Axis magazine August 2020 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally August 2020

INSIDE YOUR NEWS-PACKED AUGUST ISSUE POWER STRUGGLE

County council floats unitary plan that would abolish 10 local authorities

LEAVING LOCKDOWN High streets begin to recover from Covid-19

PROPERTY

Stamp Duty holiday: what can you buy locally for up to £500,000?

EAT OUT TO HELP OUT The brilliant Government scheme to help our restaurants which lets you eat out for less this month

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

AUGUST 2020 | NO. 211 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.

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For just £20 per year we’ll send you your own copy by first class post on the day of 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 below.

CONTACT US

Axis Magazine, Tooke House, 20 Bull Plain, Hertford SG14 1DT 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk

INSIDE: News 5-9 Shopping & Business News 10-11 The Experts 12-14 Property 15-18 What’s On 19-22 Food & Drink 23-27 This month’s front cover images (Clockwise from top): Coach House Kitchen at Hatfield House; Amwell House development in Ware; Brothership in Hertford’s charity prints campaign; Fort Knebworth at Knebworth House; The new film The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn.

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods Published by Axis Publications Ltd

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Will we end up with just one council for the whole of Hertfordshire?

An almighty power struggle between councils across Hertfordshire is likely to take place over the next few years after the county council launched a debate about the possibility of abolishing district and borough councils in favour of creating one single local authority for the whole county.

The Government has already signalled its interest in moving towards a system of so-called “unitary authorities” across England, a move that is also intended to lead to more directly elected mayors. It is due to publish a Devolution White Paper later this year which is expected to include the measure.

At present, under the so-called “two-tier” system, Hertfordshire has a county council which is responsible for matters such as education, social services and highways across the county, with 10 district or borough councils which have responsibility for other services, including housing, refuse collection and most planning matters. These include Broxbourne Borough Council and East Herts District Council.

A third tier, of parish or town councils, would appear to be unaffected by the proposal (see separate box below).

Knowing the direction of travel,

PICTURES: HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

County launches debate on the creation of unitary authority, with 10 local councils facing abolition

County Hall in Hertford is the current base of the county council, whose leader, David Williams is pictured above

Hertfordshire County Council commissioned a report from the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) consultancy to look into how structural reform of local government could take place and what potential benefits it might bring.

PwC delivered its report to the council in February and county council leader Cllr David Williams released its contents after making a statement to a meeting of the full council on Tuesday 21st July.

In the statement he outlined his view that reform could result in substantial benefits including: l Reducing the cost and complexity of local government; l Providing more modern and responsive services for taxpayers; and l Reinvigorating local communities.

Cllr Williams said: “We are committed to exploring the best way to organise ourselves to continue to meet the needs of our residents and provide the most

Would your town councils remain unaffected?

The PwC report does not suggest the abolition of parish or town councils which have responsibility for very local services such as allotments and cemeteries but which also often take a lead role in promoting their area and organising local events. In East Herts, these include Hertford, Ware, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Buntingford town councils. Instead, the report points out the “opportunity to review…the relationship with parish/town councils”.

effective support for the county’s economic recovery.”

He said moving to a unitary model would “improve financial stability in the years ahead by enabling significant cost savings for taxpayers by removing duplication, increasing efficiency and joining up approaches to public service delivery”.

The three options The PwC report outlined three options for the future: l Optimising co-operation between the existing county and district/borough councils; l Creating one unitary authority across the whole county; l Splitting the county in two by creating two unitary authorities. One of these would merge Broxbourne, East Herts, North Herts, Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield councils (North-East Herts) with the other (South-West Herts) formed from Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford councils.

The report suggests that creating one unitary authority could save up to £100m per year whilst the two unitary authorities model could save up to £70m per year.

However, the proposals have led to a united response from the leaders of the 10 district and borough councils, who have reacted angrily to the idea of their abolition and

the possible creation of one authority to serve the county’s 1.2million residents.

Pointing to their role in dispensing government grants and other assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, the councils say their local knowledge and services have been vital in supporting residents and businesses. They also said the timing of the proposal was poor, given the need for “an absolute focus on supporting their communities and businesses to recover from the devastating effects of Covid-19”.

The leaders said a unitary council would be too large and remote to support local communities and residents and “about three times larger than the size that Government are likely to consider suitable for local areas”.

They also pledged to begin work on developing alternative options for the Government to consider alongside the county council’s unitary proposal.

Some English counties have already adopted the unitary model.

Cornwall Council was created back in 2009 from the existing county and six district councils whilst Buckinghamshire Council was created in April of this year, with a county and four district councils being abolished to make way for it. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

How a new square for Harlow could look STORTFORD CAR PARK WORK BEGINS

This is an artist’s impression of how Stone Cross Square (currently Market Square) could look under the proposals

Two schemes have been proposed to improve and modernise parts of Harlow town centre.

Harlow Council has devised the plans, which focus on Market Square, Playhouse Square and College Square, to support the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.

The council is bidding for up to £25m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund so it can carry out the work. The fund aims to support councils in renewing and reshaping town centres in a way that improves the experience for residents, visitors and workers as well as driving growth and sustainability in the future.

The proposals focus on three parts of the town centre where the council owns most of the land. The first scheme is for what is being called Playhouse Quarter.

This covers Playhouse and College Squares (between The Water Gardens and Harvey

Lea Wharf: the excitement is building The hoardings are up and for the first time visitors to Hertford can get a glimpse of what is to come at the derelict Bircherley Green shopping centre site. With planning permission achieved at the end of June, Chase New Homes are set to begin demolition work this month to make way for their Lea Wharf shopping, homes and leisure development.

As Chase’s own company motto says, the ‘excitement is building’...

6 axis magazine

Centre) and aims to create a welcoming approach to Harlow Playhouse, the town’s arts venue and theatre. It would also improve the setting and open space around St Paul’s Church.

The proposals include a series of new buildings to be developed opposite the Playhouse and on the current Occasio House site to provide new spaces for arts, cultural and leisure uses, as well as some public sector services.

On the upper floors of the new buildings, the council wants to provide new homes for key workers at affordable rents.

Major improvements are also suggested for the surrounding public spaces as well as a cycle transport hub and green spaces.

New name for Market Square The second proposed scheme has been named Stone Cross Square and features the current Market Square and 21 The Rows.

Market Square would be

renamed Stone Cross Square and create a northern gateway to Harlow town centre, becoming a hub of trading activity once again and an event location with open green spaces and public sculpture.

It would also involve the creation of community and commercial spaces to support activities including pop-up markets and street trading. The building 21 The Rows would be converted into the new temporary pop-up space.

Whilst Market Square has been a big part of the town’s history, the council feels the revamp and renaming will make it fit for the future, also recognising the area’s shift from a dedicated market space. There is cross-party support on the council for the proposals, which were subject to public consultation last month.

Once responses have been evaluated, Harlow will submit its bid for funding.

Work began on a new multi-storey car park at Northgate End in Bishop’s Stortford at the end of July, a moment that East Herts Council leader Linda Haysey said signalled the council’s commitment to ensuring the town achieves its full potential.

The new car park, which should be completed in 18 months, is part of a wider regeneration scheme and will free up land currently occupied by the existing Causeway car park to allow for the redevelopment of the Old River Lane area.

Plans include a public square, new arts centre with 544-seat theatre, four-screen cinema and art displays, 150 new homes, retail and commercial space.

The Old River Lane scheme is supported by a £9.6m Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), made up of a £6m grant and a £3.6m interest-free loan.

NEW NAME FOR RHODES IN 2021

Rhodes Arts Complex in Bishop’s Stortford will be renamed in April of next year, the trust which runs it has confirmed. Protests under the banner of the Black Lives Matter campaign had targeted the arts centre which is named after Cecil Rhodes, a businessman and politician whose legacy in Africa has been criticised by detractors who accused him of being a racist.

Deirdre Glasgow, chair of The Rhodes Birthplace Trust which runs the venue, confirmed that a new name would be chosen for the centre and would be applied in April 2021. She also said that the building would not be named after any single person.

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axis magazine 7

BRIEFING

Sustainable Sawbridgeworth aims to help town reduce waste An initiative called Sustainable Sawbridgeworth has been launched, which seeks to promote improvements to the natural environment by working with local businesses, schools and community groups.

Started by seven local residents, the group also aims to provide local people with information on recycling and re-use opportunities as well as reducing single use plastics.

Gravelle’s Budgens supermarket in London Road has provided the group with a dedicated noticeboard to help publicise its message. Sustainable Sawbridgeworth will also act as an umbrella organisation for other local groups including the Plastic-Free Sawbridgeworth Facebook group, the Brownies’ Refill Scheme and Tidy Up Sawbridgeworth, which runs regular litter-picking events.

