Sticks Oct 2015

Issue 34 October 2015

In this edition of The Sticks Exclusive interview with Robin Campbell of UB40 Interview with Ed Byrne Our Hero Cheese of the Month Advice from Consensus HR BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace – Enjoy Real Food Win a table for 10 at the UK’s Favourite Christmas party (worth £500) Inside Out – Disney Psychology Chocolate Week And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Welcome to the October 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 Interview with Ed Byrne HR Column from Consensus HR Win a table for 10 at the UK’s Favourite Christmas party (worth £500) Curwens Column Inside Out – Disney Psychology Art Column Janey Lee Grace – Enjoy Real Food Hero Cheese of the Month Big Barn Food Column Chocolate Week Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Contributors: Terry Sullivan, Janey Lee Grace, Jo Coker, Sharon Struckman

See you in November!

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

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

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Exclusive Interview with Robin Campbell of UB40 The story of UB40 is how a group of young friends from Birmingham transcended their working-class origins to become the world’s most successful reggae band is not the stuff of fairytales as might be imagined. The group’s led a charmed life in many respects its true, but it’s been a long haul since the days they’d meet up in the bars and clubs around Moseley, and some of them had to scrape by on less than £8 a week unemployment benefit. The choice was simple if you’d left school early. You could either work in one of the local factories, like Robin Campbell did, or scuffle along aimlessly whilst waiting for something else to happen.

By the summer of 1978, something else did happen, and the nucleus of UB40 began rehearsing in a local basement. Robin’s younger brother Ali, Earl Falconer, Brian Travers and James Brown all knew each other from Moseley School of Art, whilst Norman Hassan had been a friend of Ali’s since school. Initially, they thought of themselves as a "jazzdub-reggae" band, but by the time Robin was persuaded to join and they’d recruited Michael Virtue and Astro – who’d learnt his craft with Birmingham sound-system Duke Alloy – the group had already aligned themselves to left-wing political ideals and forged their own identity, separate from the many punk and Two Tone outfits around at that time. The group had nailed their colours to the mast by naming themselves after an unemployment benefit form.

The Sticks talks to one of the founder members of the group Robin Campbell Can you set the record straight about the two UB40 groups? Well there is only one UB40 but of course my younger brother Ali, who left the band 8 years ago, has now decided in the last 18 months or so to use the name, which is a very strange situation and it is obviously confusing for the fans but we are UB40 we have never stopped being UB40. Ali 4

left and we carried on singing and performing as UB40 so I am afraid it is going to have to go to court and obviously we are going to win because there is not an argument really, but as long as we are not in court we cannot stop him, so it looks like it will end up in court.

How did the band get together? We were a gang of mates since we were at school really.

Most of the rest of the band went to school with my younger brothers Duncan and Ali so I have known them all since I was about 10-11 years old and my brothers I have known since birth. We hung around as a gang as kids so when we decided to form the band it was basically our social circle that we took on the road. The guys who did not join the band became road crew.

What actually made you decided to form a group? All we knew was we had been surrounded by music and loved music since we were kids and we knew we could sing because we had been singing all our lives and we had also talked about it since we were kids, but it was not ‘til the very late 70’s when we went to see Bob Marley in Birmingham and that was the show that made me decide I wanted to be in a band. It was just an incredible experience; they were probably the best live band I have ever seen and it was our love of reggae, we just thought that’s what we want to do.

That was the catalyst I think.

How did you get the name? Well UB40 is or rather was the serial number on your unemployment card, that had your national insurance number, your name and address etc on it and it was the card you presented when ever you went to sign on. It was Unemployment Benefit card 40 hence “UB40”. We all had one at the time and a friend of ours who also had one suggested the name and we just thought it fitted. It turned out to be marketing genius but we did not realise that, at the time we just thought it was a good name. Most of us were unemployed when we started the band and those that had jobs gave them up to join us.

It was like a job; we sat in a cellar and learnt to play together. Yes, 5 days a week for the first 12 months before we ever did a show. You could not have a job and do that.

There is a picture of a UB40 form on the cover of our first album with a stamp on it saying “signing off” so that became the title of it.

You were around during the Two Tone era what was it like? We were carried along on that tidal wave during that time when The Specials were in the charts along with various other bands and we were invited to join “Two Tone” by Jerry Dammers and we actually 5

turned it down because we did not want to be part of a ska influenced revivalist thing whilst we were playing new reggae and not rehashed stuff. It was not really what we wanted to do, although it was a lovely offer because at the time if you were on Two Tone you were more or less guaranteed a hit. It seems the punks of the late 1980’s loved reggae so suddenly there was a market for us.

You used to be involved in political stuff as a group did you not? What do you mean used to be? I have never changed my political views at any point but in the 70’s and early 80’s we were involved in the Rock Against Racism movement, we also did benefits for the miners, during the miners strike and lots of stuff like that. We have always observed the cultural boycott in South Africa; we refused to play there till apartheid was ended, and things like that but it is not particularly groundbreaking.

We did go to South Africa when Nelson Mandela was president and we still hold the live attendance record in SA, we played to almost 250,000 people over 3 nights.

Your last album ‘Getting Over the Storm’ was released in 2013, is there likely to be an album out soon? Yes we are going into the studio next week to make a start on a new album but don’t know how long we will get in there, only a few weeks I guess, as we have got obviously lots of dates that we are doing in the UK and then we are off to Australia after that, so for a few weeks we will be in the studio writing and recording but I don’t know when it will be out, hopefully sometime in the spring, but it is really down to the time we have.

Is there anyone you would like to work with? We would work with anyone, it is an honour just to be asked but if I had to choose I would love to work with Stevie Wonder, he is just one of the great musical genius’s of our time, you forget about the volume and quality of his work - it is just incredible.

UB40 current line up - Robin Campbell - Guitar & Vocals, Brian Travers - Saxophone, Earl Falconer - Bass Guitar, James Brown - Drums, Norman Hassan - Percussion, Trombone and Vocals, Duncan Campbell - Vocals.

See UB40 live during October Tuesday 6 October - Milton Keynes Theatre Sunday 18 October – Aylesbury Waterside Thursday 22 October – Hatfield Forum www.ub40.global 6

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Ed Byrne Interview

By Veronica Lee

Mock the Week star Ed Byrne is an established touring favourite, and despite his youthful looks the Irishman recently marked up 20 years as a comic. His latest show of observational comedy, Outside, Looking In, covers a wide range of subjects – from a recent gastric illness to the success of UKIP – but he talks a lot about his family and it's his most personal yet.

“I didn't make a conscious effort to write a more personal show, but that was what was coming out when I started writing it,” Ed says. “People come to see me for a laugh and I would like to think they go away thinking the show is quite heart warming. A lot of comics may talk about the same stuff, but what makes it mine is that what I'm saying is what I genuinely think on this subject, and I try to make it as funny as I can. I think we all mine our lives to some degree or other.”

Ed is adamant that he will keep his two young sons out of the celebrity spotlight, so don't expect an “At Home With Ed Byrne and Family” in OK! any time soon. But in Outside, Looking In, he shows a picture of one of his sons - the denouement of a bittersweet story about buying new shoes – which not only illustrates it perfectly, but produces an “Aaaah” moment.”

“I'm aware that they haven't given me permission to talk about them and that there will come a point when I can't,” Ed says. “John Bishop, for example, has stopped talking about his [much older] children on stage because people know who they are.

“I talk about them in pretty abstract terms, because what I'm discussing is the act of parenting, and you can't talk about that without mentioning your own children. And there isn't anything in this show that would make them at a later date say, 'I don't like this'.”

But while there is a lot of personal reflection in his new show, Ed also ponders on matters political - the story about his son sparks a passionate section about how we label young children, for instance, and he also talks about feminism and transgenderism.

I ask Ed if dipping a toe into the transgender debate (for which some have been vilified on social media) isn't a little risky. “It has become such a big subject because of Caitlyn Jenner [the former athlete Bruce Jenner, who transitioned earlier this year] and some Twitter trolls were refusing to acknowledge her as anything but Bruce. I thought it was interesting that it stills divides people. I call it the thorniest issue since Jesus was fitted for a hat.”

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The feminist slant to the new show was sparked by Ed's reflections on his early days in comedy and, strikingly, he admits to being a little uncomfortable about some of his more laddish material back then.

“My comedy reflected my life at that time – single and enjoying myself – and most of it was fairly harmless 'the difference between men and women' kind of thing. But some of the stuff about an ex-girlfriend I can see was a bit angry and I wouldn't do it now.”

He says he is more aware of how men and women interact in the modern world and is sometimes surprised by the difference in his reactions to things as a man in his forties to when he was twentysomething. “I started watching Californication [the US dark comedy starring David Duchovny as a sex addict] but I found it insulting because I'm expected to empathise with him. His character behaves so unconscionably that I couldn't watch the second series.”

“I don't how much of that is simply getting older, or that times have changed, or mixing with a broader group of people.

Interestingly I find Twitter can expand your horizons; I've started following all sorts of people on it and it's good to get a different take on things.”

I ask Ed, 43, if he still likes touring after two decades.

“Apart from the travel involved, which no comic likes, I love it, because you have people responding to something that you have written alone in your office, and the work comes alive in a room of people. I like the television things I do, but nothing can beat a live comedy audience.”

In any spare time he has, Ed is a hill walker; when in Scotland he “bags” Munros (peaks above 3,000ft, he's at 75) and the completist, slightly geeky side side of him, he admits, means that elsewhere in the British Isles he also collects “county tops” - the highest point in the county. “I've downloaded an app for them,” he says with a laugh, “and have started making a list of those I've done.”

He's currently writing a sitcom set in an outdoors shop, and I ask if he plans to introduce his sons to the pleasures of outdoors. “My wife, Claire, and I already have. So far they love it, camping and canoeing, that sort of thing. As they're growing it's hard to be apart 9

from them when I'm on tour, and I try not to be away for more than a couple of days at a time, but one of the great things about my job is that it means I can spend a lot of time with them when I'm home.”

One of the UK’s leading comedians is back on the road this autumn with a brand new show! You know - that bloke. The Irish guy. No, not the bald one - the other one. You know him. The one Carol from work really likes. Wait, that might be Jason Byrne.

Anyway… funny chap…has a new show!

As an observational stand up, Ed Byrne is unrivalled. Wherever he performs, be it the Edinburgh Festival, on the International Circuit or a UK tour it is always to capacity audiences. He is consistently at the top of his game and produces time and time again not only fabulously funny shows but shows which critically are highly acclaimed!

Ed’s Television credits are far reaching. Notable appearances include Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, The Graham Norton Show, Live At The Apollo (all BBC) and Comic Relief Bake Off 2015, which sees Ed Hosting one of the studio programmes as well as presenting the supporting Appeals VT, filmed in Uganda.

A future combining a TV career and his passion for the outdoors is in sights as he has now broken into Factual presenting. He continues to be a serious outdoors enthusiast e.g. he recently climbed Mt Blanc (Europe’s highest mountain) for the second time! The past two years have seen appearances on Dangerous Roads (BBC Two), Volcano Live (BBC Two) and he has co-presented a 3 X 1 hr series, Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure which is due for TX on BBC Two, Spring 2015. Ed writes a regular column for The Great Outdoor Magazine and will be fitting is as much Munro Bagging as he possible can whilst on Tour!

www.edbyrne.com Twitter @MrEdByrne See Ed Byrne Live Thurs 8th October

Alban Arena

Weds 21st October

Corn Exchange, Bedford

Sat 24th October

Hertford Theatre 2016

Tues 26th/Wed 27th January

The Stables, Milton Keynes

Fri 5th February

Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

Sun 14th February

Watford Colosseum

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Acas Early Conciliation: First Year Statistics

It is one year since the introduction of Acas Early Conciliation. Statistics are now available showing the impact of the first year of Early Conciliation.

