Axis magazine February 2022 issue by Axis Magazine

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally February 2022

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE THIS FEBRUARY IN THE NEWS

We round up the major local news stories for you

RENAISSANCE TIME

The Spotlight and Corn Exchange set to reopen

A SIGN OF SPRING

The best gardens to visit to see the snowdrops

BACK TO THE CINEMA

From Belfast to the Nile... it’s Kenneth Branagh month!

FOOD & DRINK

Valentine’s Day specials at our local restaurants

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

FEBRUARY 2022 | NO. 229

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05 y News East Herts Council could move ‘up the road’ to County Hall

11 y News Charity launches appeal to keep it alive after pandemic and burglary

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.

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)

21-24 y What’s on The Spotlight launches its new season after two-year closure

25-27 y Food & drink Special menus for Valentine’s Day: what our eateries have to offer

DINING OUT GUIDE, 27: BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW FOR VALENTINE’S AND MOTHER’S DAY Front cover images (clockwise from top) A scene from Belfast, one of two new Kenneth Branagh films released this month (p22); The logo of Ware’s newly opened skate park, designed and gifted by street artist Pure Evil (p8); The topically named film Marry Me, out in time for Valentine’s Day (p22); Snowdrops, which can be seen in local gardens throughout February (p22).

SUBSCRIBE For just £25 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

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Higher parking charges among East Herts budget proposals East Herts Council is considering a number of extra charges and service cuts as it seeks to balance its budget in the next few years. Local councils across the country are under severe financial pressure as a result of both the pandemic and ongoing changes to their responsibilities. East Herts says it must save a fraction under £1million in the next financial year, 2022-23, which begins in April, and a further £1.9million the following year. It is proposing raising its portion of council tax by 2.9 per cent which would make the cost of its services to a Band D home £185, an increase of £5. This is the

maximum increase permitted. Some £239,000 of savings have already been agreed but the council’s audit and governance committee met on 25th January and approved further savings. A final decision on them will be made at a meeting of the full council on 1st March. The new budget will be agreed at a time when public satisfaction with East Herts Council is falling. The overall percentage of residents satisfied or very satisfied with the council has dropped from 45 per cent to 33 per cent in a year. Satisfaction levels with some services are even lower, with just 13.5 per cent of people happy with its planning service for example.

Council could move into County Hall The council is considering leaving its Hertford HQ at Wallfields in Pegs Lane and moving staff into accommodation at nearby County Hall, which is the home of Hertfordshire County Council. It says changes in working patterns and staff numbers mean it no longer needs as much space. Were the change to go ahead, Wallfields could be sold either as commercial space, which it is currently designated as (it has a commercial space valuation of between £3.5million and £3.9million) or possibly for conversion to residential use. The council has received an offer to co-locate at County Hall and

County Hall

a decision will be taken after the relative costs of moving there or making improvements that are needed to the Wallfields building are evaluated.

THE MAIN PROPOSALS

Parking charges set to rise

Significant changes in parking charges in council-run car parks are expected. Last year, East Herts agreed to start charging a flat rate fee of £1 for Sunday parking (it is currently free) from September 2022. But now the council wants to instead make Sunday parking charges the same as every other day of the week. It is also planning to extend the chargeable hours from 6.30pm to 8pm daily, in a move that could hit the night-time economy in town centres, and then increase all charges from April 2023 by at least 2.5 per cent. These two changes are predicted to raise £70,000 and £75,000 per year respectively.

Resident permits face huge increase A huge rise in the cost of residents’ parking permits has been proposed to end the council’s subsidisation of the service. The cost of a permit for the first car in a household would increase from £41 to £72 a year; a second car permit from £82 to £144 per year.

Community Toilet Scheme to end

Play areas may be transferred

The council’s Community Toilet Scheme, in which some local businesses and venues are paid to allow the general public to use their toilets, is also earmarked for closure. The scheme has been running for 12 years and was launched following the earlier closure of public toilet facilities across the district.

The council is also considering transferring responsibility for six of its 63 playgrounds to town or parish councils. No decision has yet been made on the criteria for choosing which play areas would be affected but it is expected this would result in a £10,000 saving on inspection costs from 2023-24.

The renaissance is coming: arts venues prepare to open doors again Two entertainment and arts venues are to reopen after the pandemic. The Spotlight in Hoddesdon will open its doors for a packed new programme from the beginning of March (see page 21 for more details) while The Corn Exchange live music venue in Hertford reopens under new management. The Spotlight, the Borough of Broxbourne’s main arts venue, has

been refurbished during its closure. The Corn Exchange has been taken over by the team behind the successful The Horn in St Albans, who also now run gigs at The Half Moon in Bishop’s Stortford. It reopens on Thursday 10th February and you can see upcoming gigs on its new website, cornexchangehertford.co.uk. Meanwhile, South Mill Arts in

Bishop’s Stortford is seeking a £7million investment to improve its facilities. It wants to create an exhibition area to showcase its music venue past, a recording studio and an updated arts rehearsal space and dance centre. It has applied for £2.1million from Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and plans to seek the remainder of the money elsewhere.

