Landlords Enjoy your parks Come on you ‘orns Recycle Right Let your property this summer FC promoted What to recycle through the council AboutWatford NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM

BIG SUMMER SOUNDS AboutWatford Summer is here at last! Now that the weather’s getting better it’s time for more of us to get outdoors and enjoy what Watford has to offer.

Residents told me that they wanted to reclaim our town centre as a family friendly space that everyone could use. That’s why we introduced Watford Big Events last year. They were such a success that we’re running them again this year – and we’re going to make them bigger and better! You can read about all the exciting events planned for the Big Festival and more from page 11. There really is something for everyone. At this time of year our parks come into their own (pages 9-10). In October Park was voted Britain’s fourth favourite park – and with 190 acres, sports facilities and lovely walks, it’s not hard to see why. The playground and the paddling pools mean that there’s plenty for younger Dorothy Thornhill children to do too. Don’t forget Cheslyn House and Gardens – Watford’s hidden gem. Mayor of Watford If you’re feeling green-fingered, you can sign up for an allotment from Watford Borough Council www.watford.gov.uk/ (page 4). For many sites there isn’t a waiting list. I’m really proud of the investment we have made electedmayor meaning that there has never been a better time to sign up. Getting outdoors can also just mean walking and cycling instead of using cars or public transport in your everyday life. It’s good for our health, our mood and our environment. That’s why it’s great to see Beat the Street coming to Watford (page 15). Beat the Street has proved hugely popular in other areas – especially with schoolchildren. I couldn’t let the opportunity pass to congratulate Watford FC once more for their tremendous success in getting promoted to the Premier League. It will be great to see the Golden Boys competing with some of the biggest clubs in the world next season. I’m delighted the council was able to deliver the celebration event in partnership with WFC in May. You can see some photos from the day on page 16.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP Join our www.watford.gov.uk mobile community Tel: 01923 226400

If you would like to be kept up to date with important council-related email: [email protected] news and events, such as changes to refuse collection dates, then why not join our mobile community? Monday to Thursday: 8:45am to 5:15pm and Friday 8:45am to 4:45pm To receive text alerts simply text the word ‘JOIN’ followed by your name and postcode to 07624 809164. Standard network charges apply. lovewatford @watfordcouncil watfordcouncil watfordcouncil We promise not to bombard you and never to disclose your number or pass it to third parties. At any point you can stop receiving texts by texting the word ‘STOP’ to 66644. Published by Watford Borough Council. This magazine is printed on chlorine free paper, made from sustainable forests and costs 18p to print and distribute. Please recycle it when you have finished with it.

2 About Watford June 2015 AboutWatford INSIDE THIS ISSUE 7 11-14 Investing in the future Big Events pull-out Major development Find out what’s going on projects in and around the town

9 16 Enjoy your parks Party in the park this summer Celebrating Watford FC’s promotion to the Premier League

Allotments...... 4 Watford FC celebrations...... 16 Watford Community Survey 2015...... 5 Flytipper prosecuted ...... 17 Regeneration gets local people back to work...... 6 Recycle Right...... 18 Investing in the future...... 7 Let your property through the council...... 19 Enjoy your parks this summer...... 9 What’s On!...... 20-21 Big Events 2015...... 11-14 Elections 2015 round-up...... 22 Beat the Street...... 15 Your councillors...... 23

USEFUL WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL PHONE NUMBERS

General enquiries ...... 01923 226400 Housing register...... 01923 278597 Allotments...... 020 3567 6900 Land charges...... 01923 278282 Automated payment line...... 01923 278989 Litter line...... 020 3567 6900 Anti-social behaviour helpline...... 101 Mayor’s line...... 01923 278371 Benefits...... 01923 278501 Museum...... 01923 232297 Building control...... 01923 278752 Parks...... 020 3567 6900 Bulky household items collection...... 020 3567 6900 Play areas...... 020 3567 6900 Cemetery enquiries...... 01923 672157 Recycling and waste collection...... 020 3567 6900 Council Tax (inc. business rates)...... 01923 278466 Trees...... 020 3567 6900 Development control...... 01923 278293 Watford Leisure Centre CENTRAL...... 01923 296750 Electoral registration...... 01923 278369 Watford Leisure Centre WOODSIDE...... 01923 892710 Environmental services...... 01923 278503 Other useful numbers Fraud hotline...... 0800 458 9200 County Council...... 0300 123 4040 Housing advice...... 01923 226400 Watford Community Housing Trust...... 01923 209000

This magazine can be made available in alternative formats including large print and audio. Translation of this magazine is available on request. Please contact us on tel: 01923 226400

www.watford.gov.uk 3 Join our growing community of allotment holders

Are you interested in taking up allotment gardening? of the cheapest hobbies you can take up, with a typical plot rental ranging from £23-£46 per year depending on plot size. We have plots available on many of our thirteen sites across the town, so the chances are there is one very near you.

