Axis magazine March 2022 issue

The independent, intelligent guide to everything that matters locally #StandWithUkraine

March 2022

SPRING BACK INTO LIFE THIS MONTH...

IN THE NEWS

The major local stories that matter rounded up for you

SHOPPING NEWS

The latest news from our high streets and businesses

HOME

Be inspired by our Spring home improvements special

WHAT’S ON

Fire up your social life... start booking now!

FOOD & DRINK

Looking for authentic pizza?

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Your leading high quality local news magazine since 2003

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WELCOME

MARCH 2022 | NO. 230

What’s inside this issue ABOUT AXIS

05-10 y News Ware Priory Lido to stay closed this summer for urgent repairs

11-19 y Shopping & business news Garden centre to open maze, plus the latest from our local high streets

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

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

Our editorial content is targeted towards readers’ interests, to maximise readership and gain the best exposure for our advertisers.

The magazine is delivered to homes and businesses in selected areas and copies can also be picked up free from venues across the area.

CONTACT US

Axis Magazine, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew St, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk

PUBLISHERS:

Aaron Gransby & Justine Woods

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

33-40 y What’s on Your unbeatable local guide to what’s on this month and the season ahead

41-43 y Food & drink Get a slice of these six local restaurants with pizza on the menu

21-32: SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENTS: 12 PAGES OF IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME Front cover images (clockwise from top) Queen Symphonic, who will be playing at Hatfield Park this summer (p37); The gym at Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Cheshunt (p33); A 3G football pitch is coming to Grange Paddocks in Bishop’s Stortford (p10); Hertford town councillors Tony Tarrega and Andrew Porrer at Hertford market (p10); The proposed Brookfield Riverside development (p6); The Wizard of Oz at Harlow Playhouse (p37).

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

Here at Axis we look to build long-lasting relationships with local businesses that understand the benefits of advertising to an affluent and intelligent audience on a regular, ongoing basis.

To find out more about promoting your business with us please call 01992 500198. axis magazine 3

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BRIEFING

NEWS WORTH KNOWING

Ware Priory Lido to stay closed this summer for urgent repairs but will re-open better than ever Ware’s popular lido will not open this year after investigations revealed urgent repair works are needed.

Ware Town Council, which owns and runs the facility within the grounds of Ware Priory, said it was sad to have to keep the lido shut throughout 2022 but that when it did re-open it would be even better than ever.

Problems with the pool were identified during the 2021 swim season. An engineer’s survey found a serious failure in the underground pipework which meant the teaching pool had to be closed immediately.

At the end of the season both pools were drained and further survey work took place revealing that much of the pipework for both pools will need to be replaced while structural defects mean the teaching pool will need to be rebuilt.

When they met in February town councillors reluctantly concluded that the required renovation could only be achieved by closing to the public this year.

On the positive side however, the council says the closure will enable it to improve other aspects of the lido. The lido was built in 1934 for the sum of £4,132 and it still retains its original charm and layout. Improvements to the building, changing rooms and pool surround were made in 2016 thanks to a donation from

County counts the cost of storm damage after Eunice and Franklin blow in

Ware Priory Lido as it looks today and, below, in a historic picture

neighbouring pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline.

Ware Town Council plans to work with lido users, groups including the Friends of Ware Lido and the wider community to share ideas and gain feedback on proposals that will shape its future.

Town clerk Terry Philpott said: “We are saddened at this outcome,

but the repairs are crucial. On a positive note, the closure period will provide us an opportunity to make this community asset even better than before and ensure it is available for future generations.

“We hope more people will go on to discover the benefits of Ware Lido, a wonderful open-air environment for swimming.”

Fortunately, no-one was injured when a tree fell on this car in Dark Lane, Cheshunt during Storm Eunice last month.

Staff from Hertfordshire County Council’s highways and fire and rescue teams worked around the clock to keep local people safe during both Eunice and Storm Franklin which followed it. They were called out to damage that included uprooted trees, flooding and highway faults caused by the two storms which raged from Thursday 17th to Monday 21st February.

Opening date of 30th April confirmed for Hartham Leisure Centre’s pool The swimming pool at Hertford’s Hartham Leisure Centre will re-open on 30th April, East Herts Council has confirmed.

The pool has been closed for over a year, at first under Covid-19 restrictions and then since last Spring for renovation works which overran.

Delays to the project, which is part

of a wider £8million programme of investments at the leisure centre, were caused by the impact of both Brexit and the pandemic in relation to the supply of materials and labour, as well as unforeseen issues with the pool tiling.

Cllr Eric Buckmaster, the council’s executive member for wellbeing, said that Everyone Active, the

organisation which runs the centre on behalf of the council, would be providing details of the timetable as well as how to book swimming sessions and lessons as soon as possible in April. In the meantime, the nearest council-operated pools are at Fanshawe pool and gym in Ware and Ward Freman pool in Buntingford. axis magazine 5

BRIEFING

Have your say on plans for Brookfield town centre and homes Residents and businesses are being invited to find out more about – and have their say on – the planned new town centre and 1,250-home garden village at Brookfield in Cheshunt.

The Brookfield project has been in the planning for a number of years and is included in Broxbourne Borough Council’s Local Plan which lays out where proposed development will take place in the period up until 2033.

Development partners the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire County Council and Sovereign Peveril Brookfield Ltd are developing the masterplan for the area of land directly to the north and north east of the existing Brookfield Centre on the A10 which is home to Marks and Spencer and Tesco.

A number of organisations are involved in separate areas of the overall project but working closely together and, following the consultation which ends on 21st March, three separate planning applications for the area will be finalised and submitted in the summer.

Plans for a new town centre, Brookfield Riverside, are being developed by Sovereign Centros and Peveril Securities and will see a mixed-use retail and leisure development built along with 250 new homes, a new civic centre, office development and hotel.

Plans for the new Brookfield Garden Village which would include up to 1,250 new homes,

This CGI shows the proposed new public square approached from Tesco. Below left is an aerial view

new primary school, leisure and recreation space, a new neighbourhood centre with shops and facilities and blue light services hub are being worked up by Hertfordshire County Council and the Borough of Broxbourne.

The emerging masterplan document which is being consulted on shows Halfhide Lane gypsy site, allotments, the recycling centre and Borough of Broxbourne depot all relocated northwards away from the town centre retail areas to new locations within the garden village.

The third planning application relates to Cheshunt Golf Course which will remain an 18-hole course but would need to be reconfigured to make way for a new road link between Halfhide Lane and the A10 Turnford Interchange to provide access to both the garden village and Brookfield Riverside.

Cllr Lewis Cocking, leader of Broxbourne Borough Council,

said: “The developments will create much-needed housing and affordable homes, a variety of leisure and retail facilities including a new cinema and up to 2,000 permanent new jobs.

“This will not only be good for the local economy, but will also have environmental benefits; the new town centre will be fully integrated with the public transport, cycling and walking networks and local people will no longer have to travel outside of the area for their shopping and leisure needs.

“The consultation events provide an opportunity for residents and businesses to fully understand the vision for the proposed new town centre and to have their questions answered.”

Ashley puts his part of Brookfield up for sale

How to find out more and give your views

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly put up for sale a portfolio of 16 out of town retail parks which includes Brookfield Retail Park, the open air parades of units which sit close to Marks and Spencer and Tesco on the A10 and include branches of Boots and Next.

Prior to a rebrand, the then Sports Direct business bought the Cheshunt park in 2019 paying a third of the price its previous owners had acquired it for.

Since then a range of improvement works have been carried out with new facades to the shopfronts and

The consultation events are: Thursday 3rd March: Laura Trott Leisure Centre, 4pm-7.30pm; Saturday 5th March: Cheshunt Park Golf Centre, 10am-3pm; Tuesday 8th March: Online Zoom webinar, 6pm-7pm (email hello@ brookfield-consultation.co.uk to register); Wednesday 9th March: Borough of Broxbourne Council Chamber, 3pm-7.30pm; Saturday 12th March: Brookfield Tesco car park, 11am-2pm. l The plans can also be viewed online at brookfield-consultation.co.uk

6 axis magazine

new mezzanines added to some units. The group’s own Evans Cycles and Flannels brands have moved in and burger chain Five Guys and gym chain Pure Gym are

also reported to be moving into the park soon.

The retail park is next to the proposed new Brookfield Riverside town centre (see report above).

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BRIEFING COUNCILS FACING TOUGH CHOICES ON MAJOR LOCAL PROJECTS AS COST RISES START TO HIT HOME

An extra £4m needed for Hertford Theatre redevelopment The estimated costs for the redevelopment of Hertford Theatre have risen so much that, as Axis went to press, East Herts Council was set to debate investing a further £4million into the project.

At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday 1st March, the council’s executive member for financial sustainability, Cllr Geoffrey Williamson, was set to explain the inflationary pressures being faced by its Hertford Theatre Growth and Legacy project and to seek approval from councillors for the increased spend.

Plans for the redevelopment of the popular venue in The Wash were first agreed back in 2018 when the estimated cost of the project was £13.5million.

Works planned will, among other things, increase the size of the main auditorium and add a new studio, three new cinema screens allowing the venue to show new release films, and a riverside café bar. It is hoped the improvements will mean the theatre will eventually be able to provide income to the council rather than rely on subsidies.

A year later, with architects working up the plans, the council agreed a further £6.4million would be needed, taking the overall budget to £19.9million.

with no further opportunity to increase it. And there will need to be tight control over spending on the council’s other capital projects at Old River Lane in Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford’s Hartham Leisure Centre to ensure that they come in within budget.

So-called ‘value engineering’ – seeking ways to deliver the project at a reduced cost (ie potentially substituting materials or finishes for less expensive alternatives) will also be applied to the theatre project.

