NH Now - Winter 2019

NOW 1

JA

NH

NU

AR

Y

1 20

9

News Tackling loneliness in North Hertfordshire

Views

‘Ruff’ guide to dog friendly pub walks

Countryside volunteers share their stories Tips to shake off that financial hangover

Your Community Magazine

Events

Museum exhibition, shows and springtime walks

Photo by Tamara Locke (Instagram: @tamaralocke) NH Now January 2019

2

Keep up to date with @NorthHerts

Are you keeping up to date with news in North Herts? NHDC has launched a new email bulletin service called @NorthHerts, which delivers news from the Council straight to your inbox. There are a range of topics so you only need to sign up for what interests you, and you can change your preferences at any time.

Topics include latest news, events, waste and recycling, North Hertfordshire Museum and Active North Herts. You can also use it to find out about any disruption to services or to find out what job opportunities there are at the Council.

CONTACTING NHDC

It is quick and easy to sign up, simply visit the @NorthHerts sign up page www.north-herts.gov.uk/subscribe to find out more.

Welcome to the second edition of our digital magazine, NH Now. In this edition, take a look at the New Year Resolutions set by our Council Leader , as well as by some of the community groups and champions in our district and find out more about local solutions to tackling loneliness and social isolation. We also celebrate some of the wonderful dog friendly pubs and walks in our district and round up some of the events going on in our towns and villages.

The magazine is interactive, it contains video content and links to websites where you can contact contributors directly for more information.

If you volunteer or work for a community focused organisation in North Hertfordshire and have an idea for content for future editions, please email us: PressOffice@north-herts.gov.uk - we’d love to hear from you.

Sarah Kingsley, NHDC Communications Manager

Most NHDC services can be accessed online. Find out how to report an issue, apply for a licence, pay a bill or apply for benefits, all through our website: www.north-herts.gov.uk

Other ways to contact us

www.facebook.com/northertsDC

01462 474000 @NorthHertsDC

In person: Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, SG6 3JF

NH Now January 2019

3

NH Now feature

Beating Loneliness with Tea and Cake If you’ve visited the Morrison’s Café in Letchworth recently, you may have spotted a sign on one of the tables inviting you to sit down and have a chat over a cuppa, and you may be wondering exactly what it’s all about…

NH Now January 2019

NH Now feature

4

Research shows that 45 per cent of UK adults sometimes experience loneliness and that lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease and depression.

Morrison’s Café hosted its first ‘chatter table’ in mid–December.

The idea behind it is to provide an opportunity for people to drop in for a chat and to meet new people. They are informal so that people can drop in as they wish, without having to commit to attending a group or activity on a more regular basis.

Sarah Jenkinson from NHDC’s Communications Team dropped in to experience a ‘chatter table’ first hand. She said: “I felt a bit daunted at the prospect of going along initially, but I needn’t have worried. I received a very warm welcome from everyone. It was a really relaxed space for people to talk; whether it’s for five minutes while you drink your coffee, or for an hour of good conversation.”

Guests included a recently retired lady from Letchworth and a resident from one of the nearby villages. Lynne and Chris from an organisation called Small Acts of Kindness also dropped in to tell people about their project where they source and distribute gift bags to elderly, vulnerable residents in Hertfordshire to keep them warm in winter.

Susan from the Letchworth Library also popped in to let everyone know about a new group launching at the library called Pic-n-Mix. Sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of every month, with upcoming sessions taking place on 13 February and 13 March. Drop in for tea and

NH Now January 2019

5

To find out more: More chatter tables will be held over the coming months, and will be publicised locally and online prior to each event.

If you are interested in finding out more about chatter tables, being part of the Connectors Army, or would like information on local groups: Visit: hertfordshire.gov.uk/connectinglives Call: Herts Help on 0300 123 4044 Email: Connectinglives@hertfordshire.gov.uk Watch: View the You Tube video here

biscuits, have a chat and make new friends. There will be various activities and themed sessions on offer.

The chatter table forms part of the ‘Connecting Lives’ campaign, recently launched by Hertfordshire County Council, backed by NHDC. The campaign aims to tackle loneliness and its ill-effects on elderly people, in particular 65 to 75-year-olds, who are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a serious effect on health and wellbeing.

