#Herts February 2019

# HERTS

February 2019 December 2018

All t h e t op even t s an d Th eubu f eat r essin iness Oscar #Her t ss season begin s in #Her t s

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What's on in #Herts

FOCUS ON ST ALBANS Will r om an ce blossom ?

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

PANCAKE PLANS En joy a f lippin' t r eat

LET THE OSCARS BEGIN Th e Her t s Ch am ber t eam lau n ch t h e In spir in g Her t s aw ar ds

BEAT THE BIG CHILL Gar den t ips f or w in t er

UNLIM ITED FILM S

THE FOSTERING OPTION

Win Cin ew or ld t ick et s

It 's t im e t o con sider f ost er in g in 2019

FOCUS ON FOSTERING IN #Herts

Fostering - can you make a difference to a child?

Anyone who has a spare room and the desire to help a child or young person realise their true potential is being urged to consider whether fostering might be the way to fill the extra space in their homes and in their hearts.

Hertfordshire Fostering Service urgently needs foster carers who are able to give their support and

guidance to make a difference to the life of a child.

Foster care offers the flexibility of working from home or the option of combining fostering with other work, depending on the age and needs of the children. There are different types of fostering and applicants are supported to choose the route which is right for them and their family. For

example, a number of carers who have full-time work commitments are able to make a difference by providing ?sleepover?or respite fostering placements at weekends or holidays.

Anne Beard and Peter Miller, who live in Stevenage, started fostering last year by caring for two sisters, aged 11 and 12 years, initially on a respite basis for two weeks.

Peter, who works as a research scientist, said: ?We first discussed fostering 12 years ago but, where we were renting before, the landlord would not let us use the extra rooms for fostering children. Now we are in a three-bedroom house, the landlord agreed this time. ?To see the change in children in care is so rewarding. Every foster carer we have met says it?s the most rewarding job ever.?

Anne, who previously worked as a florist, said: ?Whether a child stays a week or a month, if we make a difference to a life then we have done right. It?s so rewarding to see that we have made a difference. ?With the two sisters, there were no hugs in the first week, they seemed quiet and shy. However, in the second week we saw a change and they became more comfortable and relaxed. We felt we were able to gain their trust through listening to them and recognising what their needs

" It 's h ar d bein g a t een ager bu t w e k n ow t h ey ju st n eed n u r t u r in g t o gr ow , t o f in d t h eir f eet an d becom e in dividu als" were.?

Peter added: ?In my birthday card, the sisters wrote ?love you like jelly tots?, which touched me.?

Anne continued: ?We have got the room, the time, a nice home and the right attitude and temperament to foster. It?s hard being a teenager, but we know they just need nurturing to grow, to find their feet and become individuals. ?We have enjoyed our journey to

become foster carers. We?ve made new friends and connections and this has enhanced the experience.?

To anyone thinking about fostering, Peter said: ?Go for it. You will be supported and given training to help you develop your skills to foster.?

Teresa Heritage, Hertfordshire County Council?s Cabinet member for children?s services, said: ?If any individuals or families in Hertfordshire are interested in fostering and can offer a safe and loving home and a positive experience of family life to children in care, we would love to hear from them. ?Fostering is a great way to give back to your local community and make a huge difference to the lives of children who most need it.?

For more information, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ fostering or call the recruitment team on 0800 917 0925.

Made a resolution to spend time at the gym?

Have you vowed to make 2019 the year you get fit, but are in need of some gym-spiration? Here are some alternative gym classes which could just get you motivated?

If you think the idea of going to the gym is intimidating, you may be surprised to discover someone has invented what is essentially an adult-sized jungle gym that people of all abilities can have fun on.

Classes involve moving around the Synrgy station, trying out the different functional exercises like rope-pulling, jumping, resistance bands and squatting. Routines can be tailored to ability, or depending on what you want to get out of it, and the Stevenage club offers two different types of Synrgy 360 classes ? one which concentrates on your core and the other which is high-intensity interval training.

