The Sticks Magazine May 2013

Issue 10 May 2013

In this edition of the Sticks Exclusive interviews with Carol Decker of T’Pau and Peter Howarth lead singer of the Hollies BBC Radio 2’s Janey Lee Grace writes on Pilates We road test the Volvo V40 Cross Country 1.6 Kippings Food Column And much more Plus pages of events listings across Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Welcome to the May edition of the Sticks magazine!

The most talked about magazine in Herts, Beds & Bucks With over 15,000 readers a month

In this issue: Interview with Carol Decker of T’Pau Interview with Peter Howarth Who Owns Your Home?

Work Academy Road Test- Volvo V40 Cross Country 1.6 Janey Lee Grace writes on Pilates Kippings food column Bullying and Harassment Listings- Herts, Beds & Bucks

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Contributors: Janey Lee Grace, Martin Wilson, Terry Sullivan Donna Obstfeld

See you in June Editor & Sales:

Terry Sullivan

Layout and design:

Martin Wilson

Tel: 07756 274444 Email: thesticks9@gmail.com www.the-sticks.co.uk Follow us on twitter @thesticks9

Listen to The Sticks radio show at 10am on Mondays on Secklow Sounds www.secklowsounds.org

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Exclusive Interview with Carol Decker Is does not seem it, but incredibly it is 25 years since T’Pau released the quadruple platinum selling album “Bridge of Spies” but Carol Decker and T’Pau are back on the road to celebrate the fact with a 28 day tour including 4 dates in this area.

The Sticks caught up with Carol a few days in to the tour for a chat about the last 25 years and much more.

It must be an exciting and busy time for you celebrating 25 years since “Bridge of Spies” and a new DVD/CD package called “The Story behind The Tracks”? Yes, the Album is a retrospective for all the hardcore fans, it is all the demos of the original hits. So it is mine and Ron Rogers’ notebook for the ideas in 4 track, 8 track and 16 track demos plus 6 demos we wrote in the early 80s that were in the frame to go on the “Bridge Of Spies” album but did not make the cut, and some you wonder why that was not on there and a 90 minute DVD with Ronnie and I talking about how we put the band together, our journey and it stops at “Bridge of Spies” How did you get started in the music business? I had always enjoyed singing and even since I was a little girl and had complements on my voice if I sang along to the radio and harmonised. When I was 22, I went back to college as a mature student and a friend who had heard me singing suggested I joined a band to stop annoying her with my singing, she said she was going to a friends party that weekend and that he was looking for a singer for his a band but I did not know if I could do it. I met this guy called Julian Ward and he asked me to audition for his group and I got the job and I really enjoyed it and I felt I had found my calling as I had been drifting since I had left school. The band became The Lazers we did R&B and ska covers and along the way we recruited Ronnie Rogers from another local Shrewsbury band and we began writing and then we became personally involved (which we were for 13 years) and we left the Lazers and began just writing, we borrowed a bit of cash off my Dad and brought some very modest studio equipment and decided the future lay in getting noticed my record companies.

Where did the name T’pau come from? It was Star Trek, I was just watching telly and there was an episode on, we could not decide on a name for the band and it was the one that everyone hated the least, she is a Vulcan priestess.

The DVD and CD package is released by your own record company Gnatfish ? Yes I have my own little label called Gnatfish, I do my own thing now. The big old bad old days are gone - the upside is I can do what I want; the downside is you don’t get bankrolled by a big record company.

Why is it called Gnatfish? It is a nickname a former manager gave me saying that I had the attention span of a gnat and the memory of a goldfish and it stuck.

When you first started T’pau you used to record in a boat house? Yes Ronnie and I rented a 3 bedroom flat above a very busy boat club. It was a fun place to live as they were all sculling on the river and subsidised beer in the bar which we were able to have as well.

It was great fun as it was an isolated property on the river in the park in the middle of the town which meant we could make as much noise as we liked recording what ever time of night we wanted and you just walked over the bridge and you were smack in the -4-

middle of Shrewsbury. After 7 years we started recording at Woodside Studios as we got a production deal in Monmouth - if you Google it you will see every band in the world has recorded there, all the early Queen stuff and that’s our link to Roy Thomas Baker who produced there albums and in the 90s. Oasis and the Verve recorded there. That’s when the demos grew from 4 to 8 to 16 to 24 tracks Is there anyone you would like to perform with? I do a lot of the 80s Festivals so a lot of the guys from the 80s people like to do a duet with Rick Astley - he has got a brilliant voice and Nick Kershaw who I toured with early in my career and also Kim Wilde, she a good friend of mine. I should talk them into an 80s duet album that would be great.

A lot of the songs on the album must have a personal story behind them one of my favourites is “China in your Hand” what’s the story behind that? I must watch too much telly because it seems all the stories start with me watching TV; I was watching a fantastic documentary on Mary Shelley who wrote the book Frankenstein - she was married to poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and friends with Lord Byron, she was only 19 when she wrote it and it outsold theirs with what was just a gothic pulp fiction book; it caused a lot of jealousy, affairs, friction and resentment, so I wanted to go to the back story of Frankenstein, the story itself is a parable, be careful what you wish for. He creates the monster; he creates life and creates tragedy. It is ultimately the father’s love for a son but behind that was her writing the book and be careful what you wish for and it caused great division in the set. I thought the story within a story was very interesting. It very nearly was not on the album as there was one track that was not working and we had a basic piano /vocal version of it and Roy Thomas Baker said did we have another track?.

Who was your music inspiration when you were growing up? All sorts of people. I grew up on my parents music of the 60s, my dad had a very eclectic record collection ranging from Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong to the likes of Dusty Springfield, the Beatles and the Stones.

Who do you listen to now? I have a wide taste - I like the Muse, love the Killers also Franz Ferdinand and the Stereophonics.

Any unfulfilled ambitions? I would love to be in a Tom Cruise blockbuster or a Bond film.

Highlight of your career? It would have to be “China in your Hands” going to number 1 for 5 weeks and keeping George Harrison off the number one spot.

You can see Carol and T’pau on the following dates May 4th – Harpenden, Public Hall May 12th – Milton Keynes, The Stables May 28th – Stevenage, Gordon Craig Theatre May 31st – Bishops Stortford, Rhodes Arts Centre www.tpau.co.uk

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REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK & ROLL TOUR Reflections of a Rock & Roll Tour performs the hits of The Moody Blues, The Hollies, Cliff Richards, Manfred Mann, and Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds. The show features Gordy Marshall, who has been touring as the drummer for The Moody Blues for the past 23 years, hit songwriter and Keyboardist Paul Bliss, toured with me for nearly 20 years in The Moody Blues, guitarist Huw Davies, played with me on Jeff Wayne’s arena tour of The War of the Worlds and our bass player Marcus Cliffe plays bass and sings with The Manfreds, plus Peter Howarth – the current lead singer with The Hollies. A fabulous, new production celebrating the music of the very best of British Classic Rock and Pop, bringing together a crack team of top musicians and singers, all of whom are directly associated with the artists being celebrated in the show.

The Sticks spoke to Peter about the tour, his 25 years with Cliff Richard and the Hollies The show sounds like a must for all music fans, tell us a bit about what people can expect to see? Well if you enjoy the Hollies, Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds”, the Manfreds, Cliff Richard’s and the Moody Blues music you are in for a treat.

How long have you been touring with Cliff Richards? On and off for over 25 years - time goes so quick.

How did you start singing? As far back as I can remember, I have always loved music and I hope I always will. My earliest memory was hearing 'Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice' when I was about two years old. I remember distinctly holding the record and staring at it in absolute awe and wonder! This very quickly led to an obsession of putting these brightly coloured discs, big and small, onto the 'spinning thing' in the sideboard (the -6-

radiogram). I progressed from the listening stage to climbing upon the dining table and singing into the hoover, along to the inspired sounds of 'The Chipmunks Sing the Beatles'.

