Issue 77

Autumn 2019

Warm up with ’s frostiest show Page 20

Stortford at play Out on the town Fit for leisure Page 4 Page 10 Page 14 1 East Herts Champions

As well as looking after the people in their ward, 12 councillors have become community champions, bringing their skills and passions to helping people in East Herts. Well placed to protect our heritage A walk around Hertford with Peter Ruffles with one’s own ‘place’ is very much part of an becomes a fascinating history lesson as he points individual’s health and wellbeing,” he explained. out a house window feature that hints of its “That’s why so much of the council’s work is to former life as a shop or a row of attractive iron do with place improvement.” railings marking the edge of an old cemetery. With 50 council members elected by residents, Peter is the father of the council, having served Peter recognises the importance of councillors continuously since first elected 43 years ago. gaining a sense of each others’ place. Explaining his title of heritage champion of He arranges ward walks during which one the historic built environment, he said: “I’m councillor introduces colleagues to their ‘place’, champion of Place, a simple word which their ward. Some take the opportunity to point means much more. Our place is where we’re out hard-to-resolve issues; some showcase their comfortable and where we know best.” ward’s character. The historic centres of our five towns and 70 or so “I’m so fortunate to have this job in such villages are very important to the council, and Peter a wonderfully diverse place,” said Peter. has an eye open for qualities of place on a smaller “Wherever you live in East Herts, there’s scale too, in neighbourhoods, open pastures and countryside and a historic town or village woodlands, and in parks and gardens. centre in walking distance. An understanding of East Herts Council recently published its five- both, and the sense of ownership of both, can year Health and Wellbeing Strategy. “Having play quite a significant part in the health and a good sense of place, and being comfortable wellbeing of residents at all stages of life.” 2 Life is sweeter with Norma The table fills up with sweet treats as people trickle into bingo and donate small prizes. had just moved out of the church and the space would be ideal for a night shelter. It felt like it The happy faces are at Havers Community was meant to be.” Centre for their weekly get together organised by East Herts councillor Norma Symonds. It now has fold-up beds and showers and provides a safe place for people to leave their Norma, who’s represented Bishop’s Stortford stuff during the day. Central for eight years, is the council’s community champion for homelessness. Reverend Mandy said: “Through the dedication She’s passionate about making life better, of a large group of volunteers the shelter especially for those who experience became a reality. It operates through the homelessness, loneliness, poverty or abuse. generous support of local businesses, churches and individuals. With an ethos of hospitality and “I’m a committed Christian,” she said, “and signposting it encourages and supports people believe I was called to do what I do.” to find pathways out of homelessness.” Some eight years ago she was key in Headlines about mental and physical problems founding the town’s foodbank and is now caused by loneliness inspired Norma to help its vice chairman. It’s open four days/week set up Men in Sheds last year. The nationwide at the Methodist Church, helping families initiative encourages groups to provide sheds and individuals of all ages. Having herself for older men to get together, make friends and experienced homelessness, she led an initiative learn skills. to create specially tailored care boxes for people in a similar situation. Packs include toilet rolls, Norma said: “We got funding from East Herts meals that can be eaten cold and food that Council to buy woodworking tools and we use doesn’t need a tin opener. a shed in someone’s back garden. Men who struggle to talk often find it easier if they’re busy Inspiration played a hand in setting up a winter making something.” night shelter. Norma recalled: “About six years ago I was thinking about the idea and I met There’s no doubt that life is better in Stortford Reverend Mandy Brown who said the playgroup thanks to Norma’s activism. 3 East Herts Play Areas