A riverside view of the proposed new Hertford Theatre

Since then however, the impact of Brexit and the pandemic has seen the cost of building materials and labour increase significantly, by as much as 40% for some materials.

If agreed, the additional £4million, which will come from the council’s capital programme contingency fund and its earmarked reserves (savings), will take the project cost to just under £24million.

At the 1st March meeting councillors were due to be told that other options had been considered but were not being recommended.

These included not approving the additional funding and reinstating the previous theatre set-up with

either cosmetic enhancements or limited improvements (one 150-seat cinema screen or two 75-seat screens rather than the planned three screens for example) and with no additional seating or studios.

These options, Cllr Williamson was expected to explain, were not worth pursuing either because they could mean a continued subsidy being required in the future or, with the second option, delays in re-opening until as late as summer 2025.

Cllr Williamson’s report says that the increased budget for the theatre would have to be absolutely fixed

l Provided the increased spend is approved (it should be as the leading Conservative group on the council has a large majority) we ought now to see the project grow wings.

The theatre has been closed since June last year but the council has had to advertise the tender for the building works three times, again issues within the industry including labour shortages and increasing costs of materials no doubt having had an impact on the process.

In a statement issued last month a council spokesperson said that a decision on the award of contract was now due to be made in early March.

Decision time on Castle Park project as £1.3m overspend predicted The National Lottery-supported project to improve Bishop’s Stortford’s Castle Park is predicted to run £1.3million over budget .

Bishop’s Stortford Town Council is now considering where savings can be made and how any remaining funding gap could be bridged.

The project is joining two green spaces in the town – the East Herts owned Castle Gardens and Sworders Field, which is owned by the town council, into one space, to be called Castle Park.

It includes conservation works to the Norman Waytemore Castle, a new bridge, new paths, river bank improvements and refurbishment works to buildings including the Markwell Pavillion.

Three quarters of the £2.5million 8 axis magazine

A view of the proposed Castle Park

cost is being funded by the lottery with the two councils contributing proportionate amounts.

But once again issues within the construction industry are having an impact on the cost of works.

A ‘value engineering’ exercise has identified where some savings

could be made. To prevent further changes which the town council doesn’t feel would be acceptable, each authority would still need to contribute £175,000.

East Herts says it is not able to fund its portion but has suggested that were Bishop’s Stortford Town

Council to purchase a number of assets within the town from East Herts it would then have the money available to contribute.

East Herts has offered to sell St Michael’s Mead Community Centre, Havers Community Centre and Bishop’s Park Community Centre and a long lease on the Markwell Pavilion and the converted toilet block to the town council for £420,000.

The town council was set to consider this at its meeting on Monday 28th February, along with other options of offering to just purchase St Michael’s Mead Community Centre and taking a lease on the pavilion and toilets, as well as simply making further cost cuts to the park project.

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BRIEFING

Fresh hope for return of an official Hertford Market as town council considers takeover Hertford Town Council’s Lib Dem and Green parties have called – successfully – for consideration to be given to officially reinstating Hertford’s weekly market under town council control.

While regular market traders still set up stall each Saturday in the town centre they do so by applying to the district council, East Herts, for street trading licences.

There is no ‘official’ market or markets officer after East Herts announced in 2018 that it could no longer afford to operate the service and instead offered both Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford town councils the chance to take over the markets in their towns.

But while Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, which had already been managing the market in its town centre under a contract with East Herts, agreed to take over the market rights, Hertford declined, although it said it might reconsider in the future. The reasons for this were not made public.

Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Porrer said his party, together with the Greens that now sit on the previously Conservativedominated authority, felt it was time to reconsider.

At a meeting of the full council in January he seconded a motion, which was passed, from the Greens’ Tony Tarrega committing the council to seeking the relevant information from East Herts Council and considering how the current situation could be

Lib Dem Andrew Porrer (right) and Green councillor Tony Tarrega at one of the individually licensed street trading stalls in Hertford

improved – including considering if it was time to bring the market under community control.

A revitalised market could, they say, attract more visitors, helping both market traders and existing shops, pubs and restaurants. It could also provide a launchpad for small business start-ups as well as a platform for non-commercial groups to promote themselves.

Mr Porrer said many things had affected the town since the council’s original decision was made including the Covid-19 pandemic and delays to major projects like Bircherley Green and

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he said he was pleased the council had agreed to look again at the market situation.

He said: “Taking control of their market has allowed Bishop’s Stortford to manage it for the benefit of their town by introducing things like a New Trader rate. It would be really good if we in Hertford could do the same to help revitalise our town centre.”

The town council’s development and leisure committee was set to discuss a report in response to the January motion on 28th February as Axis went to press.

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A new artificial football pitch at Bishop’s Stortford’s Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre is set to open at the end of August after planning permission was granted for the scheme last month.

East Herts Council’s development management committee gave its approval to the local authority’s own plans on 3rd February.

The pitch is part of a £24million redevelopment of facilities at Grange Paddocks and will cater for all age groups from tots upwards.

Solar panels on the roof of the leisure centre will help provide lighting to make the pitch available for evening games and training.

East Herts Council’s executive member for wellbeing, Cllr Eric Buckmaster said the council had worked hard to overcome early concerns raised about the pitch.

These had included worries that the use of a rubberised ‘crumb’ surface on the pitch could have led to micro plastics entering the nearby river.

The plan is now to use an organic alternative – which could see anything from food by-products such as coconut husk or walnut shells to wood or cork being used.

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Bollards deter free parkers Temporary removable bollards have been installed by East Herts Council in front of the former Bircherley Green shopping centre in Hertford, a pedestrian area where cars were being parked by opportunistic motorists seeking free parking.

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Get 20% off your wedding rings at Chapter 79’s Spring event

The Women’s Society Boutique and its owner, Victoria Rex-Lees

Hertford jeweller Chapter 79 will be hosting its annual Spring Wedding Ring Event on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th March.

Couples getting married will have the opportunity to try on more than 500 styles, with many diamond-set and shaped wedding rings on show, including a popular range of men’s rings in Titanium, Tantalum and carbon fibre. In addition, wedding rings specialists and jewellers will be on hand to help and offer advice.

You can also find out about and take advantage of Chapter 79’s bespoke, custom and shaped-to-fit designs service if you would like a truly unique ring.

This year, owners Jackie and Andy Benson (pictured above) are offering a huge 20 per cent discount on all orders placed over the event weekend, as well as a free clean and polish of your engagement ring before your wedding day. Light refreshments will also be available.

This is a fabulous chance to get the ring of your dreams, with great local service and at a great price!

To book your appointment for either 19th or 20th March call 01992 534555 or email workshop@chapter79.co.uk.

Chapter 79 is right in the centre of Hertford at 15 Market Place, Hertford SG14 1DQ.

Book your place now at Women’s Society Boutique Style Party Women’s Society Boutique in Hertford is holding a Style Party on Sunday 13th March. The event will see stylist Lisa from Style With Wisdom offer style advice and tips on the new season’s collections, trends and outfits. There will also be an exclusive 20 per cent discount on purchases made that day as well as goody bags for everyone attending. Tickets are £20, with early bird tickets at £16 at womens-society.co.uk.

Arrive from 1pm to join the trend presentation by Lisa at 1.30pm.

There will also be drinks, including fizz, to enjoy whilst shopping.

The new brands on show at the boutique will include Beatrice B, Rails, Moliin Copenhagen, By Malina and Pom Amsterdam. You can see more of Pom Amsterdam’s collection on the Women’s Society’s fashion page in this magazine – turn to page 15.

Women’s Society Boutique is at 2 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA. Call 01992 500122 for more details about the shop or the event.

New season’s collections fly the ethical and sustainable flag at Frankie and Olive boutique Ethical and sustainable women’s clothes shop Frankie and Olive has some great new collections in for the Spring.

The Hertford boutique has made a name for itself for stocking a carefully selected range of stylish, sustainable women’s clothing as well as gifts and homewares that don’t cost the earth, since first opening its doors in the summer of 2019.

Frankie and Olive can be found at 19 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RE. Visit frankieandolive.co.uk for more information about its brands and products.

Komodo Sky organic cotton dress £69 and Isla organic cotton cardi £59

Thought Hadley hemp dungarees £89

One Hundred Stars Eccentric Blooms jumper, cotton/modal £89 axis magazine 11

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

The maze at Plants Galore is 100m long x 65m wide, while the garden centre will also be opening a new bedding plants area and café

Plants Galore garden centre to open maze amid big revamp Plants Galore garden centre in Roydon is currently undergoing a major transformation that will offer visitors a raft of new facilities in the next few months.

A new full-size maze is due to open at the beginning of April – with 6ft high hedges it promises endless fun trying to find your way out – while a new café, expanded gift shop and new bedding plant display area are also being worked on.

Bookings will open for the maze on Saturday 19th March and the

cost of entry will be £3.99 per person – you can book your entry slot at plantsgaloreonline.co.uk.

The changes are intended to make the already popular garden centre more of a family attraction and day out.

Between them, both Plants Galore and its sister garden centre Tyndalls just round the corner at Sedge Green in Nazeing, offer a huge variety of quality plants, shrubs, trees, summer-flowering bulbs, garden furniture and gifts,

Pride and Groom Pet Spa opens after move from Hoddesdon to Ware

Pride and Groom Pet Spa is a dog, cat and small animal grooming parlour and spa which has opened in Ware’s High Street.

Owned and run by Hannah Lawrence and Rebecca Mitchell, the business has moved from its original home in Amwell Street, Hoddesdon, where it was based for four years.

The owners’ own two dogs, Sonny and Harley, are the faces of the 12 axis magazine

business, which offers grooming packages including spa treatments for your favourite four-legged friends if you would like to really pamper them!

Services include bath and dry, spa packages, full groom, mini groom and nail clipping – contact the spa for more details.