In the last year, we’ve spent around £810,000 improving our sites. We can now offer our tenants more composting toilets, fencing, footpaths and equipment such as water butts. There’s never been a better time to join us.

Visit www.watford.gov.uk/ allotments to find out how Listening to our community Watford Community Survey 2015

We are always keen to hear your ideas about the town and to find out where you think we are doing well and where we could improve. Our annual community survey, to which 560 of you contributed, has given us some important feedback - here’s a flavour of it and information on how we are responding.

For the first time, road and These all received high satisfaction schedule of Big Events for 2015 will pavement repairs topped the ratings (90% plus for waste, recycling, encourage more visitors and new list of the issues that concern parks and open spaces, leisure businesses to the area. you most in Watford. We will centres and theatres and concert raise this with our partners at halls) – so a challenge for us is to We have also taken on board your Hertfordshire County Council make sure they remain first class and suggestions on how to improve the who have responsibility for continue to be responsive to what New Watford Market – which include repairs and will feedback in a our residents want. more signage and more varied future About Watford on their traders. Do go and have another look plans to improve what is clearly Big Events got a ‘big tick’ from round the market – there is much an area of concern. respondents and have clearly made more signage up, and more traders their mark on the town already. are joining every week. It is great to see that nearly four Also getting a thumbs up were the out of five of you feel proud to be improvements to the top of the A good way to make sure you keep a Watford resident and are satisfied town, with people enjoying the clean up to date with any opportunities to with how the council runs things but and attractive look of the pond and have your say is to join our Citizens’ we aren’t complacent. We will aim to surrounding area. There is still work Panel. The Panel is made up of more achieve 100% in the next survey! to be done to make it somewhere than 1,200 interested residents who that everyone feels is for them, so are regularly contacted to take part in You continue to value a number of this is something we will be working surveys or events. If you are interested the services we provide with our on this year. please email communications@ partners (Veolia, SLM, Watford Palace watford.gov.uk or call us on tel: 01923 Theatre and ). We are confident that the fantastic 278391.

www.watford.gov.uk 5 Working in partnership New opening times for Watford Market

After feedback from customers and traders, Watford Market is now open on Sundays. Come and try out the wonderful new food on offer, visit our regular traders and check out all the improvements we have made in the recent months. More and more traders are joining us on The Parade too. We hope you’ll agree that Watford’s market experience just keeps getting better.

Monday – market closed Friday – OPEN Tuesday – OPEN Saturday – OPEN Wednesday and Thursday – Sunday – OPEN Food stalls open and stalls on The Parade

Discover more at newwatfordmarket.com

Regeneration gets local people into work Over the next few pages, you can read about some of the fantastic regeneration projects happening in Watford. These projects will not only for construction operations, projects take shape, we are generate a huge number of jobs technicians and business developing similar joint ventures to and homes for Watford residents administration ensure our residents and businesses in the longer term, but they’ll also can benefit during construction – as provide training, work experience • site tours will be offered to well as in the longer term. and apprenticeships for local students at local schools and people during construction. . There will also be career days – one aimed specifically Looking in particular at the Watford at encouraging women into Health Campus project, delivered engineering with Kier, there are a range of jobs and training benefits: • we’ll work with local subcontractors and agencies, • construction and engineering including the local Job Centre students from West Herts Plus, to promote vacancies will be able to gain work related experiences and link this to their • for local suppliers, we are planning NVQ a Meet the Buyer event, to give Watford businesses the first • we will arrange business opportunity to tender for works. placements for university students and set up apprenticeships As the other key regeneration

6 About Watford June 2015 Investing in the future of Watford

The long-awaited Croxley Rail at Cassiobridge and Watford- Health Campus, Watford Business Link has been given the go-ahead , and then link Park and Charter Place Shopping and construction work will start to current Centre.” later this year. It will extend the services at Watford High Street, from Croxley to before terminating at Watford The new rail link will act as a catalyst Watford Junction, via new stations Junction. for major investment in the town, as it will connect some of Watford’s This is an incredibly Manny Lewis, Managing Director of largest employment areas with exciting time for Watford Borough Council, said at the town centre, Watford Junction the time: “This is fantastic news for and central London for the first Watford with an our residents and businesses. We time. Importantly, it will also ease awful lot happening to make have worked really hard behind the congestion by offering an alternative this borough an even scenes to help make this happen. to car travel. It will bring over £1.4 billion of better place to live. investment to the town, supporting The first trains are due to start Dorothy Thornhill, Elected Mayor of Watford our major projects like the Watford running in 2018.

