Axis magazine June 2023 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally

June 2023

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LOCAL LIFE GREEN

DAY

Huge shock in local elections as Tories ousted in East Herts

SUPPORT OUR INDIES

Our local independent businesses in the spotlight

CARNIVAL TIME

Bishop’s Stortford and Ware parades to hit the streets

SAILS KEEP TURNING

Your chance to visit Hertfordshire’s only windmill

DINING OUT

A familiar local name takes the reins at Brookmans

Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

WELCOME

What’s inside this issue

04-12 y Briefing

Three-page local election special as Greens and Lib Dems defeat Tories

15-21 y Shopping & business news

Van Hage relaunch, new books and a focus on our local independents

ABOUT AXIS

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

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

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

CONTACT US

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

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

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods

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

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24-31 y What’s on Carnivals, festivals, open air theatre... the summer is on its way at last!

32-35 y Food & drink

Brookmans all set for the summer and The Grandison due to reopen

16 y BOOKS: Axis publisher releases collection of short stories

22-23 y PROPERTY: Homes at new Durkan development go on sale

Front cover images (clockwise from top)

Asteroid City, the new Wes Anderson film, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, both showing from this month (p29); Princess Alexandra Hospital, which it has been confirmed is to be replaced by a new-build hospital on an out of town site (p11); An overhead view of Lea Wharf in Hertford as it nears completion (p8); and Cllrs Ben Crystall and Mione Goldspink, the leader and deputy leader of the newly-elected Green-Liberal Democrat administration at East Herts Council (pages 4-6).

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

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BRIEFING

Political earthquake across East Herts

The political landscape of East Herts changed beyond recognition on Thursday 4th May when local elections saw the Greens become the largest party on East Herts District Council and the Conservative Party, which had been dominant in the area for decades, swept from power.

Voters went to the polls to elect councillors to represent them on both the district council and the area’s town councils.

As the party in Government nationally, and behind in the polls, the Conservatives were widely expected to lose seats.

The shock in East Herts was just how many seats they lost in an overwhelming rejection of the Tories in an area traditionally considered to be true blue – and just how many seats the Greens gained, arguably taking even the most optimistic of the party’s supporters by surprise.

The Conservatives lost control of East Herts District Council to no overall control.

They lost control of Bishop’s Stortford Town Council to the Liberal Democrats.

And incredibly they went from a position of overall control to not having a single councillor on either Hertford Town or Ware Town councils where the Greens again dominated.

Only in Sawbridgeworth did the Conservative vote hold up, with all three councillors elected to the district council from Sawbridgeworth ward coming from

the Conservatives, and the town council remaining comfortably under Conservative control.

The general national mood would undoubtedly have contributed to the result. But other factors were likely to be at play too including the influence of a growing and more diverse population with many moving out to the district in recent years from London. While recent administrations have worked hard to bring about positive change with major projects including the rebuilding of Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Stortford, the ongoing refurbishment of Hartham Leisure Centre and the expansion of Hertford Theatre, both in Hertford, there have been frustrations at the Conservatives’ insistence on

pushing ahead with the building of a new multi-storey car park in Bishop’s Stortford and with the wider Old River Lane project that the car park is intended to serve despite huge opposition to both.

There has also been widespread concern about the amount of new housing proposed in East Herts which has seen a number of areas across the district removed from the green belt.

These concerns, along with very active on the ground campaigning from the other parties, seem to have convinced a disgruntled electorate that maybe a change would be as good as a rest. But what a change!

No drama in Broxbourne or Harlow as Conservatives buck trend to maintain status quo

There were also elections to Broxbourne and Harlow councils.

Both are district or borough councils that elect a third of councillors in three years of a four-year cycle.

In Broxbourne, where 10 out of the 30 council seats were up for election, there was no change in the overall situation,

with the Conservatives winning the nine seats they held and Labour holding its one.

Prominent councillors Steve Wortley and Paul Mason and the Mayor of Broxbourne Paul Seeby all retained their seats. The overall make-up of the council remains as it was before, with the Conserva-

tives holding 27 seats and Labour three. In Harlow the Conservatives also retained control, gaining one seat from Labour to win five of the 11 seats being contested, whilst Labour held on to the other six. The overall make-up of Harlow Council is now therefore 21 Conservatives and 12 Labour members.

Proud newly-elected Green councillors from across East Herts, Hertford Town and Ware Town councils

as the Greens oust Tories from power

OUR COUNCILS AND WHAT THEY DO

East Herts District Council is responsible for key services including planning, bin collections, car parks and leisure facilities.

The more ‘grassroots’ town councils in the area (Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford, Sawbridgeworth and Ware) have a range of responsibilities including looking after cemeteries, allotments and play areas, administering a number of grants, acting as a formal consultee on planning applications (which are determined by the district council), and promoting community wellbeing through the organisation of local events.

On this and the next page we take a more in-depth look at how the make-up of the councils has changed...

EAST HERTS DISTRICT COUNCIL

There are 50 elected councillors on East Herts District Council which, after recent boundary changes, are now elected from 26 wards. Dependent on population each ward is represented by a single, two or three councillors.

Heading into the elections the Conservatives held 39 seats, the Liberal Democrats six, the Greens two, Labour two, with one independent councillor.

At the end of the count the Conservatives had just 16 seats, losing control of the authority where only eight years ago they had held every one of the 50 seats.

The Greens won 19, not enough to give them a majority but making them the biggest winners of the night and the largest single party.

The Liberal Democrats and Labour also made gains, winning 10 and five seats respectively.

At its annual meeting on Wednesday 17th May the new leader-

ship of East Herts Council was confirmed with the Greens forming a joint administration with the Liberal Democrats.

Green Party leader Cllr Ben Crystall becomes leader of the council with Lib Dem leader Cllr Mione Goldspink as deputy. She also holds a position on the council’s leading Executive group as Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, a role which includes responsibility for housing, emergency planning and community safety.

Other Executive members and their portfolios are:

Cllr Sarah Hopewell (Green) –Wellbeing; Cllr Joseph Dumont (Lib Dem) – Corporate Services;

Cllr Vicky Glover-Ward (Green) – Planning and Growth; Cllr Tim Hoskin (Green) – Environmental Sustainability; Cllr Carl Brittain (Green) – Financial Sustainability; Cllr Alex Daar (Green) – Communities; and Cllr Chris Wilson (Lib Dem) – Resident Engagement.

Cllr Martin Butcher is the new chair of the council with Cllr Calvin Horner as vice chair.

As well as presiding over full council meetings, the chair represents the district at civic events and raises money for their chosen charities, in this case CPRE Hertfordshire and Community Alliance.

Cllr Ben Crystall said: “I am confident that the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, working together in this joint administration, will provide strong and effective leadership for our communities. Our combined efforts will navigate the challenges ahead, deliver on residents’ priorities, and strive towards a better, more sustainable future for all in East Herts.”

Cllr Mione Goldspink said: “I am delighted that we have reached an agreement to work together and begin a new era of political leadership for East Herts. Our vision for the district will be underpinned by the principles that unite us –including environmental protection and sustainability – together with a strong focus on community engagement to ensure we remain responsive to the diverse needs of all our residents.”

The changing of the guard... The new leader and deputy leader of East Herts Council, Green Ben Crystall and Liberal Democrat Mione Goldspink

Liberal Democrat Calvin Horner is the new vice chair of East Herts Council and the Green Party’s Martin Butcher is the chair, the ceremonial head of the council

How our town councils are at the forefront of change

Green Party takes over Hertford Town Council

There are 16 seats on Hertford Town Council. Previously the Conservatives had nine councillors, Labour two, the Greens three and Liberal Democrats two. The council now comprises 12 Green and four Labour councillors making it Green controlled with no Conservative representation at all.

There are no formal leader or deputy positions.

