Berkhamsted Living Magazine - Winter 2020

g n i v i L

ISSUE 77

BERKHAMSTED

WINTER 2020

YOUR QUALITY LOCAL MAGAZINE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES SINCE 2001

SNUGGLE UP IN STYLE It may be cold outside but you can be cosy in your winter retreat

GET THAT WINTER GLOW How to look fabulous this season

BERKHAMSTED’S QUALITY QUARTERLY MAGAZINE. DELIVERED BY TO 11,271 HOMES IN BERKHAMSTED & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

ENCLOSED WITH THIS ISSUE!

Welcome to the Winter issue!

BERKHAMSTED WINTER 2020

A

s we head into winter, there’s a lot of uncertainty about what will happen this Christmas - will we be allowed to meet friends and family or will we be celebrating at home in our little bubbles?

So with that in mind, we have thought about how our homes might become a cosy winter retreat, with ideas for keeping snug - Scandinavian style. And with some long evenings ahead, and children doing fewer clubs and outside activities we’ve put together some ideas to keep them (and you) entertained.

We hope to inspire you to begin some new Christmas traditions, as some of the old ones, such as panto trips and Christmas festivals

might not be possible this year, so turn to the centre pages to find your new family tradition.

Finally, we know lots of you have enjoyed your gardens this year, so we have some ideas to create winter structure that will keep your outside space looking good all year round.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!

Alison and Naomi Owner &

Editor

CONTACT US 01442 82430 0

CONTENTS 4

News and views from Berkhamsted and surrounding villages

16 Create structure in your garden this winter

IN LIVINGMAFOGS@ .INFO

26 Winter traditions -

42 Local history:

28 Create a cosy winter

44 What’s On 46 Walk around

old and new

retreat

32 Be a winner with this issue’s competition 20 Shop Local: great gift ideas 22 The latest books from 34 Beauty: Get a winter our region’s authors

25 Traditional English

Trifle from Beechwood Fine Foods

glow

40 Ideas to entertain the kids over winter

a tale of two Christmases

Berkhamsted and Ashridge

48 Essential local services 51 Christmas posting dates sponsored by Lucky Lobster Arts

The only local magazine offering shrink-wrapped guaranteed delivery to 11,271* addresses in the HP4 postcode area,

by Royal Mail every quarter. *Royal Mail postcode data . Published quarterly in March, June, September & November The Team: Publisher: Alison Page / Editorial: Naomi MacKay / Photographer: Adam Hollier / Designer: Neil Randle Registered Address: Jubilee Gardens, Tring, Herts HP23 4JG. Living Magazines are published by independent publisher Alison Page Marketing.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without permission. The publisher will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Opinions expressed by authors and advertisers in this publication are not specifically endorsed by Alison Page Marketing.

For exclusive offers & updates between issues go to:

WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO

LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: EDITORIAL@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 26/1/21

Raiders players gain their Spurs

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Sophie Mabbs

Maia Lazaro

Eloise Hall

ootball has had a hard time over the past few months, but four young players from Berkhamsted Raiders Community Football Club have been spotted by a Premier League club.

Four of its Under 14 Girls players (Yasmin Dixon, Sophie Mabbs, Eloise Hall and Maia Lazaro) have been selected to join the Tottenham Hotspur Junior Talent Pathway this season, an exciting opportunity to develop their football skills.

For the Boys section, Berkhamsted Raiders has announced a partnership with Gossoms End FC, who play in the Berkhamsted Sunday League. Gossoms End will provide a pathway for Raiders players who have moved beyond

the U18 team to continue playing regular football to a high standard. Gossoms End FC intend to enter a reserve side next season.

George Guest, Gossoms End FC Manager, said: ‘We are delighted to formalise this partnership with Berkhamsted Raiders CFC and look forward to working with many of their talented players in our squad.’

Berkhamsted Raiders has also worked with the Football Association to get a £10,000 grant to improve the quality of the pitches at Wigginton Recreational Ground. The Club has also succeeded in bringing back into use a football pitch at Cheddington Recreation Ground in partnership with the Parish Council.

Open at last!

Christmas update

It’s taken a while but the multi-storey car park off Lower Kings Road, is now open for business. Along with the 297 parking bays and six electric charge points, its most noticeable feature is the living wall. We look forward to watching it continue to flourish.

Unfortunately the Berkhamsted Festival of Light has become another casualty of the pandemic. There will still be some Christmas joy with Thursday late-night shopping until 24 Dec - see www.livingmags.info for Xmas latest updates.

Have your say…

A public consultation into new arrival routes for flights into London Luton Airport has begun. This area could be affected by the changes, so you should submit your views before 5 Feb 2021 at www.consultations.airspacechange.co.uk 4 / Berkhamsted Living

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

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LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: EDITORIAL@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 26/1/21

Keeping classical music live

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erkhamsted Music opened its doors to socially-distanced chamber music concerts in October with pianist Reiko Fujisawa and the Carducci Quartet. The season continues with the Pelléas Ensemble

A friend in need

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ennie Grove’s project ‘Supporting Hands’ needs more volunteers than ever before.

The hospice is looking for people in Berkhamsted and surrounding areas with time to spare to help with this volunteer-led, community befriending scheme.

The scheme allows patients and their families to be paired with a volunteer who makes regular visits to them (often weekly or bi-weekly) at home. Volunteers might help with anything from daily home and garden tasks, or simply just providing a friendly, listening ear to someone coping with a life-limiting or chronic illness.

Rennie Grove has experienced a recent increase in referrals to the service, as the impact of lockdown has exacerbated social isolation and loneliness within the local community.

6 / Berkhamsted Living

(viola, flute and harp) on 12 December at Berkhamsted Civic Centre, the Mithras Piano Trio in February, and finally the Ruisi String Quartet in March. The number of seats is limited but more will become available as government restrictions are (hopefully) relaxed. Email treasurer@berkhamstedmusic. co.uk for current availability. Looking ahead to the 2021-22 season, check Next Season at www.berkhamstedmusic.co.uk for upcoming concerts.

No formal qualifications are needed and all volunteers receive training before being matched with a local patient/family.

Barbara Brereton, pictured, who has been a Supporting Hands volunteer since 2017, said: ‘I think if you can make a difference to someone going through a difficult and bewildering time in their life by offering them a Supporting Hand then that is both a privilege and a very worthwhile experience.’

To find out more visit www.renniegrove. org/volunteer, call 01442 890222 or email volunteer@renniegrove.org.

M1 junction upgrade

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£6 million M1 junction upgrade could make life easier for Berkhamsted commuters and provide more jobs.

The money is being used to redesign Junction 8 of the M1 motorway in a bid to boost transport links and unlock the economic potential of Hemel Hempstead.

The development will also contribute to thousands of jobs at the Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter with green businesses focused on agritech, off-site manufacturing and modern construction.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

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LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: EDITORIAL@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 26/1/21

Letter from the Mayor Fellow Residents,

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ho would have thought back in January that we would be facing the menace of Covid-19 for much of the year, even going into 2021? We have been fortunate in this part of the county that there have been very few deaths caused by the virus and, apart from the minor outbreak among some young people celebrating their exam results, there have also been relatively few positive cases.

But we must avoid being complacent, as it looks as if the coming months will see the Government bringing in tighter restrictions, which will hit the already badly-affected hospitality industry in particular.

To try to revive trade in the High Street members of the local Chamber of Trade have floated the idea of closing the High Street on certain Market Days. It’s something already done in other market towns, but trying to do so in Berkhamsted will be a challenge.

Discussions are under way with the County Council on this and other measures to make the High Street more appealing to visitors and pedestrians.

The Multi Storey Car Park off Lower Kings Road has finally been opened for general use by the public. The top two decks are given over to registered business users from Monday to Friday, but the public can use these spaces at weekends. The lower decks are designated for short stays or all-day parking – just make sure you are on the right decks when you pay otherwise the fine for choosing wrongly will be an unwelcome reminder! The Borough Council is to be congratulated for incorporating the Living Wall, which has been well received by residents. It’s early days, so let’s hope it survives the winter and a hot summer.

