#Herts February 2020

# HERTS

February 2019 Febr u ar y 2018 2020 December

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

Ch am ber Book aw artds Dog days! icket s f or Dogs w in nand er s tDaf ak ef saand bowwin a f am ily pass t o Dogf est

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What's on in #Herts

HERTS CHAM BER LAUNCH 2020 AWARDS Hat f ield Hou se h ost t o In spir in g Her t s open er

FAM ILY VALUES Aw ar d su ccess f or Ash bou r n e

DOGFEST DELIGHT Win a f am ily t ick et t o doggy deligh t at Kn ebw or t h Par k

HOP TO IT Love in t h e air in #Her t s

UNLIM ITED FILM S

AUBREY PARK WEDDING FAIR

Win Cin ew or ld t ick et s

Save t h e dat e f or w eddin g f air on M ar ch 8

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Awards success for Ashbourne Insurance

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The Love Hoddesdon Service Business of the Year 2019? award was won by family-run Ashbourne Insurance of Amwell Road, Hoddesdon on Thursday 30th January 2020.

Ashbourne won by securing the most online customer votes in recognition of the quality and excellence of their offer in contributing to the vibrancy of Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. They competed in the category against two other outstanding local businesses, Room at The Top Recruitment and Shepherds Estate Agents. Other worthy nominees included: Curwens Solicitors, HB Accountants, Paul Wallace Estate Agents, Tollgate Insurance and Westwood Leber Estate Agents.

Jack Smits, 3rd generation family member and Commercial Account Handler at Ashbourne Insurance, received the Winner?s award on behalf of the independent broker at the Love Hoddesdon AGM, held at the Stanboroughs Conservative Club last Thursday. The Awards were presented by The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Broxbourne, Councillor Steve Wortley.

Upon receiving the award Jack commented,?We are absolutely delighted to be recognised at the Love Hoddesdon Awards as Best Service Company in the town and it is especially wonderful to be voted for on this occasion by our customers. I am honoured to be representing our team of outstanding insurance professionals tonight and would also like to

been operating successfully across the UK for over a decade and there are many established around the country, principally in town centres. A BID is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area, via a small levy (1.5% in Hoddesdon) based on the rateable value of the business.

congratulate all the finalists and winners. Together with local businesses and volunteers, we will continue to see Hoddesdon thrive and grow.? ?Love Hoddesdon?is run by the Love Hoddesdon BID Ltd, a not for profit company representing the Hoddesdon business improvement district, which is made up of local shop and business owners, to encourage people to visit and shop in Hoddesdon. They organise regular events to entertain local residents and keep the community spirit alive, as well as implement a range of other initiatives to help local businesses to thrive.

In 2017 the Love Hoddesdon Team, made up of local businessmen, supported by Broxbourne Council, established a Business Improvement District (BID) in Hoddesdon town centre. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have

The Love Hoddesdon BID levy raises around ÂŁ100k a year from the 200 businesses in the town to fund this work to help local businesses to prosper and attract more shoppers/visitors to the town. It came into effect from Monday, 1st January 2018 for a five-year period until 31st December 2022.

The Love Hoddesdon 2019 awards aimed to recognise and celebrate the diverse range of businesses in Hoddesdon town centre and amongst their voluntary members.

The six award categories were: (1) Community/Charity, (2) Food & drink, (3) Health, Beauty and Well Being, (4) Retail (5) Service and (6) Voluntary Member.

Multi award-winning, family-run Ashbourne Insurance offers a wide range of business and personal insurance along with a claims advisory service. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and has been serving the local community for over 39 years.

For more information visitwww.ashbourneinsurance.co.uk Follow on twitter @AshInsServices

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Back Cheshunt Boxing in their biggest fight

Cheshunt Boxing Club is a not-for-profit club run by volunteer trained coaches and was founded by the legendary Charlie Bliss nearly 45 years ago. The club is now run by Charlie's son Mark Bliss who has been the club's head coach for many years.

Everyone involved do their best to continue the hard work and dedication Charlie gave to make it one of the best Amateur Boxing Clubs in the United Kingdom; with many champions coming out of the club during its time including a Junior Olympic Champion!

After years of fund raising, the club had it's brand new gym officially opened on 3rd March 2007 named 'The Charlie Bliss Boxing Academy'.

It was a lifetime dream of Charlie who sadly passed away a week before the official opening, though

Charlie did get a chance to see the building very near to completion.

In 2015, the club partnered with registered charity C-R-Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and screened 100 local young people in a bid to search for cardiac abnormalities; one of the leading causes of sudden death in the UK. The club is also apart of the highly renounced Box Cleva Scheme since 2010. During this time, they have opened their doors to hundreds of different children aged 7-15, with whom the club teach the importance of healthy eating, discipline and respect as well as drugs awareness sessions on a weekly basis.

However, sadly on the 24th January 2020 the Cheshunt Club, on which Cheshunt Boxing Club are based, decided to sell up and give

sole ownership to a private individual.

If the boxing club loses it?s lease, the impact will be devastating to the community. The club not only provides exercise, but also teaches a sport that is based on hard work, discipline and respect. These principles become ingrained in the local children and enable them to stay away from the many negative temptations that they face in today?s society. It provides them with a purpose and an outlet.

The club has invested over ÂŁ150,000 over the last 15 years to get the gym as good as it is now.

There was a serious amount of man hours, blood sweat & tears that went into the building of the new club and it?s Charlie Bliss?& Mark Bliss?legacy.

The extension to the lease is in the hands of Barristers and the only option is to have good legal representation, however this is always going to be expensive.

If you would like to support the club, they would welcome any donations however big or small.

Any un-used donations will be donated to the 'Ringside Rest and Care home'.

