#Herts December 2018

# HERTS December 2018

All t h e t op even t s an d f eat u r es in #Her t s Select you Au rt upick m n's on ofit st hweay an d pan t os w ildlif e is on t h e m ove

Fest ive even t s an d af t er n oon t ea t r eat s

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What's on in #Herts

PANTO PICKS Have you book ed yet ?

XM AS EVENTS IN #HERTS We look at six m ajor even t s t o visit in t h e cou n t y

M ARKET DELIGHT We look at f est ive m ar k et s

CHRISTM AS AFTERNOON TEA We f ocu s on t h r ee deligh t f u l f est ive t r eat s

JOLLY HOLLY Gar den t ips f or w in t er

UNLIM ITED FILM S

IT'S A WILD LIFE IN #HERTS

Win Cin ew or ld t ick et s

Wh at t o look f or in ou r w ildlif e as w in t er appr oach es

FOOD AND DRINK

Tasty answer to those Christmas Day leftovers What do you do when Christmas Day is over, the presents have all been given out and you still have a fridge full of food. You don?t want to throw it away, but you don?t want to eat another ham sandwich either. Funky Elephant is the answer, it?s a delicious range of stir in sauces, spice rubs and marinades. These Indian and Caribbean flavours have been created to be authentic, fresh and healthy and can turn your leftovers into gourmet dishes.

The ethos of Funky Elephant is simple; fantastic flavours, handmade, with quality healthy ingredients that can be recreated with minimum fuss in your own home. Their products are perfect for vegans, dairy Free, nut Free, gluten Free, with no additives or preservatives, low in Fat, Salt and Sugar, thus lower in calories, which are produced in small batches to ensure the freshest taste. This year they won 2 gold stars in at the ?Great Taste?award for their Tandoori Marinade Paste which is a blend of 12 herbs and spices.

This versatile product can be used as a marinade or a base paste which works well with all meat, fish or chunky vegetables.

Funky Elephant has also won gold stars for other products in 2017 and 2016.

The creator of these scrumptious sauces is Ayesha Nurse who is based in

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Rickmansworth. She has always loved cooking. Born into a Caribbean family, food was at the very heart of her family. She has fond memories of being in the kitchen with her mum, chopping, peeling, grinding and cooking; Fascinated with the process of how simple raw ingredients and spices were carefully put together to create food bursting with flavour and some of the most wonderful aromatic dishes she had ever tasted!

She fell in love with North Indian food at a late age and was taught how to cook real Indian food by a restaurant chef. He showed her how to create freshly cooked and true to traditional recipes, which were light, wholesome, flavoursome and healthy. That?s when Ayesha went on to create a range of stir in sauces, spice rubs and marinades that can be used by anyone.

She also offers outside catering and Caribbean Fusion Street Food

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in Hertfordshire, Greater London, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.

So, this festive season you can bring these tastes and favours of the Caribbean into your homes.

You can buy their products on line at www.funkyelephant.net/ , find them on social media or visit them at local food and Christmas markets round Hertfordshire this festive season.

All pict ur es by Shar on St r uckm an

#Herts' best to enjoy a festive afternoon tea Aubrey Park, Hemel Hempst ead 4 star hotel Aubrey Park (right and below) has something a bit different in store this December, giving their traditional Afternoon Tea a Christmas twist!

Enjoy a fabulous selection of mouth-watering festive finger sandwiches and sweet treats, not forgetting the cinnamon dusted scones. The afternoon tea is served with a delicious poinsettia cocktail as well as the classic selection of tea and coffee.

Aubrey Park?s festive afternoon tea is available throughout December from 12pm-3pm and is £25pp. Please email

dining@aubreypark.co.uk to book now.

Tewin Bury Farm, Welwyn Garden Cit y Afternoon tea at Tewin Bury Farm

Hotel is a hugely popular affair.

Located in our brand-new Cowshed Bar & Restaurant, guests can enjoy scrumptious homemade scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam. If that doesn?t satisfy your sweet tooth, we pair our scones with seasonal cakes from our own pastry kitchen and delicious finger sandwiches-

all washed down with a good measure of tea or a glass of bubbles if you prefer!