The Spotlight axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Hertford Theatre won’t reopen until ‘late 2023’ The project to redevelop Hertford Theatre is running at least six months behind schedule with owner East Herts Council yet to appoint a contractor to carry out the work. The theatre closed in June 2021 ahead of the anticipated start of works which are due to provide three new cinema screens, an expanded main auditorium, new studio auditorium and riverside café-bar. Designed by architects Bennetts Associates, the new facilities were anticipated to open in April 2023. But while a contractor was found to carry out enabling works including stripping out the building and asbestos removal, the council has had to advertise the tender for the main works three times. It originally sought expressions of interest in March 2021 but when it did not attract sufficient interest cancelled the process. It re-advertised the project and in the Autumn invited tenders this time using a “framework approach” which could have seen a number of different companies carrying out elements of the build rather than one contractor.

Hartham pool back in use ‘by Spring’

The new Hertford Theatre: East Herts has had problems tendering

But when it considered the responses to this in October, it concluded that progressing the project this way would not have been financially viable. Most recently it advertised the project in November and says “further expressions of interest were received from suitably qualified regional contractors.” Companies have now been invited to officially tender by 2nd February, after which the council hopes to appoint soon. It’s unlikely the council is alone in finding it difficult to find a suitable contractor. Issues in the construction

industry are well documented at the current time with Brexit and the pandemic having resulted in a shortage of labour, rising demand for materials and rising costs. Companies understandably may be reluctant or unable to bid for jobs where both budget and what is required in terms of design and materials is fixed yet their costs could continue to rise. If a contractor is appointed this time and works start this Spring East Herts now anticipates the theatre opening in ‘late 2023’. l See page 22 for an update on the theatre’s current work.

Ware Museum wants your views on its future The trustees of Ware Museum are planning for the future and want to hear the views of the community on the local attraction and how it might look in the future. The town boasts a rich heritage and many of its stories are told in the museum which was established in 1986 and can be found in the former gatehouse building to The Priory in the High Street. Beginning with Ware’s pre-historic foundations, the museum also displays artefacts from Roman and Saxon times, tells the story of the workhouse, the local maltings and what happened to Ware in wartime. There’s a refurbished original Second World war bunker – and even an intact medieval well. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, all curated and staffed by the team of volunteers who work hard to protect the collection, keep the museum open and work with partners to attract more visitors to the town. 6 axis magazine

Joseph Milton, Diana Perkins and Janice Kneller are part of the Ware Museum team

Trustee John Wing said: “Like all cultural attractions, Ware Museum has faced challenges during Covid-19. We are now taking stock and using this opportunity to forward plan. “That’s why we want to know what local people think and hear their ideas on how we could

develop the museum and secure its future.” All feedback is welcomed including what you like about the museum; ideas you might have on how it could be improved; its accessibility for those with children with them or with disabled access needs; your thoughts on partnerships, opening hours, future exhibitions, themes and displays; and how it works with schools. The trustees have engaged an experienced museum consultant who will be considering all of the responses received and working with the museum to produce a forward plan in the Spring for the next five years. If you’d like to feed into the future plans you can email forwardplans@waremuseum.org. uk or write to them at: Forward Plans, Ware Museum, 89 High Street, Ware SG12 9AL. Contributions need to be received by the end of February.

East Herts Council says it intends to reopen the swimming pool at Hertford’s Hartham Leisure Centre “by the Spring”. It promised to provide a firm date by the end of January. The pool, which was supposed to reopen following refurbishment works that had been scheduled to last from April to Autumn 2021, remains closed. The works are part of a wider £8million programme of investments at the centre which is run on behalf of the council by operator Everyone Active. The council blamed “unforeseen technical issues” for the protracted closure. Schedules have been affected by the impact of Brexit and the pandemic in relation to the supply of materials and labour. Additional work was also needed when it was discovered that the screed underneath the old tiles in the pool hall was in a poor condition. The delay has not resulted in any additional costs to the council, it has confirmed.

Vaccination centre set up at Brookfield A specialist mobile walk-in Covid vaccination unit has been set up at Cheshunt’s Brookfield Centre offering first, second and booster vaccinations without the need for an appointment. The facility has been provided by a partnership of Broxbourne Borough Council, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and local Clinical Commissioning Groups. It opened in January in the car park of the shopping centre which is home to Marks and Spencer and Tesco.

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BRIEFING

Ware waste transfer station moves step closer

Police investigate MP death threat

A planning application for a waste transfer station on land next to the existing household waste recycling centre at Westmill Road, Ware has been submitted. Hertfordshire County Council has both made and will determine the application, which can also be viewed on East Herts Council’s website. The scheme was put forward after the council’s attempts to build an energy from waste recovery facility in Hatfield and Hoddesdon failed to achieve planning permission. Instead, household waste would be taken to this new Eastern Transfer Station before being screened for inappropriate items, compacted and being transported in bulk to disposal facilities elsewhere. The proposed 1.5 hectare site is a former quarry and landfill site around 1km from the northern edge of Ware. Waste taken here by local authority refuse collection vehicles would include so-called ‘black bin’ waste

Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson has thanked people for their messages of support after revealing that she received a letter containing a death threat at her constituency office over the Christmas period. In an interview on BBC Three Counties Radio in January Mrs Marson said the handwritten letter, now subject to investigation by the police, warned her she would be ‘dead meat’ and looking out behind her for the rest of her life. She described the letter as ‘vile’ and ‘very disturbing’ but said: “I will not be stopped from doing the job I love by those who threaten our democracy.”

The waste station is planned for land next to the recycling centre

(ie household waste that cannot be recycled); organic waste including green and food waste; recyclable waste and a limited amount of clinical waste. Access would be by the existing recycling centre access road off the A602 and the proposed hours of use are from 5am to 5pm Monday to Friday; 7.30am to 4pm on Saturday and 7.30am to 12noon

on Sunday. The county council estimates there would be 48,484 vehicle movements (half in with waste, half leaving empty), of which 12,612 would be bulk haulage HGVs. You can view the planning application, and comment on it, on East Herts Council’s website. The application reference is 3/22/0051/CPO.