Key statistics include: • Over 83,000 EC cases were dealt with between April 2014 and March 2015 • Three out of four employees and employers agreed to try EC in its first year of operation.

Of the Early Conciliation notifications received between April 2014 and December 2014: • 63% did not proceed to a tribunal claim • A further 15% resulted in a formal COT3 settlement • 22% progressed to a tribunal claim Of the 22% of cases in which a claim was issued, more than half (51%) subsequently settled by way of Acas COT3.

At Consensus HR & Business we have dealt with a few Early Conciliation cases within this first year. We have found the process to be relatively straightforward.

The only problems that we have experienced have occurred when organisations have dismissed an employee and not informed us, and then received a telephone call from Acas to conciliate – but ignored it. Yet - we are here to help businesses in these situations.

Matthew of Consensus HR & Business explains: “We ensure that should a dismissal have to take place, that it is carried out correctly following the relevant laws.

Should it proceed to Acas and conciliation we are able to play a key part in the Conciliation with Acas on the businesses behalf.

He adds: “We offer advice on their defence legally, using the support we have provided, such as Development, Policies & Procedures and Contracts, to ensure the management of their team and business”.

Why not contact us now to check that you have the key essentials in place for the management of your team?

If you need professional HR advice. Contact Matthew Call 01462 621243 or email him via matthew@consensushr.com

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Your chance to win one table of ten on any night of your choice at this year’s ‘Rio Carnival’ themed Christmas party in Watford, hosted by the UK’s favourite Christmas party specialist, Best Parties Ever.

Prize value: £500

This Christmas, Best Parties Ever is transforming Aldenham Country Park into the most exhilarating party ever …. and you’re invited!

From Thursday 3rd December until Saturday 19th December a series of ‘Rio Carnival’ themed parties, packed with intoxicating rhythms, vibrant colours and fabulous entertainment, will wow Watford residents. Guests can grab a drink from one of the Brazilian bars, escape the pressures of everyday life and let their hair down!

As partygoers relax amongst the tropical décor, they’ll enjoy bursts of entertainment from dancers and samba drummers before joining the carnival procession that leads through to the dining area, where a four course dinner awaits. Thrilling displays from aerial acrobats will be on hand to provide afterdinner entertainment.

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Later, guests can take to the dance floor to show off their Samba moves or try their hand at Blackjack and Roulette in the casino. And when heads are heavy and feet tired at the end of the night, a survivor’s breakfast will be served to curb those hunger pangs and set partygoers up for the journey home.

The 2015 party season in Watford will commence on Thursday 3rd December and run until Saturday 19th December with prices starting at £45.00 per head.

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….

What day is the first Rio Carnival themed Christmas party in Watford?

Email your answer along with your name and a contact phone number to thesticks9@gmail.com Closing date for entries noon on Friday 30th October 2015 The prize includes: Spectacular Theming and Scenery, Carnival Dancers, Samba Drummers, Specialist Aerial Displays, Stunning Fire Performances, Delicious Hot & Cold Canapés, Superb Four Course Dinner, Dodgems (a small charge applies), Professional Photographer (a small charge applies), Charity Casino including Blackjack and Roulette, State of the Art Disco with Intelligent Lighting, Starlit Ceilings and Professional Set Lighting, Christmas Crackers, Full Event Management, On-Site Security, Free Cloakroom and Survivors Breakfast!

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Do you have a right to see your Grandchildren ?

Often grandparents can be the forgotten sufferers of the breakdown of their children’s marriage or long term relationship, and find the idea of being unable to see their grandchildren inconceivable. Many grandparents have faced the loss of their rights to see and spend time with their grandchildren and many have successfully negotiated, either in or out of the court, for the right to see their grandchildren.

What can grandparents do?

If, as a grandparent, you fear losing contact with your grandchildren, you should: • approach the parents - explain that no matter what the problems are between the parents, you, as a grandparent, do not intend to take sides and that you only wish to maintain contact with your grandchildren.

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Consider mediation where an independent mediator will try and help to reach an agreement with the parents – usually at round table meetings.

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Consider sending a carefully drafted letter to diffuse the tension of the situation and express why you feel contact is so important for you and your grandchildren.

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If progress cannot be made through the above routes then it is possible to make an application to the Family Court.

Do grandparents need permission from the Court to start an application?

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Yes, they do.

Will a Court listen to make concerns?

Family Courts increasingly recognise and promote the invaluable role that grandparents have to play in their grandchildren’s lives. If an Order is made, the Court’s powers to enforce such orders have recently been increased in such a way that makes it extremely difficult for parents to ignore them. It is therefore a very powerful way to ensure that grandparents can maintain a meaningful and fulfilling relationship with their grandchildren.

If you think what I have described fits your circumstances, then you are welcome to give us a call for a no obligation chat on 0208 8847221.

The Grandparents’ Association has lots of practical support: www.grandparents-association.org.uk Curwens LLP is your local firm of solicitors offering most areas of legal advice – based in Royston, Hoddesdon, and Enfield.

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Inside Out - Disney Pixar Psychology So during the long school summer holidays I faced the challenge common to most parents of balancing work with entertaining the children. On lovely weather days that entails writing this article whilst the children play in the fountains at Granary Square in London's Kings Cross. At times like this my main state of mind is gratitude.

On more typically British summer days the fail safe entertainment is a trip to the cinema. On one such rainy day I took my two to see Disney Pixar's latest release Inside Out. Now that we are past the Bambi and Dumbo stage the kids films are pretty enjoyable for adults (although I must say that I loved Bambi and Dumbo too) and, as a Psychotherapist, I was particularly looking forward to seeing Inside Out, as the main action of the film is set in the inside workings of the character's minds.

The premise is that the mind is run by five emotions, Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust, shown primarily in the mind of Riley, an 11 year old girl. The first emotion to arrive after Riley's birth is Joy, and Joy pretty much runs the show until Riley's family relocate. At this point Riley is faced with the challenge of losing her friends and her childhood home and the emotion of Sadness starts to have a greater influence on her. A situation develops that results in Joy and Sadness being absent from the control panel of Riley's mind for some time and life really becomes difficult for Riley with Anger, Fear and Disgust in charge. The central message of the film, for me at least, is that Joy can't always be in charge and in fact, it's not appropriate or helpful for Joy to be the primary emotion. Joy learns that Sadness, in particular, attracts more love and support for Riley at times of need than Joy can. The other core message of the film is that all of the emotions are allowed to be there and are necessary to the balance of the character's life.

The film's message that Joy doesn't need to be in charge all of the time reminds me of the ongoing focus in popular psychology literature on the pursuit of happiness.

Although I wouldn't argue with the aim of feeling happy, it is unrealistic to expect oneself to be happy all of the time and holding that expectation can actually increase the chances of feeling exactly the opposite. Human experience is complex and to have a singular goal of 'happiness' takes away the subtleties and nuances of other feelings, reducing the richness of life. As we have all read somewhere, you can't know happiness, or Joy in the film's narrative, without knowing Sadness.

I'm also in full support of the film's point that all emotions are allowed. I cringe at the phrase 'negative emotion' that is so frequently used in my profession. All of the emotions in the film other than Joy could be classed as 'negative' and, therefore, up for reduction or elimination in some forms of therapy. We feel Anger when our values have been offended or we have been threatened. That sounds useful to me.

We feel Fear when we are in danger. Our survival chances would be severely limited without that emotion. Disgust guides us away from people, places, practices and even food and drink items that may be dangerous for us, although in the film this is mainly focussed on broccoli for Riley. Sadness is so closely connected to the so called 'positive' human traits of empathy, compassion, love and connection as to be inseparable from them, as Sadness is from Joy in the film. We

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need all emotions in balance as either one of these five feelings being in charge would be detrimental to a person's life experience.

I'm not going to examine the question of whether or not the five chosen emotions were the 'right' ones as, clearly, the film needed to be contained to some level and, broadly, I think Disney did a great job with the choices they made. What is missing, of course, is the concept of a rational mind, which is so familiar to psychotherapy thinking. Riley's mind is exclusively managed by emotions.

Mindfulness tells us that when we combine the reasonable, rational, left brain with the emotions and sensations of the right brain we find our Wise Mind, a place where can access all of our resources. This is not addressed in the film although the idea of integration is. At the beginning of the film Riley has a number of separate personality islands in her mind, such as Goofball Island, representing her fun side, Honesty Island, symbolising her value of telling the truth, Family Island .... you get the idea. During the challenge of the home relocation each of these islands is systematically and dramatically destroyed, until the film's happy resolution (this is Disney after all) when a new, singular, larger and fully integrated personality island develops, along with an expanded console for the emotions to drive Riley's life experience.

One of the aspects of this film that I think will be useful to my work as a Psychotherapist is the clear visual image I now have to support clients who feel like they are managed by one primary, (usually judged as negative), emotion. I can see in my mind's eye the characters of Fear and Sadness when I'm working with my clients who are dominated by anxiety or depression and I can imagine these characters pushing Joy out of the way whilst they run the console of my client's mind. For those clients who have seen the film, we have this shared internal image and, consequently, a shared language which is helping me to guide them into a more compassionate relationship with the part of them that is currently running the show of their mind.

Other attractions to the film from a psychotherapy point of view are the film's attempts at acknowledging the subconscious, dreams, our internal thought train, short, long term and core memories. All in all Inside Out really is an accomplished film, beyond its significant value as a piece of entertainment.

As I turn my attention back to the children running about in the fountains in Granary Square I have to admit that the main emotion on show here, as well as in my heart, is Joy. Although that little boy over there is securing the full attention of his mother as he cries with sadness at being told it's time to go home and that little girl is holding her father's hand very tightly as she looks in fear at the water ...

If you would like help with any emotional state you are experiencing, please contact us on 01462 674671 or hello@localcounsellingcentre.co.uk Website www.localcounsellingcentre.co.uk

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Think “PINK” this October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go and need your help!

This year, Mardleybury Gallery are sparing no effort to fundraise this October and have come up with a fabulous “PINK” campaign to raise awareness and funds.

Throughout Hertfordshire are a number of mysterious pink sheep that have escaped their home at Mardleybury Farm where the Gallery is situated! If you come across any of our fluffy friends, please share their new home with us online via both Twitter and Facebook as we spread the word to try and find the rest of our flock! Each sheep is labelled and somewhere amongst them is a lucky numbers that will win you an afternoon tea for two and other excitingly arty prizes at Mardleybury Gallery!

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As a first for Mardleybury Gallery they will be painting every wall in the gallery pink!

This fund-raising extravaganza will begin on the 2nd October with a “Pink” Wine Tasting Evening and run until the end of the month.

But it’s not just the gallery walls getting dressed up in pink for October.

We ‘R’ Cakes vintage tearoom, nestled within Mardleybury Gallery, will be serving perfectly pink delights all month.

A percentage of all cakes sales and afternoon tea bookings will be donated to Cancer Research throughout October.

The Wine Tasting Evening on 2nd October will provide guests with the opportunity to win a beautiful Miraval Rosé magnum-sized bottle of wine, produced

by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s vineyard! Tea and cakes will also be available all night and any individual or business donations are welcome to help make our Breast Cancer fundraiser a success!

The Gallery will also be launching their month-long silent auction in which 17 local artists have kindly donated beautiful works of art, and all proceeds of will be generously donated to Breast Cancer Research.

An abundance of surprises on the night will make this a fund-raiser you will not want to miss.

Tickets are limited to this high-demand event, in partnership with Majestic Wines, and so make sure you contact the gallery online, mardleyburygallery@gmail.com, or phone us at 07929 230623 for your tickets.