I started classical guitar lessons at 7 which I really loved and studied up to Grade 8 but became more and more fascinated with the electric guitar and by the time I was 17, all I ever wanted was to be in the best band in the world. Music has always been a big part of my life and thank God it has been good to me. I have spent the last ten years as lead singer with the Hollies.

It must be very strange playing with an iconic band? No not strange it is a privilege and also a lot of fun and a lot of laughs - apart from playing a lot of great songs, it has been a good ten years. We have done 3 albums and just recorded a live album which has turned out really well. I really have enjoyed being a part of their fantastic history. The live album contains all the hits and more plus a few songs that I have recorded since joining them. It is a nice snapshot of how the band is at the moment.

You wrote and produced a musical with Bill Kenwright?

Yes, it was “Robin Prince of Sherwood,' which was commissioned and produced by West End impresario Bill Kenwright and enjoyed a West End season at the Piccadilly Theatre, two UK tours and a Christmas season at the Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool. I was, and still am, enchanted by the theatre, so when I was asked to portray the legendary Roy Orbison in the 'Roy Orbison Story' I jumped at the chance. I played the Big 'O' for 12 months in London, at the Piccadilly Theatre, the Whitehall Theatre and on three national tours. I loved every minute of it.

Is there anyone you would like to work with? Yes, I’d love to sing with Shawn Colvin What sort of music do you listen to when you are relaxing? I like Steely Dan as I am an aging hippy, also Deep Purple and AC/DC Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions? The main one for me is just to get better at what I do and also write a song that everyone will remember and to keep performing, I would be greedy to ask for anymore.

Reflections of a Rock & Roll Tour dates :10th May Waterside theatre, Aylesbury 29th May Colosseum Theatre, Watford 10th July Gordon Craig theatre, Stevenage

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YOUR LOCAL SOLICITORS WHO OWNS YOUR HOME? (Part 1) • Are you and your partner unmarried?

• Do you and your partner own a home together?

• If your home had to be sold tomorrow, do you know how the monies would be shared?

Most of you could easily tell me whether your home is owned in joint names or just one person’s sole name. However, are you aware there are two different ways of holding a property in joint names? (a) Joint Tenants This means that you hold the property together and there is a presumption that it is in equal shares (i.e. 50:50). If one of you dies, the survivor receives the entire property – regardless of anything else you have stated in a will. The property transfers automatically to the other joint owner completely separate from the rest of your estate.

This may not be what you want. If not, you need to consider “severing” the joint tenancy – see below. (b) Tenants in Common This means that you hold the property jointly, but it can be in any proportion and not just equal shares. You can have a document drawn up setting out what interest each of you has in the property – e.g. 60:40 percentage split, or the first £X to go to one person and the remainder is divided equally. Further, you can leave your interest in the property to whoever you wish in your will.

If you are unsure on which basis you jointly own your own home you can apply to the land registry (www.landregistry.gov.uk) for Official Copies of the Register for just £8. (c) Severing the Joint Tenancy If you do not wish to hold the property on the basis described in paragraph (a) above, you can serve a formal notice on the other owner and then apply to the land registry (free of charge) to amend their records to show that you hold the property as tenants in common.

Next month, I will move on from these basic principles to show how easily a dispute can arise between cohabitees in respect of jointly owned property - and how they can be avoided.

Please note we would advise you to take independent legal advice on your personal situation before taking any action. For more information or advice please visit our website www.curwens.co.uk or email me at panay.vassiliou@curwens.co.uk.

We are based in Hoddesdon, Enfield and Royston.

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John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Continue to Help With Youth Unemployment John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance, a successful family owned, Hertfordshire based grounds maintenance company, is now entering the third year of a series of programmes to help local young unemployed people start a rewarding new career.

Working in association with Jobcentre Plus, John O’Conner offers sector based work academies, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities. Apprenticeship candidates are offered extensive training both in work and attending appropriate college courses up to and including NVQ Level 2 and 3. The training takes place at Capel Manor College.

Supporting sector based work academies, this year the company has offered eight students the opportunity to work on its contracts at Alexandra Palace, North Herts District Council and East Herts District Council. The students will receive on the job training and attend college to complete the ‘Introduction to working as a gardener’ course. They will learn the basics of ground preparation and planting, identification of trees and the safe use of tools. This is the second year that the company has supported sector based work academies. Two candidates from the 2011 intake on this programme are now employed on a permanent basis by the company and are ready to continue their education and training with an NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture.

Overall 60 young people have benefited from these schemes with John O’Conner. A large percentage of these have completed their work experience or courses and gone on to gain full time employment with John O’Conner or within the industry.

Marie Green, Partnership Manager, Job Centre Plus said; “We’re happy to be working closely with John O’Conner to create these work experience opportunities and jobfocused training. They’re proving to be very successful, and they provide a solid platform from which young people can establish a career for themselves.”

John O’Conner’s investment in these programmes has resulted in securing some excellent candidates to work on its outdoor contracts, but this offering has also extended to a Head Office Apprenticeship.

Max Clifford, 24, joined the company 18 months ago on a work experience opportunity. He went on to start an apprenticeship programmed and has completed an NVQ Level 2 in business administration. He is an ambassador for the apprenticeship scheme and has attended functions with Managing Director Matt O’Conner to promote the apprenticeship scheme to local businesses.

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This year the company will offer an intake of up to 5 new apprenticeships. The apprentices will study for the NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture and work on a variety of John O’Conner contracts receiving extensive internal training. Of the 2011 apprentice intake, three students have successfully achieved NVQ Level 2 and are now joining the Level 3 programme in 2013.

Matt O’Conner, Managing Director said: “We are delighted with the success of these schemes and proud to have helped in the career development of some talented young people who needed an opportunity to flourish in their chosen field. We will continue with these programmes for the foreseeable future because the benefits are great for the individuals and our business” John O’Conner will commence its 2013-14 apprenticeship scheme in May and full details will be provided on the website www.johnoconner.co.uk

www.the-sticks.co.uk To advertise your event, show, restaurant or business in our June digital magazine Call 07756 274444 Or email thesticks9@gmail.com Prices from £50 per month

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Road Test -Volvo V40 Cross Country 1.6 D2 (115) SE Nav

The majority of motoring pundits – us included – expected the V40 Cross Country to be labelled the XC40, but despite its unexpected nomenclature, it has all the hallmarks of a rugged Volvo with silver roof rails, a chunky black plastic front bumper with integrated LED lights, metal-effect side sills and a new rear bumper with ‘Cross Country’ emblazoned about the skid plate. But is the Cross Country anything more than a tartedup V40 hatchback? Andrew Merritt-Morling finds out.

We drove the smallest 1.6-litre, 113bhp diesel unit which delivers 74mpg and 99g/km of CO2 – making it the ideal choice for company car buyers. It is able to haul itself to 62mph in 11.9 seconds and on to 115mph.

Climbing steep hills in it requires a bit of forethought since it can run out of puff in the higher gears.

At least the manual gearbox shifts cleanly whilst the light clutch is downy and positive. The suspension setup means that the ride is more pliant and is better suited to Britain’s neglected roads compared to the standard hatchback. It is a comfortable car which has lost none of its dynamic prowess, although it will occasionally thump over bumps at higher speeds.

The body is well-controlled and there is a satisfying accuracy going into and coming out of bends with a settling tilt on turn-in. Steering is accurate and communicates well with the front wheels. However, steering wheel lock isn’t as tight as that usually found in Volvo’s.

But the V40 Cross Country D2’s diesel unit provides a delicate but continuous clatter, increasing in line with the speed meaning that by the time you reach the legal limit on the motorway, you would have already reached for the volume control on the stereo so you can hear it. Around the cabin, Volvo’s less-is-more approach to elegance is accomplished in a way that only Scandinavian style can carry off. The cabin furnishings are robustly finished.

