Sticks September 2015

Issue 33 September 2015

In this edition of The Sticks UK Exclusive interview with Leo Sayer Our Hero Cheese of the Month Advice from Consensus HR BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace’s Platinum awards Win a table for 10 at the UK’s Favourite Christmas party (worth £500) Relationship Advice And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Welcome to the September 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 Leo Sayer HR Column from Consensus HR Win a table for 10 at the UK’s Favourite Christmas party (worth £500) Curwens Column Relationship Advice Art Column Janey Lee Grace’s Platinum Awards Hero Cheese of the Month Big Barn Food Column Listings – Herts, Beds & Bucks

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

See you in October!

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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UK Exclusive Interview with Leo Sayer Leo Sayer is a singer-songwriter, musician, and entertainer - now an Australian citizen and resident whose singing career has spanned four decades, with a brand new album called “Restless Years” released on 28th August and a tour in September and October Leo began his music career co-writing songs with David Courtney, including "Giving It All Away", which gave Roger Daltrey of The Who his first solo hit in 1973. The same year, Sayer began his career as a recording artist under the management guidance of Adam Faith, who signed Sayer to the Chrysalis label in the UK and Warner Bros. Records in the USA. His debut single "Why Is Everybody Going Home" failed to chart, but he shot to national prominence in the UK with his second single, the plaintive music hall-styled song "The Show Must Go On", which Sayer memorably performed on British television wearing a pierrot costume and make-up. The single went quickly to no 2 on the UK chart. His first seven hit singles all reached the Top 10 – a feat first achieved by his then manager, Adam Faith.

The Sticks spoke to Leo from his home in Sydney, Australia, ahead of his tour You now live in Australia, why there? Quite a few years ago not a lot was happening for me in the UK and I kept getting offered all this work in Australia, so I was coming down and visiting and met a manager and really wanted to get on with some new records and the thing was in England at that time, although I think it is different now, nobody was interested in anything unless it was Simon Cowell, The Voice things or new artists. They said “I don’t know what we would do with you Leo”, so meantime I had offers of a lot of live work from Australia etc. and the package looked so good and I have got to say as soon as I came down, it was fantastic and I have been working hard down here ever since but, and there is a but to it, ironically about a week before I left for Australia, which was 10 years ago now in 2005, a guy turns up with a remix of “Thunder In My Heart” and as soon as I move down here the thing goes to number one in the UK. I think the move was good as it tempted fate. My music has always been big down under but it is also big in the Southern Pacific especially in Asia and I am very close to Asia here and I get a lot of work in Singapore, Hong Kong and China, so I am always travelling there as well. It has not been a bad move and I figure at 67 years old to make a change in your 50’s is not a bad thing because it gives you a second wind and the other thing is, as I am a songwriter being in a different environment, you get very inspired by that and wakes up ideas in your head. I live a very nice life here but ironically in a very British looking village in the southern highlands about 1½ hours south of Sydney, it is so English here it is not true, like the English tearooms.

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The new album called “Restless Years” is out now, what is the title track all about?

It was a song I wrote a long time ago with Albert Hammond, well not that long about 8 years ago. Albert of course is the guy who wrote “When I Need You” and we have written quiet a few songs together and it is a real joy for me to be writing with someone like him, we do everything together - the music and the lyrics, we just sit in a room and ideas just come out. This was a song I wrote with him and it was basically in the lyrics it was focusing on the period just before I became famous and all those kind of dreams and wishes that you have to make it in the world, to make an impression somewhere. I think it is about ambition and all those kind of things so the Restless Years were the years before Adam Faith and David Courtney met me with Adam producing and David writing the songs. It is looking back at those times. The opening line “ride the train that’s headed nowhere, easy going like you don’t care” is all about finding that bravado in you, going on an impossible journey, trying to reach an impossible goal but too keep cool whilst doing it. It is a difficult balance but I think the song describes it well.

The album has been out in Australia since January and went top 40 over there and has been very well received. It is handy when you have recorded it in an Australian studio with Australian musicians because they like all that but I think the result would had been the same if it was recorded in America or the UK. The album is being released in England as a blood red vinyl also the CD has 3 bonus tracks that were not released in Aus, they are all original songs of which I am quite proud of. I really want to concentrate the next few years on writing, I know so much about what I do now, and it feels kind of easy now.

Are there any plans to release a single from the album? Well I don’t know what they do with singles these days and anyhow I think an album full of songs is like chapters in a book and they can all be slightly different but they are all characters in a play and I like to make albums really.

How did you get started in the music business? I was a graphic designer and had studied art at art school and I found myself getting into graphics, design and illustration because you had to have a commercial job, because you could not make enough just as an artist, and I ended up doing a lot of record covers and I was always around the music industry also I played harmonica in blues bands and I shared a stage with Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Keith Richards and all of that bunch in the early days and I never thought I would be taking it seriously and doing music but I think that the way my career in graphic design went, which was pretty awful, led me more to joining up with bands. By that time I had done record covers for Bob Marley and Humble Pie and bands like that, so I knew a bit about the music business but I was not quite prepared for the fact that you get ripped off almost the first day you get in to it. I went to an audition down in Brighton with my band and we thought we were pretty good as we came second in the local Melody Maker battle of the bands competition, and the guy who was holding this audition was 5

David Courtney and David ended up being my co-writer for the first two albums and later on producing me. David kind of saw my talent I think and said that he wanted to write songs and he also had a conduit in to a friend called Adam Faith who was a manager, of course he was playing Budgie at the time, so they both helped me get there really quickly, they opened the doors and I was on the way to immediate hits and that’s all thanks to those connections, although I had been waiting around for a long time, but when it happened it happened really quickly. I have had 28 top ten hits in the UK alone, it is ridiculous really over a 43 year career and I am very lucky, also it is because we tried to make good records especially in those early days and it is the way they have stood the test of time like “One Man Band”. I remember Adam said something to me early on in my career when I asked him what fame was, he said “being popular with people from 6 to 60” and when you think about it, that is it.

I have made records for kids, have been with the Muppets, I have done all of that side and now I am very happy that people who know a lot about music and life are all fans of mine.

Who has inspired you in the music business? Bob Dylan at first as I was always a nomadic type, I was ready to run out the door at anytime when I was a kid and go travelling, living rough, the romanticism of his guy in the 60’s called Jack Kerouac who wrote this thing about going on the road and the railway carriage or the bus shelter is your home and I think that struck a chord with a lot of us that had this wanderlust you know and Dylan was the voice of that, the idea that we could all be free.

Have you any unfulfilled ambitions? In a way I have always wanted to act and I am worried I am a bit too old for it now, maybe a little too late to learn how to act.

What has been the highlight of your career? There have been lots of them but I guess being accepted in America in the early days, when I had my first number one there with “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” you feel on top of the world, like you have climbed Everest ranks up there.

What do you do as a hobby? I am a big reader of books; you might be surprised I am quite intellectual. I am inquisitive so basically I am always looking things up and wanting to learn about more things and have found that as time has gone on I am more inquisitive.

You are in charge of the world for the day what is the first thing you would do?

Shoot all the politicians, we should never vote for anybody who has got more money than us. I am a bit of a rebel really, but seriously if I was in charge I would make nature, climate and climate awareness as the absolute priority.

See Leo on his tour on Sunday 27 September at The Stables, Wavendon www.leosayer.com 6

No More Zero-Hours Contracts

Exclusivity clauses in zero-hours contracts are now banned.

The UK Government has outlawed the use of exclusivity clauses in zero-hour contracts. This took place on 26th May this year. This change was part of the first commencement order made under the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

What does this mean?

Businesses of any size can no longer restrict their employees to their business exclusively if they are on a Zero Hours contract. Many people are now making the assumption that businesses will try to get around this amendment in the law by giving an employee a minimum amount of Contracted hours on a weekly / monthly basis such as 1 – 2 hours which will make it interesting to see how this is managed going forward.

Zero-Hour contracts benefit: Individuals who do not want to be tied down to a set amount of hours per week / month, Business that do not want to have the commitment of a set salary expense of Contracted hours Matthew from Consensus HR states: “I believe that zero-hour contracts have their place in some businesses. But - the business needs to ensure that this is the right option for the company and individual. By not offering the individual a guaranteed amount of Contracted hours, are they going to feel a real part of your company & its culture?”