ARTHUR, NOT BORIS, TOPS LOCKDOWN BABY NAMES LIST Emma Cameron of Gravelle’s Budgens and Mayor Annelise Furnace

A Sawbo Fix-It Café is also planned, where residents will be able to bring in items to be mended.

The Mayor of Sawbridgeworth, Cllr Annelise Furnace, has welcomed the launch, saying: “This is a super initiative for

the town and the support from residents and retailers has been fantastic.”

To find out more visit the Facebook pages for Sustainable Sawbridgeworth, Plastic-Free Sawbridgeworth and the Sawbo Fix-It Café.

How a childhood love of maths set new head of Bishop’s Stortford College on path to leadership Kathy Crewe-Read will join Bishop’s Stortford College on 1st September – becoming only the 10th head of the independent school in its 150-year history.

Mrs Crewe-Read takes over from Jeremy Gladwin, who announced his retirement early last year.

Mrs Crewe-Read joins from Wolverhampton Grammar School, an award-winning, co-educational day school where she has been head since 2013.

During her tenure, the school earned the title of 2018 Senior Leadership Team of the Year in the TES Independent School Awards. She is an inspector with the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate; chair of the HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference) West Group; a governor at Merchant Taylors’ School and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Mrs Crewe-Read describes herself as a “vocational teacher”, explaining: “I utterly loved mathematics as soon as I started learning it and always knew I would go on to teach. My earliest memories of maths are of 8 axis magazine

Kathy Crewe-Read

my primary days when I would return home from school and beg my father, a university lecturer, to write sums for me to solve for pleasure!”

On the importance of being a head, she said: “The young people in our schools are the next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders and parents; the future of the world will lie in their hands.

Education must equip them with the wherewithal to make wise choices and so influence the course of their, and others’, lives for the better. Headteachers are in the unique position of creating an atmosphere in which such learning can take place. I find that compelling work.”

She will be taking over an

already well-regarded institution in Bishop’s Stortford College, an independent co-educational day and boarding school for 4-18-year-olds. She said she had been attracted by the school’s reputation for ‘unpretentious excellence’, adding: “I have been impressed by the academic results and facilities for some time. As I get to know the College community more, I find I like its warmth and openness too.”

Going forward, she said: “We have to equip our children with the intellectual dexterity to understand and adapt to that which is new; and moral strength that enables them to make good decisions which are of benefit to themselves and society.”

Referencing the school’s motto, she added: “Young people with these attributes will indeed have ‘confidence for life’.” l Bishop’s Stortford College holds its next open morning, for all stages of entry, on Saturday 19th September from 9.30am to 1pm. For further information, visit bishopsstortfordcollege.org, call 01279 838604 or email admissions@bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

When Hertfordshire’s register offices reopened in June staff were faced with the immediate task of tackling the backlog of birth registrations, which revealed that more than 2,660 babies were born in the county during lockdown.

Registration staff also reported the most popular choices of baby name during the period with Arthur topping the list for boys, Olivia the most chosen name for baby girls.

Other popular names included George, Harry, Theodore and Noah for boys and Amelia, Isabella, Ava and Isla for girls.

There have been a number of changes to the way registration services work since reopening. Visitors now need to book an appointment and there are limits on who can attend offices.

HOMES ON STANDON BUSINESS PARK?

A planning application seeking permission to demolish Standon Business Park in Stortford Road and redevelop the site with 30 one, two and three bedroom homes and new office accommodation has been submitted to East Herts Council. Submitted on behalf of applicant Oliver Cave by property consultants Sworders, the outline application proposes demolishing the three 1960s-built buildings which provide accommodation for a number of businesses and replacing them with a mix of residential and commercial units with associated car parking and landscaping.

COMMUNITY NEWS

ALFS, the animal food bank helping pet owners

February 2020 image

Vet Paul Walden and veterinary nurse Claire Burt with ALFS’ Rebecca Hadgett; Tina Banks with Rebecca, Claire and Claire’s two children, young helpers Harrison and Matilda

Pets can play such an important part in our lives.

But what happens when life isn’t going to plan and pet owners find themselves struggling financially?

Having seen first-hand as a volunteer for a number of animal charities the heartbreak for people forced to rehome a pet when an unexpected change in circumstances occurred, Tina Banks began to think of what could be done to help.

A walk round her local churchyard in January, where she spotted a food bank in operation, provided an answer.

She said: “I just stopped and thought: We have food banks for people, why isn’t there a pet food bank?” – and ALFS was born.

Organised from her home in Hertford, and run entirely by volunteers, ALFS (Animal Larder Food and Shelter) both buys and collects donations of pet food, treats, bedding and accessories and distributes them to those who need it.

It helps a wide range of individuals and families from Hertford, Ware and surrounding villages – including people referred to it by food banks or Citizens Advice as well as those who get in touch directly.

Tina says anyone who comes to them is helped without exception, with absolutely no judgement, and for as long as necessary.

There’s no typical profile of a person who asks for help but could include those on a low income, someone who may have suffered a job loss or pay cut, the unemployed, elderly or those suffering an illness or disability.

For its first months of operation the pet food bank ran one day a week from Pinehurst Community Centre in Birdie Way but due to Covid-19 restrictions it is temporarily taking requests for help by phone and organising contact-free delivery.

As requests for help grow, so has the need for donations and ALFS would be grateful for any

support that the local business and residential community can provide. Volunteers were thrilled at the end of June when a request by head of fundraising Janette Reynolds to pet food company Butchers for any help it could give saw three pallets of food donated!

How you can help The charity’s website features a link to an Amazon wishlist where you could purchase one of the items that it needs; there’s a PayPal donation link too if you’re able to offer a financial contribution.

Pet food donations can be collected from you or dropped off at special collection points at Chestnut Vets at 1 Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9LS or outside 13a Queens Road, Hertford SG13 8AY. Find out more at alfsherts.com, the charity’s Facebook page (@alfsherts) or by calling Tina on 07714 999581.

PICTURES WANTED FOR HERTFORD CALENDAR Now is the time of year to submit your best pictures taken locally for the annual competition to create next year’s official Hertford calendar, which will be produced by Hertford Town Council. To enter, just send an email with the high resolution image to tic@hertford.gov.uk, along with your name, address, phone number and detail of where it was taken. Entrants can submit a maximum of three images. The closing date for submission is Friday 21st August.

DOBSONS’ VIRTUAL TEA PARTY RAISES OVER £200 Cheshunt home improvement specialists Dobsons raised over £200 for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust in June during lockdown by organising a virtual afternoon tea party. Those taking part via Zoom enjoyed tea, cakes, games and quizzes.

Broxbourne-based Wombies Kitchen provided the afternoon teas in boxes to everyone taking part, donating a percentage from each sale to the cause.

McMullen’s donate £1,000 for crafters to create face masks A collaboration between Hertford brewery McMullen and the town’s Secret Society of Hertford Crafters has seen the craft group produce hundreds of face coverings for the company in return for a donation to its chosen charities.

A group of 20 friends with a passion for crafting, SSOHC shot to local and national fame at Christmas 2018 when they got the town in festive spirit and raised thousands of pounds for local charity Isabel Hospice by yarn-bombing Hertford’s post

boxes with festive toppers.

Since then their projects have continued, the most recent being the creation of a collection of figures celebrating key workers and Covid-19 heroes which were auctioned for charity.

McMullen’s joint managing director Tom McMullen said: “We are proud to donate £1,000 to the chosen charities, the Citizens Advice Bureau and Carers in Herts.”

Other individuals and businesses can order face coverings from SSOHC at ssohc.co.uk.

Connie Deans-Harding making some of the masks, one of which is worn by Tom McMullen

Mini emporium with a selection of dealers selling antiques, vintage and retro collectables 4 Mill Bridge, Hertford SG14 1PY 01992 509547 axis magazine 9

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Strong sense of community helps keep spirits up at The Chadwick care home

Tom at work in the new normal and with fellow director ‘B’ Brooks

At last: hair and beauty businesses are able to open their doors again July saw the long-awaited reopening of hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and beauty salons after the Covid lockdown.

Across the Axis area, people with very bad hair were able to book appointments to see their favourite stylists again.

But the requirements for social distancing still mean that a trip to have your hair done is a very different experience to usual.

At Hertford’s current Hair and Beauty Salon of the Year (as voted in the Love Hertford awards 2019), Tom Ashley, which is based in Old Cross, Hertford, Tom and his team are seeing clients again.

As director ‘B’ Brooks explained, the Government guidelines are all about mitigating risk. He said: “This means maintaining social distancing and reducing staff and client exposure to potential Covid-19. Primarily it means limiting the amount of people in the building at one time.”

With over 300 appointments arranged even before the salon

reopened, staff are working different shifts to spread out the team and clients throughout the week.

Clients are generally not sat next to another, and if they do have to be, they are still at least one metre apart and separated by barriers. Staff wear visors and, of course, clients must wear face coverings.

For longer services, out of hours appointments can be arranged – a hair smoothing treatment, for example, takes up to four hours.