Architect’s impression of Vicarage Road station

New link road (Health Campus)

Work on the Watford businesses, this means Health Campus road is regular updates on underway. The work area progress, on-site notices has now been cleared and a dedicated contact and made ready for telephone and email construction work to start. address for reporting issues, should they arise. The new link road is the first phase of the Watford A wider benefit of the road Health Campus scheme to for residents will be that be delivered, and will be the construction works will absolutely critical in speeding involve the improvement of up journey times to and from existing flood defences. We Watford General Hospital have worked closely with the and alleviating congestion Environment Agency in the elsewhere in Watford. planning stages to ensure we reduce the chance of The company chosen future flooding in the area. to build the road - VolkerFitzpatrick - is At this stage, the Health signed up to the Code of Campus team expects the Considerate Contractors. road to be completed by For local residents and the end of 2016. ►

www.watford.gov.uk 7 Charter Place redevelopment (town centre)

The £110million redevelopment of Charter Place and the intu Watford shopping centre will Architect’s impression of the provide new shopping space and IMAX cinema at Charter Place a new Cineworld IMAX cinema and leisure complex, along with a vibrant new restaurant hub.

Alongside this investment from Intu Properties Ltd, retailers have committed to investing around £40million kitting out their new shops.

The proposals will bring a Cineworld IMAX to Watford town centre, along with restaurants and other family entertainment. New larger units will be provided to secure exciting brands in Watford and to further enhance the shopping experience at intu Watford. A new public square will also be created in order to host an exciting events programme, such as street theatre and music shows.

The proposed development will create around 1,125 additional new jobs across the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and up to 500 temporary construction jobs during the construction phase.

The design of the scheme follows a period of extensive public consultation, with 91% of respondents indicating that Charter Place needed to change and supporting intu’s proposals for more shops and leisure facilities.

Work will start this autumn. Watford Business Park (Western Gateway) The proposed redevelopment park has been drawn up with the demolished to make room for of Watford Business Park forms aim of generating more employment new, modern business units to be part of a larger regeneration site opportunities for local people. developed. known as the Western Gateway. Faraday House has recently been This also includes the former Royal Mail Sorting Office site at Ascot Road. This larger site will accommodate around 300 new homes, a new tube station – Cassiobridge – and provide in excess of 2,500 new jobs. There is already a new Morrisons supermarket and primary school on the site.

Lots of work has been going on in Watford Business Park, which currently supports around 100 businesses. A new strategy for the

8 About Watford June 2015 Protecting and improving our environment EnjoyEnjoy youryour parksparks thisthis summersummer

Watford has more than 40 areas of parkland and open spaces to enjoy. Throughout the summer, there will be lots of fun activities to get involved in, including park runs, teddy bear picnics, guided walks, nature conservation and much more. Visit our website for details - www.watford.gov.uk/parks

Here are a few highlights:

Lots of fun events and activities will be taking place throughout the summer in the community orchard and across the park. Most of them are drop-in but some do require booking, so please check our website for details. Every Saturday morning at 9am you can take part in a free, timed 5k park run – just register in advance at parkrun.org.uk/register and join in.

Work will begin in the autumn on our hugely exciting £6million restoration of the park, which will mean the pools will be closed next year. Make the most of them this summer and look out for display boards around the park which detail what the investment will bring to our much loved park in 2017.

www.watford.gov.uk 9 ► East Drive and Fern Way play areas

These recently refurbished play areas in now have a natural theme which will delight children and adults alike.

Children from Kingswood Primary School and 6th North Watford Scouts Group – as well as members of the Kingswood Residents Association – were involved in the planning and design process.

The result is a range of fabulous new equipment to promote imaginative play, including lots of mounds and an already much- loved mega dome.

Feedback from local users has been amazing – with visitors loving the natural feel of the areas.

Fern Way play area Cheslyn House and Gardens

Have you ever seen a sweet gum, Indian bean or a tulip tree? Well, you can see all of these, along with a spectacular collection of flowers, at our very own Cheslyn House and Gardens on Road.