Research shows that 45 per cent of UK adults sometimes experience loneliness and that lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease and depression. Just getting out and having a friendly chat can make a big difference.

Letchworth has been selected as a pilot for the project, due to the fact it has a particularly high proportion of residents who have either recently retired or who are living alone.

A key part of the campaign is recruiting a local ‘Connectors Army’, made up of people who interact with the public through their daily jobs – such as hairdressers, taxi drivers, pharmacists and shop workers. Their role involves signposting people they come across to the many groups and social activities on offer locally. So far over 50 people in Letchworth have signed up to be part of the Connectors Army.

If you are interested in helping care for our precious green spaces, you can become a volunteer with the Countryside Management Service (CMS) - visit www.hertfordshire. gov.uk/cms volunteering to find out more.

NH Now January 2019

6

Home-Start Hertfordshire Home-Start Hertfordshire provides life-changing support for local families who are facing challenging times. The charity works with vulnerable families and their children, providing practical and emotional support through a range of services, including 1:1 homevisiting support, family-group support and schools support via a school readiness programme.

Home-Start’s biggest challenge continues to be funding. Currently there are 73 families waiting for support from Home-Start and each of these families is struggling and at risk of breakdown. However, with the start of 2019, comes great excitement with new ventures and projects in the pipeline.

As a self-funded charity, income generation is essential. Events are just one of the ways they fundraise and their 2019/20 event schedule is packed, including skydives, pancake races, themed evenings and various other activities throughout the year.

An example of the work done by Home-Start centres is Becky’s story. North Herts-based Becky suffers from severe mental health problems that make it difficult for her to cope. A Home-Start family mentor visits her at home for two hours each week. She helps Becky attend medical appointments, sort through paperwork and bills and supports her to get out of the house with the children. Becky’s mentor has also helped her develop her parenting skills and introduce routines and boundaries for the children.

Since Home-Start support began, Daisy, her daughter, has gained confidence and now goes to nursery and Thomas, her son, has achieved 100% school attendance for the first half term. There has also been a noticeable improvement in both children’s behaviour in terms of them being calmer and going to bed on time.

NH Now life

With regards to family support, it is going to be a busy and productive year. Home-Start successfully secured funding for the preparation and set up of a county wide perinatal mental health support project, Out of the Blue. The project involves working closely with mental health teams and other statutory services to support mothers at risk of mental health issues pre and post pregnancy.

Home-Start is primarily a volunteer-led service and as such is always on the lookout for volunteers, either to support families or to help with fundraising and events. In March they will be running a preparation course for volunteers who want to train to become family mentors.

The course will be run Please contact the office on 01438 367788 in Stevenage and is or admin@home-startherts.org.uk if you delivered across eight weeks in a group. wish to volunteer or for more information.

NH Now January 2019

7

New Year Resolutions

ader spoke to the Le d an s et re st e th am hit ssadors NHDC’s Press Te and their amba ps ou gr y it un m com of the Council, s for 2019: about their goal s Community ager at Coombe an M e tr en C , Gillian Morland usive’. This Centre, Royston: to be ‘more incl is n tio lu so re ’s l ages “Our New Year facilities to suit al g in ady made id ov pr at g lookin ne. We have alre yo er ev by le ib means we will be ss ntre acce community make all of the ce ntre, thanks to a ce e th of or flo and abilities and r the uppe installed a lift to a start and have C.” grant from NHD my tock organiser: 17. So come 2019 ls 20 Ba le e, ab ch er is Ro m a La r G and relax afte back on a year to reflect Music Festival is n ck ke to ta ls e Ba I’v e.

