Axis magazine April 2023

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally

April 2023

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL

LIFE

NEWS UPDATE

We round up the big stories you need to know about

PROPERTY NEWS

Be among the first to view Lea Wharf show apartment

OPEN FOR EASTER

Venues welcome visitors for the new season

CELEBRATE THE ARTS

A special feature on our brilliant local arts scene

DINING OUT

Shishbourne opens its doors in Broxbourne

• Offering the highest standards of personalised care

• Long term living and short stay breaks that support care needs

• 24 hour residential care for individuals and couples

• Superb levels of dedicated professional staff committed to placing your needs first

WELCOME

What’s inside this issue

ABOUT AXIS

Axis magazine was founded in 2003 by two award-winning former local newspaper editors who still own and run the business today.

We are the independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters in and around eastern Hertfordshire and we aim to provide a concise, useful guide to local life.

Our editorial content is targeted towards readers’ interests, to maximise readership and gain the best exposure for our advertisers. The magazine is delivered to homes and businesses in selected areas and copies can also be picked up free from venues across the area.

CONTACT US

Axis Magazine, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew St, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198

info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods

DIGITAL EDITION:

Read us online at axismagazine.co.uk or issuu.com (search axis magazine)

SUBSCRIBE

For just £30 per year we’ll send you your own copy of Axis by post upon publication each month.

Call us on 01992 500198 with card details to start a subscription or send a cheque made payable to Axis Publications Ltd to the address in the Contact Us section above.

ADVERTISE

Here at Axis we look to build long-lasting relationships with local businesses that understand the benefits of advertising to an affluent and intelligent audience on a regular, ongoing basis.

To find out more about promoting your business with us please call 01992 500198

05-13 y Briefing

The latest major news including an update on Ware Priory Lido reopening

24-31 y What’s on Places to go and a special focus on the best local arts events coming up

19-21 y Property news

Book now to see show apartment at Lea Wharf development in Hertford

32-35 y Food & drink Shishbourne brings a memorable new look to Broxbourne

Front cover images (clockwise from top)

The newly-opened Shishbourne restaurant in Broxbourne (p33); HertsLynx bus service which is expanding (p11); Lea Wharf in Hertford, where a show apartment launches next month (pages 6, 19 and 21); The Super Mario Bros Movie, showing at local cinemas from 7th April (p27); Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, which is now open for the season (p25).

15 y SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS: Love Hoddesdon BID manager retires 22-23 y WEDDINGS SHOWCASE: Helping to plan for the big day

BRIEFING

Use of Hertfordshire’s recycling centres to be restricted to local residents only

Access to Hertfordshire’s 16 recycling centres is to be restricted to residents only, Hertfordshire County Council has decided. Users will now need to take proof of address to gain entry, with staff set to be stationed near to site entrances to greet drivers. There will be a ‘grace period’ of several weeks before active enforcement to make sure as many centre users as possible are aware of the change, and for the council to discuss the change with neighbouring local authorities. While the use of its recycling centres by non-residents might not require additional staff to be employed, there is still a large potential cost to Hertfordshire in the transportation and disposal of additional waste.

As part of its research, the council obtained data from a major mobile phone provider for the period September 2019 to February 2021 which revealed the postcode areas that phones were registered to for devices identified at each of its recycling centres. This gave a picture of who was visiting them. It revealed that overall the proportion of non-Hertfordshire residents using the centres was 29% but at some, Bishop’s Stortford for example, non-Hertfordshire visitors made up 58.6% of users. In Turnford the figure was 31% and

in Hoddesdon 28.2%.

At the time of the survey the Ware centre was closed for redevelopment and the Cole Green one closed for long periods due to the pandemic.

Hertfordshire residents do use other local authority recycling centres although at a much lower level. Data showed the overall proportion of Hertfordshire residents using non-Hertfordshire facilities to be 8.7%, although for Harlow’s recycling centre in Essex the figure was 33.6%.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Director of Transport, Waste and Environment, Simon Aries, said:

“The decision taken is the start of the process, and we will now take steps as resources allow to implement this policy across our recycling centres. Like many other council-run services, our recycling centres are experiencing additional costs and it is only prudent that we look at all possible forms of mitigation for Hertfordshire taxpayers who are currently paying for waste arising outside of Hertfordshire. “We anticipate that once the changes have bedded-in, restricting non-resident access will mean less traffic through our centres leading to an improved experience for our residents.”

Seventh new village for garden town is approved

East Herts Council’s development management committee has voted to approve plans for the last of seven villages that will make up the Gilston area’s contribution to the planned new Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.

Harlow and Gilston was designated a garden town by the then named Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government in January 2017 and will comprise new and existing communities in and around Harlow.

As part of it, 10,000 new homes are planned to be built to the north of Harlow on land which falls within the East Herts district. In February the council approved plans from developer Places for People for six villages that will contribute 8,500 of these homes. Taylor Wimpey’s application for a seventh village of up to 1,500 homes, which was approved on 23rd March, includes provision for a primary school, local village centre, leisure and sports facilities including a football hub, and the restoration of Grade II listed Brickhouse Farm Barn.

The 117.4 hectare site is to the north of the A414, south of Hundonsbury and Hunsdon village and to the west of Eastwick village. The land sits to the east and west of Church Lane. Development will begin next spring.

County’s children’s services rated as Outstanding by Ofsted

Ofsted has rated Hertfordshire County Council’s Children’s Services as Outstanding in its overall effectiveness, placing it among the best in the UK.

The department’s role is to support and protect the county’s children, through work including family support, child protection, fostering and adoption and help for young people leaving care.

Following an inspection in January, Ofsted’s latest report on the service was published in March and said

that children and young people benefit from consistently highquality, excellent care and support. The service was previously rated as Good.

Inspectors described Hertfordshire’s social workers and practitioners as experienced and skilled, praised their commitment to children and noted the positive relationships they have with them.

They also noted that social workers enjoyed working in the county and found their work rewarding.

A council spokesperson said the county council was always looking for people who are passionate about making a real difference to local children and families to join the Children’s Services team in a variety of roles. You can find details at Hertfordshire.gov.uk. Click on the Jobs category followed by Work with Children and Families.

l See advert on page 10 for more information about fostering or adoption in the county.

Nearly 60% of people using Bishop’s Stortford recycling centre came from outside of Hertfordshire, mobile phone analysis showed

Social workers have been praised

Launch of show apartment heralds next phase of Hertford’s Lea Wharf development as anticipation grows

As building work continues, and the blocks rise from the ground, Hertford’s much-anticipated Lea Wharf development is moving ever closer to becoming a reality. The next stage in the project going live is the launch of a show apartment on the weekend of 6th and 7th May (full details of which can be found on page 19 of this issue of Axis).

In all, 98 one and two-bedroomed apartments are being built above a range of ground floor commercial units on the industrial-influenced development, which is on the site of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre between Railway Street and the riverside.

The commercial units will include new restaurants, one of which will be called Vault, shops including Boots, a state of the art new NHS doctors’ surgery and a gym. Meanwhile, developer Chase New Homes, which is building Lea Wharf, has submitted a change of use proposal to East Herts Council for the small unit close to the bus station that had been expected to be a café, which would enable it to house a nail bar instead.

l See page 19 for details of how to book an appointment to view the show apartment through the Hertford-based selling agents Lanes Exclusive Homes.

Crime figures show Hertfordshire is one of the safest places to live

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show Hertfordshire is one of the safest places to live in England and Wales.

The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has welcomed the figures, that show the county has the fifth lowest overall crime rate.

Statistics were gathered from across 43 police force areas with Hertfordshire registering 63.3 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is two thirds of the average.

It is the lowest in the Eastern region with Cambridge scoring 80.7, Essex 91 and Norfolk 75.7.

The highest regions in the country were Cleveland at 139.6, West Yorkshire at 132.9 and Greater

Manchester at 128.5.

