Berkhamsted Living Magazine Summer 2020 Issue 75

g n i v i L

ISSUE 75

BERKHAMSTED

SUMMER 2020

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Welcome to the Summer issue!

BERKHAMSTED SUMMER 2020

W

e are very happy to be able to bring you this issue, despite the difficult and unprecedented times.

After weeks of lockdown – and as we write this - we’re hopefully beginning to see a glimpse of brighter skies ahead, and a summer of more freedom and less worry.

In the meantime, we hope we have brought you an issue full of ideas relevant to right now: looking after your emotional wellbeing, getting out in the garden, and getting back to nature with the kids. We’ve also got ideas for DIY jobs around the home and walks in the countryside.

As we go to print, it’s not clear when mass gathering events will be able to take place. As a result we’ve decided not to print the normal ‘What’s On’ listing and instead dedicated the space to our local charities, see page 44.

However you can visit the website for details of many local events, please just check with the organisers in advance as to whether they are going ahead. We have also brought forward the

introduction of our new local services directory especially to help the local businesses with their online presence during this time, and as a thank you for advertising in this magazine. You can view the directory on our website.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness that this crisis has brought out in people, which is why we’ve dedicated several pages to mentioning the good INFO@LIVINGM AGS.INFO deeds being done by both individuals and local businesses. We’d also like to extend an enormous thank you to all of the key workers who have continued to do such an brilliant job – and that includes the amazing postal workers who deliver this very magazine.

Thank you, each and every one of you.

We wish you a happy and healthy summer.

Happy reading!

CONTACT US 01442 82430 0

Alison and Clare Owner & Editor

THIS ISSUE OF BERKHAMSTED LIVING MAGAZINE WENT TO PRINT ON 12 MAY. WE HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE INFORMATION IS CORRECT, THOUGH IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME INFORMATION MAY NOW BE OUT OF DATE, FOR WHICH WE APOLOGISE.

CONTENTS 4

News and views from Berkhamsted and surrounding villages

14 The history of

Berkhamsted Place

16 Shop Local 18 Pistachio and Elderflower Cake recipe from Beechwood Fine Foods

20 Look after your

emotional wellbeing

22 Get your kids back to

HOW MAN Y R AINBO WS C A N YOU SPOT THROUGH OUT THE MAGA ZINE? A NSWER ON

nature

26 How to attract

butterflies and birds to your garden

32 Book reviews and Competitions

PAGE 50!

36 It’s time to DIY! 41 Walk from Berkhamsted to Bovingdon

48 Essential local services

The only local magazine offering guaranteed shrink-wrapped delivery to 11,269* addresses in the HP4 postcode area, by Royal Mail every quarter. *Royal Mail postcode data . Published quarterly in March, June, Sept & Nov The Team: Publisher: Alison Page / Editorial: Clare Swatman / 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

Letter from the Mayor A lot has changed since my Spring letter. Who would have thought a microscopic virus would bring the country into lockdown? I am told the air quality in the town centre is much improved; something to be welcomed at least.

At the time of writing, the impact on our local community, economy and employment is already concerning. The Town Council has earmarked a fund to support local groups and charities providing support and assistance to residents. www.berkhamstedtowncouncil. gov.uk/uploads/grant-application-formcovid19-support.docx We have seen some inspirational examples of community groups coming together since lockdown started. More about this can be found in the following pages.

Age Concern locally is working with organisations including Open Door to provide support. Funding has been provided by our county councillor from his localities budget and from the Town Council, and a supply of hand sanitiser and protective gloves provided.

The national appeal for volunteers has received an overwhelming response and locally these are being registered with Community Action Dacorum (CAD) that co-ordinates a number of projects incorporating Berkhamsted.

The Town Council has donated funds towards the Store2Door shopping delivery service.

It has been heartening to hear people clapping each Thursday evening in support of the NHS frontline staff, paramedics and carers. Our thanks should also be extended to all key workers, staff at food stores and their delivery drivers. We also have a group of volunteers making scrubs for hospitals and hospices, to which the Town Council has made a contribution.

4 / Berkhamsted Living

In the Spring edition I said the new Borough Plan would likely be consulted upon in the summer. This has been delayed until November this year. DBC’s planning team has been tasked to draw up a robust plan to deliver over 1000 new houses each year together with infrastructure needed to support the new communities. I can confidently predict such proposals will not receive universal approval!

Work on Climate Change initiatives is progressing, but with not as much to show at this stage as we had anticipated, for obvious reasons. Plans are in hand to plant new trees we are looking for volunteers to help, as well as locations which might benefit. Please contact Town Council on 01442 800152 or e-mail townclerk@berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk.

We want to help residents reduce the their energy use, especially for domestic heating. A special thermal imaging camera can be used to show the heat loss from buildings. To have your property assessed, please contact the Town Council.

“

It has been heartening to hear people clapping each Thursday evening in support of the NHS frontline staff, paramedics and carers. Our thanks should also be extended to all key workers, staff at food stores and their delivery drivers.

“

Dear Berkhamsted Residents

Parish and Town Councils offices may be closed, however, staff and Councillors are working hard from home. It will be interesting to see whether commuting will be restored to the previous level after lockdown.

In the meantime, all best wishes to our residents. Please take care and follow guidance.

Cllr Garrick Stevens, Town Mayor

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A Town United T

imes of crisis often bring out the best in people – and the last few months have been no exception.

As the coronavirus crisis escalated, people in Berkhamsted stepped up to help others, and a real sense of community emerged. We were so overwhelmed by how generous and kind both individuals and businesses were being – from people making PPE equipment for the amazing NHS staff, to home deliveries and local communities helping each other - that we wanted to give a mention to as many as possible to recognise their efforts.

We’ve probably missed loads, so huge apologies if you’re not mentioned – but do email and let us know and we can give you a shout out on our social media channels!

Individuals A Facebook group was set up for Berkhamsted called the Covid 19 Mutual Support Group. Set up by Jon Russell and Lisa Hartley on Friday 13 March. By the following Monday every single street in the town had a volunteer to deliver leaflets offering help to every resident, whether vulnerable, self-isolating or other. It continued its good work throughout the crisis - and Jon kept the spirits of the town up with a weekly online quiz every Saturday night!

Lisa Hartley said: ‘I knew we had to do something for the town, and the response was incredible! I wanted to make sure no one was left out, or unable to get the things or the contact they needed. It’s been very humbling to see the whole town get on board and I’m so glad that, at such an uncertain time, so much togetherness is emerging. We hope that this continues long into the future.’

6 / Berkhamsted Living

Dave Rance showed what a true local hero he was when he offered to go shopping, pick up prescriptions, and carry out any other job needed for the elderly, vulnerable and those self isolating. He was easily recognisable thanks to a rainbow of balloons on top of his car made and donated by Emma Moorcroft of Berkhamsted Balloons, and he also decorated the front of his car to give thanks to the NHS workers.

‘I was working at the Old Mill and when it closed I was furloughed,’ he said. ‘They started their grocery service so I offered to deliver for them for free, and then I offered my services on Facebook. I spent about four hours a day delivering Old Mill groceries and the rest of the day doing anything else. It kept me busy and I like to help people. It’s definitely better than sitting at home doing nothing!’

Steve Butcher, organiser of Tring’s annual Chilfest, invested in eight laser printers and made hundreds of PPE masks which were sent to hospitals and pharmacies around the area.

Further afield in Leighton Buzzard, Design Technology teachers Jacqueline Hargreaves and her husband also made thousands of protective face masks using their own laser cutter and materials and a 3D printer borrowed from school.

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

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LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: INFO@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 22/7/20 South East Crafts for Causes, led by Colleen Duggan and Angela Hutchinson, made dozens of scrubs for workers at local NHS hospitals.

Christopher Dell from digital company Great Big Small compiled a list of restaurants offering online deliveries of takeaway food on the website www.foodfromyourhighstreet. com to make it easy for people to support their favourite eateries.