Despite all the changes, the reaction of Tom Ashley clients has been happy and grateful.

‘B’ Brooks said: “We love our clients, they have been so supportive. Understandably, there’s still some anxiety out there but it’s been great to hear our clients say they’ve still been able to relax and are impressed with the steps we’ve taken to keep them safe.

“We’re glad people still feel like Tom Ashley is their haven in Hertford.”

The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a raft of challenges for most businesses, but care homes have been at the forefront of the crisis.

Throughout the health and social care sectors, staff have been met with unprecedented challenges, forcing them to juggle personal safety worries and workforce shortages with safeguarding those in their care.

But despite this, many have not only coped and successfully adapted but have actually introduced positive changes.

For dementia care provider B&M Care, the situation has encouraged each of the group’s care homes to identify what they value, and at the same time, what they have missed most during the lockdown; and for The Chadwick in Hoddesdon, it was their sense of community.

The start of the lockdown saw the Ware Road care home move more of its daily life online in an attempt to maintain communication between residents and their families. They brought in daily voice and video calls, instant message groups and social media pages; but staff soon recognised that not everything can become virtual.

An idea from a member of care staff also led The Chadwick to add an extra dimension to the weekly key worker applause at 8pm on Thursday evenings – a karaoke singalong! For 10 weeks, relatives, friends, emergency services staff and neighbouring

Karaoke and Miss Joy’s scarf were arranged at The Chadwick

households stood together in the home’s car park in Ware Road to sing, cheer and put their hands together to show their appreciation for the job being done by key workers.

Other initiatives included: Miss Joy’s Amazing Technicolour Scarf – an initiative led by a resident, who is registered blind, who knitted a scarf to raise funds for the Hertfordshire Community Foundation; a walk-by wave from Tiny Toes Nursery, a nearby pre-school which helped foster intergenerational friendship in the home on a weekly basis; as well as a remarkable display of affection and gifting from relatives, friends and businesses.

How Manic Ceramics helped parents and children keep busy during lockdown Manic Ceramics, the well-loved little blue art and craft shop in Hertford’s Port Vale, is open again – although even when closed during lockdown it was still one of the town’s busiest daily destinations!

When the nation was told to stay at home, shop owner Debs Bonfield decided to help families juggling working from home with keeping the children entertained.

She offered them a different activity idea every day, providing a lifeline to grateful parents.

Each morning she announced the 10 axis magazine

day’s project on Facebook before popping kits containing the necessary materials outside for collection. Provided free, seven days a week for 11 weeks, the kits were hugely popular with families, many of whom incorporated a walk past the shop each day into their allowed hour of exercise before returning home to create pictures of owls and mermaids, boats crafted from corks, even fairy cakes and pizza. Often as many as 200 kits were put out while rainbow making kits were so popular that

400 were collected!

Now the shop is back, offering its popular paint your own pot activities, two hour drop off sessions where school age children are entertained with one craft and one pottery activity, as well as children’s parties.

Booking is essential – check availability on Facebook (@manicceramicshertford).

Manic Ceramics 22 Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AB 01992 554124 manicceramicsherts.co.uk

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Brothership targets £50,000 pot of gold at the end of the rainbow The creative rainbow print partnership between Hertford studio and gallery Brothership and the artist Paul Crowley has been one of the most heart-warming local success stories to come out of lockdown.

The story began when Brothership discovered Paul’s ‘rainbow over Hertford’ artwork and got in touch to set up a collaboration to produce and sell prints to raise money for the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity.

Sales were so successful that a print of Ware was also produced, swiftly followed by ones for other local areas including Knebworth, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Broxbourne, Welwyn, Hertford Heath and Wheathampstead.

The campaign received a boost when it was featured on ITV’s Lorraine show, with an auction raising £4,000 for an original of an artwork called NHS Heroes.

By the end of July, the sale of the Crowley prints and those by the in-house Brothership combination

of Nick Shipton and Ceri House (known as Ceri Shipton) had raised a remarkable £48,000 for charities, which was expanded to benefit St Francis Hospice, Garden Hospice, Isabel Hospice, Chexs and The Sense Project.

Now, the Brothership team of gallery owner Nick Shipton, Clare Leach, Emma Morgan, Paul Crowley and Ceri House are intending to wind up the campaign this month, with a final push to reach a total of £50,000 – the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow”, by selling off all remaining prints, after which no more will be produced.

So if you want to own one of these now iconic prints, now is your final chance to buy them. They are just £26 each, including the final print, just released, which is called Pot of Gold Hertford Rainbow and is shown on the right. Sales of a new “Weaker Divided” print at £30 and Ceri Shipton face masks at £20 will also contribute towards the pot of gold target.

You can buy them in person at

Brothership in Bull Plain, Hertford, or online at brothershipstudio.com.

Join the tribe Brothership launched a year ago, aiming to support local artists by giving them studio space in a collaborative atmosphere and a chance to hang and sell their work

in a smart high street gallery. Its first year has been hugely successful and included a residency by world-renowned artist Pure Evil. If you are an artist and would like information on joining the tribe at Brothership, email curator Emma at brothershipstudio@gmail.com.

Feel beautiful this summer at The Nail Studio Bramfield From her relaxing home studio in the lovely village of Bramfield, just outside Hertford, Cheri Clayton offers a full range of nail treatments, waxing, eyelash extensions, brow tinting and shaping, as well as semi-permanent make-up.

Cheri has run her own studio for the past two years, and among its benefits are plenty of free parking and beautiful countryside views!

So if you are looking for a safe, civilised and quiet environment to enjoy beauty treatments, Nail Studio Bramfield will be right up your street.

Dermalogica cleantouch certified and Covid-19 secure, Cheri offers a personal 1-2-1 service which is a far call from the town centre salon experience – with plenty of fresh countryside air flowing through the studio it really is a breath of fresh air! Perspex screens have been installed and all clients will be asked to follow detailed health and hygiene protocols, full

details of which are available from Cheri and outlined on her website.

Treatments available Cheri uses products from Dermalogica for all her skincare treatments and Footlogix for all foot treatments.

Hand treatments include a range of manicures, nail enhancements and gel applications from Bio Sculpture & Gelish.

Relaxing therapies such as massage and paraffin wax treatments are also available.

Cheri is fully qualified and insured for every treatment she offers.

Follow @nailstudiobramfield on social media for monthly promotions or visit her website for full details on treatments.

Nail Studio Bramfield 5 Holly Grove Road, Bramfield, Hertford SG14 2QH 07530 797983 cheri@nailstudiobramfield.uk nailstudiobramfield.uk

AUGUST SPECIAL! Book a Dermalogica Proskin 60 Facial and get a complimentary mini manicure. Offer ends 31/08/20 quote “Axis offer ” at time of booking. Call or book online.

axis magazine 11

TAXING MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

How to kick-start the rat race

Stuart Everett of Hertford accountants Meyer Williams spots a lack of joined up thinking in the latest Covid announcements I decided to try going back in time several months to when it was clearly the Great Pretender’s original policy (presumably dreamt up by his good friend Lord Voldemort) to beat what we now know as Covid-19 by ‘herd immunity’ – in other words we carry on as normal, then we all catch the virus and the ones that survive are lucky; the others not so lucky.

The Great Pretender was then talked out of herd immunity by the scientists (and presumably a few humanitarians) so lockdown came a bit late compared with other European countries.

Perhaps we just wanted to show our independence – ‘Vive la difference’ and all that.

Anyway, all this has got us where we are now.

And where is that exactly?

Will the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme help it to tackle the levels of obesity in this country?

Well, the Great Pretender (to save print in future I’ll call him the ‘Great P’ from now on) wants the UK to get back to normal as soon as possible now the virus seems in retreat; although that does mean it will be clear that any economic downturn next year can be blamed on Brexit!

Bait the traps

But how do you get us consumers to consume like we used to consume? Bait the traps with cheap food of course!

Get the pubs and restaurants to reopen (using social distancing and Track and Trace obviously) then provide a generous Government subsidy for food (Monday to Wednesday only, just for August) and reduce the VAT on the food too.

So simple! The traps are baited.

We will all be out eating, getting drunk and forgetting about social distancing!

The trouble is there is no joined up thinking in the Government.

Surely blatantly promoting over-eating and drinking – even if only for a month – could lead to obesity?

Just days after baiting the traps it dawned on the Government that the obese are more susceptible to Covid-19.

Feed the world

I wonder why was it so difficult to get the Great P to feed those most in need of cheap food during the school summer holidays? It needed a young footballer (Marcus Rashford) and public opinion to show him the way. Looks like it might be a hidden agenda (herd immunity).

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Stag House, Old London Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 7LA 01992 550721 | www.meyerwilliams.com | stephanie@meyerwilliams.com 12 axis magazine

Well what a carry on!