Designed by Henry Colbeck, a renowned architect, the house and gardens are one of Watford’s best kept secrets. Colbeck and his wife, Daisy, were avid travellers and created the original gardens with a range of unusual and exotic plants collected whilst exploring the world.

The grounds also host a pond, a rock garden, large herbaceous borders and an aviary, housing many varieties of small birds.

Entrance to the gardens is free of charge from 9am to 8pm daily during the summer months. The house is also available for hire by charities, voluntary and community groups.

Please email client_services@ watford.gov.uk for more information.

10 About Watford June 2015 Investing in the town Rebecca Ferguson brings Big Summer Sounds to a dramatic close

The first of our new Big Events national talent. Old favourites on is reclaiming our town centre for series saw crowds heading to The the jazz and folk circuit lined up with everyone. Big Summer Sounds Parade to see our headline star new, fresh-faced acts to entertain brought people from the whole Rebecca Ferguson perform Billie residents. Jazz and folk shook up community together to use our Holiday’s classic album, Lady The Parade in the sunshine and revamped events space by the pond Sings The Blues. kickstarted what is set to be a and show that the town centre is fabulous series of events right in the for everyone to enjoy. This is the Brought to you by Watford Borough heart of Watford. second large community event Council in association with Watford we’ve had in Watford in just two Palace Theatre, Big Summer Sounds Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy weeks, and there’s a real buzz was a wonderful mix of local and Thornhill said: “One of my priorities around town.”

Big Summer Sounds Big Events continue Following the success of this year’s Big Summer Sounds music festival, the Big Events programme continues throughout the summer and the rest of the year. There’s plenty of exciting entertainment to look forward to in and around Watford.

This summer local will meet global as two of Watford’s biggest arts festivals, Watford Live and Imagine Watford, come together alongside a Big weekend offering from Watford Colosseum for 16 days of extraordinary live experiences. Festival 20 June-5 July

Can’t make it to the beach? Don’t worry, we’re bringing it to you. A beach – with real sand – will be taking up The Parade by the pond. And, it’s just Big in time for the start of the summer holidays. A fun programme of sandy activities are set to bring the Big Beach to life, but with plenty of chances to relax in between. So pack your sunnies and get ready to enjoy the chilled Beach out vibes. 25 July-2 August

12 About Watford June 2015 Back by popular demand, this summer’s Big Screen will be showing a variety of big hits with some classic cinema treats on the side. Pass us the Big popcorn. Screen 20-23 August

The Parade will once again be buzzing with a whole host of sporting activities for you to try out. Come down to flex your moves and show us Big what you’ve got. Sports Day 19 September

The Festival of Lights will be lighting up The Parade this autumn, with Diwali different performances and workshops also taking place. on The Parade 24 October

You asked for it back and we listened. Watford’s very own outdoor ice rink – with real ice – returns to The Parade for the Christmas season. But it’s all The Big new and improved to make sure that the wonderful feeling of Christmas takes over the town centre! Skate 28 November 2015 – 10 January 2016

lovewatford @watfordcouncil watfordcouncil watfordcouncil

www.watford.gov.uk 13 Saturday 20 June to BigThe Sunday Festival 5 July This summer local will meet global as Watford’s flagship arts festivals, Watford Live and Imagine Watford, come together with the Watford Colosseum for 16 days of extraordinary live performances and experiences.

The community arts festival hits the streets of Watford again this year - providing an exciting showcase for all groups and individuals who live, work or perform within Watford. Watford Live aims to give a stage to local artists and performers, and to get as many people as possible to take part and enjoy the entertainment. From “Guerrilla Knitting” to a live music stage on The Parade showcasing local talent, Watford Live has something for everyone.

For its fifth year the acclaimed festival of national and international artists is back! For two weeks, Watford town centre will be transformed into a place of wonder and excitement. Highlights this year include the NHS themed physical theatre piece Care by Tangled Feet, the spectacular outdoor aerial crane piece K@osmos by acclaimed Spanish company Puja!, the interactive gigantic squid Citizen Squid by Puppets with Guts and the explosive Monotone Man by The Human Zoo Theatre Company. A festival of extraordinary open air moments As part of The Big Festival from Thursday 2 July, Watford Colosseum is set to pulsate to the sounds of mind-blowing music-machines, fascinating sound installations and surprising performance moments. This free event, created by acclaimed composer Graeme Leak, and produced in collaboration with Watford Colosseum, invites the audience to roam around the venue, listening, exploring and playing as they go. They can become the performer and make their own kind of music…or just Listen! The Listen project is developed with the support of 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space and with thanks to BBC Concert Orchestra, who will provide pop-up performances on Saturday 4 July.