Meanwhile, Charlie Pritchard made hundreds of eco-friendly washable baby wipes when she heard that people were struggling to get hold of disposable ones. They were distributed to hundreds of people across the town.

Caroline Collard from Boxmoor and her eight-year-old daughter Lucy set up a challenge to inspire people to get moving during lockdown. ‘Lucy suggested that if she could run every day, so could anyone,’ said Caroline. They launched ‘Lucy’s Marathon Challenge’ – to get people to complete a marathon distance (26 miles or 42km) in any way they could.

Visit @boxmoornutrifit on Facebook or Instagram.

Designer Steve Burdekin made a brilliant banner to thank the NHS. ‘We needed show our support for all the public services working so hard,’ he said. ‘I regard these people as the beating heart of our communities.’ He designed a banner which he painted with the help of his kids and hung at the top of Bridle Way where walkers could see it every day.

Businesses/Charities

The lovely and always smiling Mark Twyman and his Berko Black Cab offered free taxi rides to NHS workers who needed to get to hospital, particularly during difficult times of the day.

‘My taxi has a separate carriage,’ said Mark ‘so I 8 / Berkhamsted Living

knew it would help those who need it most to minimise their contact with the public.

‘I also wanted to show my gratitude to the community as they’ve been so supportive of Berko Black Cab since day one.

‘I’m financing this myself but I’ve also had really generous donations from friends, customers and even complete strangers. I will continue to do this as long as it’s needed.’

The Old Mill The pub might have closed its doors to customers, but it set up an online delivery service of meals, drinks and a wide selection of groceries (including toilet roll and flour!) to thousands of people all over the town. Owner Andy Clarke worked round the clock to provide groceries, and was a godsend to many of the people unable to get to the supermarket.

Open Door in Berkhamsted The volunteers and class tutors at Open Door in Berkhamsted continued to do what they do best – provide nourishment, exercise and creative inspiration.

In conjunction with Berko Food for Friends they started a free meal delivery service, and people who were vulnerable or self-isolating could order evening meals for delivery. Much of the food was donated by Waitrose, and a donation was made by the Town Council.

Other classes running virtually included pilates, art and relaxing yoga.

They’re also planning a new exhibition for when they’re allowed to reopen called ‘Transformations – New Life’ – and anyone can submit artwork to be displayed.

So get creating in whatever medium you like: Textiles, ceramics, mixed media, jewellery, 3D, music, writing, photography, digital. Email opendoorberko@gmail.com or message them via their Facebook page.

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

LOCAL

Sacha from Black Goo set up demonstrations of the baking process of their most popular items including brownies and rocky road on Instagram. She showed the process from start to finish so loyal customers didn’t have to miss out on their favourite treats! @BlackGooCoffee Several garages in town offered contact-free collection and delivery for services, including The Car Works and Roy Chapman.

Vanarama, the UK’s leading independent commercial and personal vehicle leasing company launched a Covid-19 Small Business Support Team to provide information and guidance to sole traders, the self-employed and small limited companies.

Age UK Dacorum collected foodbank donations at the beginning of the crisis, and a couple of weeks later interviewed and recruited more than a dozen volunteers to act as ‘Phone Befrienders’ for the elderly and isolated at home.

After it had to close its doors, ASK in Berkhamsted donated hundreds of meals to charities and members of the public.

Volunteers at the Swan Youth Centre helped deliver parcels and make deliveries for the elderly and vulnerable.

Hubert Figg pharmacy had an army of volunteers picking up and delivering prescriptions to its customers.

Emma Parkes McQueen from Berkhamsted Yoga ran free online yoga classes for kids.

Bergin & Bath, who run craft workshops and design content for print and digital publication, created letterbox craft kits to bring the workshop experience to people stuck at home, with online video tutorials available.

Quirky Carpentry’s Tony Powers made and trialled laptop holders for people working from home. For every one sold he donated £5 to the NHS. The curtain maker at Rebecca Clarke Interiors turned her hand to making muchneeded scrubs to donate to local hospitals.

Although forced to close for several weeks, The Fitness Society continued to post online workouts for their members despite not taking any monthly fees.

VAH closed its doors for most of the time, but remained open a few hours a week.

Although customers weren’t allowed inside the shop, orders were collected by the staff and brought to the front door.

Doorstep Deliveries To keep themselves afloat during difficult times, and to provide a welcome service to the town, many businesses offered a delivery service – and not just restaurants! Among those were: Nick and Dave from Berkhamsted Sports who offered advice and delivery of sports equipment to help keep us all active.

Eastwoods Butchers offered deliveries and click & collect and were overwhelmed by the response.

Berkhamsted Arts and crafts offered advice, ideas and free delivery. Jo Kidd and the team offered a sterling service to stop residents getting bored.

J Batchelors and Woods Garden Centre offered deliveries of gardening supplies including vegetables, plants and compost.

Many, many restaurants offered delivery including the Old Mill, Tabure, The Meating Room, Fat Buddha, the Curry Garden and the Akash – and the Berkhamsted Bottling Company delivered cocktails directly to your door!

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

Summer 2020 / 9

LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: INFO@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 22/7/20

Sculpture raises thousands for the NHS

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sculpture showing appreciation for key workers raised £4050 at auction to raise funds for the NHS. ‘In Safe Hands’ is a creation by artist Charles Elliott, and is on show alongside the A41 near his studio.

The money raised will go directly to the NHS charity, COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

Elliott said he wanted to create a sculpture during isolation that would ‘remind key workers on their travels to keep up the hard work’.

The zinc galvanised sphere, inside a pair of hands, is illuminated at night and can be seen from the road near Berkhamsted. It measures 165cm by 165cm. ‘[It] symbolises the love and care presented by our health workers, not only in the NHS but worldwide in all the different sectors,’ he said.

‘We hope the key workers travelling to and from work can be reminded that we fully appreciate their support and hard work.’

A big change for Herts Year of Culture

W

ith the message ‘Home is where the art is’, the closure of almost every cultural venue in the country was always going to have a big impact on the Herts Year of Culture.

But the organisers didn’t let that faze them.

Instead, they sprang into action to assure us that while lots of things might have been cancelled, creativity certainly hasn’t!

To that end, local artists and groups found ways to deliver their creative content online, or via activity packs which can be delivered or collected in line with current guidelines.

Hilary Shade, Chair of HACO (Hertfordshire Association of Cultural Officers) said: ‘We want to let everyone know that HYOC2020 is still carrying on but with a change in focus to online content.

10 / Berkhamsted Living

‘We are keen to shine a spotlight on all the fabulous creativity that’s going on in homes throughout the county.’

For inspirational ideas and activities head to www.creativehertfordshire.com and visit the What’s Online section.

Join our new online business directory!

A

t Living Magazines we’re always trying to support local businesses – and with both Berkhamsted and Tring brimming with businesses that can meet your needs, why go further afield? Our new online local directory includes local retailers, home services, business services such as marketing companies and financial planners, personal services including hairdressers and beauty salons, and entertainment.

It has never been more vital that we support our local economy. To find out more go to www.livingmags.info/directory

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

30 years for Stringer Mann

Goodbye from the Ed

his July, Robert Stringer and Richard Mann will be celebrating 30 years of partnership! They have been working together since 1990, when they worked at a regional Independent Financial Adviser firm, before starting their own Practice - Stringer Mann - in 1993. Since then, they have been a firm fixture in the town, building a strong team and supporting the wider area with investment and financial planning, including mortgages.

Nowadays the firm enjoys an enviable 5-Star rating and are proud to call themselves Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners. You’ll find them at 236a High Street, Berkhamsted. www.stringermann.com

wanted to let you know that this will be my last issue as Editor of Living Magazines after nine years – where has the time gone?!

In those nine years much has changed for me – including writing two novels and having them published.

It’s now time for me to concentrate fully on other writing projects – but I’ll still be in Berkhamsted, so I’m not going far!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the magazines as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them, and I hope to see them go from strength to strength with owner Alison. Thanks for having me Alison, and good luck for the future!

