Living Magazines - Tring Autumn 2023

OUT OF TOWNERS

Support your local rural businesses

IN PURSUIT OF WINTER SUN

There’s a sunny corner of the world waiting to warm you

TRING’S POET TRING LIVE | LIFE | LOCAL

SERVING ISSUE 65 AUTUMN 2023 TRING’S QUALITY QUARTERLY MAGAZINE. DELIVERED BY ROYAL MAIL TO 11,068 HOMES IN TRING & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Welcome to the Autumn issue!

With the arrival of the autumn magazine, we imagine most of you are busy getting back into the swing of things after a summer hopefully filled with fun and sunshine.

But as we all go back to school or work there’s plenty more to look forward to this autumn - see our local focus and round-up of local events and days out in our What’s On section for some ideas. Tring is certainly spoilt for choice with theatre events, the Book Festival and so much more.

Plus there’s a chance to win a family trip to Aylesbury’s pantomime - oh yes there is!

Sustainable fashion is the focus of this issue’s green feature, with ideas on how to stay in style while saving the planet. Read our tips on helping your 11 year-old transition to secondary school. For anyone who doesn’t want the summer to end, we have a guide to

the best places to jet off to for some autumn or winter sun.

Looking ahead to October and Halloweenif you want to make use of those pumpkinssee www.livingmags.info/type/recipes for a scrumptious pumpkin pie recipe! You’ll also find this issue’s walk online too.

As always, the magazine includes lots of local news, while our local history feature focuses on the story of Tring’s own poet!

If you want to be involved in the next issue, please email Naomi at editorial@ livingmags.info with your news prior to our winter issue.

Happy reading!

Alison and Naomi Owner & Editor

Authors take centre stage

The Tring Book Festival, organised by the team at Our Bookshop on the High Street, will run from Friday 3 to Sunday 12 November and will once again feature an extraordinary array of top writers.

The Poet Laureate Simon Armitage leads the line-up representing ‘the spoken word’. Joining him is the BAFTA-nominated, award-winning

Quarry earmarked for wild swimmers

Clarke Contracting, which operates Pitstone Quarry, is in negotiations with the National Trust to transfer ownership of the quarry.

Phase one will incorporate the existing lake and will allow wild swimming with car parking and changing facilities. Clarkes will continue to quarry chalk at the top (east) end of the quarry for another 15 years until the licence expires.

Clarkes also intends to fill part of the quarry with inert waste, which will need planning consent as it will create additional lorry traffic. Clarkes has been given clearance to submit a planning application and environmental impact assessment.

Full details at https://pitstone-quarry.co.uk

writer and broadcaster, Lemn Sissay, as well as poet, performer and broadcaster, Roger McGough, who has been called ‘the patron saint of poetry’ and ‘the godfather of modern poetry’.

Non-fiction is well represented with scientist Adam Rutherford, sportsmen Martin Bayfield and Mike Brearley, as well as TV’s Repair Shop leather expert Suzie Fletcher.

The line-up of fiction authors include John Boyne (Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Hearts Invisible Furies); Nina Stibbe (Love Nina, Reasons to be Cheerful), plus writer and star of The Fast Show, Charlie Higson, now known for his Young Bond series and most recently his first adult James Bond book, On His Majesty’s Secret Service. Also visiting Tring is Strictly judge and the ‘Queen of Latin’, Shirley Ballas with her gripping and sexy debut cosy crime novel.

The final line-up will be announced at the start of September with tickets on general sale shortly afterwards. Pick up your event guide from Our Bookshop and visit www.tringbookfestival.co.uk for updates.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tring Farmers Market has moved back to the High Street at Church Square, where the heart of Tring offers a more accessible opportunity to support local producers and food retailers. Held on every second and fourth Saturday of the month, it offers seasonal fayre with opportunities to sample distinctive foods and other goods prepared by artisan producers. Look out for the special Apple Fayre market (back at Brook Street) on 14 October.

Shirley Ballas

Concern over ticket office closure

Tring Station’s ticket office is among the 974 railway station ticket offices earmarked for closure - a plan announced by industry body Railway Delivery Group in July.

The proposal would see Tring station unstaffed, with a Watford-based team of ‘roving’ staff visiting to service the ticket vending machines and offer pre-booked passenger mobility assistance.

Herts County Council says it has ‘raised serious concerns on behalf of residents around plans to close ticket offices at most stations in the county.’

Along with questions over how services only available from ticket offices will be available in future - such as longer-than-weekly season

tickets, split ticketing, season ticket photocards and railcard renewals - it has also raised concerns over the provision of assistance for those passengers that need it, and the safety of lone travellers, especially women.

It has asked that ‘if train companies are determined to push ahead with closures, that no ticket offices be closed until measures to simplify ticket purchasing have been put in place, and that guarantees are given that staff numbers will be maintained to assist passengers’.

The public consultation on the closures was due to end on 1 September. See our website and socials for updates.