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Click h er e t o em ail f or m or e Weddin g Sh ow det ails Text events@aubreypark.co.uk Come and view the stunning Aubrey Park Hotel on the 8th of March 2019.

The stunning Hotel is set in the countryside, in a perfect location for the M1.

The new Oak Suite offers the perfect setting for weddings &

events.

Hotel staff will be available to discuss packages & prices if you are looking to tie the knot!

For more information please contact the sales team on 01582 792105 or email events@aubreypark.co.uk

The wedding show will feature the finest exhibitors from the St Albans & Hemel Hempstead areas.

TIME (Sunday) 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Care and compassion at the heart of Maria Mallaband Care Group Now recruit ing care and nursing st af f at Monread Lodge Nursing Home Are you caring and compassionate?Are you an experienced nurse, a newly qualified nurse, experienced carer or looking to start a career within a care homes? We?d love to invite you to take a tour of our home and meet us in person!

We have opportunities for staff to join us as nurses, nurse associates, senior carers, and care assistants. Are you interested? We can offer full time, part time or casual opportunities, training & support, some of the best pay rates in the area, and great employee benefits.

Care is at the heart of what we do here at Maria Mallaband Care Group. We're an established family-run care provider, and we deliver care to over 3,500 residents across our 80+ care homes nationwide.

Our mission is to be the best quality; most highly regarded Care Provider in the United Kingdom and our vision is to create a home from home environment for both residents and staff.

We are committed to being an Investors in People employer, which means that we continually invest in your personal training and development. MMCG is a place where your career truly starts to grow For more informat ion about our roles on offer please give us a call on 01438 518310, email us at recruit ment @mmcg.co.uk or visit mmcg.co.uk/careers

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Return of the biz4Biz awards 2020 biz4Biz is proud t o announce t he biz4Biz Awards, ret urning for t heir fourt h year in May 2020.

These awards are impart ial, independent and open t o anyone involved in a business in Hert fordshire.

On t he 17t h May 2019, businesses from all over Hert fordshire came t oget her t o celebrat e and recognise t he deserving winners and finalist s of t he biz4Biz Awards 2019. Host ed by popular t elevision present er and award-winning newscast er, Fiona Bruce, t he evening was a huge success and enjoyed by all who at t ended.

The next glit t ering awards ceremony will be held on Friday 15t h May 2020 and ret urns t o Tewin Bury Farm Hot el, Welwyn, Hert fordshire, t he chosen venue t o host t he event for t he 4t h year running. Host ed by t he "King of Ballroom", Ant on du Beke, t he night is sure t o provide anot her st unning showcase for t hose at t ending and is a fant ast ic plat form for all nominees, wit h t he award winners having full on-going publicit y, following t he ceremony, and all nominees given t he opport unit y t o publicise on t he biz4Biz Awards websit e.

The awards are open t o all businesses based in Hert fordshire.

Ent ry is free and award cat egories include: ·Made in Hert s

·Best Family Business ·Best Employment Services Provider ·Best Legal and Financial Services Provider ·Best Market ing and Promot ional Services Provider ·Best Apprent iceship ·Best Corporat e Social Responsibilit y ·Business Services of t he Year ·SME Business of t he Year (<£3m) ·Large Business of t he Year (>£3m) ·New Business of t he Year ·Business of t he Year

For furt her informat ion about t he biz4Biz Awards, please visit t he websit e at www.bizawards.info

·biz4Biz Judges Award To ent er, a company must be nominat ed online at www.bizawards.info Once nominat ed, all ent rant s are list ed on t he websit e and are subject t o a public vot e. Vot ing will finish on t he 14t h February 2020, wit h final judging t aking place t hroughout March 2020.

Companies can nominat e t hemselves and all nominees will be required t o confirm t heir applicat ion. Successful applicant s, awarded wit h t he most vot es in each cat egory, will t hen be invit ed t o at t end a judging day at a Hert fordshire hot el during March 2020.

biz4Biz provides a coherent voice for businesses in Hert fordshire.

They aim t o influence and shape policymaking and encourage invest ment in Hert fordshire by engaging wit h local and cent ral government , relevant public-sect or bodies and local organisat ions t o promot e t he count y of Hert fordshire as a great place t o live and work.

There is no charge t o part icipat e in t he awards programme and t he aim is purely t o promot e t he best Business in each respect ive award cat egory by endeavours.

Follow t hem on t wit t er: @biz4Biz_Awards

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Call for businesses to enter grant scheme As part of Stevenage Borough Council?s commitment to supporting an enterprising and innovative local economy, the council has recently launched its annual Business Grant scheme. Business owners can pitch for grants of up to £2,500 to grow their company.

Grants of £1000, £1,500 and £2,500 are available.

Applicantswill need to demonstrate growth and quality of projects to secure funding.

Funding to support: Introduction of a new product or service Production of a new prototype R&D Expansion into a new market Acquiring a new office/unit

Property improvements Marketing and advertising To be eligible to enter, applicants must be an existing business within Stevenage, demonstrate both business and employment growth and have fewer than 10 staff.

Businesses will also need to explain their future plans and how the money will support them. The closing date is 28 February and successful applicants will be invited to the council?s headquarters in March to pitch on how the money will be spent.

For further information on the grant, and to find out how to apply, visit the websitehttp://www.stevenage.gov.uk/business-advice Last year Bikestop, Stevenage Injury Clinic and We Grow Business were successful.

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Advice issued for driving in cold weather We may have escaped the worst of winter weather so far but drivers have been urged to get their vehicles ready for potential journeys in the cold in February and March.

Motoring experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have released seven guidelines for UK car and van drivers to winter-proof their vehicles, inside and out.

Driving on British roads in unpredictable weather can be rough but doing a little extra preparation and having useful items to hand will make travelling during the winter more pleasant.