Thank you so much Clare for all your hard work and friendship over the last few years. We wish you every success with your writing projects and your books - good luck with the third novel!

T

Riding for the Disabled Appeal

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addesden Place Riding for the Disabled is asking for your help to feed its horses during this time of crisis.

Like so many other charities, it has been unable to fundraise over the last few months, but they still have horses to feed and keep healthy.

Although at the time of going to press they were still closed, hopefully they will be able to re-open soon.

Visit www.gaddesdenplacerda.org.uk to make a donation.

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NEWS IN BRIEF VE Day celebrations The planned VE day celebrations might not have taken place, but many people decorated their homes and organised socially distanced street parties, with neighbours enjoying the opportunity to get together. Dacorum Borough Council flew a VE plane overhead with a VE Day banner and asked people to raise a toast from their doorsteps for the nation’s war heroes. We hope you enjoyed getting involved!

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

Summer 2020 / 11

LOCAL FOCUS SEND US YOUR NEWS / TELEPHONE: 01442 824300 / EMAIL: INFO@LIVINGMAGS.INFO / NEXT DEADLINE: 22/7/20

Grand Slam Adventure Multi-Storey Carpark M Plans on hold ountaineer Suzanne Turner has set herself a challenge to complete the gruelling Adventure Grand Slam and raise money for charity at the same time.

Suzanne, from Chesham, will have to undertake eight gruelling climbs in order to complete the challenge, including Kilimanjaro, Everest and Kosciuzko.

‘Not many people have completed the challenge and even fewer have done it in one continuous push,’ says Suzanne. ‘It is not an easy challenge! The current female world record for the Adventure Grand Slam is 238 day, 23hrs30mins, set by Masha Gordon in 2016. I hope to take 210 days.’

Suzanne, who is raising money for veterans’ charities Blesma and Combat Stress, was due to begin in December this year and although the pandemic may delay her start, she’s not letting it stop her preparation.

Suzanne is fundraising at Go Fund Me (search for ‘Expedition Endeavour’) or email suzanneturner1583@gmail.com.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Award for homemade preserves Congratulations to Lauran Wise who runs local preserves company Twee, who has just won two Bronze awards at the 15th World’s Original Marmalade Awards for her Lemon and Lime Marmalade and Thick Cut maramlade with Ginger. Her products are sold in Darvells, Dunsley Farm shop and Rumblers Farm Shop. www.tweelife.co.uk

12 / Berkhamsted Living

T

he nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 has affected everything – and the multistory car park is no exception.

Although building work was completed earlier this year, the car park is unable to be opened until the section 278 Highways works have been completed, and power works are carried out by UK Power Networks (UKPN).

‘UKPN have attempted the work three times,’ explains Ben Hosier from Dacorum Borough Council. ‘The first two attempts were called off following the awful storms over the winter, and the third time was booked for a week after the lockdown began so subsequently cancelled.’

The Moor, meanwhile, has been handed over to the Clean, Safe and Green team for reseeding and replanting – but this has also been delayed due to staff shortages and more urgent priorities for remaining staff. ‘They are hoping to carry out the work during the summer, but it’s likely it could be as late as autumn,’ said Ben.

Support the Pepper Foundation

T

he Pepper Foundation is a small local charity raising money to help fund children’s hospice at home nursing care in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The funds raised support nurses providing specialist paediatric care for children with life limiting or life-threatening conditions. Care is provided free of charge in patients own homes and is unique in this area as it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To learn more about the charity or make a donation please visit www.pepper.org.uk or contact rproudfoot@pepper.org.uk

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

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Summer 2020 / 13

Berkhamsted Place The Elizabethan country manor at the top of Castle Hill survived for almost 400 years before it was demolished. Here’s a potted history.

B

erkhamsted Place was a mansion house built at the top of Castle Hill, where it remained for almost 400 years, until 1967 when it was sadly demolished.

The history of Berkhamsted Place is fascinating, in part due to the number of notable characters who lived there.

It was originally built in 1580 by Sir Edward Carey, the keeper of the Royal Jewel House, after Queen Elizabeth I granted him the Manor of Berkhamsted and the lease of Berkhamsted Castle.

By this time, Berkhamsted Castle had already fallen into disrepair, so Carey used stone from the castle to build Berkhamsted Place, a country manor overlooking the castle.

However Sir Carey preferred to live in his house in Aldenham, so his brother Adolphus became the first tenant in 1588. Subsequently, a number of notable residents occupied the manor.

In 1612 it was purchased by Henry, Prince of Wales, for the sum of £4000. Henry, who died later that year, passed the house to his brother, Charles, who was later crowned King Charles I. Prince Charles leased the property to his tutor Thomas Murray, and his family. In subsequent years the house was occupied by Berkhamsted-

14 / Berkhamsted Living

born soldier Daniel Axtell, a ruthless man who was later executed for regicide against King Charles I. During the Restoration of the 1660s the house was leased to the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Portland. But during his residency there was a terrible fire which destroyed two-thirds of the house. The next owner, John Sayer, Chief Cook to King Charles II, oversaw the building’s reconstruction.

The central part of the house was rebuilt but the two wings which formed the side of the courtyard were never restored. Some of the original Elizabethan decorative stonework was retained, as well as some stone chequer work

www.livingmags.info

on the north wall, which can be seen in later photographs of the property (see pic).

Sayer lived there with his family until his death in 1662. He was a well-known benefactor to the town of Berkhamsted, and his legacy enabled a row of almshouses to be built for the poor widows of the town; these still stand today on the High Street and bear a stone inscription ‘The gifte of John Sayer, 1664.’ The Sayer family sold the house to William Atwell in 1716, who sold it to John Roper just two years later. His family remained there for almost a century.

During the 19th century the house was occupied in turn by General Finch, who was responsible for rebuilding the Thomas Bourne School; by Lady Sarah Spencer and Gertrude, Countess of Pembroke, the Marquis and Marchioness of Hamilton and finally the Ram family, the last of whom, Sir Granville Ram, was the First Parliamentary Counsel to the Treasury in 1937.

After the Second World War, the house became too expensive to maintain and was

LOCAL put up for sale. During the 1950s it HISTORY was converted into flats. Sadly the mansion fell into decay in the 1960s and was eventually demolished in 1967.

No doubt today it would have been saved.

Today, the site is occupied by a number of private cottages and a farm.

With enormous thanks to Jenny Sherwood, Archivist for the Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society, and Giles Clark for information on and photographs of Berkhamsted Place.

1HL

SHOP LOCAL Here’s our selection of great new seasonal things to buy in the shops around Berkhamsted and Tring

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Beechwood Fine Foods - Tring 01 Green & Blacks £2.75 02 Potters Crouch luxury hand soaps from £3.50 03 Cooks & Co ingredients from £2.95 04 GR Wrights easy bread mixes £1.50 Creative Collective - Berkhamsted 05 Locally designed handmade aprons £19 and tea towels £9 Curious Foods - Tring 06 Fennel, Cumin & Garlic whole salami Price: £7.50 www.curiousfoods.co.uk Fancy That - Tring 07 Dartboard £18 08 Jelllycat Bunnies from £8.50 09 David Walliams games for kids from £6 10 Assorted Puzzles from £11 Maggie J Jewellers - Tring 11 Les Georgettes By Altesse Bangles from £49 12 Scarves £12.50 and Acrylic Earrings £9.50 13 Orelia Jewellery from £10

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Puddingstone Distillery - Wilstone 14 Campfire Cask Aged Gin £36 15 Campfire London Dry Gin £33 16 Campfire Navy Strength Gin £38 17 Campfire Old Tom Gin £34 Soden Style - Berkhamsted 18 Range of Mugs £14.95 each 19 Tripod Golf & Glass Lamp £120 20 Fun Cushions £30 each and Flamingo Pouff £115 Tring Brewery 21 Gift Vouchers available in £5 and £10 increments to spend online or instore Twee - Great Gaddesden 22 Twee Marmalade from £3.75 - £4.25 available at Rumblers Farm Shop and Dunsley Farm Shop Summer 2020 / 17

RECIPE

With huge thanks to the wonderful Sarah Murray from Beechwood Fine Foods in Tring for this delicious cake recipe.