Most of our lives have been touched by cancer, so please show your support by donating, participating in our secret auction and visiting the gallery in October.

We can be located at Mardleybury Road, Datchworth, SG3 6SG or online www.mardleyburygallery.co.uk

For more information and support go online to www.breastcancercare.org.uk

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Enjoy Real Food

It was nice to bump in Nigel Barden recently at the Radio 2 event in Hyde Park.

Nigel is a regular foodie expert who pops up on various radio shows usually bringing with him fine foods and wine! Nigel is a Herts. guy and we were discussing our favourite restaurants across the county. He mentioned The Alford Arms (which I’m yet to try despite living here for 25 years!) and of course my vote went to Lussmanns Brasserie in St. Albans, there’s also one in Hertford and Harpenden This month, Lussmanns Fish & Grill celebrates 10 years as one of the most popular local independent restaurants in St. Albans. Located in the quiet, leafy Cathedral Quarter of the city, the award-winning brasserie occupies three floors of a modern brick, steel and glass building. Full of natural light and with an open kitchen, the spacious interior has recently been revived by a 10th anniversary refurbishment. There’s even a private dining room.

Lussmanns owes its success to its creator Andrei “Lussmanns was developed as a restaurant I wanted to eat in and what we do is very much what I like”. During the past decade, Lussmanns has won ‘Best Restaurant’ at the St. Albans Food and Drink Awards three times and received many accolades, including the succinct endorsement by The Times food critic Giles Coren that it is ‘everything a modern local restaurant should be’. The new edition of The Good Food Guide, which has recommended Lussmanns since 2010, pays tribute to the way in which the sustainable restaurant is ‘a boon for locals’ and ‘proudly vocal about its support for welfare-driven producers’. Andrei’s commitment to ethical sourcing and championing the best British producers has also won them the prestigious UK Sustainable Small Restaurant Group of the Year 2014 & 2015.

It’s hard to beat it, Alford Arms bring it on! www.lussmanns.com Enjoy your daily pint – at a fair price. Talking grass fed cows and going back to traditional ways I’m thrilled to bits that you can now buy raw milk direct from Wayside Farm in Kings Langley. It is a totally natural product containing good live bacteria and high levels of calcium and protein and tastes fabulously creamy. The beautiful cows live at Wayside Farm and, for as much of the year as possible, graze on home grown grass.

In order to have a licence to sell raw milk farmer Charlie Wray had to apply to the Food Standards Agency for a full farm inspection and regular milk samples given to pass their strict standards and now it’s all systems go. I asked Charlie about the problems farmers face with the price wars around conventional milk, he said ‘Our cost of production is 32 pence per litre, we get 28 pence per litre’' Unsustainable I am thinking! They hope to install a vending machine but for now you can go to the farm or call in advance 07831246243

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Hero Cheese of the Month - La Marotte

La Marotte is another wonderful cheese from the Larzac.

It is produced from unpasteurised ewes milk by a small cooperative of 18 families, La CoopÊrative des Bergers du Larzac. This tomme style cheese has a dense, chewy and slightly grainy pâte that is wrapped in a natural, mouldy rind that houses a happy colony of cheese mites. (You might want to avoid eating the rind).

Rustic in appearance, the aromas of this sheep's milk tommette are mossy, licheny, and smell delicately of a wool sweater that has been in the woods for a couple days.

Each small wheel of La Marotte cheese is delicately wrapped in muslin and then left to age which leaves the hatched pattern on the exterior of the cheese.

The paste is dense and smooth as is classic with sheep's milk cheeses. The medium-strong, nutty flavour has an earthy, tangy finish that left me craving more. It is great in salads or just eaten as a table cheese. A robust red wine would be a good pairing with La Marotte.

26 High Street, Buntingford, Herts, SG9 9AQ www.thecheeseplate.co.uk Tele: 01763 271533 Email: Toby@thecheeseplate.co.uk

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What to do with your superfood Beetroot Crop If like me you like Beetroot and have a big crop in your veg. patch this year, here are a few ideas on what delicious meals you could make from your superfood.

So what to do with your beets? You can pickle them, roast them, juice them, make them in to soup, or below, use them for muffins or a power lunch of raw beetroot coleslaw.

I say power lunch because beetroot can increase your stamina by 10%. The simplest way to eat fresh beetroot is to grate it and add to ready made bought coleslaw.

This is a bit of a cheat but very quick if you are busy.

Another easy recipe, and extremely popular and healthy, is Beetroot mini Muffins.

Here is the recipe I used: 300g grated beetroot (I also included a little carrot) 100g of sultanas or dates 150g self raising flour 40g brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder 2 eggs 60ml rapeseed or sunflower oil Preheat the oven to 180ºC Mix together the beetroot, sultanas, flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon, making sure everything is evenly combined.

In another bowl, beat together the oil and eggs Mix everything together well, and then spoon the mixture into mini muffin cases, filling almost to the top.

Bake for 25 minutes.

At BigBarn we see ‘Crop for the Shop’ as a brilliant way to help build local food systems that are 10 times better than a national food industry dominated by supermarkets. As we have stated many times, the food industry is commoditising food and driving farmers to move away from mixed agriculture to monoculture and factory farming with decreasing animal welfare and increased use of antibiotics and chemicals. www.bigbarn.co.uk

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Chocolate Week - October 12-18 If you're an absolute choc-aholic, you'll love Chocolate Week!

Held from 12-18 October 2015, it is seven solid days of indulging your sweet-tooth and trying out the best chocolate in the UK! Of course people have their dark chocolate and white chocolate preferences depending on their pallet! To help you enjoy your chocolate during chocolate week here are some recipes via Divine Chocolate

Allegra McEvedy’s Unashamedly 70s Chocolate Roulade (It’s flourless too!)

For the cake: 6 eggs, separated 200g caster sugar 50g cocoa powder, plus plenty extra for dusting A little icing sugar, for dusting For the filling: 150g milk or dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa solids; preferably Fairtrade), plus extra for squiggling 250ml double cream 2 tbsp brandy or water 50g icing sugar 30 x 20 x 5cm baking tray Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160ºC/Gas 4.

Line a high-sided baking tray with greaseproof paper and butter the greaseproof.

Whisk the egg yolks and all but a tablespoon of the sugar until pale (this takes a few minutes), then sift in the cocoa powder.

Whisk the whites separately and, once fluffy, add the last tablespoon of sugar and whisk again until firm.

Fold the whites into the cocoa base in three stages: the first will loosen up the chocolatey mix, the second will lighten it further and the third will make it airy, just be careful not to overwork the mix, or you will knock the air out of it.

Tip the mix evenly into the prepared tray and don't play with it too much. Bake for 20-22 minutes until cooked but still springy - if overbaked, it won't roll. Meanwhile, tear off a second sheet of greaseproof paper about 5cm bigger on all sides than the sponge, and dust it lightly with cocoa powder and icing sugar.

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Cool the cake in the tin for 6-8 minutes (no more), then turn out on to the dusted greaseproof paper. Peel the old greaseproof off the sponge. Position the cake with one of its long sides closest to you, fold the border of new greaseproof over this long side and use it to help you roll the cake up tightly like a Swiss roll or newspaper (rolling the paper into it too). Leave it rolled up while you make the filling.

For the filling Melt 130g chocolate with 50ml of double cream either in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water), or in the microwave. Stir in the brandy or water, and if it siezes up a bit, warm it gently again to make it spreadable.

Whip the rest of the double cream with the icing sugar, until smooth but firm. Now unroll the sponge and spread it with the chocolate, leaving a gap of about 2cm at both short ends, which makes it easier to roll.

Once the chocolate layer is completely cool, cover it with the whipped cream, again leaving that 2cm gap, and you're ready to roll. Using the greaseproof paper again to guide you (though not rolling the paper inside it this time), roll her up as neatly, tightly and proficiently as you can - don't worry if she gets the odd crack as they'll get covered up in the final step.

Once done, dust the whole thing with copious amounts of cocoa powder, then melt the last of the chockie and squiggle it on top using a teaspoon and a limp wrist.

A-mazing!

Divine Sachatorte This legendary luxuriously rich chocolate sponge cake covered with a glossy layer of chocolate cream icing was invented in 1832 by the chef at the Hotel Sacher in Vienna.

CAKE INGREDIENTS 200g Divine dark chocolate 150g soft unsalted butter 150g caster sugar 6 large free range eggs 150g self-raising flour A pinch of salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp of hot water

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CHOCOLATE ICING

GLAZE

200g Divine dark chocolate 50g unsalted butter 2 tbsp. golden syrup 200ml double cream

4 tbsp. apricot conserve 1 tbsp. water 1 tsp lemon juice

23cm (9-inch) spring clip tin, greased and lined.

Heat the oven to 170째C/ Gas 3 For the sponge: break up the chocolate and put into a heatproof bowl and melt gently. Remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool. Meanwhile, put the soft butter into the bowl of a food mixer and beat, using the whisk attachment, until very creamy. Add half of the sugar and beat again until very light and fluffy.

Separate the eggs, putting the whites into another mixing bowl, and beat the yolks into the creamed mixtures one at a time, beating well after each addition. On low speed, beat the cooled chocolate into the mixture. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt onto the mixture and gently fold in using a large metal spoon, add the water folding in until the mixture is soft and smooth.

Whip the egg whites until stiff then beat in the rest of the sugar a tablespoon at a time to make a stiff glossy meringue. Add about a quarter of the meringue to the chocolate mixture and mix well to soften the mixture and then carefully fold in the rest of the meringue in three batches. Spoon the mixture into the tin, spread evenly then make a slight hollow in the centre so the sponge rises evenly. Bake in the heated oven for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes clean.

Set the tin on a wire cooling rack and leave to cool for 10 minutes then carefully unclip the tin and remove the base and lining paper. Leave to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: put apricot conserve, water and lemon juice into a small pan and heat gently, stirring constantly. As soon as the mixture boils remove the pan from the heat and push the mixture through a sieve into a small bowl. Turn the cooled sponge cake upside down onto a wire rack - the flat surface will be easier to cover with ganache. Brush the hot glaze over the top and sides of the sponge (some Austrian chefs like to split the sponge in half horizontally then sandwich the two halves with more glaze). Leave to cool on the rack.

To make the chocolate icing, put the rest of the chocolate, butter and syrup into a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until steaming and then pour over the chocolate, butter and syrup mixture and stir gently until melted and smooth.

Pour the icing over the cake and spread over the top and sides. Leave until set in a cool place (not the fridge). Serve with whipped cream.

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Sam Stern’s Salted Dark Chocolate and Orange Mousse Makes 6 – 8 175g Divine Dark Chocolate 1 tbsp Golden Syrup 3 tbsp Water 2 –3 tbsp Grand Marnier 50g Salted Butter 3 large eggs, separated 3 tbsp Double Cream Sea Salt Shreds of Orange Zest 1. Place a heat proof bowl over a pan of hot but not boiling water 2. Add the chocolate, syrup, water, booze and butter, leave until melted. Stir to blend evenly.

3. Mix together the egg yolks and cream stir into the chocolate mixture to blend evenly.

4. Whisk the egg whites until stiff add 1/4 and beat until smooth. Fold in the remaining egg whites a 1/4 at a time with a pinch of salt until incorporated and well blended.

5. Divide the mixture between 6-8 individual cups or glasses. And top with shreds of orange and a sprinkling of salt.

Tony Rodd’s Black Forest Dessert Made by MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd!

