18, Sun 19, Sat 25, Sun 26 Nov Cackle Street presents – for the first time ever at the Forest Centre…

The elves and fairies are already preparing for Santa’s arrival. Forest Centre MK43 0PS St. Mark’s Church 23rd Annual Christmas Craft Fayre - Sat 18 Nov10.30am. - 3.30p.m.

Grand Prize Draw - 1st prize a LED freeview digital television. St Mark’s Church & Community Centre Calder Rise/Avon Drive Bedford MK41 7UY

Candlelit Cafe - Sun 26 Nov On the last Sunday of every month, and special occasions such as Valentine’s or Father’s Day, we open our Nest as a Cafe and serve hot & cold drinks. Clophill Eco Lodges, Old Church Path, Clophill MK45 4BP

Luton Record Fair - Sun 19 Nov The Country’s longest running specialist record fair. Cut price CDs Hard to find vinyl Bacon Sarnies and tea. The Chaul End Community Centre, 515 Dunstable Road, Luton LU4 8QN

Christmas Fayre - Sun 26 Nov Santa will have arrived at our Christmas Fayre and invites you to join him in his Grotto. Our Annual Christmas Fayre is an event not to be missed. Bradbury House, 155 Barkers Lane MK41 9RX

Biggleswade Antique & Vintage Fair - Sun 19 Nov If you love antiques and vintage then visit Biggleswade Antiques & Vintage Fair.

The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

Spa Christmas Shopping Evening - Thu 30 Nov Receive 20% off all ESPA, OPI and Camellias Tea House products purchased at our special Spa Christmas Shopping Evening.

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, The Country Club, Nr Luton LU1 3TQ

Crafts, Cake and a Cuppa - Sun 19 Nov Come along as there’ll be a wide variety of high quality local handmade art and craft items, with many different crafters attending as well. Woburn Village Hall, Crawley Road, Woburn MK17 9QD

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - Christmas Wreath Decorating Evening -Thu 30 Nov A Christmas workshop with Edlesborough Flowers to create your perfect Christmas welcome. Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Bedford: Shostakovich & Rachmaninov Wed 22 Nov Long Yu conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra in a programme featuring Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto performed by George Li. Bedford Corn Exchange 13 St Paul’s Square MK40 1SL

Bucks Listings Stowe - Family explorers: Wild art - Wed 1 to Thu 30 Nov See Stowe at its most colourful. How many different coloured leaves can you find? Use nature’s own pallet for some art creations of your own. Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham MK18 5EQ

Town Farm Art Show - Fri 24 to Sun 26 Nov Perfectly timed for that special Christmas gift! Eleven talented artists & makers showing an exciting mix of hand-crafted, high quality artwork. 6 Town Farm, Cheddington LU7 0TT

Our Town - Wed 1 to Sat 4 Nov by Thornton Wilder. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Christmas Fair - Sat 25 Nov Christmas Fair with items for all the family: Christmas

40

Muir Trust Residency Talk - Fri 3 Nov Muir Trust residency talk with textile artist, James Fox At the end of his residency and immediately prior to his solo exhibition.

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

Germaine Greer - Tue 7 Nov Women for life on earth: the inevitability of ecofeminism.

Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN Shakespeare Schools Festival - Wed 8 to Fri 10 Nov Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival at Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Guy Fawkes Evening at Dobbies - Fri 3 Nov An occasion to be enjoyed by all the family.

Dobbies, Milton Keynes MK17 9JH

Comedy @ Gerrards Cross - Fri 10 Nov With Tom Wrigglesworth, Paul Thorne, Catherine Bohart, Gordon Southern. Gerrards Cross Community Association, The Memorial Centre, 8 East Common, Gerrards Cross SL9 7AD

Talk - Fri 3 Nov Cancer Research UK are delighted that Eric Knowles from the Antiques Roadshow will be giving an entertaining talk on Charles Rennie Macintosh. Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow MK18 1RP

The Sound of Super Groups - Sat 11 Nov “Sing and Perform” consists of adults and children from all walks of life who love to sing and who are taught by Jo Borras.

Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Craft Fair - Sat 4 Nov Our annual, popular Craft Fair in Buckingham Old Gaol. Favourite stalls returning plus new ones this year so lots to see and look at. Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham MK18 1JX

The Echo & The Stormflies - Sat 11 Nov Bourne End Community Centre, Bourne End SL8 5SX

MK Handmade & Vintage Winter Extravaganza - Sat 4 and Sun 5 Nov The weekend of 4th - 5th November sees the much anticipated return of MK Handmade & Vintage Fairs, for their huge Winter Event! In front of John Lewis in Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre (the centre:mk) MK9 3ES

5 Men Not Called Matt - Live and Untamed Sat 11 Nov Five Men Not Called Matt entertain in their own inimitable way with their powerful voices, splendid harmonies, great choruses and big personalities. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ

Beaconsfield Cricket Club ’Big Bang’ Fireworks & Bonfire - Sat 4 Nov The legendary Beaconsfield Cricket Club Firework event is back. Gates open at 5pm. Bonfire lit

by TV’s Gabby Logan at 7.15, Beaconsfield Cricket Club, London End, Beaconsfield HP9 2HZ

Thornborough & Coombs Community Woodlands Apple Day - Sat 11 Nov Bring your surplus apple/pear harvest along to the Thornborough & Coombs Woodlands Apple Day. The Old Coombs Depot, Padbury Road, Thornborough, Buckingham MK18 2EB

Jim Kweskin - Unjugged - Sat 4 Nov There are only a handful of people who moulded the early folk scene in America at the start of the ’60s. And surely one is Jim Kweskin. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ

Art and Craft Fair at Queens Park Arts Centre - Sat 11 Nov Our hugely-popular autumn event returns with a wide selection of the region’s best art & craft to view and buy, including jewellery, glass, textiles.

