Spring 2018 ABOUT ATFORD
Goodbye from Dorothy after 16 years as our elected Mayor I must say, it’s a very strange feeling to be writing my last ever foreword for About Watford, which I started when I was first elected Mayor back in 2002 to keep residents in touch with what our council does all year round.
Since then it has grown and grown to become the publication you are reading today. I’m sure our new Mayor, whoever it will be, will have their own ideas like this - things they may want to change, things they may want to keep the same and they will put their own stamp on our town.
What I do know is that doing this job for 16 years has been one of the greatest Baroness Dorothy honours of my life. Having the chance to serve my local community, to influence Thornhill MBE what happens in our town, is a privilege. I am passionate about local government Elected Mayor of and have been since the day I was first elected a councillor back in 1992. Local Watford government impacts on every aspect of our lives. From when you get up in the morning to a clean street with your bins collected, to walking the dog through our watford.gov.uk/ parks or seeing what is built and where, decisions made here in local government electedmayor by your council can be seen everywhere. It really does matter.
Things can sometimes be difficult in local government. Not everyone always agrees with us and you can’t always get every decision right. With massive government cuts on the horizon, that won’t be getting any easier. However, I’m proud that despite this, we still deliver good quality public services and free events across Watford, such as Big Wordfest, Imagine Watford, Big Beach, Big Screen, Big Skate and our famous Cassiobury Fireworks.
I am sad that I won’t get to see the completion of some major projects in our town that I have started in office. I will watch with interest to see how the wonderful new intu extension is launched and the difference the High Street improvements make to everyone. I’m excited about the completion of the new skate and BMX park which will give young people in Watford a much better facility to use and I’m also keen to see what changes are made to bring our hospital facilities into the 21st century.
Like most of you, I was shocked and bitterly disappointed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s announcement that TfL is withdrawing from the MLX project. But even without this scheme and whatever happens after May, I know that I will be happy to have been the Mayor of a town that is moving forward and I’m proud to have left Watford in a better state than which I found it.
Published by Watford Borough Council. This magazine is printed on chlorine free paper, made from sustainable forests and costs 22p to print and distribute. Please recycle it when you have finished with it. This magazine is available on our website. It can be downloaded as a PDF document and also as an audio file.
2 About Watford Spring 2018 ABOUT ATFORD Features Farewell to Dorothy - Elected Mayor set to retire 4 May elections - What you need to know 7 Major projects update - Watford High Street improvement works underway 8 Affordable housing - Explained 10 Rough sleeping - Halved in watford 12 Protecting Watford’s heritage - Buildings At Risk Register 13 Council tax - Set for 2018/19 14 Big Wordfest - Celebrating all things literary 16 Watford’s first short film festival - Calling all directors! 17 Easter play activities - For five-to-15 year olds 18 Watford Museum - Lots of events and exhibitions to enjoy 20 Watford’s hidden gem - The Pump House Theatre 21 Community survey - What you told us 22 Improved wellbeing - Cassio Road 24 Spring clean - Keeping Watford tidy 25 Waste and Recycling - Changes to Easter bin collection dates 25 Fifteen years of fun fitness - Everyone Active 26 Get Active - Free and low cost sporting activities to keep you fit 27 What’s on! 28 Can you help? - Watford Citizens Advice Bureau needs you! 30 Your councillors 31
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watford.gov.uk 3 Farewell to Watford’s first elected Mayor
Baroness Dorothy Thornhill, Watford’s first directly elected Mayor, will retire in May after 16 years in the job. We take a look back over her time in office and celebrate some of her many acheivements.
This page below, clockwise from top left: Dorothy at the opening of Watford’s skate park; The opening of Thomas Sawyer Way; The opening of the bandstand in Cassiobury Park; Celebrating the 2,000th swimming lesson at Watford Central Leisure Centre
4 About Watford Spring 2018 This page, clockwise from top left: Cassiobury Park pools; Demolishing central baths before the rebuild; Dorothy at a Muslim youth group leadership training event; Nascot deep clean; Cassiobury Park awarded ‘Green Flag’ status; Dorothy with a winner at the 2017 Audentior Awards; Big Beach; Dorothy addressing fans and players at the Watford FC promotion celebration
watford.gov.uk 5 Directly elected Mayor working for Watford Watford residents voted for us to have a directly elected Mayor in 2001 – and we haven’t looked back!
In May, we’ll be voting for for running an area (the elected In order to have an elected Mayor Watford’s next directly elected Mayor) and the communities they the council first had to agree the Mayor – a full-time job leading serve. By having one individual in change and then hold a referendum Watford Borough Council and charge and elected by local people in Watford. 50% or more of voters representing the interests of our (rather than by local councillors), had to vote yes to an elected Mayor, town and its communities. And people are able to point towards which they did in 2001. A year later YOU get to decide who it will be. a single person who is ultimately the first mayoral election was held. answerable for local decisions and Watford is one of the few towns of policies. Watford’s experience since its size in the UK to have a directly 2002 has demonstrated many elected Mayor. This is because of the benefits of the directly although we are small, we punch elected mayoral system. These above our weight. We are set to were recognised by our recent be a top 20 UK destination for independent Corporate Peer shopping and leisure after the intu Challenge assessment by the Local extension is finished later this year. Government Association. We’re home to one of the nation’s favourite parks, a Premier League A directly elected Mayor is also The report noted that our elected football club, and we are one of very different from the ceremonial Mayor is ‘seen to be a great the UK’s most popular places to mayors that many people picture ambassador of the town, known for live. We are small, but mighty! when they think of a mayor. This leadership in managing the growth mayor, who you will often see in red of Watford and preventing decline’. robes and wearing the civic chain, Directly elected Mayors for The town’s business community has no decision-making power. councils were introduced in the They are chosen by councillors for ‘saw the Mayor as being a great Local Government Act 2000 as a year and represent the council at driver and influencer able to get one of a number of new ways civic and ceremonial functions and things done.’ of governing local councils. The chair full council meetings. This role is seen to strengthen the link role in Watford is undertaken by our Read the Peer Challenge Review at chairman. between the person responsible watford.gov.uk REGISTER TO VOTE and make your opinion count
The mayoral and local elections will take place on Thursday 3 May 2018 Register by 17 April 2018 at: gov.uk/register-to-vote Don’t forget to bring your poll card to vote Watford is taking part in a government-led pilot scheme to make sure everyone who votes is who they say they are.