Cllr Vicky Smith is mayor and Cllr Alex Daar is deputy mayor.

There are 17 councillors on Bishop’s Stortford Town Council. The Tories had control with 12 seats while the Lib Dems had four and Labour just one.

The new make-up is 10 Liberal Democrats, five Labour and two Conservatives, putting the Liberal Democrats in control.

The new council leader is Cllr Miriam Swainston, the deputy leader is Cllr Stephen Skinner (both Lib Dem). The new Mayor is Cllr Richard Townsend with Cllr Sarah Copley as deputy.

Sawbridgeworth Town Council is the only town council in East Herts that remained Tory. There are 12 seats on the council – previously held by eight Conservatives, three Independents and one Lib Dem.

The current make up is eight Conservative, two Labour, one Lib Dem and one Independent. There is no formal appointment of a leader.

Cllr Ruth Buckmaster is mayor with Reece Smith as deputy (both Conservative).

There are 11 seats on Ware Town Council, which was previously held by the Conservatives who had seven seats to the Lib Dems’ two and Greens two.

After the election there are nine Greens, one Lib Dem and one Labour councillor, putting the Greens in full control of the council.

The new mayor of Ware is the Greens’ Cllr Thomas Day. The deputy mayor is Cllr Martin Butcher.

No county elections but leader acknowledges changed political landscape

of the 10 district and borough councils in the county were run by Conservatives – now just one, Broxbourne, is.

his Cabinet, including promoting Cllr Fiona Thomson to the post of deputy leader.

There were no elections this year to Hertfordshire County Council, which next has a full election in 2025, so councillors were able to watch the drama unfolding elsewhere in relative comfort. However, there will still be ramifications for the Conservative-controlled council, whose responsibilities include highways, education and social services. Before the 4th May elections, five

County council leader Cllr Richard Roberts acknowledged as much when he told the council’s annual meeting on Tuesday 23rd May that the changing political landscape meant he would look to ‘work collaboratively’ with the leadership of all councils – district, borough, town and parish.

Cllr Roberts, who has led the county council for the past two years, has also made changes to

Cllr Thomson also retains her portfolio as Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, in which role she recently oversaw the county’s Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’ for children’s services.

Cllr Terry Douris is the new chairman of the council, while Cllr Caroline Clapper steps up to take over his former role in charge of Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning.

Mayor of Hertford Cllr Vicky Smith

County leader Cllr Richard Roberts

Ware Town Council turns from blue to Green

HERTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

WARE TOWN COUNCIL

BISHOP’S STORTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN COUNCIL

HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Mayor of Ware Cllr Thomas Day

A bird’s eye view of Lea Wharf as completion nears

Wallace House GP Surgery confirmed as moving to Hertford development as apartment sales begin

This striking new image taken from the skies above Hertford shows Lea Wharf, the county town’s flagship new housing and commercial development, as it nears completion.

Lea Wharf is being built by Chase New Homes on the site of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre in the heart of Hertford between Railway Street and the River Lea.

The warehouse-inspired development features 98 one and two-bedroom apartments in two blocks, named Charter House and Navigation House, as well as a range of ground floor commercial units including riverside restaurants.

The sales suite and show home for the apartments was launched over the bank holiday weekend of 6th, 7th and 8th May and had 36 appointments over the three days.

30 apartments in Charter House have already been sold off plan and discussions are continuing over others, with the first occupiers due to move in at the end of this month, June.

The release of selected apartments in Navigation House is due shortly. Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Wallace House GP surgery in St Andrew Street is to relocate to what was already known to be a

new medical centre in Lea Wharf.

The new purpose-built practice will replace the outdated St Andrew Street premises, a listed Georgian building, providing more space, additional consulting rooms, higher patient capacity and a wider range of health services for the people of Hertford, though the practice’s surgery in Calton Court will remain open.

The new surgery is expected to

open this autumn and GPs believe it will help them to improve standards and cut waiting times. The surgery can accommodate more patients and enables the practice to offer more training opportunities for doctors and nurses, creating eight new training roles for health professionals.

Paul Bennett from Chase New Homes said: “Confirming the agreement for Wallace House

Surgery to relocate to Lea Wharf is fantastic news and we are thrilled to be able to play an integral part in boosting the health of the residents of Hertford. This new surgery will not only provide excellent healthcare services on the doorstep but forms part of the regeneration of this part of Hertford town centre, which includes a range of shops, restaurants and other facilities that will make it a great place to live.”

How much will it cost to see a new film at the redeveloped Hertford Theatre?

The price of going to see a new release film at the redeveloped Hertford Theatre when it opens next year is likely to average around the £8.40 mark.

With the theatre and cinema on track to open next Spring, discussions are underway at East Herts Council on a pricing strategy. As Axis went to press councillors were set to debate the likely pricing structure for both the price of tickets for the three new cinema screens and hire of the facilities which include a main theatre, studio theatre and community room. The average price of an adult cine-

ma ticket is expected to be £7 plus Vat with a £2 booking fee added to online ticketing transactions and the ticket price fluctuating depending on the film being shown, screen, date and time.

Ticket prices for theatre productions will vary and are based on a wide range of factors including how much is paid for the production, staffing costs, marketing and royalties.

The proposed costs for hiring spaces have increased compared to prices pre-redevelopment but take into account inflation and the increased capacity of the facilities

– the main theatre now seats 550 as opposed to 400 previously while the studio capacity has increased from 60 to 150.

The main auditorium and the studio theatre are both available to hire by community groups and commercial producers, for anything from four hours up to a full week. Prices for community groups are expected to be set at lower rates.

There will be hourly hire rates for the community room and dance studio, while all three cinema screens will also be available for private hire.

Hertford Theatre reopens next year

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Relief as Nazeing New Road opens after four months

There was relief for motorists last month when Nazeing New Road in Broxbourne re-opened after a four-month closure put in place while Network Rail replaced the bridge over the railway line close to Broxbourne Station.

The closure between the beginning of January and 1st May saw traffic sent on a 17-mile diversion through Hoddesdon, Harlow and Nazeing. Rail passengers were also affected in January when Greater Anglia trains were unable to run under the bridge for six days.

The road bridge sits over the main line between London, Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridge. It needed to be replaced having reached the end of its useful life. The good news is that Network Rail expects the new structure to have a lifespan of some 120 years.

Government confirms new Harlow hospital

The Government has confirmed that a new hospital for Harlow will be built, and fully funded by the Government, by 2030.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay MP told the House of Commons on Thursday 25th May that a replacement for the ageing Princess Alexandra Hospital (pictured above) in Harlow town centre would be built as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. The trust that runs the hospital will now proceed with buying land on the site it has identified for the hospital, which is close to the new junction 7a of the M11. Along with other new hospitals being built, it will be constructed using a standardised, modular approach called Hospital 2.0.

The news was welcomed by trust bosses as well as Harlow MP Robert Halfon, who has campaigned for a new hospital, and Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson, many of whose constituents also use the Princess Alexandra. In separate statements both talked of work beginning as soon as 2025 with Mrs Marson mentioning a completion date in 2028.

Coopers building next to Old River Lane for sale

The prominent retail site on the corner of Bridge Street and Old River Lane in Bishop’s Stortford, currently home to Coopers of Stortford, is on the market for an asking price in excess of £5.5million.

Local chartered surveyors Coke Gearing are marketing the property, which is made up of a number of buildings including a 16th century timber framed building and a 19th century malthouse, and is part listed.

Coopers of Stortford is primarily a mail-order company but has a retail showroom in the town where Neil and Kate Cooper founded the business in 1995. The premises also currently serve as a garden centre and offices for the business which was sold to French clothing distributor Damartex in 2013.