The great wifi outage of 2023

Tring and the surrounding villages hit the national headlines in the summer when nesting rodents chewed through Openreach cables and left thousands of homes without internet connection for more than three days.

The first residents started to complain about lack of internet on Saturday 29 July - and most were not back online until the early hours of Wednesday 2 August.

The outage hit businesses hard, with many shops unable to take card payments and cash machines in the town running out.

Culture Bakery ended up giving away its bread and pastries as customers had no means to pay.

And dentists and doctors’ surgeries such as The Rothschild Group also had to cancel or rearrange appointments, and prescription requests were also delayed by the outage.

Openreach, which oversees broadband on behalf of BT, is regulated by Ofcom, which operates an automatic compensation policy, so it is worth checking if you are eligiblealthough the refund may be as little as £9.33 for each day affected.

The jury is still out on whether rats or Glis Glis were responsible for the chaos. Openreach told Living that because of this its engineers diverted the network to ensure that, if the culprits were Glis Glis - which can only be removed by specially licensed pest controllers - they would not be harmed. At the time, Openreach told us it was working with local organisations to ‘remove the nest sensitively’.

Supporting our community

2023 marks five years since Tring-based marketing consultant Alison Page bought Tring (and Berkhamsted) Living, and she has made plenty of changes to the publication during that time - all to improve its appeal as a truly local magazine, supporting local business, organisations and charities.

She says: ‘I’m really passionate about both Living Magazines. I’ve lived in Tring for 10 years (and before that Berkhamsted), and I know that our magazine is a key cog within our towns and neighbouring villages - places where people love where they live, and enjoy feeling part of a greater community and supporting a thriving local economy.’

A recent comment from Tring resident John Bly (regular presenter of the BBC’s much-loved Antiques Roadshow) really sums up what we have tried to achieve with the magazine: ‘Tring Living is really bringing Tring together – not easy - so well done and keep it going!’

In a bid to support local businesses and organisations, Alison has held the price of advertising for a number of years - with prices starting from just £100 - and also offers a 30% discount for charities.

Alison says: ‘I believe I’m making a tangible difference and I hope my readers and advertisers sense that from us. We care. I care. We are the original (established in 2001), and the only magazine delivering to every single house and business in Tring and Berkhamsted.’

The magazines are delivered to each and every address in Tring and Berkhamsted - and surrounding villages - reaching a total of 22,532 households (meaning each issue is read by as many as 67,500 people). The Tring edition alone goes to 11,068 homes and businesses, as well as being picked up from the library, cafes and tourist office.

Alison adds: ‘If a publication is well-received and well-read - which we know Living Magazines are because our readers tell us sothen equally the advertisers benefit.’

Alison has also made a conscious effort to make Living magazines more eco-friendly - ‘It’s so important to me that Living Magazines are sustainable in every sense’ - and she has recently committed to offsetting its carbon footprint with the World Land Trust.

Other eco-friendly changes include switching to FSC Certified paper and introducing a compostable, potato starch wrap when it’s needed to enclose leaflets.

Alison has also ensured a regular news service for Tring and the surrounding villages by sharing news daily on the website at www.livingmags.info and on social media, along with a monthly email newsletter. If you’d like to subscribe to the newsletter visit: www.livingmags. info/sign-up-to-our-newsletter.

If you would like to advertise, call Alison on 01442 824300 or email info@livingmags.info to find out how we can support your business or organisation.

In a bid to support local businesses and organisations, Alison has held the price of advertising for a number of years

Pub pours thousands into local charity…

The Robin Hood pub has proved that while it doesn’t necessarily rob from the rich to give to the poor, it certainly knows how to raise funds for a good cause.

So far, the pub, on the edge of the town centre, has raised more than £10,000 for local suicide awareness charity Hector’s House.

Charity founder and trustee Robert Stringer said: ‘Our connection to the Robin Hood is twofold – both personal and through the charity. It has consistently served as an incredible community resource, raising significant funds that enable us to support our local community. However, what truly touches me is the genuine sense of community at the Robin Hood. It’s a place where people come together, talk, have fun, and genuinely care for one another. Terry and Stewart’s support for a mental health charity sends a powerful message that it’s okay to talk about our feelings and seek help, knowing there is local support for the special community of Tring. I am truly humbled and inspired by their efforts.’

EIC celebrates golden anniversary

Tring business EIC Insurance Services Ltd

celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Started by Alan Dell in 1973, when beer was 18p a pint and Edward Heath was Prime Minister, EIC Investment Services opened as a one-man wealth management business in Hemel Hempstead. Over the years EIC has provided services ranging from life insurance and pensions to asset finance and home insurance.

Ian’s memory walk raises hospice funds

Ian Wainwright (30) from Cheddington, has completed a challenge to walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of his grandfather, and succeeded in raising £4,960 for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care along the way.

His decision to take on the epic walk came after the charity’s nurses visited and cared for his grandfather in his own home before he died last December. Ian walked for 77 days, racking up an impressive total distance of 1,260 miles and 3.5 million steps along the way.