The bridge over the Canal at Lower Kings Road is to have major repair work to make it fit for the next decades. Be prepared for hold-ups or diversions while the works are in progress.

The Borough’s Draft Local Plan has been published and is released this month (November) for public consultation over eight weeks. The details can be downloaded from the Dacorum website (www.dacorum. gov.uk). Residents will see the Borough is planning to build 922 houses a year (up from the current plan of 430) until 2036. The proposals, if agreed, will result in Green Belt land being released – something that will be hugely controversial for residents.

Finally, a huge thanks to all staff keeping schools, play groups and shops open, and those volunteers helping with food deliveries to our vulnerable communities. Not forgetting our paramedics, NHS staff and police.

Cllr Garrick Stevens, Town Mayor

BOOKING & ADVERT INSERT NEWS ARTWORK DELIVERY DEADLINE DEADLINE DEADLINE

DISTRIBUTION FROM

SPRING 2021

26-01-21

03-02-21

17-02-21

8 March 2021

SUMMER 2021

20-04-21

28-04-21

12-05-21

31 May 2021

AUTUMN 2021

03-08-21

04-08-21

18-08-21

6 September 2021

WINTER 2021

07-10-21

20-10-21

03-11-21

22 November 2021

8 / Berkhamsted Living

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Extra care development

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n application for a development of more than 100 new extra care residences should have gone to committee by the time you read this.

The development, behind Shootersway, Berkhamsted, has been proposed by Elysian Residences.

The proposal is for a development with 24hour care on site for the residents of 15 one-bed and 88 two-bed units. The application also includes a gym, library, hair salon and spa. An activities room and restaurant/bar would also be open to the public and local groups.

Zoom classes raise charity funds

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erkhamsted’s Jog On Running Club is offering twice-weekly Gentle Exercise Classes via Zoom. Ideal for those looking for a structured, low-impact class to improve balance and mobility, the 30-minute sessions have been running all through the summer and attracted a regular following of men and women ranging in age from 40 to 80 and beyond - some of them choosing to do the class seated.

The classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12.30pm and each class costs £3, with half the money going to mental health charity MIND. Jog On leaders Heather Harris and Erica Carter send a link via email the day before each class so participants simply have to click on it to access the class. There is also the option to stay for an online chat after the session.

As Erica explained: ‘We are conscious that many people - particularly those with mobility issues - haven’t been able to exercise during lockdown so we wanted to offer them this simple way of staying fit and meeting new friends from the comfort of their living rooms!’

More details at www.jogonrunning.com/ gentle-exercise-remote-class.

Save our pub I

magine a village without a village pub? The residents of Potten End can’t, so when they learned planning applications to change both their pubs into residential properties had been submitted, they fought back.

The threat of becoming a publess village inspired the community to launch a ‘Save The Plough’ campaign to raise enough money to buy The Plough pub freehold, and run it as a community-owned, community-focused hub.

The Plough is one of Potten End’s remaining assets of community value and has attracted visitors from across the region for centuries. It’s a musicians’ destination and performers from London’s most famous orchestras feature in the ‘Save the Plough’ music video.

Planning applications for both The Plough and Martins Pond have been withdrawn, but pledges of time and money are still required to save The Plough pub for future generations.

To become involved visit www.communityplough.co.uk or email communityplough@hotmail.com

Bailey’s bites are handmade with love and care

Baileysbites.co.uk

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Winter 2020 / 9

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Take a tour

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oxmoor preparatory school Lockers Park has replaced its traditional Open Morning with a Covid-safe option. Prospective parents can now book a one-on-one tour given by Headmaster, Mr Christopher Wilson, who said: ‘As a smaller school, we are able to offer Covidsafe, personal tours: we know nothing beats being able to physically come and look around a school to decide whether it is the best option for your child/children.’

In search of James

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n author writing about his home town in the Netherlands is searching for information about a Berkhamsted soldier called James Wilson.

John Heideman is writing about the liberation of the town of Castricum during World War II and discovered that members of the Royal Artillery Regiment are buried there. While researching the tragic story of Joseph Arthur Boyd, who drowned in an anti-tank canal, he learned about his friend James Wilson, who came from Berkhamsted.

John did manage to make contact with James, who lived in Castle Street, but then communication stopped. Now he would like to find out more about him, so that he can also write his wartime story. You can read the full details on our website at www.livingmags.info/soldier-josepharthur-boyd. If you have any information about James or Joseph, please contact John at info@castricumbakkumwo2.nl.

Cemetery gates open T

he newly restored Rectory Lane Cemetery should be fully open by the time you read this.

The finished project is the result of three years of work to physically transform the space, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local fundraising. Project Manager Dr James Moir has worked for seven years to achieve the final result, on time and to budget, but there have been many people helping along the way, including a blacksmith, conservation

experts, landscapers, a tree surgeon, designers, architects and many more, including of course the volunteers.

Berkhamsted Gardeners’ Society has agreed to be responsible for the Garden of Remembrance and its planting scheme of roses, shrubs, and perennials - work will begin in the spring.

The cemetery covers three acres, and work will now concentrate on developing it as a wildlife habitat and encouraging diversity. It has already proved to be a haven for wildlife including fox, badger, hedgehog, slowworm, bats and Yellow Meadow Ants. Anyone who would like to help with this is welcome.

Representatives of community groups are invited to explore the Cemetery and consider how it could be used and contributed to by their members. Contact Kate Campbell, the Community Engagement Officer on 07866 024254 or email community@ stpetersberkhamstedfriends.org.uk

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Winter 2020 / 11

LOCAL

LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: EDITORIAL@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 26/1/21

Berkhamsted in the Media 4 Oct: Former Berkhamsted Mayor Sue Beardshaw reveals her secrets to looking fabulous at 71 in the Daily Mail. In case you want to give it a go yourself - they include organic haircare, simple skincare, two meals a day and daily exercise.

8 Oct: Daily Mail; Berkhamsted School is mentioned in a review of a biography about its famous alumni, Graham Greene. Greene’s father was a teacher and then headmaster at the school, but the future author was very unhappy there. The book is entitled Russian Roulette, the Life and Times of Graham Greene, written by Richard Greene (no relation) and published

by Little Brown.

Rugby chair hangs up his boots

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erkhamsted Rugby Club (BRUFC) chairman Matt Cain has stepped down after seven years in the role. However, Matt, who founded the club in 2013 with Dan Prince and Gerry Vereulen, will continue to play for the team.

Matt has been part of many promotions for the club, won trophies in the 2016/2017 and 2018/2019 season and won Coach’s Player of the Season in 2019/2020.

From sorting out facilities and training equipment, to welcoming younger and newer players into the club, Matt has had a hand in all aspects of BRUFC, including breaking

12 / Berkhamsted Living

Screens have silver lining

T

here have been a lot of changes for churchgoers at St Peter’s in Berkhamsted, but sometimes there’s a silver lining among the clouds.

Government restrictions related to Covid-19 mean that the congregation is unable to sing during a church service, but the introduction of huge perspex screens has at least meant that the choir is able to create music. And the upside of these screens is that when the sun shines, they reflect the church’s stunning stained glass windows.

Parish administrator Hilary Armstrong said: ‘The reflection is amazing - usually we can’t see the windows because they are behind us.’ ground on the day the posts were first put in on Lockhart Field.

‘Not many people realise the grind, the meetings, the favours pulled and all the hours that are put in behind the scenes. You did it all.

Cheers,’ said Dan Prince, BRUFC 1st Season, Treasurer. While Sam Groome, Director of Communications, added: ‘it won’t be the same without you but we’ll look after your baby for you!’

Vice Chairman Chris Hickey, concluded: ‘Matt has built BRUFC to what it is today dedicating his time and insights, bringing the club this far in a relatively short time. My aim is to continue his great work going forward, continuing the fantastic club ethos, morals and winning mentality that’s here already.’

Well played Matt!