The only places where crimes were lower than Hertfordshire were Wiltshire at 58.1, North Yorkshire at 58.5, Devon and Cornwall at 58.9 and Surrey at 59.7.

Mr Lloyd said: “Often the fear of crime is higher than the reality, so I welcome this report which shows Hertfordshire really is one of the safest places to live.

“We are outperforming our neighbouring areas and it is reassuring to see that the chances of residents in our county becoming a victim of crime are among the lowest in England and Wales.

“Hertfordshire now has more police officers than at any time in its history, which has helped us

maintain a strong neighbourhood policing model.

“The constabulary have also embarked on a Prevention First strategy which concentrates on reducing the number of crimes being committed.”

He said he did recognise though that the figures would offer small comfort to those who had had offences committed against them and said that the Hertfordshire Beacon service (hertfordshirebeacon.org) was able to give support to victims of crime even if a crime was not reported to police.

The latest ONS figures cover all recorded crime with the exception of fraud up to the year ending September 2022.

These latest CGIs show how Lea Wharf will look from the riverside and, below right, from Railway Street. Below left, the apartments will also have a uniformed concierge service

PCC David Lloyd

Arts Council funding set to transform Hoddesdon Library with Creator Space

Hoddesdon Library is one of two in Hertfordshire set for a makeover after a bid to Arts Council England by Hertfordshire’s Library Service secured £260,000 of funding. The money from the Libraries Improvement Fund, announced in March, will be used to undertake improvement works at both Hoddesdon and Watford Central libraries, with sections of both set to be transformed into bright, contemporary and welcoming spaces. Hoddesdon will also become the latest library in the county to

have a dedicated Creator Space offering access to a wide range of equipment and software to enable visitors to get creative. Already operational at six other libraries, Creator Spaces offer equipment and software such as iMacs, PCs, Chromebooks and tablets, 3D printers and rendering software, digital cutters, digital sewing and embroidery machines, and green screens to enable visitors to learn or practise a variety of creative skills which can be used for either work or fun.

First box junction cameras are on the way following public consultation

Hertfordshire County Council has applied for the legal powers to use camera enforcement at the yellow box junction where Adderley Road meets The Causeway close to Jackson Square shopping centre in Bishop’s Stortford. However, following public consultation at the end of last year, it has dropped plans to use camera enforcement at a second yellow box junction at the exit from the shopping centre car park where motorists join Adderley Road. The Government expects local authorities to keep the traffic moving within their boundaries, helping to ease congestion as well as pollution, and for the first time is inviting councils outside London to apply for the power to enforce moving traffic violations using cameras and number plate recognition technology.

Applications need to be based on one specific site but powers granted can then be used at other locations. Hertfordshire was proposing a scheme that included cameras at the two nearby locations but says that during a six-week consulta-

Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall could host more activities if plan approved

tion that ended in November last year, residents raised concerns that enforcement of the box junction at the car park exit could result in long delays for motorists looking to leave the car park.

The council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Phil Bibby, said: “We’re grateful to all the people who responded to the consultation and we’ve listened to what they had to say. It’s clear that residents had real and reasonable concerns about introducing cameras at the Jackson Square car park exit, and as a result we’re not going to go ahead with that.

“However, there was much more support for camera enforcement at the main junction, and we now intend to move ahead with this and deliver a safer and less congested junction.”

Detailed design works are now set to be carried out with the aim of the cameras being installed later this year.

To find out more and view the response to the consultation visit Hertfordshire.gov.uk/cameraenforcement.

Plans for the extension of Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall that trustees say would enable the popular venue to meet growing demand for its facilities have been submitted to East Herts Council. The hall, which is next to the town’s library in The Forebury, is open from 9am to 9pm daily and offers a wide range of facilities to the local community. There’s a daily programme of classes and activities on offer –everything from table tennis sessions to keep fit classes, yoga, Tai Chi and short mat bowls – organised by the Friends of Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall Trust on a not-for-profit basis. With a large main hall with its own stage, small hall, kitchen facilities and bar, facilities are also regularly hired by local clubs and, at weekends, for parties and weddings.

Sawbo Cinema, set up by SMHT, shows two films a month, usually on a Sunday evening.

Trustees say that the hall is at more than 95% occupancy with management having to turn away new business on a weekly basis. The town also continues to grow, adding to demand for its facilities. The trustees propose the erection of a first floor side and rear extension and a ground floor rear infill extension to the building which would provide three new rooms enabling the hall to host more activities.

Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall is a not for profit charity so any increased profits would be reinvested for the benefit of the community.

l Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall is also the organiser of the town’s annual May Fayre which this year takes place on Fair Green on Sunday 30th April between 12noon and 4pm. Attractions include a funfair, live music, arts and crafts, donkey rides, a car show and food and drink.

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Recruiting now for foster carers in Hertfordshire

We love our busy home. It’s good fun”

Could you make a big difference to a child’s life?

There are approximately 1,000 children and young people in care in Hertfordshire and many of these children need the love and support of a foster family.

If you are aged over 21, have a spare room at home, and space in your heart, then fostering could be for you.

When you choose to foster with us, you’ll receive generous pay and allowances for each child, exceptional training and 24/7 local support right from the very start.

Get in touch with our friendly team today and we’ll help you decide if fostering is right for you.

CONTACT US:

To find out more about fostering, please call our team on 0800 917 0925 for an informal chat or email us on fostering.recruitment@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Dawn and Alan, Hertfordshire foster carers

On-demand bus service

HertsLynx to expand

HertsLynx, Hertfordshire’s on-demand bus service, is launching a new evening service from Friday 14th April which will run every Friday and Saturday between 8pm and 11.30pm.

The bus service is designed to improve connections between rural areas and town centres and provide residents in these areas who may have limited access to a car or public transport with an affordable way of accessing employment, education, healthcare and leisure facilities.

Via the app, website or call centre, residents can book their journey anything from three minutes before they’d like to travel up to 30 days in advance.

One of the service’s state of the art

minibuses, fitted with free wi-fi, luxury seating and USB charging points, will pick you up from your chosen virtual bus stop (there are more than 250 based around local landmarks such as public houses, phone boxes and post offices) and take you to your chosen destination. There are no fixed routes so the passenger is in control of the journey.

The service currently operates in an area of north and eastern Hertfordshire with villages served including Ashwell, Weston, Westmill, Dane End, Barley, Braughing and Little Hadham.

It also takes passengers to and from key nearby town centres – including Bishop’s Stortford, Buntingford, Stevenage and Royston.

The cost is based on the miles travelled – a single journey up to two miles costs £3 for example, with 10+ miles costing £6. Concessionary pass holders travel free. Until 30th June though, all single fares are capped at £2 as part of an initiative funded by the Department for Transport.

Hertfordshire County Council hopes that the additional services will boost the evening economies in North and East Herts and help residents who may work or need to attend appointments or leisure activities outside 9am to 5pm. Two new vehicles will also see the HertsLynx service extended to serve Hertford and Ware from September.

To find out more visit intalink.org. uk/hertslynx.

New improved Ware Priory Lido set to reopen in June

The new improved Ware Priory Lido is set to open in June after its closure throughout the 2022 season for refurbishment works. The closure took place after there were issues with water loss during the 2021 season from both the main 30-metre pool and the separate teaching pool at the venue in the grounds of Ware Priory. Investigations revealed structural issues with the teaching pool that required its immediate closure, along with problems with the underground pipe network to both pools.

Ware Town Council successfully secured funding from the Government’s Public Works Loan Board to carry out the repairs as well as introduce new modern features including air source heat pumps, a new cover and UV disinfection. Works are slightly behind schedule

due to bad weather and supply chain issues (it had been hoped the pool would open in May) but contractors are working hard to make up time – new tiling was being laid in the main pool as this issue of Axis went to press – and the council is looking forward to welcoming users back soon. The improvements won’t stop in June though. Following consultation during the closure period with local residents and pool users, the council plans further works in the autumn ahead of the 2024 season to provide new changing room flooring, improved shower facilities, seating and shade around the pool, along with new signage, landscaping and planting.