Pride and Groom is at 49 High Street, Ware SG12 9BA – call 01920 633004 to book.

to help you make your garden beautiful. As many plants are grown on-site, prices are extremely competitive.

Tyndalls, which already has its own café, is also now offering a new selection of gifts as well as a wide range of plants.

Plants Galore is in Hamlet Hill Roydon CM19 5JY and Tyndalls is at Sedge Green, Nazeing EN9 2PA. Visit plantsgaloreonline.co.uk for more information about both sites.

l Plants Galore also has a thriving trade division, called Plants Galore Landscape, which supplies quality trees, shrubs, hedging and plants to the landscape industry for new developments and events, with clients including Royal Ascot and the King of Jordan.

If you would like to use this service, just email your planting schedules to landscape@ plantsgaloreonline.co.uk along with your delivery postcode to receive a full quotation.

Hertford perfumery Paul Martin to close down after 40 years

One of Hertford’s longest established retail businesses is to close this month after serving the town for 40 years.

Paul Martin Perfumery was opened in 1982 by owner Jyodendra Patel at 13 Maidenhead Street, but Mr Patel has decided to retire for health reasons, with the shop due to finally close its doors on Tuesday 22nd March.

Until then, he is running a huge

closing down sale with big savings on all the big name brand cosmetics and perfumes the shop is well known for.

Over the years he has stocked products from the likes of Clarins, Chanel, Dior, Lancome and Guerlain. Thanking local people for their custom down the years he said he will miss his customers, some of whom are now third generation of the same family!

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SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

Chamber of Commerce moves to new HQ Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has a new home after moving into York House in Salisbury Square, Old Hatfield, part of the Gascoyne Estates-led regeneration of the old town area.

The new premises will provide the Chamber with a larger base, reflecting its plans for further growth – it was recently named the fastest growing in the UK by the British Chambers of Commerce.

To support its growth, the Chamber is also recruiting for a new business executive, marketing and communications executive and administration assistant.

The chamber’s CEO, Briege Leahy, said: “Our new, larger premises reflect the ambition of the Chamber and the role it has to play in the future of business in the county. As businesses look to the future and start to recover from the impact of the pandemic, we are in a position to offer more companies vital support to

Barclays Bank in Hertford closes

The Chamber team now have a new home in Old Hatfield

underpin the county’s growth.”

The Salisbury Square area is set to become a hub for retail and business. Anthony Downs, Estate Director at Hatfield Park, said: “We are delighted that the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has chosen to join the flourishing business community within Old Hatfield and Hatfield Park. York House, a three-storey

workspace, is at the heart of the Old Hatfield regeneration area and the Chamber are a welcome addition to what is fast becoming a recognised Hertfordshire business hub.”

The Chamber was formerly based in the MacLaurin Building in Bishop Square, Hatfield.

For more information on Herts Chamber, visit hertschamber.com.

Photographer Rachel wins international award Rachel (pictured left) and her winning portrait

Photographer Rachel Sloan has won a prestigious title in the Master Photographer International Awards.

Rachel, who works from her studio in Hatfield Heath, won the International Newborn Photographer of the Year category for her image of a 10-week-old baby boy within a set-up of autumn leaves around a leafshaped bowl. The judges commented on its beautiful tones and use of props to create a timeless and stunning portrait of a newborn baby.

Rachel established her business, Rachel Sloan Photography, in 2008, specialising in pregnancy, newborn baby and family 14 axis magazine

photography. Her aim is to create stunning and personal portraits of her clients with a distinctive style.

Talking about her win, Rachel said: “The last few years have been really difficult as a photographer, with nearly six months downtime because of Covid restrictions.

Barclays Bank’s Hertford branch in Market Street closed on Friday 25th February, ending the bank’s 130-year presence in the county town. The bank blamed the closure on a decline in people using the branch, with 90 per cent of transactions now taking place online or through its banking app.

Barclays says local people who want face to face services will be able to use its Barclays Van, which will visit the town every two weeks. Four banks retain a branch in Hertford: Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest and Santander, whilst the Nationwide Building Society also has a Hertford branch.

Rebrand for new-look Cheshunt Marriott Cheshunt Marriott Hotel is currently closed for a multi-million pound refurbishment which will result in the 140-bed hotel being rebranded under the Delta Hotels

by Marriott name when it reopens in June.

The refurbishment is being carried out by Focus Hotels, which will also be operating the Delta by Marriott sites. Focus’s portfolio already includes hotels operated under the Hilton and Mercure brands as well as independents.

Lynn Hood, chief operating officer of Focus (pictured below), said: “We look forward to being ready to welcome the corporate market as it re-emerges and gets back to work to this newly refurbished Delta by Marriott hotel.”

“I am in total shock and feeling a tad emotional about it too! I love being a photographer but didn’t dare to dream I could have won this and I am so, so proud!”

For more information about Rachel and her work, visit rachelsloan.co.uk.

FASHION

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Brand Spotlight: POM Amsterdam

Emphasize your unique feminine side with The Women’s Society Boutique’s new brand

Confetti flowers kimono, poppy red, £109.

Since 2011, the sisters behind the POM Amsterdam brand, Liesbeth and Violet Lotgering, have been making high-quality scarves and clothing in which women feel beautiful and strong.

Their collections consist of elegant and feminine styles characterised by contrasting colours, pronounced prints and the use of fine and natural fabrics.

The sisters design all prints and items themselves. Their grandfather was the founder of the well-known Royal Talens oil paint, so creativity and entrepreneurship flow through their veins!

Each print they design tells a unique story and is hand-painted by Violet at their colourful studio in Amsterdam.

The sisters’ unique combination of commercial and artistic skills merge into beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations that are designed for you to feel comfortable and to stand out as a modern, confident woman.

These statement pieces express true femininity and sense of style in bold colours and uniquely crafted designs that fit the female body perfectly! POM Amsterdam is now a successful international fashion brand, which always brings gorgeous and exciting collections to women around the world.

Shop Victoria’s selected pieces from POM Amsterdam. The newest collection evokes vibrancy, brightness and offers a gorgeous collection of dresses, kimonos, tops and scarves.

More styles are available online and in the boutique.

Mila Lily candy pink dress, £179 Flower Confetti ivory dress, £159

SPECIAL MARCH OFFER FOR AXIS READERS! 15% off Pom Amsterdam in the boutique for Axis readers when you mention March Axis article at the till. Valid till 1st April 2022.

Festive party paper kimono, £109

Summer ivory blazer, £165

Sunny Tiger t-shirt, £65

Mila Lily candy pink shirt/blouse, £129

Join us for Instagram Lives at @thewomenssociety every Wednesday at 9.30am to be the first to know about new pieces and brands.

Need a little advice? Drop us a message or visit us for a chat with one of our friendly Stylists. Enjoy our generous loyalty scheme every time you shop local. Thank you for supporting small businesses!

Shop Local, Shop Independent Celebrating 15 years Love Hertford Awards 2021 Fashion Winner

The Women’s Society Boutique 2 St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA 01992 500122 www.womens-society.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm axis magazine 15

The new name for the best of golf and leisure in Broxbourne.

Be. Fit at Laura Trott Leisure Centre and John Warner Sports Centre Be. Golf at Cheshunt Park Golf Course Be. Swim with Swim School

Visit the NEW website today www.bebroxbourne.co.uk

Be.FitTogether Drop-in gym sessions for people with a permanent or long-term physical disability.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 2pm at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre from 1 March £4.50 per session. No need to book.

For more information, visit www.bebroxbourne.co.uk or email hello@bebroxbourne.co.uk

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

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Love Hoddesdon election campaign gains momentum Love Hoddesdon BID Ltd represents the business improvement district covering Hoddesdon town centre.

It is looking to convince the 200+ local businesses to re-elect it for a further five-year term this Autumn.

If successful, over the next five years Love Hoddesdon wants to: l Help Broxbourne Council develop a town centre strategy to direct how the town grows / changes in the next 10 years; l Develop a safer, cleaner and greener town centre environment; l Continue to support local businesses and encourage new investment in the town; l Develop a diverse arts, culture and heritage offer that appeals to all parts of the local community.

Early indications from its online business survey about the level of support for re-election are:

l Over 90% of respondents feel the vibrancy of the town has improved in the last five years and would vote ‘Yes’ in the election; l Love Hoddesdon’s greatest contribution has been communicating effectively with businesses and offering them support / guidance, whilst most important in the coming years is encouraging new investment in the town.

Reports show footfall in Hoddesdon is back to pre-Covid levels, whilst the vacancy rate sits at 5.7% compared to a national average of 11.7% – indicators that the town is bouncing back well! In view of this, work has started on developing the BID Business Plan and Prospectus before hosting meetings with key stakeholders as part of the election campaign.

LOCAL FLORIST A WINNER ON LOVE LOCAL DAY ShopAppy promoted a national Love Local Day which encouraged shoppers to nominate their most loved local business. Nationally over 3,000 nominations were submitted and Louise’s Florists in Hoddesdon was selected as one of the winners, receiving comments such as: “I love the flowers – I will not go anywhere else for them.

Louise and the ladies that work for her are lovely and welcome you in the shop with open arms and are very helpful.”

Congratulations, Louise!

Networking breakfasts are back!

What else is going on in town?

Meanwhile, the BID is currently delivering various projects, including the following: l Reintroducing its monthly face to face business networking breakfasts; l Supporting the Jukebox community choir initiative sponsored by local businesses; l Judging its Young Entrepreneurs Project where local young people present proposals regarding the town and its events/activities; l Developing a range of initiatives to help local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint; l Working with Hertford Regional College students in creating a short promotional film about Hoddesdon and what it has to offer to shoppers / visitors; l Supporting the Great British Spring Clean by holding a litter picking day in late March involving local schools and businesses; l Holding a St George’s Day Festival including a themed

parade through the High Street by local schoolchildren; l Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by lighting a beacon on Thursday 2nd June before hosting a street party-style event on Saturday 4th June.