If you currently have exclusivity clauses in your zero-hour contracts and wish to ensure they are to best practice and within the law contact Matthew at Consensus HR – ‘Helping Companies with their People & Business Solutions’

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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FIGHTING OVER YOUR CHILD? – don’t make a drama out of what is already a crisis You may have seen in the news recently, the case of Rebecca Minnock, who ran away with her 3 year old son Ethan after a Court ordered he should live with his father.

Briefly, the Court found that Rebecca had invented allegations against the father, in an attempt to prevent him from seeing Ethan. To put an end to this, the Court ordered Ethan should live with his father, but still spend time with his mother. Rebecca was unhappy – but instead of using the formal legal channels to try and appeal the decision, she went into hiding with Ethan in the hope of attracting media attention to put pressure on the Courts to change their decision.

The problem was the media did not have full details of the case – because court proceedings relating to children are quite properly confidential. This meant that Rebecca was able to manipulate public opinion for a time – until the full facts of the case came to light.

Ethan has now been returned to the care of his father, and it is left for the Court to decide what arrangements should be made for the future.

The father decided not to press for Rebecca’s committal to prison for flouting the court order. However, one of the senior judges dealing with the case made it clear in his judgement that “any idea that this sort of action will go unnoticed by the Court is wrong…I make no concealment of the fact that I would have sentenced her to immediate imprisonment” This shows us just how seriously judges take a breach of a court order - particularly when the welfare of a young child is involved.

You may think these facts sound extreme and read like the script for a Hollywood movie.

However, cases like Ethan’s are considered by judges in the family courts every day. There are commonly disputes between separating parents about where a child should live, how much time they should each spend with the child, and even detailed issues like which school the child should attend.

These don’t need to end up in court or be splashed across the news headlines. It is best wherever possible to come to an agreement amicably – so try mediation or the Collaborative process to get help with talking through the issues before you consider making a Court application. These other options can save you time, money and stress.

If you would like more information on Child Arrangements, Mediation, or general Family Law issues, please contact: clare.pilsworth@curwens.co.uk Curwens LLP have offices in Royston, Hoddesdon and Enfield. www.curwens.co.uk 10

Joanna Coker, psychologist and relationship expert, discusses her involvement in ‘Married at First Sight’ the new documentary series from Channel 4

As humans we are naturally curious about others and their motivations and behaviours. This curiosity has in recent years led to reality TV shows being an increasingly popular genre. People love to watch shows such as “Big Brother House”, and marvel at the antics of those who participate. However, behind the scenes we must remember these are real people and there can be negative consequences to appearing on TV for the participants as well as positive ones.

The new channel 4 show “Married at First Sight” could be seen as a case in point. Couples are paired by science and then marry having never met; naturally there has been an amount of shock and outrage at these headlines. However, behind the scenes this has been a long and rigorous process with a great deal of time and effort given to ethical considerations and the care and welfare of both Participants and the Panel. At all times this was about a serious issue in contemporary society and documenting this. We, the panel, CPL (the production company) and Channel 4, looked for participants who met our strict ethical criteria, who were not interested in being on TV, but who wanted to share their experience of love and dating with us. None of them received any benefit, all were committed, wanted to tell their story and find a long-term partner.

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What we have created together is, I feel, a socio-documentary that informs us and, I hope, makes us stop and think about the toxic environment that relationships exist in, in contemporary Britain. This is my story of my participation in the panel of Married at First Sight.

Darren is trying to find a life partner, he is finding the going tough which has affected his self-esteem and led to a depressive episode. “It is so soulless” he tells me “even though people say they want to find the ONE, in reality they are searching for instantaneous love, perfection or one night stands. I just want someone to be there for me, and I will be there for them”.

He is one of the many young people of both sexes that I have seen in recent years that echo this sentiment, and it would seem that there is a whole cohort of young folk in the same position. National statistics tell us that more people than ever in the UK are living alone. One in three households now have just one member, compared to one in five at the start of the 1970s, and the 2011 census showed that 51% of people were single. This is especially concentrated in our major cities like London where our participants all lived. Many of these people want a partner, but despite all the available dating sites, they cannot find one.

It was this dilemma that led to me taking part, after much careful thought; in a TV series commissioned by Channel 4 from CPL called “Married at First Sight”. The programme uses a panel who are experienced in the world of “love and relationships” and who come from the disciplines of science, anthropology, psychology, sex & relationship therapy and religion.

The potential candidates undergo intensive multi-dimensional assessment, which takes place over many months. The three strongest pairs, unanimously agreed by myself and the rest of the panel, are matched. Once matched, they then prepare to marry, and marry having never met. Sounds crazy? Well I agree, although of course arranged marriage is still very much a feature of some communities in the UK today such as the orthodox Jewish system of Shidduch. When I was first approached about this project, I had to do some very serious soul searching to think about whether I wanted to be involved. I had many questions about the care and welfare of the participants and my own firm views on matrimony to consider.

I am firmly in the “marriage is a special bond” camp, and despite ups and downs, have been married for 36 years. I did not take the commitment lightly and would not want others to. However, people like Darren show me that in our contemporary society, the dating game is problematic, and not delivering the relationship that many of these young people want.

My final thoughts before I joined the panel were “would I want my child to do this”. This for me was pivotal; if I answered no then it would be hypocritical to be part of the process. Having met the potential panel members and talked to the production team, I was in no doubt that, although the brief was to make a TV programme, they were as personally committed to the happiness and well-being of the participants as I wanted to be. As such I would have felt confident supporting my child taking part, and so I joined.

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Naturally, I cannot give too much away, but I want to say it has been the most amazing and heart rending experience to hear the applicant’s stories about how they have tried to find love and failed. It was also a great privilege to help the participants find a partner and prepare for marriage.

Many colleagues who I talked over my decision with said “why marriage, why not live together?” An understandable position, but for me marriage was a key point. In marriage, not only do the couple commit, the families, friends and community support them; and the families support was vital in this project. Indeed, the wedding service asks the guests to do this and bear witness to the vows that are made in their presence. We also know that in scientific terms, at a wedding there is a hormonal change not only in the couple, but also in the guests. That is, oxytocin, “the feel good hormone” is released in us all. We all love a wedding!

For the participants, marriage was to be the starting point in the relationship from which they would move forward and grow, and they gave informed consent to sign up for this, and were free to stop the process at any time. While there was a recognition that they could divorce, and they were fully briefed on this, I believe they were all as serious in their intent to stay married as any couple entering a marriage in contemporary Britain.

I think it is important to remember that “love”, whatever that is, being the most important aspect of marriage is a relatively new phenomenon. In the past marriage was arranged and was about securing land, wealth conservation and gaining political advantage; love had no part in it. Parents often arranged the unions and there was little choice in partner; and often force was used. The giving of consent to marry was not part of the marriage service until the 1140 the Decretum Gratiani required that the couple give their verbal consent to marriage before it could take place.

It wasn’t until Victorian times that love became an acceptable reason to marry.

The rising of a middle class, “new money”, increased social mobility meant that people wanted the freedom to choose partners rather than the families use them as a commodity. The public declaration by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of their love for each other, despite being matched along bloodlines, also altered pubic perception and expectation. Think of the marriage dilemmas presented in Pride and Prejudice written just before this and very ahead of its time in consideration of the complexity of love and marriage. Darcy battles his love for Elizabeth, who was not considered an appropriate wife position-wise or financially; and Charlotte the pragmatic realist, who marries the awfully unctuous Mr. Collins who she does not love so she is not on the shelf and at the mercy of relatives as an old maid.

Today we now have moved on further in our conception of marriage with 20 countries worldwide accepting and supporting same sex marriage, and recently the Republic of Ireland being the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by a referendum.

As well as love, good old sex also raised its head my colleagues’ opinions. “What if they are not compatible…. what if they do not fancy each other?” Well the 13

participants were matched for attraction i.e. they found each other initially attractive in the pre-matching testing. But remember attractiveness is a complex emotion, we all know beautiful people who are ugly because they are not very pleasant people, and conversely we know moderately attractive people who become very attractive because of their personal qualities e.g. humour. I, like many sex and relationship therapists, also see many couples who at one time had “searingly hot sex”, but now struggle to have any, or even to fancy each other.

Often this is because of the pressures of life, the relationship and communication tensions. Similarly, I have helped many couples improve their sexual function in a relationship when it was at an all time low or absent. Sex it would seem is a complex experience and can be potentiated by a good relational experience, destroyed by a bad one or in fact just be a stand-alone experience.