LIVE IN WATFORD?
You’ll have to show your poll day on 3 May, so please keep it There will be no change to the way card when you come to vote in safe and bring it with you when you vote if you have a postal vote. our polling stations on Thursday you vote. 3 May. Once the results are in from the If you don’t receive your poll pilots, the Electoral Commission We’re taking part in a government- card by 27 March please contact and Cabinet Office will evaluate led pilot with five other local electoral services at elections@ the impact of asking voters for ID councils – Bromley, Gosport, watford.gov.uk or phone 01923 before deciding whether or not to Slough, Swindon and Woking. This 278369. They will be able to roll it out nationally. is looking at the best way to tackle provide you with a replacement if possible election fraud by making you are eligible to vote. Carol Chen, Head of Democracy sure that the person presenting and Governance at the council, themselves at the polling station to If you lose your poll card you can said: vote is the person they say they are. bring along one of the following to Electoral fraud and This follows Electoral Commission the polling station: voter impersonation reports that, nationwide, there has not been an issue has been a sharp rise in voter l Valid passport for Watford. The government chose us because we run impersonation since 2014. l Current UK or EU photo-card our elections well and we’re driving licence happy to support them with Nothing else will change – just l Valid credit or debit card this initiative. So it is really remember to bring your poll card l Biometric residence permit important to keep your poll with you when you come to vote. l EEA Identity Card card safe once it has been Your poll card will be delivered l Northern Ireland Electoral delivered and bring around five weeks before election- Identity Card it along on the day.
watford.gov.uk 7 Major Projects update Watford High Street gets a dramatic makeover Working with Hertfordshire County Council, we’re giving the High Street a facelift. But the changes won’t be just skin-deep – they’ll mean more space, less traffic and a better experience for pedestrians and cyclists.
The improvement works are through the High Street are stopping vehicles from illegally due to be finished in time for the being temporarily diverted, driving through the town centre opening of the intu extension so please check before you and generally smartening the in the autumn, which will firmly travel: watford.gov.uk/ whole place up. It will mean a mark Watford as one of the highstreetimprovements more attractive, less polluted, UK’s top shopping and leisure pedestrian and cycle-friendly destinations. So what’s changing? town centre. And I hope that older l More space thanks to wider residents and families in particular Phase one, which will be done by pavements will feel safer with more space and June, is focusing on improving the l Rising bollards in Clarendon less traffic coming through. High Street between Clarendon Road to stop unauthorised Road (just past Watford Palace vehicles using the High Street “The improvement works will lead Theatre) to Market Street. The l Upgraded waste bins and new to some disruption in the High second - taking place from June digital bus shelters Street - there’s no getting away to September 2018 - will renovate l We’re clearing out the street from that. But the end results will the stretch from 102 High Street clutter absolutely make this worth it. (outside Café Nero) to Market l Relocated taxi bays, with clear Come autumn, we will all benefit Street. directional signage from the tremendous upgrades to l Renewed attractive York stone the intu centre and the High Street, Cyclists in the town will benefit paving so thank you for your patience.” from more cycle parking spread across the town centre. A Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill Find out more at watford.gov.uk/ number of buses which drive said: “We’re widening pavements, highstreetimprovements
8 About Watford Spring 2018 Major Projects update
What the High Street improvements mean for disabled parking
Mayor Dorothy Thornhill at the Church Street disabled parking bays Revamping the High Street will ensure it’s accessible to everyone - including those with disabilities who drive and those with disabilities who don’t drive.
Fewer vehicles, wider pavements and less street clutter mean the High Street will be so much easier to get around and more disability- friendly than ever. Three more disabled bays have so drivers with a disability will Before the upgrade there were been created in the Wellstones have more flexibility in the times four disabled parking bays on this area – a stone’s throw from the they can visit the town centre. stretch of the High Street. High Street - meaning there will be five extra disabled parking bays in There are also around 150 disabled These have been relocated to the town centre overall. parking bays across Watford’s Church Street - which is just town centre car parks. behind the High Street itself - and The new blue badge bays will be two additional disabled bays available 24 hours a day, 365 days Find out more about the High have been installed, bringing the a year - unlike the old ones which Street revamp at watford.gov.uk/ number to six at this location. are not available until after 11am, highstreetimprovements
watford.gov.uk 9 Understanding the world of housing and development Understanding the world of housing and development can be hard. Affordable, social, viability… what does it all mean for Watford and who decides what?
What is affordable? what affordable housing is and contributes funding to help build The term ‘affordable housing’ is councils and developers across affordable homes. bandied about quite a bit and the country have to follow this it’s no surprise that this can guidance. Local authorities can also lead to raised eyebrows. When contribute their own funding planning new homes, it is central Central government defines or land to help build affordable government that defines exactly affordable housing because it homes.
An affordable home is one that is rented or is for sale at less than private market rents or prices. But it gets more complicated than this because the government has several definitions for affordable housing. These are: l social rented housing – rents are up to 40% less than local private rents. In Watford it is owned by housing associations and is available to let to people on the council’s Housing Register l affordable rent housing – rents are up to 20% less than local private rents. It is also owned by local housing associations and let to people on the council’s Housing Register l shared ownership – housing that you buy part of and rent part of at rates lower than market prices for similar homes l intermediate rent housing – rents are more than those charged for social rented homes but are less than local private rents. They are usually let directly by housing associations. You can find more details on gov.uk/guidance/definitions-of-general-housing-terms
10 About Watford Spring 2018 Here are some examples In Watford we recently granted permission for 30 new affordable homes on St Albans Road. 25 of these will be for families on our Housing Register and five will be shared ownership apartments. Watford Community Housing’s £36million regeneration of the Meriden estate will deliver 131 homes for affordable or social rent, plus two homes for shared ownership. The project will also see new green spaces, community facilities, and a shopping parade.