Ahead of the June opening the lido has begun taking bookings for private hire for parties, club swimming and exercise groups. It offers this from 7pm Monday to Friday in school term time and from 6pm at weekends and in the school holidays – with Saturdays in July already sold out.

If you’re interested in hiring the venue contact kat@warepriory. co.uk.

For details of the opening date when it is announced, along with details of lifeguarding courses on offer this summer keep an eye on the lido’s Facebook page (Ware Priory Lido).

East Herts receives funding to tackle the problem of local air pollution

East Herts Council is one of a number of local authorities across the UK to have been awarded funding in February from the Government to help clean up air in local communities.

The Air Quality Grant of just over £126,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will support a project to raise awareness of air pollution as a health issue, improve the information and knowledge that people have of air quality, and promote alternatives to car travel.

The council plans to achieve this through direct engagement with community groups, workplaces and schools that will be designed to encourage walking and cycling

as well as other forms of sustainable travel.

There will also be campaigns on

social media to highlight steps that individuals can take to reduce air pollution and their exposure to it.

There will be a particular focus on three areas of the district – Hockerill junction in Bishop’s Stortford, Gascoyne Way in Hertford and London Road in Sawbridgeworth – all of which have been declared Air Quality Management Areas by the council due to their nitrogen dioxide levels.

The project will build on the council’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality that have included signage in car parks to encourage motorists to turn off their engines rather than idling, smarter traffic light phasing and events to promote Clean Air Day.

East Herts Council’s executive member for environmental sustainability, Cllr Graham McAndrew, said: “Air pollution is the environmental factor with the biggest impact on health in the UK. Hertfordshire is no exception. “An increase in active forms of travel such as walking and cycling will both improve air quality and create wider health benefits for all.

“Despite the gradual increase in low emission and electric vehicles on the roads, it is vital to encourage less frequent use of the car.

“By encouraging long-term changes in travel behaviour, we will also reduce road danger, noise and congestion making East Herts a great place in which to live.”

Cllr Graham McAndrew at an air quality monitoring station

Meeting local groups is a huge privilege of my job

AGM proves members have a passion for our waterways

I had the pleasure of attending the Inland Waterways Association Lee & Stort Branch’s Annual General Meeting.

I spoke about the historic connection our area has with these rivers and why they and the people living on them must be protected. The club shows such commitment and passion for our waterways – it really is inspiring to see. Thank you to them for their welcome, and especially to Councillor George Cutting for his ongoing work and support.

Rotary’s wonderful work

I also spoke at the wonderful Bishop’s Stortford Rotary Club. I shared with them what it was like being an MP and working in Parliament – it was hard to know where to begin!

Rotary is such a brilliant organisation that does a lot locally and I love supporting their events whenever I can.

It was a fantastic event and I thank them for their warm reception.

Pitching In at Ware FC

I had a lot of fun volunteering at Ware FC on their recent matchday against AFC Dunstable. The club relies on volunteers to host fixtures and Pitching In is their clever new way to help local people find these vacancies online. I learnt how to man the turnstiles for the day and know there are lots of other opportunities going like it at the moment. It is this kind of community support that makes Ware FC such a special club – and must have something to do with their recent wins!

Ware town centre Post Office

There is even more good news on Ware town’s Post Office. I am keeping up the pressure on the Post Office to roll out their final preparations. I will share more updates on my Facebook page ‘Save Ware High Street’s Post Office’ as soon as possible.

Please sign up to my newsletter via the homepage of my website to stay in the loop on this campaign and lots of others too.

Bishop’s Stortford Community Diagnostic Centre

I am thrilled we will get a new Community Diagnostic Centre

RAISE

US ON 01992 500198

(CDC) at Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford. This is something I have worked really hard to lobby for, both here in the constituency and in Westminster.

I visited the hospital recently to see the CDC’s exact site and to catch up with staff on the exciting news. Additional scans, alongside extended opening hours, will seriously improve the access to life-saving treatments that people across our area so desperately want and need. I am working with all the brilliant teams involved to make sure these new services are delivered for our community, as soon as possible.

The last month in Westminster has been busy – the Chancellor delivered his budget for the financial year ahead.

I watched this in the House of Commons and was pleased to pick out so many things as really positive news for people in Hertford and Stortford. First and foremost, cutting people’s living costs.

This is the single biggest problem I help constituents with, and it is reassuring to have a concrete plan of action put in place. Frozen tax duties, extended energy bill support and free childcare are just some of the measures that will really make people’s lives easier and alleviate lots of the pressures many, especially the most vulnerable, in our community face.

I had a lot of fun Pitching In at Ware Football Club

Budget measures will help the most vulnerable

Speaking at Rotary

LOCAL CAMPAIGN UPDATES

Love Hoddesdon BID manager hands over the reins

Tony Cox, the man who has done so much to lead the day-to-day work of the highly successful Love Hoddesdon BID since its inception five years ago, has retired.

The job of manager of the Business Improvement District has been taken over by another popular and well-known local figure, Claire Bayless, whose work as Morrison’s community champion in Hoddesdon, particularly during the pandemic, has already resulted in her having a new bridge in the town named after her!

Tony became the manager of the BID, whose role is to improve and promote the town centre and its businesses, when it came into being in 2018.

Having been Town Centres Manager at Broxbourne Council he was well placed to take on the task.

His work was recognised in 2022 when Broxbourne Council presented him with a Borough Community Award for all the work he did to support businesses during the pandemic.

Tony said: “The last five years have been both interesting and challenging but, despite the impact

of Covid, Hoddesdon is bouncing back well, with low vacancy rates and increasing footfall levels, and is once again punching above its weight for what is a small market town. I am convinced that Claire will help it to continue to thrive over the next five years and more.”

Claire has lived in Hoddesdon for more than 20 years and has been working at Morrisons in the High Street since the store opened in 2013.

She explained: “My role as community champion became full-time just before the Covid pandemic

Karen set to bake her last cake this summer

Karen’s Cakes, one of Bishop’s Stortford’s longest surviving independent shops, will be closing its doors this summer when owner Karen Burton retires.

Karen started her business 37 years ago with a shop in Waltham Abbey. She opened a second shop in Bishop’s Stortford 20 years ago, eventually consolidating the business in the Northgate End premises. The business, in which she works alongside her sister Lin Faiers, makes and decorates cakes for all occasions, from birthdays to weddings, and will remain working as normal until 3rd June.

Some recent family bereavements led Karen to take a fresh look at what she wanted to do in life, with the constant pressure of supplying cakes for immoveable deadlines prompting a re-think.

She now plans to stay in the industry, helping others through a new advice website.

Karen has also been chair of

Bishop’s Stortford BID for the last five years and is currently exploring whether it will be possible for her to remain in the role when she closes her shop.

Karen said: “I’ve always liked the job, it’s a lovely one to do. But the pressure of always having to meet deadlines, in the face of some things

that have happened with my family recently, has meant a change is necessary – we need to have a life.” So, if you need a cake baking and decorating for a special occasion in the next few months, get your order in to Karen quickly – because 3rd June is one deadline she definitely will not be moving!

and no-one could have imagined how important it would become to so many groups and families when they needed help the most. I will be forever grateful for this role as it introduced me to the Love Hoddesdon BID and I became part of the team dealing with event planning.”

In February this year, Morrisons decided to scale back the community champion roles but, more happily for Claire, the news coincided with Tony’s decision to retire and, after due consideration, she decided to apply for the role. She said: “I am honoured to follow on from Tony and his amazing work and will do my best to make sure Love Hoddesdon BID continues to thrive.”

Kevin Brooks, chairman of the BID, said: “Since its inception Love Hoddesdon has gradually built a reputation for being ambitious, imaginative and inclusive. Much of that has come from the personality and hard work of Tony Cox, our BID manager. Tony will be sorely missed but I am delighted Claire has joined us and I know she will further enhance the good work done by Tony.”

