NH Now - Autumn/Winter 2019

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News Views

Spooky goings on in North Herts Community cinemas in the spotlight

Hitchin Market: All you need to know before you go

Your Community Magazine

Events

Pumpkin trails, pantos, Christmas shows and fairs

Image: Knebworth Estates

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Keep up to date with @NorthHerts Are you keeping up to date with news in North Herts? Sign up to NHDC’s 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, parks and countryside 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 this autumnal edition of NH Now, the Council’s digital magazine.

This edition is not for the faint hearted, as we discover ghostly and ghoulish goings on across the district (pg.3).

Meanwhile, pumpkins could well be on the menu at the Hitchin Youth Allotment which is growing from strength to strength (pg.11).

As the weather draws in, what better way to spend an evening than watching a decent film? With community cinemas popping up all over the district, there is sure to be a film club near you (pg 7).

Competition time!

Our friends at Knebworth House are very generously giving our readers the chance to win one of three annual family passes to the House, Gardens and playground. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of how to enter the competition.

We hope you like our magazine and we would love to hear your feedback. Email us at: PressOffice@north-herts.gov.uk or leave us a comment on our social media channels.

We are on the lookout for great community stories so if you have ideas for content for future editions, we would 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 facebook.com/northertsDC

01462 474000 @NorthHertsDC

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

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NH Now feature

Spooky

North Herts

Being so rich in history, it is hardly surprising that North Herts is also a hub for hauntings and ghostly activity.

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Hitchin Hitchin has its very own popular Ghost Walk which has been running for the last 20 years. On the evening NHDC’s Communications team attended, over 40 people were gathered to hear from local historian and author Derek Wheeler.

The guided tour took people on a search for Hitchin’s ghosts and ghouls, revealing the town’s most atmospheric and haunted locations. Some of Hitchin’s most infamous haunted places highlighted on the tour include: The Sun Hotel Dating back to the 16th century when it was a traditional coaching inn, it is reputed to have several ghosts haunting the place including Lord Havisham, known for his gambling habit. He has reportedly been seen holding a fish under his arm by guests, after committing suicide in one of the rooms in the 1800s and still walks the ballroom!

The old coach entrance is also said to be haunted by the spirits of three robbers who held up a coach at gunpoint in 1772 and were hanged.

Hitchin Priory Dating back to the 14th century, the Priory has its fair share of stories to tell.

Legend has it that a headless horseman, believed to be Goring the Cavalier, a royalist killed by Roundheads during the civil war, rides on a white horse from High Down to the site of the cell (former chapel) in the grounds of Hitchin Priory every year on the night of 15 June.

The guided tour revealed Hitchin’s most atmospheric and haunting locations, in search of Hitchin’s ghosts and ghouls.

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Royston

are of spooky tales Royston has its fair sh in the Royston Crow too. An article printed reported on a sudden newspaper in July 1900 Street Schoolroom at death in the Kneesworth the Royston Museum.

rty for preparing for a tea pa Lizzie Oliver, 30, was at the nday School (this is wh the children of the Su Shortly ilt as in the late 1800s). museum building was bu of the nd lifeless at the bottom after 4pm, Lizzie was fou cellar stairs. caused d injuries that were likely An inquest found she ha teer ase. One museum volun irc sta the wn do l fal a by torian one in a large floaty Vic says she once saw some elling Another has reported sm dress in the upper gallery. neral us explanation. The ge lavender with no obvio ppiness. is one of peace and ha um se mu the in g lin fee g more re and is enjoying seein Perhaps Lizzie is still the ghost, ilding. If they do have a children come in to the bu e! it’s certainly a friendly on

Ghostly Events: Hitchin Ghost Walk: Tickets can be bought in advance from Hitchin Initiative, located at 27 Churchyard. Tickets are priced at £5 per person. Call 01462 453335 to find out more.

Knebworth Ghost Tours: For those who are brave enough to step inside and hear some of Knebworth’s haunting tales - Ghost tours take place on selected dates in the season. 2020 dates will be released on the website in January. Visit www.knebworthhouse.com to find out more.

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Knebworth House Knebworth House is arguably Hertfordshire’s most haunted house.

Former home of Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Britain’s most popular writer of the 1830’s, his family resided at the house for 500 years.

His ghost stories, penned in his study at Knebworth House, are some of the earliest and finest ever written. They stirred the imagination of Victorian readers and still send shivers down the spine.