Well, the series is complete and now due to air and opinion will be divided on the format and the panel’s role in this. No-one is saying this is the way forward for all relationships, but it is certainly a way forward for the right people with the right support. It was a risk our participants were keen to try in their quest for love, and I was happy and honoured to take that leap of faith with them. Since my role has been made public, I have been approached by folk of all ages who are so tired of trying to find love and who want help to find it….so perhaps this should inform us as a society and suggest we reserve our judgment on this project.

“Married at First Sight” aired on Channel 4 Picture Caption: The “Married at First Sight” panel: Mark Coulson, Anna Machin, Andrew Irving, Jo Coker and Nick Devenish Photographer Dave King / Channel 4 Television Joanna Coker is a Counselling Psychologist registered with HCPC, a BACP accredited psychotherapist, a COSRT accredited psychosexual/relationship therapist and an accredited clinical supervisor. She is Clinical Director for Local Counselling Centre and Professional Standards & Development Manager for the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists as well as being an Accredited Mediator.

If you are having relationship problems or issues forming a relationship, then it may well be helpful to see a qualified relationship therapist. As a service LCC are skilled at helping couples re-engage and work through these complex issues issues. We have a team of specialists ready to help you.

Consult our web for lots of helpful information and if you want to see a therapist remember help is just a phone call away. Sessions are available from just £15.00 (subject to status) Local Counselling Centre T: 01462 674671 E: hello@localcounsellingcentre.co.uk W: www.localcounsellingcentre.co.uk

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Open Studios at Mardleybury Gallery For the third year running Mardleybury Gallery is throwing open its doors to Herts Visual Arts Open Studios. 2015 marks the 25th Anniversary of the annual, countywide celebration of local artists – and with more than double the artists showcasing and demonstrating their work than featured in last year’s exhibition, Mardleybury Gallery’s Open Studio is an extravaganza not to be missed!

More than 30 incredible artists shall be exhibiting beneath the barn roof this September providing a menagerie of work that ranges from ceramics, sculptures, glasswork, photography and textiles to amazing oils, acrylics and watercolour paintings.

Anja Penger-Onyett is one of those ceramic sculptors showcasing her work. A full-time potter, Anja experiments with her home-made, wild and oriental glazes to create decorative fired stoneware suitable for either inside or outside use. Linda Lipinski, also exhibiting in September, has many strings to her bow but is currently active as a sculptor – working in a variety of media such as sand, cement, wood, plaster, clay and stone to create dynamic figures.

Stella Swanton of ‘Infinity Fusing’ creates unique and imaginative fused glasswork that is both decorative and functional. As Mardleybury Gallery’s only glasswork artists, Infinity Fusing is renowned for their delicate but delightful designs – handmade and high quality artwork that captures the light and heart of the beholder.

Photographer Paul Lambeth has an incredibly mixed body of work spanning from abstract landscapes to impressionist sunsets. His creations, aided by digital manipulation, does not resemble conventional photography but explores a brightly coloured and stimulating artistic vision. Leah Carvell, also an exhibiting photographer, creates haunting narrativedriven images that take on an ethereal quality that aims to encourage her audience to interpret the work from an ambiguous starting point.

Textile work never fails to spark a wow-reaction from the guests at Mardleybury Gallery, and for Open Studios we welcome our finest! Paula Osbourne combines textiles and natural materials to create intricate and fascinating scenes, whereas Sarah Baylis layers a variety of media, such as paint, paper and stitch, in highly textured and colourful fabric pieces.

An abstract artists also exploring in unique sculpture work, Enrico Gobbi is one of twenty painters to exhibit at Mardleybury Gallery during HVA Open Studios.

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Enrico’s work is striking; his compositions juxtapose bright colours against dark hues and use both geometric and abstract shapes to create a swirling distortion of reality. Internationally renowned portrait painter Peter Deighan will also be returning to Mardleybury Gallery in September. Peter’s amazing talent, his artistic eye, elevated him from a Luton-based Vauxhall welder to an artist of incredible quality – whose work is hanging in private collections all over the world, from North America to the Vatican.

Alongside the amazing artwork on display at Mardleybry Gallery this September, our artists are offering demonstrations and have-a-go sessions every day from the 5th until the 27th. Visit us on social media or via our website (www.mardleyburygallery.co.uk) for scheduling details.

Behind Mardleybury Gallery is the recently opened antique and retro super-shop Vintage Paraphernalia. The vast double-storey barn is full to the brim with collectables, furniture, tools, jewellery, books and so much more. Vintage Paraphernalia will also house some of the artists exhibiting on Mardleybury Farm during Open Studios.

As Open Studios aims to promote the hard-work of Hertfordshire’s own, Mardleybury Gallery intends to support the dedication of another local organisation. A percentage of all the work sold during Open Studios will be donated to Herts Young Homeless. We will also be hosting a Wine Tasting Evening during September to further raise money for HYH. So, please make Mardleybury Gallery one of your “art” destinations while planning your route around Hertfordshire for Open Studios. We also welcome you to our delightful vintage tearoom where you can enjoy a cup of tea and cake and relax in our beautiful up-cycled art garden. If you like something you see, why not spoil yourself or a friend and make a purchase - or commission a special piece direct from the artist.

www.Mardleyburygallery.co.uk

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Hero Cheese of the Month – Mayfield This month we are focusing on Mayfield cheese. It is a semi-hard cheese with natural eyes and a creamy, sweet, nutty flavour that builds to something actually pretty intense.

This cheese ages for five to seven months and is made from pasteurised cows' milk, using vegetarian rennet. Mayfield has won Gold at the Great Taste Awards, Gold at the 2010 British Cheese Awards and another Gold Medal the 2011 World Cheese awards.

While searching for premises to open a specialist beef restaurant in London, Nic Walker and Arthur Alsop stumbled upon a dairy for sale in the Sussex countryside. They bought it and began making cheeses.

Now Alsop and Walker are amazing artisan cheese makers based in East Sussex producing a range of hard, soft, smoked and blue cheeses.

At first glance, our hand crafted cheese of the month, Mayfield looks like Swiss cheese; it is a semi-hard, naturally ‘holey’ and golden in colour, the first British cheese to look this way apparently. One of life’s big mysteries is how the big holes or ‘eyes’ get there.

We found out that they are formed by pockets of gas produced by bacteria during the maturing process.

Mayfield tastes amazing on its own of course, but you may want to try a chutney or fig jam with it to balance it out. A perfect cheese to add to any cheese board.

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

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Cider Month Cider, once ignored on the shelves and enjoyed only by teenagers on a rebellious night out is now a hot topic drink enjoyed by many. Not to mention that, like Ales, you can now find a local cider almost everywhere. It is exciting trying all the different types made with its own style and story.

Whether you prefer yours cloudy and dry or clear and sweet, Britain’s cider makers are on hand to offer something to suit all tastes and many still even have their own orchards so bottles can be traced right back to the tree from which the apples were picked.

Take a look at the National Cider Maker’s Association website for more details on cider and cider producers. On www.bigbarn.co.uk you’ll find a whole host of producers and retailers selling top notch scrumpy Surprising Cider Facts 1. Over two million new cider apple trees have been planted since 1995 (to 2006).

2. In the 14th Century children were baptised in cider, it was cleaner than the water!

3. Farm workers’ wages in earlier times included four pints of cider a day.

4. Around 13% of UK adults drink cider at least once a month while 49% drink wine and 51% drink beer.

5. Cider is equally enjoyed by men and women, but women drink half the volume of men.

6. The volume of cider produced annually in the UK is in excess of 6 million hectolitres or 130 million UK gallons.

7. 45% of all the apples grown in the UK are now used here for cider making. A reducing amount of apple juice concentrate from central European countries like Austria, Germany and Italy is required to make up the shortfall and to blend to produce certain styles of cider.

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number of other great bands to suit all tastes.

Battlers Green Farm, Radlett WD7 8PH

Herts Listings Beautiful Noise: Hertford’s Musical Heritage - til Sat 12 Sep Tuesday - Saturday, 10.00 am - 5.00 pm This Summer Hertford Museum will explore the diverse musical heritage of the county town and surrounding villages.

Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT

Herts Open Studios 2015 - Sat 5 to Sun 27 Sep 25,000 printed brochures listing the venues have been distributed in libraries, galleries and other outlets across the county.