County wants to take on new traffic fine powers

Hertfordshire County Council has announced that it will be applying for new legal powers to issue penalty charge notices to motorists ignoring highways restrictions across the county. The Government is bringing forward legislation that would enable local authorities with civil

parking enforcement powers to apply for powers to also enforce moving traffic contraventions, such as ignoring no entry and one-way restrictions, driving in formal cycle lanes, or waiting in yellow box junctions. At the moment in England only local authorities in London can issue penalty charge notices for these types of traffic offences, using cameras with number plate recognition technology to enforce contraventions. It will be some months before the legal framework is put in place by the Government to allow local authorities to take on the powers should they choose to do so but Hertfordshire has already con-

New modern skate park opens in Ware A new skate park has opened in Ware’s Priory Park. The project by Ware Town Council saw the removal of wooden ramps in the old park to make way for a bespoke concrete skate park, which is suitable for use by people of all ages and experience, and can 8 axis magazine

by used by skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders. Local user groups were involved in the design of the park and the renowned street artist Pure Evil has gifted the logo design which will also be used on T-shirts that will be sold to benefit local charities.

firmed that it intends to apply. It says it would initially trial the powers in problem ‘hot spots’, for example in Bishop’s Stortford town centre where cars often wait in areas that are prohibited. Other areas could be where it would improve bus reliability or reduce congestion. The powers would need to be agreed by the council’s leading Cabinet group and there would need to be public consultation. The council anticipates that the powers will be made available to it in 2022 with consultations and the necessary installation of cameras meaning it is likely to be 2023 when enforcement starts in the county.

Lib Dems urge MP to call for PM to quit East Herts Liberal Democrats last month called for Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson to urge Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign following the ‘Partygate’ scandal. Cllr Mione Goldspink, the leader of the opposition on East Herts Council, said: “It would be consistent for our MP, Julie Marson, to urge the Prime Minister to resign. Ms Marson is on record as saying that all elected councillors in local government should be worthy of trust. How much more should the leader of the Government be worthy of trust?” The MP said she was awaiting the publication of Sue Gray’s report into the allegations.

Businesses invited to sustainability event Business owners are being invited to a free Growth Through Sustainability conference organised by local authorities. It will show how Hertfordshire businesses can save costs while lowering their carbon footprint. The event will be held at The Fielder Centre in Hatfield Business Park on Friday 11th February. To register, visit growththroughsustainability. eventbrite.co.uk.

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BRIEFING

Appeal launched to save The Secret Space Hertford charity The Secret Space has launched an appeal to raise at least £15,000 which it urgently needs to keep going. The charity runs a yoga studio and holistic therapy centre in Fore Street and was already struggling after the pandemic drastically reduced its income from classes. Then a burglary in which its computer equipment was stolen just before Christmas provided a further blow. The charity has offered a lifeline for many since being established in 2013, creating a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can take part in yoga, Pilates and meditation or receive a holistic therapy treatment. Much of this has been offered free to those who need it. Its training and volunteer programme has also helped to

change the lives of people struggling to rebuild their lives after surviving adversity. In order to keep going, the charity has launched a Just Giving page to raise vital funding. The charity’s manager Gabriella Angus said: “We need to raise at least £15,000 to help keep us going. Every pound will make

a difference, will help us to stay open, to continue to offer our services in the community where they are needed and support our teachers, therapists and staff and, most importantly, our volunteer community.” To donate to the appeal visit justgiving.co.uk and search for Save The Secret Space.

Cole Green Way improved Improvement works to the Cole Green Way – a walking, cycling and horse-riding path between Hertford and Welwyn Garden City – have been completed. The path follows the disused railway line between the two towns and includes the site of the former Cole Green station which itself has been restored, with new platform signage, railway-style benches, an interpretation of the site’s history, cycle parking and replica buffer stop. The three-mile path owned by Hertfordshire County Council itself has been resurfaced, making the route more attractive. The works, which took three years to complete, have been carried out by the county council together with Sustrans, a walking and cycling charity.

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Meet the young Hertford podcaster who’s taking us Jack to the Future An eight-year-old boy from Hertford has taken to the airwaves to launch his own podcast in which he discusses how life could look for us all in the future. In Jack to the Future, the name of which was inspired by his favourite film, Jack Andrews talks about everything from the future of science, technology and inventions to some of the global issues affecting the planet. The fortnightly podcasts are suitable for both children and adults and in them Jack interviews local people who have expertise and experience in the relevant area, also getting their own predictions for how things might change in the future. You can find Jack to the Future on all the major listening platforms.