As Bob said before he tried to Feed the World: “It’s a Rat Trap and you’ve been caught!”. We will see what happens in August.

I suppose the trick is to survive until after the next election and hope our next leader will sort it out.

Then there is the mask debate.

First, they weren’t any good; now they are. If there is the slightest chance that we will not see the Great P’s or his mate Donald’s faces peering at us on our TV screens then masks are definitely a great idea.

PS: I’m off to the doctor’s to get a voucher to get my bike fixed! l Here at Meyer Williams we are only hungry for more tax and accounts work so please phone if you need assistance.

INSURANCE UPDATE

SPONSORED CONTENT

When it comes to insurance, big is not always beautiful

Peter Smits, Managing Director of Ashbourne Insurance, explains why he could get you a better deal I am often asked how it is that Ashbourne Insurance can compete against so many large established brands.

After all, the size of these companies and the number of policies that they issue must surely make them miles cheaper and place us at an uncompetitive

Car insurance: You can buy it almost anywhere but we could still help you to get the best deal

disadvantage? It is certainly true that we operate in one of the most highly competitive and saturated marketplaces; for example, where can’t you buy car insurance these days?

But the truth of the matter is that big is not always beautiful.

Let me explain...

Normal economies of scale do not apply to insurance. Usually the more you buy of any commodity the cheaper the price; well, the

same doesn’t apply here. Indeed, the more risks you insure, the more claims you will have!

The so-called competitive advantage provided by the larger insurers will come at a cost, either in cover or in service.

Our traditional approach to building relationships and rapport means that we are more connected to the risks we place and use our local knowledge and understanding to provide

comprehensive cover and a competitive premium.

Why not give one of my team a call, you might be pleasantly surprised!

Ashbourne Insurance 50 Amwell Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8UA (our office is open and we are delighted to see people – no appointment necessary) 01992 471001 ashbourneinsurance.co.uk

THE WINE SHOP

E &

EILEEN GAY OPTICIANS Mrs Eileen J Gay

Opticians

BSc Hons FC Optom

Registered with the General Optical Council

Discover our exclusive range of products on our website: www.cavavin.co.uk Local & Nationwide Delivery and Click & Collect available Weddings, Trade Accounts and Corporate Events

• Complete eye care service including Vision Therapy • Free eye examinations for qualifying patients • Home visits • Glaucoma and diabetic screening • Contact lenses • Extensive range of frames, including a selection of free children’s frames Please contact us for further information: 8 Station Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QU Tel: 01992 476300 Fax: 01992 443160 Or email: egoptical17@gmail.com Also visit our website at: www.eileengayopticians.co.uk

WINE SHOP

UPCOMING

EVENTS Our carefully selected Our wine events offer and extensive an introduction to our selection of Wines, Champagnes evolving products and new available vintages and Spirits

LATEST NEWS Keep up to date with the world of wine, with news, articles and informed reviews

22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR 01992 558311 sales@cavavin.co.uk Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-5.30pm Sunday and Monday: 12pm-5pm axis magazine 13

THE TRAVEL PAGE

SPONSORED CONTENT

Food for thought when travelling – that was another first.

Other meals or food that stay in the memory are snake, alligator and eggs that I was told had been boiled in horses’ urine. I’m pretty certain I was being wound up but based on the taste, it might have been true.

Another is curried crab in Singapore in an open-air restaurant overlooking the Malacca Straits, or was it the Johor Straits?… must check that.

Kevin Brooks of Cannon Travel on eating and drinking when on holiday We are sure readers will understand that time pressures this month have meant Kevin was unable to deliver a new travel column, so we have dug out a classic read from the archives for you...

Whilst away on a very pleasant weekend with friends at a 60th birthday celebation we enjoyed some really good food.

One of the things I noticed was how often the conversation turned to the subject of not only the food but food presentation.

Many of the younger guests seemed very familiar with the celebrity chef culture and some even took photos of the meals, all carefully plated and expertly presented.

I have to admit that this struck me as a bit odd but is it so different from the past?

If you look back at some of the older travel books the author

I have had some of my most memorable meals whilst on holiday

is often talking about food and even Charles Dickens, who sailed onboard Cunard’s RMS Britannia to New York, wrote extensively about the food that was served. So I guess that nothing changes, other than perhaps the media used for conveying one’s thoughts.

Anyway, all this got me thinking about some of my food experiences when travelling.

Eat as the locals do I learned a lesson many years ago, which is to always eat local dishes because, let’s be honest, you wouldn’t order fish and chips in America.

Right from my early travel days to places like India and Pakistan, I always made a point of seeking out local dishes and local wines or beers, though this did not always prove to be a good idea.

Back in the late 70s I was staying in a rather nice hotel in New Delhi and asked the waiter if India produced any wine. “Yes,” he said, “but it is no good.”

I said I’d try it anyway and he almost begged me not to but being the intrepid traveller – can you be intrepid in a 5 star hotel?

– I insisted. That was when I learned that you should always listen to the waiter. They usually know what is best.

One of the best To counter that mistake, there was the occasion when I was staying in a small family run hotel in Ratingen, just outside Dusseldorf. Not surprisingly, the menu was all in German. Rather than struggle to understand or guess what was on offer I gave the waiter carte blanche to bring me whatever he thought best. It was one of the best meals I have ever had…. very German, wild boar with dumplings, of course, but it was superb.

I can also remember the first time I had swordfish.

It was in a revolving restaurant in Connecticut in the Fall, so the views were spectacular and the fish was served with black pasta

From all at Cannon Travel

Look after yourselves, stay safe and we’ll be seeing you once it’s all over... we will all need a holiday by then!

96 High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8HD & 49 High Street, Ware, Herts SG12 9BA info@cannontravel.co.uk 01992 441 521 / 01920 466 531 www.cannontravel.co.uk 14 axis magazine

Eat local, drink local My habit of choosing local also applies to drink and whilst many beers are similar, and most are too much like lager for my taste, it is a whole different ball game when it comes to wine. Since I started travelling back in the 70s a number of countries have introduced and developed a successful wine industry and many are perfectly good to drink.

Now I am no connoisseur but I have enjoyed many a fine glass of wine and I do have one positive favourite, Pauillac from the Bordeaux region. Way back when I knew even less about wine than I do now, I was entertained for lunch in Bordeaux and was served a Pauillac and it has been my favourite wine ever since.

However, one of the nicest experiences I have enjoyed on many occasions is to sit in an outdoor restaurant overlooking a Mediterranean harbour, eating fresh fish with a crisp white wine, all served with local bread and vegetables.

I’m getting hungry now!

PROPERTY Leading local estate agents welcome Stamp Duty changes Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a Stamp Duty holiday on property purchases up to £500,000 has been welcomed by local estate agents.

In a bid to get the property market moving after a tricky few months of near shutdown amid the Covid-19 lockdown, the Chancellor increased the threshold for paying Stamp Duty from £125,000 to £500,000 until 31st March 2021.

Stamp Duty Land Tax, to give it its proper name, is a tax paid on property or land which is payable at the point of completion. The amount due rises in percentage terms at set thresholds.

How Stamp Duty works

Prior to the announcement on 8th July no Stamp Duty was payable for the first £125,000 of the property value; 2% was payable on the next £125,000 (ie the portion of the value between £125,001 and £250,000); 5% on the next £675,000; 10% on the next £575,000 and 12% on the remaining amount over £1.5m.

First time buyers paid no Stamp Duty on properties up to £300,000 and, if buying a more expensive first home, a reduced rate of 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000.

Now, no Stamp Duty is payable on the first £500,000 for anyone.

It’s then 5% on the portion from £500,001-£925,000; 10% on the portion from £925,001 to £1.5million and 12% on amounts over £1.5million.

Welcoming the news, William Wells, residential director of Bishop’s Stortford estate agent Mullucks, whose company has been calling for reform of Stamp Duty for some years, said people spending more than £500,000 will also benefit.

He said: “A property priced at £600,000 will incur Stamp Duty on just the amount above the

WHAT’S ON THE MARKET

These homes are all Stamp Duty-free: What you can buy for under £500,000

£500,000 threshold so a buyer will pay the tax only on the £100,000 difference – that’s £100,000 at 5% which is £5,000, not the £20,000 they would have paid previously.”

Already making a difference

Thomas Childs, director of Thomas Childs & Co in Hertford, said: “The Stamp Duty holiday has certainly made a difference to our business already. As well as new buyers seeing value in this holiday, existing purchasers who are in the middle of a transaction have had a real bonus. In many cases it has solidified a house sale/purchase and given purchasers that extra comfort when committing to one of the largest purchases they will ever make in their lifetime. Even larger home transactions are seeing a benefit as there is still a saving to be made if you are purchasing above the £500,000 mark. It is a positive step to get the housing market moving.”

