Axis magazine December 2023 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally Merry Christmas to all our readers: December 2023

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE ‘TIS THE SEASON...

Our town centres take on a festive feel

SHOPPING NEWS

New openings in Hertford and Sawbridgeworth

OH YES THERE IS...

... Still time to book this year’s panto favourites

SING! SING! SING!

Your guide to Christmas carol concerts

FOOD AND DRINK

Vodina opens in Ware and a new Chinese for Hertford

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WELCOME

DECEMBER 2023 | NO. 251

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-11 y Briefing The latest news on the biggest local developments

13 y Shopping news The Gift Room opens and Hertford Cake Co moves across town

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)

19-23 y What’s on Your guide to panto, carol concerts, Christmas events and festive films

24-27 y Food & drink New openings Vodina in Ware and The Golden Dragon in Hertford

11 y Lights, camera, action: Hertfordshire Film Festival launches 27 y Book for Christmas: Find local restaurants in our dining out guide Front cover images (clockwise from top) Wonka, this month’s blockbuster release showing at local cinemas (p20); Santa, who will be visiting Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne (p20); Hoddesdon town centre; Snow White panto at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar (p23); Ware Bear in Ware High Street; Festive window at The Brewery Tap in Ware High Street.

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. axis magazine 3

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Closure of swimming pool highlights funding crisis The scale of the financial pressures being faced by our local councils became evident in November with news that Buntingford’s Ward Freman swimming pool is to close at the end of December as there is no money available to fund essential repairs.

The site in Bowling Green Lane is owned by Hertfordshire County Council though East Herts District Council is responsible for running the service, something it contracts out to operator Everyone Active.

Everyone Active has told East Herts that it does not believe it is safe to run the pool beyond the end of the current school term.

To get the facility up to the minimum required standards, upgrades, including to the pool’s filtration and tanks, are needed at an estimated cost of half a million pounds. These would take 20-22 weeks to complete.

In the meantime, the operator is implementing short term solutions to mitigate any health and safety risks including regular microbiological testing due to the risk of cryptosporidium and placing coverings on raised tiles that have the potential to injure swimmers.

But East Herts Council has said that neither it nor the county council currently have the funds

Ward Freman pool: Neither local council has the money to fund its repairs, says Cllr Sarah Hopewell

available to carry out the works.

The pool will close while options for its future are assessed, during which time all staff will be offered redeployment opportunities.

East Herts says it will continue to work with the county council and the local community to establish if there are any sustainable community-led options for the future operation of the pool. These could include a community or ‘Friends’ group taking over operation of the pool going forward.

Council officers will assess any proposals and present a report detailing these to the council’s leading executive group in the

Spring of next year.

Cllr Sarah Hopewell, the Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council, said: “It is with much disappointment that we announce the closure of Ward Freman swimming pool, owing to the need to address repair issues at the site and its facilities.

“Since we were elected earlier this year, local ward councillors and I have made significant efforts to investigate alternative options to the pool’s closure.

“However, neither Hertfordshire County Council nor East Herts Council currently have the funding available to invest in the repair

works. We are continuing discussions and looking to work with the local community to identify a sustainable community-led solution to operating the pool moving forwards, so that it might once again service the local community.”

Community organisations interested in providing investment and committing to the pool’s ongoing management can contact customer. services@eastherts.gov.uk.

Other facilities at the Ward Freman site including the multi-use games area, tennis courts, football pitches and sports field, are unaffected by the pool closure and will remain open.

Last-minute deal averts prospect of Christmas bin strike in East Herts A strike by refuse workers in East Herts that threatened to disrupt local bin collections in the lead-up to Christmas was averted on Tuesday 28th November with just 24 hours to spare.

Members of the GMB Union who work for Urbaser, the waste company that holds the contract to provide waste collection and street cleansing services to a partnership of East and North Herts Councils, had voted in favour of strike action due to ongoing issues relating to sick pay and wage increases.

With no agreement reached, an

estimated 70 bin lorry drivers, rubbish collectors and street sweepers had been set to walk out on Wednesday 29th November.

Pickets of Urbaser depots in Letchworth and Buntingford had also been planned.

However, a last-minute deal was struck between the parties and the planned industrial action averted.

Tim Guile, Regional Manager at Urbaser, said: “We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement, averting the industrial action scheduled for Wednesday.

We believe the agreement is a great

result for all parties involved. It reflects Urbaser’s dedication to our employees’ well-being and our commitment to providing high-quality services to the North and East Hertfordshire communities.”

Urbaser’s seven-year contract to provide services to the two councils began in May 2018.

The company says it has now negotiated a two-year agreement with the GMB Union to ensure continuity of services in Hertfordshire for the remaining term of the contract. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Free skating rink in disused Bishop’s Stortford car park after Christmas

The disused Charringtons car park in the centre of Bishop’s Stortford is to be home to a free festive skating rink for three days between Christmas and New Year.

Accommodating up to 50 skaters at any one time, the rink will be open on Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th December from 10am to 4pm, with hourly sessions offered on a first come first served basis with no booking

required. Skates will be provided.

The rink is eco-friendly, created from a synthetic material that can be recycled.

In comparison with a ‘real ice’ rink, this saves around 350 litres of diesel per day and 14,000 litres of water.

