Axis magazine's Guide to the Summer 2021

T H E A XIS GUID E T O

r e m m Su 1 ’2 Local events activities • places to visit • shopping food & drink iDEAS

The grEat outdoors

cafesinthepark.com

Everything in one place, food, drink & loads of space

Park Lane Harlow CM20 2QG

Theobalds Lane Waltham Cross EN8 8RU

Mill Lane Broxbourne EN10 7AX

Station Road Broxbourne EN10 7AU

Function rooms for hire. For details email info@cafesinthepark.com

W H E R E G O O D FO O D A N D G R E AT WA L KS G O H A N D I N H A N D

t u o Get ere! th

At last, Summer’s here! And with the easing of restrictions that made last summer ‘difficult’ to say the least, we all deserve a double dose of fun, food, family time and fresh air in 2021!

With many families staycationing in the UK and everyone looking for ideas for the school holidays and beyond, this is an ideal time to launch our first annual guide to the Summer.

It’s all here for you in one handy publication that offers ideas of activities to try, events taking place, places to visit – and the local shops and businesses that can supply everything you need for the perfect Summer!

Local attractions that have been starved of visitors over the past 12 months are looking forward to welcoming us back this Summer with many planning extra special events and activities – let’s get out there and give them our support. And let the fun begin!...

This Guide to Summer '21 is brought to you by the publishers of Axis, the independent monthly news magazine for eastern Hertfordshire and its borders.

Axis Publications, Lyric House, 6b St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA 01992 500198 info@axispublications.co.uk axismagazine.co.uk NB Please do be aware that while legal restrictions on opening, visitor numbers etc may no longer be in place, some venues may still be operating at reduced capacity or with some facilities not quite fully open yet. Please bear with them – and always check first before travelling in case booking is required.

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Your

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r you happening nea ts en ev at re g e Don’t miss thes

Stone Valley Festival South Back for a third year, Stone Valley Festival South is a three-day musical extravaganza featuring some of the biggest names from (mainly) the late 1970s/early 80s Mod, Ska and New Wave scenes.

It’s at Hillside Farm, Pepper Hill, Great Amwell near Ware from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th August and both camping and day tickets can be purchased.

The line-up includes The Boomtown Rats, Sham 69, Neville Staple and The Farm on Friday, with The Undertones, From The Jam, and Hugh Cornwell among Saturday’s acts.

On the Sunday you can see and hear Happy Mondays, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Big Country and Skids among others.

Hertford East Family Fun Day & BBQ Organised by Popup United, the Hertford East Family Fun Day & BBQ is due to be held on Hartham Common on Saturday 28th August. Popup United is an online marketplace which aims to promote independent businesses and there will be a range of such businesses selling handmade goods on the day. Other attractions will include food and drink concessions alongside activities such as games, a raffle, live music and children’s entertainment including a bouncy castle and facepainting.

From 11am to 6pm. Tickets are £5 on the door

Visit stonevalleyfestival.co.uk to see if you can bag a ticket!

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or in advance at eventbrite.co.uk.

Youphoria

Yarnbombers’ takeover

Youphoria is a three-day wellness weekender that will launch in the grounds of Knebworth House this September. It will feature everything from workshops and workouts to massages and serene sessions, giving participants the chance to escape the day to day and hit a ‘Youphoric’ high.

Other attractions will include sound baths, meditation, yoga and Pilates, together with inspiring speakers in bite-size introductory sessions and in-depth discovery workshops.

Weekend and day passes are available with 100 glamping spots bookable too. It takes place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th September. Early bird prices are currently available – reducing a Saturday adult day pass from £65 to £48.75 for example.

Scott’s Grotto in Ware has been taken over by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters until Sunday 8th August! The yarnbombers have created Scott’s Enchanted Grotto with an installation including fairies, pixies, elves and woodland creatures.

Scott’s Grotto is a Grade I listed building and heritage site in Scott’s Road, Ware (at SG12 9JQ) – to view it you should take a torch as the series of underground chambers is unlit.

For the enchanted event the grotto is open every day from 10.30am to 4.30pm and admission is free (donations are welcome).

Parking has been arranged in Little Acres SG12 9JW. scotts-grotto.org

Book at youphoria-festival.co.uk

Music & Motors Tudor Square in Ware will be transformed on Saturday 21st August when the annual Music & Motors event takes place – offering exactly what is says on the tin: a chance to enjoy some great cars whilst listening to live music.

It’s from 1pm to 5pm and worth taking a break from your shopping for!

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STEVE BEESTON PHOTOGRAPHY

e t s a T

OF SUMMER

events Food and drink

HERTFORD FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

HODDESDON FOOD & DRINK FEST

Hertford’s annual food and drink festival will take place over two days, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th August, this year.