Carolyn Groombridge (HPA) (left), cllr Peter Ruffles, Sarah Holloway (Groundwork East), Vicky Mullins (East Herts Council) and Jodi Bayliss (HPA) Crowdfunder campaign reaches next milestone A group of Hertford mums surpassed their expectations and raised an impressive £28,505 through their crowdfunding mission to improve Hartham Common play area. Jodi Bayliss, Carolyn Groombridge and Kalin It will allow children to get a bird’s eye view of the Margetts, who set up the Hertford Playground surrounding canopy of trees and across the wider Alliance (HPA), also applied for and received a common. Section 106 planning contribution. McMullen The fundraisers said: “We are absolutely thrilled with brewers put in £5,000, taking the total to £33,505. the result. Everyone’s generous donations made East Herts Council has allocated additional Section all of this possible. Particular thanks to Duncombe 106 contributions so that the HPA can buy a double School and Treetops Pre-School for their donations. bird’s nest tower. Standing at 7m high, it has plenty On behalf of HPA and the community, we’d like to of different play and climbing options for a wide age say a huge thank you to everyone who donated or range of children. There are climbing tunnels and spread the word about our campaign.” bridges, a net chimney, climbing wall, multiple rope ladders, a bird’s nest seat and stainless steel slide. 4 Play day for Elise from Parking the family Earlier this year Southern Country Park in Bishop’s Stortford was given a new lease of life with a revamp of the play equipment.

Kids can enjoy all different types of play from climbing to jumping to sliding with: Eric Buckmaster, executive member for wellbeing, said, “HPA’s hard work and enthusiasm has been amazing throughout the • An embankment slide project, we are so pleased that everyone has supported their • Two trampolines vision and backed the project. We would like to congratulate HPA for beating their target and we look forward to helping • A tunnel them bring their vision for the play area to life.” • A rope bridge

This crowdfunder project for a bespoke piece of equipment is • Stepping pods. running alongside a wider council project to redevelop the rest The park also has a pond for fishing of the play area at Hartham. and feeding ducks, a large grassed A £275,000 investment will improve the variety of play as well area for informal play and kite-flying as attract a wider age range of children. The council is hoping to and a picnic area. achieve a play area that blends into the natural woodland with To find out more about East Herts outdoor seating and picnic areas for fun, family days out. Council’s parks, visit www.eastherts. Subject to planning permission, the build is scheduled to start gov.uk/parks in spring/summer 2020. 5 East Herts Licensing Driving up standards for taxis and pubs If you use an East Herts licensed taxi or pop to the pub it’s satisfying to know you’re in safe hands. Your driver will have fulfilled the council’s high standards covering everything from criminal record checks to vehicle cleanliness. Your local pub will have met conditions to help ensure it’s a good neighbour and that it’s clean and safe.

The council’s licensing and enforcement team is responsible for licensing of taxi drivers and operators, licensed premises and temporary events notices, along with more infrequent applications relating to, among other things, scrap metal dealing and gambling. Overall During 2018/2019 the enforcement team carried out 255 visits, inspections and Alcohol, entertainment and late night investigations. All refreshment licences (Licensing Act 2003) complaints were fully investigated and where 32 premises licence applications necessary, the team took received, six licences suspended for action in line with council non-payment of annual fees policy. 100 personal alcohol licence Executive member for applications received neighbourhoods Peter Boylan said: “Our licensing application process and ongoing regulation at East Herts is rigorous, ensuring that people can be confident when using our licensed taxis or visiting one of the district’s picturesque pubs. Temporary “Taxis and pubs are an important part of the Event Notices (TEN) local economy, providing jobs and income in towns and more rural areas so it’s important that people are happy to continue to support 882 TENs received them.”

6 East Herts Licensing

Gaming (Gambling Act 2005) New applications

28 small society lotteries

3 betting shops

3 notifications of gaming machines

2 licensed premises gaming machine permits Keeping the family together Charity collections Paul Rutter from Abbots Taxis in Datchworth said: 72 street charity “We found the service from the licensing office excellent. collections licensed Our plans were slightly different to the norm and East Herts Council were extremely encouraging and supportive. 19 house-to-house The process was thorough and gave us confidence that we charity collections were in good hands.” The former chauffeur to Deutsche Bank’s chairman said: Taxi drivers, vehicle owners and “We feel that we’re able to ask advice and that we’re taxi operators listened to with any queries or problems.” Paul and his wife, Caroline, were inspired to set up their accessible business after struggling to find a cab to take Caroline’s mother, Joan, who’s in a wheelchair, and her husband from Hertford to join the family in Datchworth last Christmas. 68 applications received “After phoning as far afield as Luton and St Albans, starting all 68 attended training, 54 in November, we finally found a taxi but Joan was put in existing drivers attended the back, facing away from everyone else with presents update training piled in around her, like she was a piece of luggage. She can’t hear well so she was really isolated.”