Edward remembers arriving at Knebworth for the first time as a young boy in his memoirs: “How could I help writing romances when I had walked, trembling at my own footsteps, through that long gallery, with its ghostly portraits, mused in those tapestry chambers and peeped, with bristling hair, into the shadowy abysses of Hell-hole?”

The chambers Edward describes as a ‘hell-hole’ were pulled down in the 1800’s but are still marked on old plans of the house. The plans also show the room of Jenny Skinner – Knebworth’s most famous ghost.

Possibly the most haunted room in the gothic house is ‘Mrs Bulwer’s Room.’ This room has been kept more or less as it was when Mrs Bulwer Lytton, Edward’s mother, lived there. Many visitors to Knebworth have experienced powerful and unpleasant sensations in the room, which is used as a guest room for particularly brave souls. On one occasion a family friend awoke with the feeling of hands around her neck, as if someone was trying to strangle her.

It is not surprising that Bulwer decorated the façade of the house with gothic beasts to ward off evil spirits. However, members of the family, staff and visitors still detect ghosts in the house occasionally, especially those of Edward Buwler-Lytton and his mother.

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NH Now feature

Lights, camera, action!

Community Cinemas bring the magic of Hollywood to North Herts Due to the rise in popularity of community cinemas run by local people for local people, you are likely to be just a walk or short drive away from the magic of the movies in your home town or village.

We talked to four North Herts based community cinemas to find out more.

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Lilley Community Cinema Club Janet Richards, in charge of membership and marketing for the cinema club, wrote in to tell us more.

Click here for website

“We first started out five years ago when Lilley Parish Council was gifted a projector by a resident who was leaving the village; this got several members thinking that it would be a lovely idea to set up a film club. We show our films at least 12 times a year at The Cassel Hall in Lilley and aim to include a selection of films from a broad range of genres. Our eight committee members are all local volunteers. We love film, want to share this experience with others and have met lots of new people and made some wonderful friends.

“Some of our members are elderly, or on their own and we provide a place that they feel welcome and safe. We feel we offer a totally different cinema experience to a multiplex. We have a fully licenced bar and snacks and our members come along and chat before the film and during the interval. We have donated the projector, screen and speakers to the village hall, so that anybody who hires the hall can use them and we regularly donate to other local causes, including an annual quiz for the benefit of the community.

“Two standout occasions for us at our Cinema Club were screening the 2013 Judi Dench movie Philomena – we invited the real Philomena and her daughter who lived nearby and they kindly agreed to hold a Q&A session after the film, during which we learnt more about her fascinating life. The other was when we screened The Greatest Showman and had audience members ranging from the age of 8 to 80, singing along to the songs; it was such a wonderful atmosphere!

“We are immensely proud of our Club which celebrates its 5th Anniversary in October, and are busy planning how we can mark this event.”

We feel we offer a totally different cinema experience to a multiplex.

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Royston Picture Palace Geraint Burnell, Manager of Royston Picture Palace and Royston Town Centre Manager, dropped us a line to tell us about it.

Click here for website

From the day I started working in my role as Town Manager, people kept saying to me, “Why isn’t there a cinema in Royston?” So in 2008 I proposed launching a Business Improvement District (BID) in Royston to raise funding for local projects, including a community cinema. This was launched in April 2009 and we approached Royston Town Council with a plan for them to refurbish the largely unused Town Hall and for us to construct a digital cinema in the upstairs hall. Four years later, the Royston Picture Palace screened its first film.

“We have a Box Office, refreshment kiosk, Dolby sound system, retractable wide screen and 132 seats for movie goers. Films are screened 4-6 weeks after their UK release and we regularly screen films on Friday and Saturday evenings with monthly Saturday matinees. The quality of the picture and the sound are at least as good, if not better than a multiplex (our sound system is superb - we sold out Bohemian Rhapsody eight times!).

“At a busy screening, most people meet someone they know and over 50% of our tickets sales are to Senior Citizens who, in some instances, may find it difficult or impossible to travel to another town to see a film. With us, they can just stroll down the hill, or take a short drive and park for free within 50 metres of the cinema. We are entirely staffed by volunteers, who do what they do to support the cinema and keep it working.”

Hitchin Films We spoke to Tim Ray, Founder of Hitchin Films, to find out more.