The Cowshed Bar & Restaurant opened its doors on the 1st November, formerly used as a cow shed, has a contemporary décor with mood lighting, cow inspired light fixtures and furniture. The Cowshed offers a unique and enjoyable area for both residents and non-residents to enjoy at Tewin Bury Farm.

Our festive Afternoon Tea menu includes some delicious treats; Norfolk Turkey with Apricot Compote Sandwiches, Cropwell Bishop Stilton & Cranberry Flan, Snowflake Macaroon & Christmas Pudding Choux with Brandy Crème. We serve our festive Afternoon Tea with our range of Novus Tea blends, served in a glass tea pot with timer and infusion card ? making a perfectly infused

Right and below, aft ernoon t ea at Tewin Bury Farm

cup of tea.

Afternoon Tea is served Thursday to Sunday from 12.30 to 5pm, to book a table call 01438 841461.

The Cromwell Hot el St evenage Afternoon Tea at The Cromwell AVAILABLE FROM 2PM ?

5.30PM MONDAY TO SUNDAY There is something almost quintessentially British about Afternoon Tea, (pictured right).

Enjoy the high level of service on crisp white linen tablecloths as you indulge in the delicious homemade fayre freshly prepared by highly skilled Kitchen team enjoying finest Teas ~~~ TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA Plain & fruit scones with

raspberry jam and clotted cream.

Chef?s selection of pastries Finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, ham and mustard, egg mayonnaise and cucumber) Selection of teas &coffees, £14.95 per person.

Why not add a glass of Prosecco? £19.95 per person or a glass of Champagne? £24.95 per person (Prosecco and Champagne are both measured at 125ml per glass.

Minimum of 4 people for Champagne afternoon tea). ~~~ CREAM TEA Plain & fruit scones with raspberry jam and clotted cream.

Selection of teas & coffees £6.95 per person. ~~~ PIECE OF CAKE Chef?s cake of the day Selection of teas & coffees. £4.00 per person

(Teas offered include Traditional Breakfast, Darjeeling, Assam, Camomile, Earl Grey, selection of Fruit Teas) CHILDREN?S MENU IS AVAILABLE AT £7.95 PER PERSON As all our afternoon teas are produced freshly in our kitchen, booking is advised.

Enjoy a special festive market around #Herts St Albans Meraki Christ mas Fest ival Friday 30th November to Saturday 22nd December Fancy a host of wooden chalets in Verulamium Park in St Albans? Then head along and this year the augmented Christmas market will be a treat to behold. Carol singers, stalls, gifts, clothes, and lots of lovely festive food will be there along with an ice rink and , of course, Father Christmas.

Fayre

December, 10.30 to 6pm

Redbourn Christ mas Market

Saturday 1st December

Sunday 2nd December, 11am to 5pm.

This market town will be full of festivities for the Bishop?s Stortford Christmas Fayre.

Expect festive songs performed by local bands along with homemade decorations, food and more.

The Olympic water park in Cheshunt is transformed with a winter-wonderland feel of German chalets.

The Redbourn Christmas Market will be offering lots of gifts and plenty of food and drink. There will also be lots of entertainment with choirs and of course Father Christmas and his grotto.

Bishop?s St ort ford Christ mas

Lee Valley W hit e Wat er Cent re Christ mas Market Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th

Hosting an ice rink capable of holding more than 120 skaters, a fair and of course Father Christmas. You will find gifts and a range of arts stalls. Food stalls will be offering all your favourites.

Business is right to want to re-engage with local charity groups M y #Her t s by Dar r en Ist ed I attended an excellent lunch as a guest of the Herts Chamber recently.

It was held at the Holiday Inn, Stevenage and the main purpose was a discussion about the regeneration of Stevenage by the borough council's chief executive Scott Crudgington.

Good luck to Scott on that front, it is a plan which has been long overdue but is of course fraught with difficulties and will take a lot of hard work to deliver - finding a Brexit solution may be easier!

Scott though is someone who has been in the town for many years now - he knows the challenges faced and as a non-political participant I can't think of many people better placed.

But when I left it wasn't the future of the first new town that really struck me.

As you would expect from a room sourced by the Chamber there were some big hitters there from major businesses in the county.