Ian said: ‘My grandad was active all his life, even doing press ups at the age of 90! The challenge of walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats was a fitting way to honour him while fundraising for the charity that cared for him towards the end of his life.’

Along the way, Ian climbed Ben Nevis and completed the Cotswold Way; Pennine Way; West Highland Way; Great Glen Way, and the John O’Groats trail, getting through three pairs of boots.

To donate to Ian’s challenge, visit www. justgiving.com/page/wainwrightwalksgb

Now, 12 Prime Ministers later, and still independent, EIC specialises in commercial insurance providing bespoke advice on the right cover for its business clients, which range from professional consultants to dog groomers, plasterers and house builders. www.eicinsurance.co.uk

Come together for Christmas Fundraiser for new West Herts hospital

Afundraising dinner will take place in Berkhamsted in a bid to raise funds for the campaign for the West Herts 21 Century Hospital Solution.

The campaign for a new centralised hospital for West Herts, is spearheaded by Gordon Yearwood, who was responsible for the planning, design and construction of the Hospice of St Francis.

He told Living magazines that the plan is ‘still very much viable as the £1.27 billion tower block scheme currently proposed at Watford, has not had its business case approved. The West Herts 21 Century Hospital Solution will provide far more accessibility and will cost only half as much. It will also be a far better environment for patients and front line staff.

‘The next steps are to raise money to promote more public knowledge and support and to produce further analysis reports to convince the Government.’

The proposed hospital will, he added, be more accessible, centrally located, offer faster diagnosis and treatment and offer local town centre satellite support services.

The event will be held at Berkhamsted Town Hall on Wednesday 27 September. Starting at 7pm, the fundraising three-course dinner and presentation costs £35 per person.

Book via suebeardshaw@gmail.com or gordonyearwood@aol.com.

He added: ‘If you support our cause but are unable to attend the fundraising dinner, a £5 donation to ‘West Herts 21 Century Hospital Solution’ through the above, would help.’

Tring’s Christmas Festival

this year will be on 25 November from 3.30-8.30pm, brought to you by Tring Together. Bring all your friends and family to start the festive season in style. Tring High Street will be alive with stalls, funfair and music plus there will be plenty to see with festive stalls in the Victoria Hall, special guests in the Memorial Garden and music stages around the town to showcase local performers. Entry is free.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tring’s Puddingstone Distillery picked up a special judges’ award at the biz4Biz awards recently. Founders Kate and Ben joined five other businesses as finalists in the Made in Herts category for the dinner and presentation of all 18 awards at Tewinbury Farm Hotel. While they weren’t crowned winners of their category, they did pick up the biz4Biz Judges’ Award, awarded for special recognition for their working ethos to produce gins of an exceptional and inspirational nature, created with mindfulness of community and environment.

Named after the Barbican Centre for their first concert in 2015, the Barbican Quartet opens Berkhamsted Music’s 2023-24 Season on Saturday 14 October at Berkhamsted Civic Centre. They will perform works by Joseph Haydn, Thomas Adès, Robert Schumann, and 21st century English cellist and composer Joy Lisney. The concert series continues in November with pianist Emma

Abbate joined by Evva Mizerska (cello) and Peter Cigleris (clarinet) as the Zemlinsky Trio. Their programme combines clarinet trios by Beethoven and Brahms with works by Fanny Mendelssohn and Cécile Hartog. December brings local cellist Clare O’Connell curating a Behind The Mirror concert celebrating festive music from across the world and through the centuries.

There is more to look forward to in the New Year with pianist Victor Maslow and the Resol String Quartet who close the season.

See our What’s On pages and see full details at www.berkhamstedmusic.co.uk.

The Barbican comes to Berkhamsted Skater raises funds for teen charity

ATring CEO strapped on his inline skates for a 500-mile journey from Edinburgh to London to raise funds for disadvantaged teens.

Liam Chennells, CEO at Detected, a London-based fintech, was raising funds for charity Future Frontiers. He took six days to complete the journey, skating 502.56 miles at an average speed of 11.61mph - and in the process setting a world record.

Future Frontiers provides disadvantaged young people with the guidance, networks, and opportunities they need to realise their potential at school and achieve post-16 qualifications that build towards secure and fulfilling employment. He said: ‘Too many young people don’t get the support they need. This is especially the case for those that are from disadvantaged backgrounds. I got lucky because I received a sporting scholarship, but without that, I would have very likely taken a different path.’

Liam, who recently moved back to Tring after 20 years, is aiming to raise £100,000, which could help 500 teenagers.

He said: ‘The challenge was harder than I could have imagined, but a great chance to get out of my comfort zone and most importantly raise a lot of money for a worthy cause.’

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liamchennells.

NEWS IN BRIEF

The popular Heritage Open Days return this autumn between 8 and 17 September.

There are free walks and talks around nearby areas including Berkhamsted.