On the Saturday, the town centre will host a food and drink stalls from local producers and bars and restaurants will run promotions.

Then on Sunday, the action shifts to the grounds of Hertford Castle, which hosts the Hertford Beer and World Food Festival.

A large beer tent will offer a variety of local and national beers, ales and ciders as well as a dedicated gin and Prosecco area. There will also be world food stalls on the lawn, with live music through the afternoon from 12noon to 6pm. Admission is free.

Hoddesdon has been transformed this summer with a large number of pubs, cafés and restaurants now having pavement licences, something that has created a much more Mediterranean feel to the town centre.

Love Hoddesdon BID is now aiming to build on this feelgood factor by organising its first Hoddesdon Food and Drink Fest, which will take place on Saturday 4th September from 10am to 6pm. A variety of international foods will be available for visitors to enjoy, with a background of musical entertainment and some children’s fairground rides, providing a great day out for all the family.

It is not too late for street food vendors to take

gohertford.co.uk

part either – if you are interested in doing so, email lovehoddesdon@outlook.com.

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BEAVERTOWN BREWERY PARTY

GIBBERD GARDEN BEER FESTIVAL

For some reason the team at Beavertown brewery seem to think we may be in need of a little party right now. They may not be wrong!

And with their ninth birthday on Saturday 7th August and a brand spanking new brewery site, Beaverworld, in Enfield, they’ve found us all the perfect excuse.

The day is being divided into two sessions – 11am to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm.

All-in tickets are £50 and include live music from event partner WorldWide FM, a free goodie bag and all your beer for the day (yes, really!). Beers will include nine new birthday brews, Beavertown craft classics and guest beers. Food is extra.

Booking is via Eventbrite – search for Beavertown’s Birthday Blast or find it via the website beavertownbrewery.co.uk.

The Gibberd Garden in Harlow hosts its annual summer beer festival over the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August.

Always a fabulous afternoon out, it offers the chance for families to explore the inspirational grade 2 listed garden that was created by the masterplanner of Harlow new town, Sir Frederick Gibberd. There will be a wide variety of beers and ciders from local breweries and pubs including Harlow-based Redchurch, The Rising Sun at High Wych and The Woodbine at Waltham Abbey.

Other than for entry after 5pm on Sunday, booking is essential with timed entry slots online and the garden open between 12noon and 8pm each day.

Entry is £5 for adults, free for children up to 16 with parking on the field outside the garden.

Beaverworld is at Unit 7, Enfield Distribution

The garden is in Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA.

Park, East Duck Lees Lane, Enfield EN3 7SP.

Visit thegibberdgarden.co.uk for more info.

Come and visit us for Summer picnic classics, homemade Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, sandwiches & more Pizzas made here at the Bakery (available Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Luscious cakes, coffees & traditional afternoon teas

Outside seating – Café – Takeaway

Mayfield Farm, Sheering Road, Harlow CM17 0JP 01279 411774 www.mayfieldfarmbakery.co.uk 7

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

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

Summer Wine Best of the

Ritchie Tough of Cavavin The Wine Shop in Hertford picks his seasonal favourites After an inconsistent Spring and early Summer, we can now start to really enjoy the sort of wines that are best in the warmer weather – and yes, you can still drink red when it’s hot!

Pinot Noir is my go-to choice for that. This grape can be chilled down to 10-12C, which brings out a stunning red berry expression. It’s a light wine that’s very refreshing on the terrace.

Sparkling wine of all colours makes a perfect aperitif, whether that’s red, white or rosé – chill any of them down to 10C. If your fridge is too cold my suggestion would be to leave it on the side for 15-20 minutes to warm up the fizz a bit before pouring.

Many would say that sunshine and bubbles are the perfect match, but the rosé fans will tell you different, and they are not wrong.

Down in the south of France in the hills of Provence between the Rhone and the Alps, wine was not considered that important until

a certain trend called rosé was born. Now some truly world class rosé can be found here, and this really is sunshine in a bottle.

This region produces dry, clean wines, but with body and structure – a feat many other rosés fail to achieve. Fleshy fruits such as apricots and peaches with strawberries and rose petal are really noticeable… wonderful!

Ritchie recommends...

Chateau D’Ollieres Prestige Rosé at £18.50.

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y l i Famut A Great British

o y a d

If you are looking for a day out to remember this Summer, then you must visit Knebworth House!

It is a fantastic value day out for the whole family. For just £11.50 per person you can enjoy a day in the gardens with their maze and dinosaur trail; adventure playground with Fort Knebworth; and park which is ideal for games and picnics. House admission tickets are also available at a supplement of £4.50 for adults and £4 for senior citizens and children.