The rink is being provided by East Herts Council, Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and Bishop’s Stortford BID working together.

Retired fire dog Reqs rewarded with medal by PDSA for his service in Hertfordshire He retired in the summer but he’s still in the spotlight – Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s former fire investigation dog Reqs has now been honoured by the PDSA! The charity, which provides veterinary care to hundreds of thousands of sick and injured pets whose owners cannot afford their treatment, last month honoured the 12-year-old black Labrador with a PDSA medal for his unwavering devotion to duty and service to society during his 11-year career.

The PDSA Animal Awards Programme was established in 1943 by the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin.

She believed that, if animals were recognised for their heroic actions, it would help to raise their status in society, ensuring they are better treated.

The PDSA Order of Merit awarded to Reqs is one of four different awards available and recognises animals who display outstanding devotion above and beyond normal companionship, and animal acts that symbolise their special relationship with humans.

To date it has been awarded to 42 animals including 12 horses and 30 dogs.

Reqs’ career began in 2012 after he was chosen from his litter for having the correct attributes and high drive to become a fire investigation dog.

After undergoing specialist training he joined Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service where he worked until July, becoming Britain’s longest serving fire investigation dog.

6 axis magazine

New Theobalds Enterprise Centre officially opened

Reqs with his medal from the PDSA and with handler Nikki Harvey

During his career he attended more than 500 fires where his job was to provide vital support to fire investigators, helping to identify the presence of ignitable liquids such as petrol, white spirit and lighter fluid, which were often used as critical evidence in court.

He assisted in many high profile investigations for crimes including murder and attempted murder.

PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin said: “We’re incredibly proud to be honouring Reqs with our PDSA Order of Merit.

His outstanding devotion to duty and service to society has been demonstrated time and again through his long career, and his

exceptional skills go above and beyond that of normal companionship, making him a very worthy recipient of the award.”

Reqs’ handler and owner Nikki Harvey, who has worked for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for 30 years, said she was very proud of him, describing him as an amazing dog who had been a huge asset to the community and who was also a loving member of her family.

She said he was currently enjoying every minute of his retirement, playing with his toys, and going on long walks.

You can find out more about the work of the PDSA at pdsa.org.uk.

The new £10million Theobalds Enterprise Centre, designed to support the economic growth of the Borough of Broxbourne, was opened on Tuesday 7th November.

It provides fully managed office and studio spaces to start-up and growing small and medium size businesses, with a reception, conference rooms, breakout areas, onsite café, bicycle parking and shower and changing facilities.

Situated on the A10 in Cheshunt, the centre is one of two in the borough, jointly funded by Broxbourne Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The other, the Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre, opened in 2016 and is now home to more than 40 businesses. When fully occupied the new Theobalds Enterprise Centre will be home to 54. Both centres are managed by Oxford Innovation Space.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, the chair of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, called it: “a centre that is truly fit for the future.”

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BRIEFING

Ware Priory Lido offers cold water swimming

When Ware Priory Lido announced at the beginning of last month that it was to offer special festive swim sessions on Christmas and New Year’s Day they sold out within hours of going online.

Now the open air pool in the grounds of Ware Priory is offering cold water swimming in January with sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings throughout next month.

Cold water swimming is reputed to bring numerous health benefits – improving circulation, boosting the immune system and increasing endorphin levels.

The lido is offering cold water monthly passes for January priced at £35 which enable you to attend as many swim sessions as you like during that month. Single sessions

Come on in, the water’s lovely... if a little on the chilly side!

are also bookable at £6.75 for adults, £3.75 concessions. At the time Axis went to press more than 70 monthly passes had already been sold. And if all goes well with the January sessions, the activity could be extended further into 2024.

To help swimmers new to cold water swimming ensure that they

acclimatise to the chilly temperatures safely the lido is also hosting 30-minute cold water induction sessions.

You can find more information on cold water swim sessions, inductions, and additional festive swim sessions that have been scheduled between Christmas and New Year online at warepriorylido.co.uk.

Delight as ticket office closure plans scrapped The scrapping of controversial nationwide plans to close train station ticket offices has been warmly welcomed locally.

The Rail Delivery Group which represents mainline train companies had wanted to close ticket offices and redeploy staff to flexible roles assisting customers around stations. But the proposals were widely opposed.

The Borough of Broxbourne, which is home to Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Rye House and Waltham Cross stations, had said that while fewer passengers were using ticket offices, “the personal contact at the point of purchase remains important for many.”

And it said ticket machines simply could not replace the guidance that is offered by staff, especially when travellers were buying tickets for complex journeys.

Hertfordshire County Council had said the proposals went “too far too fast” and had expressed concern that not enough consideration had been given to the difficulties faced by many passengers, particularly those with visual impairments and those without access to the internet or a smart mobile device.

Welcoming the announcement made on 31st October by Trans8 axis magazine

A demonstration opposing the plans was held at Hertford East station

port Secretary Mark Harper, Hertfordshire County Council’s executive member for Highways and Transport Cllr Phil Bibby, said: “Common sense has prevailed! At a time when we are trying to encourage more people to use public transport the rail industry should be doing all it can to attract passengers rather than putting barriers in the way.”

Instead, Cllr Bibby said, there were wider reforms to fares and ticketing that could make rail travel easier.