For more information visit Abbots is fully equipped to take wheelchairs, with a ramp, www.eastherts.gov.uk/business and electronic lifting gear and belts to secure chairs. Most click on Licences and Registration, importantly, the wheelchair user sits in the body of the cab call 01992 531503 or email with everyone in their party – there’s space for four more [email protected] passengers - so they’re not separated. 7 East Herts Community Engagement

A prescription to a happier life Helping people out of loneliness and isolation is the aim of the council’s social prescribing service which has supported more than 300 people in East Herts since it started two years ago. The successful initiative, led by community “We’ve found that people are more likely to enablement officer Kathrine Foy, received reduce visits to their local surgery and less likely County Council’s coveted Dr Joan to call on other NHS services when they take Crawley Award for Excellence in Public Health 2019. part in community social events that they enjoy.”

GPs and other health professionals refer Mrs J, 76, was low in spirits after her husband’s patients who are experiencing loneliness, death. She often felt melancholy and rarely isolation, depression and high anxiety and spoke to anyone during the week. non-medical social issues. This covers an initial She was referred to the social prescribing assessment, phone calls, interviews, joint action service and was introduced to the Apton Road plans, letters back to GPs, and 12-week follow- Day Centre in Bishop’s Stortford where she’s up support. started lots of activities such as card games, Executive member for wellbeing Eric Buckmaster lunches and chair-based yoga. said: “Our aim is to help vulnerable people to She goes out for coffee with a befriender who gain confidence and lift their self-esteem so they she linked up with through St Clare’s Hospice feel ready to take part in social events. Apart compassionate neighbour service. from the personal wellbeing improvements, the service helps to reduce the strain and associated costs to the NHS. 8 East Herts Community Engagement

Coffee and cake at friendly chatter table It’s always nice to have company when you go for a coffee so if that appeals to you, drop into Hertford Theatre and join the monthly chatter table.

Organised in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, it’s a friendly opportunity to spend some time with others while enjoying a drink and a cake. Mrs A was referred by her GP for a range of health, wellbeing They’re from 10am-11.30am on: and financial issues that were • Wednesday October 23 influencing her ability to cope. She • Wednesday November 20 and was experiencing anxiety, social isolation and loneliness. Through • Friday December 27. social prescribing service she was Look for the chatter table sign in the foyer. Tea and coffee introduced to a local church which she is free on those dates. now attends and enjoys their social Eric Buckmaster, executive member for wellbeing, said: events. She’s gained confidence and “Coffee and cake always tastes better in company and our has started swimming regularly which chatter table looks forward to welcoming you.” is helping her health conditions. Buntingford, Bishop’s Stortford and Ware chatter tables are She said: “Kathrine was interested also taking place. in me as a person and was very knowledgeable about what was Rhodes Arts Complex - details to be confirmed available locally. She listened and Buntingford – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, ensured that the suggestions Manor House from October were personalised to my needs. Ware – 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, In particular she arranged for Drill Hall from October 24. introductions to the suggested groups which made me feel less nervous For more information call Mekhola on 01992 531613 or when I attended for the first time.” email [email protected] 9 East Herts Towns