Makes 4 CHERRY SORBET 400g Morello Cherry Compote 100g Caster Sugar CHOCOLATE CASES 200g Divine Dark Chocolate 4 Strips of Acetate

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CHOCOLATE SPONGE

CHERRY MOUSSE

60g Unsalted Butter 60g Caster Sugar 40g Self Raising Flour 20g Divine Cocoa Powder 1Large Egg 1 Tbsp. Hot Water

250g cherries (pitted) 2 Tbsp. Kirsch 1 tbsp Caster Sugar 3 Leaves Gelatine, soaked 150 ml Double Cream

CHERRY SAUCE 150 g Cherries (pitted and chopped) 2 tbsp Redcurrant Jelly 1tbsp Cornflour 1tbsp Water

CHOCOLATE SOIL 75g Divine Dark Chocolate (melted) 3 tbsp Water 100g Caster Sugar

DECORATION 25g Divine Milk Chocolate (melted) 25g White Chocolate (melted) Fresh Rose Leaves Fresh Cherries Liquid Glucose Gold Leaf 125ml Double Cream (whipped) METHOD CHERRY SORBET 1. Place the cherry compote and sugar in a blender, blend until smooth. Place in an ice cream maker until thickened. Alternatively place in a plastic container and freeze until firm place in a blender and blend, replace in container and freeze. Repeat to freeze and blend again Freeze until required.

CHOCOLATE CASES 1. Place the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot until melted stir gently.

2. Cut 4 strips of acetate measuring 6cm wide x 25cm long. Wrap each into a tube measuring 7cm across and secure each with sticky tape.

3. Place the acetate tubes on a baking sheet covered with non-stick paper.

4. Spoon some chocolate into one tube turn to coat evenly, Place on the baking sheet repeat to make another 3 chocolate tubes. Chill.

5. When set spread a second layer of chocolate over each tube, chill to set.

CHOCOLTE SPONGE 1. Set the oven to 170째C/325째F/Gas 3 and place the shelf in the centre.

2. Grease and base line a 17.5 cm round sponge tin with greaseproof paper.

3. Place all the sponge ingredients in a food processor and blend for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and glossy 4. Place the mixture in the tin spread evenly and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until springy to touch. Cool in the tin.

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5. Turn out of tin remove paper and place on a board using a 6 cm plain cutter cut out 4 circles of sponge.

CHERRY MOUSSE 1. Place the cherries kirsch and sugar in a pan heat gently until tender.

2. Remove from the heat Stir in the soaked gelatine. Place in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour in to a bowl and leave until almost set 3. Whisk the cream until softly peaks and fold into the cherry mixture until evenly blended.

CHERRY SAUCE 1. Place the cherries and redcurrant jelly in a saucepan heat gently until the juice runs.

2. Blend the cornflour and water together add to the pan and stir until mixture thickens. Cool CHOCOLATE SOIL 1. Place the sugar and water in a pan heat gently until sugar has dissolved. Boil rapidly until the syrup turns a pale brown. Remove from the heat.

2. Stir in 3/4 of the melted chocolate to form a crumb mixture, place on a baking sheet and cool.

DECORATION 1. Using fresh dry leaves paint the underside of each leaf with 2 layers melted chocolate chilling in-between the layers and using dark, milk and white chocolate. Chill and when set peel the fresh leaves away from the chocolate leaves.

2. Brush the cherries lightly with liquid glucose and cover evenly with flakes of gold leaf.

3. Whip the cream until thick.

TO ASSEMBLE ONE DESSERT 1. Using a scalpel slit the tape and carefully remove the acetate from the chocolate cases. Place at one end of each serving plate.

2. Place a chocolate sponge round carefully in the chocolate cases Pipe or spoon the cherry mousse on top of each sponge to within 1 cm from the top.

3. Spoon the cherry sauce on top of each; sprinkle the chocolate soil around the chocolate cases.

4. Decorate with mixed chocolate leaves, gold cherries on the desserts and on the plates.

5. Just before serving place a quenelle shaped spoonful of cream and sorbet on each plate.

For details of Chocolate Week www.divinechocolate.com/uk

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of Mayor. Stanborough Centre, 609 St Albans Road, Garston, Watford WD25 9JL

Herts Listings Ashridge Autumn Trail - til Sat 31 Oct Take a stroll through the woodland discovering more about Autumn time at Ashridge and complete some of the ’’50 things to do before you’re 113/4’’ on route. Visit the Ashridge Visitor Centre to collect your trail map. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT

The Picture of Doreen Gray - Fri 2 Oct Be careful what you wish for….. Celebrity presenter Doreen Gray has it all, a drive time radio show, a high ratings lifestyle programme on Even More 4, but hitting 50, Doreen finds her face no longer fits the bill.

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

Paddy Mcguinness Presents “Daddy McGuinness” - Thur 1 Oct One of the country’s best-loved and most popular comedians, Paddy McGuinness, is heading for Watford Colosseum this October. After numerous sell out tours and best-selling DVDs, the star of ITV’s Take Me Out will return to his performing roots, with his first stand-up comedy tour since 2011, Daddy McGuinness.

Paddy, who is raring to get back to where he belongs – on stage, making people laugh, said: “I’m really looking forward to being back on tour – I’ve missed it. I’ve got a great new show planned – Daddy McGuinness. Amongst many other things, I’ll be sharing several stories about becoming a first time Dad & parenthood.” Age limit 15+. Up Close & Personal Tickets: £35.00 Tickets: £25.00, £17.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Joe McElderry - The Evolution Tour- Fri 2 Oct X-Factor winner Joe McElderry is hitting the road with a brand new show after the sell-out success of last year’s nationwide tour. The Evolution Tour showcases Joe’s renowned versatility which has won him a unique fan base. The Rhodes Centre, 1- 3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG My Father and Other Super Heroes - Fri 2 Oct Nimble Fish presents Nick Makoha’s My Father and Other Super Heroes Directed by Benji Reid The day Nick Makoha realised he was going to become a father, he also realised he had no idea how to be one... The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE Hoddesdon Charter Fair - Fri 2 to Sun 4 Oct Hoddesdon town centre will see for the 6th year running the Charter Fair visiting the High Street during October. The Fair will be opened by the Mayor of Broxbourne on Friday 2 October and will continue through to Sunday 4 October. High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8TL

An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show - Thu 1 Oct “A thoroughly entertaining, visually stunning extravaganza” - The Public Reviews Embarking upon its 5th Anniversary tour An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show is a 5 star homage to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Beyond The Barricade - Sat 3 Oct 7.30pm Beyond the Barricade has delighted audiences throughout the UK and mainland Europe for more than a decade, with its exciting concert portrayal of the greatest songs in musical theatre, all performed totally live! Recreating original West End and Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, this cast of past principal performers from Les Misérables, present a blockbusting two hour show, and is now established as the nation’s favourite musical theatre concert. Starring Andy Reiss, David Fawcett, Katie Leeming and Rebecca Vere, together with their own ensemble of talented musicians, Beyond the Barricade features songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and many others, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Misérables! Andy Reiss and David Fawcett

Forbidden Nights - Thu 1 Oct A classy new all male variety show with full theatre production and explosive choreography.

Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG The Pigeon Detectives - Thu 1 Oct Platinumselling UK indie rockers, The Pigeon Detectives return to the road for a special one off show. Forum Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB National Trust Watford and District Association - Thu 1 Oct Colin Oakes talks about ‘The Lord Mayor’s Show Special’. This talk deals with the City Corporation and its rich history and heritage through the position

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event is just one of many apple days which are run all over the country. You can buy apples grown in our orchards, taste and buy delicious Highfield Park apple juice. YMCA Watford @ St Albans (Charters) Health Club, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB

devised Beyond the Barricade after appearing in the Manchester and London casts of Les Misérables. David played the lead role of Jean Valjean in both of these productions, and Andy played most of the male characters, including Enjolras and Valjean, and still remains the only person to take on the job of being the shows Resident Director, and perform in it at the same time. Also on stage is Katie Leeming, who joined Beyond the Barricade after playing the lead role of Eponine in the West End production of Les Misérables, and Rebecca Vere who played Cosette in Les Misérables. Both also appeared as ensemble vocalists in the award-winning film version. Don’t miss the return of Beyond the Barricade to experience its nationwide reputation for quality and perfection in musical theatre and find out why this exciting show has received critical acclaim across the UK and abroad. Tickets: £21.50, £18.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water (U) - Sun 4 Oct When a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his nemesis Plankton must team up in order to get it back. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE St Albans Street Finale of the Food & Drink Festival - Sun 4 Oct Celebrating all that is fun, foodie and fabulous about the St Albans & Harpenden foodie scene. A day of eating, cooking, tasting, dancing and drinking. St Peters Street, St Albans AL1 3JE Singers at the Barn – ‘That Old Frank Magic’Sun 4 Oct Celebrating 100 years of Frank Sinatra and his music. Calling all Frank Sinatra fans. Barn Theatre Club Room, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST

Soul Legends is coming to Bishop’s Stortford - Sat 3 Oct Billed as “the feel good show of the year”, brand-new smash-hit, Stateside spectacular Soul Legends is coming to town.

Boasting that it “features more soul classics than any other production” songs from Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner. Rhodes Arts Complex, South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Letchworth Hall Hotel - Sun 4 Oct Visit this beautiful period venue set in North Hertfordshire. Enjoy two fashion shows featuring amazing bridal gowns at 12:30pm and 2:30pm. See local companies including John Lewis, Welwyn. Doors Open 11am-4pm Free Entry and Free Parking. Letchworth Lane Letchworth SG6 3NP

Vienna Festival Presents: Coppelia - Sat 3 Oct A lively production, infused with old world charm, Coppélia appeals to audiences of all ages with its captivating story of an eccentric toymaker and his beloved doll. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Bishop’s Stortford Antiques and Collectables Fair - Sun 4 Oct 9.30am - 4.00pm. Trade welcome at 9.00am Bishop’s Stortford Football Club, Woodside Park, Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5RG

Push It For Peace - Sat 3 Oct Our epic 5 mile obstacle run Push it for the Peace is back again and with a brand new location it’s going to bigger, better, muddier and wetter than ever before. Aldenham Country Park WD6 3BA

Barkway Antiques & Vintage Fair- Sun 4 Oct In its fifth year, this antiques fair is set in the picturesque village of Barkway in North Hertfordshire. Featuring a range of fabulous stalls with a wide variety of stock from, jewellery to ceramics, curios to clothing.

Barkway Village Hall, Cambridge Road, Barkway SG8 8BS

The Cheshunt Marriott Wedding Fayre - Sun 4 Oct Come and see over 20 exhibitors full of wedding inspiration and ideas. From dresses to photographers to full venue decor. Also a chance to look around the hotel which makes a great venue for your wedding ceremony & wedding breakfast. HalfHide Lane, Turnford, Broxbourne, EN10 6NG

Abigail’s Party - Tue 6 to Tue 13 Oct Contexture Theatre present Mike Leigh’s ground breaking comedy of manners. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Highfield Park Apple Day - Sun 4 Oct Come and enjoy a day to celebrate apples. This

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Vision Art Group Exhibition - Wed 7 to Sat 10, Mon 12 to Sat 17, Mon 19 to Sat 24, Mon 26 to Wed 28 Oct An art exhibition by the multidisciplinary Vision art group including printmaking, textiles and sculpture. This exhibition consists of new work by seven artists. Rhodes Gallery, Rhodes Arts Complex, 1-3 South Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

and his subsequent one man show Salute to Sinatra all over the world, Louis' premonition finally came true. He finally reached the Royal Albert Hall with his Salute to Sinatra concert show receiving a well-deserved, ten minute standing ovation. Louis now comes to Watford Colosseum with his Salute to Sinatra 100 on this auspicious Centennial Gala World Tour. Tickets: £25.00, £22.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum - Wed 7 to Sat 10 Oct A hilarious musical comedy farce, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and based on the TV and film comedy Up Pompeii. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Larry Miller - Fri 9 Oct The must-see blues/rock guitarist makes a welcome return to Letchworth with this smash hit of a gig. If you like Rory Gallagher, Joe Bonamassa, Gary Moore, Walter Trout or Jimi Hendrix, you’ll love Larry Miller. Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Carmen - Thur 8 Oct 7.30pm Opera & Ballet International proudly presents an Ellen Kent production with international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra. Seville comes to Watford Colosseum with the hottest ticket in town! One of the most famous and seductive operas of all time, Bizet’s irresistibly emotional Carmen guarantees an evening of passion and romance, this dazzling production features Bizet’s unforgettable melodies including the best known baritone aria of all, The Toreador’s Song. Carmen also includes a replica of Seville’s main square with fountains, flowers and orange trees.