A reassured, comfortable and focussed motorist will drive better and safer; a prepared driver owner won?t need to panic in the event of bad weather.

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: ?It?s easy to get distracted and forget to prepare your vehicle for winter driving ? but doing so means you?ll face uncomfortable, miserable and potentially dangerous journeys.

the winter months, so motorists should regularly check safety essentials like brakes and windscreen wipers.

4. Clear vision: Leaving a vehicle parked anywhere during the winter months is an open invitation for a frozen windscreen, so make sure you have a can of de-icer to hand as well as a suitable scraper. It?s also a good idea to pack a cloth or old rag to wipe the glass from the inside, as having the heater on full blast will lead to condensation when the warmth meets the cold air from outside.

5. Keep fuelled: It?s even more vital to keep on top of filling up with petrol or diesel in the winter, to avoid being left stranded in the cold ? so aim to always have a quarter of the tank full.

?We?ve put together some advice that any driver can use to avoid discomfort and distraction when driving in bad weather.?

Keeping yourself fuelled is equally as important and precautions should be taken in case of delays of breakdowns; keep a bottle of water in the car or van, hide an energy-filled snack such as a chocolate bar in the glovebox for emergencies, and on long journeys take a flask.

1. Good wheels:

6. Warm clot hes:

Ensure there is sufficient grip on every tyre to see the vehicle through winter journeys on slippery roads and have accessible wheel chains if travelling through the snow is necessary.

All drivers could be vulnerable to forgetfulness on a cold morning, so prepare for the worst weather by making sure there are gloves, a scarf, a hat and a thick pair of socks tucked away in your vehicle.

2. Tools:

Should the heating or vehicle itself break down, it is also advisable to have a spare jumper, thermal blanket or chemical heat packs in the boot.

It?s recommended that drivers keep a snow shovel in their vehicle in case the car or van gets stuck. A pair of sturdy walking boots is also a good idea, if shelter must be sought on foot.

3. Maint enance: Extra care needs to be taken over the condition of vehicles during

7. Accessories: The best prepared British motorists will have their vehicle well stocked with useful items to see them through the winter.

A full portable phone charger is a glovebox essential in case of breakdown, an old-fashioned paper map is always an advisable back up to a sat-nav and tissues is a must to avoid distraction on the roads.

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Happy hounds and owners heading to Dogfest at Knebworth

The ultimate day out for dogs will be heading to Hertfordshire in 2020, as DogFest returns to Knebworth House from 2 ? 3 May 2020.

Tickets for the paw-some weekend are on sale now.

New for 2020 is a premium festive ticket, which includes fast track entry, a glass of bubbles or beer,

priority parking and a DogFest bandana for your four-legged friend.

DogFest offers an amazing full day out, packed with dog friendly

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attractions, entertainment and activities with plenty of opportunities for your dog to get involved.

Every day DogFest sees The Fun Dog Show; a participatory event where your dog can compete across a number of fun categories, leading to the chance to be crownedBest in Show. Get your pup involved in hay bale racing, test their ability and agility on a variety of courses, and make a splash over at the dog diving pool.

There?s also the chance to visit the Dogs with Jobs area to meet some of the most remarkable working canines in the country and head over to the Hound Hangout to say hello to some of the most famous dogs of Instagram. For those with younger dogs, the Puppy Zone is the perfect place to teach them some basic skills and introduce them to new sights, sounds and sensations which they?ll experience in everyday life.

Wellbeing and education is at the

heart of DogFest 2020, with much of the show content focusing on health and the emotional wellbeing of dogs and their humans. With everything from first aid training, nutrition advice through to the mental health benefits of getting outdoors with your dog.

Supporting the wellbeing focus the obedience ring offers visitors and their dogs a fun and effective activity programme with a positive underlying message ? training bonds the human and their canine pals, creating a healthy and happy relationship. This is an aspect of the show which welcomes all breeds and ages, puppies experiencing their first training session, and older dogs who may need a refresher on their existing skills.

The fun doesn?t stop there, as DogFest will also offer a shopping experience like no other, with a Retail Village featuring hundreds of well-known brands, bespoke producers and delicious food & drink for you and your dog.

For more information about DogFest 2020 and to book tickets visitwww.dog-fest.co.ukand follow DogFest on Facebook @DogFest, Twitter @DogFestUK and Instagram @Dog_Fest Tickets Adult: £17.50 + BF Concession: £12.50 + BF Children: £10.50 +BF Family Ticket: £46.00 + BF DogFest Premium Ticket: £35.00 +BF Weekend Adult: £30.00 + BF Weekend Child: £16.00 + BF Weekend Concession: £21.00 + BF We have teamed up with the organisers to offer a family ticket for four for the day of the winner's choice. To enter simply tell us where in #Herts dogfest will be held this year. Email your entry to hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com We will also be running the competition on our Facebook feed.

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Communication the key to suicide prevention The second anniversary of the Journalist?s Charter for the Sensitive Reporting of Suicide was highlighted at Hertfordshire?s Suicide Prevention Network event on Friday 31 January.

The event brought together over 100 professionals with an interest in suicide prevention and was opened by Hertfordshire County Council?s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Prevention, Cllr Tim Hutchings, who said: ?Suicide Prevention is a key priority for us and this is a great opportunity to reflect on the work achieved since our Suicide Prevention Strategy was produced three years ago, and build on it for our 2020-25 strategy. ?The death of someone by suicide can have a devastating effect on families, friends, colleagues, first responders, staff, the wider community and beyond.

"Positive media coverage such as reports of people overcoming experiences of suicidal thoughts, may be associated with preventing suicide and we are very grateful to the brave people who have the courage to speak out.?