He said: “We encourage government to push through its long-awaited proposals to simplify train fares and support the roll-out

of contactless ticketing while also working with Transport for London to include more Hertfordshire stations in Zone 6.”

Hertford and Stortford Labour Party had organised and taken part in cross-party demonstrations opposing the plans at stations across the constituency and the party’s parliamentary spokesman Josh Dean said huge credit was due to the many residents who had called for offices to be protected by both taking part in an online consultation as well as joining the demonstrations.

He said: “This is a huge victory for rail passengers across Hertford and Stortford.”

Council to take no further action against former Chairman

East Herts Council has said it won’t be taking any further action in relation to the complaint made to it by Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson about the conduct of its former Chairman and Green Party councillor Martin Butcher.

Mr Butcher stood down as Chairman in October just five months after being appointed following a political storm over his activity on social media. He had retweeted comments that were interpreted by political opponents as criticising Israel following Hamas’s 7th October attacks.

He also resigned the Green Party whip, becoming an independent councillor on East Herts Council – although he remains a Green Party councillor on Ware Town Council and Deputy Mayor of Ware.

The council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, James Ellis, said case law had determined that if not about council business, it was reasonable for a councillor to be able to make comments without being in breach of its code of conduct.

He said he had also considered Cllr Butcher’s position as Chairman of the council, a role which the council’s constitution requires to be “apolitical”. Mr Ellis said that clearly the tweets and retweets referred to by Mrs Marson were not apolitical “and would have been problematic with regards to Cllr Butcher’s position as Chairman of the council.” However, he said that as Cllr Butcher had stepped down from the role there is nothing more for him to consider.

Mrs Marson said she was disappointed that the complaint was not capable of further consideration.

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BRIEFING

Herts Film Festival seeks the next generation of filmmakers The dates have been announced for the next Hertfordshire Film Festival, offering a chance for aspiring young local filmmakers to put their work in front of industry professionals and potentially see it shown on the big screen over the two-day event.

The festival partners with Watford Palace Theatre, the University of Hertfordshire, creative arts organisation Cathartic, Watford Borough Council and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

It aims to offer the next generation of filmmaking talent – young people aged 11-25 who live, work or study in Hertfordshire – the chance to share their work with a wider audience.

The festival will take place at Watford Palace Theatre on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th April 2025 with a submissions portal set to open online in early 2024 and closing in January 2025.

From the submitted work, industry professionals will draw up a shortlist of films to be shown at the festival, with two prize winners

also chosen by the selection panel.

The prize for the best film in the 11-17-year-old category will be an industry screening at Warner Bros.

Studios Leavesden and a family ticket to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter.

The 18-25-year-old prize winners will also receive an industry screening at the studios plus lunch with Dan Dark, executive vice president Warner Bros. Studio Operations, on his next UK visit.

In collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and Cathartic, the festival will also run a skills development workshop in early January 2024 aimed at under-represented filmmakers in the Hertfordshire area.

James Williams, associate director of Watford Palace Theatre, said: “Hertfordshire Film Festival is back, and Watford Palace Theatre is delighted to be a platform for young filmmakers showcasing their creative talents.”

To find out more about the festival, visit hertsfilmfest.co.uk.

Harlow Museum also set for revamp These newly released impressions show how College Square and the new Playhouse Pavillion could look

Harlow releases a vision of its new cultural quarter Harlow Council has released the latest designs for its planned £20million makeover of the area around the Playhouse to create a new cultural quarter for the town.

The scheme is being funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and will create an area that forms a new western gateway to Harlow town centre as part of its wider regeneration.

It is designed to complement and improve upon Harlow Playhouse’s existing offering and both the

venue and nearby St Paul’s Church will be very much at the heart of the area being regenerated, where a new public square and park are being created.

The Playhouse will get a new café and booking office while the scheme will also provide new performance and exhibition spaces, a music school and recording studios, flexible studio spaces as well as a new location for the Gibberd Gallery, which is currently housed within Harlow Council’s offices

at the Civic Centre in the nearby Water Gardens.

High quality residential apartments are also being built which will support delivery of the scheme.

The council held a public consultation on its plans on dates in November and early this month and a planning application for the scheme is expected to be submitted shortly.

Subject to planning approval work on the scheme could start early next year.

Harlow Museum is also set for a major refurbishment, with a new café, extended exhibition space and a new learning centre proposed at the venue.

Harlow Council has submitted a planning application that it says, if approved, will mark the first stage of a long-term plan to enhance the museum service.

The proposals include building a new classroom in the walled gardens, extending exhibition space in the courtyard and creating a new café and community space on the side of the former Scouts building on First Avenue.

Subject to planning permission being achieved the council will need to secure external grant funding to help it deliver the plans. axis magazine 11

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

The Gift Room opens its doors in Sawbridgeworth The Gift Room opened its doors in Sawbridgeworth’s Bell Street at the end of October in perfect time for the festive period.

Owned and run by Kelly Jordan and her daughter Lillyrose, the shop offers greeting cards, gift wrap and a wide selection of high quality but affordable present ideas – from candles and chocolates to scarves, jewellery, handbags and homewares.

Occasions such as Christmas and Mother’s Day will see new seasonal ranges added.

The pair source the items they stock from brands that they knew and others they have discovered, with the aim of offering high quality and unique products.