18 tiv 20 ea “In uctive and cr as well as ck to being prod organising that, to in h et te y m g focus is to get ba d to gettin f out. For me, a h looking forwar lst sorting mysel hi w er rn bu and I’m very muc ck the ba ojects I’ve put on many musical pr e!” a new lease of lif new year means e Council: r the am, Leader of th peaceful year; fo dh e ee or N m a , er nd th Ly oo llr C ices our HDC is for a sm tion to the serv resolution for N up ’s sr ar di Ye no ew d N an y “M the Museum government, full opening of money for local e or m r fo h is completion and w finally, a and expect. And residents rely on ding Review.” following its Spen chin: r of Farleys, Hit ne ow now in it's 12th r, ke al -W air Emporium, is H s y' Felix Camfield rle Fa , op ay to y sh ling from miles aw be a busy one! M el to av tr g s in er go om is st 9 “201 and we have cu ver been busier ne s ha d an ar ye s experience.

I started over enjoy the Farley' ic and Dub Club ss la C n ow -T H e pes for ar I've just taken ects I have high ho ub in the country. cl e cl hi ve sic Several large proj as cl g on 19 the fastest growin r our next festival w fo s no is an pl d of an ts o, lo ag a year Festival and have party that of the Walsworth ugust, the street A ip in sh al an iv st rm ai Fe ch ad er ov Hermitage Ro the profile of se it'll be our 3rd e started it to lift w n he w ed in May. Then of cour ag uld have im t…bring it on!” than any of us co our busiest year ye be to g in has grown faster go is e 2019 n road. It looks lik the once run-dow tchworth ouse Hospice, Le H n de ar G , EO C onths.

Sue Plummer, over the last 12 m t or pp su r ei th r community fo k everyone in the an th ss our to e lik d e’ “W w people to acce ne h ac re to ue we contin be in the developments as s, whether that si no ag di r ei th 2019 brings new er stage in ar will also see pport at an earli re home. This ye ca or e m services and su ho n ow rough the local area th fort of a patient’s in m s co es e lin th ne in , lo d ce Hospi al isolation an apeutic combatting soci ospice Care ther H in se es nc ou H va n ad r de ar he furt heme. The G unity hubs, te Neighbours sc erapy and comm Th re tu ul tic or our Compassiona H ugh our ts with some inue to grow thro ops in North Her sh ity ar ch courses will cont w ne ors to opening the do and we will be up for grabs!” fantastic bargains NH Now January 2019

NH Now feature

8

p l e h d n a r e e t n u Vol the Nor

Got a bit of free time and a love of all things rural? Why not volunteer with the Countryside Management Service (CMS).

CMS works closely with NHDC to help maintain and develop our wonderful North Herts parks and nature reserves.

NH Now January 2019

th

ntrys u o c e r i sh Hertford

ide

9

We went to speak to two CMS volunteers while they were volunteering at Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve in Hitchin recently, to find out about their volunteering experiences.

Roy’s Story “My name is Roy Vandy. I’m 78 years old and come from Ickleford.

I first got involved in volunteering with CMS in the summer of 2005 when I retired. I was brought up on a farm but worked in an office all my life, so it’s been great to be able to spend more time outside in the countryside and to help with its management.

I volunteer every Thursday with CMS on different wildlife sites in North Herts. I am a CMS Health Walk Leader and the walk I lead sets off from the Hitchin Hill area in Hitchin every Tuesday. The walk encourages people of all ages and abilities to get outside, meet other people and enjoy a walk in the countryside together. I am also part of the Friends of Oughtonhead Common – a group of local people that meet regularly to carry out habitat management at Oughtonhead. This can include cutting back trees, hedge laying, installing gates, maintaining pathways and many other jobs.

I would definitely recommend volunteering with CMS, because whatever your age or ability, you will be welcome and you can do as little or as much as you like. There is always a great sense of camaraderie and you get a huge sense of satisfaction.”

I would definitely recommend volunteering with CMS, because whatever your age or ability, you will be welcome and you can do as little or as much as you like.

NH Now January 2019

10

Volunteering is a good day out in the fresh air, a good work out and I get to spend time with a great bunch of people who are all here for the same reason as me

David’s Story “My name is David Cannon. I’m 61 and live in Hitchin. I have been volunteering for CMS since 1988. At the time I was working full time and could only volunteer on occasional weekends, but in 2005 I retired and have been a mid week volunteer with CMS ever since.

