Axis magazine May 2023 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally

May 2023

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE

NEWS UPDATE

We keep you in touch with the major news stories

WHAT’S ON

All you need to know about Hertfordshire County Show

THE ARTS

Hertfordshire Festival of Music returns to Hertford

THE CORONATION

Your guide to local events to mark the King’s Coronation

DINING OUT

Restaurants unveil their Spring menu highlights

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WELCOME

What’s inside this issue

05-08 y Briefing

16-23 y What’s on Events, the arts and where to celebrate the Coronation locally

24-27 y Food & drink

George

13 y SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS: Hearing specialist opens in Hertford 19 y WHAT’S ON: Tickets go on sale for Hertfordshire Festival of Music

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.

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

Yarnbombers produce Coronation installation that is fit for a King

10-14 y Shopping & business news Eastenders actor Jake Wood at opening of new Willow charity shop

IV, Lussmanns and Cote launch their new Spring menus

Front cover images (clockwise from top)

Sunshine on Sele, a new exhibition about life on Sele Farm at Hertford Museum (p17); Royal historian Tracy Borman, who is bringing her timely show about British monarchs to South Mill Arts (p23); Hertfordshire County Show (p17); Alexandra Palace (p23); Work by Declan Hoare showing at The Gallery at Parndon Mill (p19); Jim Broadbent in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (p20).

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

New town centre strategy set to boost Hoddesdon

Broxbourne Council has agreed a new Hoddesdon Town Centre Strategy which it hopes will continue to build on the town’s vibrancy. Hoddesdon has seen a renaissance in its fortunes in recent years, largely due to the work of Love Hoddesdon BID (Business Improvement District) and its fruitful working relationship with the council. Public realm improvements are an important part of the strategy, to improve the look of areas of the town centre, particularly at the southern gateway, Fawkon Walk and Conduit Lane. Residents can expect to see changes including new street furniture, more trees, a pocket park at Bell Lane, and the installation of planters at key locations.

Other projects include improving the often flooded underpasses at Dinant Link Road and Charlton Way; a better connection between the New River and High Street; a new bus service from High Leigh to the town centre, cycle parking and electric cycle charging points. The council also wants to increase footfall to local shops and facilities. Implementing all the ideas in the strategy will cost between £3million and £4million, with £2million of that money already expected to be contributed through funds from developers of projects such as High Leigh Garden Village.

The council says it intends to target the first phase of investment on improving the southern town centre gateway and Fawkon Walk.

They say the younger generation will be the ones that save the planet and one Hertford boy has already started to do his bit for our environment.

Five-year-old Ayan Hossain, who attends St Andrew’s Primary School in the town, was on his way back from school with his dad Shakhawat to their home in Fleming Crescent, Sele Farm, on a Friday afternoon when he spotted a fallen cherry blossom tree lying on the ground.

Ayan asked his dad if they could do something to fix it, so Shakhawat went to B&Q, asked for advice and took Ayan back to the site of the tree in Calton Avenue where, after some digging, and with the help of a pole and some compost, they put the tree back in its rightful place. Shakhawat spread the word through social media and Ayan was showered with praise from dozens of grateful fellow residents and local councillors for his community-minded actions.

Local elections across district, borough and town councils

Local elections are taking place on Thursday 4th May with voters being reminded that they need to take a form of photographic ID with them to the polling booth for the first time.

For East Herts Council, all 50 seats across 26 wards are being contested on the Conservative-run district council that covers Hertford, Ware, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford and a large number of neighbouring villages. It will also be the first time that vet-

eran Conservative councillor Peter Ruffles is not standing since he was first elected to East Herts Council in 1976. Mr Ruffles, who is an MBE and a former Hertford schoolteacher, is now aged 80 and has clocked up a combined 105 years of public service across East Herts District, Hertford Town and Hertfordshire County councils.

One third of seats are being contested on both Broxbourne and Harlow councils and there are full elections for Hertford, Ware, Bish-

op’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth Town councils.

There are no elections to Hertfordshire County Council for which all 78 seats are contested at the same time. The next election is in 2025.

MP WINS RE-SELECTION

Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson has been re-selected as Conservative candidate for the next general election.

Mrs Marson failed narrowly to win automatic re-selection by the

constituency selection panel, so exercised her right to seek a vote of the local party membership, which she won last month.

The website Conservative Home has reported that she won the poll by 117 votes to 71.

Ayan with his proud parents, Adriana Tarhon and Shakhawat, by the tree

The little boy doing his bit for his community

Yarnbombers’ crowning glory for the Coronation

They can be relied upon to bring some cheer to any occasion, as well as to raise money for our local charities – and it looks as if the forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III has given the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters the opportunity to work on some of their most imaginative creations to date.