At David Lloyd on Stevenage Leisure Park, the Synrgy 360 system creates a fun, inviting and meaningful workout experience for everyone.

To find out more, visit www.davidlloyd.co.uk/ clubs/ Stevenage or call 01438 847000.

At Nuffield Health in Letchworth, why not have a go at Barre Concept ? a unique ballet barre workout, set to high energy music?

The focus is on toning the thighs, lifting the butt, sculpting the arms and flattening the abs, while simultaneously burning fat.

The class is advertised to ?dramatically transform the entire body?, so it may well be hard work, but the payoff sounds thoroughly worth it!

For more information, visit www.nuffieldhealth.com or call

01462 888403.

If you?ve got some fight in you, Krav Maga is offered at The Village Gym Watford. It was originally a military self-defence and fighting system developed for the Israel Defense Forces.

It is derived from a combination of techniques sourced from boxing, wrestling, Aikido, judo and karate, along with realistic fight training.

Where most systems deal with one-on-one situations, Krav Maga will teach you about how to deal with multiple attackers, the different stages of a fight, and avoidance techniques.

For more information, call 0203 841 9890 or visit www.villagegym.co.uk/ locations/ watford.

Odyssey Helat h Club Knebwort h Lane, St evenage Fitness is at the heart of the club and with over 100 stations to choose from, we can be as varied with your exercise as your need. Our gym has a large variety of equipment including

Technogym, large free weights area, functional rig with TRX and Kinesis cable stations.

We also offer you the ability to track all of your exercise - inside or outside the club, with our Wellness App. More than ever before you can stay in touch with your coach and see how active

you are throughout the day! We are here to support you, whether you are a beginner to exercise or are training for the next fitness challenge. Our expert coaches will give you all the support and guidance you need to be your best. contact@odysseyhealthclubs.com

FOOD AND DRINK By Sharon Struckman

Find food love - on a limited edition platter Text

Roses are red, Stilton is blue, this Valentine?s Day, have our platter for two!

Alongside all the usual deliciousness of farm-fresh goats?cheese and truffle salami these limited-edition Valentine?s Day platters for two feature some delectable additions of strawberry & prosecco fudge, sweet red pepper chutney and chocolate-berry bark. All handmade and supplied by ?Event Platter?. This inspiring new independent business is the brain child of Galina Phillips based in Potters Bar. This unique catering company started in full swing this September 2018; Covering Hertfordshire, London and surrounding areas.

Specialising in providing mouth-watering feasting platters and decadent edible tablescapes. This contemporary catering concept supply artfully-arranged gourmet platters and grazing tables with the finest quality of the freshest, seasonal and locally-sourced produce for small intimate dinners, a special celebration or a wedding breakfast and everything in between.

Their gourmet platters and appetising grazing tables are filled with delicious artisan cheeses, cured meats, hand-baked bread, seasonal fruit and indulgent accompaniments.

All pict ur es by Shar on St r uckm an

There are options to accommodate special dietary requirements too.

Galina prides herself in supporting local farmers, independent suppliers, producers and businesses to bring you the finest produce from in and around Hertfordshire.

They redefine what guests expect from a catered event, their succulent grazing tables and platters are a feast for the eyes and taste scrumptious.

Be part of the social dining graze craze, for more information and pricelists go to www.eventplatter.co.uk or follow them on social media.

- GRAZING TABLES - GOURMET PLATTERS - EDIBLE TABLESCAPES - TABLE STYLING LOCALLY SOURCED PRODUCE FARM TO TABLE

Sharon Struckman www.whatishootieat.co.uk

Don't let your pancake day fall flat this year...

Flipping heck! It?s not that long until Shrove Tuesday ? affectionately referred to as Pancake Day! Here?s a guide to some of the pancake races happening on March 5 in Hertfordshire this year?

Hitchin?s Pancake Festival, organised by the Hitchin Priory Rotary Club, raisesmoney for Letchworth?s Garden City Hospice Care and other charities.