Coke Gearing say the existing lease expires at the end of 2024. It says lease renewal conversations have commenced but also says the site has long-term development potential. It is adjacent to East Herts Council’s Old River Lane site comprising the former Causeway car park and Charringtons House offices, which is earmarked to provide new homes, shops and a cinema.

A new recycling centre replacing the former one at Cole Green near Hertford has opened in Welwyn Garden City.

The multi-million pound facility has been created by Hertfordshire County Council and is a vast improvement on the old Cole Green site which closed in March.

The new Welwyn site is split level, making servicing the containers easier, which should mean less site closures during opening hours. It includes a Reuse Shop, the fourth in the county, where you can donate or buy good quality unwanted items.

The centre, at Tewin Road AL7 1BD, is open between 10am and 6pm seven days a week.

A new bus service between Stevenage and the Brookfield Centre in Cheshunt, running through Hertford, Ware and Hoddesdon, has been launched by Hertfordshire County Council and Centrebus.

The 907, which was launched on Sunday 16th April, is an hourly service that operates seven days a week between 7am and 8pm.

The timetable has been designed alongside existing route 390 to provide a bus up to every 30 minutes on weekdays between Stevenage and Hertford, a commitment that Hertfordshire County Council made in its Bus Service Improvement Plan.

It will provide a new regular service between the towns, with connections to important destinations such as the Lister Hospital.

The new service will also serve Watton at Stone and the Pinehurst Estate in Hertford, and provide a faster link between Hoddesdon and Hertford.

Top: Work taking place during the closure and, above, the completed bridge

New bus service to Brookfield Centre

New recycling centre replaces Cole Green

We celebrated the Coronation all around the constituency

The Coronation was a momentous and glorious occasion. I cannot believe how quickly it came around after weeks of preparation and excitement. I wanted our area to make a contribution, so I organised a competition with local primary schools to design a Coronation card for the King. As always, I had a tough time choosing between some fantastic entries but Lorcan from Spellbrook Primary School’s design was eventually crowned the worthy winner. His classmate, Lexie, was the runner-up. It was wonderful to surprise them both at school with the good news myself – their excitement was priceless! I have since posted the card to Buckingham Palace and am confident His Majesty will have been just as impressed.

At St Elizabeth’s I went on to join the festivities at St Elizabeth’s in Much Hadham afterwards. I have worked with the staff there, residents and their families for many years and remain a huge supporter of the centre’s work. It is an incredible place that

specialises in supporting children and adults with severe neuro-disabilities, complex epilepsy and learning disabilities – their services are renowned in Hertfordshire and across the country. It was lovely to mark such a momentous occasion together and I look forward to many more events at St Elizabeth’s to come.

The Coronation Walk

Herts-based charity Helping Herts recently completed their 180-mile Coronation Walk around the county. It was great to support walkers myself during a quick rest break at the Prince of Wales, Green Tye. Everyone was in high spirits! They completed their challenge for lots of fantastic causes – 12 local charities that help children and young people. Please take a look at their website to support and find out more.

Issues at Stortford Fields

I am all too aware that there are issues at the Stortford Fields development in Bishop’s Stortford that need to be resolved. That is why I have visited the site and met

with residents, developers and planners over the course of many months now. I continue to work with everyone involved to push for real progress and can now share an update on two of the most current issues as a result. A consultancy firm has been appointed to review the work so far to establish the Stortford Fields Company and provide a clear strategy to bring arrangements into line. A third-party landscaper is also assessing why planting at the site failed and how this will be rectified going forwards. Though progress up until this point has been frustratingly slow, things are starting to move in the right direction. I will continue to work on this and give updates.

Helping schools over SEN provision and funding

In Ware, I visited Chauncy School’s Head with the Executive Member for Education from Herts County Council to discuss any issues they are experiencing, especially regarding Special Educational Needs provision and funding. This is an issue in Hertfordshire I have campaigned on in Westminster for a long time now. I will continue to follow up on everything raised and feed back concerns to ministers as a priority.

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

RAISE

Julie with her card competition winners, walkers from Helping Herts and visting St Elizabeth’s in Much Hadham over the last month

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43 Bakery offers fresh bread and pastries in Hertford

A new independent bakery opened in Hertford at the beginning of May.

43 Bakery is based at Vale House in Cowbridge and is run by, and raises funds for, the charity Future Living Hertford.

The charity’s founder and CEO Sandra Conte opened a community café, called Forty Three, on the site in 2018 but the Covid pandemic put paid to that project. However, grants, donations and a lot of hard work have now resulted in the creation of 43 Bakery.

It offers fresh, artisan bread and pastries, baked on-site by professional bakers each morning,

along with pizzas and coffee, that can be taken away or eaten on the café terrace area.

The bread, including sourdough, is made in small batches and pastries include cinnamon buns (they’re highly recommended!), plain, chocolate and almond croissants, doughnuts, scones and Danish pastries, all made using the best ingredients and sustainably sourced flour.

43 Bakery is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 2pm and can be found at Vale House,

43 Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PN. Call 01992 537344 or visit 43bakery.co.uk for more information.

Say hello, wave goodbye to retailers

Hertford has lost two distinctive independent businesses that in recent years had contributed to the vibrancy of the county town’s offering.

Hertford Organic, the grocery store in Honey Lane, the little street connecting Maidenhead Street to Market Place, closed its doors at the end of April, though its owner plans to continue using the shop to house a business selling rugs, called Cazen. Meanwhile, homewares and gift shop Five and Dime has closed its Hertford store in Fore Street. The shop will now become the new home of Hertford Cake Co which

House plants business is growing

House Plants Express, which has opened in Bishop’s Stortford, is a new shop in owner Louis Bell’s home town and an extension to his existing business.

The shop, at 16 Riverside Walk off South Street, was opened in May and sells a wide selection of house plants. Louis originally set up in business

under the name London House Plants, selling on markets around London, and then added a warehouse and showroom in Harlow. An offshoot from that was a stall on Bishop’s Stortford market. Now he has grown further with the opening of a shop in the town, to which he moved a couple of years ago from Cheshunt.

will be moving from its current base in St Andrew Street to open a bakery and café in the premises. Its current shop will remain open until its new one is ready. And devotees of Five and Dime will be pleased to know that they can still find it online at fiveanddime-interiors.com.

House Plants Express is now open in Bishop’s Stortford

Axis publisher releases book of thought-provoking short stories

Axis magazine’s co-publisher

Aaron Gransby is publishing his second book, a collection of visionary short stories called Destination, on Thursday 8th June.

Aaron’s debut novel, a dystopian thriller called Outside, was released in July last year and was well-received, garnering five-star reviews, and a follow-up to that is due out next year.

Like Outside, Destination is published by Gerard Books. It is a highly readable but devastatingly prescient collection of stories,

Former local journalist publishes latest in his Italian crime series

which blends suburban ordinariness with an unsettling portrait of what lies ahead of us. Thought-provoking and highly original, these visionary stories will make you stop and think about the world we are currently hurtling headlong towards. Destination is available as a limited-edition hardback (£14.99) from Aaron’s website, and as a paperback or ebook on amazon. co.uk. To buy Destination and to find out more about Aaron’s work, visit aarongransby.com.

A Hertford-born author has just had his latest novel published – the fourth in his critically-acclaimed mystery series set in the beautiful Italian city of Bologna. Tom Benjamin, who was educated at The Broxbourne School and Hertford Regional College, also used to work as a journalist on the Hertfordshire Mercury before becoming a media spokesman for Scotland Yard. He moved to Bologna 15 years ago where he first came up with the idea for the British-born

private detective Daniel Leicester who has been the main character in his books. His first three books in the series, all published under Little, Brown’s Constable imprint, are A Quiet Death in Italy, The Hunting Season and Requiem in La Rossa.

The fourth book, which was published last month, is called Italian Rules.