On the evening of Friday 21st April, 37 Coronation-themed toppers were installed on post boxes across Hertford and Ware while the society also yarnbombed the Priory Gates in Ware with a large crown, King Charles’s cypher, red, white and blue flowers, plus roses,

daffodils, thistles and shamrocks representing the four nations of the UK.

The post box toppers each fit into one of the five themes of Coronation, Celebration, King Charles, Community and Conservation. Among the creations there’s a gold state coach pulled by two horses with the King and Queen inside; a large teacup and saucer featuring the Coronation logo and surrounded by sandwiches and cakes; King Charles and Queen Camilla walking dogs along the River Dee at Balmoral with sheep in the fields and heather on the hills; 56 figures

holding flags representing the 56 countries of the Commonwealth; and King Charles planting a tree.

How to donate

You can find PDF maps of the post boxes in each town on the website ssohc.co.uk where you’ll also find a link to JustGiving where you can make a donation in appreciation of the group’s amazing efforts to its charity for 2023, the Essex and Hertfordshire Air Ambulance Trust. l For more on other Coronation events across the Axis area see our what’s on and food and drink pages in this issue, from page 21 to 25.

Redevelopment of Hertford Industrial Estate approved

Plans for the redevelopment of Hertford Industrial Estate were approved by East Herts Council’s development management committee in April.

The original estate, accessed via Caxton Hill off Ware Road, is believed to have been mainly constructed during the 1940s and has historically been home to a range of industrial-style businesses including workshops and warehouses.

Many of the buildings have been derelict for some time.

The new plans will see it redeveloped with new modern industrial units of varying sizes with offices above, along with parking, ancillary structures and landscaping. The site measures approximately 3.88 hectares.

The new development will be accessed primarily via John Tate Road to the south, which would require the removal of barriers that currently separate John Tate Road from Caxton Hill. This would enable vehicles to access the A414 and A10 easily.

Half a dozen local climate change protesters set out on a two-day, 35-mile walk from Parliament Square in Hertford to Parliament Square in Westminster to meet up with The Big One – a four-day peaceful protest in London from 21st to 24th April. Their trip took them through Ware, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Enfield and Tottenham as they made their way down the Lea Valley, their bright XR (Extinction Rebellion) flags attracting attention on the way. The Big One was organised by a coalition of more than 100 movements calling for a citizen-led, greener, fairer world and the end of the use of fossil fuels.

B&M Care has announced the closure of St Catharines care home in St Catharines Road, Broxbourne. The company said that the home, which has been providing care for 65 years, would normally have been demolished and rebuilt to modern standards as it has successfully done with other homes but that this was not possible with St Catharines because it lies within a conservation area.

The home is due to close in the next few months, and B&M

Care says it expects residents to be transferred to its new, purpose-built Hillview care home in Collett Road, Ware when it opens in early summer. Hillview is a 38bed home that will offer residential care as well as specialist dementia care. B&M Care is a family-run business that has been providing care for almost 50 years.

The walkers set out from Parliament Square, Hertford

Most of the estate has already been demolished

Action all round as we enter the very busy month of May

creative entries. It was no different this time – picking a winner was challenging! Keep an eye out for the winning design on my social media channels.

Please use your vote

Celebrating the Coronation

The Coronation is here! Our shops and high streets are looking royally festive and the atmosphere is one of huge excitement. There are lots of special events going on across the constituency, from street parties to food festivals, and I encourage everyone to get involved in as much as they can. I had a lot of fun celebrating Her late Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Hertford Castle last year, and look forward to seeing all that is on offer this year too – we really do know how to celebrate these kinds of occasions well!

In the lead-up, I have organised a competition with local primary school children to design a Coronation card for me to send to His Majesty The King. I love running these competitions and always receive so many wonderful and

This month is off to a busy start –we also have local elections coming up on 4th May. I have been out and about catching up with our brilliant councillors across Hertford, Ware, Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth. They work hard for our community and it is vital everyone turns out to vote and has their say.

Progress at Rush Green

Improving the Rush Green roundabout remains one of my biggest local campaigns. The traffic causes lengthy delays to residents and there have also sadly been numerous traffic incidents too. After lobbying McDonald’s and BP, I secured a deal between the two of them to work together on a long-term solution. Though their progress has been frustratingly slow up until this point, there is finally some encouraging news.

They have now submitted a proposal to East Herts Council that is currently under review. I am really pleased we are getting somewhere and will continue to press both companies and the council to make sure this progress continues.