Find details of all these events in our What’s On section - and for further afield check out www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

New head joins Tring Park School Call to charity gala

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts has announced the retirement of its Principal Stefan Anderson, following a distinguished 21-year career at the school.

The school has announced the appointment of his successor, Simon Larter-Evans, effective from 1 September.

Stefan said: ‘Tring Park School is unique and will hold a special place in my heart. The buzz and energy that fills the school is unmatchable and I will continue to follow its progress and watch on with pride during my retirement.’

Simon Larter-Evans began his career as a dancer following his training at the prestigious Rambert Academy. After re-training as a teacher, he worked at Yehudi Menuhin School and was Head of St Paul’s Cathedral School.

ATring couple who tirelessly fundraise for a research charity for a disorder that affects their daughter, are inviting local people to the organisation’s gala event in London.

KDW’s mortgage adviser Gavin Ross and his wife Rita Ross, a leadership coach, have lived in Tring since 2018 with their son Cameron, 21, and their daughter Francesca, 18.

Francesca was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, which is a post-natal neurological disorder, which most often affects little girls, around the age of 12-18 months. Since then, Rita and Gavin have tirelessly fundraised for Reverse Rett, a patient advocacy and research organisation focused on delivering treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome to everyone affected.

The 14th Annual Reverse Rett London Gala takes place on 10 November at the Royal College of Physicians, Regent’s Park.

For more information on Rett Syndrome, donations or attending the Gala, please visit reverserett.org.uk.

Tring and District Model Railway Club will be holding its annual Beacon-Rail Exhibition on 23 September at Pitstone Memorial Hall. There will be eight layouts in a range of scales from the small N gauge up to the larger O gauge. There will also be items for sale, light refreshments, and free parking on site. Open from 10.15am to 4.30pm. www.tringmrc.co.uk

Simon Larter-Evans

Stefan Anderson

Pepper Show pops back

The longest-running live music theatre show in the Home Countiesthe Pepper Show - returns in October for its 34th year.

The Pepper Show is the flagship fundraising event of the Pepper Foundation charity - which raises funds for children’s hospice at home care.

The show returns to The David Evans Pendley Court Theatre Tring, performing six shows from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 October.

2023 will be the biggest Pepper Show production since its post-pandemic comeback in 2021. The show features a cast of more than 30, performing an ambitious set list of pop and rock anthems from across the decades. Also returning in 2023 is the full Pepper youth choir. For 30 years the show has played an important part in fostering musical talent within the community, providing the opportunity for children aged eight to 17 to learn about music performance.

Tickets from thelittleboxoffice.com/pepper/ event/view/180620

New school included in airfield plans

Adeveloper has submitted new applications to install up to 320 dwellings, a new primary school, a rural enterprise hub and local centre comprising community facilities at Marsworth Airfield.

The site straddles Bucks and Herts so there are two applications 23/01594/AOP for Bucks and 23/01254/OUT for Dacorum. This is a major application adding 320 dwellings, which is likely to impact Marsworth, Long Marston, Tring and the other villages in the area.

See more details on the appropriate council’s planning portal. A decision is expected by the time we go to press.

Tring firm brings sustainability online

Internet usage accounts for almost four per cent of global carbon emissions - thanks to the storage and electricity it uses. That’s what inspired Louise Towler, founder of Tring-based Indigo Tree Digital to launch the new WordPress extension, Kanoppi, to clients, associates, family and friends at the Sunnyside Rural Trust, the firm’s charity partner, recently.

After an introduction from Emma Power, COO of Sunnyside, and an overview from Louise about how Kanoppi helps WordPress editors measure a website’s carbon footprint, identifying pages where the most impact can be gained, Indigo Tree’s engineering director Paul Wong-Gibbs treated guests to a short demonstration.

The project has been supported by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Innovate UK and the University of Hertfordshire. www.kanoppi.co

Tring Park car park update

Construction of the new car park at Tring Park, which the Woodland Trust says aims to improve access to visitors, is under way.

Situated off Hastoe Lane, the car park will offer space for 50 cars, cycle racks and a new welcome hub with seating. There will also be ramped pedestrian access with a kissing gate off Hastoe Lane.

As we went to press, the site team could not advise on an exact opening date, although initial reports said construction would be carried out into early autumn.

Could you be a big help?

The King’s Coronation this year saw the day of the Big Help Out, which was a great way to whet people’s appetite for local volunteering opportunities. Did you get involved then?

Here’s a list of some of the things you could do right now in Tring. Even if you can only afford an hour a month it could really help local groups.

Tring Community Garden: Second Sunday of the month 10am-12noon, Duckmore Lane Allotments. No expert gardening knowledge required; just the ability to be part of a team to tackle a few light jobs and have a cuppa together. Repair Café Tring: Do you enjoy fixing things? Join the team of 20 volunteers at the Repair Café,

High Street Baptist Church Hall, third Saturday of each month 10.30am-1pm.