Celebrating our five towns We’re lucky to have five towns of varying sizes spread across our district, offering lots to do, from shops and theatres to restaurants, clubs and societies, markets and a hub to meet friends. Throughout the year, you’ll find a calendar of events to enjoy such as fetes, parades, film screenings and Christmas galas. Hertford be opening a children’s play park in Hartham Common, the perfect spot for picnicking, playing The historic county town of Hertford offers and walking. a choice of modern and traditional pubs, independent small shops, cafes and a weekly Ware market in a pedestrianised centre, leading to The picturesque high street is filled with lots of Castle Park and gardens. Perfect for a walk or a independents, hardware stores and bakeries. picnic by the river. Pop down old alleyways for pretty views and If you’re interested in soaking up some culture, courtyard gardens, take a riverside walk, or visit why not pay a visit to one of the many attractions, including Ware www.hertfordmuseum.org, the history of Museum www.waremuseum.org.uk, Southern brewing museum in Sainsbury’s, Courtyard Arts Maltings, Kibes Lane for comedy, dance, music www.courtyardarts.org.uk and Hertford Theatre and more www.southernmaltings.co.uk and www.hertfordtheatre.co.uk. Scott’s Grotto – secret shell-lined passageways www.scotts-grotto.org We’re investing in our theatre to provide an even better range of shows and films. We’re also At Christmas, the town hosts a beautiful festive investing £8.6m in Hartham leisure centre to Dickensian evening and Christmas tree festival, improve our health and wellbeing offer and we’ll definitely worth a visit. 10 Sawbridgeworth Buntingford Easily accessible by train or, for more active Buntingford High Street is a Conservation visitors, a rural walk from Bishop’s Stortford, Area with many listed buildings and several this pretty town of has a network of footpaths, independent coffee shops to meet friends, and a town centre pubs and coffee shops. You can great Monday market. take a stroll along the Stort and then enjoy a It’s home to a stunning hidden park - Layston delicious lunch or cake at a riverside café, pick Court Gardens. Take a narrow passageway from up antiques at The Maltings or visit the friendly the high street which opens up into a beautiful Longhorn cows in historic Park. The space along the River Rib. Christmas fayre in the town centre celebrates the Christmas lights switch on.

Bishop’s Stortford The busy high street is filled with big name We’re also working on plans to redevelop the retailers, independent boutiques, cafes, coffee centre of town with a new arts centre, retail, shops and restaurants. homes and a public square.

There’s a Thursday foodie market and a See pages 22-23 for events coming up in the Saturday traditional market, Empire Cinema towns. Keep up-to-date with the council’s weekly screening all the latest releases and Rhodes Arts enewsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Complex showing a range of theatre, music, film Sign up at www.eastherts.gov.uk/network and comedy. For more about the individual towns visit the The town is home to two beautiful parks, Castle town councils’ individual websites Park in the centre with play areas and tennis www.buntingford-tc.gov.uk courts, and Southern Country Park on the edge of town with a stunning lake, play park and dog www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk area. Facebook.com/CastleParkBishopsStortford www.hertford.gov.uk

We’re investing £23m to build a brand new www.sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk leisure centre to replace Grange Paddocks. It www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk will include a bigger gym, more studio space, additional swimming space and a café. 11 East Herts Highlights 2018/19 in East Herts

East Herts pursued its ambitious and forward- green spaces. An e-car club will contribute thinking goals in 2018/19, working to ensure towards pollution reduction. We recognise that it remains one of the best places in the that there’s more to do in this area and we’re country in which to live and work. preparing some exciting initiatives for this year.

Council leader Linda Haysey said: “The council “We received nearly £2m from the Heritage carried out a huge variety of work in 2018/19 Lottery and Big Lottery funds to create a and we’re committed to progressing our many beautiful green space at Castle Park. projects so that East Herts remains such a good “On this page you can see more of what we place in which to live. achieved.” “We’ve focused on helping residents to make See the full Annual Report for 2018/19 at healthy lifestyle choices, making the most of www.eastherts.gov.uk/AnnualReports

Improving the health and wellbeing of our communities

over 277 200 22kg households prevented from participants in less waste produced per becoming homeless Social Prescribing scheme household than last year Adoption of the East Herts District Plan setting out where new homes, jobs and infrastructure could go until 2031.

2020 (HYOC2020) will spotlight across the county during 12 arts, culture and heritage and themed months. Themes you can get involved. include promoting local museums and theatres, Whether you’re an existing exploring the county’s culture group involved in culture, an in our towns and parks artist, musician or dancer; a or getting involved with Culture takes centre stage school or local group, join us volunteering. during 2020 in a campaign to celebrate, share and enjoy to showcase Hertfordshire’s Hertfordshire’s culture. Find out more at creative opportunities. www.creativehertfordshire. Activities, special events and com, on Twitter @hyoc2020 Hertfordshire Year of Culture experiences will take place 12 East Herts Highlights

Enhancing the quality of people’s lives

221 affordable homes delivered A new arts centre for Planning applications have the highest since 2006/07 Bishop’s Stortford and been submitted for the extension to Hertford modernisation of the leisure Theatre being planned centres in Hertford and Stortford Enabling a flourishing economy