There are purses and bags from Katie Loxton, jewellery from Joma Jewellery as well as a selection of jewellery cards and candles from Crumble and Core, hand-poured

candles from St Albans-based Potters Crouch, ethically produced handmade chocolates from Choc Affair – and much more including personalised balloons and balloon artistry.

The shop can be found in refurbished premises that were, until its closure back in July, home to The Green Room.

The Gift Room is open from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

It is at 29 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AR, call 01279 726100.

The Gift Room and Kelly Jordan, who runs its with her daughter Lillyrose

Hertford Cake Co moves across town and expands with new bakery café Hertford Cake Co, one of the town’s best-loved independent businesses, has moved from its previous takeaway premises in St Andrew Street across town to Fore Street.

The relocation, which happened on 4th November, provides extra space for the family-run business, enabling customers to have coffee and cake inside in a new seating area with up to 20 covers as well as to take away.

The business, which is run by Shannon Killingback and James Delaney, was set up in 2015.

James says: “We believe in doing things the right way; everything we offer is baked and served fresh using the best ingredients we can find. We are extremely pleased to introduce our brand new flagship bakery café. We wanted to detach ourselves from our previous image of ‘cake shop’ and show what we truly are, a bakery which specialises in cake. Since opening in 2015 we have welcomed thousands of customers through our door which to us is a huge success. We are extremely grateful for every single customer, especially as the last six months in the lead-up to the move

have been an absolute whirlwind!”

Hertford Cake Co offers everything from cupcakes and birthday cakes to brownies, milkshakes and desserts.

You can choose from a selection in store or order in advance for collection at either its Buntingford-based bakery or the new bakery café.

You can find its new home at 91 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AS. Visit hertfordcakeco.com for more information. l The first picture above shows Shannon Killingback and James Delaney with their son Sonny.

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axis magazine 13

BRIEFING

JULIE MARSON

MP FOR HERTFORD & STORTFORD From Remembrance Sunday to school visits and the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement...

I was deeply humbled to lay wreaths at the Remembrance services in Hertford and Ware.

Others kindly laid wreaths on my behalf in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth.

As your Member of Parliament, I also had the privilege to plant a Remembrance Tribute in Parliament’s Constituency Garden of Remembrance, in memory of all from Hertford and Stortford who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Good news on parcels

I welcome the great news that the Kingshill Post Office in Ware will be the first in a tranche of branches

offering a new parcel delivery service – just in time for Christmas! This will give customers more choice and convenience when buying postage in-branch.

School visits

I was pleased to speak to students at the Bishop’s Stortford High School and lead an assembly about Parliament Week. Many of the students had been studying politics, while many others hadn’t. It was a real pleasure to talk to the students about life as an MP. I also had a wonderful opportunity to visit Hunsdon School and lead an assembly about Parliament

Week. The children were magnificently dressed as political characters, from suffragettes to Ghandi!

SEND provision disappointment

I share the deep disappointment many Hertford and Stortford parents feel about the recent Ofsted/ Care Quality Commission report into special educational needs (SEND) provision in Hertfordshire, which rated the Hertfordshire Local Partnership as Inadequate.

It is right that they accepted the report and apologised to the families that did not receive the support they need and deserve.

Hertfordshire County Council will submit an action plan on 19th December, and have announced £5million extra investment in

statutory SEND services and the creation of 1,000 new SEND school places.

Since becoming your MP I’ve lobbied for more funding for SEND, and I have invited the Children’s Minister to come to Hertford and Stortford so that parents, headteachers and I can raise the need for urgent improvements in SEND provision in Hertfordshire.

The Autumn Statement

It was very welcome to see the Chancellor’s announcements in the Autumn Statement. It delivered the biggest package of tax cuts at a fiscal event since the 1980s and signalled a determination to strengthen our economy and boost economic growth. I was delighted with measures for our pubs, and our hospitality and high street businesses. These will help our local small businesses. l As always, I will continue to work hard for you as your Member of Parliament. Please do not hesitate to contact me at julie. marson.mp@parliament.uk – I am here to help.

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Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents: A Year of Community Connection and Support

I

n the heart of our vibrant community, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents is celebrating its first year of operation with a resounding commitment to local engagement. Beyond the realms of property transactions, the agency has become a pillar of support for the community, fostering connections that extend far beyond general estate agency dealings.

One of the standout initiatives that defined the agency’s first year was its unwavering support for local schools. In a delightful Easter surprise, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents distributed Easter eggs to every child in a nearby school and nursery, spreading joy and sweetness throughout the community. But the agency’s commitment to education didn’t stop there. Recognising and encouraging young artistic talent, the agency organised drawing competitions with enticing gift cards for the winners, further inspiring creativity and camaraderie among young people. It even commissioned a local art student to produce three pieces of art for the new office!

As Christmas approaches, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents have fully integrated themselves into the community.

In the autumn, going above and beyond the traditional role of an estate agent, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents opened a free Wellbeing Hub for local residents. This hub serves as a haven for community members seeking support and connection.

From mental health resources to community events, the Wellbeing Hub has become a central space for fostering a

sense of belonging and support in the community at NO COST. Understanding the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents introduced informative workshops tailored to their needs. These workshops provided valuable insights into the intricate process of purchasing a home, offering guidance on navigating the home buying market, securing financing, and making informed decisions. This initiative not only reflected the agency’s commitment to client education but also showcased their dedication to ensuring that the dream of homeownership is accessible to all.