“We started during the Hitchin Festival in 2006 over a conversation in a pub about the lack of a cinema in Hitchin. We are based in the 74 seat Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin. There is no membership required - people can just turn up, buy a ticket and watch the film. We screen films twice a month with a focus on the best of contemporary and foreign language films, with an occasional classic and some interesting guest speakers.

“We have six volunteers, all from Hitchin, who cover the role of tickets/door, bar and projection and we all contribute ideas for the programme. Hitchin Films is a not for profit organisation and any money we make goes back into running Hitchin Films. Also, we support other community and charity groups who want to put on a film by lending them equipment and our expertise.

“A few special moments include in 2010, helping The Queen Mother Theatre to raise funds to improve the facilities. We worked with film critic Barry Norman one evening and had the experience of seeing Barry and broadcaster Richard Whitmore watch their Morecambe and Wise performance together for the first time – they were beaming! We also had director Ken Loach (pictured above) come and talk about his film “I Daniel Blake“. That was a fascinating evening of film and politics chat and no one thought he was really coming until he walked in the door.

“We would like to say thank you to the Queen Mother Theatre for giving us the chance and for believing in us enough to upgrade the studio and to our audience for their continued support and encouragement.”

Click here for website NH Now Autumn/Winter Autumn/Wint 2019

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Weston Village Hall Cinema Club Hilary Townrow, Trustee and Manager of Weston Village Hall dropped us a line about their cinema club:

Click here for website

“The Village Hall committee were considering fundraising events for the hall around three years ago and following on from receiving positive feedback from other local cinema clubs, decided to see if it could work for Weston. We screen films six times a year on alternate months, and decided from the outset that we would vary the genres to hopefully please everyone. We started with a comedy - Bridget Jones’s Baby which was a huge success.

“We now have a solid core of membership of around 70 people. Obviously not everyone can come along each time, but we normally reckon to have 50 people at a screening.

We rely on our very willing volunteers and committee members to run the Club. We have a core of people who love running the bar and creating our very popular ‘cocktail of the evening’, setting up the audio visual equipment and setting out the chairs.”

“It’s a lovely social evening and a good meeting point for friends. Cinema Club provides a social event in the village where people can meet their friends and talk about local issues before and after the screening. Screenings are fundraising events where we raise money for the village hall from the bar takings. The subscriptions to the Club go towards funding the licence, films and audio visual equipment and we have installed a specialist sound system in the village hall so the screenings are extremely professional.“

It’s a lovely social evening and a good meeting point for friends.

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Green fingers are go for children at Hitchin Youth Allotment A project that gets children in Hitchin involved in allotment gardening is ‘growing’ from strength to strength! We spoke to Paul Dee, Project Leader of the Hitchin Youth Allotment project , to find out more.

“I’m the secretary of the Hitchin Allotment Association and back in November 2016 I decided it would be great to get more children involved in allotment gardening, so the Hitchin Youth Allotment project was born. We launched at the Old Hale Way allotment site in February 2017 and I was taken aback by the response to it. A total of 120 children attended in our first year, 200 in our second and over 250 children are taking part this year.

“The children really enjoy it. They get very hands-on including sowing seeds, taking cuttings, potting up, planting out, learning techniques to help nurture plants, weeding, watering, feeding plants and harvesting. They learn about gardening and healthy eating and get to practice practical life skills like planning and organising.

“Some of it even touches upon the National Curriculum, for example, testing mathematical skills through measuring and tracking the temperature and plotting that as graphs, working out how best to lay beds out and plant seeds, measuring and estimating, and science where we look at life cycles of plants, how pollinators can help create produce and understanding how a compost heap works (the children are fascinated by this!). We even managed to squeeze history into our work – we have planted a Native American vegetable plot, specifically growing vegetables the way that Native Americans’ would have done hundreds of years ago.”

The project has forged close ties with The Priory School in Hitchin, holding weekly sessions during term time for 14 supported pupils each year and after school cooking club sessions with the Food Technology teacher. Regular allotment sessions are also held with local Brownie and Girl Guides groups and other local schools.

The group has two allotments at the Old Hale Way site, one of which is provided free by NHDC, which has previously also awarded grants through the Council’s Hitchin Committee.

The group is also supported by numerous local businesses and organisations. Paul paid particular tribute to Vanstone Garden Centre, Hitchin Youth Trust and Hitchin Horticultural Society whose support has been “massively important to the project’s success”.