What does viability actually mean? When councils and developers talk about viability, they mean financial viability – in other words, developers want to make sure they cover all the costs of building new homes and also make a profit.
The council’s housing planning with independent experts to high prices for land, the cost of policy says that 35% affordable thoroughly examine this and make building homes on those sites housing should be provided in sure this is the case. goes up. This in turn makes any new developments with 10 it harder to include the 35% homes or more. But national The council has a policy on affordable housing and make planning policy - which is written commuted sums which tells a development viable – and if and agreed by central government developers what the council thinks developers can prove a scheme - states that if developers provide is a fair amount for them to pay isn’t financially feasible, it may strong and acceptable evidence the council instead of building go through with less or even no that meeting affordable housing affordable homes on a particular affordable housing. requirements would make a site. The money raised through site unprofitable for them, the commuted sums is then used by The upshot of it is that unless council may have to accept less the council to buy existing homes national policy is changed to affordable homes built on site or it or to develop new ones elsewhere make affordable housing a set could accept a sum of money for in the borough to meet the local requirement rather than a local housing instead. housing need. recommendation, the situation will not change. But the council’s This is called a commuted sum. What this means for Watford commuted sums policy will When a developer tells us they The price of land to build new go some way in giving us the can’t meet our 35% affordable homes on is high in Watford. flexibility to build the types of housing standard, we work Because developers are paying affordable homes needed locally.
watford.gov.uk 11 Rough sleeping halved in Watford
The annual rough sleeper count shows that rough sleeping in Watford has halved, bucking the national trend. But although this is promising, the council and its partner New Hope explain why we mustn’t be complacent.
Every year, Homeless Link – an last year. In London alone rough One person sleeping rough is one independent organisation which sleeping has gone up by 18% and in person too many.” monitors rough sleeper counts neighbouring Luton it has risen by CEO of New Hope Matthew all over the country – works 14%. But in Watford we’ve managed Heasman added: “Strategic with Watford Borough Council to steer things the other way, more partnership working has been and local homelessness charity than halving the number of rough key to seeing a reduction in New Hope to count the rough sleepers from 13 to six. the number of people sleeping sleepers in the town. rough. New Hope’s latest Cllr Taylor explained: “This stable initiative, the Intervention Staff and volunteers work through drop in the number of people Team, is a government-funded the night, gaining a real insight rough sleeping in Watford is initiative overseen by Watford into the problem. Councillor Peter very good news. A big reason Borough Council and delivered Taylor said: “Along with other for this is the outstanding work by a partnership between Change councillors I took part in the rough that’s been going on in the town. Grow Live, Citizens Advice, Herts sleeper count overnight. Taking We’ve developed a town-wide Young Homeless and New Hope. part in this really brings home partnership, called the Watford the depressing reality of rough Strategic Homelessness Forum, “By bringing these organisations sleeping and the determination to help tackle rough sleeping. And together and providing joined- of charities such as New Hope to the council’s partnership with our up expert help, we are able to improve the situation.” local homelessness charity New give people a better chance to Hope has gone from strength to break the cycle of homelessness. Officially, there are 4,751 people strength. Yet the demand for our services sleeping rough in England, an remains high and we will continue increase of 15% compared to “But we mustn’t be complacent. to support men and women in Watford who are facing homelessness.”
Overall, Watford is making great strides in tackling what is a complex, national issue. But with London and neighbouring towns like Luton seeing such a dramatic rise in rough sleeping, it’s more important than ever to continue driving forward our town-wide plan.
If you see someone sleeping rough, call New Hope on 0300 012 0168.
12 About Watford Spring 2018 Protecting Watford’s heritage
Our Buildings At Risk Register helps protect our town’s history and heritage.
Thanks to the council’s efforts, eight important local historical assets have recently been fully restored and are now protected for future generations of Watford residents.
Watford has a long and varied history and a number of nationally listed structures, ranging from gravestones to bridges and buildings, which can be found across the borough.
The council reviews these every five years to see if any are showing signs of disrepair. Those that need St Mary’s Church significant renovation work are placed on our Buildings At Risk l The enormous Five Arches is particularly encouraging that (BAR) register. Ten structures were Viaduct, which crosses the River our partner organisations have added in 2011 but after the register Colne and Stephenson Walk, worked with us and it shows was reviewed last year, eight were was restored by Network Rail that with the right commitment, removed. assets that need protecting can be l Bridge 163 over the Grand Union saved.” This follows the work we have Canal near Grove Wharf was undertaken, together with partner restored by the Canal and River Restoration plans are being organisations, and after talking Trust. introduced for the final two to the owners, to make sure they buildings on the 2011 BAR list, were repaired and no longer at Cllr Iain Sharpe, Cabinet Frogmore House and Little risk. These are: Member for Regeneration and Cassiobury House. Three additional Development, said: “We are proud structures were added to the BAR l Six Grade II listed tombs at St of Watford’s heritage and work after our 2017 review. They include Mary’s Churchyard in the town very hard to preserve it. Making a Grade II-listed building frontage centre. These, plus two classed sure our historical assets are well- in Watford High Street, which is as ‘vulnerable’, were restored maintained is a top priority, as being preserved as part of the intu after investment by the council we want a town that successfully extension. For more information, and Heritage Lottery Fund blends its past with its future. It visit watford.gov.uk/planning
watford.gov.uk 13 Council tax set for 2018/19
Council tax is set annually and the money you pay is used to fund local services provided by Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, as well as Watford Borough Council.