A meeting with Michael Gove

I raised lots of other local issues with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove, in Parliament recently too. This included developments and the importance of developers keeping to their original plans and commitments, such as affordable housing and community infrastructure like health and education provision. I want to make sure this housing is available for local people and not just for London local authorities’ overspill. We also discussed leasehold reform and balancing local renewable energy projects like solar farms with

preserving our farmland. It was a really productive discussion, and I will continue to follow up on and share any developments.

Post Office: Nearly there

In Ware, final talks on bringing back a Post Office to the town centre are also going well. Negotiations to bring back full services, including banking, to the old site on Ware High Street are concluding and refurbishment works are already underway. I know how difficult the wait has been for many residents so this breakthrough comes as a huge relief. I continue to work with all involved to see services there restored for people as soon as possible.

l As always, I am here to help. Please do not hesitate to contact me at julie.marson.mp@ parliament.uk.

I raised lots of issues with Secretary of State Michael Gove

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The Willow Foundation opens its latest shop in Hertford

The Willow Foundation, the Herts-based charity which helps seriously ill young adults make special memories, has opened its seventh shop – in Hertford’s Bull Plain.

Eastenders actor Jake Wood, who is well known for playing Max Branning in the popular soap, joined Hertford Mayor Cllr Susan Barber to cut the ribbon to officially open the shop on Saturday 15th April.

The charity was founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs as a lasting memorial to their daughter Anna who died of cancer at the age of 31.

Anna battled cancer for five years and it was during those years that she, her family and friends, experienced some of their most memorable moments together. What Anna called her “Special Days” became a focus for quality of time and quality of life, providing a welcome distraction

from the challenging realities of living with a life-threatening illness and restoring some normality back into all their lives. Willow is dedicated to helping young adults with rare, serious or life-limiting illnesses to arrange uplifting and unforgettable Special Days and Treats.

Now in its 24th year, the charity has provided more than 19,000 Special Days for young adults across the UK.

Funds raised via the new shop will help the charity to provide more Special Days for those that need them, and the charity hopes the local community will help it in its mission by both donating and shopping, and is also keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering.

The new shop, which is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, is at 4 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT and can be reached on 01992 538398. willowfoundation.org.uk

Mercedes-Benz and Smart Car Servicing

Established 1995 providing customers with the very highest quality of service

All Mercedes-Benz after 1997:

A Service £198, B Service £297

Smart Cars:

A-Service £125, B-Service £175, C-Service £250

Courtesy cars available: Free collection and delivery service within 20 mile radius

We also service and maintain: Volkswagen / Audi / Skoda / Seat group cars

All prices include labour, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts andVAT (2019 prices)

Simon Light Ltd – Mercedes-Benz Specialist 01920

423342

Star Street, Ware SG12 7AQ

info@simonlight.co.uk – www.simonlight.co.uk

www.classicmobility.org.uk

‘Jardinia transformed my horrible outdoor space into an amazing garden and living space! Their professionalism, work ethic, attention to detail and humour made it a pleasure to have them around, I could not have picked a better company to carry out the work’ Gill, Hertford

Jardinia Landscapes works with homeowners looking to invest in a transformation of their outdoor space. With over 26 years’ garden design and build experience, we can deliver you a beautiful outdoor space perfectly suited to your lifestyle needs.

I was delighted to find Aquatox in Hertford Would highly recommend, staff are all professional, friendly and put you at ease as soon as you arrive My series of treatments have made a huge difference Can’t wait to return to try some others Great location, easy parking Absolutely 5 stars, thank you all

Worried about hearing loss? Danielle can help you

Newly opened independent practice Hertford Hearing offers a tailored approach to your ear health and hearing care

Hertford Hearing opened its doors at the beginning of 2023, and the practice is run by the vastly experienced audiologist, Danielle Barker.

This name might sound familiar to some of you, as Danielle has been working in Hertfordshire and Essex for the past seven years helping people to hear better.

Danielle (FdSC, RHAD, MSHAA) began working in a hearing care assistant role before being hand-picked by a leading high street brand to be enrolled onto a Hearing Aid Audiology course at Aston university in Birmingham. After graduating with a distinction, Danielle later went on to add a qualification in microsuction ear wax removal to complete her full range of skills. Originating from Northallerton in North Yorkshire, she began her career as an audiologist, working for some of the country’s biggest high street audiology brands before relocating south to Hertfordshire and Essex. In October 2019, after accumulating a wealth of knowledge in the corporate sector, she decided to move to a smaller independent audiologist in Bishop’s Stortford, which allowed her to gain extra knowledge and create the perfect blend of service and care for her clients.

Now, with more than 10 years of experience, Danielle continues to provide all her clients with a personalised service, tailored to

their individual needs through her own independent practice.