Paul continued: “We were extremely proud to be accredited as an RHS Five Star Children’s Gardening Project in 2018, their top level of recognition. Last year we were also national finalists in their annual gardening awards. As a long term legacy, I hope for a number of things. Firstly, that children remain enthusiastic about gardening, particularly growing food, as they get older. Secondly, that they think positively about eating fruit and vegetables and eating seasonally. Thirdly, that there is some way of developing a network of similar clubs across Hertfordshire. The exciting news is that I am supporting a similar project at North Hertfordshire College’s Stevenage campus which will open this year, so watch this space!”

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NH Now feature

Foraging IN NORTH HERTS

Finding a rich abundance of food just a few footsteps from our own homes has become a speciality of North Herts forager Jane Simmons.

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Hitchin based Jane, 51, has always had an interest in looking for fruit and herbs but over the past year she has been discovered herself and can now be found on specially arranged foraging walks. Providing guided walks with the Triangle Community Garden, Cookery Eatery and Little Forest Feet Forest Schools, Jane now offers visits through various parts of North Herts and beyond.

Speaking about her passion, Jane said: “I have worked in the NHS as a radiographer and sonographer for most of my career and have used heading out for walks as a complete antidote to a life spent in the dark.

And while I never encourage others to eat anything while out on a walk with me, you can find my ingredients elsewhere such as the Cantina Carnitas restaurant in Hitchin, which sells a foraged margarita using foraged maple blossom cordial. There are also plans for an elderflower cordial for a margarita as well.”

She has been foraging for most of her life, taking her inspiration from her parents and spending time learning to source the four Fs of fruit, flowers, foliage and fungi.

For those who want to try their hand at foraging Jane’s advice is simple. Firstly get in touch with an expert such as her and arrange for a guided walk of the countryside near you to show what hidden riches there are. Jane also suggests purchasing Food for Free which is a great Collins Gem book and also logging on to www.wildfooduk.com and www.field-studies-council.org which are very useful websites for beginners.

You can find Jane on Instagram @thehitchinforager click here

Rules on foraging come from the Countryside Act 1981 and The Theft Act 1968. As Jane says: “The benefits of foraging are obvious, the sustainability is clear as there are literally no food miles involved in the picking.

It is also highly likely that anything you come across will be fresh and seasonal. It is also great for your diet as you will be introducing new foodstuffs. Nettles for example are fantastic - the Italians cook them in risotto and they are obviously abundant when you pick them at the right time.”

Nature does of course need our support and Jane does have one word of warning saying: “We are sharing nature with other creatures and they all need the food as much as we do, so I always say pick only what you need for yourself, it is a food for everyone, including wildlife.”

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NH Now life

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Love your local Market

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You can’t beat the hustle and bustle of a traditional English market. Whether it’s a large market selling everything from tomatoes to kids’ toys, or a lively farmers’ market showcasing the very best local produce, these unique shopping experiences are at the heart of our local communities. In this edition we take a look at Hitchin’s historic market and have a chat to the market manager, Ron Piper, as well as some of the traders.

Ron told us that Hitchin’s traditional market has a long history and pre-dates ‘Domesday’, going back as far as Roman / Anglo Saxon times. The market sells a wide range of goods, ranging from antiques, art, and clothes, to seasonal fruit and veg, as well as plants and flowers at an affordable price.

Ron said: “We get a steady flow of customers; however markets in general are suffering. We’ve got about 80 to 90 stalls at the moment, more than many markets.

We do our best to protect the stalls we have, so we don’t have too many fabric stalls, or too many jewellery stalls, and we are always on the lookout for something niche that we haven’t already got.”

As to what keeps people coming back he continued: “It’s the personal service, independence, fresh produce, and knowledge – some of the traders have been there for thirty or forty years and inherited stalls from their parents, so it’s a tradition.”

It is early days, but it’s going well so far!”

Ron also explained that Hitchin Market is offering a start up package to tempt new traders – 8 weeks for the price of 4.

One trader who has taken up this offer is Leman Harrisson of Lems Cakes and Bakes. She has recently set up her own business, specialising in Mediterranean cakes and savoury bakes, using fresh ingredients.