Hertford TTIC to support more local volunteer groups

Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre is increasing its focus on supporting volunteering in the town, inviting local charities to run awareness sessions in its premises and promoting a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Charities and voluntary groups seeking volunteers are encouraged to provide details of these for display, and people looking to see what they might volunteer to do are urged to visit and see what’s on offer.

The Town and Tourist Information Centre is located at 10-12 The Wash, opposite Hertford Theatre.

Tony Cox, left, with BID chairman Kevin Brooks and Claire Bayless

Don’t lose your vote

Borough Council Election

Thursday 4 May 2023

Last date for registration is Monday 17 April 2023.

Closing date for postal vote applications is 5pm, Tuesday 18 April 2023.

No ID?

You can apply for free. Find out more at; electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

For further information visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/elections or call the Helpline on 01992 785577

The start of the Vernal Equinox last month saw us officially enter Spring. Make this season the time to revisit the basics of your business, adapt operations, improve customer relations and dust away any cobwebs.

Your offer

A good starting point is to evaluate your offering and whether it still meets your customers’ needs. Which of your products or services performed the best over the last year? Do you know why this was? Do you need to adapt your offer?

There may be new markets you could think about entering. Also, consider revising your marketing messages to target more opportunities.

Spring clean your business

Hertfordshire Growth Hub offers some helpful advice to local businesses

Your people

Your business needs to have the right mix of skills and you may need to invest in development in order to keep up with the pace of rapidly changing technology and customer expectations. Are the roles of your staff defined and are management structures effective? Are your employees motivated to succeed?

Your financial management Look at your finances to identify any trends, including both peaks and troughs. This will help you to prepare for the costs you will face during the year ahead and help avoid any unwanted surprises. Start forecasting the best financial scenario and consider the most likely scenario for

your business over the next 12 months. Do you regularly monitor and track how much money comes in and goes out of your business? Do you need external support to do this?

Your planning

Do you know what’s working and what isn’t? You’ll put your business in a better position to set realistic goals if you can understand your business from your customers’ perspective.

The Growth Hub can help Hertfordshire Growth Hub offers free and impartial support to small and medium sized businesses and can guide you through the business review process, helping you gain a fresh perspective on your business and prepare a plan for growth.

l Get in touch today to find out how we can support your business. Call us on 01707 952777 or email us at enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com.

Treat yourself to the non-surgical facelift that everyone is talking about –as recommended by dancer and Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas!

Our new NeoGen Evo machine offers a plasma treatment that tackles pigmentation, acne, acne scarring, enlarged pores, stretch marks, skin laxity and many other skin concerns. Sometimes called the ‘lunchtime facelift’ it has minimal discomfort and downtime.

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Exciting times in Bishop’s Stortford

Bishop’s Stortford BID explains how Coronation weekend celebrations will launch its new term

After being voted back in for a second time, the Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District (BID) starts a new five-year term from 1st April. We have exciting plans to make Bishop’s Stortford an even better place to live, work, shop and socialise. Our main focus is on marketing and promoting local shops and services; events and street entertainment; supporting town centre businesses with training and other initiatives; and ‘place making’ to improve the look and feel of the town – and to capitalise on its history. To find out more, visit discoverstortford.co.uk.

Last month we were delighted to welcome Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford, to the town centre. She enjoyed meeting businesses, seeing what’s new and receiving an update on plans for the TK Maxx store in Jackson Square.

To kick-start our new term, we’re looking forward to our first event as part of the town’s Coronation celebrations. We will be turning the high street areas red, white and blue next month to commemorate the coronation of King

Charles

On Saturday 6th May from 12noon to 6pm Bishop’s Stortford Town Council have arranged a Coronation Day of fun and entertainment in Sworders Field. There will be a DJ on the bandstand, face painting, organised games and activities, as well as a licensed bar and food from around the world from Street Food Heroes.

Then on Sunday join in with the street party atmosphere. From midday, Market Square will be a hive of activity with music and entertainment from local choirs, bands and dance groups; plus there will be free goodie bags and more. The following day is a bank holiday – a great reason to stay on for a drink or meal at one of the town’s many cafés, bars and restaurants.

Bishop’s Stortford town centre is already preparing for the Coronation

Julie Marson MP (second left) in Bishop’s Stortford town centre

III. Come and admire the bunting and join in the fun throughout the Coronation weekend.

Be among the first to view Lea Wharf’s show apartment

A two-bedroom show apartment at Lea Wharf, the industrial-inspired, landmark new development in the centre of Hertford, is being launched next month. Prospective buyers can register now to arrange to view the show apartment which will be launched over the weekend of Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May.

Lea Wharf, which is being built on the site of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre, is a riverside collection of 98 chic one and two-bedroom apartments and enjoys a prime position in Hertford’s attractive and historic town centre.

Perfect for first time buyers, commuters and downsizers, Lea Wharf has a uniformed concierge service and private roof garden. The apartments form part of a new retail and leisure quarter which includes a public space, shops, restaurants, a gym and state of the art NHS doctors’ surgery.

Paul Bennett, sales and marketing director at developer Chase New Homes, said: “Lea Wharf is the epitome of well-connected, luxurious living. Hertford is a great location, with the beautiful River Lea on the doorstep, fantastic local amenities and easy access to London and beyond. Lea Wharf is at the centre of Hertford’s impressive regeneration scheme and

residents will be able to enjoy the very best of this sought-after location.

“From popular restaurants and stylish coffee hotspots, to a weekly market and amazing fishmongers, there is something for everyone. We are excited to launch the show apartment and showcase the contemporary architecture and high-quality specification on offer.”

Designed by Belle Maison interi-

or designers, the show apartment features a spacious hallway with Amtico flooring; living/dining/ kitchen space with a statement Crittal-effect window and integrated Siemens appliances; primary bedroom with an arching Crittal-effect window, full height built-in wardrobes and a stylish en-suite; second bedroom and family bathroom. Both bedrooms have arched windows and plush carpeting throughout.

Buyers have a choice of three colour palettes – Earth, Moon and Pearl – chosen specially to offer complementary tones and colours.

Prices at Lea Wharf start from £299,995 for a one-bedroom apartment.

To view, contact selling agents Lanes Exclusive Homes on 01992 940955 or email leawharf@lanesexclusivehomes. co.uk.

The hamlet given a new lease of life by a sustainable development

A new development of nine, high-quality homes is at the heart of a scheme to revive Mill Green hamlet, between Hertford and Hatfield, which is now nearing completion.

Last month, Hatfield House’s Lord and Lady Salisbury attended a ceremony to unveil a village sign on a new village green which marks the entrance to the community.

Lord Salisbury explained to those gathered at the ceremony, who included local councillors, Welwyn-Hatfield Council officers, residents and those involved in the development, that the nine new homes have been carefully built in partnership with Jarvis

Homes following the traditional design and appearance of cottages previously built by the Salisburys’ Gascoyne Estates. Sustainable development is also at the heart of the scheme, with

each property operating on air source heat pumps and having high levels of insulation, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems.

Back in September 2011, a three-

day charette (public meeting) was held with residents of Mill Green to discuss how the hamlet might be revived.

The result was a masterplan to regenerate Mill Green which led to planning permission being granted. The community also expressed a desire to see the Green Man pub reopen, so the development has included the refurbishment of the grade II listed building, with extra dining space, a new kitchen and landscaped grounds added which have led to the pub being let to a new operator.

Construction began in 2021 and completion is anticipated this May.

Energy-efficiency improvements will help B3 Living tenants tackle cost of living crisis

Tenants living in 260 homes run by the Hoddesdon-based housing association B3 Living are to benefit from a series of energyefficient improvements.

The housing association was one of four organisations in Hertfordshire who joined forces to bid for money from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

Having been awarded money, they will now be able to make around £40million worth of improvements to their housing stock, benefitting 1,500 properties between them.