The gardens include a trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures, along with the wilderness walk, and garden maze offering great fun for all ages. There are information boards throughout the dinosaur trail so that you can learn more about your favourite dinosaurs, and a chalk board for creating your own cave-man drawings.

The adventure playground is a favourite

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

Every generation of the Lytton family has left something of its style and taste; making Knebworth House an extraordinary walk through 500 years of British history. Stories and heirlooms reflect the family’s contribution to literature, politics and foreign service; alongside visits by characters as diverse as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill and Noel Gallagher. knebworthhouse.com

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MAKE THIS SUMMER ONE TO REMEMBER AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE knebworthhouse.com

New arrivals They’re a little prickly but they’d love to meet you!

This summer there’s the chance to meet two prickly new members of the Paradise Wildlife Park family, porcupines Nancy and Ellie.

Four-year-old Nancy has arrived at the park in Broxbourne from Wingham Wildlife Park while her slightly more timid housemate Ellie comes from Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland.

Both are settling in well, Nancy having taken Ellie under her wing (or spikes!) and they are often seen cuddling up in bed together!

Porcupines are nocturnal so much of the day is spent in bed although when they are up and about you’ll see them digging holes and chewing on the logs and branches that keepers have placed in their enclosure.

The new arrivals can be found next to the camel habitat, opposite the Rainforest Building.

Open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day, Paradise is a popular local attraction. As well as more than 800 animals which range from farmyard sheep and rabbits to primates, reptiles, birds and all five of the big cats, the park boasts five playgrounds, a large indoor soft play area, paddling pool and World of Dinosaurs, one of the UK’s biggest

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and most spectacular animatronic dinosaur attractions featuring 30 life size, moving and roaring dinosaurs.

Until Saturday 28th August Paradise hosts Summer Evenings in Paradise on Friday and Saturday with entry from 6.30pm to 9.30pm offering a chance to relax with family and friends while watching the animals settling down too at the end of the day!

Find out more and book at pwpark.com. PWP is in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7QA.

Enjoy a staycation this summer with some great events in Hertford:

Hertford Town Council has prepared a fun packed events programme for the whole month of August: 1st August, 12.30-19.00 – Hertford Castle Live Music Event, Hertford Castle Grounds, FREE For one year only, Rock at the Castle will make way for the new Hertford Castle Live Music event 2021 4th August, 11.00-16.00 – Hertford Play Day, Hertford Town Centre, FREE Hertford Town Centre will be filled with child friendly activities, games, promotions and events throughout the day, most of which are free of charge to enjoy.

14th August – Hertford Food & Drink Festival, Hertford Town Centre, FREE Head to the county town of Hertfordshire for a two-day Food and Drink Festival…

15th August – Hertford Castle Food and Drink Festival, Hertford Castle Grounds, FREE Hertford Castle Food Festival promises an afternoon filled with worldly tastes and live music to get all your senses singing!

27th August – Open Air Cinema, Hertford Castle Grounds, charges apply Hertford Castle will host a day of open-air cinema screenings with the Castle as its backdrop, with two family films scheduled during the daytime and an evening performance.

• 10.00-12:00 Moana • 14:00-16:00 The Lion King • 19:00-22:00 Moulin Rouge

The Town Centre Trails, FREE: Hertford Town Council have organised two new free trails for children and families to enjoy this summer holiday.

Visitors can search for the Olympic and Seaside characters in the town centre: 31st July to 14th August – Hertford Olympic Trail 21st August to 4th September – Seaside Trail Visit the website for details on all the events – www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/ Hertford’s local businesses are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors into the County Town of Hertford. There are restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, barber shops, hairdressers, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, florists, and others to enjoy.

As well as plenty of green spaces including the newly reopened play area in Hartham, and many walks across the beautiful countryside.

Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre (TTIC) will be open every Sunday throughout August to provide information on everything happening in the town and help you enjoy your visit to Hertford…

You’re spoilt for choice from the range of pubs, bars and restaurants in Hertford. The bustling market town is a popular location for foodies, offering a multitude of culinary delights varying from independent cuisines such as The Turkish Kitchen, who have over 30 years’ experience in Turkish cuisine, to Oishii, who offer authentic Japanese dishes, to Old Siam who provide mouth-watering Thai cuisine.

Visit gohertford.co.uk for up to date information on all the restaurants, shops and traders in Hertford

Enjoy a Big Wild Summer at

s d a e Rye M RSPB

Visitors can get up close to nature at this wetland nature reserve beside the River Lee managed by the RSPB. The reserve in Stanstead Abbotts, with its trails and hides, offers the chance to see birds in their natural habitat and is popular with walkers, bird watchers and photographers of all ages.