If you are interested in having a stall on the market, visit the Hitchin Market Office along Churchgate, give them a call on 01462 456202, or email them at: info@hitchinmarkets.co.uk

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Desna furniture is the place to go if you’re looking for that shabby-chic look. We met Naomi and Desmond Lockwood, who have a stall on the market on a Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the car boot sale. Naomi said “We’ve got quite a few regulars. Please come down to the market. We sell everything and anything – we source products from auctions and other market traders, we always buy solid pieces.”

We also spoke to Terry Golburn, from Terry’s Afro-Caribbean. On their stall you’ll find international foods from Jamaica, Uganda and the rest of the Caribbean. “We’ve been on the market 15 years. We get to know a lot of people and we have built a relationship with our customers. When you come to the market, the service you get is one to one; it’s different to what you get in a supermarket. The market is a lot cheaper than the supermarket too, and it’s fresher.

People should come down more often!”

Events at Hitchin Market: Market Days Tuesdays and Saturdays – General Market – you’ll find a wide range of products from haberdashery, to clothing and fresh food Friday – General Market + Antiques, Collectables selection – antique furniture, vintage jewellery, collectable toys and general market products

NH Now life

Sunday – Car Boot alongside some regular traders.

1st Saturday of the Month – Vintage Section 3rd Saturday of the Month – Vegan Market. New for this year! There will be over 40 stalls selling a huge variety of vegan products from local businesses. Find a whole host of mouth-watering food stalls, eyeopening lifestyle brands, luxury cosmetics, ethical clothing, interesting charities and much more.

Last Saturday of the Month – Craft & Farmers Market - Locally produced meat, poultry and handmade crafts from traders who live or produce their items within a 30-mile radius of Hitchin.

To keep up to date with Hitchin Market, follow their social media platforms:

Hitchin isn’t the only town in the district to have a thriving market.

Other markets in the district include: Baldock Charter Market – every Wednesday 8am – 1.30pm Baldock High Street Letchworth Farmers Market – third Saturday of each month Letchworth Arts and Crafts Market – first Saturday of each month Royston Town Market – every Wednesday and Saturday, 8am - 3.30pm.

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Feed Up Warm Up

Feed Up Warm Up is a group which, although barely a year old, has already made a dramatic impact on people in North Herts who are struggling with homelessness and getting the essentials for basic living.

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Founded by Shane Cole in 2018 and run solely through donations, volunteering and fundraising, the group is a testament to the power of a community and the organisers say that it shows what it can do when this support comes together. The idea came about when Shane, who has a background in catering, wanted to set up a soup kitchen last winter. His reasons, as he explains, were very personal: “When I was 17 and not long out of foster care, I was on the streets over Christmas. I have never been in a position until now to be able to help, but having made the request to the public to set this up, support piled in from all quarters and Feed Up Warm Up went from strength to strength.”

The success of the group has seen them open a pop-up shop in Letchworth – this is open for donations and offers a ‘pay as you feel’ model for customers. The shop which was developed in Garden Square Shopping Centre, raised in excess of £6,000 in its first four weeks and this money went towards a welfare van which allows the team to provide more support on the streets.

Feed Up Warm Up has been supported by a number of businesses and organisations in Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock, with help coming from fundraisers, donations and volunteering.

There is a North Herts drop-in each week in Hitchin at The Scout Hut, Our Lady’s Church, Grove Road on Wednesdays from 6pm8.30pm. Here, clients can enjoy some hot food, a warm drink, meet the team, get a haircut, have feet tended, get a warm jacket or clothes and toiletries to see them through the week.

The group also go out into the community at all hours to help those in need and provide care on the spot across the county.

The success of the group has seen them open a pop-up shop in Letchworth

Feed Up Warm Up are always in need of donations, non-perishable items in particular.

Donations can be brought to any of the drop-ins. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and please come between 5 & 6pm if you can.

Items currently needed include: Pot Noodles, semi-Skimmed UHT 500ml cartons, baked beans (with ring pulls), small bottles of water, tea bags, small jars of coffee, cereal, cereal bars, small sugar packs, tinned meals (with ring pulls), tinned fruit (with ring pulls), tinned rice pudding, men’s deodorant, tents (1-4 man), sleeping bags, ground mats, rucksacks or holdalls, men’s S/M tops & t-shirts, men’s trousers (28”,30”,32” & 34”), Men’s S/M Jackets & Sweatshirts To find out more contact info@feedupwarmup.co.uk

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NH Now feature

Focus on Knebworth House

It may have been an iconic location for some high profile rock events through the years, but many people are unaware that Knebworth House has also played host as the backdrop to some key moments in cinema history as well.