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Tune in to new partnership

LOCAL

Tring Radio and Living Magazines team up to help keep the community connected

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ring Radio is entering into a new partnership with Tring and Berkhamsted Living Magazines. Both the station and the magazines hold the same values when it comes to keeping the community connected, promoting local businesses and organisations and providing entertainment. Living Magazines will be sponsoring one of Tring Radio’s daytime shows across the week.

Tring Radio was started during the Covid-19 crisis by former radio presenter Tim, who has also previously worked within the music industry both as an A&R consultant and running record labels. He initially came up with the concept of a local radio station to serve the Tring, Berkhamsted and surrounding communities to keep them entertained and connected during lockdown. In addition, he had realised that food banks across the country were suffering from a lack of support and yet were more in demand than ever – so he decided to use the radio station as a means of raising funds on their behalf.

The community’s reaction to Tring Radio was overwhelming; many people came forward to volunteer as presenters or to help behind the scenes, local businesses were keen to get involved in advertising and sponsorship, while listeners supported the station with enthusiasm and positivity.

Fast forward to November 2020 and Tring Radio is now the fastest-growing, non-profit

making, live radio station in the South East of England, with more than 40 volunteers and many prosperous partnerships with businesses, charities and other organisations.

DENS, which runs the local food bank in Tring, was extremely grateful to receive a cheque for £300 from Tring Radio in September, which was presented to them by two of Tring Radio’s volunteer DJs. Tim said: ‘When DENS told us that our funds would feed 15 families of four for three days it was quite overwhelming – and so nice to realise that we had made a difference.’

The latest charity initiative for Tring Radio is the Community Radio Christmas Toy Box appeal, working with Aylesbury Town Council and two other local radio stations. The public are asked to buy an extra toy when they do their Christmas shopping and drop it off to one of the official donation stations across Bucks and Herts so that they can be donated to charity. They hope that hundreds of children will benefit from the generosity of the public this Christmas.

Listen to Tring Radio online at tringradio.co.uk, on Alexa and on radio apps such as myTuner Radio and onlineradiobox.co

Scouts click and collect

Scouts across Berkhamsted and Northchurch will be collecting Christmas trees to take for recycling on Sunday 10 January 2021. Watch out for a flyer through the door and check the website at www.1stberkhamsted.org.uk/ trees for more details on how to book from 13 December.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS UPDATES AND MORE GO TO WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/NEWS

Winter 2020 / 13

A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

Wish your income prospects would improve?

A well-balanced portfolio can help investors with longer-term income needs

W

hether you are a saver or a spender, planning your retirement, or enjoying your silver years, we all want to get our money working harder.

But in the current financial climate, it’s difficult to know how.

It’s twelve years since the onset of the financial crisis and the effects were still being felt as COVID-19 arrived, meaning that savers must also weather the storm of another global recession.

Higher taxation, wage stagnation and rising living costs are some of the consequences. Cash savers in bank and building society deposits have been the real losers in recent years, and the outlook appears bleak.

Retirement can now last 30 years or more, so it’s vital that your investments last. Any income generated also needs to maintain its spending power to combat the threat of inflation. History shows that, through a combination of capital growth and dividend income, investing in equities, or shares, has provided investors with a better chance of outpacing inflation over the long term compared with other asset classes.

The economic crisis created by the pandemic has forced many companies to suspend or reduce their dividend

payments. However, it is expected that companies will reinstate their dividend policies as soon as it is prudent to do so. The long-term track record of shares delivering a rising income remains intact and investing in companies remains a core component of an income strategy.

Investors should have basic principles in place that they can stick to over the long term For most investors, the best way to harness the dividend potential of equities is through investment funds, which spread your money across the shares of many worldwide companies.

St. James’s Place offers a diversified range of equity funds which seek to achieve an attractive total return through a combination of dividend income and capital growth.

Funds invested in corporate or government bonds also remain popular, particularly with cautious investors.

We strongly believe that a diversified fixed-interest strategy, with exposure to government, investment grade, subinvestment grade and senior secured

debt, will help position your portfolio to benefit from growth and steady levels of income.

Commercial property also has a strong, long-term track record for generating a reliable stream of rental income, as well as the scope for capital appreciation. Importantly, its returns are largely independent of other asset classes. Again, the pandemic has caused a short-term drop in the rental income paid by some struggling tenants; but as the economy recovers, commercial property should continue to be an important source of income for investors.

Investors should, however, note that investing in real asset classes (equities, corporate bonds and commercial property) does not provide the security of capital which is characteristic of a deposit account with a bank or building society. The value of capital, and income from it, can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

STRINGER MANN CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Tel: 01442 874888 Email: stringermann@sjpp.co.uk www.stringermann.com

The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP12206 V1 (07/20)

SJP12206c V1 A5 Investing - Practice.indd 1

19/07/2020 22:50

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GET SOME

BACKBONE! Winter gardens don’t need to be dull. Now’s the time to give your garden some structure that will reward you with a great view all year round

S

o many of us are guilty of getting busy with our gardens during spring and summer - and then when it comes to winter, we find they are dull and uninspiring.

It doesn’t have to be that way - the secret to a good-looking winter garden is structure! Just like us, a garden needs a decent backbone to hold it up throughout the year. Think of it as the backdrop to the rest of your spring and summer plants who are the ‘performers’.

If you place these structural, year-round stalwarts around your garden, you will have interest even in the depths of winter.

There’s a number of ways to create structure - you can use hedges, trees, shrubs and evergreens, perennials and grasses, along with hard landscaping, screening and features such as garden sculptures.

Evergreens such as conifers are probably the first thing that comes to mind when forming structure, and it’s best to choose something that is slow growing. Conifers like growing in full

16 / Berkhamsted Living

sun and slightly acidic soil. A couple of favourites are Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ - this Norway Spruce has a lovely pyramid shape that will add great structure to your borders, and in spring has the most wonderful red-pink cones - and Taxus baccata ‘Icicle’. This yew has yellowy

Taxus baccata

GARDENS green leaves that make it stand out from the crowd. In winter they transform to a creamy white that gives the illusion that it has been touched by frost. This tall, columnar yew will look very festive with some simple lights. If you have small children, please note that yew trees and their berries are poisonous.

Some trees and shrubs offer structure and the added bonus of interesting bark. Dogwood stems (Cornus) come in shades of red, green, orange, and white, so take your pick! Or look for a tree with interesting bark - the peeling bark of Acer griseum looks like peeling paper, which is no doubt why its common name is the paperbark maple.

For a more polished look, opt for the Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula) with its rich mahoganycoloured bark, or the Himalayan birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii ‘Moonbeam’) and its pure white trunks. Place an uplighter at the base of the latter for a stunning nighttime show.

Gardeners at RHS Rosemoor have revealed that they give the trunks a wash using a sponge and soapy water around November to keep them looking good!

The twisted hazel (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’) looks like something out of a fairytale, which a brave prince might have to chop through to find a princess or battle a dragon! Its branches twist, twirl and dive, to create a structure that looks truly magical when the frost touches it. There’s also a red-leaved version called ‘Red Majestic’, which boasts red catkins and nuts.

Something that looks so exotic that you wouldn’t think it could even survive an English winter is the phormium. These eye-catching plants have clumps of sword-like leaves, and thrive in sunny areas in borders, containers or gravel gardens, but they make quite a statement during the winter, especially if you choose a variety such as ‘Tricolor’ with its red-edged leaves. Protect roots from the wet and cold with a mulch, and consider protecting the leaves if a hard frost is forecast. If you grow your plants in large, statement containers, you can move them into a more sheltered area in the winter.

For less formal structure, look to something like bamboo or an impressive grass such as Stipa gigantea or Miscanthus sinensis, whose foliage disappears in winter but leaves its stems sporting fine tassels. Once they blow away probably in late winter or early spring - you can cut the stems back, but you will have other interest returning to your garden by then.

Finally, remember to add some colour with winter-flowering evergreens such as Skimmia, Viburnum tinus with its delicate white flowers and winter jasmine’s dainty yellow flowers.