There will also be a traditional funfair in the town over the four days of celebrations.

Love Hoddesdon is ensuring the town gets back to normal as quickly as possible so why not pay Hoddesdon a visit – we think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Then make sure you…

Do you…

Hoddesdon

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk axis magazine 17

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

How a series of grants have helped a swathe of local businesses open up in new premises Don’t miss out – the deadline for final applications is the end of this month Eighteen businesses have been helped into new commercial premises since last July, thanks to a grants scheme administered by East Herts Council, and there is still time for other local businesses to benefit too.

Funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the new premises grants scheme allows for grants up to £5,000 for businesses to move into new premises. Those helped so far include bakeries, florists, interiors shops and architects, and there is still time for others to apply for a grant as the scheme runs up to Thursday 31st March.

Here are the stories of some of the businesses helped so far:

Caroline Gent with Cllr Ian Devonshire at Blush Flower Hut in Bishop’s Stortford and owner Kathryn Hughes (centre) with two of her team at Fashion Interiors’ new store, also in Bishop’s Stortford

Fashion Flooring and Interiors Their grant helped them to open a second shop showcasing lighting and interiors products in South Street, Bishop’s Stortford.

Essentials @ The Maltings This Bishop’s Stortford business was opened three weeks before Christmas by founder Lee Cook.

It’s a convenience store and Lee is also hoping to expand into deli produce. He used the grant to fund some start-up costs, including electricity and rent. Lee has lived in Bishop’s Stortford for 12 years and worked on a construction project at The Maltings. He really felt at home there and that inspired him to launch the business.

The Residence Coworking The grant helped Karen Tait open her business in August at Wickham Hall, Bishop’s Stortford after she left a career in investment banking.

It has nine offices – all now let – and two meeting rooms for hire, plus flexible desk space.

Blush Flower Hut Also located at The Maltings and also opened three weeks before Christmas! Florist Caroline Gent used the grant for rent and it took the pressure off her first months of trading. Caroline hopes to expand to cater for home deliveries in time.

Salmon Financial Planning Founder Tammy Salmon opened her office space at The Residence Coworking on 1st October.

She said: “Thanks to the grant from East Herts Council, I could commit to an office space longer term, helping me through the first year trading. When you start a business it can be lonely, so finding somewhere to be part of a vibrant business community was exactly what I needed to kick-start my new venture, which, thankfully, has been really successful. I’ve been able to help and advise many new clients this year and I am looking forward to continuing those relationships and building new ones.”

Pardon Chambers Architects Pardon Chambers opened a new

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office in North Street, Bishop’s Stortford in November. Director Nicola Chambers said: “We were looking for high quality office space in Bishop’s Stortford and so we were delighted to find this beautiful studio space in a listed building. The location was also key for us as we wanted to be in the town centre to make it easy for clients, many of whom are local, to pop by and speak with us. The grant from the council helped us enormously in supporting our move to North Street and we’re excited for the future in our new space.”

Highway Cycles Len Simmons used the grant to move into adjacent business units in Hartham Lane, Hertford, expand his shop and open up a new e-bike showroom. He’s employed three new people and plans to take on an apprentice this

year. He said: “The grant helped contribute towards the cost of our expansion and we’re grateful to the council for that support. We’ve been able to diversify and offer a much broader product range, all whilst helping to promote cycling and get our local community more active. With that growth, we’ve been able to create new jobs locally and expect more to follow later in the year.”

Knead and Desire Bakehouse Matthew Rideout, founder of Knead and Desire Bakehouse just outside Watton-at-Stone, said: “The council grant has helped hugely in giving us the confidence to move to a bigger space and expand the business.” Knead and Desire bake in the morning and deliver by e-bike in the afternoon. l To apply for a grant, visit eastherts.gov.uk/premises-grant

‘The grant helped us a lot’

Terracotta Senses The grant helped Terracotta Senses open a larger shop in a more prominent location in South Street, Bishop’s Stortford. Co-owner Angela Martins said: “The council grant has helped us a lot. It supported us to move to a bigger, more prominent location closer to town. We opened on 15th November and trade has been fantastic.

All our products are eco-friendly and carefully sourced from suppliers around the world. We have plans to grow in the future, including a healing room upstairs, to complement the sense of wellbeing our customers get from visiting us.”

Left: Angela and co-owner Nelson Henriques pictured in their original shop, opened in early 2020

SHOPPING & BUSINESS NEWS

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Great reasons to visit Bishop’s Stortford this Spring Bishop’s Stortford BID brings you the latest news from the thriving town centre

What’s new in town?

Bishop’s Stortford is thriving, and we’ve had new businesses open their doors over the last few months. If you haven’t been in for a while, come and have a wander round and explore new stores such as Fordes Home in North Street, Vinegar Hill in Potter Street and Terracotta Senses in South Street. You can now also enjoy traditional pie and mash straight from the East End courtesy of Fred Cooke in South Street. Check out all the businesses in town using the directory on our website.

Job opportunities in Bishop’s Stortford If you’re looking for a new job, many local businesses are recruiting for part-time, full-time or weekend staff.

To find your perfect role: l For town centre vacancies visit discoverstortford.co.uk/jobs; l Attend the Jobs Fair at the community space in Jackson Square shopping centre on Wednesday 23rd March organised by the BID, Job Smart and Citizens Advice. Bring your CV and meet employers face to face. Find out more at discoverstortford.co.uk/jobsfair; l Walk through the town centre – several places have staff wanted posters on display.

Shop local this Mother’s Day With Mother’s Day fast approaching, there’s no need to go far to spoil your mum. You’ll find a fantastic choice of gifts in town, whether you’re looking for flowers, chocolates, jewellery, beauty vouchers or something more unusual. Or give your mum a Bishop’s Stortford Gift Card to spend at selected shops and services (these are available at discoverstortford.co.uk/gift-card or the Tourist Information Centre in Market Place).

On Mother’s Day, there will be plenty of pubs, cafés and restaurants offering special menus and afternoon tea.

Town centre events update We’re planning an exciting range of events for 2022, including an Easter Trail for April. Keep an eye on our social channels and website for all the news and updates.

Recent new openings in Bishop’s Stortford include F Cooke pie and mash shop and Fordes

Discover & Save free parking ends soon Don’t miss the last month of free parking from 3pm every Tuesday in the Causeway car park.

The Discover & Save offer ends on 29th March.

If you arrive before 3pm, simply pay up to that time; any check-in session will automatically be checked-out at 3pm.

If you arrive after 3pm, there’s no need to buy a ticket.

It’s a great chance to pop into town or stay a little longer than usual.

On Tuesday 15th March, make the most of your free parking and come and enjoy the Woodwind of Stortford band who will be performing live from 3pm in Jackson Square shopping centre to brighten up the afternoon.

Keep up to date with all the latest news: @DiscoverStortford

@StortfordBID

@DiscoverStortford

www.discoverstortford.co.uk axis magazine 19

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

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THE AXIS GUIDE TO YOUR HOUSE & HOME – SPRING 2022

Fall back in love with your home

This month’s Ideal Home Show reflects the new reality of the way we use our properties One of the many things that the pandemic has changed is the way we view – and use – our home. From home office to home learning, our houses have had to become practical, functional spaces as well as our retreat from the world.

If you’re in need of some inspiration on how to make your space work – or perhaps how to reclaim it – then this month’s Ideal Home Show is the place to start.

The show, which takes place at Olympia in London from Friday 11th to Sunday 27th March, brings together full-scale show homes and more than 600 brands showcasing fresh ideas and ontrend solutions for your home.

You can also gain inspiration from attending free talks filled with practical advice from property

experts including Phil Spencer who will be offering his top tips for first time buyers and an insight into buy to let properties.

Celeb favourite home organising duo the Style Sisters will be demonstrating on the Interiors Stage with their step by step ‘How-To’ in styling and organising your space.

And you can also book a free halfhour slot at The Expert Advice Hub to which you can bring your own renovation plans, drawings and budgets to get help from architects and building specialists.

The show is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday and tickets cost £14 weekday and £16 weekends (concessions £2 cheaper). Book now at idealhomeshow.co.uk.

Phil Spencer is among the big name experts at the Ideal Home Show

A warm welcome home...

After what we have all been through over the last two years, we could do with some brightness in our lives when we arrive home and Paint Queen Annie Sloan says redecorating our home’s front door is a great way to do this.

“I find that people often pick rich, vibrant colours for their front door that they wouldn’t pick for their interiors, and I love that,” said Annie. “This is your opportunity to build excitement for the rest of your home and create an entrance that puts a

smile on your face every time you return home.”

For a simple but chic Easter update, Annie suggests hanging a floral wreath in tones that complement your chosen shade.

And she advises you should finish exterior paintwork with Chalk Paint lacquer, a hard-wearing, water-based polyacrylic finish with built-in UV protection, ideal for high traffic areas. Available in a gloss or matt finish, it applies clear and dries quickly without yellowing over time, so you can create a welcoming entranceway

that will hold up come rain or shine. For a full range of paints available and details of local stockists, visit anniesloan.com.

Front door in Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan in Tilton from £5.95 for 120ml; Chalk Paint lacquer £21.95 for 750ml

axis magazine 21

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Big ideas for small bathrooms In many homes, bathrooms are shoe-horned into the smallest space possible, but having a small bathroom does not mean you have to compromise on luxury.

Fabrizio Costingo, product designer at luxury bathroom retailer Lusso Stone, says: “A bathroom should never be an afterthought. If you need to utilise a smaller space for your bathroom, then more thought is needed to ensure that there is no compromise on style and luxury.