As well as the traditional pancake races in Churchyard, there will be pancakes and refreshmentson sale in Market Place, as well as entertainment and children?s activities.

For more details, visit www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=1500.

m.dickson@welhat.gov.uk.

In St Albans, you can compete in either the St Albans Pancake Race or the St Albans Flippin?Walkers?

Race, depending on your need for speed!

You will need four members to make up a team, with entry costing ÂŁ40 per team. The event starts at noon outside St Albans Museum and Gallery.

This year, there will also be fun afternoon family sessions for all to enjoy. For more information, and to sign up, visit www.pancake.events.

It isfree to enter the pancake race in Welwyn Garden City?s town centre.

Timingsare yet to be confirmed, but it islikely to be 2pm-3pm. For confirmed timings, and to sign up, email Mia Dickson at

There will be two flipping good pancake competitions in Hatfield town centre.

Under the arcade, by White Lion Square, from 12pm to 12.30pm, there will be a pancake race for adults and children. Participants will be put into pairs and the duo with the fastest total time will win.

For Hatfield town centre businesses, there will be a flipathon competition. The winner will be the person who can flip their pancake the most times in a minute.

The winners will receive a prize.

To register, or for more information, email info@hatfieldtown.co.uk.

Ruby says the panto was great, oh yes it was!

It's not just the Copperswho are getting younger these days- even our theatre reviewersare following in their footsteps.

Thanksto our good friendsat Stevenage Leisure Centre we sent Ruby Cooper, 8, along to the Gordon Craig Theatre to watch this year's panto Snow White. Here's what she had to say...

I went t o t he Snow W hit e Pant omime yest erday and it was really good. I liked it when Herby came in and he had a horse.

I liked t he Seven Dwarfs because t hey were funny and one of t hem fell int o a hole.

My favourit e part was when t he W icked W it ch t ried t o act like an old lady because she want ed t o kidnap Snow W hit e.

I loved Dolly because she wore funny dresses and she was act ually a man dressed up as a girl.

The Prince got lost in t he woods because he was t rying t o find Snow W hit e as he loved her.

I loved ?he?s behind you?and t hey were screaming because t hey were scared and t hey ran away.

I can?t wait unt il next years.

Ruby

Are you aged from 4 t o 104, (ages eit her side may be accept ed as well) and would like t o submit a review of a product ion which has t aken place in #Hert s?

We'd be delight ed t o hear from you at hdmdigit alsales@gmail.com

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Time to enter the 2019 Inspiring Herts Awards Text

At the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce?s Awards Launch held on Thursday 24th January at the Porsche Centre Hatfield, Hertfordshire businesses gathered to celebrate the opening of the 2019 Inspiring Herts Awards. With over 100 members, guests and sponsors in attendance, the evening was a fantastic way to officially open the 2019 Awards.

Since its launch in 2012, the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards have focussed on and celebrated the expertise, achievements and outstanding contribution that businesses and individuals continually make to the growth of the County. The Awards enable Hertfordshire businesses to showcase their performance and achievements to clients, customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the whole of the Hertfordshire

As a Category Sponsor, Barclays?

Regional Director for Hertfordshire and North West London, Ian Taylor commented:

business community.

During the evening, delegates heard from past winners: Richard McBarnet, Lumina Technologies; Matt Clarke and Caroline Lester, MCP Property Services and John Palmer, Isabel Hospice, who also won the overall Inspiring Business of the Year 2018.

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?I would like to say a big thank you to Neville, Mary, Gemma, Naomi, Alison and the team.

Over the past year I?ve noticed a really positive change in the Chamber; with the quality of events, met many new members and found it a real pleasure to work with the whole team.

"We?re delighted to be involved with these awards, we see it as a huge opportunity to connect with local businesses; there is real benefit in both entering and sponsoring.?