While the daily fight to excel at whatever industry we find ourselves in is uppermost in the minds of all, many are also now more and more aware of the community in which they operate.

As a trustee for Stevenage Community Trust it is always heart-warming to see just how hard business people work to make a difference to those in their area. A case in point is Claire Austin, present at the Holiday inn of course, a consummate networker who has just delivered a remarkable cheque to the Trust following the

most high profile headshave ever.

Claire of course is fully aware of the benefits of keeping her ear to the ground with local groups and after the meeting it became clear that others are warming to the same too. No less than three major businesses in #Herts spoke to me about re-engaging more with local charities and organisations. I was of course happy to steer them in the right direction. It isn't just about corporate social responsibility now and a warm feeling - opening channels with those in your community is a must for business and for 2019 it has to be high up on the agenda.

The Main Event

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great events to catch in #Herts

Christ mas W reat h Workshops - Shendish Manor Nov 25 and Dec 1 Christmas Wreath Workshops have been introduced as a new event and are happening this Festive Season, enjoy whilst taking in the breath-taking surroundings.

Saturday 1st December ?

Arrive 11am to start 11:30

All for just £55.00 per person Pprice reduced to £39 for a limited time Call 01442 281 677 or email sales@shendish-manor.com

the iconic clock tower in Stevenage town centre.

You can walk, jog or run our 1 or 2 lap course, the choice is yours! 1 lap is 2.5km or you can challenge yourself and take on 2 laps to make it 5km.

Sant a Scamper St evenage Town Cent re

When: Sunday 9th December.

Race start time of 9am

Dec 9

Ticket Price: Adults (18+) £15 each, Children (5-17 yrs) £10 each, Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) £40

Come along with Friends / Family and enjoy a few hours:

The first ever Stevenage Town Centre Charity Fun Run has arrived...Just in time For christmas!

Design your own wreath & take them home to show off.

This festive fun run covers 2.5 or 5km (1.55 miles or 3.1 miles)

Sip on Fizz & eat mince pies

The start and finish will be at

The Big Skat e - Wat ford 24 November January 11 Our out door rink, made wit h real ice, will ret urn t o The Parade for t he fest ive season, offering fun for all t he family.

The Big Skat e is open seven days a week from 24 November 2018 unt il 13 January 2019.

St art t he day wit h a serene morning skat e or enjoy a post -work spin as t he ice rink opens from noon unt il 9pm (t imes vary).

For t hose who prefer t o keep t heir feet firmly on t he ground, t he perfect spect at ing spot can be found in t he rink-side bar.

Sessions st art on t he hour and last 45 minut es. Ticket price includes skat e hire.

What's included: All participants will receive a Santa hat and a race medal plus a bottle of water at the end of the race. We encourage you to join

The Main Event

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great events to catch in #Herts

in the festive fun and wear your hat during the race! If you want to dress up in any festive outfits then the more the merrier. Why not go the whole hog and dress up as Santa?

Can I Take Part?: You can be of any fitness level as this is a fun run, a challenge to complete, but most importantly it is to help raise vital funds towards patient care here at Garden House Hospice Care. If you do have any medical conditions that you are unsure of that you think may hinder your ability to take part, please consult a medical specialist before doing so. The course is virtually all off road with plenty of marshals and signage to help you along the way.

Sponsorship: We ask that all participants help us to raise vital funds for patient care through sponsorship. We ask you raise as much sponsorship as possible, as every pound you raise makes a difference to patient care at Garden House Hospice.

There are lots of different in which you can raise sponsorship as part of the event. You may choose to do it as an individual, as a team, with your work colleagues or as a family! If

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you?d like to talk to our fundraising team about sponsorship ideas please call 01462 679540.

A Christ mas Carol December 14 The favourite classical Christmas story. A dark tale of enlightenment and fear, ghosts and awakenings, from the master himself, Charles Dickens. Suitable for all the family.

A special intimate performance of the famous Christmas tale set in the beautiful concert

room at St Paul's Walden Bury, near Hitchin Herts.( NB 5 miles south of Hitchin, 10 milesnorth of St Albans) A story-box production set amongst the darkness and decay of Victorian London will be followed by a short discussion and Q&A with the cast and Director.