We collect council tax for all three but each service is Watford Borough responsible for deciding its own rates. Only 15p from Police and Crime Council - 15p Commissioner - 9p every £1 you pay towards your council tax goes to Watford Borough Council. Hertfordshire County Council How much council (Adult Social tax will I pay to Watford? Care) - 5p Band Watford The council tax you pay Borough depends on the valuation Council band your property is in A £174.97 and the number of adults B £204.14 living in your home. Your C £233.30 council tax bill tells you D £262.46 Hertfordshire County Council - 71p E £320.78 which band you are in and F £379.11 the amount of tax you have to pay. The property band is determined by G £437.43 the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). If you think that your council tax band H £524.92 is wrong, you can contact the VOA on 0300 0501 501, Monday to Friday, % increase 2.99% 8.30am to 5pm or visit voa.gov.uk
Where our money comes from Not all the money we spend on services comes from council tax. The government covers the payment of housing benefit and we receive income from various other sources. Around £8.5m needs to be funded directly from council tax.
Total resources: £71.6m Council tax requirement - £8.5m
Retained business rates - £3.4m
Revenue Support Grant, New Homes Bonus Grant and other grants - £1.8m
Commercial rent - £10.5m Housing Benefit Grant - £38.9m Fees and charges - £6m
Interest from investments - £1.2m Funding from reserve balances - £1.4m
14 About Watford Spring 2018 Our resources are spent on: Total £71.6m
l Housing Benefit - l Housing - £3.1m £40.6m
l Planning, Economic l Parks and Open Spaces, Development, Property Cultural Services - Management, Transport £4.2m & Parking - £6.8m
l Waste Services, l Legal and Democracy, Street Cleaning, Customer Services, Environmental Health Corporate and Support and Licensing - £6.9m Costs - £10m
How to pay your council tax There are a number of different ways to pay your council tax:
Direct Debit – Paying your council tax bill by Direct Debit is easy and means that you don’t need to worry about missing a payment. Sign up now by visiting watford.gov.uk/directdebit
Online – Pay for it online using the online payment facility at watford.gov.uk/pay
Telephone – Use our 24 hour payment line on 01923 278989
How much will I pay? For more information and to find out how much council tax you will pay visit watford.gov.uk/counciltax
Moving address
It is important that you notify the Revenues team of any changes to your circumstances within 21 days when moving. Please contact the Revenues team at [email protected]
Figures correct at time of print. watford.gov.uk 15 Big Wordfest returns Celebration of all things word-related begins on Saturday 3 March, when Alice in to Watford Wonderland and her friends come to life
Ever wanted to meet Alice in Wonderland, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Cheshire Cat and Caterpillar all in one day? Now’s your chance. They’re all coming to Watford on Saturday 3 March to take part in the launch of our annual Big Wordfest – a celebration of all things word-related! This year the theme of Big Wordfest is adventure and travel, and it will run throughout March and April. The fun kicks off on Saturday 3 March, starting at Watford Museum and running from 12noon to 3pm. Join us throughout the day to meet Alice and her fictitious chums in Watford town centre. The characters will be paying a visit to some of our many literary and cultural landmarks, including Watford Museum, Watford Central Library and Waterstones bookshop.
Expect fun and educational workshops, entertainment, craft activities and much more. Join the fun by dressing up as your own favourite literary character, though plain-clothed guests are also welcome!
And the fun doesn’t stop there. There will be author talks and a workshop on self-publishing at Watford’s libraries, workshops for children and adults thanks to Watford Writers, and more from Watford Pump House Theatre and other venues around the town. Visit watfordbigevents.co.uk for details. First Watford Short Film Festival launches We’ve teamed up with a local film-maker to launch a new film festival.
Watford’s first short film festival on Saturday 4 August will celebrate the town’s best drama, factual and animated short films and is open to film fans and film- makers alike.
If you’d like to take part, whatever your experience, you can enter your movie at any time from Thursday 1 March at filmfreeway. com/watfordshortfilmfestival. Submissions must be no longer than 15 minutes, and film-makers under 18 must have permission from their parent or guardian in order to take part.
Short films entered will be shown be film-makers Alan Ronald and James said: at Watford Museum during the Debbie Attwell from Progressive day and at the Watford Pump Wrestling, film publication writer Watford is becoming House Theatre in the evening Terence Butler and our own Arts more and more of a of Saturday 4 August. An expert and Heritage Manager Sarah cultural town. You can see judging panel will give an award Priestley. that the council is definitely to the best film from each pushing to increase the category at the end of the festival. The festival is being organised cultural scene within the Audience members will also have by former West Herts College town. I thought a film festival an opportunity to vote for their student James Dyer, who is now could really help with that favourite film in each category in a second-year film student of and attract a fair bit of tourism. the ‘Audience Award’. Northern Film School at Leeds I thought Watford could be Beckett University. One of his a fantastic place for people The expert judging panel will own short films, Home Town, was both nationally and locally to include Mark Crane – actor, shown on our Big Screen on the showcase their work. director and special effects Beach last year. technician for films including For the most up-to-date Judge Dredd and Labyrinth. Mark We are supporting his work for information on the Watford is now artistic director for the a second year by offering our Short Film Festival, check out the production company Theatre backing for the first Watford Short Facebook page: facebook.com/ on Wax. Also on the panel will Film Festival. WatfordShortFilmFestival
watford.gov.uk 17 WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL Free and fun activities return for the Easter holiday This Easter holiday sees the return of our free and exciting play activities programme for children and young people aged five to 15.
We aim to provide challenges through The Easter programme will include The activities will be held across multi-skilled activities, adventurous activities, such as: Watford’s parks, open spaces and and risky play, plus creative sessions. at some indoor locations too. Stage school – dynamic acting There will be a new summer workshops, street dance and These ‘open access’ activities for programme too, so keep your eyes musical mash ups children and young people are peeled for more information! supervised by activity leaders. But Sport club – mini Olympics, children and young people are free including our take on Quidditch to come and go as they please. Adventure play – Indiana Jones To ind out more and what’s meets Watford with lots of treasure happening where, visit to be found watford.gov.uk/play Arts and crafts – using children’s All sessions are free, but participants creativity to produce works of art or their parents/carers must register each child at every activity they attend by signing in. For more information about play activities and events in the borough, why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @watfordcouncil
STAGE . . . JOIN US THIS EASTER ADVENTURE HOLIDAY SCHOOL . ARTS & . PLAY CRAFTS .