Viburnum tinus

Raise me up If you’re new to veg growing this year - and lots of us tried our hand during lockdown and are busily planning your new-look garden, now is a good time to get some raised planters in place ready for spring growing. Martin Waldron of M J Waldron & Sons landscapers says he has had great demand for raised planters: ‘They are good for older people as you don’t have to bend down and you can have them in any shape you want - round, hexagonal, or to fit into a corner. I’ve built brick planters and for those who want something softer, your beds can be made from sleepers.’

Winter 2020 / 17

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SHOP LOCAL Great gift ideas from your local High Streets in Berkhamsted, Tring and the villages 01

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Bailey’s Bites - Berkhamsted 01 Mixed Taster Bags £6.45 Beechwood Fine Foods - Tring 02 Truede Turkish Delight £10.50 03 Ahmad Magical Tea bauble £10.95 04 Georgie Porgie Traditional Christmas Puds from £3.95 05 Beechwood Christmas Preserves from £2.95 Creative H - Berkhamsted 06 Hand drawn local Christmas cards £2.60ea or £10 per pack of 5. Available from Maggie J Tring and &Quirky Berkhamsted. 10% donation to Hospice of St Francis on Berkhamsted cards.

Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates - Berkhamsted 07 Gift Voucher for Signed & Framed Illustration Commission £95 08 Bespoke Signed and Framed Home Illustrations £95 Lucky Lobster Art - Tring 09 Framed Countryside Dog £45 10 Christmas Pud Tea Towel £12 11 Wreath in a Box Virtual Workshop £45 12 Love Berko Mounted Print £22

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Mary Casserley - Berkhamsted 13 Father Christmas in Berkhamsted A5 Card £3 14 Christmas in Tring High Street A5 Card £3 Also available in small packs of 6 x A6 cards £8 Available from Berkhamsted Imaging and Fancy That Number Twenty - Berkhamsted 15 Herts Lifestyle Candles £25 16 Men’s Grooming Kit £15 17 Ortigia Perfume Oils £15 Prestigious Textiles - Various 18 Apres Ski Snow, Little Star, Bauble and Alpine Twilight Fabrics available from Panache Interiors Pitstone, Elements Interior Design Berkhamsted, G&H Soft Furnishings Potten End and Peter John Interiors. RRP from £17.40/m for 100% cotton or £21.00/m for PVC and PCM. Puddingstone Distillery - Wilstone 19 PUD PUD Cherry Gin £36 Tring Brewery - Tring 20 Two-thirds Harmony Glass £3.50 21 One Pint Brent Glass £3.50

BOOKS

The latest books from our local and regional authors

Sorry, I Was Miles Away

By Mike Wall. Cow Roast Associated Publishing. Out now Apparently Mike missed so much at school while staring out of the window, he thought he should revisit some of what he missed and see if it mattered. He found it didn’t!

This book covers everything from gravity to algebra, from Archimedes to Columbus and a lot more. It’s an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek read and will make a great stocking filler.

Mike lives on a narrow boat on the Grand Union Canal at Cow Roast. This is his second book; his first is titled ‘Me and Some Other Jokes’.

Betsie Valentine And The Honeybees

By Meriet Duncan. Tom & Tilly Ltd. Out now Young Betsie Valentine makes a wish and becomes a honeybee for a day. Follow her adventures around the garden and through the hive, where she learns all about making honey, and the roles of the various bees.

This charming book will entertain children and adults alike. It features beautiful and vibrant illustrations and is packed full of fascinating facts.

Meriet has a heartfelt passion for honeybees. She is a speaker, beekeeper and author. She travels around the UK giving talks and creating a buzz about the honeybee.

Around the World in 24 Hours

By Ruth Wallington. Hello Ruth. Out now We fell in love with this beautiful little book as soon as we saw it - knowing it can be personalised for a child/children is just the icing on the cake!

This advent calendar story follows Santa’s journey around the world, and is designed to be read each night in December during the run-up to Christmas. Each page contains a little rhyme specific to the country and it’s delightfully illustrated. Absolutely perfect for your new family tradition!

Ruth was brought up in Dublin and now lives with her husband, two children and two cats – the dynamic duo – in Pitstone.

#SheCan365

By Helen Pritchard, and Michelle and Christian Ewen. www.shecan365.com. Out now Berkhamsted-based entrepreneur and business owner Haylee Benton owns three beauty spots in the town - Alchemy & I, Cecily Spa and Koha Skin Clinic - as well as PamperPad, dubbed the ‘TripAdvisor of the beauty industry’.

Her story appears along with 364 other tales of inspiring, entrepreneurial women, at different stages of their business journey, from start-up to seven-figure organisations.

It also supports CoppaFeel! – a national breast cancer awareness charity.

COMPETITION Our two competition winners will be cooking up a storm this Christmas. Congrats to Vivienne Copley and Jill Gardener - who each won a copy of The Hertfordshire Cook Book courtesy of Puddingstone Distillery in our Autumn 2020 competition.

Award winning small batch gins distilled in Tring

Head over to our distillery shop on Friday or Saturday to discover and sample the full Campfire Gin range.

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RECIPE

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH TRIFLE

Make the cake 1. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl, then add the rest of the cake ingredients except the milk. Mix with an electric hand whisk until you have a smooth consistency.

Then add the milk, a tablespoon at a time until you have a creamy consistency.

ERVES 8-10 • SER V •S

• SERVES 8 8-10 -10 ES

S

arah Murray at Tring’s Beechwood Fine Food brings a taste of Christmas past with her trifle recipe: ‘My mother always made a trifle at Christmas; a pack of trifle sponges, a tin of Del Monte fruit cocktail, custard made with Bird’s custard powder, lashings of whipped cream and a good soaking of sweet Sherry. “What, no jelly?” I hear you cry!

‘Everyone’s family has a different take on the English classic and I am reminded of my turning point when I was served a trifle made with fresh homemade custard and fresh fruit instead of tinned.

‘Here is my recipe (with a little inspiration from Delia Smith). If you love trifle it really is worth all the effort!’

Custard ingredients • 425ml double cream • 4 large egg yolks • 25g golden caster sugar • 2 tsp cornflour • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• SERVES 8 -10 8-10 ES

Filling and topping ingredients • 150ml sweet Sherry (fruit juice for alcohol-free) • Raspberry jam • 300g frozen raspberries (defrosted) • 325ml double cream • 40g toasted flaked almonds > 1kg loaf tin greased and lined with baking parchment for the Madeira cake > Non-stick saucepan for the custard > Large glass serving bowl > Oven 170C/Gas 3/fan oven 150C

2. Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin, levelling it off with the back of a tablespoon, and bake on a lower shelf of the oven for about one hour or until it feels springy in the centre. Leave to cool slightly before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

Winter 2020 / 25

ERVES 8 10 • SER •S V

Madeira cake ingredients • 225g plain flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 175g soft butter • 110g golden caster sugar • 2 large eggs, beaten finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 2–3 tbsp milk

KEEPING WITH

TRADITION Take time over the festive season to start some new Christmas traditions

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ver the past few months we have all come to appreciate the time we can spend with friends and family. While Christmas may not be the big affair it usually is, we might have time to create family traditions, make memories and have some good old-fashioned fun.

Read all about it Instead of a chocolate advent calendar, consider creating a book calendar. For smaller children, the book calendar is easy. Start collecting Christmas-themed books; buy new ones, and find second-hand books from charity shops - try to get a copy of The Night Before Christmas to read on Christmas Eve. Wrap individually in Christmas paper and number from one to 24 and read a new one each evening at bedtime.

Older kids and adults could make it a tradition to start reading Christmas books from December 1. (See page 22 for a lovely Christmas story written by a local author).

evenings full of family fun sounds a great idea!

Gather together some family games, quiz ideas, craft kits and more. Then if you are feeling creative you can make a calendar with each activity written or drawn behind the door, or simply have a memory jar filled with folded Post-Its and pull one out each evening. You might be playing Twister, making a tree ornament, watching a Christmas movie or putting up the tree. Adults shouldn’t be left out, you can still play games, make some Christmas cocktails or learn a new craft. Alternatively, you could make a family bucket list of things to do throughout December - with activities such as ice skating and baking cookies.