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June 2021

INSIDE: YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE

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IN THE NEWS

We keep you up to date on the major local stories

Herts Rapid Transit System proposed to cross county

SHOPPING

SUPPORT OUR INDIES

All you need to know as town centres bounce back

We showcase some great independent businesses

PROPERTY

WHAT’S ON

FOOD & DRINK

The new development marrying eco with tech

An update on the market and new developments

The best events, arts and films to enjoy this month

The best of July’s events, arts and films to see

The new restaurant that waited six months to open

New pizza restaurant takes over Hertford landmark

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Mary’s of Enfield celebrates 50 years in business this month Mary’s of Enfield, the now Hoddesdon-based women’s boutique and occasionwear specialist, is about to celebrate a remarkable milestone this month – its 50th anniversary. Mary Featley moved to England at the age of 11 from County Mayo in Ireland. In 1972, aged just 26, she founded Mary’s of Enfield. She was not only an excellent businesswoman but a brilliant mother and grandmother – and always a style icon. Looking fabulous while doing so, Mary created a successful business that is now run by her two daughters Trina and Tracy. When they took over, they relocated to Hoddesdon. The new location allowed them to work across two floors, meaning they could focus on a women’s boutique downstairs and a specialist mother of the bride/ groom boutique upstairs. This remains a true family business, with both Trina’s

Mary’s of Enfield; founder Mary with her daughters Tracy and Trina; Trina and Tracy with Veni Infantino

daughter India and her motherin-law Frances working in the shop. Trina said: “Alongside the family, two other fabulous women who play an integral part in the business are the lovely Antonella and Clarissa. We are proud to be a family business consisting of a team of strong, independent women and will always do our best to ensure that you are made to look and feel special.” To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Mary’s of Enfield are holding two

special events this month. On Friday 25th February, everyone is welcome to attend the shop’s Ribkoff Day, when an agent of renowned designer Joseph Ribkoff will be present, alongside a professional model wearing Ribkoff creations. Special orders can be taken on the day and nibbles and bubbly will be available. On Saturday 26th February, the much-lauded designer Veni Infantino will be in the shop for a day dedicated to mothers of the bride

or groom. Again, professional models will be showcasing Veni’s designs. If you have a son or daughter who is getting married, this day is a fantastic opportunity to not only meet Veni, one of the biggest names in the industry, and find out all about her collections but also to buy your outfit for that all-important big day. This event is by appointment only – please call to book. You will find Mary’s of Enfield at 27b High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX. Call 01992 466066.

Join us to celebrate our 50th anniversary! To celebrate 50 years of business we will be holding two events at the shop. Friday 25th February: Ribkoff day Come and enjoy nibbles & bubbly. A Joseph Ribkoff agent and a model will be joining us with a selection of stock you can make special orders on. Everyone welcome!

Leading the way for mothers of the bride & groom

Saturday 26th February: Meet the designer day for upcoming Mother of the Brides/Grooms – By Appointment Only Special guest: Top designer Veni Infantino, creator of fabulous collections ‘Veni Infantino’ and ‘Invitations by Veni’ will be in the shop. Professional models will showcase Veni’s beautiful designs. This event is a shopping day where clients can purchase their special outfit as well as meet one of the biggest names in the industry.

27b High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SX | 01992 466066 | info@marysofenfield.co.uk | www.marysofenfield.co.uk axis magazine 15

Meyer Williams Chartered Accountants

Helping to find effective solutions for your business

If you are looking for a team of reliable, approachable and proactive accountants who will do more than just respond to your needs but work alongside you to help you succeed you have come to the right place. Whether you need the support of professionals who provide on-time effective solutions to help your business, or help with your personal or business taxes, we are here to help.

Our experienced team work hard to establish one-to-one relationships with our clients and are able to offer timely individual advice and guidance on how to improve your business and personal finances.

We can ease the burden by taking care of your bookkeeping and accounting needs, including the preparation of your annual accounts.

Please visit our website where you can find further details about us and discover what other services we offer.

Please call 01992 550721 to discuss your needs with one of our team, or to arrange a face-to-face chat, or a zoom conversation. We will be delighted to agree a day and time to suit you. Meyer Williams Chartered Accountants Stag House, Old London Road Hertford SG13 7LA 01992 550721 www.meyerwilliams.com

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED CONTENT

Love Hoddesdon re-election campaign begins This Autumn Love Hoddesdon BID Ltd, the not-for-profit company representing the business improvement district (BID) covering the town centre, will be seeking to convince the 200+ local businesses of the benefit of re-electing them for a further five-year term. At its recent AGM they encouraged local businesses to offer ideas about how the BID could help get Hoddesdon back to good times as quickly as possible. An online business survey has also been launched to gauge the level of support for the BID to continue. Meanwhile, over the coming months the BID is implementing various projects, including: l Its Young Entrepreneurs Project which will get local young people to put forward in a Dragon’s Den style proposals about how they can influence and engage with the town and its events and other activities; l Leading an action group involving local councils and the police to introduce a comprehensive improvement plan for the subways serving the town; l Supporting ShopAppy’s

Some thoughts from our BID manager...

The Great British Spring Clean is among the many events that Love Hoddesdon BID will be leading in the town centre this year

national Love Local Day on 14th February which encourages local residents to nominate their most loved local business; l Launching its events programme with a memorial service to bless the Rainbow Mosaic (see picture below) – a thank you to all those who helped the town get through the Covid pandemic; involving local schools, businesses and residents in tidying the town as part of the Great British Spring Clean; and holding a St George’s Day Festival and Parade in April.

The BID is also working with Broxbourne Council to develop a new town centre strategy covering the next ten years and looking to introduce a range of green initiatives to help the town and its businesses reduce their carbon footprint and move towards net zero. Love Hoddesdon is striving to get the town back to normal as quickly as possible but needs your support to do it! For more information about the BID visit lovehoddesdon.co.uk.