The others involved in the consortium were housing associations Settle and Watford Community Housing as well as Dacorum Borough Council, based in Hemel Hempstead in the west of the county.

The organisations pledged a total of £25million between them towards the work, with the government’s fund adding another £14million.

The work to be carried out will include loft insulation, external

wall insulation, draught proofing, installation of PV panels and low energy lighting.

Steve Woodcock, chief executive of B3 Living, said: “Securing this funding is excellent news, not just for the 260 B3 Living families who will benefit, but also for thousands of residents across Hertfordshire.

“This is a significant level of investment for us and couldn’t come at a more important

Tiny Forest planted at St James’ Park in Bishop’s Stortford

Developer Countryside has joined forces with the local community in Bishop’s Stortford to launch a Tiny Forests initiative at its St James’ Park development. Tiny Forests is a programme run by environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, which works with communities and partners to plant and maintain dense and fast-growing native woodlands, to reconnect people with nature and raise awareness of climate change.

Around 100 local people, including councillors and schoolchildren, gathered on Tuesday 21st March to mark the launch of Bishop’s Stortford’s new Tiny Forest.

The woodland, which is around the size of a tennis court, will comprise a variety of 17 native tree species, providing a na-

Networking group for property professionals to meet every month

A networking group for property industry professionals has been set up in Hertford.

moment, when we urgently need to lower our customers’ cost of living and take bigger steps to protect our environment.”

l B3 Living provides 5,200 homes primarily in the borough of Broxbourne for people who cannot afford the private market. The association also plans to deliver 600 new homes over the next three years. Find out more at b3living.org.uk.

The Hertfordshire Property Network has been designed to bring together individuals and businesses from across the county to talk about all things property in a non-sales pitch environment. Attendees include developers, financers, investors, estate agents, land agents and people keen to learn about the industry.

The group meets at The Practitioner in Fore Street, Hertford on the first Tuesday of each month –the next event is on Tuesday 2nd May at 7pm and tickets can be booked at Eventbrite.co.uk (just search for Hertfordshire Property Network). Attendance is free.

Housebuilder Durkan launches community fund for local groups

Leading regional housebuilder Durkan, which has several developments in Hertfordshire including Granary and Chapel in Hertford, has launched a new community fund which is offering financial support to those delivering work or specific projects that benefit their local communities in the county.

ture-rich accessible green space for local people. Situated next to the planned new primary and secondary school site at St James’ Park, it is hoped the Tiny Forest will also provide an inspiring outdoor classroom for local schools and a space for members of Grove Cottage, the home of Bishop’s Stortford Mencap, and the wider community to enjoy. To find out more about the development visit st-jamespark.com.

The fund, which is now open for applications, is part of Durkan Homes’ ongoing commitment to support local charities, organisations and not-for-profit groups in Herts.

Bill Beyzade, managing director of housebuilding at Durkan Homes, said: “We’re doing lots of work in Hertfordshire and are really proud of the support we’ve given so far to charities and schools in the county. We recognise that, as a Hertford-

shire-based business, we play an important role in shaping local communities and want to evolve how we support them beyond our core activity of providing new high-quality homes.” Representatives of groups wanting to know more about the eligibility criteria for the fund and how to apply should visit durkan.co.uk, where details of the company’s current developments can also be found.

Solar panels will be among measures installed at B3 Living homes

Why mothers of the bride have trusted Cream for 47 years

Special occasion store Cream of Royston is a destination shop that has been trading for 47 years and attracts customers from a wide area.

The extensive stock on two floors is colour co-ordinated for ease of selection and everything you need is available, from outfits (sizes 6 to 28) to shoes, bags, hats, fascinators, hatinators and lingerie. Brands stocked include Condici, Veni Infantino, Ispirato, Irresistible, Veromia Occasions, Dressed Up and Couture Club.

Less formal wear from Allison, Frank Lyman, Glitz, Tia and Lewis Henry is ideal for a day at the races, wedding abroad, for having guests and cruises.

Daywear from Marble, Pomodoro, Orientique and Robell is also available.

The bride aside, all eyes at a wedding will be on the mums and Cream recommend you purchase outfits a few months ahead so you have time to make

sure everything gels and you achieve that wow factor. Elegant and slightly understated always works!

It is also important to have the correct lingerie underneath and you can try on lingerie from Cream’s well-stocked lingerie department with any outfit.

An alteration service is available and a fitting is carried out nearer the date.

Shoes in different heel heights and bags are made in Spain using beautiful leathers. Cream’s sale shop Occasions for Less is located opposite offering end of season outfits and accesso-

ries at great prices and there is a half price section at Cream too. There is something for every occasion and budget at Cream of Royston. To book an appointment call 01763 244073 or email info@creamfashions.com. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.

For That Special Occasion

Ware Priory’s popular conservatory has a fresh, modern look

Ware Priory, one of the area’s leading wedding venues, has just launched its newly refurbished conservatory, which is set to make the popular venue even more attractive to couples. Refurbishment work has been ongoing since the start of the year and was completed during March, after which a launch event was held by Ware Town

Council to mark the occasion. As well as having a new floor, the mid-size function room has been equipped with a new ceiling, new lighting, fresh panelling and paintwork, with a neutral colour scheme and a smart new bar. The overall effect has been to modernise the space, and make it much more attractive, light and airy.

With views over the riverside gardens, it is the perfect base for any wedding, celebration or event. The conservatory can seat up to 120 guests, depending on whether there is also a band and a buffet set up, and can be booked for all types of function in additional to weddings, including milestone birthdays and anniversaries, celebration of life

receptions, celebratory lunches and dinners, team building days and presentations. In the summer months, guests can also spill out onto the lawns leading down to the river. To book an appointment to view the conservatory, call Ware Priory on 01920 460316. For more information about weddings at the Priory visit warepriory.co.uk.

With over 400 years of history, Hatfield Park invites you to escape into the past and enjoy a perfect day out.

SCAN HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

Surround

WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

AS SPRING AND EASTER ARRIVE, OUR LOCAL VENUES OPEN THEIR DOORS FOR THE SEASON...

Hatfield Park and Gardens

Hatfield Park and Gardens are now open for the season, offering something for all the family. You can take a peaceful stroll around the beautiful Sundial, West Parterre and Old Palace gardens, which have been carefully curated and nurtured over the ages, and visit the adjacent Woodland Gardens and find yourself surrounded by the mature beach and oak trees, and magnificent rhododendrons. The children will love the meandering Woodland Walks – choose from three different routes which vary in length – perfect for getting out in the fresh air, taking some healthy exercise and enjoying the tranquillity of the park.

The East Garden, the private garden of Lord and Lady Salisbury, is open to visitors each Wednesday during the open season.

From 1st June, you can also visit historic Hatfield House itself, one of only 10 Treasure Houses in Great Britain.

You will see opulent, dramatically and extravagantly decorated

Knebworth House and Gardens

Knebworth House, Gardens and Dinosaur Trail are now open to visitors at weekends, bank holidays and school holidays until 1st October.

rooms of scale filled with art and historical artifacts, enjoy breathtaking views of the parks and gardens, and learn about the incredible history over the ages that has been made within the walls of the House. hatfield-house.co.uk

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens at Perry Green near Much Hadham open for the new season on Wednesday 5th April, with a new outdoor exhibition, called Vitality: The Human Landscapes of Henry Moore.

For Moore, one of the world’s greatest and most influential sculptors, nature and the human body were sources of vitality, expressions of life force which he could harness in his work, uniting and concentrating their vital energy.