For more information about The Big Festival visit www.watfordbigevents.co.uk Beat the Street is coming to Watford! Beat the Street is a real-life walking and cycling challenge, which aims to get the whole community in Watford moving.

It’s free, fun and simple to take It runs from Wednesday 3 June to part. Earn points and win prizes by Wednesday 15 July. tapping special cards onto sensors known as Beat Boxes, as you walk, Register online at herts.beatthestreet. cycle or run around Watford at me from Wednesday 20 May to times to suit you. win great prizes, find the Beat Box locations, see your points and The boxes will be placed on lamp follow distance travelled. Or you can posts around the town and will be complete a short registration form by activated from Wednesday 3 June. visiting the Watford Central Library Tapping two boxes within an hour or the North Watford Library. You can The full details are on herts. records your journey. How far can you even join a team and watch it move beatthestreet.me. You can also check go? The more boxes that are tapped up the leader board and see how far out our Facebook page, Beat the the more points you will score. we can travel into space! Once you Street Herts, or our Twitter feed have registered you can pick up a @btsherts - #beatthestreet. To set We’re challenging everyone to play free Beat the Street card from your up a team, please email michelle. this walking and cycling game and local GP, library or leisure centre. [email protected]. join in the race to space! This initiative is run by Intelligent Did you know? Walking just half an hour a Health on behalf of Hertfordshire day is a great way to improve your health County Council Public Health. For and reduce the risks of illness, including more information about keeping fit heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Plus it is a good mood-booster. and eating healthily visit hertsdirect. org/healthinherts. Make Watford the first choice for your event We have recently made major improvements to our High Street, with new paving, seating, lighting and a revamped pond at the top end of town. As part of this work to create a family-friendly environment, we built some fantastic event spaces for large and small scale events.

These spaces have unique paving, giving them character and allowing them to be used flexibly for performances and events. Some have in-ground power supplies and large light columns located down one side , making them perfect for regular markets, a range of performances and promotions.

If you’re interested in using one of these spaces for your event, email events@ watford.gov.uk or call 01923 278333.

We want your event to be a success, so we are on hand to make your planning as easy as possible.

www.watford.gov.uk 15 Come on you ‘orns Around 25,000 to 30,000 people enjoyed the family friendly celebration - organised by the football club and Watford Borough Council - of Watford FC’s promotion to the Premier League in Cassiobury Park.

The fun started with music stage - where they were greeted and entertainment from The by a sea of supporters in gold. Ultimate Elton and Vibe 107.6 Lee interviewed Captain Troy FM on stage in the centre of the Deeney, Goalkeeper Heurelho park. Three big screens showed a Gomes and head coach Slavisa replay of the big moments from Jokanovic. Watford’s magnificent season. The entertainment didn’t stop The Watford FC team and players there, as crowds took advantage travelled in two open-top buses of a bouncy castle, slide and along St Albans Road from rides for little ones as well as a Asda on the dome roundabout variety of food and drink stalls, to the park and joined Lee many of which were from New Partridge of Vibe 107.6 FM on Watford Market. Protecting and improving our environment

Crushed!A pick-up truck that was used by a prolific flytipper to dump rubbish has been crushed after a successful prosecution by Watford Borough Council.

Lee Taylor, from Bushey, operated by cold-calling sentencing at St Albans Crown Court. He was given 13 residents and offering to remove household items months imprisonment and disqualified from driving for and garden waste, often charging up to £150 in cash 12 months. for the service. He then took what he collected away in his truck and dumped it at various sites, including In addition, his truck has been crushed after it was private residences, garage blocks and industrial land taken on a trip to Aldenham’s FMS Recovery by Watford close to Farm Terrace. Borough Council.

Flytipping is an environmental scourge, creating mess and Environmental Crime Officer for Watford Borough Council blighting communities. It can be linked to other criminal Phil White said: “We have now taken this old vehicle activity and last year cost the council more than £36,000 out of criminal use and sent out a powerful message to clear up. Taylor pleaded guilty to nine flytipping to flytippers. Flytipping in Watford is not a profitable offences dating back to April 2013 and had two other enterprise.” Watford flytipping offences taken into account during

www.watford.gov.uk 17 Working in partnership Recycle Right

Did you know that your recycled plastic bottles can come back as football shirts? Your rubbish is another’s treasure, or maybe even yours once recycled and it’s amazing what can be recycled.