The rugged styling may be just for show, but it helps the V40 Cross Country stand out from the crowd and arguably enhances the look of the standard car. But it is a shame the aesthetics weren’t supported by some genuine off-road ability. Unless Volvo have a change of heart, prospective Volvo owners intent on genuine fourwheel drive capability will have to save their pennies to get the XC60. If not, and all you want is a standard small-family hatchback which looks a bit different than the norm, then the Volvo V40 Cross Country offers a high-quality, well-equipped strong contender.

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Janey writes on Pilates

I’ve had an on-off relationship with exercise over the years, sadly when it comes to serious work-outs – mostly ‘off’ but I am a huge fan of Nia dance (if you are around on Saturday May 11th come join in a Nia class at the Kings Langley Wellbeing festival at RSSKL – www.klwf.co.uk However I do appreciate the benefits of core stability, increased energy et al and so have always done yoga, wherever possible twice a week. Pilates however has always been something other people talk about but I hadn’t experienced until very recently, I think perhaps I had the idea in my mind that Pilates is merely about squeezing the buttocks (etc!) for hundreds of repetitions and being a creature of variety I figured I’d get bored!

I was offered the opportunity last year to meet one of the Pioneers of Pilates, Alan Herdman who studied at the London School of Contemporary Dance and then discovered Pilates in the late 1960’s After working in the US Alan returned in 1970 to set up Britain's first-ever Pilates studio. I was shown around his studios just off the Edgeware Road and became intrigued by this style of exercise that I’d chosen to ignore for so long!

They do say everything comes in twos (or is it threes?) After meeting Alan I was introduced to Beverley Densham who runs Lifestyle Pilates in Hatfield, much closer for me than Central London, and the good news by the way if you can’t make it to the well equipped studios, Bev offers ‘speed Pilates’ where you can learn from video clips she has filmed.

Based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Lifestyle Pilates has two beautiful Pilates studios equipped with the Reformer Pilates machines which were developed by the late Joseph Pilates as well as matwork and studio equipment. Owner Beverley Densham discovered that clients can reap the benefit s of Pilates even more by incorporating it into their daily lifestyle. They have just celebrated their 15th Birthday, and are proud of their small, tailored and friendly classes.

Beverley and her team of teachers specialise in teaching Pilates from beginners to advanced. You can benefit in so many ways, from a stronger back, improved core stability, more toned stomach, better posture, increased strength to improved flexibility.

Beverley says: “Pilates has changed my life which is absolutely invaluable for my back and body having previously suffered prolapsed discs, spinal stenosis, emergency caesarean & multiple fractures”.

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One of the most common problems people suffer from is back pain. One client, Anna Passera’s life changed as she could no longer stand nor sleep, which went on for six miserable months. Following an MRI scan, she found out she had a torn and bulging disc in her back. She went for Physio and then discovered Lifestyle Pilates. Anna said: “I chose a class tailored for back problems with Beverley. Over the course of two months weekly sessions, Beverley took dedicated and special care of me and my back and I was able to start running again, which was an amazing feeling. Recently I ran a halfmarathon and I can’t thank Lifestyle Pilates enough for literally getting me back on my feet and keeping me healthy” Check out Lifestyle Pilates www.lifestylepilates.com or call 01707 271272

Hertfordshire’s Answer to the Mind Body Spirit Festival is in Kings Langley on Saturday May 11th - Calling All ‘Healthy’ Businesses.

I’m thrilled to be invited to speak again at this year’s Kings Langley Wellbeing Festival, being held in the beautiful surroundings of the Rudolf Steiner School. Last year’s event (fundraising for the school) was a huge success and visitors declared it ‘The friendliest festival ever’.

There will be a huge exhibition area offering everything from soy wax candles, sustainable holidays, organic skincare, natural cleaning products through raw chocolate treats to baby clothes and fashion made from sustainable fabrics. There are still some stalls available so if you are a holistic or wellbeing business get in touch ASAP. Among the classes and workshops there’s a Gong Bath (lie and be bathed in sound – a very relaxing experience), Laughter Yoga, a talk on Biodynamic farming, Meditations, Nia Dance (suitable for all) a workshop on EFT, (emotional freedom technique) Crystal healing and much more.

In the calming environment of the Kindergarten Therapists will be offering taster treatments including massage, reflexology, energy healing, EFT and homeopathy. The food on offer will be scrumptious and organic (Last year it was the talk of the town) plus there’s a BBQ. The ticket price is £5 and includes entrance to the exhibition area, live music and the theatre talks with John Whiteman (who grew up in Bovingdon), Becky Walsh and Janet Thomson who brought her workshop Think More Eat Less to Watford recently.

Put the date in your diary and get in touch if you’d like to exhibit. www.klwf.co.uk or call 07767774258 -15-

Whiskey braised beef short rib, crispy duck egg, duck fat chips, watercress salad Kippings is a bistro & wine bar with an amazing new menu created by former Gordon Ramsay & Brocket Hall chef Jack Blackwell. Each month we get food ideas from their kitchens As we've mentioned in previous articles, we have a fondness for reinventing classic dishes by going back to the bare ingredients and then putting them together with a fresh approach and maybe an a new ingredient or two. In this recipe, we concentrate on a rarely used cut of meat which unlike spare ribs can actually yield a significant amount of tender and flavoursome meat.

The cut of meat chosen for this dish is termed “Jacobs ladder” or beef short ribs. A full “slab” of short ribs is typically about 10 inches square, ranges from 3-5 inches thick, and contains three or four ribs, intercostals muscles and tendon, and a layer of boneless meat and fat which is thick on one end of the slab and thin on the other. The cooking method we recommend is as follows; 1) We portion the raw meat and marinade overnight for approximately 10 hours with salt, thyme, star anise, garlic and black peppercorns.

2) The marinated meat is then lightly dusted in seasoned flour and seared on a high heat until a nice dark golden brown colour is achieved on all sides, before slowly braising in -16-

veal stock until tender.

3) Using the remaining braising liquor in the pan along with other ingredients including whiskey, soy sauce and sherry vinegar, we create the whiskey glaze which is used to baste the ribs as they are cooked to serve.

The crispy duck egg is a nice addition to the dish which we lightly poach before carefully dusting in flour then egg and finally add Panko breadcrumbs.

(Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese breadcrumb which are more coarse than standard breadcrumbs, derived from British bread products and produce a much nicer finish to the dish – they are now fairly widespread for sale an can be found in most of the major supermarkets).

Our duck fat chips are very similar to our triple cooked chips in the last article, the only difference being that we use duck fat to cook them instead of vegetable oil.

Finally what better way to finish a dish such as this than with a nice peppery watercress salad that perfectly compliments the rich beef.

Beef short ribs or Jacobs ladder are quite readily available from either your local supermarket or if not your local butcher, try them as an alternative to pork ribs.

They are larger and usually more tender and meatier than their pork counterpart and so one per person will usually suffice for each serving.

Telephone - 01582 833122 Email - reservations@kippings.co.uk 1 Church Street, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AR www.kippings.co.uk

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Bullying and Harassment People spend far too much of their time at work not to enjoy it. Although many of us have to work for financial reasons, going to work should not be detrimental to our health. For many when you mention the word ‘Bully’, images of a child at school “the school bully” will pop into our heads. People often don’t think about people being bullied at work, “We are grown ups, we know better”, “Adults don’t behave in that way” – but unfortunately adults as well as children bully and although the reasons behind and the nature of the bullying changes, it still leaves the victim vulnerable, depressed and ineffective at work.

Under multiple pieces of legislation including health & safety and discrimination laws, Bullying and Harassment should be a thing of the past, but for many, this is just not the case.

So what is Bullying and Harassment?

Bullying is described as a sustained form of psychological abuse, while harassment is defined as “unwanted behaviour towards an individual as a result of a personal ‘protected’ characteristic, where the behaviour violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.” The law is very specific in what is considered a protected characteristic and these are: gender, trans-gender status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability and age.