Adam Mackay of Sawbridgeworth agents Mackay Property said: “I can see why the Chancellor could see this as a suitable way to motivate spending because when people move home, they are more inclined to spend comprehensively on property renovations and the services of solicitors, home removal people, tradesmen and estate agents.

“So, drastically reducing Stamp Duty will undoubtedly help the UK economy, or at least contain some of the damage from the coronavirus.”

He said local estate agents were already seeing an explosion in demand after lockdown but that since the announcement there had been a huge surge in buyer interest for three to five-bedroom homes in Sawbridgeworth.

He added the experience of being in lockdown may have confirmed to many home owners that they need a bigger home or one with a bigger garden.

Three-bedroom terraced town house in Southmill Road, Bishop’s Stortford with driveway, garage and 35ft rear garden.

Mullucks, Bishop’s Stortford Guide price £485,000

Three-bedroom detached house in Miles Way, Buntingford with a kitchen/diner, living room and bathroom. Chain-free.

Four-bedroom end of terrace in Broxbourne’s Robinia Road with a new kitchen and “presented in better than new condition”.

Via Properties, Hoddesdon £425,000

Four-bedroom three-storey town house in Penshurst, Old Harlow with lots of potential. Chain-free, it is in a private cul-de-sac.

Howick and Brooker, Old Harlow £450,000

Charming grade 2 listed cottage in Sawbridgeworth’s Station Road with driveway parking and just five minutes walk from the station.

Mackay Property, Sawbridgeworth Offers in excess of £385,000

Newly converted two-bedroom apartment in historic Amwell House development in Ware (see page 16 for more information).

Thomas Childs & Co, Hertford £475,000

Thomas Childs & Co, Hertford £437,500

axis magazine 15

PROPERTY

STUNNING CONVERSION IN WARE OFFERS SMART NEW APARTMENTS FROM £395,000

How Amwell House has been turned into one of the area’s most desirable addresses again – 300 years after it welcomed Dr Johnson

16 axis magazine

feature-filled one and two bedroom ground, first floor and duplex apartments, which are available to purchase through Thomas Childs & Co estate agents in Hertford.

Unique apartments Each apartment is different. The buildings, both listed, boast a wealth of original features including sash windows, wood panels, elaborate cornices and unique fireplaces, which have been retained, restored and incorporated into each home.

What they have in common are high specification features that make the development a perfect blend of historic and modern – engineered oak flooring, luxury carpets, Farrow and Ball paints, designer kitchens with marble worktops and luxury bathrooms with porcelain flooring.

There’s a video smart entryphone system, landscaped front garden,

parking and some ground floor apartments have private gardens.

Heritage experts White Hart are well experienced in the conversion of local heritage buildings. They were behind the recent conversion of Hertford’s historic McMullen brewery into a series of stunning apartments that made use of that building’s unique, industrial features.

At Amwell House they have reinstated its original entrance hall and relocated into it probably the best known of the building’s features – The Gilpin Window. Commissioned by the Tite family who bought the building after the death of Scott’s daughter Maria Hooper, it is an arts and crafts style stained glass window in the style of William Morris and based on the illustrations by Randolph Caldecott for William Cowper’s poem, The Diverting History of

John Gilpin. The poem recounts the comic story of 18th century draper John Gilpin who, on his way from London to Edmonton, lost control of his horse which bolted and carried him an additional ten miles to Ware!

Today Ware, and Amwell House, can be reached more comfortably – Ware station is just across the road and provides access to Tottenham Hale in 30 minutes, London Liverpool Street in 43. l Prices start from £395,000.

For more information or to book a viewing contact Thomas Childs & Co on 01992 721321.

WARE MUSEUM CIO

In the 18th century, Amwell House in Ware was one of the area’s best known addresses.

Inherited from his father Samuel by the Quaker poet John Scott, the family home, and the enchanting grotto that John was later to create in its grounds, drew visitors from eminent London society including, among others, the poet, playwright and author Samuel Johnson.

Sold on the death of his daughter Maria, Amwell House has undergone many changes of ownership over the years serving as a private home, grammar school and most recently, along with neighbouring property 1-2 London Road, as offices for Hertford Regional College.

Now, following purchase of the site in 2019 by White Hart Developments, the buildings have been returned to residential use with a conversion that has seen the creation of nine unique,

PROPERTY

SPONSORED CONTENT

SageWard celebrates 10 years of successful residential lettings SageWard Residential Lettings celebrates its 10th anniversary this year – and has just recorded its best ever month of trading to celebrate the landmark.

This reputable, all female-operated lettings specialist opened its doors in Hertford in 2010 and has been serving landlords and tenants in and around the county town for a decade now.

In that time SageWard has won the ‘best letting agent as voted by landlords’ category in the ESTAS national awards three times.

Despite the problems caused by Covid-19 and the lockdown, the lettings market is extremely buoyant at the moment, so much so that SageWard has just enjoyed, in June, its most successful month.

Owner Lisa Ward said: “We have never been so busy!”

One of the many reasons that SageWard continues to do so well is the consistently high level of service it offers to both landlords and tenants.

Working with landlords

There have been many changes affecting the lettings industry in recent years and they continue to come thick and fast, most recently these include making electrical safety checks a requirement for any new tenancy.

But SageWard are experts at guiding landlords, whether first-time or more experienced, through all the legislation to ensure they are protected and comply fully.

With the potential economic fall-out from Covid-19 still an issue, SageWard works alongside several reputable reference and credit check agencies that are able to offer fully protected landlord rent protection guarantees.

SageWard 12-14 Parliament Square, Hertford SG14 1EF 01992 504058 info@sageward.co.uk sageward.co.uk

The multi award-winning SageWard team (left to right): Hayley, Barbara, Nicola, Shelley and Lisa

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE… SageWard LettingS are property LettingS expertS, With our fuLL attention on the property, LandLord and tenant.

With our award-winning service and competitive charges, we are the agent to be with and can assist you whether you are a first time landlord, multiple landlord or are looking to switch agencies.

01992 504058 info@sageward.co.uk www.sageward.co.uk axis magazine 17

PROPERTY

B3Living to deliver first phase of housing at Cheshunt Lakeside

Local sculptor behind new landmark at St Michael’s Hurst in Bishop’s Stortford

The first phase of the planned Cheshunt Lakeside development, on the site of the former Tesco HQ in Delamere Road, will be delivered by B3Living, the Hoddesdon-based housing association.

B3Living has just announced a £49m deal with site developer Inland Homes to provide 195 affordable homes as part of the development. It will provide 98 homes for people on Broxbourne Council’s waiting list, 82 homes to be sold through a shared ownership scheme and 15 homes for sale on the open market.

Properties will range from one-bedroom studios to three-bedroom apartments in two main blocks surrounding a landscaped central courtyard.

The development will also include more communal gardens and a traffic-free ‘green link’ for pedestrians, and is due to be completed in early 2023.

A new sculpture has been unveiled at St Michael’s Hurst, the new neighbourhood on the edge of Bishop’s Stortford from housebuilder Countryside.

It was commissioned following a public competition hosted by the developer, with the winning design being selected by residents and East Herts Council.

The only stipulation for entries was that any artwork should include a vine leaf, the logo for the development.

The obelisk was a collaboration between letter carver Simon Langsdale whose studio is at Harlow’s hub of creative talent, Parndon Mill, and timber craftsman Steve Woodley.

It incorporates vine leaves that Simon drew at nearby vineyard Hazel End, along with the names of the grape varieties grown there on an obelisk, hewn from a locally sourced sweet chestnut tree using axes in a traditional

The entire Cheshunt Lakeside development will eventually see 1,725 new homes built together with commercial space and a new primary school on land bounded

by Cadmore Lane and Windmill Lane near Cheshunt station.

This new project is the latest of seven major developments in the pipeline for B3Living within the borough of Broxbourne. Chief executive Steve Woodcock said: “As a local organisation, it’s essential that we continue to invest in the community on our doorstep. We already manage 1,500 homes in Cheshunt and know that many people can’t afford the price of a home on the open market.

“We are looking forward to playing our part in regenerating this area of Cheshunt.”

To join the waiting list to buy a home at Cheshunt Lakeside, or to find out more about shared ownership, visit b3athome.co.uk.

method by Steve.

Simon said: “Our inspiration for the piece came from several places. I knew that I wanted to work with Steve as I have long admired his beautiful hand hewn obelisks. It was also important for me to link the work to the locality and to give the residents a sense of belonging.

“The setting for the obelisk is very peaceful and I wanted to create work that would help to make the space a place for contemplation. I have noticed how hand carved lettering often makes people stop and takes them out of their everyday lives, if only for a moment.”

Catherine Brooking, managing director of Housebuilding Central, Countryside, described the work as “the perfect addition to this new neighbourhood.”

To find out about properties at St Michael’s Hurst, visit countrysideproperties.com.

CALA Homes unveil Café Fields, their 56-home new development in Puckeridge A development of 56 new detached homes in Puckeridge is being launched by housebuilder CALA Homes this month.