1. Preheat the oven, grease the cake tin and line the base with baking parchment.

2. Blitz the pistachios until finely ground in a food processor. It doesn’t matter if there are a few larger pieces it will just add to the texture of the cake.

3. Put the butter, yogurt and sugar in a bowl and whisk with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add the pistachios, polenta, baking powder and lemon zest and juice to the butter mixture and mix.

5. Add the eggs, a little at a time, and mix well.

6. Pour into the cake tin and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.

8. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin.

Make a few holes in the warm cake with a skewer, then gently pour the elderflower cordial slowly over the cake, allowing it time to seep in. Leave the cake in the tin until completely cold.

9. For the icing, mix the yogurt, icing sugar and elderflower cordial until smooth.

10. Place the cooled cake on a plate, pour over the icing and top with the chopped pistachios.

Enjoy with your favourite summer berries and more Greek yogurt

18 / spring Berkhamsted rumbles 2020.indd Living 1

PISTACHIO AND ELDERFLOWER CAKE

Ingredients: For the cake: 125g butter, softened • 125g Greek yogurt • 250g light muscovado sugar • 250g unsalted pistachios • 200g polenta • 1 tsp baking powder • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon • 3 free-range eggs, beaten • 150ml elderflower cordial. For the icing: 100g Greek yogurt • 4 tbsp icing sugar • 1 tbsp elderflower cordial • 25g unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped. > 20cm spring form cake tin > Oven 180C/Gas 4/fan oven 160C

28/01/2020 13:57 www.livingmags.info

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LOOK AFTER YOUR

MIND During isolation, it became more important than ever to stay positive and boost your mental health. As we emerge, it will be just as important to look after yourself

I

n these worrying times, it can be hard to stay positive. As we go to print, we’re still in lockdown and it looks as though it will be some time before restrictions on our movement are lifted. But that doesn’t mean we should stop looking after ourselves.

We asked local experts for their advice on how to look after our mental health and wellbeing.

Stop stress in its tracks It’s simple, but easy to forget – deep breathing helps reduce stress.

‘Combining deep breathing with movement can be really helpful,’ says Suzy Reading, a psychologist and yoga teacher from Berkhamsted and author of ‘Self Care In Tough Times’.

‘Stand tall, arms by your sides. Breathe in and lift your arms outwards and up. Pause, then breathe out and lower your arms back down. Repeat six times.’

20 / Berkhamsted Living

Get active ‘Exercise releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in the body and help reduce the perception of pain,’ says Liz Van Hullen from Tring Pilates.’ Try this Pilates move.

All you need is a TheraBand, or an old pair of tights.

Stand with knees and ankles hip width apart, shoulders above hips.

Take the band (or tights) around your back, cross it in front of your chest, and hold an end in each hand.

Connect your abdominal muscles and inhale deeply. Breathe in for four, then exhale, gently pulling on the band to tighten it. Exhale for five.

Repeat.

Get enough sleep According to the Sleep Council, almost half of us are getting six hours or less every night, which can really affect our mental health.

‘Ensure your room is dark and cool,’ says Philippa Taylor, who runs www.feelfabnaturally.com. ‘Melatonin is

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HEALTH AND BEAUTY a hormone, created during darkness, that helps to regulate sleep, so any disruption can create chaotic sleep patterns.’

Also try a yoga move before bed. ‘The cat-cow move is perfect for letting your body know it’s bedtime,’ says Pauline Gibbons from Tring Yoga. ‘On your hands and knees, pull your spine up to the ceiling, then drop it down towards the floor, lifting your head. Use your breath to control the speed.’

Worry time It might sound strange, but allowing yourself time to worry can be helpful.

‘Schedule 15 minutes of daily “worry time”,’ says Philippa. ‘By the time it arrives you might find you don’t need to worry any more, but if you do, ask yourself “is this something I can do something about?” If no, dismiss it for the day.

If yes, ask yourself “what’s the first step?”.’

Look after yourself You can’t help others if you’re not looking after your own needs. What makes you happy? If it’s having a long soak in the bath or reading a book, find 20 minutes to do it.

And while we might not be able to have beauty treatments yet, think about booking one in.

‘Reflexology is perfect for total serenity and relaxation,’ says Lucie Fountain from Elementary Day Spa in Tring. ‘Reflexologists use a map of the feet to work on the whole body; it creates homeostasis, where all the body systems are working together, leaving you balanced and revitalised.’

Boosting children’s wellbeing Life can be tricky for children to navigate at the best of times.

At times of heightened anxiety such as now, it can be even tougher.

Sarah O’Brien, Executive Assistant at Hector’s House, based in Berkhamsted, explains how we can help.

‘Don’t shelter them too much from what’s going on,’ she says. ‘If you tell them everything is fine they’ll know that’s not true, which will make them feel less safe. Be honest, in an age-appropriate way.

‘It’s also important to let them know it’s ok to feel worried, scared or angry, and encourage them to talk to you about it. But try not to project your anxieties onto them - they’re very perceptive.’

There are some practical ways you can help too.

‘Keep a routine,’ says Sarah. ‘It doesn’t have to be strict, but it helps them feel secure. Make sure they exercise and, if they need to, get them to write or draw about how they’re feeling. It can be very therapeutic.’ www.hectorshouse.org.uk

Summer 2020 / 21

BACK TO NATURE Whether it’s in your back garden or out in the park, enjoy getting back to nature with your kids this summer

R

emember when you had the freedom to chase butterflies, build dens and splash in puddles all day long? Well now, with theme parks and almost everything else closed, it’s the perfect time to get our own children back to nature.

Spot wildlife We hope College Lake and Tring Reservoirs will be open by the time you read this. College Lake has a two-mile circular walk where you can spot skylarks, finches and terns, as well as butterflies and, during June and July, the beautiful Cornfield Flowers. Also head to the reservoirs.

Before you go, download a bird guide, or buy ‘National Trust: Out and About Bird Spotter: A children’s Guide to over 100 different birds’, by Robyn Swift, £6.99 from Our Bookshop in Tring – and don’t forget your binoculars! See our article on page 28 about attracting birds to your garden.

what’s what. Learn about the importance of bark and why the leaves change colour on some and not others. Look for trees with spaces big enough to climb into, or ones with great branches for climbing up. * Grab a copy of Westonbirt Arboretum’s Tree Spotter’s Guide by Dan Crowley, £8.99, from Our Bookshop in Tring

Get to know trees Can you tell the difference between one type of tree and another? Look closely at their leaves, take bark rubbings and see if you can work out

22 / Berkhamsted Living

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KIDS Go geo-caching If you haven’t tried geo-caching before, you’re in for a treat!

A geocache is a small waterproof box hidden outdoors. Geocachers look for the hidden goodies using GPS with co-ordinates downloaded from the geocaching website, or through a free geo-caching app. The geocaches contain items to discover, and if you take any treasure away you’re expected to replace it. Go to www.geocaching.com to find your nearest site. Enter the co-ordinates into your GPS, then follow them to the treasure. Once there, fill out the log book and return it to its hiding place.

Build a den Head into the woods and build a den like Eeyore!

Collect lots of long branches and sticks and build them up against a tree. Once you’ve got a basic wigwam structure, fill in the gaps with twigs and leaves. To make it really comfortable, find a log for a seat!

Collect bugs A good way of teaching children that bugs are fascinating and not for stamping on is to get them to study them in greater detail. The easiest way to do this is with an insect ‘pooter’.

This is basically a jar with two straws so you can ‘vaccum’ the insect into the jar without touching it, inspect it, and then gently release it.