Recent additions to the town include electric vehicle charging points and the Rainbow Mosaic

Since its inception the BID has engaged Tony Cox to administer its affairs and implement its business plan. He will also coordinate its re-election campaign. Prior to taking on the role, Tony worked for many years at Broxbourne Council as its Town Centres Manager. This meant he was extremely well placed to assist the BID in establishing good working relationships with both the council and the police and this has undoubtedly contributed to the BID thriving as it has. Tony said: “Love Hoddesdon has worked tirelessly over the last four years to improve the vibrancy of the town, whilst during the pandemic we helped many of the smaller businesses to get all the available support and guidance to help them to survive. We know that this is well appreciated by many of the small independent businesses. However, under the rules governing the election of Business Improvement Districts, it is crucial we also get a Yes vote from several of the major supermarkets and other High Street chains if we are to be re-elected. This will be a major focus over the coming months.”

Then make sure you…

Do you… Hoddesdon

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk axis magazine 17

PROPERTY

SPONSORED CONTENT

Aubrey Homes wins Herts Contractor of the Year award Aubrey Homes, a family-run residential construction company based in Ware, has won the Contractor of the Year award at the Herts Building and Construction Awards 2021. The company was founded by Matthew and Lisa Aubrey in 2006 and their daughter Tasha Smits joined in 2020. It specialises in construction projects for the residential sector for both private clients and developers, building new homes and refurbishing, renovating and extending others. The awards were launched in 2017 to celebrate the best of building, engineering and construction works that have taken place in Hertfordshire over the past year. They enable Hertsbased building and construction companies to showcase their performance and achievements to clients, customers, suppliers and the wider community. It is the second time Aubrey Homes has triumphed at the

awards, having won the General Builder of the Year category in 2018, when Tommy Walsh of BBC TV series Ground Force presented them with the award at a black tie event. Managing Director Matthew Aubrey said: “This honour is recognition of the team effort from staff, suppliers and our highly-valued sub-contractors during the challenges of Covid who help us deliver outstanding results to our clients at each stage of a project.” Among its trusted suppliers is Jewson, whose Hertford branch manager Mark Moss said: “Congratulations to Aubrey Homes on the award win at Herts Building and Construction Awards 2021. Aubrey Homes are a long-standing, loyal customer of Jewson Hertford and we look forward to working with Matt, Tash and all the team for many years.” Communications Director Tasha said: “We are passionate about

delivering high quality construction and customer service excellence by building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, staff and contractors built on four key core values: quality, communication, honesty and trust.”

The company is also active in the local community, having raised £1,500 for The Stroke Association and Cancer Research charities and being a sponsor at Hertford Rugby Club. For more information about the business, visit aubreyhc.com.

We build, refurbish, renovate and extend homes to the highest standards. We are a family-run firm, based in Ware, that puts quality and communication at the heart of everything we do. • New builds

• Extensions

• Refurbishments

• Open plan living

• Loft conversions

• Barn conversions

Get in touch to discuss your project – we work with private clients, architects and developers. 01920 400223 info@aubreyhc.com www.aubreyhc.com axis magazine 19

20 axis magazine

WHAT’S ON

THE ARTS ARE BACK!

The Spotlight in Hoddesdon reopens with a packed programme Spotlight team will be on hand to take care of all your requirements on the day. If you would like to view the refurbished building or book an event email spotlight. bookings@broxbourne.gov.uk or visit the new website. The new season at The Spotlight launches with The Smartest Giant in Town, a musical adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler. This family show is on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th March with performances at 1.30 and 3.30pm on Sunday and 3.30pm on Monday. Other early highlights include popular live music show That’ll Be The Day on Thursday 17th March and An Evening With Glenn Hoddle hosted by fellow Spurs legend Graham Roberts on Thursday 24th March. For full details turn to page 23 and visit thespotlightvenue.com.

Say Hello Again to Neil Diamond at Wyllyotts

Last year Sweet Caroline became the nation’s new sporting anthem during the England football

team’s run to the finals of the Euros. Now you can hear it live together with many more of Neil Diamond’s hits in a tribute show at Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar on Sunday 20th February. In Hello Again, Brooklyn Reed and The Salvation Band honour Diamond’s music. Tickets are £27. Book on 01707 645005 or at wyllyottstheatre.co.uk.

Light and shade on show at Gallery at Parndon Mill

The Gallery at Parndon Mill shows The Central Orb, a feast of colour featuring Anthony Cleyndert’s paintings and prints complemented by glass dishes and sculptures by Teresa Chlapowski until Sunday 6th February.

From Thursday 10th February until Sunday 27th March, the gallery’s new exhibition will be a real contrast. Light and Shadow, which is mostly in black and white, will include work by three artists, with etchings and monotype prints by Suman Gujral, ceramics by Karen Banks and small lead sculptures of houses by Mary Down. The gallery is in Parndon Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2HP. For opening times, call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmill.co.uk.