Yet, surprisingly there are still people who have never heard of Open Studios. Various across Hertfordshire AL5 3BW

Eastenders at 30: In Our Manor - til Sat 12 Sep BBC and Elstree and Borehamwood Museum. Joint exhibition of thirty years of the Soap which is filmed at the local studios. Elstree and Borehamwood Museum.

96 Shenley Road, Borehamwood WD6 1EB

Potato Shindig - Sat 5 to Sun 27 Sep Children harvest their own free bag of potatoes from Willows Potato Patch and understand where the food they eat comes from. Plus a full day’s programme of fun with farmyard animals, adventure play, fun fair rides, JCB Young Drivers Zone. Willows Activity Farm.

Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans AL4 0PF

Ashridge Autumn Trail - Tue 1 Sep to 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.

Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT

Jewish Legends - Sun 6 Sep Following the success of their last visit, Jewish Legends returns with a celebration of some of the greatest Jewish performers in entertainment history. Why did American Jews find such success in the world of entertainment? The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

8pm Looking Tropicana Nights - Fri 4 Sep for a fun filled evening of fantastic 80s music and dancing? Then look no further… Join us at Tropicana Nights and indulge yourselves in pure 80s heaven. Whether you go all out in your favourite 80’s outfit or not, you are guaranteed to get in the party mood as soon as you walk into Watford Colosseum. So what are you waiting for? Get you tickets now and we’ll see you in 80s paradise! Over 25s only.

Tickets: £9.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Barkway Antiques & Vintage Fair - Sun 6 Sep 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

Night Fever Concert - City Chorus Community Choir - Fri 4 and Sat 5 Sep Programme includes Night Fever - All that Jazz - Lullaby of Broadway and many more.

Free Church, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City SG6 1NX

Dutch Swing College Band - Wed 9 Sep There’s a treat in store when the Dutch Swing College Band comes your way! Officially launched on D Day 5th May 1945 the DSC Band has recorded over 100 albums and appears at festivals, theatres and royal occasions in all continents. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Junior Kickers Taster Session - Sat 5 Sep Come along to our Free Taster Session for both girls and boys aged 3 & 4. Our Junior Kickers courses are designed with an introduction to football, using fun games and activities to teach the game’s primary skills.

Shephalbury Sports Academy, Broadhall Way, Stevenage SG2 8RH

The King Is Back - Thur 10 Sep 8pm UK Elvis tribute artiste, Ben Portsmouth topped the bill on David Letterman show 8th February 2013.In August 2012, Ben made history when he won the Elvis Presley Enterprises “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest’ which took place in Memphis, crowning Ben as the “Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” the only artist from outside the USA to ever win this prestigious title. Ben Portsmouth captures, with remarkable accuracy, each stage of Elvis’s career whilst maintaining a

Music On The Farm - Sat 5 Sep Music on the Farm is a Charity Musical Extravaganza set in the stunning Battlers Green Farm in Radlett.

Gareth Gates will be on stage along with a

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style and presence of his own. Experience the essence and spirit of what it must have been like to see the young “King” perform. With stunning costumes and superb musicianship, this is one of the best Elvis tributes performing today. Tickets £20.00, £18.00.

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

get together and re-live the addictive Abba phenomena that swept the airwaves and discos during the 70’s and 80’s in a truly authentic, feel good, party style tribute concert. From Mama Mia to Dancing Queen, all of the greatest hits are performed with unrivalled authenticity from both an audio and visual perspective with an amazing jaw dropping finale recreation taking you back to where it all began in 1974! Superbly accurate vocals, harmonies, guitar, keyboards plus back line musicians combined with stunning iconic replica costumes, choreography and set produce the most authentic and requested Abba tribute show in the world today.

Tickets: £20.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

St Albans Tour Guides - Thu 10 to Sun 13 Sep Join one of our free guided, themed walks covering different periods of time in St Albans. Discover places you haven’t noticed before and hear tales of events and characters from the past brought to life by our guide.

Royston & District Museum & Art GalleryThu 10 to Sun 13 Sep Explore the museum’s collections and find out more about how they are documented and cared for behind the scenes. Royston Museum, 5 Lower King Street, Royston SG8 5AL

Purple Zeppelin - Sat 12 Sep The Ultimate Rock Tribute Show! As featured in the BBC TV documentary The Joy of the Guitar Riff, Purple Zeppelin are proud to pay tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. In a “full on” show with costume changes, you’ll hear more than 30 classic songs. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

St Albans Clock Tower - Thu 10 to Sun 13 Sep The Clock Tower in St Albans was built in 1405 and is the only medieval town belfry in England. Come and climb the 93 steps to the top of the Tower and enjoy the magnificent views of the Cathedral, the historic city of St Albans. The Clock Tower, Market Place, St. Albans AL3 5DR

Home-Start Stevenage Fun Quiz - Sat 12 Sep A fun quiz, less confrontational that those of a more serious nature. A cheap night out, some interesting questions, and a chance to socialise whilst helping a good cause. Please feel free to bring your own drinks and nibbles. St. Peter’s church hall, Willows Link, Broadwater, Stevenage SG2 8AN

The Gruffalo - Thu 10 and Fri 11 Sep Don’t miss Tall Stories’ hit musical stage adaptation of the award winning picture book, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL

The Grand Vintage Fair - Sat 12 Sep Full to the rafters with retro relics and kitsch collectibles! Come and find vintage fashions and accessories, gold n silver jewellery, upcycled furniture, art glass, china, books and more. The Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans AL3 5BU

West End - The Concert - Fri 11 and Sat 12 Sep Comes to Hitchin’s Queen Mother Theatre for just two performances! Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin SG4 9SP

Redbournbury Watermill - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Eighteenth-century restored working watermill, producing organic stone-ground flours and bread.

Museum, milling demonstrations and artisan bakery on site. Redbournbury Mill, Redbournbury Lane, St. Albans AL3 6RS

Outdoor Cinema - Fri 11 to Sun 13 Sep Classic films Frozen singalong, MamaMia and Back to the Future on a giant screen in the Park. Bring a picnic and a rug. Knebworth House SG1 2AX The Abba Reunion Tribute Show - Sat 12 Sep 7.30pm The ABBA Reunion tribute Show is the creation of an Award Winning West End Director, Producer and Choreographer.

Starring the original ‘Frida’ from the London West End cast! ABBA Reunion gives Abba fans, old and new, the opportunity to once again

Scott’s Grotto - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Scott’s Grotto is a series of six interconnected chambers decorated with thousands of shells, flints and pieces of coloured glass. It extends 67 ft (20 m) into a chalk hillside. Scotts Road, Ware SG12 9JQ

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St Albans South Signal Box and Railway Museum - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep The Grade II listed Midland Railway signal box built in 1892 has been restored and is fully open to the public. Signal Box, Ridgmont Road, St. Albans AL1 3AJ

typical motte and bailey Norman castle, built originally as a timber structure by William the Conqueror’s half-brother.

Berkhamsted Castle, Berkhamsted, River Walk - Tue 15 Sep Want to learn a bit more about Bishop’s Stortford? Why not join us on one of our Museum Walks. Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG

Two Roman Citizens Brace Themselves! Sat 12 Sep Three special performances of a family show as part of the celebrations to mark the display of the Sandridge Hoard at Verulamium Museum. Verulamium Museum, St. Michaels Street, St. Albans AL3 4SW

Laurence Jones set to rock Harpenden! Tue 15 Sep Laurence was voted "Young Artist of the Year," in the British Blues Awards 2014 and in the same year, won the final of the first UK European Blues Challenge. Public Halls, Southdown Rd, Harpenden AL5 1PD

Chilterns Countryside and Food Festival Sun 13 Sep Come along to our annual festival to celebrate the different crafts, industries and wildlife associated with the Chilterns countryside. Enjoy a day of mouth-watering local produce stalls, fascinating craft displays and forestry demonstrations. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT

2015 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships - Wed 16 to Sun 20 Sep Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB Grove House Fashion Show - Thu 17 Sep High street clothes!! All prices slashed!!