Family fun Winter nights aren’t a lot of fun, and with so many social opportunities not available to us at the moment, leading up to the big day with

Christmas lights drive Take a drive to see the Christmas lights in your area. If you have small kids, wrap them up in pyjamas or onesies, make a picnic bag of festive

26 / Berkhamsted Living

www.livingmags.info

CHRISTMAS snacks, and explore your local area. Go back home for a warming hot chocolate, or if it’s adults-only finish at your local pub (with social distancing of course) or at home with a mulled wine or Baileys. Totally Christmassy!

Boxing Day Walk If you want to make the most of the fresh air, winter walks are fabulous. Why not devise a special walk for Boxing Day – take a look at our walk on page 46 – and maybe resolve to do the same walk every year? Include a special spot, such as Ivinghoe Beacon or the Ashridge Monument, and take a family photo at that same location each year. A lovely way to document your family growing over the years.

Find the Christmas pickle We have to admit this is a new one for us, but it’s a lesser-known American tradition that sounds fun. You need a pickle-shaped tree ornament - and yes, they are quite widely available, surprisingly! On Christmas Eve, someone has to hide the pickle on the tree.

After dinner, or first thing on Christmas morning, the first one to find the pickle wins a prize. Legend suggests the tradition comes from Germany, but we have no definitive proof.

Christmas Eve Box Make Christmas Eve special with a box filled with goodies for the evening - new pyjamas, a Christmas mug, hot chocolate, cookies to bake for Santa and so on. Some people give their kids the box at the beginning of the month, so that they can spread out some of the activities and start reading some Christmas books (see our Books idea on the previous page). When it appears is up to you - it’s your tradition!

Traditions around the world Fancy adopting a tradition from overseas?

Here’s a few of our favourites: Christmas book fest In Iceland, books are exchanged as gifts on Christmas Eve as part of the season called ‘The Yule Book Flood’. The rest of the night is spent snuggled up, drinking hot chocolate and reading. Sounds heavenly!

Fried chicken feast In Japan, it’s become a modern tradition to have Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner on Christmas Day. In fact, if you have had enough of cooking over the holidays, having a takeaway sounds a pretty good idea.

Get your skates on In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas Eve morning sees everyone roller skating to church. It’s such a popular activity that the roads are closed to make it safe. Then everyone heads home for ‘tamales’ (cornmeal wraps that are stuffed with meat, and steamed).

Hide the broom Here’s a great way to get out of housework.

In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to stop evil spirits and witches using them to ride on!

It’s cold outside but you can make it cosy this winter. Use Scandinavian style, soft furnishings, and scent to create a winter retreat in your home

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ou know that lovely feeling you get when you’re snuggled up at home when the weather is awful? Well, the clever Swedes have a name for it, as Catharina Björkman, lifestyle expert at Swedish wood burning stove brand, Contura explains: ‘In Sweden, “mys’’ denotes the warm, fuzzy feeling derived from being indoors, in front of a roaring fire, preferably with a glass of wine or a hot chocolate, while the weather rages outside. Mys is about taking time to slow down, relax, enjoy good company, and eat delicious food. It means comfort and relaxation and taking time out from a stressful outside world to recalibrate.’

Sounds ideal, and of course you need a cosy winter retreat to achieve ‘mys’. Some classic Scandinavian-style tips to help Brits achieve that mys feeling include adding warm throws

28 / Berkhamsted Living

SNUGGLE UP IN STYLE

to snuggle up on the sofa, lighting candles, enjoying a warm drink or bath and wearing fluffy socks.

They even have something called Fredagsmys, which translates as ‘cosy Fridays’. In the Swedish collective consciousness, winter Friday evenings should be a time for cosy relaxation and enjoying a feast of uncomplicated comfort food. Sounds good to us!

To create the right atmosphere, use neutral tones, warm red-based shades, soft pinks and dusky greys. Choose natural materials, such as untreated wood, soft cotton and items that have been handcrafted, such as woven baskets, wicker chairs and embroidered cushions. Keep clutter to a minimum and introduce some mellow lighting.

www.livingmags.info

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PROPERTY

Up the cosy factor with fluffy blankets, cushions and candles, and woven rugs on wooden floors

Up the cosy factor with fluffy blankets, cushions and candles, and woven rugs on wooden floors. Frame and hang your favourite photos and use fragrant diffusers to spread a delicious scent throughout your home.

Adele Shotton-Pugh, interior designer at home furnishings retailer Terrys Fabrics, suggests layering fabrics to create a cosy feel: ‘Look for throws and cushions in varying fabrics, textures and colours to create the desired effect.

Chunky knits and plush velvets are particularly popular, as are natural fibres such as fleece, wool and silk.’

Seasonal scents Our sense of smell is the most evocative sense.

Use candles, wax melts, room sprays and diffusers to surround yourself with comforting, seasonal scents in your cosy winter retreat.

Abbi Langan at Berkhamsted’s number twenty says: ‘We’ve got a lovely range of winter scent candles and diffusers. My favourite so far is the True Grace Cedarwood or the St Eval Figgy Pudding and Orange with cinnamon.’

If you don’t have any scented candles or oils, you could bake some spiced bread,

cakes or ginger cookies, or brew up a pot of coffee. Orange pomanders, made by studding oranges with cloves and leaving to dry, exude a heavenly scent as the fruit dries. Display in shallow decorative bowls or tie with ribbon and hang up. To get an even stronger scent, roll the orange in spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves and leave to infuse for a week or so.

Create a book nook Interior designer Samantha Watkins McRae has been working with security company Ring on their report - ‘Home: A New Meaning’, which explores what the future of the home looks like for consumers across the UK, and has discovered that the UK public have a true love of books and reading: ‘As the nights start to draw in we cannot think of a more comforting way to spend an evening then indulging in a great read.

‘For those on a tighter budget or wanting to refresh an area of the home, dedicate an area to a chair that you can sink into surrounded by your book collection - many home retailers now carry some beautiful ranges of individual wall-mounted shelves. From modernist to vintage finds, with some having decorative brackets, there is no end to the creativity they offer to revamp a tired wall or corner.’

You may find other spaces to turn into a cosy reading nook.

Take the door off a built-in cupboard, clear the junk from the space under the stairs, or build a window seat into a bay window. Add plenty of cosy cushions, a reading light and a comfy throw for snuggling under. Find book inspiration from local authors on page 22 or take a trip to Our Bookshop in Tring.

Winter 2020 / 29

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COMPETITION

GET ON BOARD WITH THIS MONTH’S COMPETITION  

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Christmas can be an expensive time of year, especially if you have children or teenagers, which is why we’ve teamed up with online skate and scoot specialists www.skates.co.uk to offer a fabulous Tony Hawk-branded skateboard to one lucky winner.

Tony Hawk is probably the best-known skateboarder in the world. A professional at just 14, he has his own skateboard brand and a franchise of hugely successful skateboard-based video games.

Up for grabs this month is the Tony Hawk 180 Series Complete Skateboard - Hawk Roar 7.75’’. The board is ideal for beginners so will make a great Christmas present (read our review online at www.livingmags.info).

To find out more and enter head to: www.livingmags.info/competitions. Terms and conditions apply.

See website for details.

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1HL

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE A s we near the end of a challenging year it is time to take stock and ensure loved ones and family are well looked after this winter season.

Visiting carer Heather won over the trust of a new client, a very capable 90 year-old lady whose neighbours had been helping her during lockdown. But as life started to return to normal, they felt she would benefit from the consistency of a daily visiting carer.

However, Heather’s new client kept turning her away at the door as she was confused and fiercely private and didn’t feel she needed help.

Heather took her rescue dog Patch on her next visit and received an entirely different welcome.

She was invited in and the client enjoyed having Patch curled up asleep on her lap while she played a game of Scrabble with Heather, who was then able to help her with tasks around her home.

Carer Heather says: ‘Now she looks forward to us coming, and she lights up when she sees Patch.’

Ashridge Home Care owner Trudi says: ‘Our carers make such a positive impact upon someone’s life. Many don’t want to face the reality that perhaps they need a bit of help but in actual fact just knowing someone is coming by on a regular basis can make the world of difference.’