More than More than Led on the creation of the Bishop’s Stortford Business

100 Improvement District (BID) £95,000 individuals, start-ups and distributed to 25 small home workers made use businesses through the of Launchpad - our smart, Discretionary Business flexible, co-working space Rates Relief scheme in Bishop’s Stortford 2,263,981 visits to our website

and facebook.com/ February – Skills Development March – Access the Arts HertsYOC2020 and Volunteering • Visit Hertford Theatre • Visit www.cvsbeh.org.uk Join the mailing list at • See what’s on at Rhodes Arts for training opportunities www.HYOC2020.org.uk Complex for voluntary organisations and individuals. Or call • Check out your local arts venue. January – Try Something New 0300 123 1034 • Visit Hertford Theatre • Check out your favourite To find out more, email [email protected] • Pop into a local museum local charity – they’re often looking for volunteers for all or call 01992 531613. • Try out a social or sorts of roles community group near you 13 East Herts Future

Grange Paddocks

Hartham Leisure centres getting fitter for the future The council’s £33m investment in the leisure centres at Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford reaches an important stage as the two planning applications are timetabled to be decided later this year. A brand new leisure centre, to the south of Eric Buckmaster, executive member for Grange Paddocks in Bishop’s Stortford, will have a wellbeing, said: “After several months of state-of-the-art gym, additional studio spaces and preparation and consultation, it’s gratifying that a café. There’ll be an eight-lane 25m competition we will soon be ready to submit our planning pool, a 20m teaching pool with moveable floor applications to committee. and a confidence pool for toddlers. “The health and wellbeing of residents is of Once completed, the old site will be demolished upmost important to the council and, at a time and football pitches will be reinstated. when budgets are so tight, it is fantastic to be able to provide such high-quality facilities.” A separate application for a 3G pitch to the south of the new Grange Paddock’s leisure It is hoped to start building work on both leisure centre is due to be determined early next year. centres in spring.

There’s also £1m for extra sustainable energy Public consultation for Grange Paddocks is features. now finished. For details about the Hartham consultation and updates on both projects, visit Hartham Leisure Centre in Hertford will be www.eastherts.gov.uk/leisuredevelopment renovated and expanded with a state-of-the-art gym, additional studio spaces, a café opening The planning references are: onto Hartham Common, soft play and improved Grange Paddocks 3/19/1642/FUL changing and spectator areas for the pool. Hartham 3/19/1882/FUL 14 East Herts Future

Public or Trade Changes to your excess garden waste We’ll take away Link magazine This edition of Link will be the final one. From next spring we’ll be sending out an annual review which Climate conference will include council tax Climate change and working together Improve soil condition • Introduce organic matter • Feed your plants information and features to achieve a net zero carbon economy on what Soil the council’s Conditioner been Tree Barkacross Hertfordshire is the theme of up to, •where Part ofto Hertfordshire’sgo and • Ornamentala majorbark. conference being organised what to look forward to in by the Hertfordshire Sustainability recycling scheme. • Mulches and supresses weeds. East Herts.• Made using an “Organic Process”. Forum. Open to community Look out• Can for bethe used new as magazine mulch, breaksin March up 2020. clay Blendedorganisations Soil and interested soils and adds body to light soils. individuals, it will include some top But we’ll still be keeping you well informed. You can• Compost and topsoil mixed together • Great for flower beds and which maylevel be used speakers to create and aworkshops. ready It’s on get regular news updates delivered directly to your vegetable patches. made bed, Novemberraised beds 7 andat Ware borders. Priory in Ware. inbox with our weekly enewsletter Network. Go to To find out more email www.eastherts.gov.uk/network to sign up. Tel. 01763 281223 Email. [email protected]@eastherts.gov.uk www.cumberlows.co.uk or check out You can follow us on Twitter @EastHerts, on Facebook at http://hertssustainability.org.uk/. EastHertsDC and, for the best photos in the district, we’re To book your place email the address on Instagram at easthertscouncil above and you’ll be sent the booking link.