Thanks go out to IHA?s Headline Sponsor for the third year running; Hillier Hopkins, and all of the Category Sponsors; Austins Funeral Directors, Tate Apprenticeships & Training, Barclays, Broxbourne Borough Council, SA Law, CS Recycling, VolkerWessels, Stevenage Borough Council, Longmores Solicitors, London Luton Airport, University of Hertfordshire, Ashbourne Insurance, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Porsche Centre Hatfield, who also hosted the evening and helped to make it the huge success it was.

Associate Sponsor Pearldrop Video Production supplied all of the videos shown in the presentation and acted as official photographer for the evening.

Wine2Trade UK provided prosecco, and Hashtag Digital Media have been helping to promote the awards as the 2019 Media Partner.

There are 19 categories available to enter and entry is free for both Chamber members and non-members, there is no limit on how many categories can be entered. This year the Chamber are offering three new categories: Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year, Property and Construction Campaign of the Year, and the Workplace Wellbeing Award. Also new for 2019, seven categories are now in alignment with the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, meaning if shortlisted for

past winners and advice from marketeers. The aim is to help those members and non-members, who are thinking of entering the Awards with their applications in order to provide them the best chance possible of winning this year.

any of these categories, the application shall automatically be put forward to enter the National Awards.

The Chamber is holding four ?Entering is Winning?interactive workshops, being held across the County with testimonials from

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Applications opened the morning of January 25th and already entries are coming in. Entries close on March 15th, the finalists will be announced from April 5th and the winners shall be revealed at the Black-tie Dinner being held on June 13th 2019 at the stunning St Albans Cathedral.

For more information regarding these awards visit: www.hertschamber.com/ inspiring-hertfordshire-awards -2019 Follow on twitter @InspiringHerts

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The Main Event

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great events to catch in #Herts

Baldock Beast February 24 If one of your New Year resolut ions is t o get fit , or t o t ake on a new challenge, why not t ake on t he Baldock Beast

mult i-t errain half marat hon?

Now in it s eight h year, t he rout e st art s in Baldock and t akes in many of t he surrounding villages, before finishing back in t he market t own. The course is bot h t est ing and very pict uresque.

event , which t akes place on Sunday, February 24, at 10am, visit www.regist er.primoevent s.com /ps/event / TheBaldockBeast

Ent ry is £22. To sign up t o t he

Collabro - Gordon Craig Theat re, St evenage Thursday March 21 Musical t heat re group Collabro will be performing at The Gordon Craig Theat re in St evenage on Thursday, March 21, as part of t heir biggest ever UK t our.

Since winning Brit ain?s Got Talent four years ago, t hey have had four t op 20 albums and t hree sell-out t ours, wit h t he fourt h set t o culminat e in a performance at London?s Royal Albert Hall.

To book t icket s for t he 7.30pm show, which are priced at £34.50 or £44.50, visit www.gordon-craig.co.uk or call 01438 363200.

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The Main Event

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great events to catch in #Herts

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Muddy Mayhem February 23 Get down and dirt y wit h Muddy Mayhem in aid of Let chwort h?s Garden House Hospice Care.

Clamber, climb, scramble and crawl t hrough a fant ast ically fun 5k obst acle course around t he scenic Knebwort h House Park on Sat urday, February 23, which will see you covered head t o foot in mud!

Sign up for t his exhilarat ing sponsored event and help raise money for valuable hospice care in your communit y. Last year more t han 600 runners t ook on t he challenge and raised more

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The Main Event

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great events to catch in #Herts

t han £47,000.

Ticket s are £35 for adult s and £25 for children aged 14 t o 17 and include a dog t ag medal, goody bag and refreshment s at t he finish. Everyone who t akes part in Muddy Mayhem, which st art s at noon, will also receive a free one-week guest pass t o Odyssey Healt h Club in Knebwort h. To sign up, visit www.ghhospicecare.org.uk

Bubble Man February 19 The Amazing Bubble Man is performing at t he Alban Arena on Tuesday, February 19, so prepare t o be, well err, amazed!