West Herts Scouts: These Scouts currently provide exciting outdoor activities for 653 young people. They’d also like to start up a new squirrels group for ages four to six, but have no volunteers to do this. Why not enjoy being part of a big sociable team of adults who love the outdoors and enjoy watching young people grow through developing new personal skills that are just as important as their academic studies.

For Community Garden and Repair Café contact Sustainable Tring at www.sustainabletring.org.uk

For West Herts Scouts contact recruitment@whscouts.org.uk

Serving Wendover, Tring ,

Amersham, and all surrounding areas.

Funeral Director Jason Brown has over 25 years experience and is here to assist you with making funeral arrangements, be they traditional, green or totally bespoke.

• Home visits

• Pre paid funeral plans

• Recommended by The Good Funeral Guide

LOCAL FOCUS

Pop into restaurant

Local charities can now share job vacancies and connect with job opportunities for free, thanks to a new initiative from Community Action Dacorum.

WorkingHerts aims to support both local charities and community groups in the county. Its website at www.workingherts.org.uk serves as a centralised platform for posting and accessing job advertisements - both paid and voluntary - specifically tailored to the local community.

Nora Grace Hall is the venue for Tring Together’s Pop Up restaurant on Friday 13 October at 7:30pm. Sit back and relax while you are served lovely food in a delightful setting.

The price is £35 per person, with tables for four, six or eight. Bookings are essential and close on 6 October. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available.

Email trish@tringtogether.org.uk to book your place.

WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK… OR EVEN BETTER, WIN!

Ready or not, it’s nearly the most wonderful time of the year, and for most families the most wonderful tradition is to enjoy a pantomime together – oh yes it is!

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s annual offering has fast become a ‘must-do’ in the Christmas calendar with panto lovers young and old(er!) enjoying two hours of pure escapism. This year’s production is set to be no exception when Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes to town from Friday 1 December 2023 – Wednesday 3 January 2024.

Starring EastEnders’ James Bye and panto favourite Andy Collins, the festive production promises a traditional fairy tale with a magical twist, plenty of audience participation and lots of energetic song and dance numbers.

For your chance to win four tickets to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Tuesday 5 December at 7pm, simply simply answer the following question and go to our website to enter at: www.livingmags.info/competition

What fruit does the Wicked Queen poison?

A) Banana B) Orange C) Apple

Terms and conditions apply, visit website for details. Closing date: 31 October 2023.

Congratulations to the winners of our Spring competitions: Annabel Carroll, winner of the Alpaca Experience, and Solomon Beere, who won dinner for four people at Lussmanns.

Tring Council news update

Aplanning application for the Nora Grace Hall redevelopment has been submitted and the decision is awaited. Once the decision has been received the project will be reviewed as a whole by the new Council.

An inventory of the High Street has been made with a view to potential improvement. This was as a result of looking at how to spend Community Infrastructure Levy monies (CIL) (see council’s website for details). Opinions on CIL expenditure were sought at the Meet Your Council stall at Tring Carnival.

The land at Bulbourne has become available again, as Dacorum Borough Council withdrew its planning application to build on the site. Potential future uses could include allotments and other opportunities for the land that will

Heritage & Sons

Funeral Directors

benefit the community. A Green Space Audit of this land and other green spaces across the town has been carried out.

Finally, the council is launching a new monthly e-newsletter. Keep an eye on its website and social media to sign up!

NEWS IN BRIEF

Dacorum Borough Council has told us that ‘There remains an intention to consult on a revised strategy for the Local Plan in 2023. Timescales will be confirmed once they have been considered by the Council’s Cabinet later this year.’

ylimafC w evol hti

Like it or not, insurance to protect you and your family from the worst is important. So here’s a quick guide to what’s what in life, illness and income protection, and how to make them work for you

Nobody looks forward to tackling their life assurance, critical illness plans or income protection. Unlike a mortgage, investment or pension, there’s nothing aspirational about them either. They can seem like just another load of household expenses.

We understand that it’s all too easy to bury your head in the sand. There are so many excuses, after all. From the classics, ‘It’ll never happen to me’ and ‘We can’t afford it’, to the ever-hopeful ‘My employer will look after me if something awful happens’.

Let’s talk life insurance

There are two types of life insurance and both pay out lump sums when you die. Term insurance provides cover over a pre-determined period only, while whole of life assurance continues until you die. With the latter, a payout is guaranteed. So which is best for you? Think about who the insurance is for and why. How much cover do you need and for how long? It’s also worth checking whether your employer provides a death in service benefit.

Weunderstandit’salltooeasy toburyyourheadinthesand

If you’re looking at term insurance to provide security for your family, it might be worth considering ‘family income benefit’ as an alternative. Rather than a lump sum, this pays out a regular income until the end of a specified period and is relatively inexpensive.

What about illness cover?