Café Fields offers a collection of between two and five-bedroom houses surrounded by open fields and countryside.

When completed, it will be the largest private new-build development in Puckeridge.

CALA say each home has been designed to be light, spacious and to blend in with the local area.

Glenn Copper, sales and marketing director for CALA 18 axis magazine

Homes North Home Counties, said: “We’re extremely proud and excited to be expanding our growing portfolio in Hertfordshire.

“With countryside views, schools graded ‘outstanding’ and a great local community atmosphere, we expect this quaint village to be popular with house hunters.”

Show homes are due to be launched later this year.

To be among the first to register your interest in the Café Fields development call 01920 897821 or visit cala.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON

PLACES TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

Knebworth House is keen to offer a safe space for families to enjoy the summer months ahead. The 28 acres of gardens, including the Dinosaur Trail, is a great location to see the seasonal flowers while children can follow the trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs through the wilderness garden.

The adventure playground is a favourite destination for younger visitors too.

Children can play all day on the swings, slides, play equipment, bouncy castle and interactive splash-play water features. Kids will also love Fort Knebworth, a wooden adventure fortress with swings, slides and walkways.

It’s a great value day out for all the family. For just £10 per person, families can enjoy a day in the gardens, adventure playground, dinosaur trail and park, which is an ideal venue

Take an evening sculpture tour at Gibberd Garden

for games and to sit and enjoy a picnic.

House admission tickets are also available at a supplement of £4 for adults and £3.50 for senior citizens and children.

The Covid-19 situation is being monitored daily by management and Knebworth’s website and social media channels will be updated as advice changes.

Of course, you should follow Government advice and stay at home if you have any Covid symptoms.

Tickets must be pre-booked online before arrival. knebworthhouse.com

The Gibberd Garden in Old Harlow, which is open to visitors on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from 2-5pm now, has also arranged some events.

Evening sculpture tours will take place on Wednesdays 12th and 26th August, then 9th and 23rd September, after the gardens have closed to the public. Visitors will have an expert-led tour of the garden’s key mid-20th century sculptures which were collected

by Sir Frederick and Lady Patricia Gibberd. Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited – book online or leave a message by phone. £15 per person.

The garden will also be open to picnic from 12noon to 2pm every Wednesday in August. There is no need to book, just take and enjoy your picnic, pack it up by 2pm and then explore the garden if you wish until the gates close

REBECCA DURRANT

Enjoy a family day out at Knebworth House’s gardens

at 5pm. Prices £5 adults, £4 concessions, £1 child (5-16).

The Gibberd Garden is in Marsh Lane, Old Harlow CM17 0NA. Open air theatre The Gibberd Garden has also arranged a socially distanced outdoor theatre production of Three Men in a Boat with Giles Shenton, who brought his Old Herbaceous show to the garden last year. It’s on Saturday 29th August at 2pm and 6pm; tickets are £15, or £8 for under-16s.

Advance online booking only. thegibberdgarden.co.uk 01279 442112

WARE LIDO IS OPEN! Ware Priory Lido opened on 29th July. The open air pool is open every day and sessions must be booked in advance through the Eventbrite website. Prices are £6 for adults, £4 children. For full details and for a link to bookings, visit waretowncouncil.gov.uk (look under the Services tab).

Harlow Museum

Forty Hall

IWM Duxford

Harlow Museum’s beautiful walled gardens are now open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Visitors are welcome to take refreshments and enjoy this free outside space.

Dogs on leads welcome.

Entrance is at the front gates on Muskham Road, Harlow CM20 2LS. Although the inside of the museum is still closed, toilets will be open and they are accessible. Last garden entry is at 3.30pm. harlow.gov.uk

The Forty Hall Jacobean manor house at Enfield is open again every weekend from Friday to Sunday 11am to 4pm. You can book a slot in advance (admission is free but booking helps maintain social distancing measures) to look around the museum and wander through the period rooms. The gift shop is open too (card payments only). Forty Hall is in Forty Hill, Enfield EN2 9HA. fortyhallestate.co.uk

IWM Duxford, Europe’s largest air museum, reopens from Saturday 1st August.

Visitor numbers will be limited and advance booking is essential. Book now for the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show which is planned for Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September. Duxford is open daily, with tickets priced at £20.25 for adults, £16.20 concessions and £10.10 child (aged 5-16). iwm.org.uk

Marsh Lane, Harlow, Essex CM17 0NA

THE GARDEN IS OPEN

The Gibberd Garden will open initially every Wednesday and Sunday, 2pm – 5pm (last entry 4pm).

Payment is by Card / Contactless only.

Previous planned events are cancelled.

We are taking a cautious approach to possible future events so please continue to check the website. www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk

The Gibberd Garden is run almost entirely by volunteers.

Registered Charity No: 1053608

axis magazine 19

WHAT’S ON

As cinemas reopen, here are the latest new films showing The release dates of new films are all over the place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but, with cinemas starting to reopen around the country, here are some of the movies currently scheduled for big screen release this month: The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn (U) Now showing The fairy world of Balaya is a magical country where fairies have been living in harmony with nature for centuries. But one day peace is put at risk when the evil shadow fairy queen Ophira steals the precious dragon’s eggs – in which the kingdom’s magic lies.

Brave princess Surah and her friends set off on an adventurous journey to bring back the dragons and save their kingdom.

Summerland (12A) Now showing This follows the story of fiercely

The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn

independent folklore investigator Alice (Gemma Arterton) who secludes herself in her clifftop study, debunking myths using science to disprove the existence of other-worldly forces and magic. Consumed by her work but profoundly lonely, she is forced to face up to painful secrets from the past by the unexpected arrival of Frank, a spirited evacuee from the London Blitz.

Unhinged (15) Now showing Russell Crowe stars in this psychological thriller that takes something we’ve all experienced

– road rage – and takes it to an unpredictable and terrifying conclusion. Rachel (Caren Pistorius) is running late getting to work when she crosses paths with a stranger (Crowe) at a traffic light. Soon, she finds herself and everyone she loves the target of a man who is looking to teach her a series of deadly lessons.

The Snow Queen: Mirrorlands (U) Out on Friday 7th August This is the dazzling story that inspired Frozen! Gerda and the Snow Queen embark on a funfilled, frosty adventure to bring back warmth and magic to the hearts of people everywhere.

LUNA CINEMA RETURNS The outdoor Luna Cinema returns to Hatfield House in September – socially distanced for your safety. Book now for films between 22nd and 27th at thelunacinema.com.

Films are back at Hertford Theatre Cinema – albeit socially distanced cinema – is now back at Hertford Theatre.

The theatre reopened on 16th July to show a mixed bill of films from Thursdays to Saturdays at the following times: Thursday 2.30pm; Friday 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Saturday 10.30am, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

All tickets are £7.50. For the full list of films showing, visit the theatre website but highlights for the month ahead include The BFG (Saturday 8th August); 1917 (Thursday 13th); Minions (Friday 14th and Saturday 22nd); A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (Saturday 15th) and La-La Land (Saturday 22nd). hertfordtheatre.com The BFG

Bishop’s Stortford Art Society’s summer exhibition

Having run our own Lockdown Exhibition for the past two issues, Axis is pleased to report that Bishop’s Stortford Art Society has set up its own online summer exhibition, as it has not been able to hold a physical one this year, which marks its 85th anniversary.

Here is just a small selection of some of the excellent works of arts on show.

To see the entire exhibition, visit stortfordartsociety.co.uk and look under the exhibitions tab.

All works in the exhibition can be purchased.

Sizewell by Jo Sinclair Watercolour 50x40cm £75 20 axis magazine

Whispers and Innuendoes

by Nick Dittrich Acrylic 40x40cm £240

Sawbridgeworth Lock

by Barbara Anderson Watercolour 11x14cm £15

The Tree of Life by Ray Whyard Acrylic 27x32cm £100

Fury around St Paul’s by Chris Valder Watercolour 40x30cm £18

Windhill by Margaret Blasco Watercolour 67x56cm £100

The Half Moon by Peter Blasco Watercolour 60x50cm £100

Celebrate at Ware Priory …we’ve got something special for you!

Weddings / Parties / Business Events and so much more…

WELCOME BACK

We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Knebworth, and happy to provide a Covid-19 safe environment for families and friends to reunite and enjoy some much needed fresh air.

A choice of historic, traditional and contemporary surroundings, a range of wonderful rooms acommodating 10 to 200 guests, picturesque riverside location, beautiful gardens and superb catering.

High Street, Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Tel: 01920 460316 www.warepriory.co.uk warepriory warepriory

Check our website for full details on opening.

Pre-booking is essential.

www.knebworthhouse.com 01438 812 661

Welcome back to

HENRY MOORE STUDIOS & GARDENS 4 July to 1 November 2020

Explore Henry Moore’s sculptures and studios in over 60 acres of glorious countryside.