An Employer’s Obligations Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from bullying and harassment and can be held responsible for the actions of a third party, if they fail to take appropriate action to protect their staff. A good employer will have a policy in place to prevent bullying and harassment. They will also have a policy and procedure in place to report any instances of bullying and harassment.

So what should an employee do if they are being bullied or harassed at work?

In the same way as we encourage a child to report any problems to a responsible adult, the first step is to make others aware of the problem. An employee should put their concerns in writing to a senior manager and activate the company’s internal grievance process. It is also useful to keep a diary of incidents including notes of any witnesses, copies of emails and any other evidence. This written complaint should then trigger a legal process. If this does not result in an acceptable outcome, then employees do have the option to proceed down a legal route and take their employer to an employment tribunal. The one thing that employees should not do is suffer in silence or let things get so bad that they do not want to go to work and their health begins to suffer. Taking sickness days or getting signed off with anxiety and depression is also not the way to resolve the problems – all it does is postpone things and if bullying or harassment is taking place, it will not stop unless it is dealt with and the perpetrators disciplined appropriately. www.dohr.co.uk -19-

Herts Listings Bengeo Stories: An Exhibition - til Wednesday 22 May This exhibition will highlight the unique stories of Bengeo; find out how this once rural village became part of the bustling County Town and discover the artists, pioneers and inventors that lived there. Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT Stanborough Park Health Walks - Tue 7 May, Sat 11 May, Tue 14 May, Tue 21 May, Tue 28 May If you want to get outdoors and be more active this winter, why not join a Stanborough Park Health Walk. All walks take between 45 minutes to an hour; involve no stiles; are buggy accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Walks start from near the café at the south lake Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6DQ Art Exhibition - til Saturday 8 Jun Paintings by the international Royal Academy artist Graham Stewart and sculpture by the popular local artist Katie Pruden. Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX Art exhibition - til Friday 31 May A variety of work will be on show including paintings in oil, watercolour, mixed media collage , photography and printing. Artists taking part are Linda Cavill, Clare Cammack, Anna Cloutman, Bridget Tompkins, Karole Lange, Sarah Evans, Itziar Olaberria and Suman Gurjal. The courtyard cafe 11 Hatfield road St. Albans AL1 3RR A City Revealed with the City of St Albans Tour Guides- Sun 5 May, Sun 12 May, Sun 19 May, Sun 26 May Martyr, Monastery and Market St Albans, the unheralded jewel of Hertfordshire, a 1000 year old city at the heart of English History.

Tour well known and lesser known sites of the City - hear about revolting peasants, martyrs, heretics, monasteries and monks. Find out what is unique to St Albans. Meet outside the Old Town Hall (outside Merchant Tea & Coffee) AL3 5DJ Guys & Dolls - til Saturday 4 May After bringing a bit of the West End to St Albans with the toe tapping Kiss me Kate, the NODA awarding winning St Albans Operatic Society are proud to present their new Production, Guys and Dolls.

Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD Rickmansworth Players Presents Arthur Miller’s - The Crucible - til Saturday 4 May Arthur Miller’s gripping historical play and a timely parable of contemporary society. The Crucible tells the story of how small lies - children’s lies build and build until the whole town of Salem,

Massachusetts .The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford WD17 2JP Psychic Sally On The Road -Wednesday 1 May Star of Sky Living’s Psychic Sally on the Road, Britain’s favourite TV psychic Sally Morgan, returns with her outstanding 2013 nationwide tour. Often referred to as ‘psychic to the stars’, Sally has built up an extensive client list having read for well-known faces like Katie Price & George Michael.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN Cork & Canvas - Add a splash of art to an evening out- Thursday 2 May Enjoy partying?

Enjoy being creative? Then join Cork & Canvas at a selection of local venues for an evening of fun & relaxation. Enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple whilst you create your very own masterpiece on canvas. We will provide all materials and step by step guidance by an artist Brookmans, AL9 7QW Musical Diamonds - A Celebratory Concert Thursday 2 to Saturday 4 May Letchworth Arcadians staged their first production ‘The Arcadians’ in 1953, coronation year for the Queen. Like Her Majesty, the Arcadians have been ever present since then. In fact in that time, it is estimated that we have performed more than 60 different shows. The Icknield Centre, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1EF Kimpton May Festival - "Toy Box" -Friday 3 to Monday 6 May “Toy Box" is the theme of this year’s 49th Kimpton May Festival. What was your favourite Toy growing up? Maybe it was a board game or for the younger ones probably a cartoon character. The scope is endless, so expect Saturday’s street procession of up to 30 themed floats. Kimpton SG4 8RB Rachael Moorhead (Saxophone) and Clara Murnig (Piano)- Friday 3 May The latest in our series of classical recitals features the awardwinning saxophonist Rachael Moorhead, accompanied on the piano by Clara Murnig, in a programme ranging from Debussy and Milhaud to Piazolla. Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG3 3EW Sharing My Love of Nature -- Christine Watson exhibition -Friday 3 to Friday 28 Jun Royston artist Christine Watson’s work ranges from portraiture to fine art, from landscapes to creating new characters for publications. She often works to commission, and her experience, eye for detail and use of colour to suit the subject, mood and atmosphere of the image.

Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

singers session in The Rose and Crown on Sunday from 7 pm. A few impromptu workshops for budding musicians. The Fleadh (festival) day will commence as usual at the White Lion at 12:30.

Baldock High Street SG7 5NP

Arcade,

Around the World in a Dozen Dances- Saturday 4 May Stimulate your senses with a feast of music and dance from around the world. From the colour of classical Indian dance to Native American musical trance. From the rhythmic explosion of African drums to the mystical Middle-East and its vibrations. Irish dance, Salsa and Kizomba. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

May Day Celebrations at the British SchoolsMonday 6 May Family Fun for the Bank Holiday: Maypole and Country Dancing plus a visit by Offley Morris Men. British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS Beltane Summer Festival- Monday 6 May A fun filled day of activites for all the family, great way to celebrate the start of summer.

Activites include: Storytelling - Owl Displays Longbow Archery and The Hunting Zone - Pottery Workshops - Woodland Quests and much more.

Celtic Harmony Camp, The Iron Age Settlement, Brickendon Lane, Brickendon SG13 8NY

Hertfordshire Garden Show - Saturday 4 to Monday 6 May Garden Show with exhibits and sales. Knebworth House SG1 2AX Barkway Antiques & Vintage Fair- Sunday 5 May Fabulous fair set in the beautiful village of Barkway. Offering a wide range of 20 stalls selling anything from jewellery to pictures, furniture to clothing, with temptation at every table. Our vintage tearoom offers an array of freshly made homemade cakes, soups and sandwiches and refreshments. Barkway Village Hall, Cambridge Road, Barkway SG8 8BS

Lemsford Village Fete- Monday 6 May This splendid event provides a true English country fete experience with maypole dancing, coconut shy, tea-cup and pony rides, live music and Pimms tent. A raft of new stalls and attractions will be available this year including local jazz band, beer tent and teddy bear zip wire. St. Johns C of E Primary School, Lemsford Village, Lemsford, Welwyn Garden City AL8 7TR

Peppa Pig & George -Sunday 5 and Monday 6 May Peppa Pig & George are visiting Willows Farm Village to meet the children in their meet and greet sessions (please note there are no individual meet sessions). Plus a full day’s programme of farm village fun with farmyard animals, adventure play, fun fair rides, JCB Young Drivers Zone. Willows Farm Village.

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

The Count of Monte Cristo -Tuesday 7 May In a world where money and power corrupts, and where ordinary lives are destroyed at the whim of the wealthy and ambitious, Edmund Dante embarks on his classic quest to deliver revenge against those who did him wrong and reward those who stood by him. For every person who wished to expose injustice. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Hertford Art Society Open Exhibition- Sunday 5 to Sunday 19 May The Hertford Art Society’s 61st Open Exhibition takes place from Sunday 5th May to Saturday 18th May at the Cowbridge Halls, Cowbridge, Hertford. There is also a private viewing by invitation on Saturday the 4th of May. The exhibition is open to amateur and professional artists. Cowbridge Halls, Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG

Lockdales Coins and Collectables Free Valuations and Buying-In Event -Wednesday 8 May Bring along your coins and collectables for a free, no obligation expert valuation. You will also have the option to consign your goods to our auction or to sell them direct to us for a cash sum. Items that we are able to value are:- Coins, Tokens, Stamps, Banknotes, Medals & Militaria.

Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6XE

Stapleford Flower Festival - Sunday 5 and Monday 6 May Come to the Stapleford Flower Festival on 5th and of 6th May (the Bank Holiday Weekend) and visit our beautiful 12th Century church. From 12 noon till 5pm there will be a flower display and music in the church, an art exhibition in the village hall and refreshments available. St. Marys Church, Church Lane Stapleford SG14NB

Oliver - Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 May Like Oliver himself, Broxbourne theatregoers are always asking for more. So, here’s Oliver, Mr Bumble, the Artful Dodger, Fagin, Bill Sikes, Nancy and a full supporting cast to bring you another popular, colourful and spectacular show.

Based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

Broxbourne Civic Theatre, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE

Baldock Fleadh (Irish Music Day) Sunday 5th May and Monday 6th May In the small Hertfordshire town of Baldock. Musicians and

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The Cherry Orchard -9-18 May Matinée: Sunday 12 May at 2.30pm. Main Stage, Company of Ten, The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov, translated by Tom Stoppard. Aristocratic landowner, Madame Ranevskaya returns to her debt-ridden country estate, which is about to be sold against her will. Despite her desperate financial circumstances, her pride won’t allow her to accept the suggestions made to save the estate. Book online at www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or phone the box office 01727 857861

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte, Boyce: Symphony No.8 Schubert: Symphony No.5.

St Mary’s Church, Churchyard, Hitchin SG5 1HP Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care’ Midnight Walk’ 2013- Saturday 11 May Women and men in skirts are registering for the 2013 Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care Midnight Walk which takes place on Saturday 11th May, this year the start will be from the St Albans City Football Club, St Albans. As well as the traditional 10 mile walk there will be a 5 mile route. Clarence Park, York Road, St. Albans, AL1 4PL

Reginald D Hunter - Thursday 9 May Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans. AL1 3LD The Date - Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th & Saturday 25th May The annoying yet endearing Trevor is looking to spice up his love life and this ‘date’ could be the start of something new. Yet he has a ‘plan’. However, when Trevor has a ‘plan’, it inevitably leads to chaos and farce; The Date is no exception to the rule! Market Theatre, Hitchin Times: 7.30pm Ticket Prices: £10 / £8.50 conc. (Thursday only)

May Fair - Saturday 11 May The May Fair is an annual event held in the High Street of Hoddesdon town centre. It incorporates an array of craft and charity stalls alongside a full entertainment programme, including majorettes, morris dancing, maypole dancing and local dance and theatre groups performing throughout the day. High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8TL Ashwell at Home- Sunday 12 May Entertainment for all the family with open gardens, exhibitions, guided walks, veteran cycles, model railways, garden music concerts, Morris dancing, funfair, lunches & teas and much more. Entry by programme, available on the day. Free parking.

Ashwell.

The Stars of Strictly Come Dancing - Friday 10 May The Colosseum welcomes two of the stars from Strictly Come Dancing, Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas in their sensational new live show with guest dancers, a full audio-visual backdrop, a Q&A section plus an appearance by a local dance school.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD17 3JN

Grimethorpe Colliery Band- Sunday 12 May The real stars of the hit movie Brassed Off, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band are in constant demand throughout the world for concert appearances. Having won almost every brass band accolade, these musicians have a highly acclaimed international reputation with numerous television appearances. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, WD17 3JN

Classical recital, with Eleanor Turner (Harp) Friday 10 May Another in our series of classical recitals, with award-winning harpist Eleanor Turner, a musician of exceptional skill who is recognized internationally for the warmth and passion she gives to her performances. She won first prize – a magnificent Salvi concert harp – in the 2007 Cardiff. Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Newgate Street Village May Fayre & Fun Dog Show -Sunday 12th May 1pm Come and enjoy all the fun of a village May Fayre - Traditional family fun, stalls, food, dance displays and much more ! Fun Dog Show - Best Puppy, Most handsome dog, Prettiest bitch, Best Veteran dog/bitch, Best condition dog/bitch, Best rescue, Scruffiest dog, Dog biscuit & spoon race Newgate Street Village, Herts. SG13 8RA

Fowlmere Farmers Market- Saturday 11 May A monthly Farmers Market. We have gained a reputation for our friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We offer a full range of local foods including meats, poultry and game, fruit & veg, eggs, award-winning savoury pies, cakes, bread, handmade biscuits, artisan cheeses, preserves, Greek and Indian. Fowlmere Village Hall, Chrishall Road, Fowlmere, Royston SG8 7RY

Le Havre (Film, 2011, cert PG) -Monday 13 May A portside shoeshiner takes pity on an African boy newly arrived in Le Havre. Kaurismaki explores migration and dislocation in this tender comedy. "Distinctly loveable" **** Guardian (Cert PG) Subtitled. Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ

Hitchin Symphony Orchestra Concert- Saturday 11 May Faure: Pavane Delius: A Song Before Sunrise Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring Mendelssohn: Nocturne Boyce: Symphony No.4 Rooke: Saxophone Concerto Interval Ravel:

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Stortford’s Young Musicians (Janice Elliott) Tuesday 14 May Stortford’s Young Musicians at Rhodes Arts Complex – 7.30pm. To showcase musical talent within Bishop’s Stortford, I am planning on holding this event. The talented Phil Dale will be on stage managing the event as well as the evening. Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishops Stortford CM23 3JG

Garden City Town Centre. Come and sample food from all over the world. There will be plenty of entertainment for all the family with music, street dance. Stonehills, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6NA Victorian Fete -Saturday 18 May Travel back in time for some good old fashioned fun and games at the Museum. Steam engines, Victorian bicycles, Punch & Judy, a Victorian RNLI stall, a host of food, books and other stalls. In conjunction with the RNLI. British School Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS

Timothy West & Pavao String Quartet: Intimate Letters -Wednesday 15 May A dramatic retelling of the passionate illicit love affair that resulted in one of the finest and most passionate string quartets of the 20th century , researched by cellist Justin Pearson. It was not until 1916, when he was 61, that Janácek had anything resembling a success, Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX

Eduardo Niebla in Concert -Saturday 18 May Hailed by The Guardian for his “exquisite guitar” playing, Eduardo Niebla returns to The Old Town Hall with his internationally acclaimed guitar duo to present an amazing repertoire of “stunning flamenco jazz” (The Sound) from his latest albums. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

WHOLE LOTTA LED / Led Zeppelin ConcertThursday 16 May The new look Whole Lotta Led are one of the biggest tribute acts in the UK and an established professional Led Zeppelin tribute band. The band has undergone some big changes in line-up of late but with incredible effect and are getting fantastic reviews. Wyllyotts Centre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 2HN

The Alberni String Quartet -Saturday 18 May We are delighted to welcome back to Braughing the Alberni String Quartet. The Alberni Quartet was formed more than 40 years ago at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Their interpretations of the great classics have attracted praise and respect around the world and their debut at the Carnegie. St. Mary’s Church, Braughing. Just off the A10 near Puckeridge. SG11 2PZ

My Romantic History - Friday 17, Sat 18 , Mon 20 to Sat 25 May One moment you’re just colleagues, and then Friday-night drinks, a quick grope, and you’re an item. When Tom and Amy get together, they find themselves living in each other’s pockets. But all too soon the ghosts of relationships past begin to interfere with the here and now. A wry, romantic comedy. Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST

Letchworth Food & Garden Festival - Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 May The Letchworth Food and Garden Festival takes place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 2013. Local food heroes will showcase the best produce from the region in our market place, talented chefs are preparing inspirational recipes in our demonstration kitchens, green fingered experts. Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DA

InterArts -Friday 17 May InterArts Inclusive Theatre Company is proud to present their second production. InterArts is an inclusive arts initiative based at The Old Town Hall providing monthly arts sessions for young people 12+ with and without learning disabilities. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Welwyn Garden City Male Voice Choir in concert - Saturday 18 May The WGC male voice choir are back at St Mary’s Reed and will be entertaining us with their selection of songs from a repertoire which covers popular contemporary classics to Gospel and of course Welsh songs. All proceeds to St Mary’s Church. Book early to avoid disappointment! St Mary’s Church, Reed SG8 8AN

All Things Healthy- Saturday 18 May We are holding our annual "All Things Healthy" event this year on the 18th May in the Hitchin Marketplace.