Queens Park, Aylesbury HP21 7RT

Shark In The Park - Sun 5 Nov Nonsense Room Productions presents Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope – but wait, is that a Shark, in the Park!? Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Off the Wall Art Fair - Sat 11, Tue 14 to Sat 18, Tue 21 to Sat 25 , Tue 28 Nov to Sat 2 Dec This popular and vibrant selling show returns this autumn with contemporary paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery and more. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Olney Fireworks Display - Sun 5 Nov The event is held behind The Olney Town Football Club and our fireworks are provided by the award winning Gala Fireworks.

The Recreation Ground (sports fields) off East Street, Olney MK46 4DW

Cardboard Carnival - Sun 12 Nov Lempen Puppet Theatre Company presents Cardboard

41

Carnival. The Carnival of the Animals With their own inimitable style. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Tue 21 and Wed 22 Nov Blackeyed Theatre, in association with South Hill Park presents By Robert Louis Stevenson Adapted for the stage

by Nick Lane. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

The Rudolf Hess Cover-up - Tue 14 Nov The curious arrival in Scotland in 1941 of Hitler’s Deputy Fuhrer, Rudolf Hess, remains surrounded by mystery. Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX

Lost & Found - Sat 25 Nov Blunderbus Theatre Company Presents Based on the book

by Oliver Jeffers What is a boy to do when a lost penguin shows up at his door?

Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Kick up your heels at our MacIntyre Barn Dance -Thu 16 Nov Put on your dancing shoes (or cowboy boots), grab your partner, and get ready for a barn dance this November! Cruck Barn, Milton Keynes Discovery Centre, Alston Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 9AP

Christmas Craft Fair - Sat 25 Nov 11am – 4pm. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Childrens Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP Christmas Craft and Food Fair - Sat 25 Nov Back for another spectacular year our now annual festive craft and food fair is a fantastic showcase for artisan foods and gifts.

Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN

Aylesbury Chrstmas Light Switch on - Thu 16 Nov Join in the fun in Aylesbury town centre to herald the start of Christmas. It will take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm in Market Square Aylesbury HP20 1TW

Get Therapy - Sun 26 Nov Danielle Imara presents with a history of drug abuse, chronic self-sabotage and eating disorders.

Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Adjustments 1117: Pre-Resolve - Thu 16 Nov MÓTUS in partnership with Stantonbury Theatre and GradLab Presents Adjustments returns to Milton Keynes! Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Children’s Panto Workshop at Queens Park Arts Centre - Sun 26 Nov We are running a special workshop in preparation for our Pantomime: Panto Play with Pippa North.

Prepare, paint and pin your very own Panto.

Queens Park, Aylesbury HP21 7RT

Twist - Fri 17 Nov Theatre Centre presents

by Chino Odimba His home is dust. His friends are few. His hands are as rough as the seas he has crossed. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN Pace Christmas Gift Fair - Sat 18 Nov With over 50 stalls offering a beautiful selection of gifts, including Christmas decorations, jewellery, food, homeware and more. The Gateway Office & Conference Centre, Aylesbury HP19 8FF

Santa’s Sunday Fun day - Sun 26 Nov A real family favourite! This year’s the parade will be led by 2 Unicorns pulling a beautiful carriage with Cinderella aboard. Market Square Aylesbury

Last Night of the Proms - Sat 18 Nov Watford Band and URC, Chesham are proud to present a live performance of “Last Night of The Proms” at the United Reformed Church, The Broadway, Chesham HP5 1BX

Christmas Gift Fair - in aid of Cancer Research UK - Sun 26 Nov Get ready for Christmas by visiting our Gift Fair where you will find the perfect items. Get that unique unusual present for your family & friends.

Fairford Leys Community Centre Hampden Square Aylesbury HP19 9BH

Marlow Choral Society presents Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana - Sun 19 Nov Marlow Choral Society and Princes Risborough Music Society present Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Wycombe Swan Theatre HP11 2XE

Reindeer Run - Sun 26 Nov Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s brand new festive fundraiser The Reindeer Run comes to Lowndes Park, Chesham HP5 1BX Listings To get your listings included in the December / January issue of The Sticks Email the details putting listings in the subject line to thesticks9@gmail.com

Sadie O’Boyle School of Dance - Sun 19 Nov The Sadie O’Boyle School of Dance returns to Stantonbury Theatre for a variety show.

Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Deadline: Friday 17th November

42

43

44