Louis Pearl has been t hrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years wit h t he art , magic, science and fun of bubbles.

An Edinburgh Fringe favourit e, he has sold out t here for t he last 12 years. Louis explores t he breat ht aking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and

art ist ry wit h audience part icipat ion and enough spellbinding bubble t ricks t o keep everyone mesmerised.

From square bubbles t o rocket bubbles, t ornado bubbles t o flying saucer bubbles, t he Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laught er and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Ticket s t o t he St Albans show, which st art s at 2pm, are £12.50 and £10.50. Visit www.alban-arena.co.uk or call t he box office on 01727 844488.

Tour of Hit chin March 8 Join t he Brit ish Schools Museum for a walking t our of Hit chin on Friday, March 8, from 10.30am unt il noon.

The t our, which cost s £5 per person, will t ake in t he cent re of t he hist oric market t own.

If you cannot make t his dat e, t he museum runs a walking t our of

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t he t own on t he second Friday of every mont h (March t o November). All walks st art from t he museum at 10.30am.

Elvis t ribut e February 8 It ?s t ime t o get all shook up wit h Elvis t ribut e art ist Lee Memphis King at t he Wat ersmeet t heat re in Rickmanswort h?s High St reet on Friday, February 8.

He recreat es t he essence of Elvis wit h consummat e ease and an almost unbelievable combinat ion of st unningly accurat e vocals and incredible passion.

Billed as ?t he ult imat e experience for Elvis fans t he world over?, all t he cost umes are designed and creat ed by Gene Doucet t e ? t he same man who creat ed Elvis? cost umes.

Ticket s t o t he show, which st art s at 7.30pm, are £27.50. To book, visit www.wat ersmeet .co.uk or call 01923 711063.

Her majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE

Sport has such a vital part to play in both our schools and community Text

I am extremely proud that we have many great sportsmen and women who call Hertfordshire home as well as their place of birth: World boxing champion Anthony Joshua, 5 times world formula one champion Lewis Hamilton, world cycling champions and gold medallists Laura and Jason Kenny; 5 times Olympic medallist gymnast Matt Whitlock, rising golf star Matt Wallace as well as medal winning swimmers, hockey stars and many others and of course Hertfordshire is home to a great many Premiership soccer stars and managers.

The county is home to a premiership soccer club in Watford and other top clubs have their training grounds in the county as well as that of leading premiership rugby club-Saracens.

Hertfordshire is home to 79 golf courses including such great courses as Moor Park, The Grove and Ashridge.

What is it that gives Hertfordshire such great sports stars and encourages them to settle here in the county? Perhaps it is the Hertfordshire air or maybe the beauty of the county. Or maybe it is the excellent facilities for training and practice available throughout the area-for example the Sports Village at the University of Hertfordshire-open to all.

Do our schools promote sport in a better way than those in other parts of the country?An interesting conference was recently held at the University of

Hertfordshire entitled ?Sport for Social Change?which demonstrated that there is plenty more work to be done to encourage sport for all as a way of tackling a number of the current social issues in this and other counties? issues such as obesity, mental health, anti-social behaviour as well as encompassing social mobility.

It is important to encourage sport in schools and the community not only to find and nurture those with special talent who may go on to be world champions or medallists-but to engage the whole population to partake in some form of sporting activity.

Let us hope that Hertfordshire remains very much in the Premier League of sport.

Just Be A Child charity set for major boost Text

A charity which has transformed lives in Africa is celebrating six years of vital work thanks to the support of business and individuals in #Herts.

Just Be A Child was founded in 2013 following a visit to Kenya by Lenka McAlinden.

Touched by the kindness and happiness of children whom she came into contact with, Lenka saw that although they had next to nothing they were willing to share whatever they did have.

With hardly any infrastructure in place and no finances to build play facilities or buy toys or anything educational such as books, Lenka was determined to set up a charity on her return.