Hertford Hearing is 100% independent, which allows Danielle to provide clients with the very latest information and advice, not only about ear hygiene, but also hearing technology, tinnitus management and hearing protection, ensuring that her clients’ hearing is the best it can be. This is done using a range of specialist testing and fitting procedures which are not commonly available from all high street brands.

Danielle understands that there is still a stigma attached to hearing loss, and many people find it difficult to accept and often delay seeking help. She also understands that living with someone who has a hearing loss can be challenging and causes unnecessary strain on relationships. With this in mind, her aim is to break down the barriers and help you to start your journey to better hearing. From her practice in St Andrew Street, Hertford, Danielle offers a 90-minute hearing assessment before fully evaluating your needs and working out a tailor-made treatment plan whilst ensuring you feel comfortable every step of the way. Danielle said: “Don’t take your ears for granted, if you were struggling with your vision, you would book an appointment with an optician without hesitation. So why do we neglect our ears and hearing?”

The sounds that life has to offer are precious. So if you have any concerns about your hearing, have ear wax that needs painlessly removing or have tinnitus, contact Danielle

at Hertford Hearing by phone or email to arrange a consultation, using the details below.

l To find out more, visit hertfordhearing.co.uk.

Danielle’s new practice Hertford Hearing is welcoming and friendly

News and events from Hoddesdon town centre

Love Hoddesdon BID brings you an update on some of its recent and forthcoming activities

A fitting tribute to our amazing volunteers

More than 50 local groups and volunteers were awarded certificates as a thank you for their continued support at Love Hoddesdon BID’s community events at a ceremony held on the evening of Thursday 9th March at The Spotlight theatre in High Street, Hoddesdon.

Without the commitment of these amazing individuals, Love Hoddesdon would not be able to put on any of the events that are so much a part of the community now. The evening was a great success and the BID hopes to include it in an annual calendar of events going forward.

St George’s Parade a success – despite the English weather!

The annual St George’s Parade was brought forward this year and held on Saturday 1st April due to the forthcoming celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III.

This local children’s parade received fantastic feedback last year so the BID felt it was important to hold it again, rather than postpone it because of the proximity of the forthcoming

Coronation celebrations. More than 200 children took part this year and although it was the first day of the Easter break and the inclement weather leading up to the event affected how many people came along, there were still over 3,500 attendees during the day, which also featured a full programme of acts in the arena, stalls and a children’s fun fair.

On Sunday 7th May Hoddesdon town centre will be buzzing with the sound of the local community coming together to celebrate the Coronation with a street party from 10am to 6.30pm.

There will be a packed line-up of entertainment on a specially constructed stage and stalls along the High Street.

The BID hopes to achieve the same atmosphere the town enjoyed at last year’s celebration for the Queen’s Jubilee.

The day will also feature a community lunch for invited guests. This time the BID has joined up with local schools to find young individuals who have gone above and beyond, whether at school or in the community.

WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

Hertfordshire County Show offers a weekend of entertainment

There are equestrian, livestock, horticulture and craft competitions along with a packed schedule of entertainment of which highlights this year include the Ben Atkinson Sport Horses, the Wye Valley Axemen and the ever-popular Dinky Derby Shetland racing.

Hertfordshire County Show takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May, bringing two days of agricultural fun and entertainment for the whole family. The annual event, run by the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, started as a ploughing match in the grounds of Hatfield House in 1879, becoming a full county show seven years later and, after being held in a number of locations, has been settled at the County Showground at Redbourn since 1962.

It aims to raise awareness about local agriculture and associated skills and trades and to support local businesses, services and enterprises.

There are more than 450 shopping stands offering everything from equestrian goods and farming equipment to lifestyle products that range from firepits and hot tubs to sports cars!

In the Made in Hertfordshire Marquees local artisan producers and crafters demonstrate and sell their goods while an Etsy Hertfordshire Marquee allows local Etsy members to sell handmade products and vintage goods. And the Food Hall offers the chance to buy gourmet cheeses, craft gins, beers and whiskys. The show is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and daily tickets cost £23 for adults, £11 for children, £20 for seniors, £52 for a family (2+3) and £20 for students and can be bought online at hertshow.com.