Bargains Galore!! Come and enjoy an evening filled with fashion fun and friends!! Doors open at 6:30 (show starts at 7pm) £10. Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans AL3 5XQ

St Peter’s Church, St Albans - Sun 13 Sep The church will be open and there will be historic displays within the church. Tower tours will take place. The church tower is the highest point in St Albans and on a clear day offers distant views of the Wembley Arch .St. Peters Church, St. Peters Street, St. Albans AL1 3HG

Great 20th Century Art Collectors: Public benefactors or robber barons? - Thu 17 Sep Lecture by John Iddon The core of great public art collections come from powerful, often larger-than-life private collectors. This lecture looks into some of these collectors and the art they acquired. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Formula FPV Drone Racing - Sun 13 Sep What is FPV Drone Dracing? Its Red Bull Pylon racing on a smaller scale. Very exciting, watching the pilots race around our track, around the obstacles and through the tunnels and see them crash at high speed. Cheshunt Country Club, Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt EN8 8YA

24 Hours From Tulsa - Thur 17 Sep 8pm During the 70s/80s at a time when tribute shows we’re unheard of, Tommy Carey toured his Gene Pitney show with amazing success. He played summer seasons in Spanish hotels and his show was the biggest draw in Ireland’s booming Cabaret circuit. Gene even attended one of Tommy’s shows and congratulated Tommy on his life-like impersonation of him. Now as we approach the 10th anniversary since the death of the great man, Tommy brings his 24 Hours from Tulsa show to Watford Colosseum with his Big Band, singers and audio visuals. Step back to the 60s and the greatest hits of Gene Pitney and re-live the magic of Backstage, I’m Gonna Be Strong, Something’s Gotten a Hold of my Heart and many more! Tickets: £21.50, £18.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Live showing of - Dangerous Moonlight - Sun 13 Sep We are excited to offer you the opportunity to join us for a commemorative showing of the 1941 film Dangerous Moonlight to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Benslow Music Trust, Ibberson Way, Hitchin SG4 9RB Hertford Heritage Day at Hertford Castle Sun 13 Sep 12:00 - 16:00 Free Entry As part of National Heritage Weekend, Hertford Castle will open its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors are able to explore the basement, dungeons, Robing Room and Downshire Suite. Hertford Castle Hertford SG14 1HR Berkhamsted Castle Guided Tours - Sun 13 Sep Guided tours of Berkhamsted Castle, a

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Red Panda Day - Sat 19 Sep Red Panda fun and games all day long. In aid of the Red Panda Network. Normal admission applies.

Shepreth Wildlife Park, Station Rd, Shepreth SG8 6PZ

Showaddywaddy - Fri 18 Sep 7.30pm The Greatest Rock & Roll Band in the World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title as they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary .Formed in the 1970s in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured the world. Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe, including ‘Under The Moon of Love’, ‘Three Steps to Heaven’, ‘Hey Rock & Roll’, ‘When’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’ and many, many more. So come and join the ‘Dancing Party’…

‘You’ve Got What It Takes’! Tickets £20.00, £18.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

What The Ladybird Heard - Sun 20 Sep 1.30pm and 4.30pm, Mon 21Sep 11am and 2pm Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: The Ladybird has a plan of her own! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this gorgeous stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure, What The Ladybird Heard. With live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs, book early for a glittering family treat! Tickets: £12.00. Schools: £9.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Mister Maker & The Shapes Live! UK Tour Fri 18 to Sun 20 Sep CBeebies arts and crafts hero Mister Maker is embarking on his first ever live theatre tour across the UK! The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD

Autumn Colours Walk - Thu 24 Sep 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 a part of the Ashridge boundary trail.

Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre HP4 1LT

Peter Pan - Fri 18 to Sun 27 Sep Magical musical of Peter Pan. Bishop’s Stortford Theatre at Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3JG Counterfeit Sixties Show - Fri 18 Sep Re-live the sounds of the swinging sixties, as Britain’s No. 1 tribute show brings alive the magic of the sixties, with their tribute to over twenty five bands of that era. The show encompasses everything from that period. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD

The Ultimate Eagles - Thur 24 Sep 8pm From BAFTA award-winning producers comes the show that celebrates the legacy of the world’s greatest selling Artist, The Eagles.

Starring Grammy-nominated musicians performing, with absolute accuracy, timeless masterpieces, such as Hotel California, Take It Easy, Desperado, and many more with such reverence that you’ll believe you’re listening to the real thing! The Ultimate Eagles are more than just a tribute…….they are definitive devotees, performing songs from every album and every era, delivering 40 years of brilliance with both accuracy and reverence. Enjoy the superb vocal harmonies and guitar playing made famous by The Eagles, and let yourself be whisked away to sunny California by the finest production of The Eagles music the world has ever seen!

Come along and witness the most comprehensive and accurate homage to The Eagles that you are ever likely to hear….. The Ultimate Eagles G. Tickets £22.50, £19.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road,

Voodoo Room: Hendrix and Cream classic rock - Fri 18 Sep The classic rock and blues of 1960s megastar Jimi Hendrix and rock supergroup Cream fill the Arts Centre in this kicking world class show by power trio Voodoo Room in appreciation of two massive musical pioneers. Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW The Magic Of Motown - Sat 19 Sep Celebrating 50 years of UK number one hit singles, the Magic of Motown brings its brandnew 2014 REACH OUT® Tour to town. Motown singles first topped the UK charts in 1964.

Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN Tewin Horticultural, Arts, & Crafts Society Sat 19 Sep Tewin Memorial Hall, Lower Green, Tewin AL6 0JX

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Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

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Lawrence. Tickets £21.50, £19.50 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

King of Pop - The Legend Continues - Fri 25 Sep The Legend Continues... showcases the extraordinary talent of an impersonator who has performed in over 300 international shows in 60 different countries and is the ONLY impersonator to be associated with Sony, MJJ Estate and MJ’s family. Watersmeet WD3 1EH

Stacey Kent - Sun 27 Sep American, Grammy-nominated singer, Stacey Kent, makes a welcome return to Radlett as part of a very limited series of UK concert dates. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 8HL

Entertaining piano and jazz charity concert with Alex Ainley - Fri 25 Sep Alex Ainley and amputee charity Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope are hosting an entertaining piano and jazz concert in Radlett. Alex is a very talented pianist who offers exquisite piano playing in combination with a lot of humour The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL

Isabel Hospice Chain Walk - Sun 27 Sep The Chain Walk involves a series of ten simultaneous scenic walks each with a delicious lunch stop. Each walk is lead by an experienced walk leader. Location depends on chosen route Hertfordshire AL7 1JR Three Horseshoes Open Day - Sun 27 Sep Come along and visit the Three Horseshoes in Norton, Letchworth and see the Stables. The Stable are an ideal place to hold your wedding reception or party. The Three Horseshoes, Norton 102 Norton Road Letchworth

Strictly Balti: Travelling Light Theatre - Fri 25 Sep We thought dance class was good, we thought dance class was English. We were wrong. Now we see you are fully English, because you argue with your parents. In Bangladesh this wouldn’t happen. Well you’ve done what we never could. Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Hertford Castle Autumn Wedding Exhibition - Sun 27 Sep 11:00 - 15:00 Free Entry. Visit Hertford Castle for an array of inspiration under one Royal roof. The Castle will host photographers, bridal wear, florists, jewellers and other exhibitor stalls. Looking for a venue? Hertford Castle Hertford SG14 1HR

The Lea School Lego Exhibition 2015 - Sat 26 Sep Fantastic Lego models on display Lego cinema - Vote for your favourite Lego model - Photo opportunities ’Build your own’ competition - Colouring in / craft section Duplo play area for under 3’s - Face painting Lego building mats.

Moorland Road, Harpenden AL5 4LE

An Evening With Boycott And Aggers - The Second Innings! - Tue 29 Sep 7.30pm.

England, Summer 2015. And it’s Ashes time again… Following their first run of hugely popular events across the country, the extraordinary odd couple are on tour again in 2015, to enthral, dazzle and entertain in their new show. Aggers challenges GB to justify his forthright views on cricket and life in general and our Geoffrey will say exactly what he thinks (what else?) about the ECB, England’s management and coaching staff, team selection, the captaincy, Kevin Pietersen and many other subjects he has hit out on in his latest autobiography, on air and in print. The show is peppered with hilarious anecdotes; the audience can tweet Aggers live with their own questions and the evening will, as ever, be fun, fiery and full of surprises! The events are being run in association with the Professional Cricketers Association and we are raising money which will go to the organisation’s Benevolent Fund.

Tickets: £23.00, £21.50, £17.00. Watford

The Sounds Of The Glenn Miller Era - Sat 26 Sep 7.30pm The lights soften, the mood settles. An audience waits for that first moment of sound. The Big Band is poised, relaxed, but with eyes anxious for the lead.