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GET THAT WINTER

GLOW We may not be able to have huge parties over the festive season, but you can still look fabulous this winter, even if you are celebrating at home

W

inter beauty often concentrates on party make-up and hair ideas, but as we write this, it’s not clear quite what Christmas will look like this year.

Whatever happens, we think it is unlikely we will be going to big office parties and having huge family celebrations, However, don’t let that stop you looking fabulous this winter!

And looking fabulous should start from the skin outwards, as Lucie Fountain, Salon Director at Tring’s Elementary Skin & Body explains: ‘A lot of us have been wearing less make-up this year and so this Christmas put your skin health first and let your natural radiance sparkle and glow. Make sure that you thoroughly cleanse your face every evening to remove any dirt left on your skin.

‘I always recommend a clay-based cleanser, such as REN’s Clearcalm Cleanser, in the evening, as this can work to pull out

34 / Berkhamsted Living

the impurities, followed by a nourishing moisturiser on your face and neck. Overnight our clever bodies work to produce the oils and hormones that we are lacking so a clean canvas is very important to aid this.

‘My number one product recommendation for glowing Christmas skin is REN’s Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial. This transformative treatment works to exfoliate your skin, using AHAs to deep-clean pores, even up texture, support natural cell turnover, and boost radiance, giving you a radiant sparkle.’

Over in Berkhamsted, Cecily Day Spa Manager Nikki Marsh also focuses on getting super skin: ‘One of the most effective treatments for getting your skin sparkling is the Dermaplane Facial. With the use of a surgical scalpel, the therapist removes layers of dead skin cells and the vellus hair better known

www.livingmags.info

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as peach fuzz. Your skin will look smoother and brighter and feel baby soft and you’ll have the perfect base for that smooth foundation application to be “night out’’ ready!’

Now your skin is looking fabulous, let’s take a look at your crowning glory. Tring hair stylist Emi Jean McKenna, founder of The Happy Place Salon, explains this winter’s hair trends: ‘Clients have been bored during lockdown. For the first time their freedom of self expression has been taken away from them. They have been craving a change, so whether it’s big or small, bold or subtle, there are definitely exciting hair trends emerging for winter.

‘A look that a lot of social media influencers have opted for is 1970s layers. Evolved from the ‘french girl fringe’ trend, the look has become more layered, textured and voluminous. The Farrah Fawcett bounce is back!

‘Ice-white hair has been an ongoing trend, but for those clients who realised during lockdown just how high maintenance it is (and how hard it is to achieve at home) it’s been time for a new look. Soft, sandy, golden, honey and toffee tones - it’s all about warming up the skin tone after missing out on summer holiday sun. This tends to be done with a balayage technique to ensure longevity and low maintenance.

‘For something a little more out there, but still reasonably low maintenance, soft metallic peach hues are becoming increasingly popular.

This is a great option as it fades to a soft golden tone. There are products on the market such as Bleach London’s Awkward Peach shampoo and conditioner that adds tone as you wash, keeping the look for longer.

‘Face framing balayage has been a trend for a while now. But like the metallic peach trend, clients are opting for something a little more fun. Colour pop panels give your look an extra bit of interest and self expression, without the maintenance of bleaching the whole head.

‘Who knows if we will be able to have Christmas parties this year? But somehow I don’t think it will stop the Christmas cheer or

Nothing says Christmas more than a Christmas bow, and it’s a supereasy, stylish look to achieve.’

people dressing up. The summer saw playful trends of colourful clips and scrunchies. This Christmas it will be all about festive Christmas bows. An easy look to achieve, whether it’s half up, half down or a slick back pony. Nothing says Christmas more than a Christmas bow, and it’s a super-easy, stylish look to achieve.’

Finally, make-up trends for the season include winged eyeliner, a fabulous purple smokey eye, to replace the ubiquitous grey/black smokey eye, and thick, heavy silver or gold eyeshadow for a 70s disco look, complete with long, spidery black eyelashes. From London Fashion Week earlier in the year, winter trends for lips include statement red lips in matte and gloss, darker, vampy shades such as Oxblood, while violet and fuchsia enter the ring along with fabulous metallic lipsticks in gold and bronze for a truly sparkling party look.

Nailed it!

Daisy Kalnina, founder of TheGelBottle and Peacci, comments: ‘Winter time is all about warming up to the season and we expect trends to lean on earthy and dark tones.

Peacci’s Cinnamon Spice, a deep burgundy brown, will prove popular this Christmas as seen at the Rejina Pyo show at London Fashion Week. We’d recommend making this look extra glossy for the perfect festive vibes with Peacci’s Gel’ous Top Coat.’

Winter 2020 / 35

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SC008256

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BIORESONANCE

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s this the medical breakthrough of the 21st century?

Medical science in the 20th century advanced at a breathtaking pace and the 21st century is witnessing an even faster pace of growth.

While orthodox medicine has provided enormous benefits, it is locked into the basic ethos of treating the symptoms and not the cause. Now this new natural scientific development of Bioresonance opens the door to what is known as Energy Medicine.

Bioresonance practitioner Malcolm Baxter asks you three questions: 1 Would you like your doctor to know with 90%+ certainty what the cause of your illness is before they prescribe drugs?

2 Would you like your doctor to heal you at the cellular level because he knows that effective healing must be from within and not from without?

3 Would you like to be healed without any side-effects, invasive tests and treatment and sooner?

This new natural scientific development of Bioresonance opens the door to what is known as Energy Medicine

Bioresonance is the answer. However, it is not available on the NHS. Malcolm has experienced the power of Bioresonance himself, He had suffered for many years with arthritic pain in his feet and knees.

Within a few weeks of discovering Bioresonance the pain had disappeared. His wife had an undiagnosed difficulty with food which, through Bioresonance, was identified as lactose intolerance and was easily dealt with by a change of diet. He has many other examples of effective treatment through Bioresonance.

Malcolm’s son is a medical doctor, and was initially sceptical of the results his father was getting. However, he has an open mind and encouraged his father on this journey. He is now a partner in the Bioresonance Practice.

Another British medical doctor who uses Bioresonance is Steve Simpson. You can watch his videos on YouTube.

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KEEP

BOREDOM AT BAY

As the evenings draw in and there are fewer outdoor activities for children to keep busy with, we’ve found some fun ideas to keep them (and the whole family) occupied until spring!

Mini engineers Demand for people with science, technology, engineering and maths knowledge continues to grow, so spark their enthusiasm with some fun activities. The engineers at the James Dyson Foundation have come up with some great free challenge cards that encourage kids to get building. Choose to make a balloon car race, build a bridge using spaghetti, or construct a marble run. All using items you will find around the house. Ready, get set, build! www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk.

Escape room As we write, escape rooms are still open, but if you want something to do during a dark evening, some are offering virtual experiences.

Or you could buy an escape room in a box. If

40 / Berkhamsted Living

you have older kids, you could even challenge them to come up with their own escape room puzzles. Make it as involved as you want - if you really want to go all out, sort out some fancy dress, and themed food and drink to make an evening of it.

Puzzle it out Sales of jigsaw puzzles skyrocketed during lockdown earlier in the year. 3D puzzles are great fun, but for something really challenging look out for Wasgij puzzles. You have to work out what the puzzle picture might be by working out what the people in the picture on the box are looking at. It’s a real brain teaser!

Fancy That in Tring sell a wide range of puzzles, if you need some new ideas.

www.livingmags.info

KIDS

Make a bucket list The winter is a great time to plan. Start a scrapbook or journal and get everyone to add in their ideas for family holidays, activities and days out. They might write it out in coloured pens or draw a picture, depending on their age. Or perhaps you’d prefer a suggestions jar.

Use multicoloured squares of paper and write down ideas for activities and days out - it could be anything from making paper planes to exploring a new town or going to a theme park.

Next time you’re stuck for something to do, pull a piece of paper out of the jar.