More great events for your diary

Living Crafts

Living Crafts takes place at Hatfield Park from Friday 5th to Monday 8th May. This festival of contemporary crafts showcases the best of British craftsmanship and features small creative businesses and individual artisans as well as music from brass and jazz bands and food and drink stands. The event runs daily from 11am to 5pm and tickets include admission to Hatfield Park and Gardens. Advance prices are £10 adults, £9 seniors and £6 children. livingcrafts.co.uk

Herts Book Festival

The second Herts Book Festival takes place this month, in the grounds of Hertford Castle on

Saturday 13th May between 10am and 3pm. The free admission festival celebrates books and local authors and features a local author market, author panels, writers’ workshops, a book exchange (bring one, take one) and live storytelling for children. hertsbookfestival.org

Sunshine on Sele Sunshine on Sele is a new exhibition at Hertford Museum that looks at the development of Sele Farm Estate in the town and what it is like to live there today. Originally farmland sold out of the Panshanger Estate, Sele Farm was developed in the 1950s into a close-knit community with its own unique identity and the exhi-

bition tells the stories of many of the pioneers who made Sele Farm their home. It runs from Saturday 6th May to 27th August at the museum in Bull Plain, Hertford.

Ware garden opens to public Ware resident Peter Laing opens his garden in Hoe Lane to the public on Sunday 28th May as

part of the National Gardens Scheme. This plantsman’s garden features many unusual plants and has been created over 30 years by Peter. It’s at The Pines, 58 Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NZ and visitors may use nearby Hertford Rugby Club car park, also in Hoe Lane. The garden will be open from 2-5.30pm. Visit ngs.org.uk.

Living Crafts

Herts Book Festival

MAY

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS

Tuesday 23rd May, 7.30pm Tickets: £27 THE BEST IN COMEDY

Thursday 25th May, 8pm

Tickets: £18.50

Sunday 28th May, 7.30pm

Tickets: £26

BOX OFFICE: 01707 645005

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

WHAT’S ON: THE ARTS

Festival of Music will be returning to Hertford in June

MUSIC

The Hertfordshire Festival of Music returns to Hertford with 11 events between Fridays 9th and 16th June. There will also be extra community-based events taking place before and after the main festival period.

The festival will welcome Emma Johnson, one of the world’s finest clarinettists, as Principal Artist. Emma will be giving a recital with pianist Gregory Drott. There is a welcome return for ZRI, who will entertain music lovers with their innovative and exciting Cellar Session. Guitarist Jack Hancher also returns with a solo recital of music inspired by art. The superb piano and violin duo Katya Apekisheva and Litsa Tunnah join the festival for the first time. Meanwhile, the Rosset-

ti Ensemble will perform music by David Matthews and the festival’s artistic director, James Francis Brown.

There will also be performances by the Hertford Chamber Choir and the festival’s Community Concert Band.

James Francis Brown said: “Our festival celebrates live classical music in Hertfordshire with a rich and diverse programme of events and outreach projects, exploring the connection between music and art.

“We will bring together art and music enthusiasts through inspiring talks and creative musical programmes.”

Tickets will be on sale from Sunday 7th May.

For more information, visit hertsmusicfest.org.uk.

This month’s concert programme

Hertford Choral Society present a Friendship Concert in tandem with Wildeshausen Laudatechor at Hertford St Andrew Church in St Andrew Street on Saturday 20th May at 7.30pm.

Entry to the concert is free and there will be a retiring collection to support this town twinning activity.

The concert will feature John Rutter’s Magnificat together with a selection of other music celebrating friendship and musical connection, with The Friendship Players orchestra and soprano Louisa Alice-Rose.

Visit hertfordchoral.org.uk for more information.

l The Sun In Your Eyes is the title of Hertford Symphony Orchestra’s concert at Ware Drill Hall on Saturday 20th May at 7.45pm.

William Carslake is the guest conductor and the concert will feature music by Beethoven, Nielsen, Grieg and Schumann. Tickets are £17 for adults, £8 for students from Hertford Town and Tourist information Centre on 01992 584322 or online at wegottickets.com.

The Art of Music –The Music of Art

Online booking at: www.hertsmusicfest.org.uk

Bob Villains back at Southern Maltings

Bob Dylan tribute band the Bob Villains return to Southern Maltings in Ware on Saturday 20th

May at 7pm in a show that celebrates this ground-breaking artist’s 82nd birthday. They will relive Dylan’s 1966 period which saw him tour with a concert set in two halves – the first part being just him, his acoustic guitar and harmonica, the second with a fivepiece, full-on electric band.

Tickets are £8 in advance from southernmaltings. co.uk or £10 on the door.

Two exhibitions at Parndon Mill gallery

ART

This is a crossover month at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow, with one exhibition finishing and another beginning. On Reflection features paintings of landscapes, rocks and stones by Linda Anderson, complemented with ceramics by Gemma Smale and runs until Sunday 14th May. Then from Thursday 18th May until Sunday 25th June, the new exhibition will be called Time, Traces and Transformation. This features current work by six multi-disciplinary artists who met at Digswell Arts Studios near Welwyn, Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Jonathan Emmerson, Marian Hall, Declan Hoare and Sally Tyrie.

The gallery is in Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way in Harlow, CM20 2HP. Call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmill.co.uk.