Just Be a Child, the charity sees 2019 as a major year of change with its drive to provide support to other areas of Africa, although Kenya still remains a key focus.

Lenka believes it is a good country to work in for a number of reasons: ?Working in Kenya is a lot easier.

The official language is English, so our books come in handy. The closeness to the areas we work in of Kenya?s biggest port, Mombasa, makes shipment a little bit smoother. There is limited regulation or other official

obstacles to overcome. But more importantly, the children are so hungry to learn and the community so stuck in their ways that without a little bit of external intervention it is unlikely they will find a different way. Books can help them.?

The aim of Just Be A Child is to create and support libraries & learning centres in poor but aspirational Kenyan communities, and to foster a culture of education and self-development.

It is a target of the charity to create at least one library & learning centre every year and along with this to also build libraries on behalf of other organisations and distribute books to applicants.

As more and more books have come in to the charity Books Across Borders has been reliant on the vital support of removal and storage specialist Dollimore and Christie. Based in just outside of Hitchin, the business has stepped up and offered vital storage space

for the books and equipment due to be shipped out.

Each library & learning centre contains 5,000 books, learning material, many toys and games and arts and crafts material. The cost for each of these is ÂŁ15,000 and they are made out of a converted shipping container. They collect in excess of 10,000 books for readers of all ages. They also need toys, games, jigsaw puzzles, pencils and much more including furniture.

The communities are chosen very carefully and with their help convert the 40ft container into a fully operational library & learning centre.

Along with funds and books, there is also a demand for craft equipment which is now being sent out and used in Kenya. To find out more how you can help the charity call 07737 500 501.

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Tollers solicitors - the experts expanding to help local businesses Tollers ?For Business?Legal Services: Building Confidence and Inspiring Trust ?

Cont inuing t o grow in St evenage.

Tollers Stevenage office is excited to be expanding its Corporate and Commercial team and building on the services they offer to the local business communities they serve.

The Tollers corporate and commercial services team specialises in providing practical advice to owner-managed businesses on a wide range of legal issues that may arise from inception of a business all the way through to exit. The team advises on business reorganisation and restructuring, shareholders?and partnership agreements (which are often required when a business is in its infancy), through to securing that all important exit when the business owner has an opportunity to sell or retire.

Craig Harrison the Head of Corporate at Tollers says; ?Having worked in the local area throughout my professional career I understand the importance of building strong foundations in the local community and providing solutions for the needs of clients.

At Tollers we pride ourselves on the fact that we advise businesses on the important issues that they find themselves facing, everything from mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, regulatory issues, joint ventures, asset and property acquisitions and corporate finance right through to insolvency and corporate recovery.

The Stevenage team welcomed Danielle Sher earlier this month who has joined the Commercial Property team as a Senior Associate having previously worked at a central London law firm. This addition only strengthens what we have to offer our client base and, alongside the rest of the team, ensuring that we are able to assist owner-managed businesses and corporates to prepare for the future and ensuring that their interests are protected which in turn enables them to do business effectively and efficiently?.

Assisted by specialist colleagues in our employment, commercial property, dispute resolution and restructuring teams, Tollers is able to offer a joined-up approach to often complex, multi-disciplinary legal challenges. In an ever changing legal and regulatory landscape, strength in depth has

never been more important.

It is also important to recognise that in such a fast-moving legal climate, clients will often want much more than just traditional legal advice. Commerciality in approach and strategic advice is what many clients now demand and at Tollers the teams deliver a seamless service with a commitment to providing solutions and ensuring that clients make the most of their opportunities.

For more information on how the corporate and commercial team at Tollers can assist you with your businesses legal requirements? Talk to Tollers on 01438 901095 and the team will be happy to assist.

Except ional people Except ional service Except ional delivery

Looking for romance?

Make St Albans your first choice for love When it comes to Valentine?s Day, you?d be hard-pushed to find somewhere more romantic than St Albans, with its fascinating architecture and awe-inspiring cathedral.