“Thinking about the layout, maximising storage and ensuring there is no ‘dead space’ is crucial.

“If your space is limited and you desire practicality over a space for full relaxation, then choosing a shower over a bath is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to maximise space. Opting for a corner shower or even a walk-in shower unit can ensure that space is used to its full potential.

“However, to make sure you are not compromising, a large rainfall shower keeps that luxury feel.

“Another key trick is removing those clunky, old-fashioned cisterns and instead investing in

Cult Furniture’s Theo dining chair in ivory white boucle

Ridged renaissance

This Lusso Stone bathroom looks bigger than it is...

a ‘back to wall’ toilet system.

They are stylish, minimalistic and extremely convenient for smaller spaces.

“They not only look incredibly slick but give an illusion of there being no cistern at all.

“If you’re keen to include a freestanding bath but space is limited, consider one of Lusso’s mini or compact freestanding

baths. Or a freestanding corner bath can ensure no space is wasted, or a square bath is not only unique but also extremely space-efficient.”

And, Fabrizio says, the main thing to remember is to think about your layout before you start your bathroom renovation to ensure the space is used to its maximum potential.

Textures are resurfacing in our homes, particularly in popular muted tones such as green, taupe, grey and ivory white.

Think refined curves, slat-like grooves, the softest boucle and brushed woven materials, inviting touch by adding visual interest into your space.

For example, London-based Cult Furniture suggests combining its Oslo sideboard with a tufted rug, accessorised with décor made from glass, marble or wood. It offers a range of panelled pieces such as the Medby which comes as side table, coffee table and dining table. To shop the look visit cultfurniture.com.

Reclaim the colour blue Certain colours have a reputation for making people feel a certain way so what does the colour blue say to you? While ‘the blues’ can be synonymous with negative feelings, the actual colour itself can have the opposite effect.

Blue is a non-confrontational colour, promoting calmness and serenity. If peace is what you’re after, introducing blue into your home could be just the ticket.

Blue is also considered an affluent colour, inferring luxury. In a survey conducted by kitchen company Magnet, blue was revealed to be the kitchen colour perceived as the most expensive – some even said they thought it added value to a property.

All of which has led Magnet’s kitchen design experts to come up with suggestions on how best to incorporate the colour into the heart of your home…

22 axis magazine

Consider tones of blue Lighter shades such as sky can open up a space and make it feel light and airy. Painting one wall of the room in a pale shade can weave colour into the space without enclosing it.

Alternatively, if you want a moodier, more stylish, look, opt for dark midnight hues and create a feature wall. Hang photographs and prints for an on-trend ‘gallery wall’ look and consider mood lighting to set the right ambience.

Make a statement Don’t hold back on colour – if you love it, go for it! Why not make a statement by going for full blue cabinets? Offsetting coloured cabinets with light worktops creates a fresh and open feel. Light coloured marble pairs well with all blue shades or, for a more country look go for a light oak.

Magnet’s Dunham kitchen in Voyage Blue (top) and Nova in Seagrass

Alternatively, consider a composite worktop – these come in a wide range of colours and finishes.

Or, to achieve an uber-stylish, moodier look, try pairing your blue cupboards with a darker coloured worktop. Magnet’s latest blue shade, Voyage Blue, gives the kitchen a feeling of familiarity and comfort whilst still offering that wow factor.

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Why you should go green at home – and how to do it In the first of a series of environmental articles, Ben Crystall offers some energy-saving advice

Whatever colour your politics, there are compelling reasons why you may want to turn a bit “greener” at home.

Firstly, in April energy bills will leap by about £700 thanks to rising global gas prices, with further increases on the cards.

So anything we do to stop draughts and add extra insulation to our homes could save significant amounts on our fuel bills.

Meanwhile, using less energy cuts our carbon emissions too – vital if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate breakdown.

So where to begin?

Insulation If you live in an older property just look up: with an uninsulated loft, a quarter of your heat escapes through the roof – that’s £1 in every £4 on your heating bill.

If access is easy and safe, do it yourself by installing at least 30cm of mineral wool or similar, or top up what’s already there.

Alternatively get experts in.

But don’t forget to insulate your loft hatch too. And if you have suspended timber floors downstairs, you can add insulation below by taking up the boards and fixing insulation underneath using netting.

Around a third of heat escapes from uninsulated walls, but expert advice is definitely needed to

An Energy Performance Certificate will tell you how energy-efficient a property really is

insulate here, it’s not a DIY task.

Easy DIY wins However, there are plenty of easy DIY wins: add a new insulating jacket on your hot water cylinder, a draught-proofing flap or brushes on your letter box (or seal it up and add a new post box outside), install draught-proofing seals or strips on doors and windows, and for draughty gaps in door or window frames, a squeeze of flexible sealant usually does the trick. Finally, switch lights to LEDs which use about 75% less energy and last far longer than conventional bulbs.

Checks if you’re moving Buying a new place? Check the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which comes with every home sale and outlines a property’s energy efficiency and typical heating costs. The nearer grade A, the lower the heating costs will be. The EPC also gives recommendations on how to cut energy use and save money.

Alternatively, if you plan major

renovation work and can afford to be more ambitious, you can make a big dent in energy bills and carbon emissions. Talk to your builder about opportunities to increase the amount of insulation well beyond that required by building regulations, which are the minimum construction standards laid down by the Government. Adding extra insulation in floors, walls and roof, or upgrading windows to double or triple glazed during a rebuild is much cheaper than doing it once alterations are completed.

Going further...

Want to go further to cut your household carbon footprint?

Consider swapping your gas hob for an electric induction hob with an A++ energy rating. In the long term, electric cooking promises lower carbon emissions and studies show that gas hobs create large amounts of indoor air pollution that can have an impact on your family’s health.

More ambitious still, follow

Government advice and swap your gas boiler for an Air Source Heat Pump. ASHPs run on electricity and are incredibly efficient, and after April’s fuel price rise, many ASHPs will be cheaper to run than gas boilers.

But they are also currently expensive to install, and most create hot water that is not as hot as that from a boiler, meaning they work best in homes that are well insulated and which have either under-floor heating or larger radiators.

However, ASHP prices are expected to fall rapidly as the Government mandates their use, so will soon become even more attractive for providing heating and hot water. l For tips on saving energy, on insulation and ASHP visit energysavingtrust.org.uk.

Ben Crystall is a Green Party councillor for Hertford All Saints on Herts County Council, and for Hertford Bengeo on East Herts District Council. axis magazine 23

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PROPERTY NEWS

5% deposit scheme launched for new homes at Sawbridge Park

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A new low deposit mortgage scheme has been launched for homes at Sawbridge Park, the new development by David Wilson Homes in Sawbridgeworth, making home ownership more accessible for prospective buyers.

Deposit Unlock is the name of the new mortgage lending scheme, and it allows both first time buyers and existing homeowners the chance to buy a new build home priced up to £750,000 with just a five per cent deposit.

The competitively priced mortgage for the remaining 95 per cent is designed to make buying a new home much more affordable to those who might otherwise have struggled to fund a deposit for their dream home.

The scheme is run in partnership with a number of lenders who are able to offer a range of marketleading mortgage rates under Deposit Unlock, starting at five per cent for a two-year fixed rate mortgage.

Karly Williams, sales and marketing director at David Wilson North Thames, said: “We are always looking at ways we can help even more people either onto or up the property ladder and Deposit Unlock is the latest way for those in Sawbridgeworth to do just that.

By significantly reducing the size of deposit needed to secure a new home, we’re hoping we can make it much more accessible and affordable for buyers to move into their dream home.”

The Sawbridge Park development has been designed with sustainability in mind, with all homes and a number of visitor parking spaces including electric vehicle charging points.

Homes also benefit from high levels of insulation and energyefficient boilers.

There are currently threebedroom homes available on the development, which can be found off West Road, with prices starting at £505,995. For more information visit dwh.co.uk.

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Dobsons, the perfect partner for your home renovation project

and have everything you need to make your house a beautiful home inside and out.

With their product offering of kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors and home renovations, they take care of the complete project from design through to installation, all expertly managed for a perfect seamless finish.

As we move gradually into the Spring, it’s now a perfect time to think about renovating your home during the good weather months.

Ever since Frank Dobson started Dobsons way back in 1935, on the same Cheshunt site where they remain today, Dobsons have prided themselves on offering consistently high levels of customer service, great products and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Now run by the fourth generation of the family, they continue to transform homes with unfailing attention to detail

Houzz award Dobsons are thrilled to have recently won a Best of Houzz award for customer service on the leading platform for home renovation and design, Houzz.

This award is chosen by the millions of homeowners who comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.7 million active home building, renovation and design industry professionals.

Best of Houzz 2022 badges appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence.

These badges help the more than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts on Houzz to identify popular and top-rated home professionals for their projects.

Director Helen Dobson said of the win: “We are delighted to have been awarded a Best of Houzz service award. Customer service is at the forefront of everything we do as a business so to have been recognised in this area is especially pleasing.”

To find out more about Dobsons and to see examples of their work visit dobsonshome.com.

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

Kitchens Bathrooms Windows & Doors Glazed Extensions

The premier destination for luxury kitchens and bathrooms in Herts • 1 28 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, EN8 9BN

• Browse our new brochure www.dobsonshome.com

• 01992 623066

• Visit our inspirational showroom 128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, EN8 9BN

• www.dobsonshome.com

• Talk to our designers 01992 623066

axis magazine 25

JOHN LADBURY

Beautiful Handcrafted Kitchens

DESIGN • BUILD • INSTALLATION 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

01707 262966 | WWW.JOHNLADBURY.CO.UK Showroom: UNIT 11 ALPHA BUSINESS PARK, TRAVELLERS CLOSE, WELHAM GREEN AL9 7NT

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Create your dream kitchen with John Ladbury

Take the first step towards having the kitchen of your dreams by calling John Ladbury today

When it comes to creating your dream kitchen, attention to detail is key – and that is what John Ladbury is all about.