It has a happy history of working with film and television crews for over 70 years and has featured in a number of high profile TV and cinematic productions.

For an excellent example of Knebworth House, Gardens, Park and Woods on film, Henry Lytton-Cobbold tells us the story of filming The King’s Speech, saying: “There was a fearful snow blizzard during the first day of filming and a number of roads became impassable.

Most of the crew were staying at the Novotel in the park, so they were able to make their way through the elements to find a bed for the night.

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“Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter were less fortunate – they ended up spending the night with us: Colin in the Queen Elizabeth Room and Helena in Mrs Bulwer’s Room. The following morning, trying to find breakfast, Colin was ejected from the house by our head of maintenance, who, not recognising him was of the opinion he shouldn’t be in the house. So Colin found himself trapped in a locked courtyard in the snow!”

The diverse filming history is extensive: from major movies to TV films, commercials and stills shoots. Highlights include: Movies: Transformers 5: The Last Knight, Paddington 2, Goodbye Christopher Robin, Victoria & Abdul, The Kings Speech, The Scapegoat, St Trinians 2, 28 Weeks Later, Nanny McPhee, Cody Banks 2, Possession, Eyes Wide Shut, Wilde, Batman the Movie, The Shooting Party, The Big Sleep….

TV Films: the detectives: Miss Marple, Poirot, Midsomer Murders, Foyles War, Judge John Deed, Inspector Linley, Lovejoy, Jonathan Creek…

Other TV productions: The Crown, Dr Thorne, Keith Lemon Sketch Show, The Hairy Bikers, Flog it, The Hour, The Queen, EastEnders, Antiques Roadshow, Great British Railway Journeys, Food Glorious Food, Saturday Morning Kitchen.

Filming in North Herts North Hertfordshire offers a diverse range of film locations with rural settings, woodlands, picturesque villages, historic market towns and the world’s first garden city, Letchworth.

For more information about filming opportunities click here.

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New Town Centre Manager

PLANS TO PUT LETCHWORTH BACK ON THE MAP

Chris Wilson is Letchworth’s new Town Centre Manager. Originally from Luton, Chris moved to Letchworth to take up this role, which sees him working closely with local businesses and encouraging visitors to the town centre.

Chris has a background in events management and helped to run the Luton Carnival for the past 12 years. He’s a real ‘people person’ and is looking forward to meeting and working with lots of Letchworth people. Click on the video below to find out what Chris has to say about his role, up and coming special events he has planned, how he plans to tackle any issues in the town and his recommendations of places to visit in Letchworth.

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NH Now life

Local resident regains independence in her home with support from Herts Careline

Although 45 year-old Ruth has multiple sclerosis, she is able to enjoy the benefits of living in her Letchworth home without worrying about what might happen were she to have a fall. This is thanks to the assistive technology package she has from Herts Careline – a provider of award winning alarms and telecare services.

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Ruth has a Careline pendant and alarm unit and ensures she has the pendant on her at all times. She can even attach it to the handle bars of her mobility scooter. Conveniently, the pendant works inside her home as well as outside in her garden.

Whilst Ruth may not be the stereotypical Herts Careline customer, the service can be a real life saver to those with debilitating conditions such as MS, as well as for children who have epilepsy – specialist monitoring equipment alerts parents to the onset of a seizure.

Interesting fact: Herts Careline’s youngest customer is only 3 years old and their oldest is 111!

We had a chat with Ruth to find out how Herts Careline has helped changed her life.

What was life like before you had your Herts Careline pendant?

“As my Multiple Sclerosis deteriorated and I began to have more falls, I was finding I had to telephone the ambulance service more often. I also had to make sure I had my mobile phone on me at all times, so that I could call either the ambulance service or a friend to help me up. My social worker recommended a Herts Careline pendant which has given me my independence back. I don’t feel like I’m a burden - I can just press my pendant any time and someone is there to help - it gives me security.”

How did you hear about the service?

“I was referred by a Hertfordshire County Council social worker.”

Could you tell us about an instance where you have used it?