7.30pm,Saturday24thJune2023

AllSaintsʼChurch,HertfordSG138AY

Tickets: £16reserved/£12unreserved/£4students

tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk

www.ticketsource.co.uk(bookingfeeapplies)

GIGS

Work by Caryl Beach

Principal Artist Emma Johnson

Cinema: the best new releases to see this month

The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan (15)

Now showing

In this new version of the classic French tale, D’Artagnan is left for dead after trying to save a young woman from being kidnapped. He arrives in Paris, determined to do all he can to find his attackers, a search that leads him to some dangerous enemies, none worse than Milady de Winter.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (12A)

Now showing

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton star in this film based on the best-selling book of the same name. Recently retired, Harold Fry (Broadbent) is well into his 60s and happy to fade away into the background until he learns that an old friend, Queenie, is dying. He sets off to the post box to send her a letter and decides to keep on walking – all the way to her hospice, 450 miles away.

Perhaps he didn’t trust the post to deliver but Harold Fry kept on walking

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 (12A) Out on Friday 5th May

The band of misfits are back in the latest Marvel blockbuster. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team to defend the universe.

Book Club: The Next Chapter (12A) Out on Friday 12th May

Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen are reunited for a highly

anticipated sequel that follows the four friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls’ trip they never had. But when things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing holiday turns into a once-in-a lifetime cross-country adventure.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

(PG)

Out on Friday 19th May

A candidate for the film title with

the most punctuation marks in it so far this year, this is based on Judy Blume’s groundbreaking novel from over 50 years ago. In it, 11-year-old Margaret is uprooted from her life in New York City for the suburbs of New Jersey in a coming of age story filled with humour and candid exploration of some of life’s bigger questions.

The Little Mermaid (PG) Out on Friday 26th May

A live action movie version from Disney of the much-loved story in which Ariel, the youngest of King Triton’s daughters, longs to find out more about life beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, meets and falls in love with the dashing Prince Eric. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula which gives her a chance to experience life on land but, ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

Registed charity number

A weekend of events fit for a King

Ware Food Festival takes a royal theme

This year, coinciding perfectly with the Coronation Big Lunch, Ware’s annual Food Festival takes place on Sunday 7th May and will offer friends and family the opportunity to meet up and celebrate the Coronation. Usually taking place in Tudor Square, for 2023 the festival is moving across the road to the gardens of Ware Priory to allow for the increased numbers expected to attend and to enable Ware Town Council to host a range of activities and entertainment. Picnics are welcome so everyone can enjoy the Coronation Big Lunch together and there will be an array of food stalls

including from Dough With The Flow pizza, Sweetlove Burgers, The Smokin’ Greek and Ciara’s Ice Cream. There will also be entertainment from Lip Service Brass Band and Los Skankos and

Coronation crafts for children with local artist Donna Reeves. The event takes place between 12noon and 4pm. Entry is free – just turn up with a blanket to grab your spot on the lawn.

Picnic on the Lawn at Hertford’s very own castle

Events in Hertford to celebrate the Coronation begin on the morning of Sunday 7th May with a civic service at All Saints’ Church in Queens Road. It begins at 10am and is open to all. After the service the town council is inviting the local community to a free, family-friendly event, Picnic on the Lawn, in the grounds of Hertford Castle, from 12noon to 4pm. There will be activities including

garden games, children’s King and Queen fancy dress competition, face-painting, food and drink, live music and more.

The Castle will be open, offering visitors the chance to explore its rooms including the Mayor’s Parlour, Robing Room and themed basement.

The celebrations continue into the evening with the Coronation Concert at Windsor shown live on a large screen.

Hoddesdon to host a right royal street party

Remember the amazing atmosphere in Hoddesdon for the Jubilee celebrations last year?

Broxbourne Council and Love Hoddesdon BID are hoping to replicate that when they jointly host a Coronation Street Party in the town centre between 10am and 6.30pm on Sunday 7th May. There will be a full line-up of public entertainment on a specially set-up main stage as well as stalls in the High Street.

Two days of fun in Bishop’s Stortford

Bishop’s Stortford’s Sworders

Field will be the venue for an afternoon of fun and entertainment for all the family between 12noon and 6pm on Saturday 6th May.

The event is organised by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council with support from fibre broadband provider Lit.

Entry is free. A DJ will provide entertainment from the bandstand and there will be organised games and activities including face-painting and Punch and Judy shows. There will also be a licensed bar and food from Street Food Heroes.

On Sunday 7th May, Bishop’s Stortford BID hosts a street party centred around Market Square between 12noon and 4pm.

Local road closures will create a space for visitors to enjoy entertainment that will include local dance and music acts and stiltwalkers.