WATFORD.GOV.UK/PLAY Harwoods and Harebreaks Adventurous Playgrounds WATFORD Designed for five to 15-year-olds, the adventurous outside and enjoy the free and fun activities in BOROUGHplaygrounds - complete with state-of-the-art Watford. COUNCIequipmentL - opened last year, and are already super popular. Now that the weather is getting Find out more about Watford’s other parks and open Free and fun activities warmer, the playgrounds are a great reason to get spaces at watford.gov.uk/parks return for the Easter holiday This Easter holiday sees the return of our free and exciting play activities programme for children and young people aged five to 15.
We aim to provide challenges through The Easter programme will include The activities will be held across multi-skilled activities, adventurous activities, such as: Watford’s parks, open spaces and and risky play, plus creative sessions. at some indoor locations too. Stage school – dynamic acting There will be a new summer workshops, street dance and These ‘open access’ activities for programme too, so keep your eyes musical mash ups children and young people are peeled for more information! supervised by activity leaders. But Sport club – mini Olympics, children and young people are free including our take on Quidditch to come and go as they please. Adventure play – Indiana Jones To ind out more and what’s meets Watford with lots of treasure happening where, visit to be found watford.gov.uk/play Arts and crafts – using children’s All sessions are free, but participants creativity to produce works of art or their parents/carers must register each child at every activity they attend by signing in. Make a splash at the Cassiobury Park paddling pools For more information about play activities and events in the Now that the £6.6million restoration of Cassiobury can once again enjoy the fun water play! Don’t forget borough, why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Park has been completed, there are exciting things about the extended play area, bouncy castles and @watfordcouncil planned for Watford’s largest park. miniature railway, which will all be up and running too.
The modern open-air paddling pools will be open in For more information, visit watford.gov.uk/ time for the Easter holiday, so children and families cassioburypark
STAGE . . . JOIN US THIS EASTER ADVENTURE HOLIDAY SCHOOL . ARTS & . PLAY CRAFTS .
watford.gov.uk 19 WATFORD.GOV.UK/PLAY A year in the life of a museum Since 1981, Watford Museum has showcased over 30,000 historical items that relate to the town of Watford and the people who have lived and worked here.
The museum is a much-loved hub in our town and we’re excited that a number of exhibitions and events are hosted there throughout the year. The museum is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Some of the highlights coming up include:
Watford FC Community Sports and Education (CSE) Trust 25th Anniversary Exhibition Come along to this exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. Held in the museum foyer between 1 March and 31 March. MARCH/APRIL Sir Elton John and Graham Taylor Darren Crane photography exhibition Enjoy Darren’s eye-catching display and the collections of Watford Museum at the same time. Watford resident Darren will exhibit 20 years’ worth of his work – street photography, black and white snaps, and much more. Held in the Space2 Gallery between 8 March and 28 April.
Salters Almshouses Heritage Open Days Every September, the museum coordinates activities across Watford, from fun events to tours of places not usually open to the public, like Grade II* listed building Little Cassiobury. For SEPTEMBER more information and a full list of events, visit heritageopendays.org.uk
The Great War: Watford 1918 This is a culmination of exhibitions on the impact of the First World War on DECEMBER NOVEMBER/ Watford. It runs from 1 November to 22 December.
Funding awarded from Heritage Lottery Fund The museum has received just over £175,000 development funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to help progress our plans to apply for a full grant at a later date. The funding will allow the museum to undergo an amazing and much needed transformation. Lots of consultations and proposals are planned this year, so keep an eye out in future editions of ‘About Watford’ for updates. You can also follow the museum on Facebook at watfordmusuem.
20 About Watford Spring 2018 Watford’s hidden gem: The Pump House Theatre
The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre is a charitable community venue that has been entertaining Watford for over 44 years. But how many people realise it’s there and that world famous artists perform there regularly? Perhaps it’s time you got in on Watford’s worst kept secret…
Located just off Lower High Street, this hidden gem is a constant hive of activity, with regular evening slots for open mic, jazz acts, folk, musical theatre, drama and so much more. And it never ceases to surprise. Recently, Marc Almond from hit 80s band Soft Cell popped by unannounced, treating everyone to two renditions of Tainted Love at an open mic session.
The Pump House, which is known on the professional circuit as a leading jazz venue, also sees its fair share of world famous jazz artists perform at its Jazz Club. beat competition from all over the The hit festival is back again this Internationally renowned pianist country to first place in The NDFA year. To volunteer or get involved, Jeff Barnhart is a regular, and British All Winners Drama Festival contact Sharon Gaffney on01923 has worked with all the greats, – in both the Youth Section and 241362. including Ralph Sutton and Neville Audience Appreciation Awards. It is Dickie. The Folk Club features a fantastic achievement to win just With over 300 events and 14,800 exceptional artists too, such one of these awards let alone two! audience members a year as Chris Cleverley - Bristol Folk (possibly not such a secret then!), Festival’s 2014 ‘Isambard Folk Last year The Pump House there is something for everyone Award’ winner. brought some edge to Watford, at The Pump House. One of its introducing the town’s first ever next theatre productions is Phil And this Pandora’s Box of a Fringe Festival - WatFringe - Williams’ Rainforest Dreams, a venue just keeps on giving, with teaming up with Watford Museum. magical show created to inspire many award-winning theatre In just one day the festival was and educate people about what is groups performing 5 star shows flooded with 116 performers and happening in the rainforest. throughout the year. Recently, the 26 acts, including comedy, jazz, resident Pump House Children folk and indie music, musical Visit pumphouse.info for details and Youth Theatre group (PHCYT) theatre, art, drama and dancing. on all events and how to book.
watford.gov.uk 21 Sharing your views on your borough We had an outstanding response to our Community Survey, with over a thousand of you completing it for us at the end of last year. You shared your views on a wide range of issues including what makes somewhere a great place to live, what you think of the council and your priorities for Watford in the years to come.