Then, as if giving body to an echo, the murmured notes of ‘Moonlight Serenade’…and the night, it seems, is suddenly full and timeless. There are those who watch and listen who tap a shy finger to the melodies, others who follow with a silent foot-beat, still others who murmur softly through the lyrics, and those who simply permit a fleeting smile.

But common to all are memories. With a full line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, a rhythm section and special guest vocalist Georgina Jackson, the Nick Ross Orchestra will faithfully recreate the wonderful sounds of such Big Bands as those led by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Syd

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The 121st Dean and Shelton Flower Show Sat 5 Sep from 1pm - 5pm Come and Enjoy a Truly Traditional Show, Something for Everyone! Local Produce and Exhibits, Classic Cars, Vintage Vehicles, Donkeys, Ponies, Owls, Children’s Entertainers, Crafts, Plants, Tombola, Raffle and Much More. The Dalton Village Hall, Kimbolton Road, Upper Dean PE28 0LT

Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk The Supreme Fabulettes - Viva Las Divas Wed 30 Sep 8pm The Supreme Fabulettes Miss Vicki Vivacious, Miss Portia De Fosse, Miss Silver Summers and Miss Vanilla Lush - have been acclaimed for combining slick choreography, amazing vocal harmonies, stunning couture outfits and signature Gleestyle song mashups that blend number one hits with current chart toppers including I’m Every Woman, Baby Love, Proud Mary, Rolling in the Deep, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Car Wash, Rehab, We Are Family, Born This Way, Survivor, Single Ladies, Signed Sealed Delivered, Diamonds, Crazy in Love, Man I Feel Like a Woman, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and many more. A shockingly hilarious must-see, their spectacular concert show charts the rise from rags to the queens of drag of an all-male/female close harmony group. The plot follows their razor-tongued manager as she navigates band splits and solo hits, against a backdrop of backstabbing, love and tears in this glittery new production at Watford Colosseum this September. Tickets: £20.50, £18.00 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Concert by Sharnbrook Gospel Choir - Sat 5 Sep A concert of popular, secular and gospel music. St Mary’s Church, Turvey Road, Carlton MK43 7LD Flitton & Greenfield Gala Day - Sat 5 Sep The Flitton and Greenfield Gala is an annual event to raise funds for the village hall and is a fun day for all to enjoy. This year’s theme is the Magna Carta. Flitton & Greenfield Village Hall and Recreation Ground, Greenfield Road, Flitton MK45 5DR Shuttleworth Pageant Airshow - Sun 6 Sep Today is all about the aircraft and vehicles that make up the Shuttleworth Collection.

Many of these were collected personally by Richard Shuttleworth or have been preserved in his memory. The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden SG18 8EP Sunday Stroll - Sun 6 Sep 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

Beds Listings Summer fun at Woodside - til Mon 7 Sep Holiday fun including tractor rides, meet and feed the animals, animal handling and demonstrations with reptiles, owls and much more, chick and bunny cuddling, indoor play barn, outdoor play areas, crazy golf, funfair rides, trampolines, sandpit.

Only £5.

Mancroft Rd, Aley Green, nr. Luton LU1 4DG

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate - 50 Things Walks - Sun 6 Sep 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

Binocular & Telescope open day - Thu 3, Sat 5 &Sun 6 Sep 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

Flitwick Antiques and Collectables fair - Sun 6 Sep A monthly fair, which runs on the 1st Sunday of each month, established for well over 30 years. Flitwick village hall, Dunstable Rd. Flitwick MK45 1HP

Opening up local history - Thu 3 Sep Want to find out more about your local area? Then this introduction to local history sources is for you. Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service take you through common sources which can be used to unlock the history of a place and its people. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES

Archive Treasure Hunt: The secrets of 1-4 St Paul’s Square, Bedford - Thu 10 Sep Come and join Bedfordshire Archives Service to discover 555 years of history of 1-4 St Paul’s Square, Bedford. In the historic council chamber on the west of St Paul’s Square use

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in a small country village, in the past.

National Trust, Dovecote and Stables, Church End, Willington, Bedford MK44 3PX

fascinating original documents, maps, photographs and drawings. The Old Council Chambers, The Old Town Hall, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SQ

Going Wild - Sat 12 Sep Going Wild is a showcase of the amazing, different outdoor activities that are available in the Marston Vale that you might never have known about.

From kayaking to bushfire making, local experts from Canoe Trail and Woodland Ways let you have a go. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Introduction to Palaeography - Thu 10 Sep “That looks amazing.. But what does it actually say?” Come along and discover the basics skills of reading old handwriting with Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service.

Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES Queen Anne’s Summerhouse - Fri 11 to Sun 13 Sep Hidden in a pine wood on the edge of the Shuttleworth estate is this intriguing folly with high quality 18th-century brickwork. The Warren, Shuttleworth Estate, Old Warden, Biggleswade SG18 9EB

Riseley Village Show and Fayre - Sat 12 Sep A traditional Village event regularly registering over 500 entries in classes covering fruit and vegetables, flowers, home baking and preserves, arts and crafts and photography, for both adults and children.

Riseley Village Hall and Playing Field, Gold Street Riseley Bedford MK44 1EG

Trinity Methodist Church, Biggleswade - Fri 11 and Sat 12 Sep The 1824 Grade 2 Wesleyan Chapel comprises the chapel and two halls. There are a number of booklets providing information. Trinity Methodist Church, Shortmead Street, Biggleswade SG18 0AP

Ailesbury Mausoleum and Crypt - Sun 13 Sep This is a fine example of one of the first mausolea to be built in this country with the earliest parts being built by Thomas Bruce, a descendant of the legendary Robbie! Church Road, Maulden, MK45 2AU

The Hair Rock Experience presents Rock of 80’s - Fri 11 Sep Bedford Hospital Charity & The Hair Rock Experience presents Rock of 80’s! Hitch a ride on Hair Force 1 back to the era that taste forgot with a Flux Capacitorpowered night of 80s rock anthems from the mighty Hair Rock Experience. Bedford Corn Exchange, Bedford MK40 1SL

Namibian Wildlife Demonstration - Wed 16 Sep Art Demonstration by Stephen Hand.

West Room, Parish Hall, Church Road, Harlington LU5 6LE I Love Maps - Thu 17 Sep 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.

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

Walking on Fire! - Sat 12 Sep Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre needs who need help raising funds. A fire walk is the most inspirational journey you will ever undertake. It is as the name suggests: a bare foot walk over red-hot wood embers measuring around 800 degrees Fahrenheit. No tricks, no special effects, just you and the fire! Shefford Town Memorial Association (STMA) 10 Hitchin Road, Shefford SG17 5JA

Affinity Wedding Showcase - Sun 20 Sep Affinity Wedding Showcase is run in conjunction with Affinity Weddings Magazine With approximately 35 exhibitors including Venues, Cakes, Photographers, DJ’s, Ice Sculptures, Bridal Fashion Show, Cars, Flowers, Videographer, Jewellers. The Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford MK40 1RW

Clophill Village Scarecrow Weekend - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Lots of scarecrows as different characters will be all around the village - made by individuals, organisations and neighbourhoods. The public will vote for their favourites in each category. St Mary’s Church, High Street, Clophill MK45 4BE

Broom Quarry Sponsored Stroll II - Sun 20 Sep Bring the whole family (dogs welcome) for a BBQ lunch, before setting off on a wonderful sponsored stroll around Broom Quarry Lakes (up to 5 miles), followed by afternoon tea - in aid of the East Anglian Air

Willington Dovecote and Stables - ’‘Crime in Willington in the Past’- Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Visitors will enjoy finding out about crime, anti-social behaviour and punishment

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Ambulance.

WaterLane Farm, Caldecote, Biggleswade SG18 9BP

Upper

along and see a Dalek, Cyberman and Yeti and many more Doctor Who collectables on loan from you. Free entry. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Childrens Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Biggleswade Antiques Fair - Sun 20 Sep 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

Circus Spectacular At Odds Farm Park - Tue 1 & Wed 2 Sep Roll Up, Roll Up! The fun and excitement of the Charles Chipperfield Circus returns to Odd Farm Park! Inside the Big Top, marvel at the spectacular human acts from around the world including a Spanish Clown, Japanese Fast Speed Juggler. Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, High Wycombe HP10 0LX

Farmers’ Market- Sun 20 Sep Bringing fresh, local produce to the Forest Centre. Free entry, selection of stalls each month. 10.30 3pm - every third Sunday of the month. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine MK43 0PS

Nature Detectives Exhibition - til Wed 23 Sep Discover the amazing variety of animals and plants that live in Bucks and become a nature detective.