Sung in French with English subtitles. Tickets £35.00, £31.00, £24.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Hertford Food and Drink Festival - Fri 9 and Sat 10 Oct Head to Hertford to take part in a variety of cookery classes held in selective restaurants in Hertford Town Centre.

Tuning in to "Sound & Story" - Sat 10 Oct It has been said that “your name is your mantra” and also that “the voice is the soul’s fingerprint”. As we live the day-to-day story of our life, our name is our constant companion and can often take different forms along the way. Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St. Albans AL4 0JQ Rivers Orchard Apple Day- Sat 10 Oct A day of apple celebration at the historic nursery site! Fun for all the family. Help us pick our crop and take a few away for yourselves. We have apple tastings, juicing demonstrations, live music.

Rivers Nursery Orchard, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0HQ

Louis Hoover’s Salute To Sinatra 100 – Centennial Gala World Tour - Fri 9 Oct 7.30pm2015 sees the hundredth anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s birth. In full celebration of Sinatra’s fabulous music, Louis Hoover, the original star of the West End smash hit show The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, is live on stage at Watford Colosseum with the 17 piece Hollywood Orchestra and very special guests.

When Louis was seventeen (perhaps a good title for a Sinatra song?) he worked in an office and paid eight pounds to stand up in ‘the gods’ at the Royal Albert Hall to watch his idol perform. On leaving the arena after the show, Louis had what can only be called ‘a premonition’. He ‘just knew’ that he would one day do the same, and perform his favourite music at The Royal Albert Hall. It didn’t happen overnight, and Louis worked towards his goal the hard way, playing club circuits, jazz venues and international festivals from Ronnie Scott’s in London, to the USA and The Far East. After starring in the smash hit West End musical The Rat Pack

Autumn Craft & Gift Fair- Sat 10 Oct This event is being held to raise funds for the Peace Hospice in Watford. 11am - 3pm free entry ample free parking There will be a vast array of goods on sale and weather permitting there will also be stalls outside. Chipperfield Clarendon Cricket Club, The Common, Chipperfield WD4 9BS Hatfield House Dogs Unite- Sat 10 Oct Has your dog got what it takes to be a hero? there will be three walks, as well as a demonstration by Guide Dogs and an exciting dog show. The schedule for the day is: 10:00 am: Event opens 10:30. Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ

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Hardeep Singh Kohli: Big Mouth Strikes Again- Sat 10 Oct So Comedy presents Hardeep Singh Kohli: Big Mouth Strikes Again When you’ve a mouth this big, is it any wonder you get into trouble? The comedian, broadcaster, journalist and chef explains all in a brand new show. The Old Town Hall, High Street,Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

said, “The whole idea of playing an album in full has really taken off for us and has brought back so many great memories. We will also, of course, play the hits and more to make what I think will be a great night.” From The Jam, has gained a reputation for the kind of incendiary performances that has sealed the reputation of The Jam all those years ago.

They will be performing ‘Sound Affects’ followed by a selection of the classic hits and great album tracks from across the fantastic catalogue produced by one of Britain’s’ seminal bands. Seated: £24.50, Standing: £20.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

The Barron Knights - Sat 10 Oct 7.30pm.

Since the early days of the sixties, The Barron Knights have been admired for their musicianship and great vocal harmonies and having 14 comedy hit records worldwide makes them truly unique. Never has there been another bunch of guys that have tried to emulate what the Barron Knights have achieved. Their wit, humour, musicianship and entertaining skills have been acknowledged by many famous people, with Hank B. Marvin calling them, “fresh, funny, superb players and vocally they are the best” and Ken Dodd praising them as “extremely funny and great musicians.” The Barron Knights toured with The Beatles in 63/64 after John Lennon said "I want the Barron Knights to tour America with me” and they also toured with The Rolling Stones in 64/65.

They have performed at the London Palladium more than 300 times and performed four shows for the Royal Family including one at Buckingham Palace. Ian Dury once said, “No group has made it until The Barron Knights have spoofed them”. Don't miss The Barron Knights at Watford Colosseum this October.

Tickets: £20.50, £18.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

The Hertfordshire Wedding Fair - Sun 11 Oct Whether you are looking for the latest wedding gift ideas or a beautiful wedding venue this is the wedding fair to visit. The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD Rickamansworth Wedding Show - Sun 11 Oct With over 40 exhibitors, Bridal Fashion Shows, prize draws and many discounted offers only available at the show on the day. The Wedding Show is attended by the biggest and best local wedding suppliers. Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1EH Herts 10k - Sun 11 Oct This is Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s flagship fundraising event with thousands of runners coming back year after year to support the charity. Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2QJ Welwyn and Hatfield NCT children’s nearly new sale - Sun 11 Oct The Welwyn and Hatfield NCT children’s nearly new sale is on from 1.30pm-3pm with NCT members allowed in at 1pm. Entrance Cost for the sale is £1 per adult. All proceeds are in aid of the National Childbirth Trust.

Stanborough School, Lemsford Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6YR

From The Jam - Sun 11 Oct 730pm In November 1980 The Jam released their fifth studio album ‘Sound Affects’ featuring their second single to reach the number one spot ‘Start!’ and the acoustic masterpiece ‘That’s Entertainment’ considered to be one of the 500 greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. This album often competes for the title of their best record due to its mix of 60s psychedelic rock and funk alongside a political commentary that was innovative for its time. Celebrating the album’s 35th anniversary From The Jam, featuring original The Jam member bass player Bruce Foxton and guitarist/vocalist Russell Hastings, will perform the album in its entirety. As well as a thrilling performance of ‘Sound Affects’ the audience can expect From The Jam to perform a selection of hits and album tracks from The Jam’s back catalogue and songs from Bruce Foxton’s own solo career. Bruce

Cambridge Glass Fair @ Knebworth - Sun 11 Oct Leading specialist fair with around 70 exhibitors selling fine antique and collectable glass alongside contemporary artists showing their own work. Special in-fair exhibition of Whitefriars glass.

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX More to Explore at St Albans Cathedral - Sun 11 Oct Time: 15:00 Price: Free A free, specialist tour of St Albans Cathedral, looking at its Norman origins. St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY

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Octagon Music Society: Endellion String Quartet - Sun 11 Oct Haydn: Quartet in E flat Op.76 No 6, Shostakovich: Quartet No 8 in C minor Op.110, Beethoven: Quartet in B flat Op.130 with Grosse Fuge. The venue has excellent acoustics, level access and ample free parking. The Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JA

The Take That Experience - Fri 16 Oct Relight your fire for one of the most successful boy bands of all time. Take That Experience show gives you the very latest Take That favourites. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG Dracula! Rabbit Theatre - Fri 16 Oct"Listen to them... the children of the night. What music they make!" The team that brought you the award-winning ‘Great Expectations’ have got their teeth into Bram Stoker’s classic tale of the vampire. Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Hertford Food and Drink Festival - Hertford Castle Beer & World Food Festival- Sun 11 Oct 12noon – 18:00 Free Entry Picture Hertford Castle grounds filled with a multitude of world food stalls from Italian to Chinese, Thai to Mexican. Hertford Castle SG14 1HR

Tim Vine - Tim Timinee Tim Timinee Tim Tim To You - Fri 16 Oct 8.00pm Tim Vine, punslinger, is coming to Watford Colosseum with lots of new jokes, silly songs and twitchy dancing. Joke, joke, joke. Prop, prop, prop.

Song, song, song. (Sorry the computer’s jammed.) It’s time to put the satire on hold and watch a grown man act the goat. Come along and enjoy the nonsense. WARNING: This show will contain wobbly props, one reference to a panda and a song about getting water in your ear after you’ve been swimming.

Support act is John Archer.Tickets: £23.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

The Black Image - Tue 13 Oct As part of Black History Month, the University of Hertfordshire will host a revealing film and presentation by Black History Walks on ’The Black Image’ University of Hertfordshire, Room N003, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield AL10 9EU Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Wed 14 Oct Starlight will be performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.

Joseph is one of the most famous and popular musicals of all time. With its well-known songs and its humorous and thoughtful story, Joseph has become a classic with young and old. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

The Blockheads - Sat 17 Oct 7.30pm.

Starting out as the band behind Ian Dury, the Blockheads are a legendary outfit that has grown in stature from the early days of the Stiff tour in 1977, right up to the present day.

Backing up Ian Dury’s poetic lyrics, this is the band that brought you ‘Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick’, ‘What A Waste’, ‘Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3)’, and ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll’, among many others. Rarely off the road since the demise of Ian Dury in 2000, but now with Derek Hussey fronting the band, the Blockheads are still one of the most underrated British bands of all time, with a legion of fans of all ages. Their new album, ‘Same Horse Different Jockey’, was released on 23rd November 2013, which was also the 35th anniversary of the release of ‘Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick’, and continues to show both their diversity and supreme quality, as well as showcasing their uniqueness. Derek Hussey’s lyrics in the bands new songs keep the combination of poetry, word play, earthy humour and deadlyaccurate observations of everyday, British working-class life, that Ian Dury had

Salon Du Chocolat - Wed 14 Oct Scary Little Girls presents Salon Du Chocolat Once a taboo substance enjoyed only by the risqué and elite, chocolate features in some of our finest literature. The Old Town Hall, High Street,Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE The Lindisfarne Story - Thu 15 Oct Former group members Billy Mitchell and Ray Laidlaw tell The Lindisfarne Story from the very beginning featuring acoustic versions of the classic songs. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG Pygmalion - Fri 16 Oct By George Bernard Shaw Pygmalion is a comedy about Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert who, as a kind of social experiment, attempts to make a lady out of uneducated flower girl, Eliza Doolittle.

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

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from Byrd to the current time with anthems from the angelic Renaissance through to melodic modern anthems. Church of St. Andrew and St. George, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage SG1 1XX

perfected, but with an added bite for the 21st century. Hussey is known to the bands followers as Dury’s best friend and minder, memorably singing with Ian and the band at a televised concert in the late 90’s. As well as through their own new material, interest in “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”, the recent biopic of their erstwhile front man Ian Dury, the performance of ‘Spasticus Autisticus’ at the 2012 Para-Olympic Opening Ceremony, and the musical ‘Reasons To be Cheerful’, has seen a resurgence in the bands popularity over the past couple of years and they continue to go from strength to strength.

Along with some new material you can expect to hear “Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick”, “Wake Up And Make Love With Me”, “Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 3)”, “What A Waste”, “Clever Trever”, “Sweet Gene Vincent” and many more from the illustrious back catalogue. The Blockheads are fronted by Derek ‘The Draw’ Hussey, and Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher still remain from the original band.