As usual it will comprise of 15-20 stands dedicated to natural health and well being, these include premium Companies such as Solgar, Viridian, Bioforce. Hitchin Marketplace WGC World Food Festival- Saturday FREE! As an opening ceremony of the Garden City Festival, WGC World Food brings the flavours of the world to

Herts Auto Show -Sunday 19 May Charity car & bike show event in aid of the Make A Wish Foundation. A large selection of vehicles from past to present on display as well as local companies and dealerships showing current models. As well as the vehicle display we will be

18 May Welwyn Festival Welwyn

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selling albums, a string of awards, including the British Jazz Award and BBC Jazz Award for ’Best Vocalist’, Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX

having kids rides, stalls Stanborough Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6DQ Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers- Sunday 19 May 7.30pm Tickets from £18 Thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums interweave with layers of percussive soundscapes and delicate bamboo flutes in a spellbinding display of precise choreography and sheer athleticism. Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX

Hertfordshire County Show -Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May Traditional agricultural show offering attractions including motorcycle stunt display, dare devil horse riding, eagle and vulture show, show jumping and marching band.

Livestock and horse showing. All human festival circus. Food hall and numerous trade stands.

Free parking. The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn AL3 7PT

Radlett Art Fair- Sunday 19 May Wide collection of Art , Sculpture and Collectables by Beryl Cook O.B.E, Rolf Harris, Jack Vettriano, Jean Picton and many more. An opportunity to meet many painters, sculptors and glass artists exhibiting their latest works. The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue,Radlett WD7 8HL

Spring Special - Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June It’s time for the sheep’s springtime haircut with live sheep-shearing demonstrations and more springtime Pony Displays in Willows Arena.

With farmyard animals, adventure play, fun fair rides, JCB Young Drivers Zone, bouncy castles and inflatable slide. You can also pan for gold.

Willows Farm Village, Coursers Road, London Colney, St. Albans AL4 0PF

Screaming Blue Murder Present: Michael Fabbri & Sally- Anne Hayward - Monday 20 May Michael Fabbri quickly stamped his mark on the UK circuit appearing in the 2003 final of Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny? and rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most promising up and coming comedians on the circuit. With a dark and honest approach to some of life’s more touchy subjects. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Piaf- The Songs -Saturday 25 May Eve Loiseau sings the songs of Edith Piaf with Fiona Barrow (violin) and Edward Jay (accordion). Edith Piaf has become synonymous with French Cabaret of the 1940s & 50s and remains France’s most popular singer. Piaf’s life was the stuff of legend, from her dramatic rise from Paris street urchin. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

The Wiz - 23 to 25 May - Presented by Rickmansworth Players Youth Theatre An upbeat, funky and fantastical 1970s version of ’The Wizard of Oz’. Follow Dorothy and her friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they ’Ease on down’ the yellow brick road to Oz, in the hope that the Wizard can help Dorothy get home. The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre Local Board Road Watford WD17 2JP

Jazz Night – Sunday 26 May The monthly jazz night returns, with Jazzin’ Around. Sit back, relax, and listen to some great music. Line up Val Clarke, Dave White, Keith Price, Dave Day. Licensed bar. Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW

Lee Nelson -Friday 24 May Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans. AL1 3LD

Preston Gardens Open Day. Sunday 26th May, 1-5pm A large number of gardens in this pretty village 3 miles south of Hitchin, Hertfordshire offer a variety of sizes, styles and planting with many interesting details including unusual plants, wild areas and water features. Preston, near Hitchin SG4 7RT

Owen O’ Neill: Struck by Lightning- Friday 24 May A brand new show of stand-up theatre from one of our finest comic story-tellers. Owen O’ Neill – comedian, actor, playwright, poet, star of hit Edinburgh Fringe productions ‘Twelve Angry Men’, ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’, and ‘The Odd Couple’ –The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE

Love Your Zoo Week- Monday 27 to Friday 31 May The annual BIAZA zoo event. Shepreth Wildlife Park, Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ

Live music from Timeless- Friday 24 May The Swan Inn, 36 High Street, Markyate, Nr St Albans, AL3 8PB

Orchestral Concert: Chamber Philharmonic Europe- Wednesday 29 May An acclaimed European chamber orchestra comes to Letchworth. This concert features the Colognebased Chamber Philharmonic Europe, with some of Europe’s top young musicians, on its 2013 European tour. Music by Vivaldi, Ponchielli,

Stacey Kent and Her Musicians- Friday 24 May Fri 24 May | 7.30pm | Tickets from £21 Stacey Kent, a best-selling member of the Blue Note roster of recording artists, now boasts six best-

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Bach, Corelli, Faure, Grieg. The Chamber Philharmonic. Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4ET

gather in the grounds of the Crown Public House in Northill at 1 pm Ickwell Green, Near Biggleswade, SG18 9EE Potton May Day Fete -Monday 6 May Potton’s Annual Spring Get-Together The May Day Fete at the Hollow is one of the main community social events of the year with a high level of support from people in the surrounding areas. There will be a Fun Fair, Community and Craft Stalls, Catering, Car Boot Sale, Archery and much more The Hollow, Biggleswade Road, Potton, SG19 2LX

Beds Listings One For The Record - til Tuesday 21 May The first of two major exhibitions by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service to celebrate their centenary. Showcasing its varied collections, and along the way telling the Record Office’s own story and how it protects our documentary heritage, be it on 12th century parchment or the latest computer Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA

Wilden’s Annual MayDay Fayre - Monday 6 May One of the best village fetes for miles around will be opening at 1pm on Monday 6th May. The Bedford Pipe Band will march down Wilden High Street at 1pm to the Village Hall, where the crowning of the May Queen and King will be followed by Maypole dancing. There’s plenty of free stuff. Wilden Village Hall, High Street, Wilden, MK44 2PB

Retro/Vintage/Handmade Fayre - Sun 12 May A family fun filled event encompassing all that is good in Retro, Vintage and Handmade. 20/25 stalls with an eclectic mix of sellers dealing in clothing, pop culture, art, fabrics, pottery, woodturning, glass, ceramics and lots more besides. Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Road, Flitwick MK45 1HP

Mercy in Action Summer Fete - Monday 6 May Mercy in Action is holding a Summer Fete on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th, with lots of lovely things to buy and eat! There will be stalls selling homemade vintage crafts, tea and cake provided by the ‘Cakestand and Crumb’ in Ampthill, as well as activities for children such as face painting. Ampthill Baptist Church, Dunstable Street, Ampthill MK45 2JS

Summerfields’ Miniature Railways Sun 5, Mon 6, Sun 26 & Mon 27 May Summerfields’ Miniature Railways is a three track railway system run by the Bedford Model Engineering Society. The Society opens the railways on several days each year to the general public, so that people can watch and ride on the miniature steam locomotives. Summerfields’ Miniature Railways, Hammer Hill, Haynes, Bedford MK45 3BH

Beer Festival- Friday 10 May, Saturday 11 May, Sunday 12 May Grove House Gardens – After the huge success to our first beer festival, we are bringing it back and it’s going to be even bigger and better! 38 Ales and Ciders in a massive outdoor marquee with live music.