Italian Rules is available in paperback (£9.99) from bookshops and online and also as an ebook.

New owners proud to relaunch iconic Van Hage garden centre

A relaunch event was held at Great Amwell’s Van Hage garden centre in May following the business’s acquisition towards the end of 2022 by Blue Diamond.

The event on Saturday 20th May offered customers and the local community the chance to see the investment that the new owners, the largest turnover garden centre group in the UK, have already made at the site which include refurbishment works, increased stock levels and a fresh focus on the plant area.

Further improvements including redevelopment of the homewares section and the doubling of the capacity of the popular restaurant are planned this year. A new manager is also set to join. Guests at the relaunch were entertained with a programme of activities and entertainment including live music, fairground and pony rides and a barbecue demonstration from Broil King. A highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of the refurbished windmill, a feature first erected at Van Hage’s original Spitalbrook

site in Broxbourne in 1958 (an event covered at the time by Pathe News!) and later moved to Great Amwell in 1972 where it has been a recognised local landmark ever since.

It had fallen into disrepair though with the sails no longer turning. Blue Diamond managing director Alan Roper says that he decided at the time of the takeover that it should be restored and moved to a more prominent location on the lawn, both to create a sense of nostalgia for local customers but also as a gesture of respect to the Van Hage family.

They built up the business over 70 years into one of the leading garden and leisure retailers in the country with three separate centres at the time of the sale.

Alan recalled that he used to visit Van Hage himself in the early 1990s for inspiration.

He was joined by members of the Van Hage family as well as Ware’s new mayor Cllr Thomas Day for the unveiling.

For more information visit vanhage.co.uk.

Happy and colourful scenes from the relaunch event for Van Hage

AARON GRANSBY

Celebrating the independents in Bishop’s Stortford

This month we’re putting the spotlight on our independent businesses of Bishop’s Stortford. Whether it’s dinner out for a special occasion, a coffee with the girls, a new dress, family fun, a beauty treatment or a solicitor you need, you’ll find it right here in the centre of town.

Leisure & Entertainment

Looking for a fun night out? Try the bowling alley, a family-run business in Anchor Street. They even host children’s parties. Or there’s a gym if you’re looking to book up an exercise class.

Fashion

If it’s a new outfit you are looking for, we have a range of independent clothes and shoe shops in Bishop’s Stortford. This includes options for all budgets and for all occasions, from designer items for men and women, to affordable women’s fashion for casual wear.

Retailers

From garden tools to doughnuts, house accessories to a steak for the BBQ, you’ll find an independent retailer to help you out! There really is such a variety of businesses here. Being able to browse and talk to the retailers means you’ll get the best product for you. Whether it’s new garden seating, locally sourced food and drink for entertaining at home, home interior décor, photography services or something else, it’s here.

Eating & Drinking

The range of options in Bishop’s Stortford is vast. If it’s a special meal out, a venue to strike an Instagram worthy pose, a bottomless brunch, maybe drinks in the sun or family-run café, you’ll find it here.

Professional Services

If you need advice in your personal life or for work, we have a number of experts, including

accountants, solicitors, financial advisors, banks and estate agents ready to help you out.

Hair & Beauty

With a selection of barbers, hairdressers, nail bars, beauticians and aesthetic clinics, Bishop’s Stortford can cater for all your hair and beauty needs. With experts trained in their field and a range of salon products available to buy as well, you will be sure to find what you need here.

Independent businesses are vital to our high streets. Not only do they give us character and vibrancy, they employ local people and are run by local people who are passionate and knowledgeable about their product or service. We have so many here in Bishop’s Stortford. You can see a full listing of all businesses on discoverstortford.co.uk, or pop into town and take a wander – you’ll be sure of a warm welcome!

Bishop’s Stortford BID reminds us of the scope and importance of our local independent businesses

LOCAL INDEPENDENT

Show your support for the local businesses at the heart of our community

LANDSEER PICTURE FRAMING WARE

Landseer Picture Framing in Ware can frame all your memorabilia from medals, badges, rosettes, programmes and tickets to sports shirts for adults or children. And, of course, they can frame any of your photos and artwork. The shop also sells handmade earthenware and stoneware sculptures produced by local artists, as well as a wide selection of framed prints and many ready-made standard sized photo frames.

27b Baldock Street, Ware SG12 9DH 01920 486522 landseerpictureframes.co.uk

CLASSIC MOBILITY HERTFORD

From its showroom in the centre of Hertford, Classic Mobility sells, hires and services all mobility equipment. This family-run local business has been established for more than 20 years and provides friendly, knowledgeable help if you need any kind of mobility assistance – whether that be wheelchairs, adjustable beds, rise/recline chairs, mobility scooters or bed and bath hoists – on either a permanent or temporary basis. It also undertakes maintenance and servicing.

15 Church Street, Hertford SG14 1EJ 01992 552224 classicmobility.org.uk

POST & PACKING HERTFORD

Post & Packing Hertford is your independent postal shop and aims to provide the local community with quick and hassle-free services. You can post your letters and parcels; arrange a courier including Evri, DPD, UPS and DHL; hire a secure mailbox and even use the shop as a pick-up and collection point! If you sell online, Post and Packing also offers convenient storage with the full pick, pack and post fulfilment services so you can spend more time growing your business.

71 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AL 01992 472755

postandpackinguk.com

ASHBOURNE INSURANCE HODDESDON

Award-winning Ashbourne Insurance is an independent, family-run broker which has been serving Broxbourne and East Herts customers for more than 40 years. They provide a one-stop service, from personal and complex commercial insurances to 24-hour claims advisory support. As an independent broker, they are able to search the whole market for insurance solutions at a price to suit any requirement: business, motor, home, travel, cyber or landlord insurance. They are authorised and regulated by the FCA.

50 Amwell Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8UA 01992 471001 | ashbourneinsurance.co.uk

FRENCH & DAY DELICATESSEN WARE

French & Day Delicatessen was opened in December 2020 and has quickly become a huge favourite with local foodies in Ware.

Owned by husband and husband team Thomas Day and Tom French, the independent High Street deli offers high quality food and drink with a focus on locally-sourced products. Their all-British selection of meats and cheeses will be cut to order for you at their counter, whilst you sit in for a coffee, draught beer or wine by the glass.

55 High Street, Ware SG12 9BA 01920 461789 | frenchandday.co.uk

DOBSONS CHESHUNT

Dobsons, established in 1935, is a family business based in Cheshunt that specialises in the design and installation of luxury kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and home renovations. Now run by the fourth generation of the Dobson family and with a large, recently refurbished showroom, they offer the complete service to their customers from design through to installation, all project managed in-house for a perfect seamless finish. Their excellent customer service has earned them a 5* rating on Trustpilot.

128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt EN8 9BN 01992 623066 | dobsonshome.com

LOCAL INDEPENDENT

Show your support for the local businesses at the heart of our community

CHAPTER 79 HERTFORD

For the last 17 years, Chapter 79 have been designing and making bespoke jewellery, specialising in custom engagement and wedding rings. From their on-site workshop in the heart of Hertford, they can repair and restore almost any of your treasured pieces. They also supply beautiful rings and other jewellery from some of the finest jewellery houses in Europe, such as Furrer-Jacot, and stock the most current and unique pieces from Chlobo, San, Quinn, Hot Diamonds and many more.

15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ 01992 534555 | chapter79.co.uk

CRATES OF WOOL WARE

Crates of Wool is a lovely, local, bricksand-mortar yarn store in the heart of Ware that offers superb personal service. It is a treasure chest of yarns of all kinds: natural fibres, locally dyed yarn, standard acrylic, baby yarns and more, as well as all you need to go with them. They also offer a range of workshops in knitting, crochet, and macrame. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Crates of Wool also offers local home delivery in SG12, 13 and 14 postcodes – order online or by phone.