What can I recycle in my blue lidded bin?

Glass bottles Tins, cans, Plastic Plastic pots, Paper Cardboard Cartons & jars foil & aerosols bottles tubs & trays (Tetra Pak)

Recycling the right things that are clean and empty means we can turn your recycling into something new but we only want the right things.

Remember to empty out any liquids and give your recycling a quick rinse. Your recycling doesn’t need to be spotless.

Recently we have had a number of items thrown in the blue-lidded recycling bin that can’t be recycled at the recycling facility we take it to:

• plastic bags • plastic toys • clothing and • sheet glass • plastic wrapping • polystyrene textiles • liquids and film • nappies • light bulbs

Your child’s old plastic toys, your ghds and hairdryer, other electricals, clothing and textiles, wood, paint tins and hangers, amongst other things, can all be recycled but not in your blue-lidded bin. These items need to be treated by more specialised recycling equipment, which is why we ask that these items are taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Waterdale Household Waste Recycling Centre, St Albans Road, Nr. Garston, Herts, WD25 0PR, open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday all year, 10am - 6pm. Saturdays (summer only) 8am - 6pm.

18 About Watford June 2015 Landlords explain why letting through the council is a great option Do you know that you can find tenants for your property and get ongoing help and advice through the council? We spoke to two landlords about the great service they receive through the Watford Borough Council HomeLet scheme to find tenants for their properties. It’s especially attractive to people who are just starting out as landlords.

Landlords who go through our very helpful. She has been using the any further rental properties I buy, HomeLet scheme can opt for a one council’s HomeLet scheme for two I will offer to Watford Borough or two year tenancy. Plus, they have years. Council.” the security of knowing that all potential tenants are assessed I would recommend Harriet Simmons has used the by us to confirm their suitability, this scheme to HomeLet system to rent out her and check their ability to sustain three-bedroom house for the past a tenancy and afford rental other landlords. two years. payments. Of those referred, If you have any you have the choice to pick your “I am not an expert landlord tenant. problems, the council are who knows the ins and outs of there to help you out. everything. I depend very much Angela Toal owns on the housing department. I two one-bedroom contact them quite a lot for issues I flats in Garston and “I would recommend this scheme am not quite au fait with and I always north Watford and to other landlords. If you have any get to talk to somebody. says that the local problems, the council are there to authority’s Housing help you out. I’ve always had good “Every day I go off to work, as I have Officers are always relations with the HomeLet team and got my day job, and I know that my situation as a landlord is all taken care of. The council always reminds me about gas certificates running out or whatever it is that needs doing.

“It is not daunting for someone like me who is a new, less experienced landlord. If there’s something I am not doing right, they will always let me know. I have had a very positive experience with the council.” What’s on in Watford? Events diary

being from separate feuding families. June Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Cost: from £10 Watford Philharmonic Society – Coleridge-Taylor Elgar For more information visit: watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Walton 17 June 2015 Dogs Trust Day Watford Colosseum 18 July and 15 August A selection of music by English composers to entertain Cassiobury Park, by the paddling pools you on a summer’s evening. Free dog training, obedience tips and microchipping Time: 7.30pm Time: 11am to 3pm – drop in any time Cost: from £15 Cost: Free For more information visit: watfordcolosseum.co.uk For more information: 01923 278972