The company, which is based in Welham Green, specialises in designing, manufacturing and installing its unique range of bespoke, handmade kitchens from its Hertfordshire workshop and showroom.

It offers a broad choice of both timeless classic and stunning contemporary styles to suit your individual home and lifestyle.

John Ladbury’s reputation grew from small beginnings into the thriving and productive bespoke kitchen company it is today.

Quality and attention to detail, combined with a passion for perfection, has ensured that this family business has continued

to go from strength to strength, using only the best materials from reputable sources, including solid hardwoods, natural stone and other premium quality goods.

The latest trends At John Ladbury, you can find out about and take advantage of the very latest trends in kitchens, including different coloured sinks and worktops in a variety of different surfaces including copper, stone, enamel and quartz, including the natural veined look.

Strong colours are in again at the moment – think dark blues and deep greens – adding real character to the heart of your home.

Pantries are also very trendy at present, helping to keep the kitchen organised!

You can find inspiration for your

new bespoke kitchen from the pictures on this page, but to find out more, give the family team at John Ladbury a call and see for yourself what the kitchen of your dreams can really look like.

John Ladbury Unit 11 Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green AL9 7NT 01707 262966 www.johnladbury.co.uk

axis magazine 27

Create your perfect bathroom For inspiration and everything you need to create your dream bathroom head to Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre.

Based on a business estate and so with ample free parking outside, this family-run company has been helping both retail and trade customers with their home improvement projects for more than 25 years.

A tile showroom on the ground floor offers ceramic, porcelain and mosaic tiles along with all the fixing goods, sealants and cleaners you might need.

Upstairs, in the refurbished bathroom showroom, a series of room sets showcase a wide range of baths, showers, basins, toilets, taps, towel rails and more, providing inspiration and everything you need to create your perfect bathroom.

You can either buy whatever you need if you plan to install it yourself or speak to the friendly team about the expert planning

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and fitting service they offer.

They can visit your home, measure up, plan your room and fit everything for you if required.

A prompt delivery service is also available for larger items.

Not being based on the high street with its resulting large overheads helps to make the prices at Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre really competitive.

And the free parking right outside leaves you more time to browse without feeling timepressured.

The showroom’s opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm.

Hoddesdon Tile and Bathroom Centre Units C2 & C3 Geddings Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT 01992 470146 www.hoddesdontilebathroomcentre.com

HODDESDON TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE Your friendly local specialist • Open to the trade and public • Free parking on-site • Excellent customer service • A family-operated and locally-owned company for 30 years Units C2 & C3 Geddings Road Industrial Estate, Hoddesdon EN11 0NT

01992 470146

hoddesdontile-bathroomcentre.com 28 axis magazine

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Shopping for new furniture? Check out the new Martins in Hertford If you are seeking new furniture for your home this season, visit the recently opened Martins in Hertford.

Martins specialise in freestanding wardrobes from Germany which come in many different sizes and styles. Both delivery and assembly services are available too.

Martins have a quicker lead time from order than most bigger furniture stores, typically delivering to you in 4-7 weeks – and at very keen prices.

Pretty much everything else you will find in-store is UK made, including a wide range of beds and mattresses together with chests of drawers and bedside cabinets.

Again, these can be delivered and, where required, assembled for you.

You will also find a range of carpets, chairs, including rise and recliners, sofas and solid oak and pine furniture such as bookcases and cabinets.

For the kitchen, Martins sells kitchen tables and chairs – again, all in solid wood.

Owner Ady Miah established his first furniture shop 17 years ago in Watford’s St Albans Road and took over the name of Martins from the iconic Letchworth furniture store when it closed.

Part of the old Martins building there still houses one of his shops now. As well as in Watford and Letchworth, other Martins stores can be found in Royston and Stevenage.

It is the first time Hertford town centre has had a traditional furniture store since the closure of the long-established Marshalls in Fore Street three years ago.

You will find something for every pocket at Martins including a budget range of wardrobes.

Ady also promises ‘top class customer service’ from his independent local business.

Martins 1 The New Arcade, Railway Street, Hertford SG14 1SH 01992 550044 martinsfurniture.co.uk

axis magazine 29

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Pick a project to both enhance and add value to your home 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 Herts and Essex Windows and Doors Ltd can do for you, call 01920 449229 or visit their website at he-wd.co.uk.

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

EnhancE your homE with Herts & essex WindoWs & doors Established, family-run local business No job too big, or too small

5 Peerglow Centre, Marsh Lane, Ware, Herts SG12 9QL 01920 449229 / 07907 247531 info@he-wd.co.uk www.he-wd.co.uk 30 axis magazine

Ltd

The heart of your home

The Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery has the most up-to-date modern designs encompassing the latest technology in fire realism.

The media feature wall (pictured) is the latest fireplace trend that features a built-in electric fire with a flat screen TV above and housed within a constructed chimney breast. With many new homes being built without fireplaces, and advances in electric fire designs, the media wall has become increasingly popular with homeowners. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, it is also space saving by having both focal points on one wall – an ideal

Home

way of bringing a bit of luxury to your living room!

Call into Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery’s showroom to view the media wall plus a full range of other contemporary and traditional gas fires, stoves and fireplaces to suit all budgets and tastes. Free local delivery is available, as is a full installation service by their Gas Safe and HETAS engineers.

Hertfordshire Fireplace Gallery 9 Barnet Road, Potters Bar EN6 2QX 01707 657070 www.hertsfireplacegallery.co.uk

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Find your perfect bed

A comfortable bed that really suits you is one of the most important investments you can make for your home.

The Bed Gallery is an independent local family business with more than 30 years of expertise that can help find exactly the right bed for you.

When you visit The Bed Gallery’s stunning showroom you will be able to choose from a wide selection of bespoke bedframes and mattresses manufactured in the UK, carefully selected bedroom furniture and renowned brands including Hypnos (which comes with a 10-year guarantee), Silent

Night and Rest Assured.

The team at The Bed Gallery have one aim – to help you find the most comfortable bed you have ever owned; one that is just right for you and that will enable you to enjoy a rejuvenating great night’s sleep.

Check out The Bed Gallery’s Trust Pilot reviews to see just how they have helped many others to do precisely that.

The Bed Gallery 51 High Street, Cheshunt EN8 0BS 01992 309751 www.thebedgallery.net

DESIGN A HYPNOS BED THAT’S JUST RIGHT FOR YOU

51 High Street | Cheshunt | Hertfordshire | EN8 0BS T: 01992 309751 | www.thebedgallery.net Visit our Showroom: Monday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm, Sundays closed

hypnosbeds.com Carbon Neutral since 2011 | 100% foam-free, sustainable and recyclable Handmade in Buckinghamshire | 10 year guarantee

axis magazine 31

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Use the latest technology to protect your home from intruders Tindall Security are experts in making your home or commercial premises secure.

The company, which was founded in 1932 and has been based in Hertford for over 30 years, offers tailored services to suit your individual preferences and needs. From simple domestic burglar alarms to more sophisticated commercial protection and security solutions, Tindall’s team of experts provide an efficient and trouble-free service.

Sadly, burglaries are a reality of modern life. Research has shown, however, that homes with a secure network of protection are less likely to be targeted. By installing an effective security system in your home, you will be ensuring 24/7 surveillance that will protect your property even when you are not at home.

Tindall Security supply, fit and maintain a range of domestic alarm systems to enable you to protect your home from

32 axis magazine

Tindall Security can help you protect your property

intruders. All come with self-monitoring apps which allow you to set and unset, receive alerts and view via your mobile phone or computer.

Its in-house team can design and install the latest technology, ensuring that which is most important to you is protected 24/7, all year round.

Services include a diverse range of security networks, such as CCTV systems, Smart integration and door entry systems.

The design team will work with you to find you the best possible solution; a professionally qualified team will install your alarm or security system; and a team of maintenance engineers

provide 24 hour, 365 days of the year support, with the best possible service. You can book a free, no obligation survey too.

Tindall Security Unit 3 Mead Business Centre, Mead Lane, Hertford SG13 7BJ 0800 433 7748 www.tindallsecurity.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

Broxbourne rebrands as upgraded Laura Trott Leisure Centre offers improved gym facilities Broxbourne Council leisure services have been rebranded under the name: Be.Broxbourne.

The rebranding of venues including Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Cheshunt and John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon comes after major investment has gone into improving facilities.

The Laura Trott Leisure Centre has been fully refurbished to maintain its position as the borough’s premier fitness centre.

The new layout of the gym has been designed to maximise the two-storey space and give a cutting-edge feel. The equipment has been carefully selected to find the balance between new fitness trends such as greater demand for resistance and functional training and the traditionally popular cardio and circuit classes.

The cardio stations include a number of innovative pieces of equipment that can be used in multiple ways; the free weights area has been doubled and the functional space used for free training and gym classes almost trebled, creating a more userfriendly space for members to set up their own circuits and bigger space for gym-based classes.

For more details about the leisure centre visit bebroxbourne.co.uk.

Acts sought for 2022 Rock in the Priory

New gym sessions for people with disabilities Meanwhile, the Laura Trott leisure centre has also launched a new twice-weekly open gym session for people with a permanent or long-term physical disability. The session is called Be.FitTogether.

The centre’s specialist trainer Louise Bonfield suffered a stroke at the age of 19 which left her permanently paralysed down one side of her body. After joining a gym and finding there was nobody able to spend time with her and help with her specific needs, Louise decided to do something about it.

So she qualified as a fitness instructor, specialising in training those with a physical disability.

Now, more than 13 years on, Louise encourages people to exercise and makes sure everybody feels welcome, confident and included when they visit.