The Smartest Giant in Town launches the new season at The Spotlight

WHAT’S ON: FEB / MARCH

The Spotlight in Hoddesdon is opening its doors again in March with a big programme of live entertainment that will appeal to all tastes and ages, including music, comedy, family shows, visits from sporting legends, psychic nights, drag and party nights, and cinema screenings. During the closure, which lasted for two years from the beginning of the Covid pandemic, owner Broxbourne Council gave the venue in High Street a facelift. A new dedicated website has been set up too, making it easy for customers to view all shows, book tickets and keep up to date. It also contains information about hiring The Spotlight for family events, business meetings and shows. With a selection of rooms and gardens available to hire, the venue can cater for all kinds of occasions and The

NEIL DIAMOND HELLO AGAIN Sunday 20th February, 7pm

Brooklyn Reed & The Salvation Band celebrate Neil Diamond’s glittering 50-year career Tickets: £27

LEGENDS OF SWING

Sunday 27th February, 2pm Down for the Count are a mini big band who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life Tickets: £19, £9.50 child

LOST IN MUSIC

Friday 4th March, 7.30pm This live band with fabulous vocals take you through the magical 70s from Diana Ross to Chaka Khan! Tickets: £25

BOX OFFICE – 01707 645005

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

axis magazine 21

WHAT’S ON

February films: the best movies to go and see at the cinema Belfast (12A) Now showing The first of two Kenneth Branagh films out, the acclaimed Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. Jamie Dornan and Judi Dench star. Sing 2 (U) Now showing Can-do koala Buster Moon and his all-star cast of animal performers must persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star (played by Bono, making his animated film debut) to join them for their most dazzling show yet. Moonfall (12A) Out on 4th February Halle Berry plays an astronaut turned Nasa executive who thinks she knows how to save the world from annihilation when a mysterious force knocks the moon from its orbit and it hurtles on a collision course with Earth. But a bit like Boris Johnson defending Downing Street parties, virtually no-one believes her. Marry Me (TBC) Out on 11th February Featuring original songs from Jennifer Lopez and Latin music sensation Maluma, Marry Me stars Lopez as musical superstar Kat Valdez who marries maths teacher Charlie Gilbert (played by Owen Wilson). The two

Marry Me

agree to wed despite being total strangers. It’s a modern love story about two people searching for something real in a social media and celebrity-obsessed world. Death on the Nile (12A) Out on 11th February The second Kenneth Branagh release is another of his takes on a famous Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot tale. The Belgian detective is on a glamorous river cruise through Egypt that turns into a hunt for a murderer when a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. The Duke (12A) Out on 25th February A charming British comedy based on a true story and starring Jim Broadbent, Helen Miren and Matthew Goode. It is 1961 and a 60-year-old taxi driver steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery. He sends ransom notes saying he will return the painting if the government invests more in care for the elderly. We don’t want to give you ideas, but...

HC Saturday 26 March 2022 S

7:30 All Saints’ Church, Hertford SG13 8AY TickeTs £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students under 25 Email: tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk Phone: 07936 719498 Full details: www.hertfordchoral.org.uk Registered Charity No. 276220

22 axis magazine

whilst we await the completion of our redeveloped building.

Rebecca Butcher from Hertford Theatre brings us her quarterly news update Hello and welcome to the second regular column from Hertford Theatre! Throughout the second half of 2021, we worked with Southern Maltings in Ware and theatre company Half A String to create a new, immersive piece of theatre for families at Christmas. Under The Frozen Moon opened on 14th December, and ran until 3rd January, with three shows on most days. We welcomed nearly 4,000 people into Southern Maltings, introducing them to this great community venue and giving families a chance to experience quality, live theatre on their doorstep once again! We’d like to thank Southern Maltings for giving us the opportunity to bring a little bit of Hertford Theatre magic to Ware and the wonderful, dedicated team of volunteers who continue to support us. Our thoughts now turn to Christmas 2022, and building on this new style of work

l During 2022, we’ll also be starting our Royal Opera House Bridge project work within selected local schools. We’ve been in consultation with teachers and education providers for the last year, and we’re excited to start this next phase of important activity with young people in East Herts. We have produced a report that gives a real insight into young people’s health, wellbeing and learning and how Hertford Theatre can best respond to this in a postpandemic world. You can find it at hertfordtheatre.com/ about-us/182. l Passing by our building, no doubt you will have noticed that it seems dark and quiet. The removal of the asbestos throughout the building was completed in October; however, the impact of Covid and Brexit on the construction industry has resulted in delays in securing a contractor for the project. We are out to tender at the moment and anticipate a contractor will be appointed next month – and then things will move quite quickly! We are excited and hopeful for the future of our building and what it means for the town and surrounding areas. We live and work in a great place and it’s about to get better!

The best places to see the snowdrops this month

Elgar The Dream of Gerontius

Hertford Choral Society

THE HERTFORD THEATRE COLUMN

l Benington Lordship gardens between Ware and Stevenage: Open from Saturday 5th to Sunday 27th February 11am-4pm daily. Admission £7 (Sundays £8); children under 16 £3, under 3 free. Postcode: SG2 7BS. beningtonlordship.co.uk l The Gibberd Garden in Old Harlow will be open on Sundays and Wednesdays from Sunday 13th to Sunday 27th February, from 12noon to 4pm on Sundays and from

2-4.30pm on Wednesdays. Adults £5, concessions £4, children aged 5-16 £1. Postcode: CM17 0NA. thegibberdgarden.co.uk l Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield, the former home and gardens of botanist EA ‘Gussie’ Bowles are open daily from 10am to 4pm. The Bowles Tea Room is open Wednesday to Sunday if you fancy a cuppa. Postcode: EN2 9HG. visitleevalley.org.uk

We are back! We’ve missed you! Let’s get together and have some fun!