And if it?s historical backdrop alone doesn?t have you all starry-eyed, a poll by booking agency Open Table has found the city has the most romantic restaurant in the county ? St Villa.

St Albans also has three other entries in Open Table?s Top 10 romantic restaurants in Hertfordshire ? Chez Mumtaz, The Abbey, and Dylan at the King?s Arms.

Elsewhere in the county, also featured were The Farmhouse at Redcoats near Hitchin, Auberge du

Lac in Welwyn, the Bricklayers Arms in Flaunden, Ruby?s in Bishop?s Stortford, The Gables in Hertford and Lussmanns in Tring.

Food aside, if you?re looking for an extra special gift ? or perhaps you?re planning to pop the question, before whisking your future Mrs off to pick the ring ?

then head to Galio on George Street for something that sparkles.

Led by David and Sarah Gillow, the St Albans jewellery store offers one of the widest selections of 18ct gold and platinum designer jewellery, as well as fine watches, in the country, and is celebrating more than 25 years in the city.

Or, if you?re planning to say it with flowers, choose an impressive bloom from the Flower Box in the Village Arcade. It?s run by a florist with more than 30 years? experience and has been open since 2014.

The Flower Box offers a huge range of flowers, delivered directly from the Netherlands, and sources bespoke orders, offering a beautiful selection for all types of occasions.

Finally, a trip to St Albans ? romantic or otherwise ? isn?t complete without a stroll around the lake in Verulamium Park.

Perhaps a pre-dinner stroll, with an aperitif at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks could be in order.

Make the most of the Unlimited Card to enjoy Cineworld benefits ENJOY UNLIMITED FILMS Watch all the films you can handle at any Cineworld for just one monthly fee SAVE ON SNACKS AND DRINKS Get 10% off all in-cinema food and drink. Plus get 10% off at Cineworld Starbucks licensed stores.

ACCESS TO PREVIEWS Be the first to see a movie with special Unlimited member advance screenings SAVE ON EVENT CINEMA We don?t just show movies. You can also get selected discounts on live Opera, National Theatre, live sport and gigs PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP After a year we?ll upgrade you to a premium membership for free, giving you 25% off in-cinema food

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Start enjoying Unlimited films and great offers

RECOMMEND A FRIEND

Unlimit ed: How t o apply in person

Unlimited members can get free months of membership when they recommend Unlimited to their friends!

Step 1 Visit one of our Cineworld cinemas Step 2

Unlimit ed: How t o apply online Step 1 Make sure you have your bank details and a recent passport photo Step 2 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass straight away Step 3 We will post your Unlimited card to you Step 4

Find a member of staff or use a sign up tablet in cinema Step 3 Complete the easy application process and use your temporary pass to start enjoying Unlimited movies Step 4 Start enjoying Unlimited and related offers We are delight ed t o t eam up wit h Cineworld St evenage t o offer you t he chance t o win five pairs of 2D t icket s t o any film (subject t o availabilit y).

To ent er simply t weet @hasht aghert s using t he hasht ag #Hert scineworldcomp

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Tips to deal with a funeral during winter With the weather turning chilly, Austin's have put together some tips on dealing with a winter funeral WHAT TO WEAR Keeping warm will be a key factor in your choice of outfit as you?re likely to be spending time outside viewing the flowers and chatting to mourners after the service. You might want to layer your outfit with a cardigan or jumper that can be removed if you get too hot.

Likewise, a thick coat will keep out the chill and be easy to slip off when you?re inside. If you particularly feel the cold you may want to wear some thermal underwear. And don?t forget winter accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves ? as well as keeping you toasty, these can be used to add a little bit of colour, if that?s what your loved one would have liked.