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Public or Trade your excess garden waste We’ll take away

Improve soil condition • Introduce organic matter • Feed your plants

Soil Conditioner Tree Bark • Part of Hertfordshire’s • Ornamental bark. recycling scheme. • Mulches and supresses weeds. • Made using an “Organic Process”. • Can be used as mulch, breaks up clay Blended Soil soils and adds body to light soils. • Compost and topsoil mixed together • Great for flower beds and which may be used to create a ready vegetable patches. made bed, raised beds and borders.

Tel. 01763 281223 Email. [email protected] www.cumberlows.co.uk East Herts Regeneration

The Ridgeway – on top of the town When people think of regeneration, they often envisage a big inner-city concrete jungle being bulldozed and replaced with shiny apartments. Network Homes’ £34m regeneration project on the edge of Hertford, with fundamental support from East Herts Council, changes that perspective, bringing quality affordable homes to the district. The old Ridgeway, a former council estate, was a courtyard-style gardens. New streets have been poor-quality 1960s development. It was decided created with direct access to the countryside. that a complete rebuild was required. Peter Boylan, executive member for East Herts Council provided £500,000 as well as neighbourhoods, said: “The council is delighted £8,000 for healthy additions, including planters for that this high-quality affordable housing has new residents to grow their own herbs and veggies. become available for our residents and we’re confident that they’ll flourish in their new But probably the council’s key contribution surroundings. We worked closely with Network was helping to move the families living on the Homes to help ensure the development Ridgeway, not all of whom wanted to go. The provides all the components for a successful council ensured that they were all able to find neighbourhood.” alternatives that they were happy with. David Gooch, executive director for With funding from the council and Homes development at Network Homes, said: “We’re - the first for a regeneration scheme - really proud to have worked in partnership with Network Homes dramatically remodelled the local residents and East Herts Council to deliver estate, creating a neighbourhood of streets with a truly transformational regeneration scheme 134 homes designed for modern living. This new of high quality homes for rent and shared Ridgeway is 100% affordable with 57 one-, two- ownership. It’s great that the area has gone from and three-bed homes available through shared somewhere residents wanted to move away ownership, and 77 for affordable rent. from to a neighbourhood where people really The homes offer generous outside space with want to move to.” balconies, roof terraces with wonderful views or 16 East Herts Regeneration Seeds of garden town are sown Outline applications for up to 10,000 homes East Herts Council has received an outline planning application from Places for People for a residential- led development of up to 8,500 homes on the Estate.

An outline planning application for the Briggens Estate will include a further 1,500 homes. Together these will make up the Gilston Area villages within the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

The garden town comprises existing Harlow communities, together with new neighbourhoods to the east, west and south, and new villages to the north (the Gilston Area), all set in attractive countryside, with investment in transport, enterprise and infrastructure.

East Herts Council, Harlow District Council, Epping Forest District Council, Hertfordshire County Council and Essex Country Council are working together on this transformational project.

Places for People has also submitted to both East Herts and Harlow councils detailed planning applications for two river crossings.

The councils held a series of public exhibitions in July. You can see the applications at www.eastherts.gov.uk/planning using reference 3/19/1045/OUT.

The river crossings applications are 3/19/1046/FUL and 3/19/1051/FUL.

The comments received through the consultation continue to be assessed by the councils.

The initial applications for the villages are in outline only. There will be future master planning on how the villages will look.

East Herts Council leader Linda Haysey said: “We’ve been working with the local community, developers and a range of stakeholders for a number of years on the Garden Town. There’s so much potential to create communities for the future.”

17 East Herts Scene Setting

The images are artists’ impressions only and the final designs could change. Stage is set for architects with designs on theatre Architects have been appointed by East Herts Council as the scene is set for one of the most exciting performances to be hosted by Hertford Theatre – its expansion over the next three years. Bennetts Associates were appointed by the council after a comprehensive tender process that attracted bids from across Europe. They are design leaders in their field, having worked on Storyhouse in Chester, RSC in Stratford, Hampstead Theatre and Kings Theatre, Edinburgh.

The investment by the council includes three bespoke cinema screens allowing showings of newly released films, and improvements to the main auditorium and foyer space.