In an age where the negative impact that digital media can have on mental health is widely reported, Hertfordshire?s Suicide Prevention Network also

recognises the positive role digital media can play; providing crisis support, reaching out to people who may be isolated from their community, providing therapy and giving information about sources of support and advice. It has therefore developed a joint Social Media Charter which is now in place alongside the Journalist?s Charter. Cllr Hutchings continued: ?Hertfordshire has a strong partnership approach to preventing suicide and this dedication is highlighted by the number of people attending this event today.

?We appreciate the support of everyone involved, including our local media, for helping us take a united stand.?

Almost all local media are signed up to the Charter.

Further details about the Suicide Prevention Network and support available is available at www.suicidepreventionherts. org.uk If you have been affected by suicide visitwww.suicidepreventionherts. org.ukor call Samaritans on 116 123.

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Inspiring Herts awards The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards Launch took place on January 23rdat the beautiful and historic Hatfield House. With over 100 members, guests and sponsors in attendance, the evening was a fantastic way to officially open the 2020 Awards.

Delegates had the opportunity to speak with a number of the 2020 Category Sponsors during the networking and exhibition.

During the evening, delegates heard from the sponsor of the Education in Employment Award; Penny Carey, Dean of Hertfordshire Law School.

As well as past winners and sponsors: Silvia Vitiello, Moore Kingston Smith; Madeleine Lewis, Silent Sentinel; and Martin Barrett, Sonovision.

This year dual Headline Sponsors for the Awards are Hillier Hopkins and SA Law. During the Launch guests heard from Neil Cundale, Principal, Hillier Hopkins.

The Awards entries are open to all and everyone and anyone is in with a chance of winning. There are 20 categories to enter, including the brand new Year of Culture Award for 2020.

Education in Employment - sponsored by the University of Hertfordshire Law School Entrepreneur of the Year - sponsored by Rothamsted Enterprises Excellence in Customer Commitment - sponsored by Austin?s Family Funeral Directors Excellence in People Development - sponsored by Spaces.

Export Business of the Year - sponsored by Chapman Ventilation

The Inspiring Herts Awards Categories:

Family Business of the Year - sponsored by Ashbourne Insurance Services

Business of the Year North Herts - sponsored by Stevenage Borough council

Most Promising New Business - sponsored by Barclays Bank

Business of the Year East Herts - sponsored by Longmores Solicitors

Property and Construction Project of the Year sponsored by Dobsons

Business of the Year West Herts - sponsored by Porsche Centre Hatfield

The Green Award - sponsored by Borough of Broxbourne

Business of the Year South Herts - sponsored by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Workplace Wellbeing Award - sponsored by VolkerWessels UK

Business of the Year Small to Medium - sponsored by Chasebridge Wealth Management

Year of Culture Award - sponsored by Signature Senior Living

Business of the Year Medium to Large - sponsored by Mobile Account Solutions

Entries remain open until 3pm on March 6th 2020, judging will commence the week of March 23rd, and finalists will be announced from April 6th. Best of luck!

Best use of Technology - sponsored by IT Builder Community Champion - sponsored by Ocado Group Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year - currently available forSponsorship

For more information regarding these awards visit: www.hertschamber.com/inspiring-hertfordshire-a wards-2019

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Save the date for Dogs and Daffs events It?s back! And it?s going to be bigger and better than before!

Come and join us on March 22 at Hatfield House for the sixth Dogs and Daffs Day in aid of Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association.

Hatfield House to hold the sixth Dogs and Daffs Day on March 22, 2020.Money raised from previous events has funded specialist saddles, additional therapeutic rides and has also paid for a new field shelter and riding hats.

This year the local charity is raising funds for a new arena at the specialist facility.

During the Dogs and Daffs day walkers will be able to enjoy Hatfield Park exclusively for a small donation to the charity and dog lovers will be able to enter into a fun dog show. And recognising that this year the event falls on Mother?s Day, there will be some special activities for mums and their mutts!

Chairman of the Digswell Place Group RDA, Sue Clarke said: ?A new arena is the next step forward for us. This additional facility will enable us to increase the number of therapeutic rides we provide.

We currently help over 100 people aged between 2 and 65 with a variety of disabilities from the local area. Riding helps core strength, balance, speech, coordination and socialisation.?

Digswell Place Group RDA has teamed up with the Stable Yard at

There will be agility, flyball and trick training displays plus scurry racing for visitors to take part in again for a small donation to the charity.

Sue added: ?This is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a fabulous family day out with their canine companions and help raise money for a local charity which works with local people. ?We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received over the last few years from visitors and event sponsors and look forward to another successful day in 2020." * This year visitors will be able to buy early bird tickets online at www.dogsanddaffs.weebly.com.

Please visit the website to secure

your reduced rate entry as well as finding out more about the event.

Digswell Place Group RDA is run by volunteers and relies entirely on fundraising efforts.

The Group works with more than 100 riders and provided over 2100 therapeutic rides last year.

The annual running cost for the Digswell Place stables is in the region of ÂŁ60,000 - all of which has to be raised through donations. There are 14 specially trained horses and ponies providing rides for adults and children with any kind of disability.

For more information visit www.digswellplacerda.org.uk

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Kids getting creative as part of Herts Year of culture As Hertfordshire Year of Culture kicks off, young people are being given the chance to get creative in museums throughout the county.

Hertfordshire County Council has teamed up with the National Heritage Lottery Fund to create ?A Space To Be? ?Creative workshops, which are aimed at improving the wellbeing of young people.

These exciting workshops are being run in the spring, summer and autumn terms, by the council?s Hertfordshire Museums Development Team in partnership with museums across the county.

Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Education, Libraries and Localism at Hertfordshire County Council, said: ?This exciting project will provide young people with the opportunity to take part in a variety of creative activities and to discover more about some of the fascinating objects in our museums. ?It is the latest in a long line of partnerships and events being organised to celebrate Hertfordshire?s Year of Culture in 2020 and we look forward to seeing A Space To Be? really take off.?