8a East Street, Ware SG12 9HJ 01920 463436 | cratesofwool.co.uk

WOMEN’S SOCIETY BOUTIQUE HERTFORD

Hertford’s award-winning independent women’s boutique is marking 17 years since it opened in St Andrew Street in 2006. Owner Victoria Rex and her team have created a stylish shopping experience where great customer service and a different approach have earned rave reviews and satisfied customers who know they can trust the boutique to deliver on both style and quality. The Women’s Society offers a wide range of ready-towear pieces, accessories, shoes and bags for casual daywear and all occasions.

2 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500122 | womens-society.co.uk

HERTFORDSHIRE FIREPLACE GALLERY POTTERS BAR

The well-established Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery opened its doors over 20 years ago and continues to help customers with their fireplace requirements. They have the largest selection of fires and fireplaces in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, and offer free surveys and free local delivery. Installation by qualified Gas Safe and HETAS engineers is also available. So whether you would like a traditional limestone, marble or timber surround or the latest contemporary hole in the wall fires, call in today!

9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar EN6 2QX 01707 657070 | hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk

HODDESDON TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE HODDESDON

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre is a family-run business that has been serving both retail and trade customers for more than 30 years. It has a wide selection of tiles along with all the accessories you might need, and a revamped and updated bathroom showroom showcasing a wide range of baths, showers, basins, toilets, taps and more. It is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and there is free parking on-site as well.

Unit 3c Geddings Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT 01992 470146 hoddesdontileandbathroom.com

CANNON TRAVEL HODDESDON

Cannon Travel offers a wealth of knowledge, expertise and advice to help you find the right holiday. Formed in 1991 and based in Hoddesdon, Cannon Travel has considerable experience and only works with fully ABTA bonded and ATOL protected operators. Whatever you are looking for, you can book it with Cannon, including dream holidays, exotic tours, luxury cruises, city breaks and coach holidays. You will always get fantastic independent advice and benefit from invaluable expertise.

96 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8HD 01992 441521 cannontravel.co.uk

Family-run business offers a complete home improvement service

Herts and Essex Windows and Doors Ltd are a true family-run local business with more than 40 years of experience in the home improvements sector.

Based in Marsh Lane, Ware, they carry out work for both the home and commercial markets across Herts, Essex and London. They offer you a complete home improvement service from start to finish – catering for anything from designing your new front door to creating a fully bespoke extension to add space and value to your home.

All their products are fully tailor-made to your requirements and no job is too big or small. Their work includes the following:

l Windows and doors, in both aluminium and uPVC;

l Conservatories;

l Bi-fold doors;

l Splashbacks;

l Sealed units;

l Glass and glazing – including anything from balustrades to

mirrors and roof lanterns;

l Service work;

l Replacement roofs.

The business itself was founded in 2017 by husband and wife team Clive and Jayne Travers after many years of working for other companies, and their daughters work in it too as part of the team. Jayne said: “We really do listen to our clients and bring their visions to life. Our team’s professionalism, expertise and experience makes us the perfect company to guide you through your home improvement project.”

To find out what they can do for you, call 01920 449229 or visit their website at he-wd.co.uk for more information.

Herts and Essex Windows and Doors Ltd

5 Peerglow Centre, Marsh Lane, Ware SG12 9QL 01920 449229 info@he-wd.co.uk he-wd.co.uk

5 Peerglow Centre, Marsh Lane, Ware, Herts SG12 9QL 01920 449229 / 07907 247531 info@he-wd.co.uk www.he-wd.co.uk

Dobsons is a finalist in prestigious Hertfordshire awards

Dobsons in Cheshunt is celebrating after being announced as a finalist in the ‘Property & Construction Project of the Year’ category of the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2023. The nomination was for a large home renovation project in Potters Bar which involved completely refurbishing the client’s home from top to bottom in addition to building two small extensions at the property.

Dobsons director Helen Dobson said: “I am delighted that we have been nominated for this project. It was a real labour of love for our whole team and the first home renovation project of this type that we have taken on. “We are up against some much larger construction companies in this category which makes this achievement even more impressive, and we can’t wait for the awards in June!”

Launched in 2012, the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards focus

on and celebrate the expertise, achievements and outstanding contribution that businesses and individuals continually make to the growth of the county.

In addition to the luxury kitchens, bathrooms and glazing Dobsons is well known for, full home renovations were added to the company’s product offering in late 2021.

The renovations side of the business began in response to customer demand and has really taken off since.

All renovations are fully project managed in-house and undertaken to the high standard that clients have come to expect from Dobsons.

The awards ceremony takes place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden on Thursday 22nd June, where the winner will be announced.

l To find out more about how Dobsons could transform your home, visit dobsons.com.

New Hatfield East development has something for everyone

Durkan Homes’ recently launched new development in Hatfield offers a modern collection of 87 one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes. Named Hatfield East, the contemporary new homes are conveniently close to Hatfield Station, Hatfield House and the town centre. With pricing for the mix of apartments and houses starting at £285,000, Hatfield East has something to offer everyone, from first time buyers to young professionals and growing families. Of the 87 new properties being built, 17 are much-needed affordable homes.

The eye-catching show homes have recently been launched and the development is already proving to be extremely popular.

Durkan Homes’ managing director Bill Beyzade said: “It’s great to see the first homes coming up for sale at Hatfield East. We look forward to seeing the site come to life. The new homes offer space,

stylish interiors and high quality kitchens and bathrooms, creating properties people will want to call home and can grow into. And with Hatfield Park just a stone’s throw away, homeowners will benefit from green spaces within walking distance of their front door.”

Hatfield East is just a five-minute walk from the town centre, with its range of cafés, restaurants and shops. Hatfield train station is a 15-minute walk, with regular services connecting the town to Kings Cross in under 30 minutes. The site also has six schools within a mile radius, catering for children from nursery through to secondary school.

The marketing suite and show homes are open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

For more information on the Hatfield East development visit durkan.co.uk.

To book an appointment through Hamptons Estate Agents, call 01992 663890.

How we help the first time buyers who are crucial to the market

By Peter Cuffaro, Managing Director of Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents

The local housing market is currently in a state of uncertainty. Prices have been rising steadily for the past few years, but there are signs that the market may be starting to cool. Mortgage rates are rising, which is making it more expensive to buy a home than this time last year. With sellers motivated to move, there is an increasing supply of homes on the market, but without the first time buyers or investors to complete chains the market will start to stall.

So, here at Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we are continuing to hold First Time Buyer Workshops to help buyers be properly prepared. We are inviting first time buyers to come to our office in Stanstead Abbotts every Saturday to see us so we can explain the moving and buying process to them, and also help them to get quotes from solicitors and mortgage advice. Just pop in any time on a Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm (we close at 5pm).

In the last two years, the Government has ended Stamp Duty incentives (also known as Stamp Duty holidays) and Help To Buy schemes and, taken together with the ongoing cost of living

crisis, this has all had a detrimental effect.

As a result of these factors, it is likely that the pace of price growth will slow in the coming months. However, it is still expected that prices will continue to rise, albeit at a slower rate.

Overall, the local housing market is expected to remain strong in the coming months, but sellers do need to be patient.

Edd Ranford, independent mortgage advisor at Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, said: “Starting at historically low levels, rates have risen due to increased inflationary pressures and the Bank of England’s tightening monetary policy over the past year. Borrowers should expect higher rates compared to last year, but it still remains affordable. With lending criteria differing from lender to lender, and daily changes in rates, now is the right time to discuss your circumstances with an independent mortgage broker. This will ensure that potential first time buyers and movers can borrow what they need, at an affordable amount, with the best lender available for their circumstances.”

The eye-catching show homes at Hatfield East are available to be viewed now

JUST LAUNCHED

WELCOME TO THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

HATFIELD EAST.