That’ll Be The Day

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Thursday 17 March, 7.30pm

Friday 29 April 4pm and Saturday 30 April, 1pm & 4pm

The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Saturday 19 March, 7.30pm

An Evening with Glenn Hoddle hosted by Graham Roberts Thursday 24 March, 7.30pm

The Wizard of Oz Starring Comedy Legend Bobby Davro and X Factor & Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Ritchie Tuesday 12 April, 2pm & 6pm

Pop Divas Live! Wednesday 13 April, 2.30pm

An Evening with the Whirlwind Jimmy White

Back to Bacharach Sunday 8 May, 7.30pm

Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story Thursday 12 May, 7.30pm

Big Girls Don’t Cry Friday 13 May, 7.30pm

The Magic of Motown Thursday 19 May, 7.30pm

An Evening with Harry Redknapp hosted by Graham Roberts Friday 20 May, 7.30pm

hosted by John Virgo Thursday 14 April, 7.30pm

The Drifters Saturday 16 April, 7.30pm

The Real Thing Sunday 22 May, 8pm

Gyles Brandreth: Break a Leg!

www.thespotlightvenue.com The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BE

BOROUGH OF BROXBOURNE

SP220164

Monday 30 May, 7pm

WHAT’S ON

SPONSORED CONTENT

Harlow Leisurezone has so much for the kids this half-term If hearing the dreaded words “I’m bored” is something you’d rather avoid this February half term, then take a look at all the events and activities on offer at Harlow Leisurezone this month. At the heart of the centre, which is in Second Avenue, Harlow, is the exciting Urban Limitz trampoline adventure park which features a series of challenges including Tag Attack Tower, Ninja Assault Course, The Gauntlet and Bounce Pads. Leisurezone is also home to the newly refurbished space-themed Kidzz Kingdom soft play area with lots of interactive equipment for some out of this world fun. And there have been new challenges added to VertiGo climbing walls, including Tricky Tree, Sports Walls, Sawtooth, Dangler and Pinball, alongside old favourites Leap of Faith and Step Power.

Leisurezone is also running a full February school holiday activity week with multi-activity days, karate, trampolining and inflatable fun swim as well as running a crash course in swimming. For further information about what’s on offer at Harlow Leisurezone this month, visit harlowleisurezone.co.uk. To book call 01279 621500.

So much for kids to do at

Harlow Leisurezone VertiGo New Climbing Challenges

Urban Limitz Trampolining Experience

Call now: 01279 621500

or visit www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk

Kidzz Kingdom brand new space themed soft play adventure

Harlow Leisurezone, Second Avenue, Harlow, CM20 3DT 24 axis magazine

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Valentine’s Day: The local restaurants making it a special time Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year (it’s 14th February of course), giving our local restaurants the opportunity to potentially benefit from an extra day’s busy trading after the weekend. Some will be closed on the day itself, so Valentine’s specials will be available across Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th too in some instances. Here are the details of some of our local eateries which are pushing the boat out with memorable Valentine’s specials this year: Lunchtime tasting menu at Haywards Haywards in Epping is well worth a trip for a special event and head chef Jahdre Hayward has put together a Valentine’s Lunchtime Tasting Menu which is available on Sunday 13th February. Priced at £65 per person it includes a Valentine’s arrival drink, homemade bread, amuse bouche, a four-course tasting menu and petits fours. Haywards is also offering luxury Valentine’s hampers again this year for you to enjoy at home on Monday 14th itself. Priced at £79.50, they include a bottle of sparkling rosé wine, cold smoked salmon rillettes, beetroot relish, homemade sourdough bread, Tunworth cheese, homemade lavosh crackers and chutney and handmade chocolate truffles. Orders must be placed by Wednesday 9th February with collection required between 5pm and 6pm on Sunday 13th. There are a limited number of hampers available so email your order before the 9th to info@haywardsrestaurant.co.uk. To book the Valentine’s tasting menu on 13th February call 01992 577350, email using the address shown above or visit haywardsrestaurant.co.uk.

Music is the food of love And finally, this is not technically a Valentine’s event but Nonna’s Kitchen in Hoddesdon is hosting not one but two live music events in and around the week of love. On both Thursday 10th and Wednesday 16th February, Rob Lamberti will perform as George Michael with dinner at 7pm. The cost is £45 (Careless Whispers are free) with a three-course meal and a glass of Prosecco. To book, call 01992 801841 or visit nonnaskitchenuk.com. Just round the corner in High Street, fellow Italian restaurant Marconato will have an evening of classic love songs on Monday 14th, Valentine’s Day, itself. You just pay for your food and drink. Call 01992 444336 or visit marconato.co.uk.

Menu available on two days at The George IV The George IV in Great Amwell (which will be shut on the Monday) is running its popular Valentine’s Day Specials on both Friday 11th and Saturday 12th, with a set menu created by head chef and owner Oliver D’Arcy offering a choice of Hereford fillet of beef and mushroom Wellington for two; Hereford chateaubriand for two or Grilled Cornish native lobster for two. Prices and takeaway options will be available on the pub’s website. To book call 01920 870039 or visit georgeivpub.co.uk. Three-course dinner at The Chequers offers a great choice Mains highlights include The Chequers at Matching Green Chargrilled lobster tails, Roasted near Harlow and Sawbridgeduck breast and an 8oz fillet worth is the perfect setting for of beef (for an £8 supplement), a romantic evening. A special while those with a sweet tooth three-course dinner menu, for may well be tempted by the £55 a head, will be available on Molten lava cake with Monday 14th itself and includes strawberry and vodka compote a Valentine’s day cocktail on from the desserts. Book online at arrival. Check out the full menu thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk online as it offers a selection of or call 01279 731276. six starters, mains and desserts.