In the Summer you might be lucky enough to spot reed buntings and cuckoos, the acrobatic bird of prey the hobby, tufted ducks, terns and kingfishers.

Entry is free – there’s just a small charge for car parking for non RSPB members of £4.

Head to the yellow and blue visitor centre to pay to park and pick up your free trail maps.

There’s an onsite café offering hot and cold drinks and snacks, picnic benches on site, plus toilet facilities.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES Throughout the school holidays Rye Meads hosts a number of activities for children…

Summer Nights Trail From 25th July to 31st August Find out what happens when the sun goes down. Despite its name, this takes place during the day! Who comes out of hiding later? What happens in the dark? Participants are given an activity bag with trail sheet, Big Wild Summer booklet, pencil and certificate.

No booking required. Cost £3.50 per child.

Minibeast Mondays Every Monday in August Family drop-in event from 10am to 2pm where you’ll be introduced to some of the site’s smaller inhabitants including shieldbugs and spiders, butterflies, beetles, flies and froghoppers! No need to book. £3 per child.

Pond Dipping Sessions Every Wednesday in August Discover what lies beneath the surface of a pond. You’ll be provided with all the equipment you need and might find dragons and damsels, boatmen and skaters during the four-hour selfled sessions. The cost is £2 per child. You’ll need to book a slot – call 01992 708383.

RSPB Rye Meads is in Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts SG12 8JS. rspb.org.uk

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Summer S T N E V E TRinABiIsLhop’s Stortford Stort Valley

www.bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk/events Brought to you by Bishop’s Stortford BID

t u b l l Sma ctly formed perfe

a day or afternoon out for animal lovers…

Pets’ Corner This family attraction based within Harlow Town Park has been attracting generations of children since first opening in 1966.

It’s a small farm but one which has a large selection of traditional farm animals such as rabbits, chickens and ducks, more exotic animals such as reindeer, llamas and alpacas, as well as a number of rare breeds including Middle White and Tamworth pigs.

Admission is free although there are numerous ways to support this much-loved venue – from sponsoring an animal, joining the Friends of Pets’ Corner organisation or volunteering (14 years and over) working with the animals, helping with events and in the on site gift shop.

Booking is required at the current time – visit harlow.gov.uk for details or book by phone via the Harlow Playhouse box office on 01279 431945 (Call Monday to Friday between 11am and 2pm).

Redwings Ada Cole horse sanctuary Redwings Ada Cole on the B181 at Roydon is home to 80 horses, ponies and donkeys including handsome Gelderlander Zippy, cheeky donkey Del Boy, lovely Shetland Tinkerbell and rock n roll pony Elvis!

The centre is offering free visits on Fridays and Mondays, and a full open weekend once per month this summer, although donations are always welcomed. You’re asked to book a time slot for all visits to ensure numbers are kept at safe levels.

If you needed an excuse to enjoy a cup of tea or slice of cake from onsite café Dolly’s, all proceeds go towards helping keep the horses and donkeys fed too!

There’s plenty of onsite parking, accessible WCs, gift shop and picnic area. Dogs on leads also welcome.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Ada Cole, B181, Roydon EN9 2DH redwings.org.uk

Standalone Farm An authentic small working farm set in 125 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Letchworth offering the chance to meet an array of animals including sheep, cows, pigs, goats, horses, donkeys and alpaca.

There’s a café and a snack shop, picnic area and range of indoor and outdoor activities including an adventure playground for 3-8-year-olds, as well as a whole range of special summer events this year (extra charge) include Dino Babies (pictured above) – see online for details.

As this guide went to press visiting was by morning or afternoon ticket (entry costs between £3 and £4 per person depending on age) although with restrictions easing this may change.

Find out more about Standalone and book entry at standalonefarm.com or call 01462 686775

Back to school!

The first choice local shop for all your school uniform, accessories and dancewear

kids connection uniforms, dancewear & accessories

Unit 1A, Great Northern Works Hartham Lane, Hertford SG14 1QW 01992 587466 store@kidsconnection.co.uk www.kidsconnection.co.uk Please note – there is no onsite parking, please use nearby car parks in Hartham Lane and walk round

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Hoddesdon

Rainbow Trail

Hoddesdon’s big thank you to everyone who has been getting us through.

Family Treasure Hunt Giant Community Mosaic build Selected Saturdays in June, July and August

Hoddesdon

Spot the rainbows in the shop windows and answer the shopkeeper’s questions to win mosaic tiles. Come and build your tiles into a giant community mosaic in the churchyard.