Free entry.

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

Agriculture, Bricks and Brewers - Thu 24 Sep Find out about how our ancestors earned a living in rural Bedfordshire and the sort of records their endeavours left behind to tell the tale. Houghton Regis Library, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis LU5 5ES

Toddler Tuesday with Buckingham Children’s Centre: The Gruffalo - Tue 1 Sep Join us for a special Toddler Tuesdays led by the Buckingham Children’s Centre. Oh help oh no it’s a Gruffalo! Listen to the all time favourite story of The Gruffalo. Stowe, New Inn Farm, Buckingham MK18 5EQ

Harpers Craft Fair - Fri 25 Sep to Sun 27 Sep Free Admission. Stalls of local and national crafts of: Pottery, Woodwork, Fashion, Cards, Home Wares, Jewellery, Needle Crafts, Toys, Gifts & more. Pre-booked coaches & groups welcome. Harpers Food, Half Moon Lane, Pepperstock, Slip End, Luton LU1 4LL

Wild Wednesday - Wild Art - Wed 2 Sep Join us and get involved in creating some environmental artwork. This is a drop in session ideal for children between the ages of 4 and 11 years. No booking necessary. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JA

Never The Bride - Live at Entshed Bedford Sat 26 Sep Music’s Best Kept Secret - When a band is fronted by an electrifying voice like Nikki Lamborn’s, when its songs are written by the gifted Catherine ‘Been’ Feeney, when its musicians are world class, it’s called Never The Bride. The Gordon Arms, 118 Castle Road, Bedford MK40 3QY

Waddesdon Manor - Summer Nights Film Screenings – Singin’ in the Rain - Fri 4 Sep Enjoy a classic film with the spectacle of Waddesdon Manor as the backdrop! Shown on a large outdoor screen, make a night of it and enjoy this cinematic masterpiece. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

An Evening of Live Music with Singer/Guitarist Johnny Wheeler! - Sat 26 Sep The club is very pleased to welcome Johnny back to the club. He’ll be providing songs from all of your favourite singers.

Leighton Buzzard Royal British Legion, Bossard Hall, West Street, LU7 1DA

Talk by Ceramic Artist Lorraine Izon- Fri 4 Sep Hear Lorraine talk about her creative career as a potter and printmaker and her month’s residency at Bucks County Museum. £5 per person. Buckinghamshire County Museum and Roald Dahl Childrens Gallery, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Bucks Listings Doctor Who Pop-Up Display - til Sat 5 Sep We asked you what Doctor Who memorabilia you have at home for our special Doctor Who pop-up display for the school holidays. Come

Finmere Festival - Sat 5 Sep A Family Day out, featuring Dog Show, Fun Run, Arena Displays, Trade & Craft Stands, BBQ,

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Watermead Model Boat Club Open day - Sun 6 Sep Radio control model boat sailing and exhibits all day from 10:00 to 16:00. Cake stand RNLI stall, try a radio control model boat, visiting club displays with off and on the water model boat displays. Watermead Lake, Aylesbury HP19 0FU

Refreshments, Beer Festival, Live Evening Entertainment. Playing fields, Finmere MK18 4AT Comedy Night with Tiff Stevenson - Sat 5 Sep An evening of stand-up comedy in the intimate setting of The Crown in Stony Stratford. Sat at candlelit tables, you will enjoy an evening of comedy brought to you by the “Best Small Comedy Club” in the Midlands and East. The Crown, 9 Market Square, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BE

Wing Book Fair - Sun 6 Sep 9.30am to 3pm.

One of Buckinghamshire’s’ longest running book fairs. Helpful, friendly booksellers offering books for all tastes. Wing Village Hall, Leighton Road, Wing LU7 0NW

Foo Fighters plus Special Guests - Sat 5 & Sun 6 Sep Foo Fighters plus Special Guest Iggy Pop "You have always stood by our band, and we will always stand by you. Like I say at every show, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you guys”. Milton Keynes Bowl, Milton Keynes MK5 8AA

Milton Keynes Memory Walk - Sun 6 Sep Take part in the Milton Keynes Memory Walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and join our fight against dementia. Willen Lake MK15 9HQ Mini Gathering - Sun 6 Sep Celebrating Old and New, Modified to Originals Mini Cars.

Claydon Estate, Calvert Road, Middle Claydon MK18 2EZ

Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble Autumn Concert - Sat 5 Sep Raising funds for the NSPCC, the BSWE autumn concert will be introducing ’Lemon Tuesday’ as guest choir and Andrew Porter - Bandmaster of the Band of the Irish Guards as guest conductor, for a fabulous night of entertainment. St Marys Church, Wendover HP22 6DU

Jane WIldgoose Artists Exhibition Tour Wed 9 Sep Archival material from Waddesdon and mourning jewellery from other public and private collections, complemented by new works by Jane Wildgoose using hair as an enduring symbol of loss and mourning. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

MK Handmade & Vintage Weekend Extravaganza - Sat 5 & Sun 6 Sep Milton Keynes has one of the biggest and best handmade and vintage events in the country.

In front of John Lewis, Middleton Hall, the centre:mk, Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre MK9 3ES

Milton Keynes Museum and Annual Beer Festival - Thu 10 to Sun 13 Sep Victorian farmhouse and school room, street of shops, working telephones, Hall of Transport and much more in a beautiful setting of an historical Victorian Model Farm site that was once part of Dr John Radcliffe’s Estate. Milton Keynes Museum, McConnell Drive, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5EL

Waddesdon Manor - Summer Nights Film Screenings - Into the Woods - Sat 5 Sep Enjoy a classic film with the spectacle of Waddesdon Manor as the backdrop! Shown on a large outdoor screen, make a night of it and enjoy this cinematic masterpiece. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

13th Cock & Bull Real Beer Festival - Fri 11 and Sat 12 Sep Lucky for some! The 13th beer festival at York House will have its customary array of some two dozen real beers and ciders, mostly from local breweries and cideries. plus: Fairtrade wines, juices and snacks, and charming and efficient bar. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ

Waddesdon Manor - Chilli Festival - Sat 5 & Sun 6 Sep Everything for the chilli fanatic or the intrepid chilli novice. Booking Not Needed. Suitable for children. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH Outdoor Theatre - Twelfth Night - Sat 5 Sep Experience this theatrical feast alfresco in true Shakespearian style, while spending the evening in our atmospheric Water Garden.

Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JA

Meet the Curator – Mystery Objects - Fri 11 Sep Will Phillips, Keeper of Social History at Bucks County Museum, has chosen ten mystery objects from the Museum’s collection that will have you scratching your head.

Come along and see if you can guess what they are! Milton Keynes Council, Milton

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40’s, dancing, and displays.

Booking not Wycombe HP14

Keynes Library, 555 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3HL Comedy Night with Marcel Lucont - Fri 11 Sep An evening of Award Winning stand-up comedy in the stylish setting of the red dot bar at Stadium:MK. Sat at candlelit tables, you will enjoy an evening of laughter!

Headlining the evening is Marcel Lucont. Red dot bar, DoubleTree by Hilton, Stadium:MK, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK1 1ST

living history demonstrations Fun for the whole family. needed. Hughenden, High 4LA

Art Exhibition- Sat 12 Sep Local artist Paul Bell - winner of the acclaimed BBC show The Big Painting Challenge will be exhibiting with twin sisters Diane Riddy and Jane Miller and other renowned local artists. Framed and unframed work available for sale. Chalfont St Peter Parish Church Hall, Church Lane, Chalfont St Peter SL9 9RJ

Newport Muster - Sat 12 Sep Walking for a purpose - health, fun, charity. The Newport Muster is a festival of walks in and around Newport Pagnell. There will be five walks to choose from, ranging from a Gentle two mile walk to a Hearty 15 mile walk. United Reformed Church Hall, High Street, Newport Pagnell MK16 8AB

Aylesbury Literary Club tour and talks - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Visit the home of Aylesbury Literary Club, founded 1903 successor to Aylesbury Literary Institute and Reading Rooms, 7 Temple Street, Aylesbury HP20 2RN

Sausage and Beer Fest- Sat 12 Sep Let’s BeerFest, SausageFest and HappyFest. Drink, Eat and be Merry! Award winning sausages local beers! Lot’s of fun and activities for all ages. Family friendly day starting at 11am going through to 5:30pm. Stockwell Lane, Little Meadle HP17 9UG

Aylesbury Quakers - Sat 12 Sep Visit the 300 year old meeting house and walled garden which used to be a Quaker Burial ground.