This feedback is really important as it helps us shape what we do and the decisions we make about the council and the town.
Here are some of the things you told us: l Supporting our more vulnerable We know that housing and Your views on the council residents so they can live regeneration are a concern for many l 77% are satisfied with the way the independent lives of you. We know from your feedback council runs things that there is more that we need to l 80% agree we are working to make Your views on Watford do in explaining why it is important Watford a better place to live l 74% are satisfied with Watford as a for the town to encourage the right l 82% think we provide value for place to live type of growth and how our decisions money and the same percentage l 80% of you are proud to be a on housing are dictated by central are satisfied with the way we spend Watford resident government policy and the targets our proportion of your council tax l 84% think that where you live they set us in terms of building new l 85% agree we are working to make people from different backgrounds homes. Watford economically successful get on well together l 91% agree Watford is a safe town You want to see new homes Your top council services supported by school places for local These are the services that you think Your top five things that make children, GP surgeries and better we do really well: somewhere a good place to live transport links, including buses, trains l Waste and recycling l Feeling safe in my home and the and cycle paths. This is why working l Parks and open spaces local area with partners like Hertfordshire l Sports and leisure facilities l Good quality hospital and health County Council and the health services services is an important part of what Your top five priorities for the council l Cleanliness and tidiness of the town we do. to deliver l Good access to public transport l Ensuring a vibrant and prosperous l Rubbish collected on a regular and And you want us to keep you local economy that offers a range reliable basis informed about the decisions we take of jobs and opportunities for local and give you even more opportunities people Where we need to improve to find out what is going on and share l Keeping the town clean and our Whilst there is a lot you think is good your views. streets free from litter about the council and Watford, there l Working with community safety are also areas where we need to Many of you gave a ‘thumbs up’ to partners to tackle issues and improve or, where we are not directly ‘About Watford’ as a way to keep up make Watford even safer for our responsible for an area (such as pot to date about the council and the communities holes on roads, buses, availability town. We also found that, since our l Creating a well-connected borough of GP surgeries), work with other last survey in 2015, more people are with good infrastructure such as organisations to make things better using Twitter and Facebook to keep in better transport links for Watford. touch.
22 About Watford Spring 2018 · ANNIVERSARY
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watford community W housing www.swhas.org Improved wellbeing A two-year project to improve the look of Cassio Road and the health and wellbeing of its residents is nearing its end. Cassio Road is a key access road in Watford and was chosen as it has suffered some decline in recent years.
This unique project had three very simple aims: make the street look better, improve the health and wellbeing of residents and bring the community together.
To help achieve the aim of making the street look better, artwork was put on a service box to dress it up, along with a new sign to stop the illegal dumping of waste. Three new litter bins were also installed with fences and bollards, giving on the road, covered in a design by residents back that sense of local schoolchildren, to encourage ownership and pedestrians can people to dispose of their litter now walk along Cassio Road safely correctly. without cars overhanging from front gardens. 75% reduction in flytipping 60% increase in sign up Working in partnership with to OWL Neighbourhood homeowners, improvements were Watch network made to enhance their safety within the home. Front garden Empty residential and commercial use, such as the GP surgery which boundaries were reinstated premises were brought back into has been transformed into a new- look children’s nursery. Partnership A unique BT junction box on Cassio Road work with local charities Mind and New Hope also provided planters to brighten up the area.
Hitesh Mistry, a local landlord, said: “Tenants are really delighted with how their property now looks and it makes them even prouder of the home that they are living in.”
To find out more and watch a series of short films about the project visit watford.gov.uk/ cassioroad
24 About Watford Spring 2018 Watford’s Spring Clean Our partner Veolia does a fantastic job of cleaning the town. Can you lend them a hand?
The start of our annual Spring Clean coincides with the Great British Spring Clean (2-4 March), which aims to bring people together to clear litter from their local community, so now is a great time to get involved and be proud to live in Watford. We are encouraging residents to go outdoors, get active and help clear up any rubbish that you see.
If you’re keen to help us, please contact Veolia who will be happy to provide clean-up kits free of Visit watford.gov.uk/springclean for more information charge, including litter-pickers and special branded bin bags. The kits Don’t forget that the kits are also Please share your photos with are subject to availability, so email available throughout the year. us on Facebook, Twitter and [email protected] or Instagram at watfordcouncil – call 020 3567 6900 during office For more information visit we’d love to see them! hours if you’d like to get involved. watford.gov.uk/springclean #WatfordSpringClean Easter bin collection date changes Please be aware that bin collection days will change over the Easter period.
Usual collection date Revised collection date Friday 30 March Saturday 31 March Monday 2 April Tuesday 3 April Tuesday 3 April Wednesday 4 April Wednesday 4 April Thursday 5 April Thursday 5 April Friday 6 April Friday 6 April Saturday 7 April
To learn more about what to recycle visit watford.gov.uk/recycling, and to find out your bin collection day visit watford.gov.uk/mybinday
watford.gov.uk 25 Fifteen years of fun fitness
New partnership will mean free swimming for all and new facilities at our leisure centres.
Fifteen years of fun fitness will be provided at Watford residents. Everyone Active is a fantastic affordable prices thanks to our new partnership partner, providing facilities that are as good as the with leading leisure operator Everyone Active. private health clubs, but at an affordable price. We hope that the free swimming will encourage people Free swimming will be offered at Watford Central in Watford to lead a more active lifestyle. This is an Leisure Centre between 2pm and 5pm on Sundays excellent deal for everyone who uses our leisure from June 2018. Free Gym Active sessions will centres and for local council tax payers.” be available for 11 to 15-year-olds across a series of times and dates to promote an active lifestyle The partnership between the council and Everyone among young people in Watford. Active began in 2008, and has now been renewed after a competitive tendering process. Everyone The gym at Watford Woodside will be extended, its Active – which operates 158 leisure centres and changing rooms refurbished and a new toning suite employs 12,000 people nationwide – has agreed developed at the site. Watford Central will receive to introduce the National Living Wage for its 18 to a new sauna and steam room, while both leisure 24-year-old staff in Watford. centres will introduce a new virtual group cycling facility. This will allow customers to take part in this Karl Miles, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: exercise class at any time that is convenient to them. “Both centres are shining examples of community activity hubs, and I am excited to see them progress Deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Taylor, whose portfolio and improve over the next 15 years.” includes the council’s leisure partnerships, said: “We’re really pleased with this excellent deal for Find out more or join at everyoneactive.com Let’s celebrate Watford Get Active
Everyone can take part in our free and low-cost fitness programme and enjoy Hertfordshire’s Year of Physical Activity!