Eric Buckmaster, executive member for wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that we have appointed a leader in the field, Bennetts Associates, who will be working with us on our ideas.

“The theatre has become a cultural and social hub for the town and this project will build on that position for people who love theatre, film Simon Erridge, director at Bennetts Associates, and live performances, bringing benefits to the said: “We’re really looking forward to working wider economy as well.” with the team at East Herts and engaging with the people of Hertford as we develop our design proposals in the coming months.”

18 Lifting allotments to new heights Raised beds and solid paths have given a new lease of life to gardeners who were struggling to bend down and tend their plots at Hertford’s North Road allotments. Thanks to an £8,000 grant from East Herts Council and £10,000 from Hertford Town Council, the green-fingered veggie growers can enjoy their hobby more easily. contributing some of their own funds. “One member has been here for 60 years and another’s had their plot in the family since the “Getting the work done was tough,” said Jim, war,” said chairman Jim Waight. “Some older “but there’s a real community spirit. Members members were faced with giving up although enjoy working together and being outdoors so they didn’t want to. We’ve built raised beds and it’s great that people who were finding it hard hard surfaces so people who don’t feel so stable can carry on gardening.” can use the paths even in bad weather.” If you’re interested, visit http://www. The group has installed disabled toilets, northroadallotments.com or call 07903 007945.

Lottery winner breathes easier Kathleen won £250 through the East Herts Community Lottery and selected Bishop’s Stortford Breathe Easy as her chosen charity. Lottery tickets cost £1 and 50p goes to your Patricia Doherty, Hertford and Ware Sea charity of choice. Cadets fundraising trustee, said: “The lottery has proved to be an excellent way for us to raise Kathleen said: “I chose Breathe Easy as I’ve been funds to help us continue to hold activities and going to the group for about a year and it’s really cover running costs. helped me. “We have a lot of underprivileged children who “I have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary attend and can’t always afford our activities. We Disease) and I’ve learned about portable don’t want them to miss out so we help fund inhalers and picked up other helpful tips too.” them and the lottery has been a big help. People with lung conditions can share “Our parents are a great support too. I’d experiences and receive support to manage recommend any local community group to think their condition. The group usually meets about signing up.” monthly on the third Thursday at Charringtons House, 2-4pm. Find out more at www.easthertslottery.co.uk 19 Hertford Theatre See the full programme of upcoming events at www.hertfordtheatre.com

The queen of Christmas shows Celebrate 10 years of Christmas-magic-making at Hertford Theatre with The Snow Queen which runs from November 30 until New Year’s Day. The story that inspired the smash-hit film Frozen Brought to you by the same team that created last is brought to life in an all-singing, all-dancing, year’s smash-hit production of The Astonishing all-snowing Christmas spectacular. Adventures of Pinocchio, The Snow Queen will be kicking up a snow-storm this winter. Full of frosty frolics, nippy nonsense and chilly chuckles; this brand new family Christmas show Packed with heart-racing songs, foot-stomping will warm the cockles of the coldest heart. dances and a sledge-run of fun, you’ll have snow problem keeping the temperature up this winter Join Gerda on the icy adventure of a life-time as at Hertford Theatre. she scours The North for her missing best friend, Kai. But who is that frost-covered lad called Jack? Tickets are on sale now and Hertford Theatre can’t wait for you to see the show! Who’s the feisty girl in the red hoodie? And who on earth lives in that shoe? Book online at www.hertfordtheatre.com or call the box office on 01992 531500. But the biggest question of them all, as they come face to frosty-face: can Gerda thaw the icy Book now to avoid the avalanche. clutches of The Snow Queen and rescue Kai? 20 Hertford Theatre See the full programme of upcoming events at www.hertfordtheatre.com Dear Zoo Live! Rod Campbell’s best- Relaxed performance selling lift-the-flap book There’s a relaxed performance on December has delighted generations 27 at 11am, specifically for anyone who of readers since it was would benefit from a more relaxed theatre published in 1982. environment, including families with SEN/ This production will delight all those who have autism. read the book with child-engaging puppets, music For the first time, the theatre is also having a and lots of audience interaction. separate BSL Signed performance, so those Wednesday November 6, 1.30pm and 4pm with hearing impairments can enjoy a show Thursday November 7, 10.30am and 1.30pm at the theatre too. Tickets £14 for children and adults. Babes in arms, under 18 months,go free Schools outings Group rate - buy 10 tickets,get one free. Schools from around Hertfordshire Call 01992 531500 for the group rate. and Essex also visit the theatre for their Count Arthur Strong: Christmas treat, benefiting from a fantastic ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ package for schools and more than two As well as being the all-round weeks of school shows to choose from. entertainer we know and love For more information about school visits, from the telly, Count Arthur email [email protected] Strong is a lifelong fan of astronomy, having been given a microscope, or whatever it is they use, for Christmas when he was a small precocious baby.