For dates visit: hoddesdonparishchurch.com

Hoddesdon

FOOD & DRINK FEST

SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 10AM - 6PM

HODDESDON TOWN CENTRE Interested traders – please contact lovehoddesdon@outlook.com www.lovehoddesdon.co.uk

@lovehoddesdon

e v i t a e Cr Flair

at Bank Holiday fair

Craft in Focus stages its popular contemporary craft and design fair over the August bank holiday weekend at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford.

Craft in Focus events have earned a reputation for featuring a calibre of exhibitor not always seen at other craft fairs, and all 130 craftmakers and artists taking part in the event have been selected for their individuality and innovation in contemporary design as well as outstanding technical ability.

Each have designed and made the work that they display, giving the public the chance to buy direct from the makers who have a real passion for the work that they create.

You can expect to find textiles, paintings, furniture, leather, ceramics, jewellery, glass, fashion and more.

There’s no entry fee for the craft fair. Visitors just need to purchase an admission ticket to Hyde Hall and are then free to explore what

is one of the finest gardens in the east of England alongside the craft and design fair, making for the perfect day out.

Highlights of RHS Hyde Hall include the Dry Garden with its range of drought resistant plants, the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders and the Global Growth Vegetable garden showcasing vegetables from around the world. There’s also a café, restaurant, garden library, children’s play area, gift shop and garden centre.

Included in the Craft in Focus event is a food village where you’ll find exhibitors offering a wide range of products from gins and other spirits to oils, spices, chocolates and more.

The event takes place daily from Friday 27th August to Monday 30th between 10am and 5pm. The garden closes at 6pm.

Find out more at craftinfocus.com or by calling 01622 747325.

For more on Hyde Hall and to book visit rhs.org.uk/hydehall.

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27 – 30 August RHS Garden

Hyde Hall

CM3 8RA

Purchase direct from the very best makers in the UK Admission to Garden also gives admission to Craft Fair • Free Garden entry for RHS Members (Garden open to 6pm daily)

10am – 5pm Daily

c i s u M JAZZ IN THE GARDEN

Enjoy an outdoor evening of jazz at Harlow’s Gibberd Garden on Friday 20th August.

The music comes courtesy of The OwenJones Jazz Quartet – you’ll just need to bring a picnic and either a blanket or table and chairs and pick your spot in the beautiful gardens created by architect and master planner of Harlow Sir Frederick Gibberd.

Doors open at 6pm, the performance starts at 7 and tickets are £15 plus booking fee.

A licensed bar will be offering wine and local beers and ciders.

For tickets visit thegibberdgarden.co.uk

MUSIC ON THE LAWN Music on the Lawn, the Friends of Forty Hall Park’s ninth annual day-long conservation fundraiser, takes place in the grounds of the Jacobean mansion house from 11am to 6pm on Sunday 22nd August.

Enjoy a range of live music including rock, blues, pop and soul from a variety of bands and performers. Take a picnic or explore the wide selection of different food stalls and Pimm’s tent. There are also children’s activities including facepainting and the ever popular bouncy castle.

Tickets are £10 for adults. Accompanied children under 15 are admitted free although a place will still need to be booked for them.

All profits from the event go towards conservation works on the Forty Hall estate.

For more information and to book visit fortyhallestate.co.uk.

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DRILL HALL STEPS IN TO HOST ROCK FESTIVAL The loss for the second consecutive year of Ware’s annual outdoor music festival Rock in the Priory was a huge shame, but organiser Ware Town Council has been able to arrange another event, albeit on a smaller basis, to cater for local live music fans. It is to be called Rock in the Priory Live & Late at The Drill Hall and will be held at Ware Drill Hall in Amwell End instead, on Saturday 4th September. Line-up and ticket info will be available online. waretowncouncil.gov.uk

WARE PRIORY CONCERTS The back lawn of Ware Priory will be the venue for a series of outdoor summer concerts in the afternoons. Admission is free and the conservatory bar will be open too. The line-up is: Sunday 8th August, 2-4pm: Lip Service Brass Band Sunday 22nd August, 3-5pm: Why Not & Test The Waters Bank Holiday Monday 30th August, 3-5pm: Steve Young Sunday 12th September, 3-5pm: Ware Brass.

Ware Priory is in High Street, Ware SG12 9AL. Visit waretowncouncil.gov.uk

Ware’S the PLaCe to Be THIS SUMMER Summer ConCertS at Ware Priory All concerts are held on the back lawn at Ware Priory. The conservatory bar will be open. Admission free. Please note there is no public parking at Ware Priory.