The current line-up is augmented by John Roberts on drums and a rolling line up of saxophonists that includes Gilad Atzmon, Terry Edwards and Dave Lewis. Seated: £24.50Standing: £20.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Barb Jungr - Love Me Tender - the Songs of Elvis Presley - Sat 17 Oct Barb appears with Jenny Carr on piano and Dudley Philips on double bass with her collection of Elvis songs completely refashioned. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE The Royal Chace Wedding Fair - Sun 18 Oct With over 40 fabulous exhibitors and a beautiful wedding venue, it is no wonder that this is one of the leading wedding fairs in North London. See amazing, professionally staged fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.The Royal Chace Hotel, The Ridgeway, Enfield EN2 8AR Mud Pack Challenge II - Sun 18 Oct The Mud Pack is back and it’s guaranteed to be even wetter and muddier! Get filthy for St Francis in our second Mud Pack Challenge. Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS The Purcell School Symphony Orchestra Sun 18 Oct 3.00pm. Join these talented young musicians for an all-American matinee with Bernstein Candide Overture, Gershwin an American in Paris, Barber Violin Concerto (soloist: Juhee Yang), Dvorák Symphony No.9, New World. The School, based in Bushey, is the UK’s oldest specialist music school; alumni include Oliver Knussen CBE; Catrin Finch and BBC Young Musician of the Year winners, Nicholas Daniel, Lara Melda and Martin James Bartlett. Tickets: £12.00, £8.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Bette Midler & Me - Sat 17 Oct A tribute to Jewish legend Bette Midler, Sue Kelvin stars in a show covering the life and songs of the Divine Miss M from the perspective of a lifelong fan. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL Autumn Fair - Sat 17 Oct 9.30 until 12 noon The Hitchin & District RNLI are holding an Autumn Fair to raise funds for Lifeboats & Lifeguards, we support the work of Tower Lifeboat Station on the Thames and Cromer in Norfolk. Church House, Churchyard, Hitchin SG5 1HP

Black in the Frame with Stephen Bourne Mon 19 Oct In an entertaining and informative illustrated talk, Stephen Bourne will share his memories of growing up in London with his adopted Aunt Esther, a black Londoner born before the First World War. University of Hertfordshire, Room E351, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB

Sadie and The Variety Society - Sat 17 Oct Cue Tease Burlesque presents an outstanding evening of Burlesque and Cabaret in aid of Harlow Stroke Support Group. Children aged 14+ must be accompanied by adults. Seating is cabaret style. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Parkway Dreams - Tue 20 Oct Eastern Angles presents Parkway Dreams A musical documentary about the New Town Movement – then and now! Parkway Dreams explores the goings on behind the development of the New Towns in the 70s and 80s. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Stevenage Choral Society - Ave Verum Corpus- Sat 17 Oct It’s "Bach to the Future" time this Autumn. We are performing a concert of Church Anthems through the ages

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John Suchet presents Beethoven – The Man Revealed - Wed 21 Oct A talk by Classic FM’s star presenter, with appropriate music played by a group of students from the Purcell School. John Suchet is one of the UK’s leading experts on the composer and his works, publishing five books on the subject. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Blues Awards, Jo Harman is widely regarded as the most exciting blues/soul/roots artist. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG Pumpkin Festival - Sat 24 Oct to Sun 1 Nov Free pumpkin for every child from Willows Pumpkin Patch with a pumpkin-tastic time for all the family. There are daily pumpkin carving competition wit prizes, Pumpkin Hunt, Match the Scarecrow and Children’s Shows. Willows Activity Farm. Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans AL4 0PF

Salaam - Wed 21 Oct Sonia Sabri Company presents Salaam. Salaam meaning ‘peace’ is Sonia Sabri Company’s latest stunning creation. This double-bill programme cleverly weaves a dialogue between live music and Kathak dance, celebrating harmony, inner– stillness. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Albury Art and Craft Show - Sat 24 and Sun 25 Oct Quality local art and crafts for sale. 11 - 4 both days. Refreshments. Raising funds for Albury Village. Free car parking. And a warm welcome! Albury Village Hall SG11 2JL

The Venue Collective presents UB40 -Thu 22 Oct UB40’s appearance at The Forum Hertfordshire on 22 October is the tour’s only scheduled date within the reach of fans based in London. Forum Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB

Small Mammal Surveying - Sat 24 Oct Half Term! Come along and meet some of the tinier creatures on the reserve that you might not usually see. Surveying traps will be set up the night before and come along this morning as we empty them and hopefully find a variety of small mammals! Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8JS

Jay Rayner – My Dining Hell - Thu 22 Oct Jay Rayner examines our love affair with lousy reviews, reads from accounts of some of the most excruciating nights out he’s ever had. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Ashridge Estate - Autumn Colours Walk - Sat 24 Oct Join our rangers for an autumn walk in the woods, taking in all of nature’s brilliance with stunning autumn colours, fungi and animals to look out for. The Walk is 7 miles long and follows part of the Ashridge boundary trail. Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX

Dreaming of Kate - Fri 23 Oct A brilliant show which features Kate Bush’s music spanning the elusive artist’s entire career is heading your way. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Creepy Crawly Bugliness - A Craft Workshop - Sun 25 Oct 12noon-1pm and 2pm-3pm Ahead of performances of Tree Fu Tom, join us for a creepy crawly Halloween craft session in the Deco Bar at Watford Colosseum. Make costumes with Watford Colosseum’s Creative Learning Manager so you can become a bug.

With a sprinkling of imagination, you can grow a pair of wings and then creep or crawl into the show or fly home! This free event is open to all - even if you haven’t purchased a ticket for the show, which has inspired this creepy crawly event, you can still visit the venue and take part. Free event. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Jess Morgan and The Hut People - Fri 23 Oct Two great names in the folk/roots scene come together in this exciting collaboration on a one-off tour. Featuring the fantastic and very popular songstress Jess Morgan with the truly unique festival favourites The Hut People. Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW An Evening of Burlesque is coming to Hertford - Fri 23 Oct We dare you to come...Britain’s original Burlesque extravaganza hits town. Flushed with success, now entering its fourth fabulous year, the world’s original touring burlesque spectacular is about to hit town. Hertford Theatre, Castle Hall, The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS

Tree Fu Tom - Sun 25 Oct 1pm and 3.30pm.

The world of Treetopolis is coming to Watford Colosseum! This brand new show, packed with

Jo Harman - Sat 24 Oct Recently voted ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ at the British

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The Little Mermaid (Cert U) - Wed 28 Oct An interactive screening of Disney’s The Little Mermaid with Ariel and friends. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

adventure, fun, music and participation, sees Tom take to the stage in his first nationwide tour. Be part of the magic and help Tom save the day! Premier Stage Productions Ltd & FremantleMedia bring you a spellbinding new show starring the world’s smallest superhero, direct from the smash hit CBeebies series.

Tickets: £13.50. Under 16s: £11.50.Family Offer: £46.00 (4 tickets) Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Dance Camp - Popdance Kids School Holiday Activity Camp - Wed 28 Oct If your child loves pop music then they are going to love our Popdance Kids Dance Camps Covering the school day - from 9.00am - 3.15pm our funfilled, jam-packed day consists of learning exciting dance routines to pop music that they love. All Saints Studios, 156 St Albans Road, St Albans AL4 9LP

The Hatfield House Wedding Fair - Sun 25 Oct A simply wonderful wedding fair with superb fashion shows held in the historic Old Palace at Hatfield House. Fashion shows are at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and feature the latest bridal gowns together with live entertainment. Hatfield House, Hatfield Park, Hatfield AL9 5NQ

Pumpkin Trail and Treats - Wed 28 to Fri 30 Oct Pumpkin activities and fun in the Garden Knebworth House SG1 2AX Ugly Bug Hunt - Wed 28 Oct A treasure hunt to find a series of smiley wooden bugs, with a prize at the end. Follow our bug trail to find out more about the insects and other creatures who live in Highfield Park. This event is aimed at young children. West Lodge, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA

Creepy Crafts and Halloween Trail - Mon 26 to Fri 30 Oct Join us at the Ashridge Estate this half term to create your own spooky bat masks and witches hats to take home with you! Then head out on our Halloween Trail through the woods. No need to book, just turn up. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT

Robert Newman: The Brain Show - Wed 28 Oct Ed Smith presents Robert Newman: The Brain Show After volunteering for a brainimaging experiment meant to locate the part of the brain that lights up when you’re in love, Rob emerges with more questions than answers. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Minibeast Monday - Mon 26 Oct The return of our holiday minibeasting sessions! Drop in any time during one of the two sessions and join our education team out amongst the log piles and grass as they search for interesting creepy crawlies. Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8JS

Pardon Me Prime Minister - Wed 28 Oct From the writers of BBC’s radio hit The Men From The Ministry we present high speed comedy in its truest form. The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 2JP

Samhain Celebrations - Mon 26 to Fri 30 Oct Join us for an exciting day out to celebrate the start of the Celtic New Year with loads of hands-on activities including woodland quest, storytelling, pumpkin carving and more! Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon Lane, Hertford SG13 8NY

Haunted Doll’s House - Wed 28 Oct Based on the brilliantly creepy ghost story by M R James. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

My Pet Monster and Me - Tue 27 Oct Sophie Bucket lives on a farm with her Dad. She spends all of her time daydreaming, but most of her time alone. If only she had a little friend to share her adventures. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Lunch with Chris Lubbe - Thu 29 Oct A highly acclaimed inspirational keynote speaker. Drawing on his incredible story of resistance against ‘apartheid’, Chris keeps his audience spell-bound as he takes them on a journey of discovery.

University of Hertfordshire, Room N110, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9EU

The Haunted Dolls House - Tue 27 Oct Rumpus Theatre Company presents The Haunted Dolls House A spine-chilling new play based on the brilliantly creepy ghost story by M R James. The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

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Singalonga Rocky Horror Picture Show - Thu 29 Oct Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

of heroes such as Eddie Cochran, Hank Marvin, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Brian May, Slash, Joe Satriani and many more. This awe inspiring show not only appeals to all those budding guitar heroes out there, but to music lovers of all ages. Tickets: £19.50, £17.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Glastonbabies - Pirates Forever! - Thu 29 Oct An interactive pirate adventure! Packed into the 1-hour show are action songs, dances, a pirate orchestra with the whole audience involved and much more. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Dave Gorman - Gets Straight To The Point* (*The Powerpoint) - Fri 30 Oct 8.00pm.The innovative comedy mind behind Modern Life Is Goodish (Dave TV), Are You Dave Gorman? and Googlewhack Adventure is back with a brand new live show that promises more of his unique blend of stand-up comedy and visual story telling as Dave Gorman Gets Straight To The Point*... (*The PowerPoint).

Yes. That’s right. It’s a PowerPoint presentation. We know what you’re thinking.

But don’t worry… You won’t need to take notes and you almost certainly won’t be tested on it later. Support from Nick Doody.

Tickets £25.00.Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Mayor’s Vintage Tea Party - Thu 29 Oct 15:30 – 18:00 Any resident of Hertford aged over 70 may attend this event for free at Sele School, but must apply for a ticket in advance from the Mayor’s secretary call 01992 552885.