“I was having a shower sitting on my chair and when I came to move I misjudged the gap and slipped. I immediately pressed the pendant and was connected with an operator who had a lovely manner, was patient and waited on the line until help arrived. To be quite honest I don’t know what I’d do without a pendant, it’s a life saver!”

What is the biggest difference our technology has made to your life?

“It’s given me back my independence. Knowing I don’t need to call anybody else except press my pendant gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to worry that I’m being a bother anymore. It’s great to have the service available 24 hours a day. I try to do everything I can, I have a positive outlook and the help I receive lets me live independently with just a little help.”

What would you say to people with friends and family, of all ages, who might benefit from having assistive technology in their home?

“If you need it, have it! It’s there to help you and make life easier. All the equipment and gadgets I have, help me live as close to a normal life as I can. It gives me peace of mind, security and reassurance. Life is short, you have to make the most of it!”

For more information on Herts Careline, click here Call: 0300 999 2 999 (option 1) Email: carelinesupport@north-herts.gov.uk

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NH Now feature

£1.4m of new funding available to help companies Get Growing

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Hundreds of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) across Hertfordshire can now access grants of up to £3,000 or one-to-one advice, as part of a package of tailored business support, designed to help businesses identify and overcome barriers to growth, from Hertfordshire Growth Hub. If you own a business in Hertfordshire, the Growth Hub is your go-to service, providing SMEs with impartial business support.

The Growth Hub is delivered on behalf of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), by a consortium led by business support services provider, Exemplas, with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

The Growth Hub’s Get Growing project is the second project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the first having successfully helped over 200 businesses, created 190 jobs and generated £12.2m for the local economy.

“Get Growing 2 provides a structured package of comprehensive support for SMEs that have the potential to grow or scale up,” says Sian Ryan, the Growth Hub’s Head of Service. “Following initial registration, eligible companies meet with our expert Growth Account Managers, who carry out a free in-depth diagnostic to help us understand their challenges and barriers to growth. We then put in place a detailed growth action plan and work with the SME to implement the key actions identified either directly or through our network of local specialists, who can provide support in areas such as marketing, cyber security, recruitment, productivity and product development.”

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Building on the success of previous funding, the project places particular focus on working with businesses that demonstrate the ability to grow, scale and improve productivity. Eligible companies can receive a grant of up to £3,000 to access external expertise, with Growth Account Managers monitoring progress and providing ongoing support. Companies are also invited to exclusive events and seminars on key business improvement topics and will have access to the Growth Hub’s new digital platform.

To be eligible, SME’s must be based in Hertfordshire, have five or more equivalent full time employees and growth potential. Businesses that meet this criteria will meet with a dedicated Growth Account Manager, who will carry out an in-depth analysis of the business.

An impressive track record The Get Growing project itself has an impressive track record. Almost three quarters (71%) of the companies who have taken part so far say they’ve improved their approach to growth, while nearly half (45%) say they’ve seen an increase in productivity and over a third (34%) say they’ve seen a profit increase. In that same timeframe, 36% have created new jobs.

Fast profits for fast-food business One of those who has benefited is Andrea Allen, who runs Hertford- based fast-food restaurant, Galos.

Get Growing linked her up with a branding expert, finance specialist and restaurant investor, who all helped her make significant changes to her business, which helped increase its profits.

“Get Growing made me look at the numbers, the mechanics of the business and how you market yourself,” she explained.

“It’s given me a sense of focus and direction and I’ve found the process positive and motivational.

You have to have a big skill set as a business person and I now have more confidence to do what needs to be done.”

To find out more about Get Growing 2 and to register your interest in receiving in-depth advice or accessing the business grant, go to www.hertsgrowthhub.com

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The Get Growing project itself has an impressive track record.

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Meet Sonovision the twotime winner of ‘Business of the Year North Herts’ Sonovision Limited, winner of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce ‘Inspiring Herts Business of the Year North Herts’ Award in 2018 and 2019 are a leading Technical Publications specialist company.

They have provided documentation and engineering support services for some of the largest aircraft, original equipment and mechanical manufacturers in Europe since 1987. The company also have a collaborative design studio and e-learning department, which offer a digital and marketing support service to local SME’s, as well as international brands.

Martin Barrett, Sonovision MD said: “I am extremely proud of our multi-award-winning team and what they have achieved in the past couple of years. These awards are testament to their hard work and dedication in delivering a high-quality service, which has been fundamental to our customers’ satisfaction, resulting in 95% of repeat business.”