Find interesting bugs under branches, beneath tree bark, under rocks and stones; shake branches, and dig down into the earth.

Grow something If you have even a small patch of ground for growing something, let the kids get involved.

Dig it over, plant some seeds, and get them to water it every day and watch it grow. You’ll be amazed how much more likely they are to eat something they’ve grown from seed!

Tring Garden Centre and Woods in Berkhamsted both have a wide selection of seeds from flowers to vegetables, and are offering delivery.

Make a collage The collage-making itself might not be done outside, but you could spend hours collecting bits and pieces – leaves, twigs, pinecones, berries – to make a collage with once you get home.

Race snails It’s not exactly fast-paced but it can be great fun! Look for snails in cool, damp places, and remember their shells are their homes so handle them gently.

Mark out a circular race track around 60cm in diameter. Place snails in the centre and let them glide towards the edge. Keep the track wet and out of direct sunlight. The first snail over the line wins!

Please return the snails to where you found them.

If you’re out and about please remember to take your litter home, and be mindful of others.

For more ideas go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Summer 2020 / 23

family CANAL campS 2020

Independent Day School for girls 4 - 16 years Day Nursery & Pre-School for girls and boys from 6 months

Holidays with a Difference WRG Family Camps are a residential weekend volunteer opportunity for families to get out and help restore and maintain waterways across England, in a safe and inclusive environment.

join us only £15 per person

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Every step of the way Prep

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sites: Work outdoors and learn new skills Find out about canal restoration and heritage

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Lee Valley: 7th - 9th August 2020 Wendover Arm Canal, Buckinghamshire: 23rd - 25th October 2020

Open to families with children aged 6 and 14

wrg.org.uk / 01494 783 453

Abbot’s Hill is a happy and thriving community in which pupils are encouraged to aim high, to grasp opportunities, enjoy learning and to make lasting friendships.

Rated ‘excellent’ in all areas by ISI January 2020.

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

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24 / Berkhamsted Living

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Prioritising OUR mental health

These certainly are strange times we’re living in. Now has never been a more important time to make sure you are looking after your mental health.

Hector’s House is a suicide and crisis prevention and help resource charity, based in Berkhamsted – set up by the family of Hector Stringer, who took his own life at just 18 years old.

Text HECTOR to 85258 Hector’s House has a free text service for anyone in a mental health crisis.

Please, if you are feeling like it is all too much, text HECTOR to 85258 to speak to us. You are never alone.

Speak to your GP Your GP can direct you to important resources that can help.

Contact The Samaritans Call 116 123. Samaritans are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to listen. Their number is free to call.You do not have to be suicidal to contact them. Talking helps. @hectorshere @house_hectors @hectorshouse.org.uk

HECTORSHOUSE.ORG.UK Registered charity no. 1165588

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20/04/2020 13:17:34

BUTTERFLIES AND BIRDS Peacock butterfly - © RHS Katy Prentice

I

Attract more wildlife to your garden by making it a haven for them

f you’ve got a garden then you’re definitely one of the lucky ones – having an outside space to call our own is a godsend, and never more so than over the last few months.

You probably know that, thanks to the changing nature of our gardens – plants, flowers and lawns are giving way to more concrete, decking and gravel – sadly the numbers of birds and butterflies are dwindling.

Previously we’ve looked at how to attract bees and hedgehogs to our gardens, so in this issue we look at how you can attract more butterflies and birds with some simple changes.

So get the whole family involved and make your garden a sanctuary for wildlife this summer.

Butterflies Butterflies are more than just a pretty addition to our world. The fact is, they’re essential.

Like bees, they help to pollinate flowers. The caterpillar larvae eat the plants and provide an important food source for other animals

26 / Berkhamsted Living

Green-veined white © JonHawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

including birds, small mammals and spiders.

But even more importantly, because they’re so sensitive to changes in their ecosystem, they’re a useful barometer for scientists to identify changes and problems in local environments – and loss of habitat is one of the biggest and most damaging changes.

Sadly their habitats have faced catastrophic declines and once-common species like the small tortoiseshell have dropped by up to 80 per cent in the last 30 years in some areas.

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GARDENS

What to plant and when will it flower?

Scarlet tiger moth - © RHS Andrew Halstead

Earlier this year, The Wildlife Trust and Royal Horticultural Society launched their Grow A Secret Garden For Butterflies campaign, which calls on gardeners to pledge a bit of garden or outdoor space to help the UK’s falling numbers of butterflies and moths. They’re then asking for you to add it to their online interactive map.

The website also gives some great tips for attracting butterflies to your garden.

‘Our garden flowers and plants provide a rich source of rejuvenating nectar for these much-loved garden visitors as they emerge from hibernation to herald the start of spring,’ says The Wildlife Trusts’ gardening champion, horticulturist and TV presenter Frances Tophill.

‘Leave dandelions and daisies in the lawn to provide a meal, aim for year-round flowers and include a wildflower area for egg-laying females as well as gardeners’ favourites like lavender, nasturtium and verbena.’

Why not help find out more about butterfly populations? The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide survey by the charity Butterfly Conservation, aimed at helping them assess the health of the environment. Launched in 2010, more than 113,500 people took part last year, submitting more than 116,000 counts of butterflies and moths across the UK. www.bigbutterflycount.org

Spring: Primroses, sweet William, native bluebells, forget-me-nots, cuckoo flower Summer: Cornflower, French marigold, marjoram, scavious, thistle, purple loosestrife, hemp agimony, bramble, and many herbs including marjoram, thyme, lavender and sage Autumn: Flowering ivy, asters, ice plant, hebe, buddleia, verbena Top larval food plants • Lady’s smock (orange tip butterfly) • Bird’s foot trefoil (common blue butterfly) • Common sorrel (small copper butterfly) • Fescue grass (meadow brown butterfly) • Ivy and holly (holly blue butterfly • Nasturtium (holly blue butterfly)

Helen Bostock, Senior Horticultural Advisor at the RHS adds: ‘With many of their natural habitats under threat, consider rewilding an area of the garden to provide food and shelter, or sacrificing a patch of plants – for example, a window box bursting with nasturtiums will help attract large white butterflies away from your cabbage crop.’ www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk

Birds Who wouldn’t want to enjoy birdsong in their garden? Wild birds are a joy to watch and hear in the garden, and with a decrease in natural habitats causing a drop in native bird numbers too, it’s important to provide a welcoming environment for them all year round. There’s plenty advice on the RSPB website, but these are the most important points.

Summer 2020 / 27

Blue tit

GARDENS Water Water is essential for birds for drinking and bathing. Bathing helps them keep their feathers easier to preen, which in turn helps insulate them against the cold. But make sure it doesn’t freeze over in winter, and keep the water fresh.

Shelter Birds need shelter from predators and from the cold nights. Dense conifers, trees and shrubs are perfect during the summer. In the winter, why not try building a bird box?

For more information go to: www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk www.rhs.org.uk. www.bbwot.org.uk

Goldfinch

Food Birds need food all year round. During the summer, this can be from natural sources such as berries, seeds and grass. But during the winter these are harder to come by. Birds also need more food during cold weather to stay warm. Provide a bird feeder – but keep it far enough away from bushes and trees so cats can’t hide before pouncing!

Make your own fat ball. All you need is some yogurt pots, string, lard, cheese and some seeds. Make a hole in the bottom of the yogurt pot and thread some string through it. Add seeds and grated cheese to the pot, then pour in melted lard. Once it’s cooled and set, remove the yogurt pot and hang from a tree.

Keep it clean Feeders, baths and bird houses all need to be kept clean so that they don’t harbour bacteria that’s harmful to birds. They should be cleaned out once a year but remember not to disturb birds nesting in the spring.

Bird photographs © Brian Dumpleton

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

LOCKED DOWN IN AN UNHAPPY RELATIONSHIP? Nicola Meldrum is a specialist family law solicitor at Raydens Solicitors, living and working in Berkhamsted with two young children. In this article she considers the pressure of lockdown and relationship difficulties.