All of this community work resulted in Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents being shortlisted for the Community Champion category in The Negotiator Awards for 2023.

In just one year, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents have gone from being a newcomer to an integral part of the community fabric.

By prioritising community engagement, supporting local schools, organising events, providing a Wellbeing Hub and empowering first-time homebuyers, the agency has proven that its commitment to the community extends far beyond the confines of property transactions.

As Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents embarks on its second year, the community can eagerly anticipate the continuation of this remarkable journey of connection, support, and shared prosperity.

19 High Street, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8AA | 01920 633333 | petercuffaro.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO VISIT

Where to find the best carol concerts this Christmas Taking part in a communal carol service is a great way to get that festive feeling. Here’s our guide for where to go to get singing!

Carols at the Castle

In Hertford, Carols at the Castle takes place at Hertford Castle on Friday 8th December at 5.30pm and the singing is led by members of Hertford Choral Society. It is free to attend and donations to the Mayor of Hertford’s Appeal Fund are welcome.

Ware’s annual Carol Concert

In Ware, the annual Carol Concert organised by Ware Town Council is held on Sunday 17th December at 3.30pm, accompanied by Ware Brass. It takes place outside on the front lawn of Ware Priory. There will be mulled wine for sale with proceeds going to the Mayor of Ware’s Charity.

Carols by Candlelight

This Joyous Night from Hertford Choral Society

Hertford Choral Society’s Christmas concert is called This Joyous Night, and features Christmas music and carols. It’s on Saturday 16th December at 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church in Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY. Tickets £16 (reserved), £12 (unreserved), £4 students via ticketsource.co.uk or by email to tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk.

Hertfordshire Chorus at Haileybury

Hertfordshire Chorus will be at Haileybury College in Hertford Heath to present Christmas at Haileybury, a festive feast of carols for all the family, on Sunday 17th December. It’s at 6pm in Big School, Haileybury SG13 7NU. Tickets £15 and £10, or £5 for children and students. Visit hertfordshirechorus.org.uk/tickets.

Carols by Candlelight are accompanied by the traditional sound of Broxbourne Handbell Ringers at United Reformed Church in Mill Lane, Broxbourne on Sunday 17th December at 6.30pm. Seasonal refreshments follow and all are welcome to come along and take part.

Gay’s Newsagents 28 FORE STREET, HERTFORD SG14 1BY

Musical director Manvinder Rattan leads Hertford Choral Society Left: Hertfordshire Chorus will sing at Haileybury

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axis magazine 19

WHAT’S ON

Christmas experiences, from Elizabethan days to seeing Santa Hatfield Park

Hatfield Park has a new Christmas experience… Fantastical Christmas Revels hosted by Queen Elizabeth I, a unique visitor experience influenced by the venue’s rich Tudor history and heritage.

The event runs all month until Sunday 31st December and is open every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Visitors will be able to experience life during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign as they step back in time through a series of installations that pay homage to the Tudor period, an age of regality and wonder.

Highlights include a life size Tudor carriage adorned with intricate details; mummers performing traditional plays; live music from Tudor musicians; a banquet table laden with lavish decorations; the Christmas Kissing Bough adorned with holly, ivy and, of course, mistletoe; and the grand finale – a towering, im-

posing figure of Queen Elizabeth I herself.

Tickets are £28 for adults, £14 for children aged 5-15; £72 for a family of up to two adults and four children.

To book your tickets, visit hatfield-house.co.uk.

Epping Ongar Railway

Take the family on board one of Epping Ongar Railway’s Santa Specials on dates in November and December. The heritage railway offers a two-and-a-halfhour experience that includes collection by vintage bus from either Epping on Ongar, festive entertainment while you wait to board the train at North Weald, and a train journey through ancient Epping Forest with activities on board as well as a visit from Santa with gifts for children.

Trains run on various dates in late November and throughout December. Various prices from £110 for a family of four. To book visit eorailway.co.uk.

All aboard for the Epping Ongar Railway’s Santa Special

Paradise Wildlife Park

Book your tickets now to see Santa at Paradise Wildlife Park this month. Father Christmas will be in situ at the zoo in Broxbourne every weekend from Saturday 2nd December and then every day from Wednesday 20th until Sunday 24th December. Entry to Santa’s Grotto is included in your day ticket. Book now at pwpark.com.

Van Hage Garden Centre

Santa will be in his grotto at Van Hage garden centre on various dates throughout December.

Tickets, which must be prebooked online, cost £12.50 per child plus £1.50 booking fee per family group (up to four) to include a gift from Santa. The centre is in Pepper Hill, Great Amwell SG12 9RP Visit vanhage.co.uk for details.

At the movies: Five festive crackers to see this Christmas season man, Rowan Atkinson and Matt Lucas, the film includes scenes shot by the lakes in Verulamium Park, St Albans.

to save their country?

The Inseparables (U) Out on Friday 8th December

Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. To defeat him, Aquaman must forge an unlikely alliance with his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis. The two must set aside their differences to protect their kingdom.