Museums in Hatfield, Hitchin, Royston, St Albans, Stevenage and Watford, will be offering the workshops to young people aged 14 to 18, in full-time education, to give them opportunities to socialise away from the pressure of exams. Workshops will take place after school with food provided.

Young people will be referred by the pastoral team at their school. This should be the first port of call for parents who would like their teenagers to be involved.

The workshops will give young people the chance to

work with artists and health professionals in activities that will encourage creativity, increase their personal resilience and help safeguard their mental health.

Writers, photographers, musicians and visual artists will work with them to create artworks inspired by museum collections.

The Hertfordshire Year of Culture 2020 will see organisations across the county working together to celebrate, share and explore Hertfordshire?s arts, culture and heritage.

A Space To Be? is being delivered with support from the Ollie Foundation, a charity providing training and other services to prevent suicide in young people.

To find out more call or text 07746 578 292 or email aspacetobeherts@gmail.com

Hot tickets ahead for The Horn St Albans BLACKWATERS / RAMONA MARX / SOURDOUGH Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Blackwaters are a fourpiece from the depths of nothingness. And yet despite their murky background, they've turned aggro, pent-up frustration and total utter boredom into rampant, shouty, spit-fuelled, BO-inducing, agitated punk rock 'n' roll.

OUTRAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Sat urday, February 15, 2020 A tribute to Rage Against The Machine.

THE HOW LERS / THE TUESDAY CLUB / ALL IN MOTION / BELONGING Thursday, February 20, 2020 London?s Desert Rockers The Howlers have gone on to receive critical acclaim for their ferocious broodingly emotive live performances, quickly establishing the band as one of the UK?s must see emerging bands.

LUCIA AND THE BEST BOYS Monday, February 24, 2020 Formerly known as LUCIA, the newly rechristened Lucia & The Best Boys head to The Horn ...AND YOU W ILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD Wednesday, March 11, 2020 ... an American alternative rock band from Austin, Texas. The chief members of the band are Jason Reece and Conrad Keely (formerly Conrad Sobsamai). The two alternate between drumming, guitar and lead vocals, both on recordings and live shows. The band is known for their wild, energetic concerts.

ARCHIE FAULKS / CHRIS SIMS / DAN THOMAS Thursday, March 12, 2020 London based singer-songwriter. He previously toured and released music as Tenterhook and has toured with Isaac Gracie, Asgier, Luke Sital-Singh, Delilah Montagu and more.

FAUX FIGHTERS UK Sat urday, March 14, 2020 A Tribute to the the Foo Fighters Faux Fighters' live shows are explosive events and the band go to every effort to reproduce the raw power and dynamics of the original band.

GUNS 2 ROSES Sat urday, March 21, 2020 THE Guns and Roses tribute THE ESTEVANS Wednesday, March 25, 2020

One of the most exciting bands on the UK scene are without a doubt Guildford indie rockers The Estevan?s.

Influenced by the Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, The Libertines SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS Sat urday, March 28, 2020 A tribute to The Specials, and Madness OHASIS Sat urday, April 4, 2020 Oasis Tribute EVERYONE YOU KNOW Thursday, April 9, 2020 EYK are like Everyone You Know ? if everyone you know has a keen ear for the vital sounds of post-millennial Britain, from The Streets to Arctic Monkeys and all hip hop points in between?

Bet h Row ley

Evening with an icon Petty Criminals bring an evening of classic rock to The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage onTuesday March 24th in the shape of an American icon and one of the greatest songwriters and greatest bands of our time: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

The ?Criminals?dig deep into the life, the music and the incredible influence of the man. Cited alongside artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger and John Mellencamp the band's music has been characterized as both Southern rock and heartland rock.

While the heartland rock movement waned in the 1990s, the band remained active and popular, touring regularly until Petty's death in 2017, after which the Heartbreakers disbanded.

The band was formed a year later in early 2018 by Nigel Minchin.

Although he had been a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers since the late ?70s, when he first heard

with a blond wig and a fake American accent.

Our shows are musically authentic; we tell stories to put the tracks into context and let the great man explain things himself through his wonderful songs.?

?Refugee?, he had lost track of what Tom Petty had been doing in recent years as he got little media exposure in the UK and rarely toured Europe. After Tom Petty died Nigel revisited his back catalogue and discovered many hidden gems and also realised how much he loved the classics and decided to form a band to pay tribute to his musical hero. ?Whilst we recreate the sound as closely as possible,?Nigel explains, ?I made the conscious decision not to pretend to be Tom Petty himself,

From deep cuts to greatest hits, you?ll journey through early hits like ?American Girl?, ?Breakdown?and ?Refugee?, through the ?80s and early ?90s with classics like ?Freefallin?, ?Runnin?Down A Dream?, ?I Won?t Back Down?and ?Learning To Fly?with highlights from the seminal album Wildflowers and various musical outings including collaborations with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and the Traveling Wilburys.

This show is an unforgettable musical journey through the life and works of one of the greatest and much missed rock stars of our time.

Tollers help you through the dispute process To Lit igat e or Mediat e t hat is t he quest ion?

Unfortunately, almost all of us will be involved in a dispute of some kind or other in our lives. You may have purchased something that is not working correctly or received a service which is not to the required standard.

Tollers Solicitors Dispute Resolution team in Stevenage has a wealth of experience not only in advising clients on the merits of their claim and the court process, but also in resolving disputes through using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Here Nicholas Phillips from the team looks at the alternative options available to you should you decide to pursue a claim.

Nicol a Hol t on ? Senior Associat e, Duncan Nichol son ? Managing Part ner , Trist an Benson ? Part ner and Head of Disput e Resol ut ion, Vict oria Graham ? Sol icit or , Nichol as Phil l ips ? Senior Associat e.