This season, more than 20 monumental bronzes inspired by natural and human forms

are displayed in the landscape surrounding the studios where Moore developed his ideas. Multi-part reclining figures are joined by some of his purest organic abstractions and works exploring his most iconic themes: the mother and child, the reclining figure and the juxtaposition of internal and external forms. Also this year, in response to the current financial climate, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens has introduced a new annual ticket that means visitors pay for a single visit and can then return as many times as they like, enjoying free entry to the 70 acres of studios

You can buy a season ticket to Knebworth for just £50 which provides free entry to the park, gardens, adventure trail and dinosaur trail on all open days as well as free access to many great events, including medieval jousting on Father’s Day, PAW Patrol character appearance, Hertfordshire Garden Show, Classic Motor Show, Easter Trail and DogFest. There are also oth-

er benefits including discounts in the tea room and gift shop. This month, an Easter Trail will be run over the Easter bank holiday weekend with a prize at the end, while the Hertfordshire Garden Show takes place at the end of the month, from Saturday 29th April to Monday 1st May. There will be a wide variety of goods on display and for sale at the show including garden furniture, water features, hot tubs, tools and sculptures. Tickets also include access to the gardens and park. knebworthhouse.com

and gardens. The price is £16.50 for adults and £30 for families, with concessions £15 and children £8.50.

The venue is open Wednesdays to Sundays and bank holidays from 11am to 5pm until 29th October. henry-moore.org

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

DOUBLE OVAL 1966 BY JONTY WILDE

Pre-booked tickets are discounted online Fantastic Spring events coming up

SPRING

www.knebworthhouse.com

Wednesday 5th AprilWednesday 12th April

Tickets from £15 Box Office: 01992 441946 www.thespotlightvenue.com

Tickets: £23, £20 child (16 years and under), family of 4 £75

VIP TICKETS

Drink on arrival, meet Richard Jones, signed poster, 30-minute VIP show prior to main show. Strictly limited to 20 patrons.

AN EVENING OF MAGIC WITH RICHARD JONES

Sunday 23rd April, 7pm

Richard Jones rose to fame as the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent. Known as ‘The Military Magician’ he represents the very best in cutting-edge magic, mind-reading and psychological illusion.

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC

Saturday 29th April, 7.30pm

Featuring stunning costumes, a 7-piece live band, interactive video projection and some tongue-in-cheek Swedish humour!

Tickets: £27

BOX OFFICE: 01707 645005

WYLLYOTTS PLACE, DARKES LANE, POTTERS BAR EN6 2HN www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Days out: forthcoming events for your diary

LIVING CRAFTS AT HATFIELD PARK

Book your tickets now for the Living Crafts event at Hatfield Park, which will take place over the Coronation weekend, from Friday 5th to Monday 8th May.

This festival of contemporary crafts showcases the best of British craftsmanship and this year includes a Crafts for the Coronation display in the Showcase Pavilion, plus music from brass and jazz bands and food and drink stands.

The event features small creative businesses and individual artisans and visitors can see much of their creativity in action, with demonstrations from jewellery-making to long bow-making and workshops including enamelling, stone carving and clay sculpture. The event runs from 11am to 5pm and tickets, which are cheaper in advance, include admission to Hatfield Park and Gardens. Advance prices are £10 adults, £9 seniors, £6 children. livingcrafts.co.uk

MUSEUM STORES TOURS

Visitors can go behind the scenes with Hertford Museum’s curatorial team at the Seed Warehouse in The Wash, visit the museum’s stores, discover how its collections are cared for and enjoy tea and cake on Saturday 22nd April. The cost is £7 per person, including refreshments. There are simultaneous tours at 10.30 and 11am. Booking essential: ticketsource.co.uk

SAWBO MAY FAYRE

Sawbridgeworth’s annual May Fayre takes place on Sunday 30th April this year, from 12noon to 4pm on Fair Green. Attractions include live music from Bishop’s Stortford Ukelele Society, Jess Anson, Lewis Hanham, Grace O’Donoghue, Chris Talbot, Youth Create and Andy Knoxplus arts and crafts stalls, a fun fair, car show, food and drink stands and donkey rides.

BROXBOURNE MAY MARKET

Broxbourne United Reformed Church holds its annual May Market on Monday 1st May from 10.30am to 1.30pm at the church in Mill Lane, Broxbourne. Items on sale will include plants, refreshments, home baking, china and glass, gifts and jewellery. There will also be a vintage stall, a £1 stall, crafts stalls and freshly cooked lunches. Admission is free.

Cinema: the best new releases to see this month

Dungeons and Dragons:

Honour Among Thieves (12A)

Now showing

The rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game comes to the big screen in a funny and action-packed adventure film in which a charming thief and an unlikely band of adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Chris Pine stars.

Mummies (U)

Now showing

This new animation from Warner Bros follows the fun adventures of three Egyptian mummies (and their baby crocodile) who live in an underground city hidden away in ancient Egypt. An unfortunate series of events land the mummies in present day London where they go in search of an old ring belonging to the Royal Family that was stolen by an ambitious archaeologist. Great family fun.

Nothing is straightforward during Little Bear’s Big Trip

The Super Mario Bros Movie (PG)

Out on Friday 7th April

Based on the world of Nintendo’s Mario games, this vibrant and exuberant animation sees Brooklyn plumbers Mario and his brother Luigi transported down a mysterious pipe and into a magical new world while working underground to fix a water main. But when the brothers are separated, Mario embarks on an epic quest to find Luigi in the

Mushroom Kingdom. The voice cast includes Jack Black and Seth Rogen, along with a special voice appearance by Charles Martinet, who has voiced the characters of Mario and Luigi in the Super Mario games for more than 30 years.

Little Bear’s Big Trip (U)

Out on Friday 7th April

Friends become unlikely heroes in this lovely animation. When

Mic Mac and Oscar find themselves in charge of a baby bear whose delivery by stork went awry, they find themselves on an adventure to reunite the bear cub with its parents. They set off over land and sea, joining forces on the way with a panda and a stork who will be in need of a new job if this doesn’t go to plan...

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (TBC)

Out on Friday 28th April

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton give poignant performances in this story of rediscovery based on the 2012 bestselling book of the same name.

Recently retired, Harold Fry is well into his 60s and happy to fade away into the background until he learns that an old friend of his, Queenie, is dying. He sets off to the post office to send her a letter and decides to keep walking – to her hospice, 450 miles away.

Living Crafts is a long-established annual festival celebrating the very best of British craftsmanship

WHAT’S ON: CELEBRATE THE ARTS

Herts Book Festival prepares to begin its second chapter

Organisation of the second annual Herts Book Festival is now well underway, with the event scheduled to take place in the grounds of Hertford Castle on Saturday 13th May.

The first festival last year took place over two venues, the castle and Ware Priory, and involved over 1,000 visitors, 40 local authors, 30 volunteers, 60 local dance performers, five local storytellers and two independent local bookshops. Their aim?

To celebrate books, stories and storytelling in a series of free, family-friendly events.

In addition to free author panels,

writers’ workshops, a book exchange, live storytelling and poetry classes for children, the festival also donated a number of books to local charities. This year, it returns in the grounds of Hertford Castle on Saturday 13th May from 10am to 3pm, with an author market, author panels throughout the day, engaging storytelling, the Hertford Book Exchange (bring one, take one) and plenty of activities for adults and children. For more details of the festival, read Axis next month or, in the meantime, visit the festival’s website. hertsbookfestival.org

Open air theatre productions promise a summer of drama

Put your trust in the great British weather and book your seats in advance for some of the brilliant open air theatre productions that will be taking place locally this summer!

The fantastic Roman Open Air Theatre at St Albans has just launched its new season, with a series of plays running from early June through to September. Many are produced by the in-house Ovo Theatre Company with some touring productions offering further spice. Among this year’s productions are Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Little Women, Private Lives, The Railway Children and The Threepenny Opera. Visit ovo.org.uk for more details and to buy tickets.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, an all-male group who are the

modern incarnation of Shakespeare’s original company of the same name, will be visiting The Spotlight Gardens in Hoddesdon on Friday 2nd June at 7pm to present Romeo and Juliet in an event organised by BArts (see next story). Tickets are £18 for adults, £10 for students and under-16s, £50 for a family of four. Book at thespotlightvenue.com or call 01992 441946. Finally, Hertford Castle will again host open air theatre too, with two performances on the castle lawn on Saturday 17th June. Book now to see The Wind in the Willows at 2.30pm and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 7pm. Tickets are £10 from hertford.gov.uk/events or from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre on 01992 584322.