T

his Covid-19 period is a strange and unprecedented time. Without a doubt it has dramatically changed the way we live our lives. For some, there may be positive aspects, for others however, the story could be a very different one.

For some, this time could be unbearable – their relationship is already strained, they are stuck at home with a partner or spouse, not easily able to leave and seek the sanctuary of space from their other half, not able to visit family or friends. Others may not have realised or acknowledged their relationship difficulties until this current period – suddenly those difficulties are brought into very sharp focus and they now feel lost about where to turn and what to do.

In the run up to lockdown and since, I have had many clients come to me to discuss their options. Some people are just seeking initial advice to understand their legal rights and options in the event that the difficulties in their relationships become more permanent.

For those, I meet with them (currently via video or telephone conference platforms), discuss their situation and advise as to potential outcomes and how to get there if and when they decide to start the process of separation.

There are others that have already concluded that their relationship has permanently broken down and they need to separate. I guide them through the legal and practical sides of this journey as well

as address the emotional impact on them.

For some clients this is a painful journey, especially where children are involved. My role as a specialist family law solicitor is to lighten this load, remove the stress and anxieties associated with the legal side and help them achieve an outcome which leaves them feeling positive about their future.

In my experience most people feel overwhelmed about the legal side of separation or divorce and fear it will inevitably involve courts and be expensive.

There are however many different options available to separating couples, which used effectively can avoid court altogether: 1. Direct discussions between the couple often with each party taking legal advice on whether the agreement they have reached is fair.

2. Mediation – discussions between the parties with the assistance of a trained mediator.

3. Collaborative law – a non- confrontational meeting between all parties and their solicitors, agreeing not to go to court.

4. Solicitor negotiations - Negotiations by way of letter or at round table meetings 5. Arbitration – an alternative to court and involves an expert private judge.

Whichever process is used, my top tips for clients are to be open and transparent, be willing to listen to each other’s views. Where children are involved think about what is in their best interests and try to focus on the future and not the past.

Summer 2020 / 31

THE BEST SUMMER READS –

BY LOCAL AUTHORS! You may not be sitting by the pool this summer, but it’s the perfect time to relax in your garden with a good book. Here’s our pick of some of the best books from our super-talented local authors - plus, the chance to win signed copies of them all!

The Mother’s Secret

by Clare Swatman, Berkhamsted. £7.99 paperback, £3.99 kindle When Georgie discovers a secret about her family’s past it explains a lot about her childhood – but Georgie’s also about to discover that while lies can cause pain, the truth could destroy everything.

The Vanished Bride

by Bella Ellis, Berkhamsted. £12.99 hardback, £4.99 kindle The first in a series of novels imagining Emily, Charlotte and Anne as detectives. The three sisters, along with their brother Branwell, decide to investigate the disappearance of a local woman.

The Girl at the Window

by Rowan Coleman, Berkhamsted. £8.99 paperback, £1.99 kindle Ponden Hall is a centuries-old house on the Yorkshire moors. After the devastating loss of her husband, Trudy Heaton is returning there with her young son, Will.

Trudy must attempt to build bridges with her mother, while the ghosts of the hall reach out to the present . . .

Little Big Love

by Katy Regan, Berkhamsted. £8.99 Paperback, £3.99 kindle Liam Jones is the love of Juliet’s life, and the father of her son, Zac. She was happy – until the night he disappeared. Zac is now ten, and wants to know the truth about why his father left – so he decides to find him and give his mum a second chance at happy ever after.

Impossible Causes

by Julie Mayhew, Berkhamsted. £7.41 on kindle, £7.99 paperback Set on an isolated island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, where, the saying goes, nothing bad ever happens. But when newcomers Viola Kendrick and her mother Deborah arrive from the mainland, they discover that, hiding beneath the happy, safe exterior, lies a dark, sinister secret.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo

by Julie Caplin, Tring. Available from Amazon and Tring Bookshop.

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true. Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

32 / Berkhamsted Living

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The Little Village of New Starts

by Donna Ashcroft, Tring, £1.99 on kindle, £7.99 paperback A charming romance set in the Scottish Highlands about being true to yourself, the power of new beginnings and one magical summer that changed everything.

The Way Back

by Jamie Fewery, Berkhamsted. £8.99 paperback, £1.99 kindle This lovely, warm story follows estranged siblings Jessica, Patrick and Kirsty as they drive across the British Isles together to scatter their late father’s ashes – but can they find their way back to each other, or have they already drifted too far apart?

In Ink

by Dave Sivers, Ivinghoe. £2.99 kindle, £tba paperback A body is found outside a church in a small Hertfordshire town. Alastair Murdoch suffered before he died. But what really disturbs DI Nathan Quarrel is the Tarot card motif adorning the body: The Fool. Then, another body turns up.

I’m A Joke And So Are You

by Robin Ince, Berkhamsted. £7.99 paperback, £4.99 kindle Comedian and presenter Robin bares his soul in this funny, touching and fascinating look inside the human brain. Written as part memoir, part scientific study, it’s an entertaining and educational read.

W

Our very generous local authors have given us signed copies of their books, so we’ve put together two amazing bundles for you to win.

In addition to the books pictured, the following will also be included: Electrical Venus by Julie Mayhew, Our Life in a Day by Jamie Fewery, Before You Go by Clare Swatman, and Too Long Gone by Dave Sivers.

Each bundle of books comprises 7 or 8 books apiece.

IN

WIN A BUNDLE OF BOOKS! For a chance to win, simply answer the following question at www.livingmags.info/competitions: What are the names of the three famous Bronte sisters?

Terms and conditions apply, visit website for details. Bundles will be allocated randomly. Closing date Friday 10 July 2020.

COMPETITION WINNERS! Congratulations to the following, who won a family ticket each worth £17 to the Great Missenden Food Festival. The event has been postponed until 6-8 November.

• Caroline Burrows • Andrew Rodwell • Chloe Waight • Marianne Streeter

Grand Designs The Grand Designs show has also been postponed until the end of August. These are our lucky winners who won a pair of tickets each.

• Chloe Waight • Andrew Rodwell • Kay Smith • Heather Stuart

Country Living Spring Fair We offered two lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Country Living Spring Fair on 23-26 April. This event was cancelled, but the winners were thrilled to accept tickets to the Christmas Fair on 11-15 November at the Business Design Centre in London. The lucky winners were: • Carol Hall • Jo Harle

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

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IT’S TIME TO

DIY! H

It’s the perfect time to get those annoying DIY jobs done in and around your home

ands up who spent the lockdown cracking on with all those niggly DIY jobs?

More likely, between trying to home school the children, do some work and keep yourself busy, more time in the house has simply meant you’ve noticed all those little jobs that need doing even more than usual!

Well, now’s a good time to get some sense of order.

Here’s how to get your home looking and feeling spick and span again.

In the kitchen • If your cupboard doors don’t hang right, it’s a simple job to fix. Most kitchen doors have adjustable hinges. Open the door and look for the screws which aren’t actually holding the door into the frame – they’re often hidden under a cover. Turning these screws slightly

36 / Berkhamsted Living

will change the angle at which the door hangs – you might need to have a fiddle with them to get it just right.

• If you have cupboard doors that are chipped, repaint them. First, sand down the small area around the chip to smooth it, then repaint carefully. If the door has several chips it might be easier to sand the whole thing and repaint it. Or if that all feels like too much trouble, refer to our article in the spring issue about kitchen makeovers. You’ll find it on our website.

• Deep clean your oven. You can use a special oven cleaner but they’re fairly toxic, and you can get a great effect by simply using bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. First, in a cold oven, remove the racks. Make a paste from bicarb and water and apply to the baked-on food inside the oven – wear gloves or use a plastic spatula, and do NOT apply to

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the heating elements. Leave overnight, then wipe with a damp cloth. Next, tip white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the inside of the oven, then wipe to remove any residue. To clean the racks, sprinkle over some bicarbonate of soda, spray with vinegar until it foams, then submerge in hot water and leave overnight for the dirt to soak off.