Join us in celebrating Cllr Karen Collett, Cabinet Hertfordshire’s Year of Physical Member for Community, said: Activity and enjoy some of the “We’re so proud of Watford fantastic fitness events we’ve Get Active and the results it lined up for you through our has achieved for local people. Watford Get Active programme. We know that there are major health benefits from leading an The programme – now in its fourth active lifestyle, and we encourage year – has received hundreds of everyone to do something new thousands of pounds of funding, to stay fit and healthy this year. It obtained by the council in grants is not only good for your physical from Sport England and other health but also your mental organisations. There are many free wellbeing.” and low-cost activities to enjoy, ranging from skateboarding to Back to Netball – see the full list at Hertfordshire’s Year of Physical Activity is led watfordgetactive.co.uk by Hertfordshire Sports and Physical Activity Partnership (HSP), Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and Hertfordshire Association of Cultural Watford Get Active was named Officers (HACO). It is supported by our county’s 10 borough and district councils, including Watford. Community Project of the Year in the Hertfordshire Service to Sport Awards.
We’ve engaged more than 3,922 people, and our fitness activities have now been attended 46,694 times. hat’s on in and around Watford
Watford Get Active Carmen Various dates, times and locations in Watford Sunday 11 March, 2pm Free and low-cost sports and fitness activities for the people of Watford Watford Palace Theatre - tickets: £15.50 – we’ve got something for everyone, from our new Everyone Active Carmen is the best-known work by French composer Georges Bizet, and climbing wall sessions to Back to Netball. Visit watfordgetactive.co.uk one of the most famous operas in the entire art form. This production will be screened live from the Royal Opera House. Book online at Cassiobury Explorers – pre-school group watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or phone 01923 225671. Thursdays during term-time from 1-2.30pm Meet at the Cassiobury Park Hub until the Easter holidays, after, meet at the rustic bridge – free Outdoor play for under-5s. Activities suitable for age 2+. Very focused on being outdoors in ALL weathers, so expect to get muddy! No booking required. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Darren Crane photography exhibition Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm between 8 March and 28 April Space2 Gallery at Watford Museum Enjoy Darren’s eye-catching display and the collections of Watford Museum – both free to enjoy. Watford resident Darren will exhibit street photography, black and white snaps, and much more. Call 01923 232297 or visit watfordmuseum.org.uk for more information.
MARCH Carmen Bill Bailey: Larks In Transit Thursday 15 March to Saturday 17 March at 8pm Watford Colosseum – tickets selling fast: £32 Larks in Transit is a compendium of travellers’ tales and the general shenanigans of 20 years as a travelling comedian. With musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and trademark intelligence, Bill Bailey tackles politics, philosophy and the pursuit of happiness. Plus, he fashions a symphony from a ringtone, tells the real story of Old McDonald, and re-imagines the Stars and Stripes. Two decades of touring larks from a comic described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the brainiest comic of his generation’. Book online at watfordcolosseum.co.uk or phone 01923 571102.
Broken Glass Broken Glass Thursday 1 March to Saturday 24 March at various times Watford Palace Theatre – ticket prices vary Brooklyn, 1938. Phillip and Sylvia Gellburg are a married couple living increasingly separate lives. Sylvia is disturbed by news of Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany. Haunted by these images, she becomes ill and is unable to move. Phillip takes her to see the popular and attractive Dr Harry Hyman, whose ‘talking cure’ has unexpected consequences. Book online at watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or phone 01923 225671. Bill Bailey
28 About Watford Spring 2018 Rainforest Dreams MAY Thursday 22 March to Saturday 24 March at 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinée at 2.30pm May Day celebration Watford Pump House Theatre – tickets: £5 Bank Holiday Monday, 7 May A group of students find themselves transported to the rainforest, but Cassiobury Park bandstand – free find they are running for their lives as soon as they arrive. With footage Come and see the Morris dancers and make a May crown or a green man from real indigenous Indians of the Amazonian Rainforest we share the mask (£1 each for the craft activity). Contact [email protected] stories of people living with oil exploration and the illegal logging every for more information. day. Threatened with their lives will the teenagers do the right thing and help the scientists and Indians or will they succumb to the illegal loggers Into The Woods and oilmen’s demands? Book online at pumphousecyt.info or phone Wednesday 9 May to Saturday 12 May at 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinée 0333 666 3366. at 2.30pm Watford Pump House Theatre – tickets: £13 or £11 for concessions Art in the Park Cursed by a once-beautiful witch, a baker and his wife are childless. They Saturday 31 March from 1-4pm venture into the forest to find the ingredients that will reverse the spell Cassiobury Park Hub – £2 per child and restore the witch’s beauty: a milk white cow, hair as yellow as corn, This event will launch our exhibition of the work of six second-year fine a blood red cape, and a slipper of gold. During their journey they meet arts students from the University of Hertfordshire. They will create their Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack, each one on a work at locations around the park in the days leading up to the launch, quest to fulfil a wish. To book tickets, phone 020 3000 7818. before hosting activities based on their art on the day itself. This will give families the opportunity to try out different art techniques. Contact [email protected] for more information. APRIL
Cassiobury Park Easter holiday activities Various days, times and locations in Cassiobury Park – free or £1 Fun events to keep children and young people occupied during the school holidays – check watford.gov.uk/cassioburyevents for details.