Milton Jones – and the Temple of Daft The Big Beach 19 June 25 July to 2 August Watford Colosseum The Parade on the events space by the pond An evening in the company of an idiot. Or is he? Yes he is. We’re bringing the beach to Watford’s Parade so pack Only come if you like jokes though. If not you’ll be cross. your sunnies and get ready to enjoy the chilled out vibes. Time: 8pm Cost: Free Cost: from £25 For more information visit: watfordbigevents.co.uk For more information visit: watfordcolosseum.co.uk Jive Swing and Jazz Dance Music Festival The Big Festival 26 July 20 June to 5 July Outside The Cha Café in Cassiobury Park This summer local will meet global as two of Watford’s (location of new home of Watford bandstand) biggest arts festivals, Watford Live and Imagine Watford, The festival’s name says it all: fun times for everyone! come together alongside a weekend offering from Watford Time: 1pm to 4.30pm Colosseum for 16 days of extraordinary live experiences. Cost: Free Cost: Free. For more information: 01923 278972 For more information visit: watfordbigevents.co.uk Oliver! 29 July to 1 August July Watford Palace Theatre Oliver! is one of the most loved and well known British The Wizard of Oz musicals. See Oliver, Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sykes and The 2 July to 4 July Artful Dodger vividly brought to life at the Palace Theatre. Watford Palace Theatre Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm See the classic children’s tale retold at the theatre by a Cost: from £12 terrific cast of performers. For more information visit: watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Time: 7.30pm, or 2.30pm for matinee on 4 July Cost: from £11 For more information visit: watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Avenue Q 2 July to 4 July Watford Colosseum Avenue Q is an irresistibly charming musical which tells the story of the loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues. Time: 7.30pm on 2-3 July, 5pm and 8.30pm on 4 July. Cost: From £17, less for concessions. For more information visit: watfordcolosseum.co.uk

West Side Story 11 July to 12 July Watford Palace Theatre Join Sharpe Academy as they perform West Side Story. A modern day musical version of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story follows Tony and Maria who fall in love despite

20 About Watford June 2015 treats on the side. Pass the popcorn! Cost: Free For more information: watfordbigevents.co.uk

Basil Brush 23 August Watford Colosseum Basil Brush is a star with an outstanding ability to entertain and make people of all ages laugh and smile. He has celebrated more than 50 years in entertainment and The Basil Brush Show on BBC TV has been seen by millions of viewers all over the globe from 1968 through to today. Time: 11am and 2.30pm Cost: From £12 For more information visit: watfordcolosseum.co.uk September

Big Sports Day 19 September The Parade on the events space by the pond The Parade will once again be buzzing with a whole host of sporting activities for you to try out. Come down to flex your moves and show us what you’ve got! Cost: Free For more information visit: watfordbigevents.co.uk Making habitats for wildlife 29 July Meet at The Cha Café in Cassiobury Park Create butterfly feeders and a small pond from recycled materials. Time: 11am to noon. Cost: Free (booking essential) For more information: 01923 278972 August

Whippendell explorers club 5 August and 26 August for children aged 10+, 12 August and 19 August for children aged 5+. Meet at The Grove car park, near Whippendell Woods. Come and play in the woods and learn survival skills! Cost: Free (booking essential) For more information: 01923 278972

Picnic in the Park 8 August Follow the bear prints from The Cha Café or the Gade car park to the secret location in Cassiobury Park. Community picnic gathering. Make bear food out of materials that you can find around the park, go on a bear hunt… and don’t forget your teddies! Time: 11am to noon, followed by a bring-your-own picnic. Cost: Free (booking essential) For more information: 01923 278972

The Big Screen 20 August to 23 August The Parade on the events space by the pond Back by popular demand, this summer’s big screen will be showing a variety of big hits with some classic cinema

www.watford.gov.uk 21 Watford Borough Council Election results 2015 In the borough election held on Thursday 7 May 2015, one seat from each ward was contested. An additional seat was contested in the Callowland ward in a by-election. There are a total of three seats in each ward. Thanks go to our previous councillors for their service and hard work, and a warm welcome to our newly elected members.

The full make-up of the council, including the Mayor is now:

Liberal Democrats...... 19 Labour...... 13 Conservatives...... 5

Callowland Central Holywell Labour...... 1,061 Labour...... 1,248 Labour...... 1,974 Labour...... 1,014 Conservatives...... 749 Liberal Democrats...... 1,036 Conservatives...... 641 Liberal Democrats...... 580 Conservatives...... 571 Conservatives...... 806 Liberal Democrats...... 407 Liberal Democrats...... 540 Labour gain and hold Labour gain Labour hold

Leggatts Meriden Nascot Labour...... 1,297 Conservatives...... 1,029 Conservatives...... 1,701

Conservatives...... 1,026 Labour...... 908 Liberal Democrats...... 1,568

Liberal Democrats...... 648 Liberal Democrats...... 906 Labour...... 648

Labour hold Conservatives gain Conservatives gain

Oxhey Park Stanborough Liberal Democrats...... 1,945 Liberal Democrats...... 1,677 Liberal Democrats...... 1,317

Conservatives...... 964 Conservatives...... 1,620 Conservatives...... 1,008

Labour...... 581 Labour...... 627 Labour...... 669

Liberal Democrats hold Liberal Democrats hold Liberal Democrats hold

Tudor Vicarage Woodside Conservatives...... 1,236 Labour...... 1,827 Conservatives...... 1,125

Liberal Democrats...... 842 Conservatives...... 657 Liberal Democrats...... 853

Labour...... 625 Liberal Democrats...... 522 Labour...... 659

Conservatives gain Labour hold Conservatives gain

22 About Watford June 2015 Listening to our community How your council lines up

In Watford we have an Elected Mayor, Dorothy Thornhill, who was re-elected for another four year term in 2014. You can contact the Mayor if you wish to raise an issue with her directly.