Sunday 8th August, 2pm-4pm: Sunday 22nd August, 3pm-5pm: Lip Service Brass Band Why Not & Test The Waters Monday 30th August, 3pm-5pm: Sunday 12th September, 3pm-5pm: Steve Young Ware Brass

muSiC & motorS Saturday 21st August: Tudor Square

roCk in the Priory Live & Late at the DriLL haLL Saturday 4th September: See line up: www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk Tickets available: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rock-in-the-priory

FarmerS’ & ProDuCe market Sunday 5th September: Southern Maltings Arts Centre, Kibes Lane

Book an outdoor swim in our prized, heated and improved Ware Priory Lido.

Open daily during summer. Tickets from www.warepriorylido.co.uk Visit Ware’s range of quality independent stores & businesses nestled on streets packed with history and heritage, arts & culture, and MANY fabulous places to eat and drink!

The River Lea runs right through the heart of Ware, a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or to stop and enjoy some riverside dining or a spot of afternoon tea. Nearby is the lido, playground and the gorgeous Priory gardens, there are so many reasons to visit Ware. Take the opportunity to rediscover what’s right on your doorstep.

Ware toWn CounCiL, the Priory, hiGh Street, Ware SG12 9aL 01920 460316 www.waretowncouncil.gov.uk

e r t a e Th OPEN-AIR

for all ages Outdoor shows

From Shakespeare to Kipling

Dad’s Army meets the Vicar of Dibley

The Sunken Lawn at Knebworth House is a wonderful venue to enjoy outdoor theatre productions in the Summer. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to perform Macbeth on Sunday 8th August, so bring a chair and a picnic and enjoy Shakespeare as it was first produced: in the open air, by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

The garden opens at 6.30pm, with the performance starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £16 for adults, £10 for under-18s, £50 family.

Then Immersion Theatre bring their adaptation of The Jungle Book to Knebworth for two performances on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th August. Gates open at 5.30pm with performances at 6pm. Tickets are £14 adults, £12 under-18s and £48 family.

The Gibberd Garden in Harlow is the venue for two performances on Saturday 28th August of Into The Breach, a comedy from Kick in the Head theatre company. Set during the Second World War, it tells the story of George Crocker who joins his village drama society to live up his life but then finds it turned upside down. Described by one critic as “Dad’s Army meets The Vicar of Dibley”, this one-man show is written and performed by Mark Carey.

Performances are at 2pm and 6pm and tickets are £15 or £8 for under-16s.

Book at knebworthhouse.com

The Great Gatsby at Forty Hall The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald’s prohibition era love story, is told by Heartbreak Productions in a unique open air production which will be at Forty Hall in Enfield on Tuesday 24th August at 7pm. The Nick Carraway Quartet will be performing live jazz during the production too. Take a chair or blanket, picnic and fizz to enjoy. Tickets are £14 for adults, £10 concessions, £8 children, £38 family (2+2).

Book at fortyhallestate.co.uk 24

Book at thegibberdgarden.co.uk.

The Three Musketeers The Three Musketeers is being produced by Immersion Theatre at Hatfield House for ages 8 upwards on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th August, both at 2pm. Take your own chairs and a picnic and enjoy a wonderful afternoon on the Hatfield cricket pitch watching as the young D’Artagnan journeys to Paris to join the famous musketeers.

Gates open 1.3pm. Tickets are £17.60 for adults, £11 for children and concessions, £43.20 for a family (2+2).

For more event info and tickets visit hatfield-house.co.uk

The Luna Cinema returns to Knebworth Having produced drive-in movies earlier this Summer, The Luna Cinema is back to doing its more traditional open air cinema experiences, and is at Knebworth House for four nights from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd August.

On Thursday 19th you can see Moulin Rouge!; on Friday 20th it’s Pretty Woman; on Saturday 21st you can enjoy The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long and then, on Sunday 22nd, the Elton John biopic Rocketman is showing. Gates open each night at 6.45pm with the films beginning at 8.15pm. thelunacinema.com • £16.50 per adult / £14 per person for a four-person bundle.

s e i v Mo MA OPEN-AIR CINE

Open air cinema at Hertford Castle

Open air cinema at Hertford Castle has become an annual pilgrimage for many since it was brought in a few years ago by the events team at Hertford Town Council. This year the Castle is hosting three different films on one day – Friday 27th August – in its grounds.

The day kicks off with Moana at 10am for the little ones (tickets are £3, free for under-2s), to be followed by The Lion King at 2pm (ticket prices the same).

Then in the evening, Moulin Rouge! will be showing from 7pm. Tickets are £7 per person (babes in arms free). For each showing gates open an hour before the film begins and you should bring your own chairs or blankets.

There will be food and drink concessions operating all day and tickets must be booked in advance at hertford.gov.uk or by calling the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre on 01992 584322.