CHOOSING THE FLOWERS There are plenty of winter flowers available for wreaths and floral arrangements. For something different, you could include pine cones, fresh spruce and eucalyptus, or perhaps go with a white and red theme for a December funeral. If, on the other hand, you want a more warm and colourful arrangement, think about including tropical flowers, many of which are available all year round. If you need help with

your floral display, our florist (Daizy flowers] will be pleased to advise you.

HANDY HELPERS Tissues are always useful to have to hand ? but with winter sniffles you might want to take an extra supply, for you as well as other mourners. If it?s raining take an umbrella plus a spare one just in case yours breaks or you lose it.

When the weather?s really cold, you could take a hand warmer, which will easily fit into a pocket or handbag. And finally, remember that wintery weather can cause problems driving so have de-icer on standby and a spade in your car

in case of heavy snow.

POST-FUNERAL RECEPTION A cold buffet is usually the simplest way to cater for mourners after a funeral, but when the weather is cold you may want to offer a hot option such as soup or stew. You could use your loved one?s own recipe it and personalise it with a menu card, like ?Nan?s hearty vegetable soup?.As well as tea and coffee, you could offer a fun option such as hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles. * Austin?s are here to help you with funeral planning. Please get in touch with us on 01438 316623.

19

It may be freezing but love lives are hotting up for wildlife in #Herts Love is in t he air It?s the time of year again, when we?re busy giving flowers, chocolates and cards on Valentine?s Day. From butterflies to foxes, our local wildlife has its own unique ways of showing affection.

The courtship of silver-washed frit illary but t erflies is quite an aerobatic manoeuvre: While the female flies in a straight line, the male loops around her, showering her with scent scales. Dragonflies and damselflies are closely related, but there are slight differences in their mating behaviour. Male dragonflies are territorials and

fight other males to win over a female, while the male damselfly will 'dance' for the female, showing off his wings.

What both species have in common is that, in their union, they form the most romantic of all symbols: the heart.

Mammals, however, often like it a bit rougher. Contrary to popular belief, boxing hares are not competing for a female.

Usually, the female hare starts the fight testing her male suitor.

The courtship of foxes is a rather loud affair: In the mating season, the female ? vixen ? will let out blood-curdling cries in search of a suitable partner.

After mating, both are ?locked?

together tail to tail forming a so-called mating tie, which can last for up to one hour.

Goldeneye ducks even go on some sort of honeymoon ? they meet their mates in their winter quarters in Hertfordshire, where the drakes perform an impressive courtship display raising their necks and throwing their heads backwards, before returning to Scandinavia to breed.

Whatever you're in to, why not take your other half on a romantic walk this February?

Find out more on hertswildlifetrust.org.uk.

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

Jobs to herald Spring It may be taking a long time coming but in the weeks ahead there are more and more signs of the approaching Spring.

More bulbs will start appearing and wildlife will be waking up as light levels and temperatures increase.

Of course this means that there's plenty to do indoors and out this month to prepare for the season ahead. Outdoors, as the garden comes to life again, it's time to prune shrubs and climbers, such as Wisteria as well as evergreen hedges.

Other jobs include:

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 ...

Pot at o t ubers

apricots, nectarines and peaches at this time of year.

It's time to chit potato tubers, the long road to the crop for 2019 has begun!

Power prune

Beat t he birds

Winter flowering shrubs that have now finished flowering should be pruned as you look to manage the plants. Also coming in the target of pruning with be wisteria, hardy evergreen hedges and conservatory climbers.

The birds will be looking for a feed at this time of year so make sure to net fruit and vegetable crops to keep them at bay.

Prot ect blossom Be careful to protect blossom for tender fruits such as

and make sure that you sow some vegetables under cover.

Seed beds Prepare vegetable seed beds

Divide and conquer Bulbs including snowdrops and plants that will need planting in what gardeners term 'in the green' will need to be divided.

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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Proud publ i sh er of #Herts @h ash tagh erts For al l your mark eti ng and soci al medi a needs: 07539 782979 w w w .spi tf i repr.com darren@spi tf i repr.com @DarrenI sted1 @h ash tagh erts

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