Old Rectory Drive | Hatfield | AL10

At Hatfield East there’s something for everyone, modern living with a village feel, great commuter links, green open spaces and vibrant local amenities. These are homes that really do tick all the boxes, and an exciting new place to put down roots. There is so much choice depending on your needs, one and two bedroom apartments + two, three and four bedroom houses offering a wide range of layouts, with Durkan Homes’ uncompromising standard of build and finish. Apartments from £285,000 | Houses from £427,500

For more information and to book an appointment to view the new Show Homes, contact 01992 663 890

salesherts@hamptons.co.uk

July 1st - Carnival Day

July 8th - Riverside Real Ale Festival featuring the Annual Raft Race, Pavement Artists Competition & Putting Competition

July 16th - Abba Stars Concert at Ware Priory

July 30th - Rock in the Priory @WareTownCouncil @WareTownCentre

'THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC'

WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

Bishop’s Stortford to hold its annual carnival and fun day

Bishop’s

Stortford

Carnival

Parade and Fun Day takes centre stage this month, with the market town coming together in traditional fashion to celebrate in the streets and on Sworders Field on Saturday 17th June.

The theme this year is ‘The 80s’ and there are two parts to the day – the first being a traditional carnival parade through the streets featuring floats from local organisations and businesses, and local people are encouraged to line the streets to support those taking part.

The parade departs South Mill Arts in South Road at 11.30am and processes through South Street, Potter Street, Market Square, North Street and Northgate End, finishing on Link Road at around 12.30pm.

By the time the parade reaches its destination, the fun on Sworders Field will be in full swing, having started at 12noon. Between then and 5pm there will be a variety of stalls open, selling food, drink and other products, as well as two arenas of entertainment featuring a wide range of visiting attractions as well as great local talent.

Entertainment will include 80s classics from the band The Jjarrs and BMX displays, while there will also be performances from Be Entertained, The Slackline School, Tracey Walker School of Dance, Grove Cottage, Bishop’s Stortford Ukulele Society, Woodwind of Stortford and Bishop’s Stortford Rock Band and Rock Choir. The event is organised by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council.

Carnival launches month-long Ware Festival

The month-long 2023 Ware Festival, which begins on Saturday 1st July, will be a celebration of all things musical, with the theme this year being ‘Thank You for the Music’.

The Saturday launch day features some of the festival’s most iconic events, including a colourful boat parade along the River Lea at 12.15pm put on by members of Lea & Stort IWA, who will make Ware their home for the weekend.

A traditional carnival parade will snake its way through the

town centre, leaving Broadmeads at 1.25pm, and the Town Fair will be held in the grounds of Ware Priory in High Street from 12noon, featuring stalls from local groups, food and drink. Arena entertainment will start at 2pm with performances from K9 Dog and Duck Display, Zoo Riot, Somewhere2Sing, Unswung Heroes, Make Believe Ware and Impress Theatre School. Entry is free though a £1 donation to the festival charities (Always Bee You and Local Social) is appreciated.

At 4pm in Christ Church, Broxbourne Community Choir will entertain with a medley of popular songs from across the decades. Tickets are £10 for adults and £3 children from Gabby on 07875 221543.

Sunday 2nd July sees Ware’s annual 10k races take place, including a free children’s race. These start at 9.30am from GSK cricket ground (full details at ware10s. co.uk). The annual duck race will be held at Ware Lock by SPACE Herts (details at spaceherts.org.

uk), whilst Ware Brass will play a free concert at Ware Priory from 3-5pm too.

Details of the rest of the month’s festivities will appear in next month’s Axis, but a date for your diary is the festival’s traditional closing event, the ever-popular outdoor concert Rock in the Priory, which will be held on Sunday 30th July at Ware Priory. Full details can be found at waretowncouncil.gov.uk.

Ware Festival is organised by Ware Town Council.

Visit Hertfordshire’s sole surviving windmill

Cromer Windmill, Hertfordshire’s sole surviving windmill, which is now a visitor attraction, has just reopened for the season. The windmill dates back to 1681 and is now owned by Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust and is opened to the public every year between May and September, thanks to a group of volunteers.

The grade 2* listed building was blown over around 1860 but was rebuilt and continued to be used for another 60 years until the 1920s when milling by wind became uneconomic and the mill fell into disrepair. Apart from some repairs made in 1938 and its sails being removed for safety reasons, nothing further was done with the mill until 1964 when concerned locals got together to try to save the building. The then newly-formed Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust took on the mill as its first restoration project. The works needed were carried out at roughly 10-year intervals, each waiting

McMullen’s to host its 5th annual Beer and Music Festival

Hertford brewer McMullens

holds its fifth annual Mac’s Beer and Music Festival at the Hertford Brewery in Old Cross on Saturday 17th June from 5-10pm.

It features beer, food and live music from Line-Up, The Cubanauts, Radio Video, Suck it and See and Conor Walker. Tickets (for adults aged 18 and over only) are £10 and must be booked at eventbrite.co.uk. The beer will be direct from the source with the company’s Rivertown Brewing craft beers alongside Mac’s heritage ales. This is a fundraising event for local charity Mudlarks which supports adults and young people with learning disabilities and mental health issues. Visit mcmullens.co.uk to find out more about the event or mudlarksgarden.org.uk for more about the charity.

Ware Priory Lido to reopen this month

until the money required was available. In 1998 the final phase saw shutters and striking gear fitted to the sails and the internal machinery rebuilt, restoring the mill to virtually full working order. A second cycle of restoration was completed in 2015. Although grinding is impossible due to the proximity of the road, when the wind is right the sails will turn and the windmill

comes to life. It lies on the B1037 Walkern to Cottered road near Ardeley, at SG2 7QE. Admission is £3 for adults, £1 for children, which includes a guided tour. Both cash and cards are accepted. Parking is free, in the field opposite the mill. It is open on selected weekends and bank holidays until September. For full details visit cromerwindmill.co.uk.

Jazz and beer festival at Gibberd Garden

The Gibberd Garden in Old Harlow hosts a jazz evening featuring the Lotus Jazz Quintet on Friday 16th June from 7-10pm. There will be a licensed bar and you are encouraged to bring a picnic. Advance tickets are £17 with a limited number of tickets available on the day at £19. The garden hosts its ever-popular beer festival on the following two days, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June, from 12noon

to 7.30pm. There will be a wide variety of craft beers and food available, with Harlow’s Redchurch Brewery, High Wych’s The Rising Sun and West Essex and East Herts branch of CAMRA all taking part. Tickets are £7.50 for adults or £12 for a family ticket (2+2). Booking in advance encouraged. Book at thegibberdgarden.co.uk. The garden is in Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA.

Ware Priory Lido is on track to reopen this month after refurbishment works kept it closed throughout the 2022 season. As Axis went to press contractors were putting the finishing touches to the main and teaching pools with an anticipated opening date during the week commencing Monday 12th June. The season will run to the end of September. Visit warepriorylido.co.uk.

Stortford splash pool open

Meanwhile, the splash pool in Bishop’s Stortford’s Castle Gardens was set to open on Friday 26th May.

The free popular children’s facility will be open daily between 9am and 8pm until September.

Enjoy food and art at Gravelly Barn

Gravelly Barn in Braughing will fuse visual art and culinary creations in a three-day food and art exhibition next month that will feature work by accomplished local artists. Catchily titled Fart, the event will include demonstrations showing how food presentation can be viewed as an art form in its own right. There will also be live music and a performance by the Razed Roof inclusive performance art group during the weekend, which runs from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th June between 10am and 5pm (4.30pm on the Sunday) at EJD Studio, Gravelly Barn in Gravelly Lane, Braughing SG11 2RD. All money raised will go to Haemotology Cancer Care at University College Hospital London, a charity supporting patients and research.