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AUGUST 2021

Summer FilmS

Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (U) Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (U) The Croods: A New Age (U) Space Jam: A New Legacy (U) Spirit Untamed (PG) Jungle Cruise (12A) Tickets: £5.50

box office – 01707 645005 WyllyoTTS TheATre, WyllyoTTS PlAce, DArkeS lAne, PoTTerS bAr en6 2hn www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

t r A

The

OF SUMMER

Take part at Courtyard

Get creative this summer and raise funds for two local charities with Hertfordbased Courtyard Arts’ Canvas 25 Art Event.

Artists can buy a 25cm x 25cm blank canvas for £10 and transform it into a work of art which the gallery will display during a month-long charity event from Tuesday 7th September to Saturday 2nd October. You can order a canvas by calling 01992 509596 and arrange to collect it from the arts centre in Port Vale between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Saturday. Or you can pick one up at Five & Dime at 91 Fore Street, Hertford.

Completed canvasses will all be for sale for £40 each during the exhibition with the proceeds shared among Courtyard Arts and partner charity, MIND in Mid Herts.

Enjoy Moore’s sculpture garden The Henry Moore Studios and Gardens was the workplace and family home of 20th century sculptor Henry Moore, and attracts national and international visitors to see his monumental work displayed in the landscape for which he intended it.

The venue, in the Hertfordshire countryside close to Much Hadham, offers an inspirational day out for the whole family, and each visit also helps to support the wider work of the Henry Moore Foundation, a charity which Moore founded to support sculpture and the visual arts.

You can explore over 70 acres of grounds, which, at any one time showcase around 20 of Moore’s sculptures, and find out more about how they were created in his studios.

The 16th century Aisled Barn is the only place in the world to see his unique tapestries.

And you can take a tour of Hoglands, the Moore family’s home, and its gardens.

The visitor centre has an art gift shop plus a café operated by local company Copley’s Food who make and cook a wide range of snacks, lunches and cakes in-house. In the grounds there are two picnic areas offering the ideal spot to enjoy your own food and drink.

The venue is at Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Hertfordshire SG10 6EE. Open Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays, 11am to 5pm.

Find out more at courtyardarts.org.uk

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Call 01279 843333 or visit henry-moore.org

Frankie and Olive

SUMMER SALE 19 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RE 01992 677150 Shop online: www.frankieandolive.co.uk

d r o f t r o t S s ’ p o h s i B EXPLORE

Bishop’s Stortford BID has teamed up with the Royal British Legion and Rotary Club to bring local people two new town trails for the Summer holidays. The lucky winner of each trail will receive a £100 Discover Stortford gift card.

Both trails are a fun and familyfriendly way to discover what the town centre has to offer. Away from the main streets, there are smaller arcades, passages and alleyways packed with hidden gems offering great opportunities to stop off for a drink or lunch enroute at one of the many coffee shops and cafés.

The good folk at the BID would love to see your pictures so don't forget to tag #DiscoverStortford in your social media posts!

Royal British Legion Centenary Trail

WIN £100

gift card

Find the artwork created by ENT CENTENARY TRAIL EV local schools to celebrate the centenary of the Royal British Legion. The pictures are hidden in windows throughout the town centre. As you find each one, write down the letter displayed next to it. Then rearrange them to 7–31 August2021 make a word linked to the Royal British Legion. Visit bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk for full details, including terms and conditions.

Date: 7 - 31 August Trail form: Download at www.bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk or collect one from outside Smiggle in Jackson Square.

How to enter: Pop completed forms in the postbox outside Smiggle in Jackson Square.

Prize: £100 Discover Stortford gift card donated by Bishop's Stortford BID.

Find the artwork created by local schools in celebration of the centenary of the Royal British Legion around Bishop’s Stortford town centre.

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Helping Herts Treasure Trail Hunt for the well-known children's books hidden in 17 shop windows across Bishop's Stortford town centre and answer questions about them. This trail is organised by the Rotary Club in support of Hertfordshire hospices (including Isabel Hospice and St Clare Hospice) and Citizens Advice.

A minimum donation of £5 is suggested - visit helpingherts.com for more information and to donate.

Date: School Summer holidays Trail form: Download at www.helpingherts.com How to enter: Return completed forms to the St Clare Hospice bookshop in Devoils Lane.

Prize: £100 Discover Stortford gift card donated by Bishop's Stortford BID.

AY TRAILS SUMMER HOLID

n u f d r o f t r e H Hertford’s historic town centre is the venue for two children and family trails during the Summer holidays, featuring Olympic and Seaside knitted characters to find.

Hertford Town Council has once again joined forces with the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters (the group behind the hugely popular 2019 Hertford Town Centre Christmas tree, the poppy installation at Hertford Castle, the post box toppers and previous town centre trails) to support the high street with free themed trails this Summer.