Maximum seating 50 Complimentary drink and canapĂŠ.

Carols on t he Hour Sat , 15 December at 11.00am Take a break from the Christmas shopping and enjoy a very special Cathedral event!

The Main Event

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great events to catch in #Herts in

Each carol service lasts just 30 minutes - enough time to sing some uplifting carols and to get a real taste of Christmas in this beautiful, atmospheric Cathedral.

No tickets required.

Time: On the hour, every hour

from 11am to 4pm.

Sant a Cruises on t he River Lee Dec 15 and Dec 16 Lee & Stort Boat Co Ltd are proud to be offering their first Santa Cruises on the River Lee

Ware.

The Santa Cruises will be full of fun including a guest appearance from Santa himself.

There will be surprises for the children and a fully licensed bar for the adults serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, beers, wines and mulled wine.

The boats are fully accessible and have toilets on board for your added comfort. Everyone of all ages welcome.

The cruises are running Saturday 15th and Sunday from 16th December with departures at 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. All departures are from Ware Town Quay in the Library Car Park

Tollers solicitors - the experts who can help when property matters Tollers Solicit ors St evenage Assist ing you t o plan for t he fut ure Are you looking to add your new partner or spouse?s name to the deeds for your home?

Perhaps your accountant or financial adviser has advised you to share ownership as part of your tax planning?

This change in legal ownership is called a ?transfer of equity? and it is usually a relatively straight-forward process.

Ownership Percent age You will be asked to decide how you wish to own the property together; for example, whether you want to own it ?equally?or in specific percentage shares, and whether you want to protect one party?s financial contribution. If so, we can ask our Trusts and Estates team to prepare a Deed or ?Declaration of Trust?for you to reflect those intentions.

Mort gage If you have a mortgage on the property, you will also need to

get permission from your lender and the new co-owner will need to be approved before they can be added to the mortgage. This may require a new mortgage application and will involve assessing the additional person/people with regards to affordability and credit scoring. The mortgage company may charge you an administration fee and may also require a new valuation to be carried out on the property.

Leasehold Propert y

" I f t h e pr oper t y i s l easeh ol d, you m ay n eed per m i ssi on f r om your l an dl or d t o add n am es t o t h e deeds, al t h ough t h i s i s of t en a f or m al i t y. W e w i l l al so n eed t o ser v e n ot i ce on t h e Lan dl or d af t er t h e t r an sf er , ask i n g t h em t o n ot e t h e ch an ges on t h ei r r ecor ds"

If the property is leasehold, you may need permission from your landlord to add names to the deeds, although this is often a formality. We will also need to serve notice on the Landlord after the transfer, asking them to note the changes on their records, for which they may require payment of a nominal administrative fee.

St amp Dut y Stamp Duty may also be payable in certain circumstances, depending on whether money changes hands for the transfer and whether there is an existing mortgage on the property.

If you have any queries regarding adding a name to deeds, Talk to Tollers on 01438 901095 and a member of our team will be able to assist you with all your conveyancing needs.

Pick your panto please!

Snow W hit e and t he Seven Dwarfs

Website Snow W hit e and t he Seven Dwarfs

The Gordon Craig Theat re, St evenage Art s & Leisure Cent re, Lyt t on Way, St evenage, SG1 1LZ 30th Nov 2018 to 27th Jan 2019 Starring Matt Lapinskas (Eastenders & Dancing on Ice) Hannah-Jane Fox (CBBC's Millie Inbetween), Stevenage's favourite Dame Paul Laidlaw and back by popular demand Aidan O'Neill.

Harpenden Public Halls, Sout hdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD 8t h Dec 2018 t o 30t h Dec 2018 This enchanting fairytale of magic and joy will captivate audiences of all ages and is the perfect festive treat for the whole family. With spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and plenty of audience participation.

Website The Ast onishing Advent ures of Pinocchio Hert ford Theat re, Hert ford Theat re, The Wash, Hert ford, SG14 1PS 1st Dec 2018 t o 6t h Jan 2019 Chock full of sensational, splintering songs; bursting with beautifully turned dances and packed to the rafters with timber-splitting fun: The Astonishing Adventures of Pinocchio is a wood-not-miss Christmas present for all the family!