Registed charity number 271370

Plan your visit and book online at henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens axis magazine 21

BUY A FAMILY TICKET* TO THE OLD PALACE, PARK, GARDENS AND WOODLAND WALKS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS AND RETURN AGAIN FOR A FREE VISIT BEFORE THE 1ST SEPTEMBER. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT

WWW.HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

WHERE THE CITY ENDS & THE COUNTRY BEGINS

HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

01707 287010

*A family ticket includes 2 adults and up to 4 children. Your ticket will be stamped on the day of your first visit, you will need to show this at this ticket office on your return visit in order to receive free entry for 2 adults and up to 4 children. This offer is valid on family tickets bought from 22nd July – 30th August. The second free visit must be taken before the 1st September 2020 subject to opening times, when this offer will end.

FOOD & DRINK

Let’s support our local pubs, cafés and restaurants this summer One of the centrepieces of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s summer statement was the Eat Out to Help Out initiative, aimed at encouraging people to go back to pubs, cafés and restaurants after the Covid-19 lockdown.

It’s a great initiative to help tempt us back to eating out again, and give our vital hospitality industry the support it so richly deserves.

Diners receive 50 per cent off the cost of food and non-alcoholic soft drinks, up to a maximum of £10 per person, including children, at any pub, café or restaurant which has registered to take part.

The scheme runs from 3rd to 31st August all day and evening from Monday to Wednesday – the times when restaurants are usually less busy.

Combined with a temporary reduction until 12th January next year of VAT to 5% (down from 20%) for the hospitality industry, the measure will help pubs and restaurants which have endured dire times during the lockdown.

How to help out Find a participating pub, café or restaurant, book your table and then enjoy your meal! The discount will be removed from your bill when you pay and

the venue then claims back the money once a week from the Government, which has promised to pay the funds within five working days.

What’s more, there is no limit on how many times you can go, or how many different places you can try!

Find your destination Participating restaurants are being given window stickers and posters to let customers know they are taking part.

The Government has also set up an online tool to help people find venues. If you search online for Eat Out to Help Out, you will find a link to the Government’s official website which enables you to search within five miles of any postcode to see who is taking part near you.

EAT OUT TO HELP OUT

Who’s in? Local independents registered for Eat Out to Help Out Local restaurants, pubs and cafés were still registering for Eat Out to Help Out when Axis went to press, but those who have told us they are taking part, or are listed on the Government’s website as doing so, include the following: Anwar’s, Hatfield Heath Atkins, Bishop’s Stortford Dinnio, Hertford Dough & Co, Bishop’s Stortford Down Hall Hotel, Hatfield Heath The Fox Inn, Matching Tye George IV, Great Amwell The Grandison, Bramfield Hanbury Manor Hotel, Ware Hertford House Hotel, Hertford The Highland, Broxbourne Il Vino, Hertford

...and the chains Bill’s Burger King Caffe Nero Costa Coffee Cote Brasserie Five Guys Giggling Squid Greene King

Leaf Café, Hertford Lussmanns, Hertford Marconato, Hoddesdon The Mexican, Ware The Old Barge, Hertford Old Siam, Hertford Peach, Bishop’s Stortford Pircio, Bishop’s Stortford The Red Lion, Stanstead Abbotts Royal Bengal, Broxbourne Saffron, Hoddesdon Sfizio, Ware Smoke BBQ Kitchen, B Stortford Smokeshed, Hoddesdon The Tilbury, Datchworth Villa Italia, Sawbridgeworth l Some may not be open all three days as many independents often close on Mondays.

Harvester KFC McMullen Mitchells and Butler Nando’s Pizza Express Prezzo Punch Starbucks Toby Carvery Wagamama’s J D Wetherspoon axis magazine 23

FOOD & DRINK

Friends have a Peach of an idea for a new restaurant

Leigh Keates and Dan Knowles pictured outside their new restaurant, Peach (top left)

What do you get when you cross a lorry driver with a hairdresser?

The answer is Peach, an on-trend new brunch, burger and cocktail restaurant that has opened in Bishop’s Stortford.

Co-founders Dan Knowles and Leigh Keates have been friends since childhood, having both grown up in Ware. Their careers took them down different paths – Dan as a lorry driver and Leigh into hairdressing, working regularly at premieres and red carpet events.

But both had a passion for food and Dan gave up driving to enrol at the prestigious Leiths Cookery School before going on to gain experience in fine dining restaurants and other hospitality businesses.

Six years ago they decided to buy a minibus and turn it into a food truck and started working at events and festivals.

The success they had with this has now led them to take over premises in Church Street, Bishop’s Stortford (which is just round the corner from where Leigh lives in the town) – and the result is Peach.

They were due to open just as lockdown hit, and the original intention was to begin as a 24 axis magazine

brunch-only venue before looking to expand a few months later.

But lockdown changed all their plans, and they instead began by offering free food to NHS workers before moving onto providing frozen meals at discounted prices to all key workers.

Next came takeaway roast dinners on Sunday before the duo decided to start offering burgers for takeaway – these too became a roaring success quickly.

Post-lockdown plans So, when they were able to open up properly, the original plan was ripped up and a new one came together, merging some of the elements that had gone down so well.

Now Peach is open five a days a week, offering brunch from 8am-4pm daily (from 10am on Sunday); then burgers from 5-9pm, and cocktails.

Leigh says the restaurant is very much aimed at the Instagram age, and has been designed so that visitors can take pictures of themselves everywhere – inside, outside – even in the loos – with neons, flowers and velvets everywhere as well as textures

on the walls. Despite what might appear to be aimed at a younger demographic though, its chilled out atmosphere has already proved popular with visitors of all ages, who have really taken to this slice of something different.

Leigh says the feedback has been phenomenal so far, with diners saying the burgers are the best they have ever tasted. Prices for these range from £13 for the house cheeseburger to £15 for the truffle burger, all of which use 100 per cent flame-grilled chuck steak mince. There is also a vegan plant-based burger which has become hugely popular (£14).

Of the duo’s hopes for Peach, Leigh said: “We just want people to have a nice time, and we’ve been blown away by the response so far!”

Peach is open at the moment from 8am til late Wednesday to Sunday (or from 10am on Sunday) and is registering for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme (see page 23) which will be running throughout August.

Peach 5 Church Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LY 01279 506793 eatdrinkpeach.com

IN BRIEF SPICE HUT IS THE NEW NAME FOR DIL’S INDIAN The anticipated renaming of Dil’s Indian restaurant in Hertford has taken place, and the venue is now called Spice Hut. The rebranding was one of the first-year goals of owners Pradeep Alam and Sridhar Goli, who took over the venue towards the end of 2019.

Work had already taken place before lockdown on redecorating the interior of the restaurant in red and cream, replacing the old orange colour scheme.

At the same time, new more authentic Indian dishes were being trialled with regulars. As a result, the menu now features a range of Indian street food dishes in addition to the old favourites.

Spice Hut is in the pedestrianised Maidenhead Street in Hertford.

Call 01992 554100 to book a table or order a takeaway or delivery. A new website, spicehuthertford, is coming soon, but you can still order via the old site, dilsindian.co.uk, for now.

THREE EVENTS COMING UP AT GEORGE IV The excellent George IV at Great Amwell plans to host an August Bank Holiday weekend barbecue on its outside terrace on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August. It is also holding a Tapas Night on Friday 25th September and a Tasting Evening with paired wines on Friday 30th October. Booking is advisable to guarantee a place at any of the events – call 01920 870039.

CAFE ROUGE CLOSES IN HERTFORD One of the most prominent buildings in Hertford’s historic Parliament Square lies empty after it was confirmed that the county town’s branch of Café Rouge would remain closed permanently.

The Hertford restaurant was one of many casualties nationwide of the news that the chain’s owner, the Casual Dining Group, had gone into administration.

The group operated 250 sites nationwide under three brands – Bella Italia, Las Iguanas and Café Rouge.

FOOD & DRINK

Daisy and James prepare to make up for lost time at reopened Atkins

Daisy Conn and James Atkins have long dreamed of having their own restaurant – and Atkins in Bishop’s Stortford is open for business again now

When you have spent most of your professional life working towards opening your own restaurant, the last thing you need is the Covid-19 lockdown being imposed just three weeks after you first open your doors.

But that was the unfortunate position that James Atkins and Daisy Conn found themselves in back in March.

The couple had opened Atkins restaurant in Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, in the premises that previously housed The Lemon Tree, on 26th February, only to have to close on 20th March.

“It was heartbreaking,” admitted Daisy, who looks after front of house at Atkins. “We had put in so much effort and money into doing up the building, which had been empty for a year, after taking over the keys last November. Then we just had to close our doors.”

Daisy and James met whilst they both worked at the now closed Goose Fat and Garlic restaurant in Sawbridgeworth, where they

each worked their way up until James become head chef and Daisy restaurant manager.