W hat are t he alt ernat ives?

The most common alternatives are adjudication, mediation, arbitration or negotiation.

Adjudicat ion Adjudication is widely recognised as the ?pay now, argue later?mechanism for resolving disputes. It is generally used to resolve construction disputes and is designed to protect cash flow for business, by preventing one party withholding cash payments for significant periods of time.

Mediat ion Mediation is becoming the most common method of Alternative Dispute Resolution. It involves appointing a neutral independently trained mediator whose aim is to try and narrow the issues in dispute, with the ultimate view of achieving a settlement. The intervention of a third party mediator can often help the parties to take a step back and consider matters with more objectivity.

Arbit rat ion During an arbitration, an impartial professional is instructed to make a decision on the dispute. The decision of the arbitrator is binding on the parties and there are limited grounds to appeal any decision. Arbitration is generally quicker than pursuing matters through the Court process.

Negot iat ion Negotiations will generally be the first port of call when trying to resolve a dispute. They can take many forms including discussion between parties, calls between instructed solicitors or even a round table meeting between the parties. Negotiation can be the quickest and cheapest means of resolving matters, however, the parties must engage with the process and be willing to compromise.

W hy should you look t o resolve mat t ers t hrough alt ernat ive met hods?

The main reason, as with most things, is cost. Litigating matters through to a contested trial can be a costly process and incredibly time consuming. For businesses especially, it can be very disruptive.

There is an expectation from the courts that parties will engage in some form of ADR before going to trial. A failure to do this, or an unreasonable refusal can result in costly consequences for a party. In our experience, more disputes are settling these days by way of negotiation or mediation, and parties should certainly consider these options before engaging in the costly court process. Having clear advice on what the best options are for you can help to save time and costs. If you would like more information on your options ? t alk t o Tollers on 01438 901095 and Nicholas and t he t eam will be happy t o assist .

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On the final journey Funeral t ransport : Making your last journey personal There are many sayings in life about journeys and travel. A journey is a common metaphor for life itself and they form the basis of numerous inspirational quotes.

But we?re also a generation of physical globetrotters. We plot where we want to go, what we want to do; we have scratch maps to complete, bucket lists to fulfil.

So the final journey we make after we?ve passed away is, surely, just as significant. By choosing a mode of transport and a route to take to the final resting place, which are personal to the deceased, a funeral can feel more about their life than their death. It?s not about going into the dark and unknown, but celebrating life and creating more memories.

Our blog on personalising funerals [link to personalising funerals blog] touched on transport, but here we?ll look at it in more depth.

Why is funeral transport so significant?

There are two aspects to personalising funeral transport.

Firstly, it allows the deceased to travel in a way that is very personal to them, whether this is

by their own planning before they pass away, or down to friends and family fulfilling their wishes on their behalf. This might be in a vehicle they owned themselves, something they loved going in, or perhaps even always wanted to experience!

There was a story in the news recently of a man who?s dying wish it was to have his coffin transported in the bucket of the JCB he drove for 30 years. There are some beautiful pictures online of the JCB taking him on the short journey from his home to the funeral, followed by his family and friends on foot. (https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/24/ granddad-taken-funeralbucket-jcb-9294632/) The second aspect is about those left behind. Depending on the transport chosen, they can walk alongside, drive, or, in the case of a hand pulled bier, even carry their loved one themselves and be beside them right until the end. In some cases, following a traditional black hearse in a funeral car may feel quite distant and unfamiliar for the bereaved, perhaps even a bit stressful. It?s important to see how something as seemingly insignificant as the transport can

help our stress and mental attitude at such a difficult time. [link to funeral stress blog] A study by the Co-op revealed that more and more people want their funerals to be personal and celebratory affairs with Land Rovers and rainbow-hued vehicles to take them to their final resting places ? and companies are responding to these wishes up and down the country!

W hat t ypes of t ransport are available?

At Austin?s, we can arrange various modes of transport and always do our best to make your wishes happen. Aside from our traditional black hearses and limousines, we can offer?

A motorbike hearse with a sidecar for the coffin A VW campervan, A variety of different model Land Rovers A 1950 vintage lorry A hand pulled coffin bier, which has been in the Austin?s family for generations A horse-drawn carriage with black or white horses

#Herts magazine

There's love in the air for wildlife of #Herts As we celebrate Valentine?s Day by showering our loved ones with cards and gifts, in the wild parts of our county other animals will be thinking about love too.

The days around Valentine?s Day often herald the beginning of spring in a few weeks?time. At this time of year, millions of toads across the country, triggered by hormonal changes, will emerge from their overwintering sites ? dry banks, compost heaps, dead wood or garden ponds ? and begin their migration. Their instinct will lead them back to their breeding grounds to find a mate. This journey can take them up to three miles ? a walk equivalent to around 50 miles for us humans.

In our modern world, their routes are riddled with roads, railways and other obstacles, making this voyage a very dangerous one. As a result, hundreds of thousands of toads never make it home to their breeding ponds. In early spring nights, so-called volunteertoad patrolswill man crossings with many toads passing and help the animals cross safely. Despite these efforts, road deaths are having a significant impact on populations, but the biggest factor, like for many other wildlife, is the loss of habitat and suitable breeding ponds in particular, which has led to a decline of toad numbers by nearly 70% in the past 30 years River

alone.

If we were to travel 50 miles on foot, we too would come across obstacles such as roads, railway tracks or built-up areas. However, contrary to toads, we have dedicated crossings and bridges we can use to stay safe along the way. The journey of a toad is a good example of why our natural world desperately needs aLiving Landscape: nature reserves are great havens for wildlife, but they are not enough to stop wildlife decline. Our natural world needs green corridors that connect habitats through which toads and other animals can travel.