Website Sant a Claus and The Magical Christ mas Journey Wat ford Colosseum, Rickmanswort h Rd, Wat ford W D17 3JN 1st Dec 2018 t o 24t h Dec 2018 It's Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is flying high above the clouds delivering presents to all the good boys and girls around the world. Hiding in the back are two naughty elves, Charlie and Kara, who have snuck on-board for the ride?!

Website

Hert s AL1 3LD 6t h Dec 2018 t o 6t h Jan 2019 St. Albans' favourite Bob Golding is back (and this time he's wearing the trousers), with a star studded cast soon to be announced.

Snow W hit e and t he Seven Dwarfs Wat ersmeet Theat re, High St reet , Rickmanswort h, Hert s W D3 1EH 7t h Dec 2018 t o 31st Dec 2018 Sam Attwater (EastEnders, Dancing on Ice) as Prince Simon. Join us on a magical adventure to meet a Wicked Queen with a jealous streak and a handsome prince who's searching for the fairest of all damsels in distress.

Website

Aladdin The Radlet t Cent re, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlet t , Hert fordshire, W D7 8HL 8t h Dec 2018 t o 3rd Jan 2019

The Spot light Theat re, High St reet , Hoddesdon, Hert s EN11 8BE 14t h Dec 2018 t o 31st Dec 2018 Starring kid's TV legend Dave Benson Phillips Packed full of fabulous tunes, stunning dancing, fabulous costumes plus lots of festive sparkle and chances to join in, this is going to be one Christmas panto not to miss.

Website Jack and t he Beanst alk W yllyot t s Theat re, W yllyot t s Place, Darkes Lane, Pot t ers Bar, Hert s EN6 2HN 15t h Dec 2018 t o 6t h Jan 2019 This year's magical extravaganza once again promises you live music, stunning sets, sensational costumes, slick choreography and spectacular music.

Don?t miss out on another Wyllyotts hit!

Website

Classic panto tale of the boy who finds a magic lamp. Open sesame!

Aladdin

Website

Hawt horne Theat re, The Campus, Welwyn Garden Cit y, Hert s AL8 6AE 15t h Dec 2018 t o 6t h Jan 2019

Beaut y and t he Beast

Website

Rhodes Art s Complex, 1-3 Sout h Road, Bishop's St ort ford, Hert fordshire CM23 3JG 8t h Dec 2018 t o 5t h Jan 2019

Cinderella

Classic panto tale of Belle and the Beast.

The Alban Arena, Civic Cent re St Albans

Dick W hit t ingt on

Website

Jack and t he Beanst alk Wat ford Palace Theat re, Clarendon Road, Wat ford, W D17 1JZ 5t h Dec 2018 t o 5t h Jan 2019 A lavish spectacle with live musicians on stage, stunning sets and costumes, song, dance and slapstick, performed straight from the heart by a talented company of new faces and Palace favourites.

Website

Starring Welwyn Garden City's favourite Dame, Michael Totton. Packed with songs, silliness, audience participation for the whole family and all the fairytale magic of traditional pantomime!

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Topreleasesfor theupcomingmonthsinselectedcinemasof #Herts

Popping back in hard times Mary Poppins Ret urns Set in 1930s London, this period is the same of the original novels by P.L. Travers. The story follows Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer), who are now grown up. Michael is living with his three children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh, and Joel Dawson) and housekeeper Ellen (Julie Walters), in the house on Cherry Tree Lane.

After a personal loss, Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) comes back into the lives of the Banks family.

She is joined by a street lamplighter named Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), and an eccentric cousin named Topsy (Meryl Streep).

Cast: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Ben Whishaw; Emily Mortimer; Julie Walters; Dick Van Dyke; Angela Lansbury; Colin Firth; Meryl Streep.

Waging a war under the waves Aquaman

Cinewor ld St evenage: 0871 200 2000 www.cineworld.co.uk Br oadway Let chwor t h: 01462 681088 www.broadway-cinema.com Odyssey St Albans: 01727 453088

www.odysseypictures.co.uk Royst on Pict ur e Palace info@roystonpicturepalace. org.uk roystonpicturepalace.org.uk The Rex Ber kham st ed 01442 877759 therexberkhamsted.com

Based on t he DC Comics charact er of t he same name Art hur Curry is t he reluct ant ruler of At lant is and King of t he Seven Seas, who finds himself caught bet ween a surface world const ant ly ravaging t he sea and At lant eans looking t o lash out in revolt , but commit t ed t o prot ect ing t he ent ire globe.