The language of love at The Hummingbird France, of course, is the country most associated with romance and The Hummingbird in Hertford has come over all French with a Le Saint-Valentin Dinner five-course menu available at £120 per couple on Saturday 12th February. After Champagne on arrival, you can enjoy a choice of first courses from Maldon native oysters; Tomato, black olive and fig bruschetta; and Nduja arancini. This is followed by Poached apple and rose tart and Raspberry sorbet before a choice of fourth courses. You can select from a Fillet of beef Wellington to share; Dill-crusted baked cod; or Roasted squash, chestnut mushroom and spinach pithivier. And the fifth course is an assiette of desserts, with Champagne and raspberry posset; Chocolate orange brownie tartlet; and Strawberries dipped in chocolate. To book, call 0333 344 6495 or visit welovethehummingbird.com for more details. axis magazine 25

FOOD & DRINK

The Wine Column

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Sauvignon Blanc remains Britain’s best-loved wine Restaurateurs launch Indian street food pop-up in Bishop’s Stortford An Indian restaurateur has launched a new pop-up street food takeaway service from a social club in Bishop’s Stortford. Karim Ullah and his wife Sultana first established a series of initially vegetarian pop-ups before the pandemic across East Herts, including at pubs in both Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford under the name of Brohmon. They then opened their first restaurant under that name in Stansted Mountfitchet just before the first Covid lockdown, which continues to receive excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. In addition to the restaurant, Karim and Sultana have now launched another pop-up offering

street food dishes under the name of Kabab Pundit, which is currently operating from the kitchens of Bishop’s Stortford Social Club in South Street, Bishop’s Stortford. Karim says they hope to bring the concept to Hertford and Ware in the near future too. It features a small menu at competitive prices, including lamb kebabs (small £3.90, large £6.50) and large rice bowls with a curry of your choice at £8.50. It operates Wednesday to Saturday from 5-9.30pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5-10pm. For the full menu and details of how to order, search for Kabab Pundit on Facebook.

Sultana and Karim with some of their menu 26 axis magazine

Britain’s love of wine goes back thousands of years to the Roman days but it is certainly more popular than ever now. The mighty Sauvignon Blanc is Britain’s best-selling wine as a whole, not just its best-selling white grape, but many pretenders have tried to knock it off the top spot. Even with trendy grapes such as Albarino and Picpoul increasing in popularity they are still getting nowhere near the level of sales Sauvignon Blanc achieves. Sauvignon Blanc is a heavy, fruit-driven wine with vibrant tropical notes most commonly found in New Zealand, with the fresher version with more mineral tones found in Loire Valley, France. The popularity of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was such that it took the wine makers decades of planting to cope with the worldwide demand and it was only as recently as 2008 that they managed to create enough yield. This grape has been top of the pile for so long now that it is hard to see anything else that could claim that No 1 spot. It is always possible that the recent growth from Eastern Europe of grapes in Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania could have the potential to do this, but we shall wait and see. If you are looking for a good Sauvignon Blanc, then a favourite here at Cavavin is the Touraine Sauvignon Domaine de Cray 2019, at just £12.50. There is still a lot of freshness in this lovely wine, which has a grassy nose with mango and citrus, a full-bodied mouth and a hint of minerality.

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop. It’s at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk. Online ordering available.

FOOD AND DRINK: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

ADVERTISEMENT LISTINGS

SAFFRON Indian

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

The quality of the well-established and award-winning Indian restaurant Saffron in Hoddesdon has been widely recognised. 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 and also offers an outside catering service. If you fancy trying Saffron’s great food at home, both delivery and collection are currently available with a 10% discount for collections.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Great Amwell, The George IV is the perfect spot for you to enjoy imaginative, freshly prepared dishes, including traditional pub classics, served in a friendly pub atmosphere. 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. Call now for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day bookings.

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. A takeaway menu is also available.

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

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

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

BAAN THITIYA Thai

VILLA ITALIA Italian

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

The popular authentic family-run Villa Italia restaurant in Sawbridgeworth opened in March 2019 and quickly became a firm local favourite. Alongside a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere, Villa Italia offers a wide range of crowd-pleasing Italian dishes to suit every occasion, including pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes as well as very popular homemade desserts and a great wine list. Villa Italia’s opening hours are Tuesday-Thursday 5-10.30pm; Friday and Saturday 12.30-3pm and 5-11pm and Sunday 12.30-5.30pm.

This family-run country pub has reopened with a complete new look following a Lockdown renovation that included a major extension, creating new modern facilities which blend well with its historic character. The new look is already proving popular with regulars who enjoy a menu that is heavy on fresh fish and seafood but also includes grill dishes such as burgers and steaks as well as vegan and vegetarian options. It also offers a great Sunday lunch menu.The Beehive is open seven days a week – book now to experience its fresh new look!

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

Epping Green, near Hertford SG13 8NB 01707 875959 beehiveeppingreen.co.uk

Baan Thitiya, Bishop’s Stortford’s premier Thai restaurant, continues to gain in popularity some 15 years after first opening its doors in 2007. The restaurant is close to Bishop’s Stortford town centre and also has the benefit of its own parking. It is decorated in a contemporary Thai style and has an extensive menu of high quality food prepared by Thai chefs with an emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and authentic, natural flavours alongside an excellent wine list. Baan Thitiya is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and a warm welcome and excellent service await you. 102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 baan-thitiya.com

axis magazine 27

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

Milton Road, Ware Thomas Childs are delighted to bring to market this two bedroom apartment on the first floor of this period conversion, formerly the Cannon Tavern, in Ware. Just a short walk to the town and train station with links into London, you do not want to miss out on this quirky and modern home.

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com