Alternatively get in touch with David Green at Berkhamsted Oven Cleaning – see Classifieds for details.

• There’s no point cleaning your clothes in a dirty washing machine. If your washing machine doesn’t have a self-clean function, add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run a complete cycle. Run another cycle immediately afterwards on the hottest temperature, adding one cup of bicarbonate of soda to the drum. Afterwards, wipe the drum with a damp cloth. Clean the detergent drawer thoroughly too by removing it and cleaning with normal kitchen cleaner and an old toothbrush.

In the bathroom • One way to give your bathroom a bit of a sparkle is to clean the grouting. It’s time-consuming but will make all the difference. Try a special grout cleaner, or make your own: mix a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water and work into the grout with an old toothbrush (an electric toothbrush will save you loads of time and elbow grease if you can bear to use it for that!). Then fill a spray bottle with white wine vinegar and spray it over the bicarbonate mixture until it starts to bubble. Scrub with the toothbrush and rinse.

• You could also do the same with limescale on shower screens, taps and shower heads to make them sparkle like new!

• Unblock sinks. Hair, skin and dirt builds up over time and can leave your shower and basins blocked. Pour a cup of bicarbonate of soda down the plughole, followed by a cup of white vinegar so it fizzes. Leave a while, then flush down with hot water.

• If you’ve got a leaking tap you could try fixing that too – but it is a little more complicated!

• Descale the kettle by adding a third of white vinegar and two-thirds water and boil. Leave it for at least 15 minutes after boiling, then tip down the sink and boil with fresh water. If the limescale is particularly stubborn, leave the solution overnight. Remember to clean it before your morning cuppa!

In the living room • Cracks in the plaster are common – it’s simply caused by the movement of the house.

But fortunately they’re easy to fix. Filler won’t hold in tiny cracks, so first you need to scrape the crack with a scraper to make it a

Summer 2020 / 37

“

Filler won’t hold in tiny cracks, so first you need to scrape the crack with a scraper to make it a little bigger, then clean off the dust, and fill with polyfilla. Leave it to dry then sand smooth, and paint over it – and voila! A brand new, crack-free wall!

“

little bigger, then clean off the dust, and fill with polyfilla. Leave it to dry then sand smooth, and paint over it – and voila! A brand new, crack-free wall!

• If the walls are looking a bit grubby with dirty handprints and blobs of grease, you might get away with a good clean rather than a repaint. But make sure you use a gentle detergent so you don’t remove the existing paint. Flash Magic Erasers are fabulous for cleaning practically anything from crayon on the walls to marks on your woodwork.

Outside • Crumbling mortar between bricks can mean water seeps in and cause them to swell and crack. It can be quite expensive to pay someone else to do it as it’s very time consuming. But the materials don’t cost a lot, so if you have time on your hands, it’s definitely a job you could tackle yourself. Just be careful at the top of the house and make sure you have someone to hold the ladder!

Gently remove old mortar with a hammer and chisel, then brush out any remaining dust. Apply fresh mortar into the gaps and

38 / Berkhamsted Living

leave to dry, then remove any excess with a wire brush.

• After the winter, fascias and soffits can look grubby. To clean them, mix 100ml of washing liquid or powder with 10 litres of warm water, and add a splash of bleach. Make sure your ladder is secure, then dip a sponge in the mixture and work along the surface, wiping as you go. Next, rinse with the hosepipe on a high pressure, then go back over it with a stiff brush, rinsing with water as you go.

For details of local people to help with these jobs, take a look at the Classified section at the back of the magazine or visit the new Local Services Directory on our website. www.livingmags.info.

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WALKS AROUND TOWN

I

n response to government advice on the Covid-19 pandemic, the Town Council took the decision to temporarily suspend Hertfordshire Health Walks. Hopefully by the time the magazine comes out they will have been re-started. There are many walks on their website, but please, if you decide to take one of the routes as your daily form of exercise, please observe the social distancing rules, stay on marked paths and keep dogs on leads near livestock.

This walk is called ‘The Devil’s Own Footsteps’ and is a 4.3 mile linear walk starting at Berkhamsted Railway Station and ending at Bovingdon Memorial Hall. To download the audioguide please refer to the website.

On leaving the railway station, cross Station Road, turn left, and take the first right, crossing the canal and bear right on Mill Street, with the Moor to your right.

Continue on Mill Street to the High Street.

Cross the road to Prince Edward Street, and at the end of the road take the footpath to the right of Victoria School, leading to Butts Meadow. Leave the sports field and turn left on Kingshill Way to its junction with Chesham Road. Cross the road, follow a Tarmac road opposite and, where the road forks, bear right and look out for a pedestrian tunnel. Go through the tunnel and turn left on a bridleway.

Follow the bridleway through Sandpit Green to

its junction with Swing Gate Lane, and turn right going downhill to the valley bottom.

The Bourne Gutter footpath veers away from the line of the stream towards the top right corner of the field and eventually joins a tarmac road, close to Lower Farm, to your right. Where the farm access road bears left go through the gate to a signed footpath, which climbs steadily through fields towards a gap in the tree line ahead.

At the end of the field path turn right on to Bourne End Lane, passing on your left the transmitting aerials of Bovingdon radio navigations beacon for aircraft. The lane leads you back to the clay path following the airfield perimeter. The last section of the path is enclosed and emerges into Newhouse Road.

Turn left for Bovingdon village.

To return to Berkhamsted by public transport, take the bus from Bovingdon Memorial Hall to Hemel Hempstead Railway Station. You then have the option of taking another bus to Berkhamsted town centre, or a train back to your start point. If you wish to walk back, do the walk in reverse, or head down to the canal and walk the rest long the canal bank.

With thanks to Berkhamsted Town Council.

The audio guide and map to accompany this walk are available on the website: www.berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk/ town-guide.html

SEE OUR WEBSITE WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO FOR FULL DIRECTIONS Summer 2020 / 41

Cats Protection Hemel Hempstead & Berkhamsted Need Your Support We are open 7 days a week, attending any cat in danger, reported as a stray or abandoned.

We are mostly self-funding; donations & sponsorships are very important to us and vital to the running of our rescue. Every penny donated goes towards food, accessories & vet bills. We also have a neutering voucher scheme whereby we can help with the cost of neutering owned cats in our area.

We are a small unit, manned entirely by volunteers & always looking for new fosterers & volunteers‌if you would like to get involved please contact us via any of the links below. We will be delighted to hear from you.

Website: www.cats.org.uk/dacorum Facebook: www.facebook.com/HemelCPCats Telephone : 0345 3711851

Dacorum Community Trust (DCT) has been serving the local community since 1976. We are a small, local and independent charity whose aim is to support local people in crisis.

Since the Coronavirus outbreak DCT has been providing practical support for local residents in crisis.

Support includes: Beds and bedding Kitchen utensil starter packs Essential white goods, e.g. cookers and fridges Emergency energy vouchers Food vouchers*

DCT will consider all requests for practical aid for local people in difficult financial circumstances.

If you need help, contact us on 01442 253216 or admin@dctrust.org.uk You can help DCT to support our local community by making a donation. *subject to eligibility, evidence of need will be required. DCT does not issue cash grants

42 / Berkhamsted Living

www.livingmags.info

WHAT’S ON As we go to print on the magazine, it is uncertain when mass gathering events will be able to take place again. As a result, we’ve decided not to print the normal ‘What’s On’ guide and instead dedicate the space both here and throughout the magazine to our many local charities. However, you can visit the website at www.livingmags.info/events for details of numerous local events, please just check with the organisers in advance as to whether they will be going ahead. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event.

EST 1963

CHILTERNS DOG RESCUE SOCIETY PUTTING DOGS FIRST

Age UK Hertfordshire are here if you need us...