Easter egg trail Easter Monday (2 April) from 1-4pm Cassiobury Park Hub – free There are mini chocolate eggs to be won by completing our Easter trail. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Lower Than Atlantis and special guests Friday 13 April at 7pm Watford Colosseum – tickets: £20.50 Watford rockers Lower Than Atlantis return to their hometown to perform Haywire at Watford Colosseum as part of their 2018 spring tour. Lead singer Wednesday 23 May to Saturday 26 May at 7.45pm, plus a Saturday Mike Duce said: “Grab your mates and get tickets quick as these rooms matinée at 2.45pm aren’t the biggest!” Milkteef and The Faim will be joining them at their Watford Pump House Theatre – tickets: £13 or £11.50 for concessions homecoming gig. Book online at watfordcolosseum.co.uk or phone Alec has planned an illicit weekend in Marbella with Liz, his glamorous 01923 571102. assistant, while his wife is away with friends. Before he can leave, his meticulous plans are disrupted by the arrival of various infuriating family members. Book online at belmonttheatre.co.uk or phone 07917 324179.
Cassiobury Park half-term holiday activities Crafty History on Tuesday 29 May, Wild Wednesday Walk on Wednesday 30 May, and Story Time Adventure on Thursday 31 May – 10.30-11.30am Meet at the Cassiobury Park Hub – £1 per child Fun for children during the school holidays – check watford.gov.uk/ cassioburyevents for details.
The Waterboys The Waterboys Monday 30 April at 7.30pm Watford Colosseum – tickets: £37.50 or £42 With the visionary Mike Scott leading the way, The Waterboys have traversed eclectic musical ground for more than 30 years, spreading new ideas in their wake. With their extended nine-piece band, The Waterboys return for the second leg of their current UK tour in support of their new critically acclaimed double album Out Of All This Blue. Book online at watfordcolosseum.co.uk or phone 01923 571102. Cassiobury Park Hub
watford.gov.uk 29 Can you help? Volunteering opportunities with Citizens Advice Watford
Could you spare some of your time on a regular basis to help people in your local community? Citizens Advice Watford is looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team. We are an independent charity based in the heart of Watford’s thriving town centre.
We provide free, confidential, independent and impartial information and advice, face-to-face and over the telephone, to anyone living or working in Watford.
We have various volunteer roles available including Receptionist, Administration Assistant, Gateway Assessor and Adviser. If you are seeking a rewarding challenge where you will acquire new skills and the satisfaction of making a difference within your community, we would like to hear from you.
Please contact us at [email protected]
30 About Watford Spring 2018 How your council lines up
In Watford we have an elected Mayor, Dorothy Thornhill, who is stepping down in May after 16 years in office. On 3 May, make sure you turn out to vote for Watford’s new Mayor. Your vote makes a difference.
Watford Borough is divided into 12 wards. Each ward has three councillors whom you Dorothy Thornhill elect to represent you for a four-year term. Councillors can be contacted on the phone Liberal Democrats numbers shown or by email and are there for you to discuss any issues or concerns you 01923 278371 have about your neighbourhood or the town. [email protected]
Callowland Central Holywell
Sohail Bashir Ahsan Khan Robbie Laird Stephen Aga Dychton Rabi Martins Nigel Bell Jackie Connal Matt (Lab) (Lab) (LD) Bolton (LD) (LD) (LD) (Lab) (Lab) Turmaine (Lab) 07769 355750 07956 666659 07548 158950 07504 824042 07936 404305 01923 228713 01923 256774 07812 362806 07411 153095 sohail.bashir@ ahsan.khan@ robbie.laird@ stephen. aga.dychton@ rabi.martins nigel.bell@ jackie.connal matt. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk bolton@ watford.gov.uk @watford. watford.gov.uk @watford. turmaine@ watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk
Leggatts Meriden Nascot
Bilqees Richard Smith Asif Khan Amanda Paddy Kent Kareen Jane Johnson Mark Hofman Mark Watkin Mauthoor (Lab) (Lab) Grimston (LD) (LD) Hastrick (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) (Lab) 07976 350871 07931 529164 07702 815172 07952 251406 01923 682508 07815 419910 01923 239893 01923 255715 07958 566037 richard.smith@ asif.khan@ amanda. paddy.kent@ kareen.hastrick jane.johnson@ mark.hofman@ mark.watkin bilqees. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk grimston@ watford.gov.uk @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford. mauthoor@ watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk Oxhey Park Stanborough
Maggie Parker Iain Sharpe Peter Taylor David Barks Peter Jeffree Nikki Steele Keith Crout Derek Scudder Tim Williams (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 01923 (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 07958 518838 01923 440426 01923 442589 288466 07854 842669 07989 905911 07972 912711 01923 492546 01923 519882 maggie. iain.sharpe@ peter.taylor@ david.barks@ peter.jeffree@ nikki.steele@ keith.crout@ derek.scudder tim.williams parker@ watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford. @watford. watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk Tudor Vicarage Woodside
Stephen Joe Fahmy Darren Jagtar Singh Mo Mills Nasreen Shah Stephen Glen Saffery Karen Collett Johnson (LD) Walford (LD) Dhindsa (Lab) (Lab) (Lab) Cavinder (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 01923 888454 01923 336450 07803 610441 07956 212238 01923 253783 07941 306219 07939 218788 01923 661616 07910 391375 joe.fahmy@ darren. jagtar.dhindsa mo.mills@ nasreen.shah@ stephen. glen.saffery@ karen.collett stephen.johnson watford.gov.uk walford@ @watford. watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk cavinder@ watford.gov.uk @watford. @watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk
(Lab) = Labour (LD) = Liberal Democrats watford.gov.uk 31 MAKE A watford.gov.uk/ CHANGE yourchangewatford SUPPORT WATFORD BY HELPING ROUGH SLEEPERS DONATE 3 TODAY BY TEXTING TO 70077
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