Critical illness cover (CIC) pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with one of a specific range of conditions, from heart complaints and cancers to rarer diseases. Typically, a policy will cover 40-50

conditions. These can vary considerably, however, which makes it tricky to compare like with like. You can buy CIC as an extension to life insurance or as a standalone product. The right option will depend on personal circumstances. Income protection gives you a regular income if you become unable to work due to sickness or disability. It’s the most expensive of these insurance options, as it’s the most likely to be called upon. It’s also one that’s often overlooked, typically because people think that prolonged health problems are covered by their employer. Sadly, this is rarely the case, so make sure you check.

Fortheaveragefamily,income protectionisprobablythe mostimportanttypeof cover

If you’re trying to prioritise, you’re more likely to need income protection than critical illness and more likely to need critical illness than life assurance. Consider a survey by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Lives survey 2020, updated February 2021), which reveals 39% of adults saying that, were they to lose their main source of income, they’d be able to cover less than three months’ living expenses. That’s more than 20 million people – and their families – at risk. There are savings to be had, however. Cover becomes cheaper, for example, if you’re prepared to extend the length of time before the replacement income kicks in. Short-term income protection contracts that pay out for between two and four years are another relatively affordable option.

Get in touch

We’d love to help you secure your family’s financial safety net. At St. James’s Place we’re proud to offer tailored solutions and access to our carefully selected insurance panel.

24418884780

ku.oc.ppjs@nnamregnirts moc.nnamregnirts.www

S deretrahClaicnaniFsrennalPhtlaeW detnioppAevitatneserpeRdnastneserperylno.tSs’semaJecalP M esoprupgnisivdayleloseht g ehts’puorgetisbew w eragnitekramsmretdesu

s’semaJecalP.sevitatneserpert

Make New Friends Learn New Skills

• FUN, EASY, STEP-BY-STEP

• Develop impressive new skills in a warm and friendly atmosphere

• 3 hour sessions, morning or afternoon, for 3½ months

• Learn how to make Art you can give as gifts or sell at craft fairs

• Get Arty and make The Seasons your favourite day of the week!

Alura Candles Ltd - Tring

1

2

Bailey

7 Gents PRX Powermatic 80 £610

Fancy That - Tring

8 Pub quiz and murder mystery in a tube £16.50

9 Emma’s natural soaps £5

10

11

Puddingstone Distillery - Tring

12

Tring Brewery - Tring

13 Ashwells Earl Grey Pale Ale 330ml £2.85

Whilst we have made every effort to ensure these details are correct, you must confirm directly with the retailer.

What our readers say:

Hi Team, just received your Living magazine and wanted to congratulate you on a great issue. Packed full of interesting articles and local insight. Even the ads are helpful and relevant. Thanks for publishing.

Richard

What our readers say:

Of all the magazines that come through my door Living is the only one I open and read Karis

BOOKING DEADLINES

WINTER 2023

2023/24

BOOKING & NEWS DEADLINE 25-10-23

DISTRIBUTION FROM 04-12-23

SPRING 2024

BOOKING & NEWS DEADLINE 24/1/24

DISTRIBUTION FROM 4/3/24

TO BOOK TELEPHONE: 01442

824300

BOOK MULTIPLE ISSUES TO SECURE YOUR PLACE AND RECEIVE A SERIES DISCOUNT.

Soy Candle 30cl £18

Hand Blown Glass Diffusers £20

3 Electric Diffuser £35

& Sons - Berkhamsted

4 White Gold Tourmaline & Diamond Pendant £3,295

5 Ania Haie Orb Silver £59

6 Kit Heath Entwine CZ Pendant £90

Jellycat Ricky Rain Frog handbag £39

Red Beard felt pirate decoration £11.50

Box Moor Gin £40. £2 from every bottle sold goes to The Box Moor Trust

Contact advertising@livingmags.info to find out how you can promote your local seasonal products here.

Your apples... your juice!

We press, pasteurise & bottle your apples into delicious juice, which keeps for over a year

Alternatively, you can purchase our apple juice for private consumption or retail

Chiltern Ridge Apple Juice Ltd

Old Sax Lane

Chartridge

Bucks HP5 2TB

Tel: 01494 776309

chilternridge chilternridg

www.chilternridge.com

Campfi re Gins, limited edition gins, gin gift sets and more… distilled at our Tring distillery.

Visit Puddingstone Distillery on Fridays & Saturdays and enjoy a try before you buy gin tasting. FREE delivery on orders over £80 at puddingstonedistillery.com

Lower Icknield Way, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

We have all seen advertisements in the newspapers, on the radio and television for ‘no win, no fee’ agreements that are offered by law firms to injured individuals. However, you may be wondering what a no win, no fee agreement actually entails.

AGREEMENTS

When it comes to personal injury claims, one significant concern for individuals seeking legal representation is the cost involved. Legal fees can be daunting, often deterring individuals from pursuing legitimate claims.

To address this issue, the concept of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), also known as a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement, was introduced. In this article, we will explore what a Conditional Fee Agreement and how it works in personal injury claims.

What is a Conditional Fee Agreement?

A Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) is a legal arrangement between a client and their solicitor, designed to provide financial protection to the client pursuing a personal injury claim. The fundamental principle behind a CFA is that the client will only be required to pay their lawyer’s fees and expenses if their case is successful and they are awarded compensation.

‘No Win, no Fee’ Basis

The primary advantage of a CFA is that it allows access to legal representation and the potential for compensation without any upfront costs. This can be especially crucial for individuals who may not have the financial means to privately instruct a personal injury solicitor. Under a CFA, the solicitor assumes the risk of not being paid if the claim is unsuccessful, which provides an incentive for them to only take on cases that have a reasonable chance of success.

After-the-Event (ATE) Insurance

To protect against the risk of having to pay the opposing party’s legal costs and disbursements in the event of an unsuccessful claim, we advise our clients to obtain After-the-Event (ATE) insurance. ATE insurance covers the potential liability for the defendant’s costs and protects the claimant from having to pay these expenses.

Conclusion

Conditional Fee Agreements have become an invaluable tool in enabling access to justice for individuals pursuing personal injury claims. By offering a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement, CFAs provide financial protection to claimants whilst allowing them to seek compensation.

However, it’s important for claimants to fully understand the terms and conditions of the CFA, including the success fee and the potential for recovering costs. Seeking advice from a reputable personal injury solicitor can help ensure that individuals make informed decisions regarding their legal representation and maximise their chances of a successful claim.

article has been kindly supplied by Lennon Solicitors, Tring.

OUT OF TOWNERS

Independent businesses in rural areas like those surrounding Tring play an important role in the local economy and our community. These cafes, shops, nurseries and so on provide jobs, support other local businesses, and offer a real sense of community and identity. These are just some of the benefits of supporting independent shops in rural areas:

● Economic benefits: Independent shops keep money circulating in the local economy. When you shop locally, your money is more likely to be spent again in the community, supporting other businesses and creating jobs.

● Social benefits: Independent businesses provide a sense of community and identity. They are often a gathering place for locals - and groups such as cycle clubs and the WI - and they can help to foster a sense of belonging and connection.

● Environmental benefits: Independent shops often have a smaller environmental footprint than large chains. They may source their products locally, use less packaging, and have a lower carbon footprint.

● Personal benefits: Shopping at independent shops can be a more personal and rewarding experience. You can get to know the owners and staff, and you can be sure that you are supporting a local business.

We encourage you to support your local independent shops and cafes, such as those displayed here, and throughout the magazine.

How can you support your local rural businesses?

● Shop local first. When you need to buy something, try to find a local shop that sells it.

● Be a loyal customer. Make a point of shopping at the same independent shops whenever you can.

● Get involved in the community. Attend events at your local independent shops, and get to know the owners and staff.

● Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about the great independent shops in your area.

By following these tips, you can help to support independent shops in our rural areas and make a real difference to our community.

Hill Farm Barn Café

Country barns & garden offering simple menu of simple British foods. Enclosed garden with tractor, sandpit, ponies, pigs, goats & sheep. Dogs welcome inside & out. Friday to Monday 10am - 4pm inc Bank Holidays.

www.thehillfarmbarncafe.com

& Café

Run by our Community for the benefit of our Community. Open 7 days a week for essential groceries, brunch, light lunches, delicious cakes & coffee. Showcase for local produce & artisan gifts.

The Sports Field, Chesham Road, Wigginton HP23 6HH

www.wiggintonshop.org.uk

Nursery,

Peaceful perennial plant Nursery in a cottage garden. Homemade quiches with new potatoes, soups, homemade cakes & speciality afternoon teas. Open 10.30am - 5pm (10.30-4 winter hours). Closed Mondays.

Little Heath Farm Nursery, Little Heath Lane, Potten End HP4 2RY

www.dottieaboutcake.co.uk

A Cycling Cafe in the Heart of The Chilterns. Walkers & dogs welcome. Great coffee & teas, fresh cake, soups & bacon rolls and bicycle repairs on site. Open TuesdaySunday 8am to 4pm.

www.chilternvelo.co.uk

Chiltern Velo Café Poppies Café

Offers homemade cakes, soups, fresh sandwiches & savoury pastries. Bean to cup coffees, teas, cold drinks & specialist ice cream. Wet boots & muddy paws welcome. Friday to Monday 11am - 4pm.

www.poppiesaldbury.com

SUPPORT

LOCAL SHOPSRURAL CAFESAND

Cholesbury Lane, Hawridge Common, Hawridge HP5 2UQ

Aldbury Peace Memorial Institute, Toms Hill Road, Aldbury HP23 5SA

Little Heath

Tea Room and Tea Garden by Dottie about Cake

Hill Farm, Northchurch, Berkhamsted HP4 1LS

Wigginton Community Shop

As 62% of households in the UK are now pet owners, it is no surprise that one of the questions arising in divorce is: ‘what happens to the dog?!’

Sadly, in the eyes of the law, our furry friends are treated in the same way as the kitchen table; as ‘chattels’.

So who decides where Lulu the Labradoodle lives?