Sele School Hertford SG14 2DG The Selfish Giant - Thu 29 Oct Adapted from Oscar Wilde’s short story When the Selfish Giant builds a high wall round his lovely garden to keep the children out, the North Wind blows, the Frost comes and the Snow dances through the trees. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL Trudy Kerr Quartet - Thu 29 Oct Trudy Kerr - Vocals, Andrea Vicary - Piano, Geoff Gascoyne - Bass, Clark Tracey – Drums To date Trudy has released ten albums on the Jazzizit Record Label. Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

The Hertdford Art Society Annual Members Exhibition - Fri 30 Oct This year our member’s exhibition takes place in the Cowbridge Hall. The reason for the move from the Seed Warehouse is so that we can display the larger works of those members who have traditionally missed out due to the size restrictions. The Cowbridge Hall Hertford SG14 1PG

The Story of Guitar Heroes - Thur 29 Oct 7.30pm Presented by Phil Walker, The Story of Guitar Heroes is a mind blowing live concert style ‘rockumentary’, paying homage to some of the greatest guitar heroes of all time! Using some of the country’s most talented musicians alongside the very latest in video screen technology, Phil Walker takes you on a journey through the decades from when the first legends of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era began in the 1950’s, through to the most creative and inspirational modern guitar heroes of today. Whatever kind of music you listen to, from rock to pop, from folk to reggae, they all have one thing in common: the guitar. Whether it’s electric or acoustic, there’s no other instrument that can boast that it’s been the catalyst for so many new ideas, and that it’s been at the heart of so many revolutions not only in music, but also in culture and society. The Story of Guitar Heroes highlights many of the prolific artistes that have made this happen .With over 20 guitars used on stage, Phil and his band accurately recreate the sound and ambiance

Music From The Big Screen - Fri 30 Oct Relive your favourite music from the Big Screen when the Royal Air Force National Air Cadet band perform hits from various films. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG He Had Hairy Hands - Fri 30 Oct Kill the Beast presents He Had Hairy Hands The year is 1974, the sleepy town is Hemlock-UnderLye and when werewolf attacks threaten teatime, there’s only one person you can call.

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE The Take That Experience - Fri 30 Oct Relight your fire for one of the most successful boy bands of all time. Take That Experience show “Relight The Fire” gives you the very latest Take That favourites as well as all the classic songs from the past. The

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Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Beds Listings The Shires - Thu 1 Oct Doors open at 7.30pm No strangers to Bedford, country duo The Shires return to their home county for an evening of country influenced music straight out of Nashville. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL

Zombie Apocalypse - Sat 31 Oct Will you survive? A deadly disease has broken out within the Hertfordshire county and there is only one cure to save the people. Woodoaks Farm, Denham Way, Maple Cross WD3 9XQ Arts Craft & Design Fair - Sat 31 Oct A now established annual fair held in aid of Garden House Hospice. Wide range of stalls including Jewellery, Wood turning items, Interiors, Homemade preserves, distinctive crafts and lots more including oodles of quality Christmas gifts. The Settlement, Nevells Road, Letchworth SG6 4UB

Parish Records - Thu 1 Oct There was more in the parish chest than just parish registers, find out what else you can discover when Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service help you to lift the lid. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES Binocular & Telescope Open Day - Thu 1 Oct Impartial & friendly advice on choosing the best binoculars, telescopes & accessories to suit your needs. Take your time comparing the different models & have the chance to try them outdoors. RSPB, The Lodge Shop, Sandy SG19 2DL

Katherine Ryan: Kathbum - Sat 31 Oct Star of Live At The Apollo, QI and The Jonathan Ross Show, the razor sharp and hilariously funny Canadian returns with a highly anticipated new show. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Luton MrBead Bead Show - Sat 3 Oct String & Loose Bead & Pearls Supplies for the Home Jewellery Maker. Many different gemstone beads like jade, turquoise, agates, jasper, carnelian, coral etc. Stockwood Hotel, Stockwood Crescent, Luton LU1 3SS

Arts & Crafts Fair - Sat 31 Oct Tewin Horticulture, Arts and Crafts Society Arts and Crafts Fair. A wide variety of stalls selling locally made arts and crafts and produce including jewellery, decoupage, woodcraft, traditionally made teddy bears, paintings and prints. Tewin Memorial Hall, Lower Green, Tewin AL6 0JX

Harvest Supper - Sat 3 Oct Fish/chicken and chip supper entertainment by ’Pulloxhill singers. St Anne Church, Crawley Green Rd Luton LU2 0RB

Samhain Festival - Sat 31 Oct Come and Join the Festivities & Celebrations for a Great Day Out for all the Family! Owl Flying Display with Barnie the Barn Owl, Google the Great Grey Owl and Quarny the European Eagle Owl, John Adam Love Spoon Maker .Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon Lane, Hertford SG13 8NY

Hardy Plant Society, Cambs & Beds - Sat 3 Oct Have you got a gap in your garden? Are you wondering what to plant in it? The Hardy Plant Society is a national organisation for keen gardeners, whether they are beginners or more experienced. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

Halloween Event - Sat 31 Oct Spooky Halloween plays and tours around the grounds after dark. Shepreth Wildlife Park, Station Rd, Shepreth SG8 6PZ

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

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Dire Streets - The UK’s Leading tribute to the music of Dire Straits- Sat 31 Oct Dire Streets perfectly capture the distinctive, authentic sound of one of the biggest guitar bands of all time. Fronted by finger picking guitar ace John Brunsdon and his band of accomplished musicians, they play with an attention to detail. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Season Finale: Shuttleworth Uncovered Airshow - Sun 4 Oct For the first time, the season will end with the Shuttleworth Uncovered Airshow. What makes this event particularly special is that the Collection aircraft will be on static display around the

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hailed as one to watch and received a nomination in the Radio 2 Folk awards 2014.

The College Arms, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield MK43 0SR

paddock area before taking to the skies. The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden SG18 9EP Sunday Stroll - Sun 4 Oct A light stroll around the Park, with an informed guide from our Forest Volunteers to lead the way and answer any questions. Approx 1.5 - 2 hours. No need to book. £1 on the day. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Solid Gold 70’s - Fri 16 Oct Calling all retro music fans. If you like 70s music, you’ll love this: so goes the publicity for latest live concert show to go on tour nationwide The Solid Gold 70s Show. Reviving the golden age of pop, the brand-new stage show. Grove Theatre Dunstable, Grove Park, Dunstable LU5 4GP

Great Estates Thu 8 Oct Fancy the Downton lifestyle? Find out more about these great estates and the people who lived and worked on them with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES

Kai McKenzie - Michael Buble Tribute - Fri 16 Oct Kai McKenzie returns after his sold out show in 2014, to perform all of Michael Buble’s greatest hits. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Stotfold Mill Working Steam Weekend -Sat 10 and Sun 11 Oct A unique collection of steam driven machinery on display, including ploughing and threshing demonstrations. Mill Lane, Stotfold SG5 4NU

Biggleswade Art Exhibition - Sat 17 and Sun 18 Oct Original paintings for view and sale.

Refreshments are available. Northill Village Hall SG18 9AH

Flitwick Car Boot Sale - Sun 11 Oct A one off Car Boot Sale on hard standing, so no muddy boots! Come and find lots of bargains for Christmas! All profits to Flitwick Xmas Lights. The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AH

Freaky Fortnight at Mead Open Farm - Sat 17 Oct to Sun 1 Nov Thrills and chills aplenty are in store at what’s set to be Mead Open Farm’s biggest Freaky Fortnight yet.

Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH

Poor Laws Old and New - Tue 13 Oct Before the modern welfare state the poor and needy relied on the poor laws to provide for them.

Just what help could they expect and how was it delivered? Come and investigate with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service.

Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX

2015 Exhibition of Art & Craft - Sat 17 Oct We welcome you to our 2015 Exhibition & Sale of Art & Craft. Members of the Harlington Society of Art & Craft will be exhibiting their paintings including a section on ‘The Weather’. Village Hall, Sundon Road, Harlington LU5 6LS

Australians at Gallipoli - Wed 14 Oct Talk by Professor Carl Bridge of King’s College, London. The controversial views on this military disaster of 1915 were published recently by this Australian historian. Bedford School Library, De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU

Masses, Motets and Spirituals - Sat 17 Oct Choral concert jointly by Cantamus and East Beds Chamber Choir (EBCC) Masses by William Byrd: Four-Part and Frank Martin: DoubleChoir, and songs from New Zealand, Canada and America. St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ

I have a Plan - Thu 15 Oct Architectural drawings can tell us more about our world than the buildings that survive. Come and explore a world that was and a world that might have been with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES

Biggleswade Antiques Fair - Sun 18 Oct If you have an eye for antiques or are after something unique and beautiful for your home or collection, then visit Biggleswade Antiques Fair. We have over 45 stalls offering a wide range of antiques from silver, quality jewellery. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade SG18 8JH

Forest Folk and Roots present Hattie Briggs with support from Manny and the Coloured Sky - Fri 16 Oct Gloucestershire’s singer songwriter Hattie Briggs has already been

Isn’t it all online? - Tue 20 Oct While researching from the comfort of home has

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much to be said for it there is more to be uncovered if you venture out. Discover why some material can be accessed online and why some cannot with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service. Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX

event does sell out in advance. Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS Poor Laws Old and New - Thu 29 Oct Before the modern welfare state the poor and needy relied on the poor laws to provide for them.

Just what help could they expect and how was it delivered? Come and investigate with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service.

Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES

Law and Order - Thu 22 Oct Wasn’t the past a happy place where everyone left their doors unlocked? Come and see if this myth holds up as Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service examines the records of the criminals and crimestoppers. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES

Autumn Adventure Kids Outdoor Adventure - Thu 29 Oct A walk through the park to make an autumn wreath from the hedgerow harvest. What autumn fruits and colours can you find? Sessions cost £4 per child and run for approx. 1hr15 minutes at 10am, 11.30am, and 1.30pm. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

WI Jumble Sale - Sat 24 Oct Produce, Bric-aBrac, clothing, games, toys, books. Odell Village Hall MK43 7AS Wyboston Lakes Wedding Fayre - Sun 25 Oct This event is regarded as one of the very best wedding events in the area. It is set in the lovely Willows Centre which is a beautiful, venue for a stunning wedding with lots of space, on site accommodation for all as well as a beautiful courtyard. The Willows Centre, Wyboston Lakes, Wyboston MK44 3AL

Halloween Disco - Fri 30 Oct Fancy a spooky boogie? Put on your scariest Halloween fancy dress and join us for a fun disco. There will be a prize for the best costume, applebobbing, hot dogs and refreshments. Suitable for ages 5 – 12 years. Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach LU7 0EB

Ghosts, Ghouls & Goings On - Mon 26 to Fri 30 Oct Grab your cloaks and steady your nerves as your little horrors scare themselves silly this Halloween. Mysterious goings-on await you at petrifying Wrest Park. Meet our gruesome guides as they take you on a journey into the puzzling past. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton MK45 4HR

Something Scary at The Swiss Gardens - Sat 31 Oct Join us for a children’s fun filled evening of spooky stories, a scary garden trail, games plus a drink and spooky biscuit.

Garden trails starting from 17.20 every 20 minutes until 18.40 will include scary story telling aimed at younger children. The Swiss Garden, Old Warden SG18 8EP

Apple Day - Kids’ Indoor Activity - Mon 26 Oct Celebrate the wonderful variety of English apples. Apple tasting and apple themed crafts. Which apple is your favourite?

Sessions cost £3.50 per child and run for approx. 45 minutes at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Bucks Listings Netherlands National Circus - til Sun 4 Oct Show times. Tue-Fri 4:45pm & 7:30pm, Sat 2:00pm & 4:45pm & 7:30pm, Sun 12:30pm & 3:30pm . Willen Lake MK15 0DS

I Love Maps - Tue 27 Oct Without maps would we be lost? Find out how maps from the archives can help you find where you are and what was there before you in this event

by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service.

Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX

Metroland Poets - Einstein and all that - Thu 1 Oct The Dylan Thomas centenary celebration event last year was brilliantly successful. We heard readings from Dylan, poems inspired by Dylan and other recent works that the Metroland poets had written.

Bourne End Library, Wakeman Rd, Bourne End SL8 5SX

Kids’ Halloween Disco - Wed 28 Oct Celebrate the spookiest night of the year with our Kids’ Halloween Disco – with music, dancing, party games and prizes. Ticket includes food box and drink, Parental supervision required. Booking essential – this

Hyde End Craft Show - Fri 2 Oct The Hyde End Autumn Craft Show 2015 hosts the very best of the best of British designers and

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selling their products and services. British Legion, Queensmead Road, Loudwater HP10 9XA

makers proudly display their wares to discerning shoppers, our draped, lined and chandeliered marquees. Hyde End. Gt. Missenden HP16 0RD

The N Word - Sat 3 Oct Yaw’s House Productions Hip Hop’s notorious new bad bway The Last Bruthaman is playing the game. He is all for the Get Rich part of the story, not too keen about the Die Trying.

Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Barefoot Opera - Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore - Fri 2 Oct This year, Barefoot Opera presents Donezetti’s best known opera L’elisir d’amore (Elixir of love). This follows the hugely successful Carmen presented last year. Community Hall, Bourne End SL8 5SX

Childrens Workshop - Carnival of the Animals - Sun 4 Oct Last year we organised a mask making workshop based on Prokoviev’s Peter and the Wolf. Making the masks, play acting the story to the music and photos of the children with their creations turned out to be brilliant success. Bourne End Library, Wakeman Rd, Bourne End SL8 5SX

The Fossil Lady of Lyme - Fri 2 Oct The Fossil Lady of Lyme is a full-length onewoman virtuoso performance, with scenery, lighting, sound effects - and lots of fossils!

East & Botolph Claydon Village Hall MK18 2LR Little Missenden Festival 2015 - Fri 2 to Sun 11 Oct The Little Missenden Festival has an unbroken tradition of high-quality musicmaking in a unique Buckinghamshire village setting. The Festival features promising young talents as well as nationally and internationally famous artists and composers.

St John the Baptist Church, Little Missenden, Nr Amersham HP7 0RA

Wedding Fair at Bisham Abbey - Sun 4 Oct All the needs of your special day under one roof enhanced by a beautiful venue with staff and exhibitors at your disposal. Bisham Abbey, Marlow Road, Bisham, Nr Marlow SL7 1RR Glorious Jones, What This Woman Wants Sun 4 Oct Yaw’s House Productions When the biggest Soul Diva disappears, the world almost holds its breath. The sensational Glorious Jones is missing, just over a week before her last ever concert. Speculations fly fast. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

The Show- Fri 2 Oct Yaw’s House Productions From 1991 to 1995, a most spectacular event defined The Arts in Milton Keynes. Quality stagemanship with live music, contemporary dance, extraordinary theatre mesmerising poetry, wicked commentary Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

The Buckinghamshire Baby & Toddler Show - Sun 4 Oct Bumps, Babies & Beyond brings the Buckinghamshire Baby and Toddler Show which is made up of over 70 businesses, running stalls and free activities. Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN

Quiz Night at Buckingham Old Gaol - Fri 2 Oct The autumn return of our popular Quiz Night. Teams of four but they can be made up on the night, pre book if possible. BYO alcohol, light refreshments available. Buckingham Old Gaol, Market Hill, Buckingham MK18 1JX

Bullet For My Valentine - Mon 5 Oct Bullet For My Valentine Plus While She Sleeps & Coldrain. Artists performing: Bullet For My Valentine. Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury HP20 1UG

Comedy Night with Matt Richardson - Fri 2 Oct An evening of award winning stand-up comedy from The Comedy Cow in the intimate setting of The Crown, Stony Stratford. Headlining the evening is Matt Richardson who is probably best known as Caroline Flack’s co-presenter on The Xtra Factor in 2013. The Crown, 9 Market Square, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BE

Andrew Thompson - Baritone - Wed 7 Oct Andrew first performed for Wooburn Festival last year. We look forward to welcoming Andrew Thompson again to our lunchtime concert series where he has graciously taken time out from his busy concert diary. All Saints Church, Church Square, High Wycombe HP11 2BN

Baby & Children’s Market - High WycombeSat 3 Oct Goods for sale: Lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new baby and children’s items from birth to 8yrs, plus a small selection of unique businesses in the baby and children’s industry showcasing and

The Enquiry by Charlotte Hastings - Thu 8 to Sat 10 Oct Tense thriller set in a women’s

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Film Night - "Trash"- Sun 11 Oct Quentin Falk, local author and film journalist, will introduce the engaging, award-nominated, action-adventure Trash, directed by Stephen Daldry. NTFS Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1LG

prison in the 1960’s. Winslow Public Hall, Elmfields Gate, Winslow MK18 3JA Morgan & West: Parlour Tricks - Fri 9 Oct Parlour Tricks is a family friendly magic show from Morgan & West. The show contains many interactive magic tricks, illusions, and feats of mind reading. All set in the dashing duo’s Victorian Parlour. The Old School Room, Weedon HP22 4NW

Wedding Fair - Sun 11 Oct All the needs of your special day under one roof enhanced by a beautiful venue with staff and exhibitors at your disposal. Wycombe Swan Town Hall St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

Martin James Bartlett - Piano Recital - Fri 9 Oct In May 2014, at the age of 17, Martin James Bartlett won the BBC Young Musician competition, following a spell binding performance of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. St Paul’s Church Hall, Wooburn HP10 0PW

Evening Concert - Heath Quartet - Tue 13 Oct The Heath Quartet have performed at the Wooburn Festival since 2006 and over this period have become a highlight of the Festival’s classical music offerings. St Paul’s Church Hall, Wooburn HP10 0PW

Mushroom Magic! - Sat 10 Oct National Fungus Day table top display of freshly collected mushrooms and toadstools. In conjunction with the Bucks Fungus Group. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Childrens Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Shopkeeper Ancestors - Tue 13 Oct Sue Gibbons invites family historians to discover what was involved in this occupation by using diaries, trade manuals and other resources.

Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX

Cliveden - Apple Days - Sat 10 and Sun 11 Oct Enjoy our Apple Days held in Cliveden’s long-lost Round Garden, which has recently been restored. Taste our apples, take part in our themed crafts and activities and listen to talks about the restoration of the Round Garden at Cliveden. Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JA

A Doll’s House - Wed 14 to Sat 17 Oct Pepper’s Ghost Theatre Company Ibsen’s play aroused great controversy at the time. It is deeply critical of society’s norms in the nineteenth century. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN Lunchtime Concert - Robert Cheung - Wed 14 Oct We welcome Robert Cheung, who enthralled our lunchtime audience last year, and which made him an irresistible choice for this year’s lunchtime concert series. All Saints Church, Church Square, High Wycombe HP11 2BN

Little Chalfont Farmers’ Market - Sat 10 Oct Great selection of quality, locally produced food at this monthly market. Buy rare-breed pork, bacon and sausages, lamb, game and poultry. Plus seasonal fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, artisan breads, pies and baked goods, cheeses. Village Hall car park, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP8 4UD

Victor and Albert’s A-Z of Britain - Fri 16 Oct Join comic twins Professor Victor and Dr Albert for an uplifting and hilarious evening of discovery of all things British. An A-Z of what makes us what we are in these Isles – perhaps you can help us discover a few new things too. Burnham Park Hall, Windsor Lane SL1 7HR

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s Brand New Event - Colour Rush - Sun 11 Oct It involves a 5km run/jog/dance/walk, as well as a 2km ’mini rush’ for children, where colourful powder will be thrown over the participants at every km. Green Park Centre, Stablebridge Rd, Aston Clinton HP22 5NE

Stargazing Weekend - Fri 16 & Sat 17 Oct Stargazing is great fun for kids and adults alike and we hold stargazing events for all of the family throughout the year. So, why don’t you join us? For this event we are offering you the opportunity to stargaze and camp! Hulton Dr, Emberton Olney, Milton Keynes MK46 5BW

Victor and Albert’s A-Z of Britain - Sun 11 Oct Join comic twins Professor Victor and Dr Albert for an uplifting and hilarious evening of discovery of all things British. An A-Z of what makes us what we are in these Isles – perhaps you can help us discover a few new things too. Wingrave Community Centre HP22 4PE

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Cheddington Food and Drink Fayre - Fri 16 Oct Come and join us in a celebration of eating and drinking!! Now in its eighth year, there will be many stalls displaying and selling locally produced food and drink.

Cheddington Village Hall, Church Lane, Cheddington LU7 0RU

Wooburn Festival) will be one of our soloists.

Simon Howat plays the piano.

All Saints’ Church, The Causeway, Marlow SL7 2AA Cliveden - Hallowe’en - Witch and Wizard week - Sat 24 Oct to Sun 1 Nov Follow the clues on our Hallowe’en Trail to find the ingredients to make a magical potion. Please come dressed up in your scariest outfit, (yummy prize included). Free with donations.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JA

Dan & Marisa Cornford - Viola/Piano - Fri 16 Oct We are really delighted to welcome husband and wife duo Dan (viola) and Marisa (piano) to the Wooburn Festival. St Paul’s Church Hall, Wooburn HP10 0PW

Flanders and Swann Revisited - Sat 24 Oct Laugh away those 21st Century Blues in the company of Flanders and Swann, here perfectly complemented by the words and wit of Sir John Betjeman. Featuring a cornucopia of songs, familiar and less familiar. Akeley Village Hall MK18 5HB

Community MusicFest - Sat 17 Oct Amersham Band’s popular annual MusicFest returns with an entertaining evening of music and song by the very best in our community.

The Elgiva Theatre, St Mary’s Way, Chesham HP5 1HR

Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair - Sat 24 Oct Winner of Best Vintage Fair in the UK 2013, 2014 & 2015! Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair is delighted to be debuting in Milton Keynes this Autumn.

Join us for a huge vintage fair featuring 40 stalls of vintage fashion & home ware.

Stantonbury Leisure Centre MK14 6BN

Victor and Albert’s A-Z of Britain - Sat 17 Oct Join comic twins Professor Victor and Dr Albert for an uplifting and hilarious evening of discovery of all things British. An A-Z of what makes us what we are in these Isles – perhaps you can help us discover a few new things too. Oakley Village Hall, Oxford Road HP18 9RD

Folk Supper - Sat 24 Oct We are thrilled to welcome Jim Causley and Lee Rahn to the Wooburn Festival. Royal British Legion, Queensmead Road, Loudwater HP10 9TZ

Apple Day, Iver Heath - Sat 17 Oct This is a great family fun day out with numerous stalls for local charities, producers and traders – from toffee apples and pumpkins to bric-abrac and crafts. Lots of children’s activities and events for all ages to watch & take part.

Home Cottage Farm, Bangors Road South, Iver Heath SL0 0BB

BBOWT Plant and Produce Market - Sat 24 Oct Choose from a wide selection of good value home-grown plants and home-made cakes, pickles and preserves....plus books, crafts, gifts and excellent refreshments all to raise funds for local wildlife conservation. Great Missenden Memorial Centre HP16 9AE

Piano Recital. Amersham Concerts presents Alexander Soares - Sat 17 Oct This exciting young pianist is performing in Amersham for the first time. His programme includes popular piano works by Debussy, Chopin and Liszt. Dr Challoners High School, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont HP7 9QB

Creating Sunshine - "Pilgrim" - Thu 29 Oct Following on from last year’s brilliantly successful ‘Looks Like Love’, Creating Sunshine Theatre Company are producing a new musical play by Ian R. Wallace & Mark Britton which gives a modern take on John Bunyan’s 1678 book “Pilgrim’s Progress”. St Andrew’s Church, Hatters Lane, High Wycombe HP13 7NH

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre - Diesel Day - Sun 18 Oct D2298 in passenger service and another diesel on a parallel freight train.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre occupies an extensive site in rolling Buckinghamshire countryside. Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY

Duck In The Truck - Sat 31 Oct Blunderbus Theatre Company This is the tale of a duck in a truck - a truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck. A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bush saw the truck stuck and gave it a push.

But the truck stayed stuck! Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

Wooburn Singers - Concert - Sat 24 Oct This year the Wooburn Singers are performing Dvorák’s Stabat Mater and we are thrilled that Pamela Helen Stephen (president of the

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