We know that this is a difficult time for everyone, especially older people, and we are here to support you. Our free confidential Information & Advice line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

We can provide information on: Benefit Entitlements and Applications Grants Lasting Powers of Attorney Housing Scams Domestic Abuse and Elder Abuse Befriending Services Emotional Support For more information: Email us on: info@ageukherts.org.uk Call us on: 0300 345 3446 Visit our website: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire

The Staff and Trustees of Chilterns Dog Rescue thank everyone who has reached out to them and the dogs in these challenging times.

Restrictions due to COVID-19 meant rehoming from the Rescue Centre and all the fundraising events planned for the Summer had to be cancelled.

However the Society continues to help dogs in need and all support in ways small and large is very much appreciated.

Stay safe and well and enjoy your walks with your four legged companions.

Registered Charity Number: 257557 • Email: enquiries@cdrs.org.uk

Registered Charity Number: 1116662

44 / Berkhamsted Living

www.livingmags.info

Building Buildingstrong strongfriendships friendshipsand andserving servingthe thecommunity communityinin Building strong friendships and serving the community in Building Building strong strongfriendships friendships and andserving serving the the community communityinin Berkhamsted Berkhamsted and andnearby nearby towns townsand and villages villages Berkhamsted and nearby towns and villages Berkhamsted Berkhamstedand andnearby nearbytowns townsand andvillages villages

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We We use use allall funds funds raised, raised, backed backed byby our our time, time, toto support support local local charities charities and and We usecauses, all funds raised, backed by ourprojects, time, to including support local charities and good good causes, as as well well as as international international projects, including partnering partnering with with We We use use allall funds funds raised, raised, backed byby our our time, time, toto support support local local charities charities and and good causes, as well as backed international projects, including partnering the the Gates Gates Foundation Foundation toto eliminate eliminate polio polio from from the the world. world. with good good causes, causes, as as well well as as international international projects, projects, including including partnering partnering with with the Gates Foundation to eliminate polio from the world. the the Gates Gates Foundation Foundation toto eliminate eliminate polio polio from from the the world. world.

Our Our wide-ranging wide-ranging programme programme includes includes initiatives initiatives designed designed toto encourage encourage Our wide-ranging programme includes initiatives designed to encourage and and inspire inspire local local schoolchildren. schoolchildren.

We We support support a rolling a rolling programme programme ofof Our Our wide-ranging wide-ranging programme programme includes includes initiatives initiatives designed designed toto encourage encourage and inspire local schoolchildren.

We support a rolling programme of competitions competitions that that includes includes a technology a technology tournament, tournament, young young chef chef and and and and inspire inspire local local schoolchildren. schoolchildren.

We We support support a rolling a rolling programme programme of of competitions that includes a technology tournament, young chef and artist artist challenges, challenges, and and the the ‘Youth ‘Youth Speaks’ Speaks’ debating debating event. event. competitions competitions that that includes includes a technology a technology tournament, tournament, young young chef chef and and artist challenges, and the ‘Youth Speaks’ debating event. artist artist challenges, challenges, and and the the ‘Youth ‘Youth Speaks’ Speaks’ debating debating event. event.

We We have have a regular a regular social social programme programme with with inspirational inspirational speakers, speakers, meals, meals, We have a regular social programme with inspirational speakers, meals, conversations conversations and and country country walks. walks.

We We have have a regular a regular social social programme programme with inspirational inspirational speakers, meals, meals, conversations andwith country walks. speakers, conversations conversations and and country country walks. walks.

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W W ho ho araereww e?to eimprove ?improve Local Local men men and and women women who who get get together together to the the lives lives ofof others. others.

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Local Local men men and and women women who who get get together together improve improve the the lives lives ofof others. others.

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Call: Call: 07836 07836 688470 688470ororEmail: Email: rotaryberkhamsted@gmail.com rotaryberkhamsted@gmail.com Call: 07836 688470 or Email: rotaryberkhamsted@gmail.com Call: Call: 07836 07836 688470 688470ororEmail: Email: rotaryberkhamsted@gmail.com rotaryberkhamsted@gmail.com BerkhamstedRotaryClub BerkhamstedRotaryClub BerkhamstedRotaryClub BerkhamstedRotaryClub BerkhamstedRotaryClub

TOGETHER

WE ARE CARING #YourPreciousLife

The belief that Every Life is Precious underpins the Hospice, and that has never been more true than in recent weeks.

You, our local community, are at the heart of what we do and we are always humbled by your ongoing support.

From taking on a virtual challenge to making a donaaon, visit our website to find out how you can make a difference TODAY.

WWW.STFRANCIS.ORG.UK Reg. Charity No. 280825

01442 869555

Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary

My name is Lost Little Soul. Four years ago, I was found emaciated, starving and on the verge of dying as I was left tethered in a field by a seatbelt. The seatbelt was also strangling me and I was struggling to breathe.

I can’t remember how long I was tied up for, but it was a long time‌

Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary is a horse and pony rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary, based at the top of the valley in Northchurch. The sanctuary was established by Carolann Buchorski in 2004.

During her life, she came across more and more horses that had suffered horrifically at the hands of their owners. As we all know, owning a pony can be more expensive than running a car, and requires a lot of time and dedication to ensure that it has a happy life. Unfortunately, some owners do not realise this and then simply discard them when they can no longer afford them.

During the pandemic, when the supermarket shelves were stripped bare, the sanctuary came to the aid the local community. The 70 rescued ex-battery chickens, which now happily scratch around without a care in the world and could be re-classified as free range, happened to be laying nigh on 100 eggs a day. The ducks made some contributions too. People came from Tring, Potten End and other villages to the gate of the sanctuary to buy eggs.

When normality resumes, come and spend a little time here, ask questions, learn, and share. In the meantime, for the cost of a skinny latte from a coffee company, why not set up a direct debit to help all the very strenuous yet wonderful work that is being done at the Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary.

Visit: https://twooaksponysanctuary.wixsite.com/twooaks to find out more or find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Two-Oaks-PonySanctuary-318576518217148/.

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

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GARDENING SERVICES

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LOCAL SERVICES

GARDENING SERVICES

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Tree Care l Fencing

Contact Robert on:

07585 007109 HANDYMAN

LANDSCAPING

For all carpentry and landscaping!

A friendly, reliable service from a local tradesman! Hourly rate for a small job / daily rate for larger jobs!

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48 / Berkhamsted Living

www.livingmags.info

LOCKSMITH

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AUTUMN BOOKING DEADLINE 22/7/20 PAINTING & DECORATING

PLUMBING/HEATING

GAS SERVICES & PLUMBING

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Painter & Decorator All types of decorative work undertaken.

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STORAGE

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AUTUMN BOOKING DEADLINE 22/7/20 Summer 2020 / 49

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

There are 25 rainbows in total, did you spot them all?

They are on pages: 1, 3x2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17x2, 18, 22, 29x2, 33, 37, 41x2, 44x2, 50x2

50 / Berkhamsted Living

AARON S C A F FO L D IN G

AARON SCAFFOLDING was established in 2008 with an aim to provide a professional, efficient and reliable scaffolding service to all of our customers. Our team of fully qualified CITB registered scaffolders hold over 20 years experience in the industry and we pride ourselves on our first-class customer service.

We also have an outstanding Health and Safety record, are fully compliant with current Health and Safety regulations and hold ÂŁ10million public liability insurance.

Contact us for a free competitive quotation today.

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THANK YOU from Bow House We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful patients who have been so supportive during this difficult time. We are always here to help!

New innovations to ease pandemic worries MEDIXAIR air sterilization tech as used in hospitals all over the world High volume suction technologies to minimise airborne pathogens Separate waiting areas to ensure social distancing New enhanced cross-infection protocols

BERKHAMSTED 128 High Street | Berkhamsted Hertfordshire | HP4 3AT

TRING 75 Western Road | Tring Hertfordshire | HP23 4BH

01442 878 424

01442 890 384

info@bowhousedental.co.uk | www.bowhousedental.co.uk Follow us on Instagram

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