This is not an instructor-led class – at each session members train themselves as they wish, but Louise and other trainers are available to assist and advise.

The leisure centre is fully accessible and the drop-in sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 2pm.

Each session costs £4.50 for up to three hours.

For more information about the sessions, call the leisure centre on 01992 623345 or email hello@bebroxbourne.co.uk.

Entries invited now for St Clare Hospice 10k road race in April St Clare Hospice is staging its annual 10k road race, starting and finishing at the hospice in Hastingwood, near Harlow, on Sunday 10th April.

The fundraising event for the charity is open to runners of all abilities, and wheelchair racers are also welcome, having become an integral part of the event.

Last year, around 400 people took part, raising £11,000 for the hospice.

You can sign up to take part online at stclarehospice.org.uk.

After two consecutive annual postponements due to the pandemic, Rock in the Priory will be returning to Ware this July, and local musicians and bands are being invited to apply now to take part in it.

Ware’s premier outdoor music concert will be held on Sunday 17th July on the Priory Island and any artists who would like to be involved should act now to be considered.

Artists from all genres are invited to apply.

In the first instance, they should send in links to their music to rosalyn@waretowncouncil.gov.uk

by Friday 18th March.

Acts will then be asked to an auditions event at the town’s Southern Maltings, called Rock in the Priory Showcase, on Sunday 10th April from 1-6pm.

The public are invited to roll up and enjoy the music on the day too. The Rock in the Priory committee will choose which acts will be asked to perform at the main event, after which the line-up will be announced and tickets will go on sale.

For more information, call organiser Dani De’ath on 01279 773738 or email dani@stclarehospice.org.uk. axis magazine 33

LOOK FORWARD TO SAVOURING THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SCENTS OF SPRING, RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW. WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU. THE PARK AND GARDENS ARE OPEN TO VISITORS FROM �ND APRIL

Explore the park & gardens

Indulge at the Stable Yard Shops & restaurant

Book an exclusive experience in the park

SPACE TO LIVE, WORK, MEET & RELAX

WWW.HATFIELDPARK.CO.UK

|

01707 287010

| VISITORS@HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK

WHAT’S ON: EVENTS & PLACES TO VISIT

Hatfield Park prepares to open for the new season

Learn about the natural world of South Africa The extraordinary diversity of birds, other animals and plants in South Africa is the subject of a talk by Dr Peter Gasson, Kew plant anatomist, to the RSPB SE Herts group on Tuesday 29th March at 7.45 for 8pm. The talk will take place in person at The United Reformed Church Hall in Mill Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7BG. Entry is £3.50, or £3 for RSPB members. For more information, visit rspb.org.uk and search for SE Herts group.

Hatfield Park and Gardens will open for the 2022 season from Saturday 2nd April.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the Spring sunshine in the picture-perfect gardens which date from the early 17th Century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants from all over Europe for his new home.

The trees, bulbs, plants and fruit trees, which had never been grown before in England, have created the inspiring and fragrant gardens you can explore today.

The gardens will be open from Thursday to Sunday and include

the Sundial Garden, West Parterre and Old Palace Garden adjoining the Tudor Palace.

By the middle of April, expect bluebells to be carpeting the upper section of the woodland garden too.

400 years of history Lord and Lady Salisbury’s private East Garden is also open to visitors each Thursday, featuring elegant parterres, topiary and rare plants which are both a delight for gardening enthusiasts and anyone wishing to spend a quiet time in idyllic surroundings.

Hatfield House itself will be open

from 19th May to 29th August, enabling visitors a glimpse into more than 400 years of history.

Built by Robert Cecil, in the grounds where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood, Hatfield House is home to centuries of historical treasures collected by the Cecil family.

Early bird offer prices will save you 20 per cent on visits if you book before 1st April.

While you’re at Hatfield, you should also visit the Stable Yard, which is filled with independent shops and dining opportunities. hatfield-house.co.uk

Antiques Roadshow expert to give VC talk Antiques Roadshow medal specialist Mark Smith is coming to Sawbridgeworth to tell the story of the Victoria Cross and some of its recipients. He will also talk about Cpl Vick, the Charge of the Light Brigade survivor, who is buried in the town’s Great St Mary’s churchyard. The event is on Thursday 31st March at 7.30pm at Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall in The Forebury.

Tickets are just £5 – book online at sbwhistory.com.

The popular Dogs and Daffs charity walk returns to Hatfield Park this month The popular Dogs and Daffs charity dog walk event is back this month after missing two years because of the pandemic.

The event offers the opportunity to gain private access to Hatfield Park, to enjoy a walk amongst the daffs with your dog. It is held on Sunday 20th March from 9.30am to 4pm and also includes a series of fun dog shows you can enter your pet in. The entry

cost for the day is £7, with dog show classes an additional £2.50.

Accompanied children and dogs are free. All proceeds go to support the Digswell Place Group RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) which works with more than 100 horse riders and arranged more than 2,100 therapeutic rides last year.

Tickets are available now at dogsanddaffs.weebly.com. axis magazine 35

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH

CELEBRATE AT

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC Thursday 17th March, 7.30pm

Featuring stunning costumes, a 7-piece live band and interactive projection Tickets: £26

Visit our Wedding Fayre on Sunday 13th March, 11am-3pm, free entry Check the website for our Mother’s Day events too!

ELO AGAIN

Friday 18th March, 7.30pm Great sound, light and special effects!

Tickets: £26

LIONEL – THE MUSIC OF LIONEL RICHIE Sunday 27th March, 7.30pm

Celebrate Mother’s Day and the music of this legend Tickets: £25.50

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

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

We

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

Pop Divas Live!

Wednesday 13 April, 2.30pm

Book online visit www.thespotlightvenue.com The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BE 36 axis magazine

Twitter @warepriory

family fun!

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever!

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

BOROUGH OF BROXBOURNE

CK220275

BOX OFFICE – 01707 645005

WHAT’S ON: BOOK AHEAD

Follow the yellow brick road... to Harlow Playhouse’s Easter panto!

The Wizard of Oz is coming to Harlow Playhouse at the start of next month!

Tickets can be booked now for the Easter panto, which runs at the theatre from Friday 1st to Tuesday 5th April.

It stars Harlow’s very own Fanny Galore as Glinda the Good and the Playhouse’s Ben Parsley as Scarecrow and is brought to you by KD Productions, who co-produce the venue’s popular Christmas pantomime.

Book now to join Dorothy as she heads off on her magical adventure over the rainbow to

the land of Oz, meeting her new friends Scarecrow, The Tin Man and the cowardly Lion while trying to outwit the Wicked Witch of the West.

Expect lots of jokes, dazzling song and dance routines, colourful scenery and plenty more for all the family.

Performances are at 7pm on Friday 1st April; 2.30pm and 7pm on Saturday 2nd; then 11am and 2.30pm from Sunday 3rd to Tuesday 5th. Ticket prices range from £12 to £18.

Book at harlowplayhouse.co.uk or on 01279 431945.

Queen Symphonic promises: We will rock you!

Star performers from the smash West End show We Will Rock You will take to the stage at Hatfield Park this summer in a rock and orchestral spectacular celebrating the music of Queen on Saturday 6th August, for which early bird tickets are available now.

Queen Symphonic promises one of the biggest rock shows you are

ever likely to experience, with over 60 performers on stage.

The We Will Rock You singers will be backed by a full rock band together with the Heart of England Orchestra, bringing a whole new interpretation to Queen’s rock operatic back catalogue through awardwinning composer Richard Sidwell’s expansion of Queen’s

original arrangements into a completely new symphonic score.

Queen fans can take picnics, chairs and blankets to settle down for a breathtaking evening of entertainment.

Early bird tickets are available now for £26 (£10 for children aged 5-16).

Book your advance tickets now at lphconcertsandevents.co.uk.

Re-opening highlights at The Spotlight The Spotlight in Hoddesdon reopens this month, as previewed in last month’s Axis, with tickets selling fast to its early events.

These include the 35th anniversary tour of the hugely popular rock n roll spectacular That’ll Be The Day, which comes to The Spotlight on Thursday 17th March, and An Evening with Glenn Hoddle, with the midfield genius interviewed by another Spurs legend in Graham Roberts on Thursday 24th March.

New Romantic music fans can enjoy tracks by Duran Duran, Human League, Tears for Fears, Japan, Ultravox and others in the retro live music show Calling Planet Earth on Thursday 31st too.

To book call 01992 441946 or visit thespotlightvenue.com where you can also find out about other forthcoming shows. axis magazine 37

WHAT’S ON: THE ARTS MUSIC

Concerts & recitals in March POPULAR CLASSICS Hertford Symphony Orchestra presents Popular Classics at Ware Drill Hall in Amwell End on Saturday 5th March at 7.45pm.

Tickets £17 adults, £8 students.

This will include music by Tchaikovsky, Berlioz and Dvorak. Buy tickets from wegottickets.com or 01992 584322.

LUNCHTIME RECITALS Lunchtime music recitals by Bishop’s Stortford College pupils have returned to Water Lane United Reformed Church in Bishop’s Stortford, with the next one on Thursday 10th March from 1.30-2pm. Admission is free.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA A Night at the Opera will see Ware Choral Society singing your favourite opera choruses with several soloists on Saturday 12th March at St Mary’s Church in Ware. Tickets £12 from pauline@warechoral.org.uk or on the door.

THE DREAM OF GERONTIUS Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius will be performed by Hertford Choral Society on Saturday 26th March at All Saints’ Church in Hertford. Tickets £16 reserved, £12 unreserved, £4 students under 25 from tickets@ hertfordchoral.org.uk or 07936 719498. More details at hertfordchoral.org.uk.