A heart-warming, animated buddy adventure from the writers of Toy Story. The Inseparables tells the story of Don a puppet with boundless imagination, and DJ Doggie Dog, a forsaken stuffed animal, who cross paths in New York City and pair up against all the odds for an epic adventure of friendship in the big city.

The Three Musketeers: Milady (TBC) Out on Friday 15th December Timothee Chalamet plays the young Willy Wonka

Wonka (TBC) Out on Friday 8th December

Timothee Chalamet is a young Willy Wonka, the extraordinary character made famous in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate 20 axis magazine

Factory. This vivid big screen spectacle introduces us to a young man chock-full of ideas and determined to prove that the best things in life begin with a dream. Also starring Olivia Col-

When Milady Constance is kidnapped before D’Artagnan’s very eyes the young musketeer joins forces with the mysterious Milady de Winter in a quest to save her. But as France descends into chaos the musketeers face a terrible choice: will they have to sacrifice those they love in order

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (TBC) Out on Friday 22nd December

The Boy and the Heron (12A) Out on Friday 29th December

This semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death and creation from Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki tells the story of a young boy called Mahito who, yearning for his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning.

CCelebration elebration ttime, ime, ccome ome oon! n!

Brought to you by the Borough of Broxbourne…

Christmas and New Year festivities are just around the corner and with that comes a varied and fun selection of events for the whole community to enjoy!

Festival of

Carols Both Waltham Cross and Hoddesdon town centres will host the popular Festival of Carols which will bring together students from local schools to perform some of the people’s favourite Christmas Carols. The performances will take place on 6, 8 and 13 December between 9.30am and 3pm.

YEAR

STREET

FAIR NEW

New Year Street Fairs will help wrap up 2023 with the Hoddesdon event starting on 29 December until 2 January between 11am and 7pm, and the Waltham Cross one starting from 30 December until 2 January, between 11am and 7pm. There will be a wide variety of market stalls with unique products on offer, music and street performances.

Weekly markets will continue throughout December in both town centres every Wednesday and Friday with additional market days in Waltham Cross on Sunday 3, 10, 17 and 24 December 2023.

But it doesn’t end there!

To find out more about all the upcoming events in the Borough of Broxbourne visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/events

CK231179

Nominations for the Borough of Broxbourne Awards, a ceremony that recognises outstanding achievements from the local community, are open now, closing on 31 January. Make sure you nominate your local hero.

A fantastic line-up of events is already scheduled for 2024, including family fun with the CHEXS Easter Egg Hunt at Cedars Park on 16 March, from 12noon-4pm. On 20 April, 12noon-4pm, St. George’s Day will make a return to Grundy Park, along with everyone’s favourite dragon and knight in shining armour. On 27 April the community can look forward to a good selection of market stalls and entertainment at the Spring Fair and Heritage Day in Hoddesdon, between 10am and 4pm.

Broxbourne Theatre Company

Jack and the

Beanstalk 10th-14th Jan 2024 Wed-Fri at 7:30pm Sat at 2:00pm and 6:30pm Sun at 2:00pm

A Traditional Family Pantomime

by Ben Crocker

The Spotlight, Hoddesdon Box Office 01992 441946

www.BroxbourneTheatreCompany.co.uk

A Traditional Family Pantomime

Musical Director Aron Sood Choreographer Emma Rogers

Written & Directed

by Marc Day

Supported by Love Hoddesdon

Don’t miss out on seeing this festive feast for all the family!

Tickets from £18 Box Office: 01992 441946 | thespotlightvenue.com The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE

22 axis magazine

WHAT’S ON

The best pantos to see this Christmas and New Year!

It’s December, which can mean only one thing – it’s wall-to-wall panto time at our local theatres and arts centres!

Here is a quick guide to what’s on where at our major local venues this year; a fun time is guaranteed wherever you go...

Cinderella The Spotlight, Hoddesdon

The Spotlight’s production of the all-time great panto tale of Cinders, her Prince and the ugly sisters runs from Tuesday 12th through to Saturday 30th December this year. Tickets start at £18 and can be booked at thespotlightvenue.com or by calling 01992 441946.

Beauty and the Beast Harlow Playhouse

The Playhouse’s panto is always a spectacular one and this year’s offering of Beauty and the Beast is no different. Running from Friday 1st December until Sunday 7th January, tickets start from £15 and can booked online at harlowplayhouse.co.uk or through the box office on 01279 431945.

Snow White Wyllyotts Theatre

Snow White, that enchanting panto story, comes to Potters Bar’s Wyllyotts Theatre from Friday 15th to Sunday 31st December. Ticket prices start at

£16.50 and you can book your seats now at wyllyottstheatre. co.uk or on 01707 645005.

Cinderella South Mill Arts

Cinderella is also being staged at South Mill Arts in Bishop’s Stortford, from Saturday 9th December until Tuesday 2nd January.

Tickets are from £23.50 and can be booked at southmillarts.co.uk or by calling 01279 710200.

Puss in Boots Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society

HDOS presents the traditional panto Puss in Boots at the Studio Theatre in Pegs Lane, Hertford from Thursday 4th to Sunday 14th January. Performances are at 7pm weekdays, 3pm and 7pm Saturday and 3pm on Sundays.

Tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for children aged 16 and under. Book at ticketsource.co.uk.