Elesewhere in the borough, Broxbourne Council hosts a Coronation Festival at Cedars Park in Cheshunt between 12noon and 4pm on Sunday 7th May.

Didn’t get an official invite? Never fear, join one of the local events held to mark the Coronation...

Zoobilation for the Coronation at Paradise

Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne is set to join in the celebrations with its own Zoobilation for the Coronation event. Throughout the weekend of celebrations, the zoo will be honouring the King, who has a history of environmentalism and conservation. They are planning a unique trail that celebrates ‘Royal’ species from across the globe, encouraging all ages to participate in a fun and educational way to share in the wonder of wildlife.

From Friday 5th to Monday 8th May, the zoo will be decorated with bunting and children will be provided with celebratory crowns to wear. Paradise will also be celebrating the The Big Help Out which is part of the official Coronation celebrations, by hosting their own volunteer station. Members of the public will have the opportunity to join the zoo’s volunteer programmes, with a variety of roles from gardening to zookeeping.

The Zoobilation for the Coro-

nation attractions will be free as part of general admission to Paradise Wildlife Park. Hertfordshire’s No.1 outdoor attraction, Paradise Wildlife Park features over 800 animals and more than 40 dinosaurs in World of Dinosaurs, one of the leading animatronic dinosaur attractions in the UK.

You can explore Sun Bear Heights and Jaguar Jungle and

stop by Sun Bear Bakery for some snacks. The Safari Diner offers lunch for all the family and the kids can go wild in Tumble Jungle, a soft play area. You could dip your toes in the splash pool at Boulders Beach or enjoy a game of Safari Crazy Golf, take a Rex-express journey or relax and watch the big cats. Whatever you choose, the wonder of wildlife is waiting!

Watch the flypast from Ally Pally’s Terrace

What makes a good monarch?

Royal historian, author and broadcaster Tracy Borman’s new show, How to be a Good Monarch, is at South Mill Arts in Bishop’s Stortford this month. In it she will share some tumultuous tales from monarchs from William the Conqueror to Charles III, covering the good, the bad, the great – and the mad. The show begins at 7.30pm on Thursday 25th May and tickets are £26.50 with concessions £15 from southmillarts.co.uk or 01279 710200.

Raise money for St Clare Hospice

With its stunning views over London, The Terrace at Alexandra Palace’s Phoenix Bar and Kitchen is a perfect spot to enjoy part of the bank holiday and Coronation weekend.

One of London’s biggest beer gardens, it offers stunning views over the capital with this year’s opening on Saturday 6th May perfectly coinciding with both the bank holiday and Coronation celebrations and making it the perfect spot to catch the Red

Arrows Coronation flypast that day!

On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th

The Terrace will host a range of pop-up street food trucks and bars offering everything from Greek street food from Greece Lightning to fried chicken from Firebird, steak sandwiches from Steak It Easy, Cornish pasties from the Pasty Wagon and stonefired Italian pizzas from Fuoco’s as well as cocktails and craft beers, along with live music and

DJ sets. There’s no entrance fee or booking required.

The Terrace will be open from 12noon to 10pm on Saturday 6th and from 12noon to 9pm on Sunday 7th.

The Terrace will also be open on bank holiday Monday from 11am to 10pm and then every day of the week throughout the Spring and summer although the pop-up street food trucks and bars will only be in place from Fridays to Sundays.

If you’re planning your own Coronation celebrations with family and friends why not raise a bucket to St Clare Hospice while you’re raising your glasses? It is encouraging anyone hosting an event – from a street party to tea and cake in the garden with friends – to consider turning it into a St Clare Coronation fundraiser. You’ll find a King’s Coronation Celebration guide including a bunting sheet that can be printed and cut out to make decorations for your event at stclarehospice.org.uk.

FOOD & DRINK

The George IV unveils Tapas-style Spring menu

The same menu will be available at both lunchtime and in the evening, bar one dish (southern fried chicken wrap) which is for lunchtime only, from Wednesday to Saturday. On Sundays, the usual Sunday menu including a choice of roasts will be served.

The George IV at Great Amwell has launched a new Spring menu featuring a selection of Tapas-style dishes intended for sharing at the table.

Chef Oliver D’Arcy has moved away from the traditional starters, mains and desserts style of menu and created a series of medium-sized dishes that you can make a meal of by ordering several plates to be shared between friends. All dishes are freshly prepared so each will be

Sharing dishes on the menu at Cote this Spring

French brasserie chain Cote has launched its new Spring menu designed by the group’s executive chef Steve Allen.

The new dishes use fresh, seasonal ingredients to showcase classic French cuisine.