Mike The Knight at Mead Open Farm-Saturday 4 May For one day only, children’s TV favourite Mike The Knight will be making a special visit to Mead Open Farm. With appearances at intervals throughout the day, families with toddlers and young children will love to see them and all the extra fun is included in admission! Mead Open Farm Stanbridge Road, Billington, LU7 9JH.

Little Shop of Horrors - Fri 10, Sat 11 , Fri 17 & Sat 18 May TADS’ latest production, Little Shop of Horrors, features a giant, man-(or woman)eating plant from the dark reaches of outer space. When “Audrey” is taken in by a down-atheel shop assistant, Seymour, she changes the lives of the folks at Downtown Skid-Row. Tads Theatre Conger Lane, Toddington. LU5 6BT

Indian Extrvaganza - Sunday 5 and Monday 6 May We feature steam locomotives that used to work in India--including one from the worldfamous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway-and some wonderful working scale models as well. Page’s Park station is transformed into a little corner of the sub-continent, with authentic Indian food on sale. Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN

Bedford Sinfonia - JS Bach and Family Saturday 11 May JS Bach: Magnificat (with Locrian Chamber Choir); CPE Bach: Cello Concerto in A; JC Bach: Symphony. Soloist: David Knight; Conductor: Jan Kaznowski. St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1LE Stotfold Mill Steam Fair & Country ShowSaturday 11 and Sunday 12 May A great day out for the whole family. Alongside vintage fair rides and steam engines will be a range of spectacular arena events which is sure to keep

Ickwell May Day Festival - Monday 6 May A traditional May Day Festival. May Day celebrations are held in this small village near Biggleswade, every year. It is a whole parish occasion which sees a procession of dancers -25-

paintings, photographs and drawings Meppershall Village Hall, High Street, Meppershall SG17 5LX

the kids entertained. Main events this year include RAF fly past, flying displays, stunt shows, battle re-enactments and demonstrations!

Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold, Hitchin, Herts SG5 4NU

Dunton Folk - Life and Times - Treasures of the Heartlands- Saturday 18 May Life and Times are Graeme Meek (Guitar, Bouzouki, Vocals) and Barry Goodman (Melodeons, English Concertina, Vocals). With their Treasures of the Heartlands they provide an insight in music, song and pictures into the little-known but fascinating characters, industries and customs of the county.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Dunton, Biggleswade, SG18 8RR

Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra - The Heart of England- Saturday 18 May And now for fabulous English music! George Butterworth’s rhapsody: A Shropshire Lad, Elgar’s magical Sea Pictures; and Elgar’s Symphony No. 1. Soloist: Jeanette Ager, Conductor: Michael Rose. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square MK40 1LE Real Arts and Crafts- Saturday 18 May Craft fair featuring a wide range of high quality crafts including cards, jewellery of various kinds, ceramics, knitted and sewn goods, cakes, jams, pictures, silverwork. Goods on sale have been made by the stallholder or a member of their partnership.www.supportbritishhandmadecrafts. co.uk for more details. Woburn Sands Memorial Hall, MK17 8RH

Medieval History Weekend - Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 May Priory House and Gardens -A fantastic weekend of medieval extravaganza!

Free family fun event, with the Medieval siege society, demonstrations and much, much more!

Visit www. medievaldunstable.org.uk for more information.

Biggleswade Antiques Fair- Sunday 19 May Over 45 stalls offering a range of antiques from jewellery, glass, china, pictures, postcards, kitchenalia and militaria. Popular cafe serving lunches, hot and cold drinks as well as a range of cakes, jams and chutneys to buy. Plenty of free parking and something for all antiques Collectors. The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH

Craft & Gift Fair - Sandy- Saturday 18 May Arts - Crafts - Gifts - Items not available on the high street 1pm - 4pm Sandy Conservative Club, 19 Bedford Rd Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1EL £17 each (table provided) Booking forms from: craftfairsuk.co.uk/index.php/stallholders More info from: craftfairs.uk@gmail.com. Sandy Conservative Club, 19 Bedford Road, Sandy SG19 1EL

Teddy Bears’ Outing - Sunday 19 May Lots of bear-themed activities, competitions and displays, plus kids travel free if they bring a bear and a fare-paying adult. Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN

STACK UK Kite Competition -Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May Come along and watch this fantastic Kite Competition taking place over two days. Numerous teams pitted against each other in this spectacular display. The competition takes place each morning with the afternoons set aside for the public to have a go and receive advice and coaching. Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Jazz Swing Music -Wednesday 22 May An evening of recorded music of the musicians and bands of 1930s-1950s, David Higgs and Rex Harris from Woburn Sands Big band Society will be leading the evening. Come and find out more about those iconic bands and their creative musicians. Whipsnade Village Hall, off B4540, LU6 2LG

Butterfly Walks -Sat 18 & Sat 25 May Discover something amazing. Join us on this fun, informative guided walk to look for the butterflies that thrive on the rare chalk grassland of Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade. We might be lucky enough to see the beautiful Chalkhill Blue butterfly flying in the spectacular setting of the downs. Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Road, Whipsnade LU6 2GY

Down On The Farm - Wednesday 22 May This talk will give a picture of rural lives in Bedfordshire as seen through historical farming diaries. Bedfordshire was very much an agricultural county and saw both agricultural innovation and strife. Wardown Park Museum, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA

Meppershall Festival 2013 – Music, Arts and Crafts -Saturday 18 May Now in its 4th year, this popular community event will once again showcase local talents. Here is what happened last year: During the afternoon Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sale, the Village Hall was filled with a riot of shapes and colours. Beautiful

Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service Quiz Night -Thursday 23 May Enter a team of up to six people to do battle in our fun fund-raising quiz. Proceeds to Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Service and the Marston Vale Trust. Some questions will have a Bedfordshire flavour but

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Beautiful Butterflies - learning and craft session - Friday 31 May Find out what butterflies you could see in the park and make a butterfly headdress or hat. Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine. MK43 0PS

the rest will be general knowledge. The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale. MK43 0PR Vauxhall Male Voice Choir -Saturday 25 May Vauxhall Male Voice Choir will be entertaining for an evening at St Anne’s Church Luton refreshments will be served during the interval.

St Anne Church, Crawley Green Road, Luton LU2 0RB

Bucks Listings Starlight Express at the Milton Keynes Theatretil Saturday 4 May Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved and longest running musicals in theatrical history, as the sensational Starlight Express explodes back onto the stage with a new production, destined to take the UK by electrifying storm. Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale. Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Wrest at War! - Sunday 26 and Monday 27 May Wrest at War! Experience the theatre of war from all quarters at Wrest Park. From WWI trenches to the WWII D-Day landings, experience life in tumultuous times, with music and performance and lots of fun for all the family!

Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton MK45 4HR Sam Tastic at Mead Open Farm -Monday 27 to Friday 31 May Children’s entertainer Sam Tastic will be at Mead Open Farm with his fantastic shows! Expect lots of games, amazing balloon modelling, high energy fun and crazy dancing as well as of course, Sam’s speciality - breath taking magic! Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Billington, LU7 9JH

Steaming Day at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre- Sun 12 & 19 May Buckinghamshire Railway Centre occupies an extensive site in rolling Buckinghamshire countryside. Exhibits range from large express passenger locomotives to the humble shunting engine together with a host of smaller items recreating the golden age of steam. Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY

Paint Your Own Windmill - Willington- Monday 27 to Friday 31 May Watch them have fun painting one of these colourful Windmills - ready to take home and decorate your garden for the summer. Children can choose their favourite colours and get creative, ideal for bringing a touch of colour to your garden. They can also enjoy a chocolate treat and a juice drink. Frosts Willington, Sandy Road, Willington, Bedford.

MK44 3QP

Family History Talk: Saving Dickens’ ChildrenWednesday 1 May Dr Gillian Gear tells the story of Certified Industrial Schools, which were introduced in 1857 to provide an improved system in social care of destitute and delinquent children. They showed the early signs of the swing away from the belief that punishment was the main element that should be applied.