NH Now feature

Volunteering is a good day out in the fresh air, a good work out and I get to spend time with a great bunch of people who are all here for the same reason as me. Today for example, we have been clearing the land of small trees and bushes which are coming up and developing into secondary woodland. By cutting them down it will allow the light to reach the ground and many more plants will be able to grow.

I’m part of the CMS Thursday group which works at different places across the district each week. I’m also a volunteer group leader, authorised driver for the group and a first aider. I lead the Friends of Oughtonhead Common – a volunteer group of local residents who work to help maintain and protect Oughtonhead Common and I also lead a Health Walk at Walsworth in Hitchin each week – my group is a ‘beginners walk’ for people who are just getting into walking again or who can’t walk too far.

If anyone is thinking of becoming a volunteer for CMS, I say do it. You get to make a positive impact on the wildlife and countryside, you have a laugh with your fellow volunteers and if you are having a bad day, coming out and doing something like this always makes you feel better.”

There are lots of different volunteering opportunities available. Find out more here

NH Now January 2019

11

Just

be a Child

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, buy toys or anything educational such as books, Lenka was determined to set up a charity on her return.

The aim of Just be a Child is to create and support libraries and 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 and 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, Just be a Child has been reliant on the vital support of removal and storage specialist Dollimore and Christie. Based just outside of Hitchin, the business has stepped up and offered vital storage space for the books and equipment due to be shipped out.

Commenting on their support, James Christie, director of Dollimore and Christie said: “We are proud to have been supporting the charity for the past four years, it is such a great cause and Lenka is very enthusiastic about it and the impact it is making.

“Our role is that we let them have storage room for the things that they collect and they are then stored here until ready to ship - we will then give her a hand before the items are needed for shipping.”

Each library and learning centre contains 5,000 books, learning material, many toys and games and arts and crafts material. The cost for each of these is £15,000 and they are made out of a converted shipping container.

Just be a Child 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 and 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 how you can help the charity call 07737 500 501.

NH Now January 2019

NH Now life

12

Hospice takes the lead

in the fight to tackle loneliness and social isolation

North Herts based Garden House Hospice may be renowned for its remarkable care, but it is now making a considerable impact in the fight against loneliness and social isolation.

NH Now January 2019

13

In a bid to offer people the chance to provide friendship and support to those who live an isolated life, the hospice has developed the Compassionate Neighbours scheme.

Compassionate Neighbours is a network of trained volunteers who offer their time and support to people living in their local area. They offer friendship and a listening ear, and help them to continue to do the things they enjoy.

The Garden House Hospice Care match the Compassionate Neighbours with members of the community, so that they are suited to each other based on their interests and hobbies.

So far there have been 160 referrals to the service, 77 people trained as Compassionate Neighbours and 70 successful matches of Compassionate Neighbours and Community Members in the past year.

project has helped to change the way I feel about life and I now look at others and see how I can help.

It cheers me up. I lost my wife last year and this project has given me a purpose. I know my wife would be proud of me.

Compassionate Neighbours Project Manager, Jeanette Farrow commented: “We’ve seen a huge impact on the emotional and physical wellbeing of everyone involved with the scheme, including one of our first matches, Alan and Paul.”

Alan had not been out of his bungalow in Letchworth for months and relied on his daughter to do his shopping once a week at the weekend. Now Paul, his Compassionate Neighbour, takes him out to the shops and he is able to make his own choices, as well as enjoying time with Paul in the coffee shop.

When speaking about the project, Alan said: “The service has helped me a lot.

I was sitting in my bungalow doing nothing. Now I have something to look forward to. He’s 100% my Compassionate Neighbour. He takes me shopping and we have coffee together.”

Paul commented: “It means the world to me to help someone else who is going through a difficult time and make them feel better about themselves and a whole lot happier.

“The project has helped to change the way I feel about life and I now look at others and see how I can help. It cheers me up.

I lost my wife last year and this project has given me a purpose.

I know my wife would be proud of me”.

Contact Jeanette.Farrow@ghhospicecare.org.uk or call 01462 679540 if you are interested in becoming a Compassionate Neighbour, or if you know a Community Member who could do with the support offered through this service.