To celebrate the French tradition of sharing there are a number of new ‘For the Table’ dishes that includes a charcuterie board of Bayonne ham, truffle saucisson, coppa ham and cornichons, served with crusty sourdough baguette with Brittany salt butter. There’s also a baked Camembert with a herb and lemon breadcrumb crust, honey marinated cherry tomatoes and freshly baked sourdough baguette;

served as soon as they are ready. There is a wide range of options to choose from, including Padron peppers; an heirloom tomato tart with broccoli and boccachini; hot wings with hot sauce and green chilli slaw; and lamb croquettes with lovage aioli. The menu also features smaller versions of old favourites such as The George IV burger (which you might want to keep all to yourself!).

There is a choice of desserts including a cheeseboard too.

Coronation at The George IV For the Coronation weekend, The George IV will be open on all three days including Monday when food will be served from the new menu between 12noon and 4.30pm, with the pub closing at 6pm. Both Pimms and a special cocktail, the King Royale (think Kir Royale with a new name!) will be available, as well as a guest ale, Greene King’s Coronation Golden Ale. The George IV is in Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell SG12 9SW. Call 01920 870039 or visit georgeivpub.co.uk.

Lussmanns rings the changes with new selection of seasonal dishes

Spring has arrived at Lussmanns with a new selection of starters that includes a North African bean and chickpea soup; south coast mackerel with parmentier potatoes; woodland-reared Sussex ham hock terrine; and an MSC cod cheek and Scottish langoustine bisque.

There are new mains too that include an organic feather blade of beef; free-range Label Anglais chicken chasseur; halibut with Norfolk brown shrimps and creamed spinach; and a vegetarian Linguine Fiorentina with vegan Nduja, sun-blushed tomatoes, spinach and walnuts.

cheese gougeres (golden baked choux buns with Emmental cheese served with Dijon mustard mayonnaise); and smoked salmon croquettes made with yellow peppers, dill and red onions.

A new cheese soufflé for starters has been designed for extra luxury with a rich creamy Camembert replacing the Comte traditionally used in this Normandy classic. Among the new mains are a free range, grass fed lamb rump served with ratatouille and finished with a salty black olive tapenade and fragrant basil; and confit duck bigarade with

glazed golden beetroot, fennel, mangetout and a bitter orange sauce.

Desserts include an elderflower and strawberry crème brulee and an almond financier – warm almond butter cake served with sour cherry compote and vanilla ice cream.

Launched in 2007 Cote now has more than 80 restaurants across the UK. Our nearest are at 1-3 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6AL (01707 246122) and 17 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LD (01279 657190).

The new pudding for Spring, also vegan, is poached Yorkshire rhubarb with blood orange sorbet. Andrei Lussmann’s small family of award-winning, sustainable restaurants has five Hertfordshire locations including Hertford. The others are in St Albans, Harpenden, Hitchin and Berkhamsted.

As well as the a la carte menu a Locals Set Menu, available between 12noon and 6.30pm daily, offers two courses for £19.95 or three for £23.95 and features a number of the new Spring dishes. The Hertford restaurant is at 83 Fore Street SG14 1AL. Call 01992 929500 or visit lussmanns.com to book.

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Mission accomplished

Mission Estate is a multiaward-winning winery and an iconic New Zealand landmark located in the heart of Hawke’s Bay.

Established in 1851 by French missionaries, it is New Zealand’s oldest winery and home to a heritage like no other. Not only was Mission Estate the nation’s first vineyard, it was also where, in 1963 Fontanella sparkling wine was

DINING OUT GUIDE

launched, New Zealand’s first Methode Traditionelle. Paul Mooney, who has been the estate’s passionate winemaker since 1979, crafts a wide range of classic red and white varietals characterised by purity of flavour, finesse and delicacy. Paul imparts the very essence of Mission’s French heritage winemaking philosophy into both its Hawke’s Bay and its Marlborough wines.

Mission Estate is considered a guardian of the missionaries’ heritage and land, and for more than 20 years it has been proud to be a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

In 1998, it was also one of the first wineries in New Zealand to be certified with the internationally recognised environmental management system ISO 14001. Both certifications represent Mission’s ongoing commitment and dedication to minimising its impact on the environment. The vineyard produces a vast range with the lightly oaked Chardonnay (£14) and the stunning Grimblett Gravels (Hawke’s Bay) Cabernet Sauvignon (£16.50), pictured here, being among Cavavin’s favourites.

You can buy the wines 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 just outside Harlow, surrounded by countryside and close to the river. It serves freshly-cooked pub food, including a pie of the day and other pub classics, together with a good selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes.

Thursday night is Steak Night with two steaks and a bottle of wine for £50. 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. It also has a large, sunny garden area.

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

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

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

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

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