Key to their success is Sonovision’s development of new innovative services that complement one another. For example, they have enhanced their digital offering by investing in technology and now offer Immersive Design (Virtual/ Augmented Reality) and Gamification Learning solutions.

Key to their success is Sonovision’s development of new innovative services that complement one another.

Sonovision also have a key focus on local community responsibility. In 2017 they appointed a dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility team to really focus on positive change for the company and community, including a focus on staff, charity and environment. In 2018, a sizeable investment in office infrastructure upgrades commenced to improve environmental efficiencies and staff wellbeing, with all work being carried out by Herts based suppliers.

What’s more, Sonovision have committed company time and resource to the University of Hertfordshire, introducing a graduate recruitment scheme and yearly intern placement. This helps local Hertfordshire students’ progress their studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Between 2017-2019 they invested over £80,000 in the intern scheme with further future investments for 2020 already committed.

This scheme also contributed to Sonovision’s other 2019 Herts Chamber Inspiring Herts award for ‘Excellence in People Development’.

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What’s On Image: Knebworth Estates

October

November

Royston Craft Fair 19 October, 16 November & 14 December 11am – 4pm, Coombes Community Centre, Burns Road, Royston

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Pop along to buy something from local craftspeople selling their wares. Fun, crafty children’s workshops will keep the little ones happy while you shop. Find out more click here

Pumpkin Trails and Treats The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1 November, 7.30pm, Baldock Arts and Heritage Centre, Baldock

February

26, 28 & 29 October, 12noon to 4pm, Knebworth House

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Are you ready to do the time-warp again? If so, take a jump to the left, then a step to the riiiiiight at the screening of this cult classic. Dr Frank-N-Furter awaits you for this Halloween-tastic screening!

(15 certificate) Find out more click here

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Take part in fun Halloween themed games and activities including ‘What’s in the box?’, ‘Terror Tunnel’ and the’Pumpkin Trail’. Complete your Pumpkin Passport to win a prize! Find out more click here

Monstersaurus 29 at 3pm & 30 October at 11am and 2pm, Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Letchworth Garden City

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Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters, but he has a problem - now he has made them all, what is he going to do with them?! Thrills, spills, magic and mayhem for the whole family. Find out more click here

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Christmas pantos, shows and fairs Knebworth Christmas Fair 8 – 10 November, 10am to 4pm, Knebworth House, Knebworth

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Looking for a special Christmas gift? The Knebworth Christmas Fair may have just what you are looking for. From handmade smellies to scarves, and everything in between. It is a Christmas shopping extravaganza that is not to be missed! Find out more click here

Aladdin 20 – 23 November, Pirton Village Hall, Pirton

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Let the magic of Aladdin sweep you away on a magic carpet ride towards Christmas and meet Widow Twankey and the Genie of the Lamp along the way! Always a crowd pleaser, this Pirton Players panto is sure to bring some early Christmas cheer. Find out more click here

It’s a Wonderful Life 6 December, 7.30pm, Baldock Arts and Heritage Centre, Baldock

7 December, 2pm – 6pm, The Green, Kimpton

7 December, 7.30pm, Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Letchworth Garden City

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This group’s rich vocal harmonies and sense of humour have endeared them to audiences around the world. Treat your ears to a flurry of Christmas songs including Silent Night, Last Christmas, Hark The Herald Angels Sing and their number 1 selling Christmas single Who Is He? Find out more click here

Cinderella 6 – 8 and 13 – 15 December, Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin

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This timeless rags to riches tale is the perfect panto to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Packed with sing-along-songs, hilarious jokes and sensational costumes from the Bancroft Players. Book your tickets now and ‘you shall go to the ball!’. Find out more click here

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Revel in this cinematic classic starring James Stewart, who finds out the true meaning of life, and Christmas, with a little help from his own guardian angel. Find out more click here

Kimpton Christmas Market

A Christmas Concert with Tenors Unlimited

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Pop along and get all festive at this seasonal market, now in its third year. Locally sourced handmade gifts, a magical Christmas Grotto, Christmas food and drink plus live music. Find out more click here

The Nutcracker 17 December, 7pm, Broadway Cinema and Theatre, Letchworth Garden City

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Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs, and The Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince, make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience. Recorded at the Royal Opera House in 2016. Find out more click here NH Now Autumn/Winter 2019