Your turn to cook Allocate a night each week for someone else to cook dinner. Find age-appropriate recipes - younger kids might make homemade pizza, while teenagers could rustle up a spag bol or curry. They may need some help, but do this every winter until they leave home and they should build up a decent repertoire of signature dishes to take with them to Uni! Learn a new skill Is there something you can do that your children can’t? Maybe you knit, play a musical instrument, or hula hoop. Perhaps you can whistle with your fingers, whittle wood or make a fire without using paper. Maybe there’s some DIY or homemaking skills they

could learn. Then turn the tables and let them teach you a new skill - maybe handstands or skateboarding!? (Don’t forget to see our Tony Hawk skateboard competition on p32).

Get out the photos So many of us have digital photos but never put them in a photo album. Sort out some baby photos, and other photos through the years, get them printed and start filling some albums. The children can add fun stickers and captions to turn them into scrapbooks. As well as a family album, each child could create their own, which you can add to as they grow, so that when they leave home they have an album of photos documenting their childhood.

Indoor camping It may be chilly outside but it’s fun to camp out in the living room! Pop-up tents are good for this, or make a fort from chairs/tables and sheets. If you have a real fire you can toast marshmallows or toast. Have a camping dinner of baked potatoes, corn on the cob, ribs and sausages, or a carpet picnic - and then sing some campfire songs (www.scoutresources.org. uk has lots of examples if you don’t know any).

“

…you can simply stick on some tunes and have a boogie, or get TikTok up on the TV and start learning a child-appropriate routine

“

Dance the night away Active kids might still be full of beans, so get dancing! Depending on their ages, you can simply stick on some tunes and have a boogie, or get TikTok up on the TV and start learning a child-appropriate routine. If you have a games console, there are plenty of dance games, which combine exercise with competition - and are suitable for all ages.

Winter 2020 / 41

LOCAL HISTORY

A tale of two Christmases Christmas can be a very different beast depending on how much money you have, and that was certainly true in the 19th century…

With many thanks to Jenny Sherwood at Berkhamsted Historical Society.

I

n the 1800s the wealthy and the poorest people in the land were worlds apart, as this tale of two festive seasons shows.

A report in the Bucks Herald in January 1887, entitled New Year Benevolence, described how the Berkhamsted Volunteer Band played ‘suitable music’ on New Year’s Eve as ‘the bells ushered in the year 1887 with many peels’. The poor of the area received a number of gifts from their wealthier counterparts.

Captain and Mrs Curtis at The Hall had donated coals, flannel, beef and money to ‘work people and others’, while Mr and Mrs Lucas of Ashlyns Hall had given their servants Christmas dinner, a piece of beef and ‘useful’ presents.

Meanwhile, at Potten End, Mr Pethybridge gave his tenants a piece of beef while he ensured that many poor widows and others had seasonal gifts.

At the other end of the social scale a Royal visit to Ashridge House on New Year’s Eve 1887 was described in great detail: ‘The Prince and Princess of Wales left the station by the 10.46 up train. Earl and Countess

42 / Berkhamsted Living

Skating at Berkhamsted Castle in 1890. The Ministry of Works, which controlled the Castle at the time, gave permission for skating to take place.

Brownlow [the Brownlow family inherited the estate in 1848] accompanied them to the station in an open carriage drawn by four horses and a couple of outriders. A considerable company assembled at the station and gave a royal cheer.

The Ashridge waiting room [a private room at Berkhamsted Station used only for the Earl and his guests] was brought into use and the approaches to the train laid with scarlet cloth.

Lord Randolph Churchill [Winston Churchill’s father] left by an earlier train.’

On Sunday their Royal Highnesses attended divine service in the private chapel in the house, a service officiated by the Rev G.C Lane.

The Princess of Wales took the opportunity to visit the Ashridge Convalescent Home and the Home Arts and Business School during her visit, ‘manifesting much interest in both these institutions’. The Prince was said to have had some excellent shooting’.

Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, later became King Edward VII. His wife was Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Interestingly, Prince Albert was mostly excluded from political power during his mother Queen Victoria’s reign and travelled extensively in Great Britain and abroad, performing ceremonial duties. However, he had a reputation as a playboy prince, which did not go down well with the monarch. He was said to have had many mistresses, and one of the women he socialised with was Alice Keppel, whose great granddaughter is Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall! King Edward VII is the great great grandfather of Prince Charles.

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Winter 2020 / 43

WHAT’S ON WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO/EVENTS

As we go to print on the magazine, it is still uncertain on the rules around mass gathering events. Please check with the organisers in advance as to whether their event will be going ahead. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event

TUESDAY 8 DEC Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast 8-9.30am. Online.

BusinessMart networking www.tringtogether.org.uk

THURSDAY 10 DEC Music: Pearl Handled Revolver Blues Bar, Tring. 8pm www.bluesbartring.co.uk

SATURDAY 12 DEC WEDNESDAY 25 NOV

FRIDAY 4 DEC

Business: Tring Together Group Action Networking 6-7.30pm. Online. Network with other community groups www.tringtogether.org.uk

Talks: Liberty: Bucks Man, London Shop & Global Style 7.15pm online. Will Phillips curator at Bucks County Museum www.cholesbury.com

THURSDAY 26 NOV

SATURDAY 5 DEC

Music: Nine Below Zero’s Dennis Greaves & Mark Feltham Blues Bar, Tring. 8pm www.bluesbartring.co.uk

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market 9am-12.30pm. Also 19 Dec. Fine produce from around the district www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 2 DEC Arts & Crafts: Art classes with Julie Smare Open Door, Berkhamsted.

Wednesdays, 12 to 2pm www. opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk

THURSDAY 3 DEC Fairs / Festivals: Christmas at Waddesdon Wed-Sun 12noon-7.30pm to 3 Jan. Pre-booking requ’d waddesdon.org.uk Travel: Kew Gardens Christmas Lights Trail Masons £39. Also 9/10 Dec. Walk into a world festooned with seasonal cheer www.masonscoachhire.co.uk Music: Three Bar Fire Blues Bar, Tring. 8pm www.bluesbartring.co.uk

FRIDAY 4 DEC Music: Christmas Singalong Tring WI, Nora Grace Hall, 2pm. Entertainer: Kate McKenna 01442 823768

Travel: Covent Garden Coach Trip Masons mini bus & coach hire. £23pp www. masonscoachhire.co.uk Markets & Sales: Christmas Market Berkhamsted Cricket Club, 10am-4pm.

Quality stalls www.stfrancis.org.uk Fundraisers: Christmas Shopping Returned to Glory, Berkhamsted, 10am-4pm.

Also Sun 6 www.stfrancis.org.uk Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Book Fair Court House, 10am-4pm 01442 862011 Fairs / Festivals: Christmas in Tring 3-7pm. Also 6 Dec. Inc Shop Local Day, Christmas craft market & shop window competition www.tringtogether.org.uk

Music: Pelleas Ensemble Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm, £16 www.berkhamstedmusic. co.uk

THURSDAY 17 DEC Music: East West Maxwell Street and Friends Blues Bar, Tring. 8pm www.bluesbartring.co.uk

FRIDAY 8 JAN: Talks: Researching The Vache And Newlands Park St Leonards Parish Hall, 8pm for 8.15pm. Regicide, defamation, suffragettes & more! www.cholesbury.com

SATURDAY 9 JAN Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk

WEDNESDAY 20 JAN Talks: House Histories Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Town Hall 8pm. Speaker: Carol Fulton berkhamsted-history.org.uk

THURSDAY 21 JAN Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast 8-9.30am. Online networking www.tringtogether.org.uk

MONDAY 25 JAN Travel: Potters Resort Masons £299pp. Travel in comfort to Hopton-on-Sea.

Inc Southwold trip & Waveney River Cruise www.masonscoachhire.co.uk

TUESDAY 2 FEB Travel: Anglesey Abbey One of the finest snowdrop collections in the country.