Find out more about Garden House Hospice Care NH Now January 2019

14

The’ruff’guide to dog friendly pub walks in North Hertfordshire What could be better than taking your dog for a brisk countryside winter walk, then ending up at a cosy, warm, dog friendly pub for a drink and a hearty meal? Here are a few destination pubs across the district that have delightful walks, right from their doorstep.

NH Now feature

Hitchin The Red Lion in Preston, was the UK’s first community owned public house. Surrounded by beautiful countryside walks to explore with your four-legged friend, The Red Lion is the perfect starting and finishing point for a number of circular walks. Marketing Director of the pub, Mark Waters says, “We welcome walkers and ramblers with their dogs and indeed several rambling groups use The Red Lion as their local base. The pub provides a warm and welcoming retreat with excellent beer and food for all our customers and dog bowls are provided for refreshment for their furry friends”. Find out more about the pub and walks from The Red Lion here.

NH Now January 2019

15

The Three Horseshoes in Hinxworth, is a charming pub, full of English character. It welcomes visitors and their canine companions to come and spend time at the pub. The Three Horseshoes is sited perfectly for a circular walk, starting at the pub and walking to Ashwell, along the top of Newnham Hill to Caldecote and back to Hinxworth. Gerry and Julie Methven, pub landlords say: “We are a friendly village pub and welcome dogs in our bar and garden. With beautiful circular walks on our doorstep we encourage walkers to stop here for refreshments and say hello to our resident goats – Gin and Tonic.” Find out more about The Three Horseshoes pub here. Details of a circular walk from the pub can be found here.

Royston

Baldock Letchworth

Please remember to follow the Countryside Code when out walking and always keep dogs on lead and under control near livestock.

The Fox and Duck in Therfield, is a thriving rural pub at the heart of the local community.

The pub site dates back to 1700 and is nestled into the countryside at the top of Therfield Heath (commonly known as Royston Heath). This makes it ideal as a starting point for a circular walk with your dog that leads down to the heath, along the Icknield Way Trail and back to the pub. Upon your return your dog will be greeted by water bowls and free treats in the bar area and you can treat yourself to a drink and a hot meal. Manager of the The Fox and Duck, Eve Boroubi says, “The relationship between dogs and their owners is stronger than ever before, and it is very common for people to bring their furry babies along when they have a meal at our dog friendly pub. I think well behaved dogs enhance a pub’s overall ambience and can make for a lively atmosphere, making the whole space more inviting”. Find out about The Fox and Duck pub here or read about a circular walk from the pub here.

NH Now January 2019

NH Now life

16

Debt Advice January can be a difficult month for many after all the excitement of Christmas; it is often not until the credit card statements arrive that the financial hangover kicks in.

Ian Allott, Money Matters Coordinator

Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire often sees an increase in clients seeking debt advice as we realise that we have spent more than we thought. For some people this may be a short term problem but, for others, overspending at Christmas can have a knock on effect throughout the coming year. So how can we get ourselves out of difficulty and then make sure it doesn’t happen next year?

NH Now January 2019

17

Check out Citizens Advice North Herts’ top tips for dealing with debt: • Deal with it now, don’t ignore the problem – the longer you leave it the worse it will get. There is always a route to deal with debt – although it may not be easy or quick.

• Check your income, are you claiming all benefits and tax credits you are due?

If you are out of work or ill, have you got payment protection or other forms of insurance that you could fall back on?

• Prioritise debts – rent/mortgage, Council Tax, energy - these debts need to be paid first.

• Keep a record of any credit card or store credit repayment deadlines, and make the minimum payment to avoid charges.

• Work out your budget – CAB can help with this; you will need it to show your creditors.

• Contact all the creditors – explain the situation and what you can afford to pay, don’t offer payment straight away.

• Don’t give up – even if creditors are unhelpful, keep trying until you get someone who will listen.

• DO NOT borrow money to pay off debts – additional borrowing can seem like a good idea and may well help in the short-term, but can too often lead to more serious longer-term problems.

• If you can afford to pay for your goods outright, don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless you are certain they work out cheaper. Always read the small print and make any required payments.