Arts Forum plans a busy new season

Broxbourne Arts Forum (BArts) is looking forward to another busy summer of events. Its spring / summer season will be opening on Wednesday 5th April with one of its popular free piano concerts by Barbara Manning in the café-bar at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon from 12-2pm. Called My Kind of Music, these are usually presented on the first Wednesday of the month and concerts offer a wide range of easy listening music. They have been a regular feature at The Spotlight since 2010, attracting a large number of people for lunch. Changed catering arrangements at The Spotlight mean that is essential to book at least a week ahead to place a hot food order (call 01992 441946).

Casual visitors on the day are always welcome, and there will be a simple menu available for them.

The Let’s Do Lunch series features themed talks focused on the arts or social history with musical illustrations, a dash of humour and a two-course lunch with a glass of wine. Dates and titles coming up over the summer include 19th May (Celebrity Cause), 14th June (Town and Country) and 21st July (Movers and Shakers).

BArts will be celebrating its 23rd birthday this year, and with 25 affiliated groups can offer activities and events throughout the year covering almost every aspect of the arts, from watercolour painting, flower arranging and photography to music, dance and drama.

Liaising with the Borough of Broxbourne and Love Hoddesdon BID, BArts’ brief is to offer events which would not usually be part of the borough’s regular programme, including classical music, opera and open air Shakespeare.

For more information, visit: broxbournearts.org.uk

Broxbourne

The celebrated pianist Barbara Manning is a BArts regular

Little Women at The Roman Theatre

Last year’s inaugural Herts Book Festival was a great success

WHAT’S ON: CELEBRATE THE ARTS

The music shop and academy that offers lessons to all

The arts are for everyone, and it is never too early – or too late – to participate, and learning to play a musical instrument is one way of doing that.

A Hertford music academy and shop that was all but closed by the pandemic has received a new lease of life through a partnership with a similar business in Bishop’s Stortford and is now thriving again, offering lessons to students from age four to 80-plus.

DeRosa Music Academy in Railway Place, off Ware Road, was formerly known as The Guitar Studio and owner Stefan Kneist – a man who has been involved in music all his life – is thrilled to have been able to revive his business.

Together with his colleague Jenny Salmon White, a professional musician and tutor who Stefan describes as ‘invaluable’, he has got the business back on its feet, selling musical instruments and accessories and offering lessons in everything from guitar and drums to the violin and piano – with lots in between including vocal coaching, recorder, bass guitar, saxophone and even the ukulele. The academy currently has six different tutors who work flexibly and can be booked for either individual or, where there is call for them, group lessons.

You can sign up online but Stefan and Jenny always think it is useful for you to drop in or call and talk to them to help them work

out what you need and the best possible time for your lesson. It is this kind of individual attention that has led to a huge surge in the number of students since the business reopened properly just before Christmas.

Instrument sales

If you are looking to buy an instrument, DeRosa has a good supply of new and preloved equipment including British-made Tanglewood acoustic guitars, pre-loved and new guitars, both electric and acoustic, a range of ukuleles, Yamaha digital pianos and keyboards, plus amps, music stands and other accessories.

If there is any kind of music lesson you would like, pop in and talk to Stefan or Jenny – they will do their best to accommodate you. Lessons are currently held during term-time and two trial lessons are the norm before you commit to a longer series. Jenny, who has travelled all over the world as a professional musician, said: “We really want this to be a buzzing place – to become the musical hub of Hertford, where people can pop in and just have a coffee and talk music if they want to.”

DeRosa Music Academy

2 Railway Place, Hertford SG13 7BB 01992 677992

hertford.derosamusic.co.uk

Music lessons for children and adults for guitar, drums, saxophone, violin, piano & more at flexible times and with a wide range of expert tutors Call us or drop in to discuss a course to suit you

2 Railway Place, Hertford SG13 7BB 01992 677992

hertford.derosamusic.co.uk

We also sell a wide range of musical instruments & accessories

Hertford’s Leading Music Academy & Music Shop

BROXBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY

The hilarious comedy musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken

(Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast)

3rd-5th and 7th May

Tickets £16 to £19 concs and parties from £15 Wednesday night special: all seats £13.50

This Broadway and Hollywood smash hit sci-fi comedy rock horror musical is sure to eat your heart out, and more.

The Spotlight, Hoddesdon

Box Office: 01992 441946

Full details on the web site

www.BroxbourneTheatreCompany.co.uk

BROXBOURNE ARTS FORUM Summer 2023

‘My Kind of Music’

Free lunchtime Piano Concerts.

April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5

12-2pm in the Spotlight Café Bar, Hoddesdon.

To Book a table for lunch ring one week ahead.

‘Let’s Do Lunch’

Humorous & entertaining!

£16 inc. lunch & a drink in the Dinant Room

May 19 Celebrity Cause

June 14 Town and Country

July 21 Movers and Shakers

‘Romeo and Juliet’ June 2

See this play as Shakespeare himself saw it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

Spotlight Gardens, Hoddesdon.

Picnics from 6.00pm, performance 7.00pm

Adults £18, Students & under 16 £10, Family 4 £50. All BOOKINGS 01992 441946

www.thespotlightvenue.com

Hosted by Perry Groves Thursday 20 April, 7.30pm

WHAT’S ON: CELEBRATE THE ARTS

Follow new Hertford Art Trail around town

Hertford Art Trail, which has proved a popular opportunity to promote both local artists and businesses in the county town, will be taking place in April in a new guise and under new management.

Hertford Town Council, which originated the trail, is no longer organising the event so it is now being run by Courtyard Arts Centre which hopes to give it fresh impetus this year. The trail involves 40 local artists and makers displaying an exhibition of their work in 35 local businesses, including shops, restaurants and other venues, encouraging members of the

Bishop’s Stortford Camera Club exhibition

Bishops Stortford Camera Club will be hosting its annual exhibition on Saturday 22nd April from 10am to 4pm at Bishop’s Stortford Methodist Church, 34b South Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3AZ. Visitors can view the prize winning images created by members over the last year and enjoy tea and cake. If you’re interested in photography, pop along for a chat and see what the club’s varied and interesting programme has to offer. stortfordcamera.club

public to discover both artists and businesses.

The event will run from Saturday 8th to Saturday 22nd April. Courtyard Arts director Laura Burns said: “Courtyard Arts would like to not only re-build the relationships with local artists and businesses who have previously taken part but involve the new businesses that have become part of our town and grow the trail over the next few years.” A map of the trail is available from Courtyard Arts, Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash and from partipating venues. courtyardarts.org.uk

Get involved in HArts Fest

Hertford Town Council has rebranded its former Hertford Arts Festival event under the name HArts Fest.

It will now involve a series of workshops in Hertford Castle grounds between Saturday 8th and Saturday 15th April as well as a children’s art trail, also in the castle grounds, in partnership with local primary schools and Manic Ceramics.

hertford.gov.uk/events

On Reflection at Parndon Mill gallery

The Gallery at Parndon Mill’s latest exhibition is called On Reflection and runs from Thursday 6th April until Sunday 14th May. It features paintings of landscapes, rocks and stones by Linda Anderson complemented with ceramics by Gemma Smale. The Gallery at Parndon Mill can be found in Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way in Harlow CM20 2HP. Call 01279 426042. parndonmill.co.uk

Hertford Art Society holds 70th Open

Hertford Art Society will celebrate the landmark of holding its 70th annual Open exhibition at the end of this month. The exhibition, which features a selection of high quality artwork, will be held from Saturday 29th April to Saturday 6th May at Cowbridge Halls in Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG. The exhibition can be viewed from 11am to 8pm weekdays, from 10am to 8pm on Saturdays and from 11am to 4.30pm on Sunday. hertfordartsociety.co.uk

70TH OPEN EXHIBITION

29th April to 6th May 2023

Cowbridge Halls SG14 1PG

Times

Weekdays 11am to 8pm

Saturdays 10am to 8pm

Sunday 30th April 11am to 4.30pm

Double Trouble by Carol Green

BOTTOMLESS

LUNCH

FOOD & DRINK

Shishbourne brings a taste of glitz and glam to Broxbourne

If you are looking for a restaurant with that wow factor, then Shishbourne in Broxbourne will fit the bill.