Masons Mini bus & coach hire www. masonscoachhire.co.uk

FRIDAY 5 FEB Talks: Social Housing In Amersham Rural District St Leonards Parish Hall, 8pm for 8.15pm. From 1919 until post-WWII www.cholesbury.com

SATURDAY 6 FEB Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Book Fair Court House, 10am-4pm 01442 862011

SATURDAY 13 FEB Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market 9am-12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk

TUESDAY 16 FEB Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast 8-9.30am. Online BusinessMart networking www.tringtogether.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 17 FEB Talks: History of the Smith Dorrien Family Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Town Hall 8pm. Speaker: Tony Statham berkhamstedhistory.org.uk

SATURDAY 20 FEB Music: Mithras Trio Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm, £16 www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk

FRIDAY 5 MAR Talks: British Second World War Artists St Leonards Parish Hall, 8pm for 8.15pm. Henry Moore, Paul Nash & Stanley Spencer www.cholesbury.com

Visit the region’s new independent bookshop and home of the Tring Book Festival.

We stock all new books.

Any orders made before 5pm will be in stock the next day.

Join the mailing list and see our events. www.tringbookfestival.co.uk

87 High Street, Tring HP23 4AB Tring 827653

BERKHAMSTED AND ASHRIDGE

WALKS AROUND TOWN This walk offers some great views over Berkhamsted from Ashridge as well as fields, valleys and woodland - and allows for social distancing

Points of Interest Waypoint 1: Puddingstones are a ‘conglomerate’ of rounded flint pebbles in a matrix of fine sand all cemented together by silica. Waypoint 2: Alpine Meadows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - a chalk grassland rich in wildflowers and butterflies from spring to autumn.

A

five-mile stile-free walk on level ground with two short uphill sections, taking in some great views of the urban landscape, valleys and woodland to the north and west of Berkhamsted. Wide, field-edge paths make it perfect for people that need to create space between each other, and the woodland paths are also wide.

This circular route starts and finishes at Berkhamsted Station.

Leave the station from the Long Stay car park exit.

Cross straight over the access road and Bridgewater Road, turn right to the mini roundabout. Turn left up Brownlow Road and, where that bends right, continue straight ahead up Castle Hill. Follow the road round to the left to a junction at the top.

1. Waypoint 1. Fork right, walk between newly-built houses and continue along the field edge through a series of three gates to a path junction.

2. Waypoint 2. Turn right at the junction and walk along a wide field-edge path with the hedgerow on the left. Follow the path as it veers left, continue onto a narrower path and then through a wooded area (Alpine Meadow). Walk along another field-edge

path, go through three gates and turn left to a ‘T’ junction 3. Waypoint 3. Turn right and keep following this path in the same direction, ignoring left and right turns, to reach a golf course and then a car park.

4. Waypoint 4. Take the path at the back of the car park and turn right downhill. At the second path junction turn left to a road.

Cross and follow the path up towards a large house. Turn right where the path meets another and follow this elevated path at high level until it turns right at a row of trees.

5. Waypoint 5. There are two options at this point. To follow the official right of way, turn right down through a gate, cross the road and turn left along the path. Follow the road round to the right with the elevated railway line on your left to reach the station. To follow the local path, go under the row of trees to reach the road, cross and turn left to rejoin the main route to the station.

Many thanks to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for supplying this walk. You can find out more on the website at www.chilternsaonb.org

SEE OUR WEBSITE WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO FOR FULL DIRECTIONS 46 / Berkhamsted Living

www.livingmags.info

RECIPE - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH TRIFLE Make the custard 1. Place the cream in a pan over a very gentle heat and warm it, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it is just simmering.

While the cream is heating, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour and vanilla in a bowl. Then, whisking the egg mixture all the time with one hand, gradually pour the hot cream into the bowl.

2. When you’ve added all the cream return the whole lot to the saucepan and put over the same gentle heat and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the custard is thick and smooth. Don’t leave it or stop stirring as the custard will very readily stick or burn.

3. Pour the custard into a clean bowl and cover the surface with cling film. Leave to cool.

The Spirit of Christmas Gifts for all your family and friends

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Construct the trifle 1. Cut the Madeira cake into slices approx 1cm thick, spread with raspberry jam and sandwich together. Cut the sandwiches in half and place in your glass bowl on their edge so you can see the seam of jam. Cover the whole of the bottom of the bowl and carefully pour over the sherry trying not to splash the sides of the bowl. Leave to allow the alcohol to be absorbed.

2. Scatter the raspberries over the sponges and pour over any juices. Pour the cooled custard over the fruit.

3. Whip the remaining double cream until thick but not stiff. It should be a similar consistency to your custard. Spoon over the top of your trifle and spread carefully.

Finally, sprinkle with the flaked almonds, cover and chill until ready to serve.

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Just finished reading your latest magazine and I have to say, its so much more interesting now! It’s a really interesting read, very informative and lots in there! So well done!

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I wanted to thank you again for donating the ad space to us in your recent Tring and Berkhamsted Living editions. As you know we used it as an opportunity to promote our Buy a Bale campaign and did see donations increase as the magazine was distributed. It also prompted a few volunteers and supporters that had previously been involved with us to reach out and say hello which was lovely. Thank you again for supporting us.

Karen Gosen, Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled Centre.

48 / Berkhamsted Living

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DISTRIBUTION FROM

SPRING 2021

26-01-21

03-02-21

17-02-21

8 March 2021

SUMMER 2021

20-04-21

28-04-21

12-05-21

31 May 2021

AUTUMN 2021

03-08-21

04-08-21

18-08-21

6 September 2021

WINTER 2021

07-10-21

20-10-21

03-11-21

22 November 2021

LOCAL ESSENTIALS Need a number in a hurry?

Keep this page handy Visit our website for more essential services and telephone numbers including opticians, dental surgeries and vets for both Tring and Berkhamsted www.livingmags.info/berkhamstedessential-services

Defibrillator machines in the town

TRANSPORT

Bus

0300 123 4050 or visit www.intalink.org.uk 30/31 to Hemel Hempstead via Ashridge, the Gaddesdens and Potten End (not Sun) 354 to Northchurch (not Sun) 354 to Chesham (not Sun) 500/501 to Aylesbury via Tring 500/501 to Watford via Hemel Hempstead

centre can be found by The Civic Centre, 161 High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 3HD. For a full list of defibrillators in the east of England, visit our website using the above link.

502/532 to Northchurch via Sportspace (not Sun)

HEALTH

This service provides older or disabled people who have difficulties in using public transport safe, reliable and accessible transport to a local supermarket. 01442 253935 or visit www. communityactiondacorum.org/door-to-store.

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of each month to Waitrose, Berkhamsted.

Hemel Hempstead Hospital & Urgent Care Centre (Open 24/7) Hillfield Road, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4AD. 01442 213141 Late Night Pharmacy Open until 10.30pm 7 days a week 172 Tring Road, Bedgrove, Aylesbury HP20 1JR. 01296 432 696

ADDITIONAL USEFUL NUMBERS Police Emergency 999 Police Non-Emergency 101 NHS Medical Advice Line 111 Samaritans Call free from any phone on 116 123 Child Line For free and confidential help for young people: 0800 1111

502/532 to Hemel Hempstead via Potten End

Community Action

Train

London Northwestern Railway 0333 3110039 or visit www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk to download the operator’s app To London Euston via Hemel Hempstead and Watford Junction To Northampton via Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes Southern Railway 0345 1272920 or 0208 1850778 from a mobile, or visit www.southernrailway.com To Milton Keynes via Leighton Buzzard To South Croydon via Watford, Olympia and Clapham Junction

50 / Berkhamsted Living

LAST

POSTING Cut out and keep

DATES FOR CHRISTMAS

Royal Mail UK service Friday 18 December

Monday 21 December

Tuesday 22 December

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Saturday 12 December

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Jo runs Lucky Lobster Art in her Tring studio, fondly known as ‘The Lobster Pot’, where she creates linocuts, illustrations, homewares, gifts and cards. Before the pandemic, Jo taught art classes and Christmas workshops in her beautiful studio. She now holds weekly art classes via Zoom on Friday mornings. Take a look at her website to find out more and to shop for her lovely cards and gifts. www.luckylobsterart.co.uk / Instagram @luckylobsterart / Email: jo@luckylobsterart.co.uk

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