• Keep a copy of all the correspondence you send or receive.

• Start planning and saving for next Christmas. There are a number of schemes available to help you do this. Have a budget and stick to it. Be realistic and work out how much you can afford to spend.

• Consider a dedicated bank or building society savings account, putting aside a specified amount each week or month, where you may get a better interest rate. Or start now with a Credit Find us at: Union which will lend you money later at a www.northhertscab.org.uk cheaper rate than commercial operations.

• Many major supermarkets operate Christmas stamp schemes - most pay you interest on any money you save.

• Get advice from your local Citizens Advice – we can help with maximising income, reducing expenditure, budgeting, creating budget plans, financial statements and more. Citizens Advice North Herts has branches in Hitchin, Letchworth or Royston and we offer a free, impartial debt advice service in person, online or by phone.

Advice line: 03444 111444

Drop in sessions every morning at: 49 Station Road, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 3BQ. We also run advice sessions in Hitchin, Royston, Melbourn and Great Ashby. Go to our website or give us a call to check times.

NH Now January 2019

NH Now life

18

How grant funding is benefitting communities in North Hertfordshire

In the last 12 months alone, NHDC has provided a number of grants, totalling ÂŁ576,000 to local community groups and charities within North Hertfordshire to improve community wellbeing. We caught up with three of these groups to find out just how these grants have helped their organisation.

NH Now January 2019

19

Small Acts of Kindness First up is the charity Small Acts of Kindness, who provide and distribute gift bags to keep our older, more vulnerable residents, warm in their homes during winter. The Warm in Winter gift bags contain a blanket, thermal hat, gloves, socks, a mug, hot drinks and an information pack. The charity aim to deliver them to every older person in Hertfordshire who is cold in their home, but it’s an ever increasing challenge to cover the costs of doing so.

Lynne Misner, CEO and founder of Small Acts of Kindness said: “This funding enabled us to be sure that we had enough Warm in Winter gift bags available for anyone who needed one in the North Hertfordshire area.

“Since the funding was awarded in 2016, the demand for our gift bags has grown hugely from 800 bags to over 6,000 this winter. We now work with over 70 organisations across the county who refer their clients and service users and we have a team of over 150 volunteers. We are on a very exciting journey and are delighted that we are able to work with NHDC”.

Life-saving equipment installed in Hitchin Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) received £650 from our Hitchin Area Committee towards the purchase of a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD), back in December 2017. Coupled with additional funding from Hertfordshire County Council, EHAAT was able to buy a defibrillator, which was installed outside their charity shop in Hitchin’s Market Square during the summer of 2018.

A defibrillator gives an electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest. No training is necessary to use it and the equipment is regularly checked by the charity shop manager to make sure it is maintained and ready to use at all times.

I encourage other organisations to apply for a grant. Even if the process is unfamiliar, the team at North Hertfordshire District Council are there to help.

EHAAT Trusts Special Project Officer Aderyn Gillett said, “We’ve received excellent feedback from the community, with people specifically going into the shop just to say they think it’s brilliant that we’ve placed a PAD there.”

EHAAT will be hosting a PAD Awareness day in Hitchin Market Place on Saturday 30 March 2019 to demonstrate how easy PADs are to use. Do stop by if you are in Hitchin.

NH Now January 2019

NH Now life

20

Exercise bike pedals hope to people with MS In September 2018, NHDC’s Area Committees awarded a grant to the North Herts Multiple Sclerosis Society to enable them to purchase a specialist bike for residents across the district who are affected by MS. We caught up with Sue Gibbins, Support Volunteer at the North Herts MS Society, to find out how the bike was benefitting the group.

Sue said: “The exercise bike has proved to be a huge success. Everyone who has tried it says how good it is and motivation has increased dramatically for several individuals. The benefits are so great that the length of the physio sessions have been extended and the group are even hoping to obtain funds for a second bike.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank NHDC’s Area Committees for providing the funding to enable us to have this exercise bike. It has made an incredible difference to our MS Group. I would also like to thank councillors John Bishop and Lynda Needham for joining us at one of our sessions where they were able to try the bike for themselves. I hope they enjoyed it.”