Pre-booked

SUMMER AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE

SATURDAY 17TH JUNE 2023

from SOUTH MILL ARTS

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Thurs 15th – Sat 17th June

Various times

Tickets: From £18

GIANNI SCHICCHI & CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

Thurs 22nd – Sat 24th June, 7.30pm Sat matinée 2.30pm

Tickets: £15 – £22

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW

Tuesday 4th July, 8pm

Tickets: £29, £26 concs, £54 meet & greet

FIREMAN SAM

Thursday 17th August 12pm & 3.30pm

Tickets: £18, £17 child, £66 family of 4

BOX OFFICE: 01707 645005

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

CARNIVALFUNDAY

Bishop’s Stortford Town Council T: 01279 715001 E: carnival@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk Supported by

St Albans Roman Theatre season begins

June marks the beginning of the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival in St Albans, with its season-long series of live productions running until September, curated by OVO Theatre Company.

OVO presents a musical version of Romeo and Juliet set in 1998 Belfast on various dates between Monday 5th June and 29th July, with other productions including Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood; Private Lives; Much Ado About Nothing; The Railway Children; Little Women and The Threepenny Opera.

OVO’s artistic director Adam Nichols said: “I’m particularly excited about this year’s Roman Theatre Open Air Festival in which we mark a number of dramatic firsts.

“We’re mounting our first co-production with Pitlochry Festival with the presentation of Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood, which played to capacity audiences at last year’s Pitlochry Festival. OVO’s principal focus is to present modern updates of classic stories and Lesley Hart’s version of perhaps

the best-loved Sherlock Holmes story really fits the bill.

“To mark OVO’s 20th anniversary, we return to the very first show we produced back in 2003, Romeo and Juliet, given a 1990s Northern Irish twist by Stephanie Allison and Amy Connery, who will also revive last year’s audience favourite, Little Women.”

Facilities at the Roman Theatre ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all audiences.

A new hilltop bar offers com-

petitively priced drinks and snacks and plentiful seating with glorious views over the theatre site and the Ver Valley. The venue is fully accessible as are the newly installed toilet facilities.

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium is in Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE. Parking is just a couple of minutes’ walk away at Verulamium Museum.

To view the full programme and book tickets visit ovo.org.uk.

A day of drama at Hertford Castle

Hertford Castle will be the backdrop to two open air theatre performances on the castle lawn on Saturday 17th June by Quantum Theatre.

The first show, at 2.30pm, will be a family-friendly performance of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.

The second show, at 7pm, will be Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Gates will open half an hour before each performance and audiences can bring their own picnic chairs or rugs and their own food and drink or buy refreshments from stalls throughout both performances.

Tickets, which are £10, must be bought in advance at hertford. gov.uk, by calling 01992 584322 or in person from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre in The Wash.

At the cinema: Wes Anderson and Indiana Jones are back

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (PG)

Now showing

In this latest animated superhero film, Spider-Man Miles Morales is back, a year after the events of Into the Spider-Verse. This time Brooklyn’s friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man journeys across the Multiverse to team up with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to tackle an enemy more deadly than anything previously encountered.

The Flash (12A)

Out on Friday 16th June Worlds collide when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality that threatens annihilation, with no superheroes to turn to. That is unless he can

coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian…

Greatest Days (12A)

Out on Friday 16th June

Greatest Days follows five best friends who have the night of

their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. 25 years later their lives have changed in so many ways, but they reunite to see one more epic show by their beloved band, to reignite their friendship and discover that, maybe, just maybe, their greatest

days are in fact ahead of them.

Asteroid City (TBC)

Out on Friday 23rd June

The brilliant Wes Anderson returns in his own inimitable style with a film set in a fictional 1950s American desert town where the planned itinerary of a junior stargazer/space cadet convention is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks star.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (TBC)

Out on Friday 30th June

Now aged 80, the indomitable Harrison Ford returns as Indy, the legendary hero archaeologist, for the fifth film in this iconic franchise. Starring alongside him are Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Antonio Banderas among a super-strong cast.

Ben Stock in Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood

Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars alongside Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones

Stockwell returns Endless hits in new show Endless Love

The acclaimed medium Tony Stockwell returns to The Spotlight in Hoddesdon on Wednesday 14th June for an evening of mediumship. One of the country’s most respected mediums, Tony, who is from Wickford in Essex, uses his special gift to help people in their quest for consolation, bringing messages of comfort to those who have lost a loved one. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £25.50 and £22 from 01992 441946 or thespotlightvenue.com.

A sensational new show celebrating the music and magic of legendary hitmakers Diana Ross and Lionel Richie is coming to The Spotlight in Hoddesdon this month.

Endless Love is a hit-packed rollercoaster of a show guaranteed to get audiences on their feet and singing along.

The all-new theatre production is filled with pop, soul and Motown classics including I’m Coming Out, Dancing on the Ceiling, Chain Reaction and All Night

Digswell at the Mill

Long, as well, of course, as Diana Ross’s and Lionel Richie’s timeless ballad Endless Love. The show is the brainchild of Mark Carter, who was musical director of the hugely popular show Magic of Motown for more than a decade. and stars Lianne Sandy and Dayton Grey as Ross and Richie.

It is at The Spotlight in High Street, Hoddesdon on Friday 16th June at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25 from thespotlightvenue.com or 01992 441946.

Hertfordshire Festival of Music is back in Hertford

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

The festival will welcome Emma Johnson, one of the world’s finest clarinettists, as Principal Artist, and she will give a recital with pianist Gregory Drott.

There is a welcome return for ZRI, who will entertain music lovers with their innovative and exciting Cellar Session.

Guitarist Jack Hancher also returns with a solo recital of music inspired by art.

The superb piano and violin duo Katya Apekisheva and Litsa Tunnah join the festival for the first time. Meanwhile, the Rossetti Ensemble will perform music by David Matthews and

ChoralFanfare!

Aneveningofmusic forchoir, brass,percussionandorgan

7.30pm,Saturday24thJune2023

AllSaintsʼChurch,HertfordSG138AY

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

tickets@hertfordchoral.org.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk(bookingfeeapplies)

Formoreinformationpleasevisit www.hertfordchoral.org.uk

the festival’s artistic director, James Francis Brown. There will also be performances by the Hertford Chamber Choir and the festival’s Community Concert Band.

Artistic director James said: “Our festival celebrates live classical music in Hertfordshire with a rich and diverse programme.” For tickets and more information about the festival, visit hertsmusicfest.org.uk.

The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow’s current exhibition runs until Sunday 25th June. It is called Time, Traces and Transformation. This features current work by six multi-disciplinary artists who met at Digswell Arts Studios near Welwyn, Caryl Beach, Mary Down, Jonathan Emmerson, Marian Hall, Declan Hoare and Sally Tyrie. The gallery is in Parndon Mill Lane in Harlow, CM20 2HP. Call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmill.co.uk.

Choral concerts and a family-friendly performance

CHORAL FANFARE

Hertford Choral Society’s next concert, Choral Fanfare!, is an evening of music for choir, brass, percussion and organ and takes place at All Saints’ Church, Hertford on Saturday 24th June at 7.30pm. Tickets £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students via email to tickets@hertfordchoral.org. uk or at ticketsource.co.uk.

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Ware Choral Society present

a concert version of L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) by Gaetano Donizetti at The Drill Hall in Ware on Saturday 17th June. The performance is accompanied by surtitles. Tickets are £18, all unreserved, on the door or from warechoral.org.uk.