Fascinating view of the rear of the Old Town Aylesbury Houses normally hidden from view.

Cream Teas and other refreshments available. Society of Friends Meeting House, 9-11 Rickfords Hill, Aylesbury HP20 2RT

Waterside Prom Concert, Christ Church Chesham - Sat 12 Sep Celebrating Christ Church’s 150th Anniversary, the Waterside Prom will showcase the church’s original pipe organ, as well as music for violin and piano, plus some traditional English songs, performed by members and friends of the church. Christ Church Waterside, Chesham HP5 1PY

Aylesbury Charter Market Celebrations - Sat 12 Sep Aylesbury Market celebrates being granted the Charter of Incorporation in 1554, with a day full of markets, music and craft making! Market Square, Aylesbury HP20 1TW Buszy Skate Jam- Sat 12 Sep Celebrating the skate culture in Milton Keynes, Make a Difference are holding a skate jam at the world famous Buszy Skate plaza. The event will feature a live dj and skate competition, celebrating 40 years of skating in MK. The Buszy, 401 Eldergate, Milton Keynes MK9 1LR

Waddesdon Manor - Community and emergency services day - Sat 12 Sep We will be joined by our local emergency services and community teams for a fun packed day of free activities for all the family. There will also be live music performed at the front of the House. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Bow Brickhill Church and Tower - Sat 12 Sep The Church and tower will be open for stunning views over the city and surrounding countryside. Old photographs, documents and extracts of church registers on display. Teas and cakes on sale. All Saints Church, Church Road, Bow Brickhill, Milton Keynes MK17 9LQ

Westbury Arts Centre - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Westbury Arts Centre’s 17th-century farmhouse will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, with exhibitions and events taking place all weekend. Westbury Arts Centre, Foxcovert Road, Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes MK5 6AA

Little Chalfont Farmers’ Market- Sat 12 Sep 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

Hughenden - 1940’s Weekend - Sat 12 and Sun 13 Sep Join us as we step back in time and discover the secret wartime world of Hughenden Manor. Enjoy live music of the

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A Summer Celebration at Stowe - Sat 12 Sep In Georgian England, people travelled from far and wide to visit Stowe. Experience the delights of the grandest eighteenth century estate in Britain, designed for lavish entertaining which impressed all who visited.

National Trust, New Inn Farm, Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EQ

from the times of the Tudors await you and your family. With live music, performers, and interactive activities.

Buckinghamshire County Museum, 9 Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP Hearing Dogs Late Summer Show - Sun 13 Sep All the family can join in with the fun, including your four-legged friends who can enter into our Hearing Dogs Fun Dog Show and Scruffts competitions. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, The Grange, Wycombe Road, Saunderton HP27 9NS

Local Writers on Sale! - Sat 12 Sep Sale of books by local writers, focussing on local history and settings. Come and meet an author or two. In conjunction with the exhibition at Stony library. York House Youth Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1JQ

Medieval Family Fun Day - Sun 13 Sep Join us as we step into the past and bring the historic site of Bradwell Abbey to life. So much to see and do, talk to our re-enactors, have a go at archery, falconry displays, storytelling and performance, site tours.

Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes MK13 9AP

National Badminton Museum Open Day - Sat 12 Sep Exhibition of badminton memorabilia.

Volunteers will be available to escort visitors around the exhibits in the museum and courts where the international players train.

National Badminton Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes MK8 9LA

Save St Peters Open Day - Sun 13 Sep To celebrate recent renovation and restoration work on the church Save St Peters Church group (SSPC) are holding a family fun day at the church. Behind The Black Horse Inn, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5AJ

Claydon House - Sat 12 Sep In the 1750s at his family seat in Buckinghamshire, Ralph Verney set out to create a country house of extraordinary grandeur that would dazzle his wealthy neighbours and outdo his political rivals. National Trust, Claydon House, Middle Claydon, Buckingham MK18 2EY

Newport Pagnell Historical Society - Sun 13 Sep Small local museum with displays of local historical artefacts, and a special exhibition on ‘Lace’. Also a re-creation of a typical Victorian kitchen. Books published by the Historical Society will be on sale. Chandos Hall, 52/54 Silver Street, Newport Pagnell MK16 0EN

Celebrate the Apple! - Sat 12 Sep What could me more English than an apple? Come and meet local experts and learn about the tradition of apple growing, harvesting, identification, juice and cider-making, and even eating and drinking! Free to enter. York House Youth Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1JQ

Macmillan Coffee Morning - Wed 16 Sep Join us for coffee and cake to raise funds for Macmillan. 10am-12 noon. Cake donations welcome. Plancast, The Old Haybarn, Rosebury Mews, Mentmore LU7 0UE

Festive Road presents... ’The Best Company’ - Sat 12 Sep Festive Road presents ’The Best Company’, an outdoor theatre show which has been created as part of Great War MK project, exploring the impact of the First World War on the communities of Milton Keynes. Milton Keynes Museum, McConnell Drive, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5EL

Aylesbury Canal Society Open Day - Sat 19 Sep ACS Open Day to celebrate 200 years of the Aylesbury Arm Activities include: Boat Trips Open Boats - Tours of private canal boats Slipway (Dry Dock) Demonstrations Various stands including arts and crafts Children’s Games. Aylesbury Canal Society, Circus Field Basin, Stocklake off Oakfield Road, Aylesbury HP20 1AP

Cliveden - Sat 12 Sep A visit to Cliveden is a wonderful day out for all the family. Relax in the beautiful Grade I listed gardens, wander in the woods or take a boat trip on the River Thames. Find your way to the middle of the Maze. Cliveden, Taplow SL1 8NS

Marlow Carnival - Sat 19 Sep The Carnival is organised by the Marlow Community Association and has been an annual event for close on 30 years. Well supported by the local

Tudor Fayre and Charter Day - Sun 13 Sep A menagerie of entertainment, fun and games

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Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk at Wendover Woods - Sun 27 Sep Come to Wendover Woods this September for our Memory Walk: our local fundraising day to walk, share and celebrate someone special with a community feel, small in size but special for everyone who comes. Wendover Woods, Nr. Wendover HP22 5NQ

community, with Bar, BBQ and The Flying Tearoom for a nice cuppa. Higginson Park, Marlow SL7 2AE Jane Taylor - Sat 19 Sep “Gorgeous, gorgeous music” - Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 “A Tour de force for Independent Music” - Music Week “What a voice!” - Clare Balding BBC Radio 2 “Gypsy-Jazz, Blues and Gospel...with boots” - Mojo **** BBC Radio 2’s Johnnie Walker. The Stables MK17 8LU

To be included in future listings Email: thesticks9@gmail.com

Ruby’s Vintage & Retro Fair - Sun 20 Sep Loads of vintage loveliness including clothes and accessories, costume jewellery, linens, kitchenalia, homeware, upcycled and vintage furniture, retro gifts and so much more. The Old Town Hall, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe HP11 2XE

Putting ‘Listings’ in the subject line, giving details of your event and contact details.

Deadline for October Issue 15th September

Waddesdon Manor - Special Interest Day High Tech Life - Thu 24 Sep Associate Curator Ulrich Leben, will discuss a selection of unusual materials used in the manufacture of furniture using examples from the collection. Booking essential. Phone: 01296 653226. Assistance Dogs only are welcome.

Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, near Aylesbury HP18 0JH

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Rosie’s Magic Horse - Sat 26 Sep Peaceful Lion Productions Rosie’s Magic Horse is based on a book that could only have come from the wonderful imagination of Russell Hoban and brought vividly to life by illustrator extraordinaire Quentin Blake. Stantonbury Theatre MK14 6BN

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

Spooky Sprint Aylesbury - Sat 26 Sep We dare you to run in the Spooky Sprint – a spinetingling different race! A run in the dark with only a head torch to light your way, which will test your nerve as well as your fitness.

It’s so good, it’s scary. Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JH

Call 07756 274444 Or email thesticks9@gmail.com Prices from £50 per month

Red Cross Almighty Abseil! - Sun 27 Sep The Red Cross is organising an abseil to raise money for vulnerable people in the Buckinghamshire area. The event, which will involve participant’s abseiling down the 200ft County Hall building in Aylesbury. County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UA

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