Both trails are aimed at children to enjoy with their families. The first runs from Saturday 31st July until Saturday 14th August and the second runs from Saturday 21st August to Saturday 4th September.

Knitted characters and scenes will be hiding in shop windows around the town centre, and include the Olympic stadium, wheelchair tennis, a weightlifter, seagulls, an octopus family and Blackpool Tower.

To take part in either trail, families should visit Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre opposite Hertford Theatre in The Wash to pick up a trail map from the leaflet holder.

Children will need to match the shop with the character or scene hiding in the window in at least 15 of the 20 businesses taking part around the town.

Once they have completed the trail, they can drop off the completed form at the Town and Tourist Information Centre for a chance to win a £30, £20 or £10 gift voucher to spend at a Hertford retailer.

Both trails are sponsored by Spoons Kitchens and Lanes Estate Agents.

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The Jodhpur Company

e l b a t S

SHOPPING

The Jodhpur Company opened in the Stable Yard in 2020. Whether you are a country enthusiast or simply in love with the undeniably classic style of the gentry in old England, The Jodhpur Company combines centuries of best practice in traditional tailoring with the vibrancy of India during the bygone days of British rule.

If you’re looking for a different retail experience this Summer then the Stable Yard at Hatfield House is not to be missed. With gifts, jewellery, arts and crafts and a range of services you will not find on the high street, the Stable Yard is a unique browsing experience all of its own.

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Carl Russell & Co

Heritage Brides

Carl Russell & Co Gunmakers opened in the Stable Yard in 2014. With over 60 years’ experience in the British gun trade the team at Carl Russell & Co can advise on all aspects of guns and shooting.

Their attractive retail shop is well stocked with new and used shotguns and rifles, country clothing, shooting accessories, the best leather goods and other shootingrelated products.

Heritage Brides opened in the Stable Yard in 2014 and offers a bridal experience with a difference. If you love glamour and want something as unique as you, then Heritage Brides could be the place you are looking for. Stocking gowns from some of the most sought-after wedding dress designers in the UK, brides who visit will not only be wowed by the boutique's setting but also the dresses.

Slumbering Hound

Pots of Art

Slumbering Hound opened in the Stable Yard in 2020 and make beautiful, bespoke and personalised dog cushions, blankets and accessories for your dogs. The fabrics are carefully chosen to compliment any interior and owner Dee is passionate about creating dog accessories that you’re proud to display in your home. Your dog’s comfort is as important to Dee as it is to you, so if there is something you don't see on her website, just get in touch.

All items are made to order.

Pots of Art opened in the Stable Yard in 2017. The Pots of Art studio is large and open plan, creating an airy, colourful and relaxed ambiance – very conducive to being creative.

Here you can create your own original colourful pottery masterpiece, a fantastic ceramic impression of your baby’s hands and feet, ‘Build a Bear’ or get crafting with Decopatch.

It doesn’t stop there, as there is a great play area for the little ones with a playhouse and lots of toys and books.

Fiona Rae

The Hair of the Dog

British jewellery designer Fiona Rae opened in the Stable Yard in 2006. Fiona has been designing and making jewellery for over 32 years. Through her exquisite designs and highly skilled craftsmanship Fiona has had the honour of working with members of the British Royal Family and has been a Royal Warrant-holding jeweller since 2001. Fiona has gained herself a renowned reputation as a goldsmith and enameller of the highest quality.

The Hair of the Dog opened in the Stable Yard in 2014. It offers a professional grooming service for pooches of all types.

Owner Linda has over 15 years’ experience and is a multi-award-winning groomer in a number of different breeds. She also runs a teaching school for up and coming groomers to learn in.

RENÉE STONE The newest addition! Renée Stone opened this Spring offering beauty and make-up services from massages to brow laminations.

Renée has a loyal following and brings with her a wealth of experience.

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So much for kids to do at

Harlow Leisurezone

Urban Limitz Trampoline Experience

6+ years

VertiGo Climbing Challenge

Kidzz kingdom Kidzz Kingdom medieval soft play adventure

BOOK NOW!! Call 01279 621500 or visit www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk Harlow Leisurezone Second Avenue, Harlow, CM20 3DT

AS SUMMER ARRIVES AND THE COUNTRY OPENS UP AGAIN, SO DO OUR SHOPS, GROUNDS, GARDENS AND THE MILLIONS OF FLOWERS WITHIN. LOOK FORWARD TO SAVOURING THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SCENTS OF SUMMER, RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW. WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU.

Explore the park & gardens

Indulge at the Stable Yard Shops & restaurant

Book an exclusive experience in the park

WHERE THE CITY ENDS & THE COUNTRY BEGINS

WWW.HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK | 01707 287010 | VISITORS@HATFIELD-HOUSE.CO.UK