Cinderella’s Ugly Sisters from The Spotlight panto

Jack and the Beanstalk Broxbourne Theatre Company

Broxbourne Theatre Company’s annual panto outing is always a treat and this year’s offering is Jack and the Beanstalk, from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th January at The Spotlight in Hoddesdon. Tickets are £19.50 – see broxbournetheatrecompany. co.uk for more details or book at the spotlightvenue.com or call 01992 441946.

See Snow White at Wyllyotts or Puss in Boots at Hertford’s Studio Theatre

Present Arts at Parndon Mill

Christmas Fun Day at Courtyard Arts

The annual Present Arts exhibition at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow features affordable artwork for sale by a variety of artists including paintings, ceramics, prints, jewellery and cards that make ideal presents.

The exhibition runs until Saturday 23rd December and admission is free.

The gallery is in Parndon Mill Lane, off Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM20 2HP. For opening times visit parndonmill.co.uk.

Courtyard Arts in Hertford hosts a Christmas Fun Day on Saturday 9th December.

There’s the chance to browse as well as purchase pieces in the Courtyard Arts’ Members’ Show, as well as to find festive gifts in the shop, hear carols from The Courtyard Quartet and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

There’s also a colouring competition for children.

The festive event runs from 11am to 2pm and entry is free.

Courtyard Arts is in Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA. Visit courtyardarts.co.uk for more details.

Snow Forest by Suman Gujral is showing at Present Arts

axis magazine 23

at Christmas

Festive menu just released!

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Ritchie’s 26/09/2023 17:32

wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

The perfect wine matches for your Christmas dinner Christmas dinner is the biggest event of the year for many families, but planning and preparing for the occasion can be fraught with problems. Here at Cavavin we aim to take at least one of the problems away with this guide to how to pair the perfect wines for your day.

APERITIF Cremant de Loire, £14.50 The nose, fresh and frank, which is perfect without food, is distinguished by its delicate aromas of white flowers which give way to a generous basket of fruit where pear, white peach and peach mingle. The smoothness leads to a balanced mouth feel. It is all completed by a round and persistent finale where the apple brings lightness and finesse.

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop.

Find it at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk/hertford

24 axis magazine

SALMON Domaine Philippe Meslet, Saint-Nicolasde-Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, £14.50 A lighter red would suit the fuller flavours of the salmon. This wine brings a fresh red berry expression and a structure of blueberry fruit evolving discreetly onto aromas of grilled dried fruit. The attack

in the mouth is very fine, then becomes ample and round, allowing aromas of liquorice to appear.

ROAST TURKEY Nuiton Beaunoy, Cotes De Beaune, Pinot Noir, £22.50 La Chablisienne, Chablis, £18.50 With a certain amount of richness coming from the sauce and side dishes, we are going to need a white with more body and a freshness in the red to not overpower the dish, and this is where Burgundy excels. The strawberries, plums and cherries in the red and the creamy buttery structure in the white make either the perfect pairing.

DUCK/GOOSE Mission Estate Pinot Gris, £16 Match the weight with a full-bodied white wine to balance the oiliness of the meat.

This wine displays primary fruit characters of pear and apple. The palate is soft and approachable with an appealing fresh acidity that makes this wine ideal for drinking now. It shows good intensity and richness with a full round mouth feel.

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Hertford gets a Chinese restaurant again after 10 years as The Golden Dragon opens

Roxy Searle

Live music nights and online Christmas shop from The George IV

Hertford town centre finally has a new Chinese restaurant after a decade without one.

The Golden Dragon opened at the end of November in St Andrew Street, in the building that was last home to the long-established Thai eatery Baan Thitiya, which closed its doors in the Spring of this year.

It is ten years since the popular Paddyfields Chinese shut down

a little farther along St Andrew Street.

And since then, it has been takeaways only for the Chinese food-lovers of Hertford!

This is the fourth local restaurant to be opened by owner Elle Thianthong, hence its full title of The Golden Dragon: Elle’s Style Chinese Cuisine.

She also owns Elle’s Thai Kitchen and Oishii Japanese, both of

which are also in Hertford, as well as Khunnai Thai in Stanstead Abbotts.

The smartly fitted out Golden Dragon offers a large menu of classic Chinese food and creative new dishes and should certainly fill a gaping gap in the market in the county town.

You will find it at 34 St Andrew Street, Hertford – call 01992 537577 to book a table.

Baan Thitiya to launch new takeaway outlet in Hertford Meanwhile, lovers of Baan Thitiya’s authentic Thai food in Hertford will soon be able to enjoy their favourite dishes again because a takeaway and delivery outlet is being opened by the former restaurant which, as mentioned above, closed in St Andrew Street in the spring.

Ruay Rot (which means ‘rich in flavour’ in Thai) by Baan Thitiya will be opening soon just along the road at Old Cross, operating from the premises that were most recently home to the short-lived The Mexican takeaway (which was itself an offshoot of the Ware restaurant of the same name).

The new Hertford takeaway will offer both collection and delivery,

the latter through GoGetters, Deliveroo and Just Eat to the Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon areas.

The large menu will include the dishes customers have grown to expect as well as some new vegan specials.

Thai Winter Specials available at Bishop’s Stortford

Baan Thitiya first opened in 2003, with a second restaurant following four years later in Bishop’s Stortford, which is still going strong today.