NH Now January 2019

21

Could you be eligible for the Exercise Referral Scheme?

Did you know that the NHS runs an Exercise Referral Scheme? This is designed for people with health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or raised BMI/weight related issues. The scheme allows your GP to refer you to a sports centre of your choice.

NH Now life

Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) runs a successful exercise referral scheme at Archers in Hitchin, North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth and Royston Leisure Centre.

Many people who have medical conditions are not aware that they may be able to be physically active; they may be concerned that if they take part in exercise, they risk making the condition worse. Being on the scheme allows them to exercise under the supervision and guidance of qualified Level 3-4 Fitness Instructors. They are given a personal gym programme which is suitable for their health condition and they can also attend studio classes, go swimming, play badminton, or take part in other activities which have been agreed with their Fitness Instructor.

Watch this short video where we talk to Ranch Patel about how the scheme has benefitted him:

NH Now January 2019

NH Now events

22

What’s On

February Baldock Beast Half Marathon John W.Mills Sculptor to the Nation 23 February – 27 April, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10.30am – 4pm

North Hertfordshire Museum, Brand Street, Hitchin (entrance via Hitchin Town Hall) Internationally acclaimed North Hertfordshire based sculptor John Mills is best known for his national commissions, including ‘The Women of World War II’ monument near the Cenotaph in Whitehall. He is also known for his coinage, particularly the design of this D-Day 50p piece. The exhibition features full size sculpture, preliminary sketches and a part reconstruction of his art studio. Please call for disabled access.

Tel: 01462 474554 www.north-herts.gov.uk/museum NH Now January 2019

24 February 2019

24

Looking for a challenge this New Year? Then look no further.

The annual Baldock Beast half marathon is now a must do event because of its rolling hills, outstanding countryside and great community atmosphere. Register for a place please click here

Animalcolm 18 February, 1.30pm and 5pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Letchworth Garden City

18

A vibrant, energetic and funny musical from the award-winning Story Pocket Theatre. A combination of physical theatre, puppetry and outstanding story telling bring David Baddiel’s magical story to the stage. For children aged 5+.

Box office: 01462 681088 Buy tickets online here

23

March Walking Tour of Hitchin 8 March, 10.30am – 12pm

The Grand Duke 20 – 23 March, 7.30pm Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin

8

This guided historic walk of Hitchin kicks off at the Hitchin Schools Museum at 41/42 Queen Street in Hitchin and takes you on a historic look at the town. £5 per person. To book or to find out more click here or call 01462 420144.

20

Gilbert and Sullivan arrives in Hitchin! When a Grand Duke becomes a ghost for a day, his replacement has to face four women claiming to be his Grand Duchess. Chaos, sausage rolls and madness prevails!

Box office: 01462 455166 Buy tickets online here

April Easter Bunny Hunt and Trail 13 April, Hitchin Town Centre

13

Follow the town trail to find the hidden knitted bunnies in the shop windows and take part in the Make & Take workshop on the Market Place.

Horrible Histories – Brand New Barmy Britain

13

13 April at 1.30pm and 7pm & 14 April at 11am and 3pm Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Letchworth Garden City Prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new West End show that has never toured before, featuring all new scenes!

Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! It’s the history of Britain with all the nasty bits left in . Ages 5+.

Box office: 01462 681088 Buy tickets online here

Pasqueflower Springtime Walk 20 April, 9.30am – 11.30am, Therfield

20

Join Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust on a walk through their Fox Covert Nature Reserve to discover and learn about the natural wonder of Hertfordshire’s national flower – the beautiful Pasqueflower. This is one of only a few sites in Hertfordshire where this rare flower is found. For further details and to register to attend click here

Bluebells at Codicote 23 April, 6.15pm to 8pm

23

Carpets of bluebells await you at Gaffridge Wood near Codicote. Join the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s local group as they explore the area north of Codicote into Knebworth Park. An easy three mile route will not only take you through the fragrant bluebells, but if you’re lucky you may spot some deer too. Register to attend or find out more here

NH Now January 2019