Formerly known as Mezzom, this Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant, which opened under its new name recently on Broxbourne High Road, has had a complete refurbishment, transforming it inside and out. The restaurant has been opened up to provide a seamless dining area leading to the open kitchen at the back, with new décor, lighting, flooring, tables and chairs that give it a plush and luxurious feel.

The liberal use of marble and gold-effect certainly shouts glitz and glam and if you’re after some pictures that will look good on Instagram, you can’t go far wrong!

But it’s not all about the looks. The food menu, together with a big emphasis on cocktails, also plays its part in offering a dining experience to remember.

The a la carte menu features a large number of popular starters and mains, with chicken wings and lamb chops, lamb shish, chicken shish and adana kofte for example, but also a few unexpected little gems, such as a Wagyu mini burger with half of lobster (£24).

And there is a selection of steaks and seafood to choose from.

Vegetarians are catered for, with mains including falafels and a vegetable and halloumi casserole too.

There is live entertainment every weekend, on Friday and Saturday evenings, with singers, musicians or belly dancers.

However, the focus is not totally on the weekends, as there are two great offers for dining in during the week as well.

The first is a bottomless dinner menu from Monday to Thursday from 6pm, when you can enjoy a three-course meal and unlimited Prosecco or wine for just £32.50 per person.

There is also a set lunch menu with two courses for £11.95 from Monday to Friday between 12noon and 3.30pm. Both offer genuine value. Shishbourne is open seven days week, from 12noon, and there is free parking outside.

Shishbourne

27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX 01992 313198

shishbourne.co.uk

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

The times they are a-changing

French Wines are deep rooted in tradition and few would argue that France is the country that long ago set the standards by which wine is judged. Many other countries have copied both its blends and wine-making techniques, but now times are changing, and other countries are starting to pull away with their easy to read labelling and adventurous experimental blends.

DINING OUT GUIDE

The Australians are trying things like Riesling blended with Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne (Stump Jump, £13.70) which is labelled with a full description, tasting notes and even the ideal serving temperature with the grapes easily and clearly identified. So, in an interesting turnaround, we are starting to see the French follow suit!

For example, our Chateau La

Coustarelle (£11.50) is a blend of Malbec with Merlot, and the J Mourat Collection (£11.50) from the Loire Valley blends

Pinot Noir with Cabernet Franc.

But it’s not just the blends and the labels that are changing, it’s also the bottle shape and closure. Admittedly, it is hard to see the French completely moving to screw cap, though there are a few vineyards doing so. I can just imagine all their neighbours turning up their noses at the idea though!

It’s the most reputable areas that will be tough to convert. I imagine Bordeaux will always use the same shape bottle, but it’s the so-called lesser areas such as the Loire Valley that are embracing modern ideas, coming up with some brilliant designs and blends. Well done France for entering the 21st century – long may it continue!

Buy the wines mentioned in this article at Cavavin, your local, independent wine shop. Find it at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk/hertford

SHISHBOURNE Turkish

Shishbourne is a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant on Broxbourne High Road which is open seven days a week and offers a full menu throughout the day from 12noon until closing. It has a plush and luxurious look with an unforgettable Instagrammable interior, combined with great cocktails and an a la carte menu filled with Turkish classics. It also offers a bottomless dinner option from 6pm Monday to Thursday and a two-course lunch menu from 12-3.30pm Monday to Friday. There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings too.

27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX

01992 313198

www.shishbourne.co.uk

THE DUSTY MILLER Country pub

The Dusty Miller is a country pub and casual dining venue. Situated just outside Harlow on the road towards the village of High Wych, it is surrounded by countryside and close to the river. Here you can enjoy freshly-cooked pub food, using local suppliers wherever possible, including a pie of the day and other pub classics, together with a good selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes. The Dusty Miller is open from 12noon to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday and from 12noon to 6.30pm on Sunday when a traditional roast is available.

Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2QS

01279 424180

www.dustymillerharlow.co.uk

BROHMON

Bengali

Voted Best Restaurant in Essex at the 4th annual British Restaurant Awards 2022, Brohmon, which means Journey in Bengali, is the brainchild of Karim Ullah and his wife Sultana who have made it their mission to bring high quality food from the Bengal region of South Asia to Britain. They began by running pop-ups in Hertfordshire before opening their own restaurant in Stansted Mountfitchet near Bishop’s Stortford. They have also opened a takeaway and delivery outlet in Hertford – you can order through gogetters.co.uk.

8 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8AG 01279 815688

www.brohmon.com

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is the perfect spot for you to enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere or on the fully heated terrace area. The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. From intimate weddings, birthday parties and anniversaries to baby showers and corporate events, they’ve got it covered with their beautiful function room and variety of dining options.

Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW / 01920 870039 info@georgeivpub.co.uk www.georgeivpub.co.uk

KHAO YAI Thai

Khao Yai is a smart Thai restaurant in the centre of Hoddesdon that is now approaching its first anniversary under new ownership, Khao Yai offers a broad menu of your favourite Thai dishes alongside superb service. Now open seven days a week, Khao Yai also offers both takeaway (with a 10% discount for collection) and delivery through its own website as well as delivery apps. In addition to the welcoming ground floor there is a large first floor dining space with its own bar which can also be booked for events, parties and private dining.

18 Brocket Road, Hoddesdon EN11 8NZ 01992 445988

www.khao-yai.co.uk

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

The Golden Fleece is an old English pub with a contemporary twist, and one where the food is so good that it has earned an entry in the Michelin Guide for Hotels and Restaurants. Set at the heart of the village of Braughing, Jess and Peter Tatlow’s pub offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and delicious locally sourced food and also caters for diners who require gluten-free meals. As a freehouse at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits. A takeaway menu is also available.

20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555

www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

BAAN THITIYA

Thai

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, is the perfect place for relaxed dining. Close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre, it has a beautiful garden and its own parking while, inside, the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary Thai style. The extensive menu features high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours. It also has an excellent wine list. Baan Thitiya is open seven days for lunch and dinner. A warm welcome and great service await you.

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS

01279 658575

www.baan-thitiya.com

RONI’S Fine Dining

Roni’s, set in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, is a fine dining restaurant where both the quality of food and the service combine to offer guests a memorable experience. Roni’s offers a wide range of traditional dishes, passionately crafted, including gluten-free and vegan menus. There is a set lunch menu as well as the main menu and superb roasts are served on Sundays. Social wine tastings can also be booked for groups of family or friends in the private dining room. Roni’s is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 10pm, and closed on Monday.

16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856

www.ronisrestaurant.co.uk

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

This family-run country freehouse reopened following a lockdown renovation with a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is proving popular with customers enjoying a menu that has plenty of fresh fish and seafood dishes as well as steaks, burgers, pies and many others. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are always available. It also offers a great Sunday lunch. Afternoon teas, which must be booked, are available from Monday to Saturday. Check social media for forthcoming events. Book now to experience its fresh new look!

Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB / 01707 875959

www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk

For Sale: Wyddial, Hertfordshire £2,350,000

A beautiful 16th Century hall house offering over 4,500 sq ft of accommodation including an annexe. Nestling in just over 4.5 acres with tennis court, stables, a manège and paddocks

3 bedroom semi detached house located in one of

most desirable streets. Ideally situated within walking distance to Hertford North train station