The Bishop’s Stortford restaurant has just launched a Winter Specials menu which will be available until the end of February.

The George IV in Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell has launched an online Christmas shop where you can buy carefully selected top quality produce for your festive meals, ranging from a whole turkey or turkey crown to rolled rib of beef, as well as duck fat roast potatoes, DIY pigs in blankets, all the veg you could wish for and even gravy! You can order the George IV’s own secret recipe Christmas pudding too.

All the food is prepared for you and all you have to do is follow the instructions and cook it at home. You will find the full menu at georgeivpub.co.uk where you can order online.

Meanwhile, the pub has two live music nights on this month, with Roxy Searle on Friday 8th December and Maisie Berry on Friday 22nd December. Call 01920 870039 to book a table.

Shishbourne offers new breakfast menu It includes dishes such as Pla Choo Chee (monkfish curry, which is pictured above), venison steak with spicy Thai dipping sauce and Neau yang Panaeng (using premium 28-day-aged sirloin beef).

Baan Thitiya is at 102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford. Call 01279 658575 to book or visit baan-thitya.com for more details.

Shishbourne Mediterranean restaurant in Broxbourne High Road has just launched a breakfast menu which is available from 8am to 4pm seven days a week.

You can choose from a range of hearty breakfasts including a full English, Anatolian, American, Vegan Bliss, Irish, The Veggie and others at prices starting at £8.90.

Shishbourne is at 27 High Road, Broxbourne – call 01992 313198 to book. axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM VODINA RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR

Good mood and good food at newly-opened Vodina

Vodina is a new Turkish restaurant and cocktail bar that is breathing new life into the dining out scene in Ware.

It opened, in the building formerly home to Manolya, in the town’s Tudor Square, on Tuesday 7th November and in just a few weeks has already become a town favourite with a following of regular customers. It’s also receiving great reviews online.

It’s owned by Bilal Rencber, a restaurateur who has worked in hospitality for 23 years and has built up several businesses around north London and the home counties in that time.

His mantra is “Good Mood, Good Food” and his aim is to create a restaurant where people

feel as comfortable as they do in their own homes. Staff are trained to always have this in mind and there’s always a big welcome extended to customers, both regular and new.

The building has been smartly refurbished into an upmarket, welcoming space which can seat up to 60 at any one time – from couples to larger groups.

On the menu

The food is traditional Turkish cuisine and the main menu, available at every sitting, includes a good number of cold starters, hot starters, mains and house specials, along with vegetarian dishes, fish dishes, sides, soup and salads.

Mains include chicken shish, lamb chops and chicken alaturka and begin at £16, while examples of house specials are yoglurtu chicken (chicken presented on a bed of tomato sauce and croutons topped with a yoghurt and butter sauce, £20), and sarma beyti (spicy minced lamb or chicken grilled and wrapped in a tortilla, cut into small pieces and laid on a bed of tomato sauce and yoghurt and topped with melted butter, £22).

Diners can also choose from set menus for two or four people and there is a small separate menu for children too, with options such as a small chicken shish with chips for £10.

There’s a selection of desserts,

wine and cocktail menus.

Proving hugely popular is an excellent value lunch menu, available from 12noon to 3pm daily, that offers a choice of starter, main and a drink for just £12.95.

Choose your starter from six options and your main from seven.

Drinks include a glass of wine, beer, soft drink or hot drink.

The restaurant is currently open seven days a week from 12noon to 10pm. You can keep up to date with the latest news and offers on Instagram and Facebook.

Vodina 21-22 Tudor Square, Ware SG12 9XF 01920 486688 vodinarestaurant.co.uk

WARE’S FINEST DINING EXPERIENCE 21-22 Tudor Square, Ware SG12 9XF

01920 486688

www.vodinarestaurant.co.uk 26 axis magazine

DINING OUT GUIDE

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

BAAN THITIYA Thai

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV offers exceptional restaurant cuisine within a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oliver and his team serve a menu of seasonal and fresh small and large sharing plates.

The George IV can also be the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it is an intimate wedding, baby shower, birthday or a special anniversary, there is a variety of dining options to suit any occasion in the private dining room and courtyard.

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.

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.

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

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 www.baan-thitiya.com

20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555 www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

SHISHBOURNE Turkish

THE DUSTY MILLER Country pub

RONI’S Fine Dining

Shishbourne is a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant on Broxbourne High Road which is open seven days a week and offers a full menu all day, now including breakfast from 8am to 4pm. It is plush and luxurious with an unforgettable Instagrammable interior, 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 twocourse lunch menu from 12-3.30pm Monday to Friday. There is live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings too.

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 Tuesday to Saturday and from 12noon to 6.30pm on Sunday when a traditional roast is available.

Christmas bookings are now being taken.

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.

27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX 01992 313198 www.shishbourne.co.uk

Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2QS 01279 424180 www.dustymillerharlow.co.uk

16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ 01279 508856 www.ronisrestaurant.co.uk axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

SOLD

CELEBRATING

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Season’s greetings from all at Thomas Childs Let us help you in the search for your perfect new home, or in the case of our landlord clients, your perfect tenant.

We look forward to speaking with you.

LET

LET

Please call for further information or to book an appointment on 01992 721321

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com