ALL AT SEA

Hertford Symphony Orchestra is holding its next concert aimed at younger people, All At Sea, on Sunday 2nd July with perfor-

mances at 2.30 and 4.15pm at The Drill Hall in Ware. Audience participation and sea-faring fancy dress are positively encouraged. Guest conductor John Landor will oversee music by Britten, Rimsky-Korsakov and Wagner as well as pieces from Pirates of the Caribbean. Tickets £12 adults, £7 children and students, £34 family ticket (2+2), from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre (01992 584322) or wegottickets.com.

Emma Johnson Picture by John Batten

Family-friendly free house with a play area, garden and outdoor dining. Join us for our wheelbarrow race on 8th July. We will be holding a BBQ in the evening and live music. Don’t forget to book your table for our Tapas evenings.

20 Green End, Braughing, Hertfordshire SG11 2PG Tel: 01920 823555 • Email: pub@goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

UNDERWE’REBACK–NEWMANAGEMENT!

Under new management and reopening from Friday 9th June, The Grandison will be offering fresh new menus, quality local cask ales, affordable wines and craft lagers, all with attentive service at inflation-busting prices!

Open

Our accolades speak for themselves…

We’re listed in the Evening Standard’s “Best Sunday lunches within a hour of London”

We have been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand again for 2023 – we are proud to have received this every year since 2012 – the only one in Hertfordshire!

Come & experience the Fox & Hounds for yourself!

• Try our inspiring seasonal menu

• Soak up the sunshine in our garden

• Enjoy a lazy lunch or early evening meal alfresco on our heated covered terrace

• Now open from 10am for coffee, pastries & The Fox Shop

Fox & Hounds 2 High Street, Hunsdon SG12 8NH 01279 843999

www.foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk

Our front terrace and rear patio have plenty of seating where you can enjoy the peaceful countryside whilst we look after you.

THE GRANDISON, 18 BURY LANE, BRAMFIELD SG14 2QL

info@grandisonpub.com

www.grandisonpub.com

FOOD & DRINK

Brookmans is refreshed and ready for the summer

A perennial summer favourite, Brookmans, in the heart of Brookmans Park, has a new seasonal menu and new management with real local pedigree. Heading up the team is Mitch Brummitt, who comes from a Hertfordshire family with a long and successful track record in hospitality, having run a group of bars and restaurants across London and the Home Counties. Most recently, Mitch ran his own pub, The Farmer’s Boy in Brickendon, just outside Hertford. Joining Mitch at Brookmans is head chef Tom Brown, also Hertfordshire born and bred. Tom has joined having spent time at both the highly rated The Farmhouse at Redcoats, near Hitchin and Manor of Groves in High Wych. Everything Tom cooks is made with the best quality ingredients he can find from ethical producers, with the current menu featuring Cornish lamb, English asparagus, new potatoes and British cheeses chosen for the season. British coppa and Devonshire crab also feature alongside daily market fish and a good selection of meat-free and free-from dishes.

There are lighter options such as beetroot tartare with free range butternut yolk and pea salad; hand-picked Devonshire crab with cured salmon, apple and cucumber; plus garlic and paprika king prawns with Isle of Wight tomatoes and toasted sourdough. Lunches include free-range

chicken schnitzel with garlic and parsley butter, rocket, Parmesan and fries.

For dinner, try the pan-fried seabass with butter beans, sun-dried tomato, romaine and salsa verde; or South Indian squash and chickpea curry with toasted cashews, basmati rice and chapati. Heartier options include the classic fish pie packed with king prawns, hake, loch trout and smoked haddock, or the pub’s Aubrey Allen burgers.

There’s a breakfast menu to start the day, with green eggs –poached eggs and basil pesto, prosciutto and rocket on toasted sourdough from the Bread Factory – as well as chilli-fried free-range egg and halloumi on a brioche roll with baby spinach and Bloody Mary ketchup. Tom is serious about Sunday roasts too, and each week prepares at least three choices as well as a range of daily specials using seasonal produce.

And this is a great month to visit. Between Monday 12th and Sunday 18th June, Brookmans will be celebrating local ingredients during its Best of Hertfordshire event, with a quintessentially British menu inspired by Hertfordshire farmers and producers.

Brookmans Bradmore Green, Brookmans Park AL9 7QW 01707 664144

brookmanspub.com

The Grandison in Bramfield set to reopen under new management

The Grandison, the popular free house and casual dining pub in Bramfield just outside Hertford, closed under its previous lessees at the end of May and will be reopening on Friday 9th June from 5pm under new management. The pub is a real summer favourite, with extensive outdoor space overlooking the local country-

side. After its launch evening, it will be open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 11pm. For more information watch out for next month’s issue of Axis or keep an eye on its new website, grandisonpub.com, which should be live in the first week of June. The Grandison is in Bury Lane, Bramfield SG14 2QL.

Ritchie’s wine notes

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

Father’s Day – sorted!

Father’s Day is fast approaching (it’s on Sunday 18th June) and you may be asking yourself ‘where should I look for a great gift?’. Here at Cavavin, we can definitely help!

Both wine and whisky offer a huge range of options to choose from.

But where do you start?

Here are a few suggestions

DINING OUT GUIDE

to help you make the perfect choice.

With whisky, the main styles are light, peaty, smoky and single cask. Most of the lighter styles are to be found in the Lowlands and Speyside. My personal favourite is the Glenkinchie 12-year at £40. It’s approachable yet displays excellent maturity with amazingly

smooth vanilla notes. This is a real gem: a charming and subtle Lowland single malt that is a safe bet if you are unsure which type of whisky the chap enjoys. The Highlands and west coast tend to have the fullest flavours, with Islay producing some brilliant peaty whiskies.

If you prefer wine for Father’s Day, I would suggest going for the French classics such as Bordeaux, Rhone Valley and Burgundy and we have some great gift ideas in embossed bottles making them very aesthetically pleasing to receive. You will get a hint of red berries in a full-bodied red while the whites tend to be even more fruit-driven – just yum in a bottle!

And yes, that really is a technical wine term…

Cavavin is your local, independent wine shop. Find it at 22 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DR. Call 01992 558311 or visit cavavin.co.uk/hertford

SHISHBOURNE Turkish

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

27 High Road, Broxbourne EN10 7HX

01992 313198

www.shishbourne.co.uk

THE DUSTY MILLER Country pub

The Dusty Miller is a country pub and casual dining venue just outside Harlow, surrounded by countryside and close to the river. It serves freshly-cooked pub food, including a pie of the day and other pub classics, together with a good selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes. Thursday night is Steak Night with two steaks and a bottle of wine for £50. The Dusty Miller is open from 12noon to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday and from 12noon to 6.30pm on Sunday when a traditional roast is available. It also has a large, sunny garden area.

Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow CM20 2QS

01279 424180

www.dustymillerharlow.co.uk

BROHMON

Bengali

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

8 Chapel Hill, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8AG 01279 815688

www.brohmon.com

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

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

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

BAAN THITIYA Thai

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

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS

01279 658575

www.baan-thitiya.com

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Pub & Dining

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

20 Green End, Braughing SG11 2PG 01920 823555

www.goldenfleecebraughing.co.uk

KHAO YAI

Thai

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

18 Brocket Road, Hoddesdon

EN11 8NZ

01992 445988

www.khao-yai.co.uk

RONI’S Fine Dining

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

16 North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2LQ

01279 508856

www.ronisrestaurant.co.uk

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

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

Epping Green, near Hertford

SG13 8NB / 01707 875959

www.beehiveeppingreen.co.uk

For Sale: Benington, Hertfordshire £2,500,000

An exceptional family home offering over 5,200 sq ft of accommodation which was rebuilt eight years ago. Extremely energy efficient with an EPC rating of B. Located in a plot approaching an acre on the edge of this desirable village.

For Sale: Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell £1,800,000

A unique and beautifully presented Grade II listed property offering a four bedroom main house, with a two bedroom self contained top floor flat along with a one bedroom cottage. The property has undergone a magnificent remodel over the last two years.