Methodist Church Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HB

Cafe in the Tower and trips up to the top of the Tower Monday 27 May Drop in between 2.30-5.30pm to sample a delicious range of cakes and cookies to go with your favourite cuppa. The Church Tower will also be open. All Saints Church, Odell MK43 7AA

May Day Celebrations -Wednesday 1 May Maypole Dancing performed by children from the local primary schools. Village Green, St Peter & St Paul Church, Castle Hill, Buckingham

Kites and Windsocks - outdoor learning and craft session - Tuesday 28 May Make your own kite or windsock out of recycled materials. Then bring it on a test fly or flutter in the park.

Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PS

The Comedy Cow at Wonderworld - Friday 3 May An evening of live stand-up comedy at Wonderworld, brought to you by The Comedy Cow. Headlined by Adam Kay, a singer of smutty songs and the frontman of Amateur Transplants (London Underground Song). You will be treated with an evening of live stand-up comedy with some of the best acts on the country.

Wonderworld, Xscape, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS

Awesome Archaeology! -Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 May Let the kids get stuck into history with the chance to uncover clues and handle artefacts. Take part in a sand pit dig to unveil secrets from the past. Plus plenty of hands on activities. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton MK45 4HR

Teechers - Friday 3 May Through their hilarious end of term play, three fifth formers exuberantly sketch the new drama teacher’s progress through two terms of recalcitrant classes, cynical colleagues and obstructive Caretakers.

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Relatively Speaking at the Milton Keynes Theatre -Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Stantonbury Campus Theatre, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN The Supersonic70s Show - Europe’s No:1 70s Music Show-Friday 3 May Dust off your Space hoppers & Lava lamps, it’s time for Europe’s premiere 70s party! David Cassidy to 10cc, Bay City Rollers to Donna Summer, Donny Osmond to Sweet, and Boney M to Suzi Quatro. All the classic pop hits of that ‘superlicious’ decade are celebrated in authentic style. The Elgiva Theatre. St Mary’s Way. Chesham HP5 1HR

The first Ludgershall Mini Music Festival Monday 6 May One of Buckinghamshire’s smallest villages is to stage The Former Members, a US reborn Rhythm ‘n’ Blues band made up of stars from Country Joe and the Fish, The Steve Miller Band and Blues Inc The Marquee, Bull and Butcher Pub The Green, Ludgershall HP18 9NZ

The 23rd Milton Keynes Garden & Home ShowSaturday 4 to Monday 6 May Exhibitors from all over the country display & offer their specialist garden products. Picnic areas / free parking / quality refreshments. Window box or large garden - there’s something here for everyone!

National Bowl, Milton Keynes, MK5 8AA

Unicorns v Gloucestershire Gladiators - Monday 6 May The Unicorns, made up of the best players in the country without full county contracts, will take on the Gloucestershire Gladiators on Monday 6th May. The new squad of Unicorns players will be hoping to pull off a victory against first class county Gloucestershire in their first competitive match this season. Wormsley Cricket Ground, The Wormsley Estate, Stokenchurch, HP14 3YG

May Day Festival -Saturday 4 May Join The Parks Trust for a day of traditional May Day celebrations. Canal boats, boat rides, kids fair rides, craft and food stalls, morris and may pole dancing and children’s activities. Recommended parking near Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard. Campbell Park Canalside, Milton Keynes MK9 4AD

Stony Stratford FREE Drawing on History Family Arts Workshop -Saturday 11 May The building of the great York House Time Machine.

Free family event with professional artist and illustrator Jonny Boatfield to help create designs and artwork for time machines to travel back through Stony Stratford’s History. York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1JQ

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales -Sunday 5 May Under sea, over land, on the farm and in the jungle, these tales are woven together with live music, songs, puppets and a host of colourful characters who will delight. Suitable for ages 3+, 55 minutes long. Stantonbury Campus Theatre, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN

An Evening of Rothschild Wine - Saturday 11 May The evening will begin with a tasting of four Rothschild wines in the wine cellars, with a selction of delicious canapes. The tasting will conclude with a three course dinner with carefully selected wines to suit each course in the Manor Restaurant. Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, off the A41 between Aylesbury and Bicester HP18 0JH

Sean Lock at the Milton Keynes TheatreSunday 5 May Lockipedia is a brand new standup show from the comedian Sean Lock.

Lockipedia is a very unreliable, misleading but highly entertaining information resource.

Lockipedia is sloppy knowledge. Lockipedia is what Sean ’knows’ about stuff. Lockipedia can only be accessed live. Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Julian Clary at the Milton Keynes Theatre Sunday 12 May Julian has graciously agreed to extend his Lord Of The Mince tour to bring even more joy to the people of Britain this autumn. ’I can’t stop now - I’m 50. The shame of it! This will be an intimate evening – a celebration, no less, of my twenty-five years in the camp spotlight.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

Spring Steam Gala at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre -Sunday 5 and Monday 6 May Spring Steam Gala – VAMES Miniature Railway Circuit.

The Miniature Railway, which is part of the 25acre railway centre, will be welcoming some visiting miniature engines not usually seen on their circuit, so lots of choice for which engines to ride behind! Rides are suitable for all ages Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton Road Station, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY

Abigails Party at the Milton Keynes TheatreMonday 13 to Saturday 18 May Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ

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Unicorns v Leicestershire Foxes- Monday 27 May The Unicorns, made up of the best players in the country without full county contracts, will take on the 2011 Twenty20 Champions Leicestershire Foxes. Wormsley Cricket Ground, The Wormsley Estate, Stokenchurch, HP14 3YG

StonyFolks! -Friday 17 May 8.00 – 11.00pm A talented troupe of troubadours gather to offer a folkish evening of entertainment: traditional and modern songs and tunes, some distant drumming AND a didgeridoo! We have: Brad Bradstock, Michèle Welborn & Steven McDaniel York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1JQ

Language of the Fan - Monday 27 May be hosting a Children’s event here Museum where we will all learn the Georgian fans and their secret messages. and Newton Museum, Orchard Side, Square, Olney, MK46 4AJ

Fundraising Walk- Sunday 19 May We will be hosting a fundraising walk to from Olney Market Square to Cowper’s Alcove in Weston Underwood and back! Refreshments will be provided.

Booking prior to the event is necessary. Cowper and Newton Museum, Orchard Side, Market Square, Olney, MK46 4AJ

We will at the art of Cowper Market

Let’s Go Fly A Kite -Thursday 30 May Come and make your own kite and fly it to its highest height at The Parks Trust May half term event.

Park in the Peace Pagoda car park, Willen Lake North. £3 per child. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com. Willen Lake North, Milton Keynes MK15 0BA

Evita at the Milton Keynes Theatre - Monday 20 May to Saturday 1 June Starring Marti Pellow.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and featuring one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre this powerful and compelling production is simply not to be missed. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s masterpiece Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ Charley’s Aunt -Saturday 25 May It is 1892 and Jack and Charley are preparing to propose to Amy and Kitty but a chaperone is needed or the girls will refuse their lunch invitation. Charley’s Aunt is due to arrive from Brazil and will happily serve the purpose. However, a telegram declares that her trip is delayed Stantonbury Campus Theatre, Milton Keynes MK14 6BN

To be included in future listings

Collectormania Milton Keynes- Saturday 25 to Monday 27 May Collectormania is back! Over the Bank Holiday weekend the region’s biggest movie collector’s event returns, with nearly 75 stars from the hottest new TV shows and Film celebrities plus sports legends. And best of all entry’s free! thestadium:mk, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST

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

Deadline for June Issue 15th May

Festival of Transport –Sunday 26 May Hopefully this year the Rain Gods will be kind to us and the ground will be more suited to a car fest than a boat show. As always we are expecting a whole range of classic vehicles to attend, from vintage Fords to sleek Ferrari’s.

Army vehicles to old tractors plus motor bikes of all eras. Longueville Hall, Hammond Park, Whaddon Road, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes MK17 0EG

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Your

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