When it became clear Goose Fat was going to close in 2016 they tried to buy the business (by this time James had a small shareholding in it) but this didn’t work out so they each continued to gain further experience at different places.

James worked at Alec’s, the renowned seafood restaurant in Brentwood, whilst Daisy worked at The Lemon Tree.

This connection worked well for the couple when that restaurant’s owners, the Fishpools, decided to close and recommended them to the building’s landlords East Herts Council, which had bought the building as part of its drive to buy up property in the vicinity of its new shopping and leisure development at Old River Lane.

Since its reopening as a Covidsecure restaurant in early July, the response from diners has been wholly positive, with customers delighted to see them open again.

“It’s been really good, said Daisy,

“people have been delighted to be able to go out again and we have had some really excellent comments.”

Passionate about food James is a chef who is very passionate about the food he puts into his kitchen as well as the final dishes that go out to the diners, so he sources ingredients from local suppliers, with meat, fish and vegetables all arriving daily, fresh from the markets.

He is classically trained, describes his food as French-style with a twist, and works hard to produce great dishes for vegans and vegetarians too.

Sample dishes from the starter menu include crispy sweet chilli chicken with baby gem and sesame; and Atlantic prawns and Devonshire white crab with lemon mayonnaise, avocado and smoked salmon.

Mains from the sample menu include 18-hour slow roasted pork belly with crushed new potatoes, caramelised greens, apple compote and pork jus; and

tofu tikka and beetroot curry with steamed basmati rice and grilled naan.

Atkins is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but will open on Tuesdays during August as part of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme (see page 23). So it will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12-2.30pm for lunch then 6-9.30pm for dinner this month; Friday and Saturday from 12-2.30pm and 6-10pm; and on Sunday from 12-4pm.

Atkins has two function areas; one inside the main restaurant and another private dining room that can seat up to 12 people and which has its own entrance and toilet facilities. So if you are after a private dining area to mark an occasion which perhaps had to be postponed during lockdown, look no further!

Atkins 14-16 Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2JZ 01279 758103 atkinsrestaurant.co.uk

Pub in the Park launched in the grounds of Ware Priory Ware Priory has opened a Pub in the Park throughout the summer holiday period.

The venue’s caterers, Seasoned, are running the outdoor pub from the Fletcher’s Lea building in the Priory gardens, and it is open on Friday and Saturday from 4-9pm and on Sunday from 11am-4pm.

There is bar food available, and

often a barbecue, with a full bar offering, including the popular Priory Pilsner on draught. Tables and chairs with parasols are available on a first come first served basis whilst guests are also welcome to bring their own chair or blanket to sit in the grounds.

A small number of tables are also available to reserve (email seasoned@warepriory.co.uk).

In line with Government guidelines, guest names and contact details must be collected to aid with Track and Trace, so guests are asked to pre-register their details on the Eventbrite website or via Facebook, @SeasonedEvnts (sic). You can find a link to the Eventbrite page at waretowncouncil.gov.uk, look under the About tab. axis magazine 25

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

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THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

ERMAN’S KITCHEN Turkish

James and Bianca Rix have successfully run the Fox and Hounds for 15 years, establishing it as one of Hertfordshire’s leading eating out destinations. The Josper oven, seasonal menus, excellent value midweek set menu and superb Sunday lunch are all great reasons to visit. You can eat in the bar, dining room or on the pretty terrace. The venue is also available for events and private dining, including celebrations, weddings, business meetings and wakes. The Fox and Hounds is open again – reservations are recommended.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is one of Hertfordshire’s best kept secrets. Enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere.

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. The George will be taking part in Eat Out to Help Out on Wednesdays in August,

This recently opened family restaurant offers a menu of Turkish cuisine, high quality drinks and cocktails.

It is housed in a Grade II listed former pub that has been refurbished into three contemporary and comfortable dining areas, with an outside garden for warmer months.

The menu offers hot and cold starters, grills and Erman’s signature dishes that include Turkish fish and seafood specialities. The professional staff and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for every occasion.

2 High Street, Hunsdon SG12 8NH 01279 843999 foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk

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

2 Fore Street, Old Harlow CM17 0AA 01279 454000 ermanskitchen.co.uk

COACH HOUSE KITCHEN Takeaway

PIRCIO Italian & Turkish

SPICE HUT Indian

The new Coach House Kitchen is based in the Stable Yard shopping area of Hatfield House and has now reopened after lockdown to offer a high quality menu of food and drink to visitors of both the shops and Hatfield House, park and gardens. It is open from Thursday to Sunday at present from 10am to 3pm and is serving takeaway hot and cold drinks plus cakes and pastries. So if you are visiting Hatfield do pop in and give it your support and enjoy some great food and drink to make your summer’s day out complete.

Pircio is a family-run independent restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford that offers two different menus of Italian and Turkish cuisine.

Both menus are cooked by teams of specialist chefs and diners can choose from pizza, pasta and other Italian classics or dishes such as halloumi, falafel, moussaka and lamb tagine.

The historic Drill Hall building has been smartly refurbished and can seat 200 people downstairs whilst there is also a mezzanine for private dining. Pircio is open seven days a week and is taking part in Eat Out to Help Out.

Spice Hut is the new name for what was previously known as Dil’s Indian, and it remains one of Hertford’s most popular Indian restaurants. Alongside its existing menu, new authentic Indian street food dishes have been introduced, offering customers the chance to try unique food from a highly experienced chef.

Banquet night is every Tuesday and Wednesday with a full meal for just £13.95 and there is a buffet all day Sunday. Order through the website for 10% off delivery and 20% off on takeaway collection.

Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ 01707 287003 hatfield-house.co.uk

Drill Hall, Market Square, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UU 01279 898181 pirciorestaurant.com

19-21 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DW 01992 554400 dilsindian.co.uk (new site coming soon)

FOX AND HOUNDS Pub, Dining Room & Venue hire

26 axis magazine

DINING OUT GUIDE: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

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SAFFRON Indian

THE FOX INN Traditional English Pub

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

The quality of the well-established Saffron in Hoddesdon was recognised when it won Best Indian Restaurant in Hertfordshire in the 2017 Curry Life Awards. This stylish restaurant is a contemporary venue in which both traditional and unique Indian dishes can be enjoyed alongside superb service. It can cater for both large gatherings and more intimate dinners.

For takeaway, both delivery and collection are available with a 10% discount for collections.

Saffron is taking part in Eat Out to Help Out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.

The Fox Inn is open again and is now taking bookings for tables in the restaurant, bar and garden. The Fox is a traditional English village pub that reinforced its place at the heart of the local community during lockdown, opening as a pop-up shop and offering food takeaway collection at weekends. Book ahead to guarantee a table but walk-ins are being accepted if tables are available. The Fox is in Eat Out to Help Out too. For details of opening hours and the menu keep up to date at facebook.com/thefoxinnmatchingtye.

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 free house at the heart of its community, the Fleece is also able to offer a wide range of real ales, beers, wines and spirits.

25 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX 01992 461171 / 01992 461160 saffrononline.co.uk

The Green, Matching Tye, Essex CM17 0QS 01279 731335 thefoxinn.com

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

THE HIGHLAND RESTAURANT Steakhouse & Carvery

THE STRAW HAT Cantonese

VILLA ITALIA Italian

The Highland Restaurant is now open again for dining in after the Covid-19 lockdown!

The Highland is Hertfordshire’s premier traditional steak house. Now under new ownership, though within the same family, the Highland has been established for over 40 years, becoming a local institution.

It continues to serve the finest steaks whilst also introducing new dishes such as burgers and ribs. The Sunday lunch at £16.95 for three courses is great value. You can order takeaway dishes from its greekkitchen.co.uk website too.

The Straw Hat always offers a top quality and high class dining experience. Established for 17 years now, the restaurant is based in a beautiful listed building with a thatched roof which explains its name. The menu offers modern, innovative Cantonese cuisine that takes traditional dishes and reinvigorates them using high quality ingredients to produce healthy dishes that reflect today’s trends, including dishes for those on coeliac and gluten-free diets. The high quality wine list is also worthy of a mention.

The popular authentic family-run Villa Italia restaurant in Sawbridgeworth is now open again for inside dining (advance reservations essential and contact details must be given). Its takeaway and collection service, which proved so popular during lockdown, will continue, with the full restaurant menu now available for takeaway. Orders can be placed by phone or emailed to info@villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk.

The new opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 5pm-10.30pm; Saturday 12.30-3pm and 5-11pm and Sunday from 12.30-5pm.

8-11 The Precinct, High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HY 01992 466933 highlandrestaurant.co.uk

Harlow Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0AJ 01279 722434 Facebook: @strawhatoriental

48 & 52 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN 01279 358358 villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

• For Sale: Parkhurst Road, Bengeo Price on Application A well presented three bedroom freehold townhouse.

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com