This is why Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust works beyond its nature reserves, together with landowners, councils and other organisations to create, maintain andconnectwild spaces across the county. From towns and cities to

gardens and golf courses, all the spaces we inhabit have the potential to support wildlife as well. But we all have to play our part in helping wildlife thrive. Our gardens take up more space than all of Britain?s nature reserves put together, so if we all did just a little bit for wildlife in our garden, we could create a network of wild spaces across the country.

If you would like to give our struggling toads and other wildlife a helping hand, why not build a pond in your garden? Find out how at wildaboutgardens.org.uk.

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360 Play #Stevenage to host World Book Day costume swap The area?s favourit e family ent ert ainment cent re is put t ing sust ainabilit y t op of t he list .

As a family focused business, 360 Play are always looking t o t he fut ure and are always searching for ways t o be more carbon friendly and sust ainable. As many of t he 360 Team are parent s t hey underst and t he const ant t o-do list of modern parent ing and ahead of World Book Day on Thursday 5t h March will be host ing a cost ume swap session at t heir St evenage Leisure Park locat ion on Monday 10t h February. Cost ume swapping is t he most fun way t o recycle! Children get new-t o-t hem cost umes and parent s get t o save money and do t heir bit for t he planet at t he same t ime.

World Book Day comes just once a year and most cost umes will only be worn once? maybe t wice if t here?s a younger sibling willing t o wear it anot her year.

Chances are t hat your cost umes are st ill in good enough shape t o be passed along t o anot her child and so at 360 Play World Book Day just got more parent AND planet friendly.

Here is how it works!

Drop off your clean, gent ly used cost umes t o 360 Play unt il 10t h February and t hey?ll give you a t icket t o

come back t o t he event on 10t h February aft er 3pm t o find a new cost ume. If you already have a cost ume sort ed but would st ill like t o donat e t hen all cost ume donat ions will be grat efully received at t he cent re recept ion.

360 Play is a popular dest inat ion for families wit h young children and feat ures t he company?s t ried and t est ed formula of a wide range of act ivit ies for all children, from t oddlers up t o t he age of 12.

Everyt hing is designed so t hat adult s can join in t oo ? including t he cent ral play st ruct ure, t he carousel, bumper cars and much more ? providing a t rue family day out opport unit y, what ever t he weat her.

For more informat ion on 360 Play visit www.360play.co.uk

Slam Dunk Hatfield 2020

Slam Dunk Hatfield 2020

Showing no signs of slowing down, Slam Dunk Fest ival cont inues t o cement t heir alt ernat ive st anding, revealing punk st alwart s Sum 41 as co-headliners wit h Don Broco, t he ret urn of Punk In Drublic led by NOFX, t he t ransat lant ic powerhouse billing of Billy Talent , The Used, The St ory So Far, t he world-exclusive reunion of We Are The In Crowd and homegrown t alent wit h Basement alongside t he reunion of hardcore mob Your Demise, Dream St at e and Grayscale for t he May Bank Holiday Weekend.

Lead by t he inimit able presence of front man Deryck W hibley, Sum 41 capt ured t he spirit of a generat ion wit h ant hems of ult imat e defiance spat st raight int o t he face of t he mainst ream. W it h early records ?All Killer, No Filler?and ?Does This Look Infect ed?boast ing some of t he most definit ive and influent ial songs of t he era, Sum 41proves t heir ferocit y cont inues t o run deep wit h sevent h album as ?Order In Decline?shaking up t he rock world. The Grammy-nominat ed Canadian punk-post erboys have scored mult i-plat inum albums across t he globe, embarked on eleven headline and 7 co-headline t ours spanning many cont inent s and have won count less awards from t he likes of t he Juno Awards ? making t hem more t han qualified t o appearance as a Slam Dunk Fest ival headliner. Sharing t he st at us wit h previously announced co-headliner Don Broco, t he set -t o-be iconic performances from bot h headline act s will not clash.

angst -ridden rock. St aying at t he t op of t heir game in t heir 25 year career hist ory, Billy Talent will be at Slam Dunk demonst rat ing exact ly how.

Burst ing ont o t he scene as Billy Talent wit h t heir self-t it led debut album in t he early 2000s, t he Canadian punk rock out fit has since proved t heir st aying power wit h a remarkable mult i-plat inum discography and unrivalled live experience feat uring Benjamin?s Kowalewicz?s st andout vocals against t heir jagged

Having only performed at Slam Dunk once in 2011 before t heir hiat us, grunge-rock out fit Basement will ret urn in 2020, promising modern melodic empat hy. Hailing from Ipswich, t heir lat est singles Be Here No / Are You The One sees t he band ret urn t o form following t heir 2012

St anding as t rue pioneers of emo, The Used will bring t heir genre-defining spect acular t o Slam Dunk for t he first t ime next year. Achieving plat inum success wit h t heir self-t it led debut and follow up in ?In Love and Deat h?, The Used?s longevit y is t he product of t heir baying honest y and unrelent ing passion, promising an emphat ic display when t hey perform hit s such as ?The Tast e of Ink?, ?Pret t y Handsome Awkward?or ?I Caught Fire?.

Following a raucous punk-part y-st art ing debut at last year?s Slam Dunk Fest ival, NOFX are set t o bring Punk In Drublic t o bot h Leeds and Hat field for anot her year, alongside Californian punk kings Pennywise t hat will grace t he covet ed slot . W it h act s st ill t o be announced, t he curat ion by Fat Mike promises t o be t he only place t o cat ch punk royalt y.

One of t he most visible pop-punk bands on t he scene, The St ory So Far are a band following t heir own pat h.

Incorporat ing element s of hardcore int o t heir bouncy verses, t he Californian act have been relent lessly writ ing and t ouring since t he release of Under Soil And Dirt in 2011.