In Aquaman, Art hur Curry, t he heir t o t he underwat er kingdom of At lant is, must st ep forward t o lead his people against his brot her, Orm, who seeks t o unit e t he seven kingdoms against t he surface world.

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Above: Wat er vole by Pau l Th r u sh

Take a good look at the Fen-tastic wildlife which #Herts has to offer Meet Hert fordshire?s fen-t ast ic wildlife.

The morning sun?s bright rays begin to clear the mist from the meadow, a willow warbler is singing as it hops from stem to stem in the reed bed and a marsh harrier lazily drifts overhead ? Hertfordshire?s fens are waking up and the sight is truly beautiful. These wetland habitats provide a wetland

home for endangered birds, mammals as well as rare plants, insects and reptiles.

A fen is a marshy wetland that receives water and nutrients from surface and groundwater as well as from rainfall. Fens provide the perfect conditions for a rich variety of wildlife, yet they are one of the least well recognised habitats and many people only know little about

them. It is not surprising, though, considering that these habitats are usually not easily accessible due to their wet nature and much of the wonderful wildlife that call them home is hidden from view.

Fens in England have been declining for many years as a result of water abstraction, pollution and pressures from development. Since the 17th

Century, over 90% of fens have been lost in the UK. Many fens are poorly managed and drained of water for peat extraction, farming and land development, resulting in this wildlife-rich habitat being destroyed. Fens are complex and need careful and continuous management through conservation grazing, reed cutting and ditch and scrub clearance.

Fens provide a home for wintering wetland birds such as snipe, shelter and food for mammals like the endangered water vole and habitat for moths like the vulnerable wainscot as well as many

insects, frogs, newts, grass snakes and plant life.

About 114 hectares of fen or marsh habitats remain in Hertfordshire. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust manages a number of sites with fen habitat in Hertfordshire.

Thanks to the hard work of Trust?s reserve teams, volunteers and supporters, they are in a good condition. The Trust is continually working on conserving and improving Hertfordshire?s fens. This year?s summer drought means that the vital conservation work is now more important than ever ? especially for delicate wetland habitats. Ditches are

cleared to control water levels, cattle are brought on to graze the reserves stop woody plants from dominating and scrub is cleared to reduce over-shadowing.

Hert s & Middlesex W ildlife Trust is current ly running an appeal t o help support it s work on Hert fordshire?s precious fens. Find out more about fens and how you can help t hem at hert swildlifet rust .org.uk/ fenappeal.

Below : Rye M eads by Her t s an d M iddlesex Wildlif e Tr u st

Cafes that help us to talk all about death It may sound strange but discussing death can help us to appreciate our life and remind us to cherish and enjoy it.

That?s the concept of Death Cafes, which allow people to meet up in a relaxed setting to talk about what?s often viewed as a taboo subject. Over tea and cake, it?s an opportunity to share your thoughts, learn about other people?s experiences and to talk about your own.

The first Death Cafe was opened in London in 2011 by Jon Underwood, who got the idea after reading about ?CafĂŠ Mortal?events in Switzerland where people gathered in public to talk about death. Since then, 5,000 Death Cafes have been held in over 50 countries.

It?s not just cafes where people can meet up ? Death Cafes are held in restaurants, tents, parks, community spaces and people?s homes. They?re usually small gatherings of around six to twelve people and last for one or two hours. At some cafes, groups meet up each month, while others may run several sessions then take a break or get together a few times a year.

The most important thing about the cafes is that they are welcoming and informal.

Everyone gets the chance to introduce themselves and explain what?s brought them there ? though if you feel more comfortable not talking, particularly if it?s your first time, that?s perfectly fine. There are no set questions or topics, so each group can discuss whatever comes up as they get to know each other.