THEATRE

Bishop’s Stortford College students’ lunchtime recitals

ART

Dracula, as never experienced before

Light & Shadow at Parndon Mill gallery

The most famous gothic horror story of all time, Dracula, is coming to Harlow Playhouse this month in a one man show adapted and performed by TV and West End star James Gaddas, best known for roles in Coronation Street, Bad Girls, Doctors and Emmerdale.

Gaddas plays 15 characters in the 90-minute show which is performed in two acts from 7.30pm. Tickets are £22 (£19.50 concessions) from 01279 431945 or harlowplayhouse.co.uk.

Light and Shadow is an exhibition of real contrast at The Gallery at Parndon Mill in Harlow. Shown mostly in black and white it features the work of 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, off Elizabeth Way, Harlow CM20 2HP. For opening times call 01279 426042 or visit parndonmill.co.uk.

38 axis magazine

WHAT’S ON: AT THE MOVIES

Brooding Pattinson takes on the Gotham City superhero FILM OF THE MONTH The Batman (15) Now showing The sure-fire box office film of the month sees Robert Pattinson as The Batman who, after two years of striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has been led deep into the shadows of Gotham City. When a killer begins to target Gotham’s elite, Batman must forge new relationships among the underworld to tackle the long-standing abuse of power and corruption in the city.

Familiar characters such as Catwoman, The Penguin and The Riddler all feature.

Best of the other new releases Cyrano (12A) Now showing The timeless love triangle tale stars Peter Dinklage as Cyrano de Bergerac, a brilliant man so convinced that his physical appearance renders him worthless that he is unable to tell the woman he loves how he truly feels. She, meanwhile, has fallen in love with another. Haley Bennett plays the luminous Roxanne, the subject of Cyrano’s secret affections.

The Duke (12A) Now showing A charming British comedy based on a true story and starring Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren and Matthew Goode. It is 1961 and a 60-tear-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. It’s probably wrong to encourage criminality, but maybe he had a point…

The Nan Movie (15) Showing from 18th March Origin stories have been all the rage for some time now – usually offering an opportunity to extend the franchise of box office titans.

This one tells the origin story of Catherine Tate’s character Nan

40 axis magazine

from her TV series. Hmmm.

You’ll either love it, or Tate it.

The Phantom of the Open (TBC) Showing from 18th March Don’t ya just love a Great British Eccentric movie? Move over Eddie the Eagle with your ski jump attempts, this tells the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a crane operator and optimistic dreamer from Barrow-in-Furness who manages to get an entry into qualifying for the 1976 Open golf tournament, despite never having played a round of golf before in his life. Mark Rylance and Rhys Ifans are among the stars.

Ambulance (TBC) Showing from 25th March A hard-up war vet who can’t pay his wife’s medical bills asks his career criminal adoptive brother for help. That help turns out to be the chance to take part in the biggest bank heist Los Angeles has ever seen – with $32million on the line. With his wife’s survival at stake, he agrees.

Obviously, things don’t go quite to plan and when their getaway goes spectacularly pear-shaped they hijack an ambulance to escape, not realising it has a critically ill cop inside. What follows is the most insane escape attempt even LA has ever seen…

Above: Haley Bennett and Peter Dinklage in Cyrano Below: Guilty pleasure? Catherine Tate in The Nan Movie

FOOD & DRINK

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Six places to grab a great slice (or preferably more) of pizza...

Try these local restaurants to get an authentic taste of one of Italy’s most popular exports Cibo This family-run Sicilian kitchen in Bishop’s Stortford offers a wide menu, but its pizzas are a bit different to the norm. Try the Pistacchiosa, with mozzarella, mortadella, burrata, Sicilian pistachio pesto and crushed pistachio (£13.50) or the Rubino, with mozzarella, Sicilian sausage, potatoes and burrata (£12.50).

Cibo is at 34 South Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM12 3AZ. cibosiciliankitchen.co.uk 01279 653068 Dante Head to Potters Bar to experience real Italian food overseen by owner Vicenzo Abbondante, who has run his restaurant since 2008. Pizzas to try include Crudo e Dolcelatte with tomato, mozzarella, dolcelatte cheese, Parma ham and fresh rocket leaves (£10.95) and the Atomica, with tomato, mozzarella, chicken, pepperoni, ham, Italian sausages and hot jalapeno (£12.95).

Dante is at 174 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AF. danterestaurant.co.uk 01707 665365 Villa Italia Family-run Italian restaurant in Sawbridgeworth that offers a good selection of proper homemade pizza on its traditional

menu. These include the Miru, with tomato, mozzarella, tuna, grilled peppers, anchovies and black olives (£12.50) and the BBQ with tomato, mozzarella, pulled pork, red onion and BBQ sauce (£12.95). Gluten-free options are available too.

Villa Italia is at 48 & 52 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN. villa-italia-restaurant.co.uk 01279 358358 Petrucci’s Artisan Stonebaked Pizza Based within the Eat 17 store in Bishop’s Stortford, Petrucci’s offers a selection of authentic pizza true to Neapolitan traditions. Its pizzas include The Bolognese, with Fior de latte mozzarella, tomato sauce, Bolognese sauce and Parmesan shavings (£10), while it also has, wait for it… a dessert pizza – the Nutella, with a plain base topped with original Nutella (£6).

Find Petrucci’s inside Eat 17 at 23 Potter Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3UL. petruccispizza.co.uk 01279 755899 San Giuseppe Based in a building that was once the Temperance Hotel and still operates as a bed and breakfast, San Giuseppe was opened in 2017 by Sicilian-born Giuseppe

Ferraro and his family, who wanted to offer the people of Hoddesdon authentic homemade food. Pizzas include the U Zu Peppi with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, mushrooms, sausage, olives, oregano and chilli (£11.50) and the Maialona with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, ham and frankfurter (£9.50).

You’ll find San Giuseppe at 1 Rye Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0JB. sangiuseppe1.co.uk 01992 415555 Proove Pizza Proove is a small but growing chain and opened its first restaurant in the south of England in Hertford’s

Parliament Square a year ago.

Its pizza dough is made with only the best Italian 00-grade Caputo flour, slow-proved for 20 hours and then hand-stretched. Vegan and gluten-free menus are available and pizzas include the San Daniele with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, mozzarella, Prosciutto de San Daniele, rocket, shavings of Parmigiano Regiano and extra virgin olive oil (£12.80) and the Spinaci Piccanti with homemade arrabbiata sauce, mozzarella, spinach, fresh leeks, white onion and roasted cauliflower (£11.50).

Proove Pizza can be found at 3 Parliament Square, Hertford SG14 1EX. proove.co.uk / 01992 927487 axis magazine 41

FOOD & DRINK

The Wine Column

By Ritchie Tough of Cavavin

As good as cold: my guide to wine temperatures

George IV launches farm shop The George IV at Great Amwell has launched a farm shop offering a range of produce in collaboration with many of its trusted suppliers.

Every Thursday to Saturday between 9am and 4pm you will find the shop’s shelves stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, culinary pastes, antipasti and preserves, fresh chicken, steaks and sausages, a selection of cheeses and more.

The suppliers involved include The Rare Breed Meat Company, Belazu, Sparshotts and The Cheese Plate from Buntingford.

The George IV is in Cautherly Lane, Great Amwell.

What temperature should I drink my wine at?

It’s a question I’m often asked.

Quite often we drink white wine too cold and red wine too warm. Most people will open a bottle of white wine that’s at around 3-5°C but beware – this will dull down the taste of the wine, you will just taste a cold snap rather than the fruit components. Whites are actually really best enjoyed at between 8-12°C (30-40 minutes out of the fridge).

Red wine is often enjoyed at room temperature, but this is too warm for most wines. I tend to use the colour of the wine to determine the correct temperature. The wines that are designed to be drunk at the warmest temperature (18-20°C) are reds that are full bodied, and these will be very dark, like Shiraz, Rhone Valley, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now if your red is a Pinot Noir or Gamay it will be lighter in colour – so light that you can almost see through to the other side of the glass. This is best drunk closer to 12°C or 30-40mins out of a fridge.

More fruit driven, aromatic red and white wines such as Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc can be forgiven being served at a lower temperature as they have enough depth to overcome the effects of the cold.

But… I always say the best way to drink a wine is the way you enjoy it! So if that’s straight from the fridge then so be it.

If you want to try out a red at the lower temperature (12°C) then I would recommend this Valencay from Denis Bardon (£12.50) Pinot Noir and Malbec from the Loire Valley.

Lockdown business opens at Galleria A fried chicken shop that started up in a ghost kitchen in a pub in Hatfield during the Covid lockdown has just opened its first outlet – still in its home town – at The Galleria shopping centre.

Eli’s Chicken is a quirky, urban brand founded by five locals, offering a creative street foodinspired menu with great flavours.

Co-founder Danny Wheeler said: ‘Our mission is to become local champions and we cannot wait for our guests to try our unforgettable flavours.”

42 axis magazine

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

THE GEORGE IV Pub & Dining

SAFFRON Indian

THE GOLDEN FLEECE 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. 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 Mother’s Day and Easter bookings.

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.

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.

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

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

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

THE BEEHIVE Country Pub

VILLA ITALIA Italian

BAAN THITIYA Thai

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!

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.

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.

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

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

102 London Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3DS 01279 658575 baan-thitiya.com axis magazine 43

9-13 Parliament Square n Hertford n SG14 1EX

EXPECT MORE n FROM YOUR n ESTATE AGENT

Aspenden Cottage, Aspenden – £1,650,000 Thomas Childs & Co are delighted to present this impressive Grade ll listed detached village home.

Aspenden Cottage is a fine example of an open hall house and retains many of its original features including a wealth of exposed beams and wooden floors. The property includes seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and an indoor pool.

Register your interest today on 01992 721 321

01992 721 321 n www.thomas-childs.com