Releasing t heir lat est Proper Dose last Sept ember, The St ory So Far?s energet ic ret urn t o Slam Dunk Fest ival will be an unforget t able moment .

album Colourmeinkindness.

In a world exclusive especially for Slam Dunk Fest ival 2020, We Are The In Crowd will reunit e for what is set t o be a whirlwind celebrat ion of t heir lat e 2000s pop-punk prest ige. Signed

by Hopeless Records aft er news of t he bands Myspace page hacking, punchy vocals from Tay Jardine and Jordan Eckes and upbeat at t it ude won over audiences in t he st at es and beyond.

Recording wit h Zack Odom and Kennet h Mount (All Time Low, Jimmy Eat World, Mayday Parade) WATIC?s records Best Int ent ions and Weird Kids are a t ime capsule t o a golden era of pop punk.

A rit e of passage for lovers of t he alt ernat ive, Slam Dunk ret urns once again as a key dat e in t he fest ival calendar. Slam Dunk Fest ival Nort h will t ake place on Sat urday 23rd May 2020 at Temple Newsam and Slam Dunk Sout h will t ake place on Sunday 24t h May 2020 at Hat field Park.

Ticket s are on sale now.

In a monument al move, last year saw Slam Dunk operat e as a fully green field fest ival, shift ing away from it s urban beginnings as Slam Dunk Nort h made it s debut at Leeds Temple Newsam sit e, joining Slam Dunk Sout h in a park locat ion as it enjoyed it s second year at Hat field Park.

Celebrat ing t en years since t he first Slam Dunk Sout h dat e, 2020?s May Bank Holiday weekend is t he only place t o cat ch t he world?s very best alt ernat ive music.

TICKET INFORMATION Limit ed early bird t icket s are st ill available for ÂŁ64 + booking fees, wit h t he price rising t o ÂŁ69 + booking fees for general admission t icket s soon.

For more informat ion or t o purchase t icket s, please visit www.slamdunkfest ival.com.

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.

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

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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

Getting into the garden Things are st art ing t o change in t he garden and February gives us our first signs of t his. Days are get t ing longer, t he eart h is warming (ever so slight ly) and bulbs are st art ing t o emerge from t he ground. It ?s now t he t ime t o get int o t he garden and st art t he preparat ion for spring.

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 n eeds our at t en t i on ...

Start chittingearly potatoes- stand them on end in a module tray or egg box and place them in a bright, cool, frost-free place.

Prepare vegetable seed beds by removing all weeds and forking in plenty of compost. Cover prepared soil with sheets of black plastic to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for spring planting.

Buildraised beds now, before the growing season gets underway.

Raised beds allow you to make an

early start in the garden; the soil warms up faster and raised beds drain quickly too, so they?re a great way to deal with clay soils.

Cut back shrubs, such ascornusand salix cultivars (grown for their

colourful winter stems), down to their bases.

Prune summer-flowering clematis towards the end of the month, before active growth begins. For advice on the best way to do it, check ourclematis pruning guide.

Cut back the old foliage fromornamental grasses before growth begins. Clip them to within a few centimetres of the ground.

Prepare your seed beds. As long as the ground isn?t frozen, you can cultivate beds

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Wedding and party package Can you af f ord t o miss t he Forum's wedding package?

As l ong as booking is made by t he end of t his year wit h deposit paid it can be used f or t he ent ire 2020.

For a remarkabl e ÂŁ3,000 you can have excl usive use of t he f ul l suit e upst airs incl uding Fairview suit e. Incl udes: -

Room f rom 10am-midnight Cat ers up t o 500 Ful l use of t he kit chen and abil it y t o bring in booze and f ood.

Incl ude securit y 1 hot el room Col our t heme upl ight ers and use of screens f or phot os

For part ies, weddings recept ions, birt hdays and charit y event s we are t he venue f or you.

Book by Sept ember 30 2019 and use t his t o t he end of 2019.

Part y package incl udes: -

Noon - Midnight Ext ended bar l icence on appl icat ion ÂŁ500 per room, accommodat e 200 peopl e.

Can increase capacit y by booking a second room f or a 50% discount .

Incl udes dance f l oor, securit y, t abl e l inen and bar st af f , upl ight er and screens.

Cal l us now on 01438 779955

And how about our amazing part y package?

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Book the best conference facilities for your business

Do you want t he very best f or your business?

The Forum Conf erence and Banquet ing Suit es in St evenage of f er t he f inest f acil it ies and t he best rat es - and we now have a special booking of f er which wil l al l ow you t o book f rom now unt il April 30 2020.

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Dail y Del egat e rat e - f rom just ÂŁ25 f or a minimum of 10 peopl e Every 10t h person is f ree and a bot t l e of f izz f or t he booker.

Ideal meet ing space f or 20 peopl e, af t ernoon t ea cof f ee and cakes and l unch

Arrival t ea cof f ee and f resh baked past ries avail abl e Take a break wit h mid-morning t ea, cof f ee and biscuit s Af t ernoon hot and col d working buf f et l unch avail abl e Af t ernoon t ea, cof f ee and a sweet t reat f or al l del egat es Al l bookings incl ude f ul l use of st at ionery, room hire and equipment hire

Quot e Code: Forumbiz19 Cal l 01438 779955 and book now

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Spotlight on #Herts

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Welwyn Parish is located in central Hertfordshire and has a population of approximately 10,000.

The Parish boundary follows the old Great North Road (now B197), the A1M motorway and parallel

London-York-Edinburgh railway. The parish comprises the village itself, Digswell, Oaklands and Mardley Heath. Welwyn village is home to a vibrant economy and vast number of thriving independent businesses. We stopped off in Welwyn and took a look

at this lovely village and are proud to present some of the businesses here.

Simply click on the image and link straight to their website to find out more about them and to get in contact.

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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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