A discussion might be about end-of-life care, how to talk to someone who?s been bereaved or perhaps a more philosophical theme. Death Cafes aren?t

designed for grief support or counselling sessions but exist to bring people together who want to discuss death and dying without being viewed as morbid.

For those who go to a Death Cafe, it?s a way of coming to terms with the inevitable, understanding and preparing for it ? and embracing their life and being inspired to live it fully.

You can find out more about Death Cafes at https://deathcafe.com/ * Austin?s are here to help you with funeral planning. Please get in touch with us on 01438 815555.

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Phot ography by Brendan Fal vey

If you have enjoyed t hese images of #Hert s by Brendan Falvey and would like t o find out how t o order t hem cont act on t he det ails supplied here

Email: bjpfalvey@gmail.com Phone 07572681805 www.brendanfalveyimagery.co.uk

Garden jobs for Winter Enjoy your garden The cold weat her may have finally arrived and t he frost s of wint er are here but t hat doesn't mean you can't st ill enjoy gardens. Keep an eye out for any gardens t hat may be open at t his t ime of year, you'd be amazed how many great ideas you can get not just for wint er plant ing, but also for t he seasons ahead when you st op t o have a chat wit h t hose in t he know.

Think of the birds It's easy to focus on plantlife but have a thought for the birds at this time of year as food is scarce for them. Fat balls and seeds in the correct containers are ideal.

Th e # H er t s t eam of ex per t s gi v e you som e t op t i ps an d j obs t o do as t h e gar den st ar t s t o di g i n f or t h e w i n t er ... hardwood cut t ings of shrubs.

Don't leaf it It may seem like a given but make sure you sweep up t hose leaves. A hazard on paving, t hey can also cause damage if left on t he garden or in ponds.

Stay safe Now that the frost is here don't take chances with your tender perennials in pots. Bring them in and they should continue to flourish.

Happy Holly Christ mas is on it s way so now is t he t ime t o get out and get t hat holly for t he fest ive swags and decorat ion. Make sure you get permission first t hough!

Keep on cut t ing Keep an eye out for fut ure growt h by t aking cut t ings of evergreens like holly or privet . The way t o do t his is t o cut below a node on a cut t ing around 3in-4in long and t hen place in a pot wit h grit rich compost . You can also t ake

they are ready to go out in spring and reach for the skies!

Sweetpea surprise It does catch some by surprise but now is a good time to sow those sweetpeas. As soon as there is enough growth

Spring into action We may not have even felt the force of winter yet but you can make plans for a good showing in spring by planting out bulbs.

St op wet pot s Wat erlogged pot s can occur t his t ime of year so act against t his by using pot feet t o raise t hem up from t he ground.

Work doesn?t have to be hard to be productive. We?ve made our conference rooms an easy-going, inspirational space with the privacy and tranquillity you need to work in comfort. All our superbly appointed meeting rooms are located in a self-contained area on the first floor, with a range of room sizes and configurations, as well as a dedicated and experienced support team to make your event in Stevenage a success.

The Ibis Forum has a total floor area of 660m2 and ideal for creating stunning exhibitions, trade fairs or public shows; with a welcome foyer for

registrations and refreshments, and break-out syndicate rooms. Our in-house catering team are on hand to provide refreshments, and offer a choice of delicious menus for lunch, from finger buffets to sit-down meals to suit all budgets, or if you prefer you can hire our self catering kitchen.

Weddings A wedding is all about traditions, your individuality, heritage and culture.

The Ibis Forum is the ideal venue for couples seeking a luxury wedding location. Our state-of-the-art banqueting facilities are among the largest and best equipped in the region, and we can accommodate up

to 625 guests. And using the latest technology, with spectacular built in LED lighting and plasma screens as a backdrop, we can give your wedding a real WOW factor.

We understand that you will require specialist caterers for multicultural weddings and here you will find a modern self-catering kitchen for your chosen caterer. Exclusive hire of Forum includes entire floor, Fairview Suite, bar and kitchen. This includes tables and chairs, dance floor, use of the self-catering kitchen and complimentary bedroom in the adjoining Ibis Hotel. Call about special offers : 01438 533018.

Visit our new websit es for more informat ion www.forumcb.co.uk and www.fairviewhot els.com/ hot els/ ibis-forum-st evenage

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