Watford Borough is divided into 12 wards. Each ward has three councillors whom Dorothy Thornhill you elect to represent you for a four-year term. Councillors can be contacted on the Liberal Democrats phone numbers shown or by email and are there for you to discuss any issues or 01923 278371 concerns you have about your neighbourhood or the town. [email protected]

Callowland Central Holywell NEWLY ELECTED RE-ELECTED NEWLY ELECTED RE-ELECTED

Sohail Bashir Favour Ewudo Seamus Stephen Bolton Michael Haley Rabi Martins Nigel Bell Jackie Connal Matt (Lab) (Lab) Williams (LD) (Lab) (LD) (Lab) (Lab) Turmaine 07769 355750 07879 320189 (Lab) 07504 824042 07412 541825 07904 857831 01923 256774 07812 362806 (Lab) sohail_ ifeyinwaczeifedi 07932 821994 stephen. mikedhaley@ rabi.martins nigel.bell jackie.connal 07411 153095 bashir_384@ @yahoo.com seamus_ bolton13@ yahoo.co.uk @watford. @watford. @watford. matt.turmaine@ hotmail.com williams@ virginmedia. gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk outlook.com com Leggatts Meriden Nascot

RE-ELECTED NEWLY ELECTED NEWLY ELECTED

Bilqees Anne Joynes Asif Khan Jan Brown Mark Kareen Linda Topping Mark Hofman Mark Watkin Mauthoor (Lab) (Lab) (LD) Whitman Hastrick (Con) (LD) (LD) (Lab) 01923 674546 07931 529164 07855 959120 (Con) (LD) 07973 621179 01923 239893 01923 255715 07958 566037 anne.joynes@ asif.khan@ jan.brown 07517 772955 01923 682508 linda@ mark.hofman@ mark.watkin bilqees.mauthoor watford.gov.uk watford.gov.uk @watford. markwhitman@ kareen.hastrick topnotchltd. watford.gov.uk @watford. @watfordlabour gov.uk totalsltd.com @watford. co.uk gov.uk .org.uk gov.uk

Oxhey Park Stanborough RE-ELECTED NEWLY ELECTED RE-ELECTED

Shirena Iain Sharpe Peter Taylor George Anne Rindl Binita Mehta Keith Crout Derek Scudder Tim Williams Counter (LD) (LD) Derbyshire (LD) (Con) (LD) (LD) (LD) (LD) 01923 01923 440426 01923 442589 (LD) 01923 07580 614583 07540 707075 07972 912711 01923 492546 01923 519882 256834 shirena. iain.sharpe peter.taylor 225268 george. anne.rindl@ binita@ keith.crout@ derek.scudder tim.williams counter@ @watford. @watford. derbyshire@ gmail.com cassiowatford. watford. @watford. @watford. watford.gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk co.uk gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk Tudor Vicarage Woodside NEWLY ELECTED RE-ELECTED NEWLY ELECTED

Stephen Sean Silver Darren Jagtar Singh Mo Mills Nasreen Shah Ian Brown Tony Rogers Karen Collett Johnson (Con) Walford Dhindsa (Lab) (Lab) (LD) (Con) (LD) (LD) 07541 667603 (LD) (Lab) 07956 212238 01923 253783 07804 021315 01923 239107 01923 661616 07910 391375 sksilver@ 01923 336450 07803 610441 mo.mills@ nasreen.shah@ ian.brown fulneyajr@aol. karen.collett stephen.johnson hotmail.co.uk darren. jagtar.dhindsa watford.gov.uk watford. @watford. com @watford. @watford.gov.uk walford@ @watford. gov.uk gov.uk gov.uk watford.gov.uk gov.uk

(Con) = Conservatives (Lab) = Labour (LD) = Liberal Democrats

www.watford.gov.uk 23 Apply for or renew your residents’ parking permit online www.watford.gov.uk/parkingonline

You can also challenge or pay any parking tickets

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