Wednesday 6th November, 8pm Tickets £22

Christmas bin collections Bin collection dates will change over the festive season as there will be no collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Check your changed dates at www.eastherts.gov.uk/ChristmasBins

21 What’s On in East Herts

October November Hertford Food and Drink Hertford Christmas Gala Festival Friday 22, 3.30pm-8pm Markets, performance stage, Christmas grotto, Friday 11-Sunday 13 street entertainment, fairground, Christmas tree beer, world and street food, switch on. samples, promotions, cookery demonstrations Friday - street food market, 4pm to late, live Shop Hertford – Put the music in Salisbury Square. ‘Hert’ into Christmas Saturday - farmers and charter markets, Saturday 23 cookery demos, tasters, in-store events and Shops & businesses offering amazing even a few celebrity chefs. promotions and festive discounts, encouraging Sunday, 12noon-6pm - world food stalls on visitors to shop locally. Castle lawn, beer tent, Hertford Castle open Buntingford late night 12noon-4pm. Free - donations welcome. shopping and Lights of Love ceremony Friday 29, 5.50pm, The Manor House Sawbridgeworth Christmas market Saturday 30, from 4.45pm, lights switch on 6.30pm, live entertainment, stalls, food, grotto. December Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre Saturday 7 Activities for all the family, live music, performances, fun fair, reindeer, characters from popular fiction. 22 What’s On in East Herts Chairman’s privilege “Taking up the role is a huge honour and it’s been amazing to thescreen; ROH live attend some impressive Tuesday November 5, 7.15pm Showcasing The Royal Ballet’s classical origins activities,” said East Herts to home-grown choreographers who put British chairman Jonathan Kaye. ballet on the world stage. His chosen charities are CHiPS (Children’s Integrated Playschemes) and Isabel Hospice. Tickets £16.50, child £11.50

“Observing with the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire how the police engaged with primary school Dementia Friendly Screening – children in their Mini Police activities in Bishop’s It’s a Wonderful Life Stortford and talking to them about the dangers November 19, 2pm of drugs was a highlight,” he said, “alongside An angel is sent to help a desperately frustrated watching CHiPS raise £10,000 thanks to the businessman by showing him what life would colourful display by the ‘yarn bombers’ this have been like if he’d never existed. summer in Hertford’s Parliament Square and seeing all the services provided by £6, carers free, includes refreshments. More Isabel Hospice. lighting, no adverts, interval

“There are volunteers, villagers and townsfolk contributing to the rich tapestry that is Sleeping Beauty East Herts. It’s a privilege to meet so many December 7-January 5 good people involved with making their Join Princess Bea on an amazing adventure as neighbourhood a better place.” she battles wicked Fairy Midnight in pursuit of true love’s kiss.

To book visit www.rhodesartscomplex.co.uk Are you in? or call 01279 710200 To help make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to vote next than 70% of households replied via the internet, year in any national or Freephone or post. For those who haven’t local elections, canvassers replied, the canvassers are knocking on doors are out and about this month visiting homes encouraging responses. to encourage responses where people haven’t Where we identify new people at an address completed their household enquiry form. they then need to go online to individually The information is used to update the electoral register to vote at www.go.uk/registertovote or register annually and anyone who’s not on the complete any registration to vote form we may register won’t be able to vote. send you.

The form was posted to everyone in late July and For queries visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/canvass again as a reminder in early September. More or call 01279 655261. 23 Peace of mind for you and your family

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www.austins.co.uk Planning ahead for peace of mind 24

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