Hopefully her owners. The first step is to try and reach an agreement – eg. an arrangement could be that the pet lives with a primary household and then visits the other household on agreed days. There is also the option of shared care.

If an agreement cannot be reached then the Family Court has the power to decide what happens to the pet. However, this should be a last resort, as this could be a very costly process. If the Court does have to make the decision, they will look at factors including:

• Who purchased the pet;

• Who the pet is registered to;

• Who takes primary care of the pet;

• Who pays for the pet’s expenses, including insurance; and

• Whose name is the pet registered under at the vets.

Pet-Nups and other doggy dispute resolution

As the common saying goes ‘dogs are not just for Christmas’ - so pet owners should consider what would happen if there is

AND

DOGGY DISPUTE RESOLUTION

extra heartache of fighting over the family pet.

One solution is to enter into a ‘Pet-Nup’ - an agreement setting out what would happen to the pet if parties separate. It can cover issues such as who bears financial responsibility and what to do if future disputes arise. A ‘Pet-Nup’ can be a stand-alone agreement or tied into a larger Pre-Nuptial, Post-Nuptial or Cohabitation Agreement.

If a dispute has already arisen and parties cannot reach an agreement, then mediation may be an option. An independent mediator helps parties have productive discussions about the pet and the practicalities of future arrangements. Any decisions made can later be turned into a formal agreement.

The future of pet owning 2022 was an important year for our animals as they are now classed as sentient beings under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. It is now recognised in law that animals experience feelings such as pain and joy. It is yet to be seen whether the family courts will adopt a similar approach when it comes to the recognition of pets and their status within a family home. A balance must be struck between classing pets as living beings and not opening the floodgates to unnecessary lengthy litigation.

We all know how special pets are in our lives and homes. Focusing on reaching an agreement that works for all parties is the best way to ensure that both family members and our furry friends are kept happy. This article has been kindly supplied by Rayden

a relationship breakdown.

Separation and divorce are emotionally difficult enough without adding the

Solicitors, Berkhamsted.

DIVORCE

YARN

Make your wardrobe a little greener by recycling your old clothes, renting instead of buying, or opting for more sustainable fabrics going forward

Fast fashion is falling spectacularly out of fashion. Of course, it’s still a thriving industry, but many of us are becoming wise to the fact that no one really benefits from outrageously cheap clothes made in far-flung factories, which fall apart within weeks. Fortunately, it is becoming easier than ever to be eco-conscious and supremely stylish. Better still, many of the options below will save you money in the long-run.

Recycle

Many of us already partake in clothes recycling by donating to clothing collection banks or charity shops. In addition, the process of selling clothes directly online has become second-nature, with many of the preconceptions over pre-worn now gone. There are also clothes swapping events, as well as several online platforms and apps that facilitate clothing and accessory exchange, and you’d be amazed at the quality on offer.

Rent

Renting clothes has become a popular and sustainable option in the fashion industry. It allows you to enjoy wearing stylish clothing without the long-term commitment of owning them.

There are various platforms and businesses that offer this, from choosing one-off pieces

for special events or occasions, to longer-term subscription packages. With the latter, you pay a monthly fee and receive a set number of items to borrow each month based on your style preferences and size. This is an excellent way to maintain an up-to-date wardrobe without incurring huge costs, and is also ideal for those with limited storage space.

Be fabric aware

Finally, In a world where sustainability is becoming not just desirable, but necessary, alternative fabrics and leathers are fastbecoming viable options for global brands who want to do their bit for our planet. You may in fact already own items that contain these materials, and they are well worth keeping an eye out for in your future purchases. Tencel, for instance, produced by environmentally responsible processes from sustainably sourced wood, is already used by several major clothing brands and designers. Then there’s Econyl, a brand that specialises in re-generated nylon made from nylon waste; while Piñatex is a leather alternative made from the leaf waste of pineapples. Ultimately, and as with all things green, the best methods for us to start making change are gradual, and even small adjustments can provoke big improvements for the environment.

CHILD

Recent data from the NHS has revealed that as of December 2022, the number of people waiting for an autism assessment has increased by 40%. In Hertfordshire and surrounding counties, children may wait for one to three years for an autism assessment and even longer to receive the right support in school.

To address the growing waiting lists and lack of support for children with special educational needs, Your Way Psychology and Education has recently started supporting children and families in Tring, Berkhamsted, and surrounding villages by providing private autism assessments and support services. Their approach mirrors that of NHS services but with a wait list of a few weeks and not years.

Autism may present itself in a number of ways, including difficulties with friendships, communication, adjusting behaviour to suit various social contexts, and picking up on social cues; restricted or repetitive behaviours; an unusually deep fascination in a topic or object, and being under or over-sensitive to sounds, lights, texture, and smells.

Receiving an autism diagnosis is just the first step in getting the right support in school. Your Way Psychology and Education help parents work with schools and find a way forward for their child to receive the necessary support.

This article has been kindly supplied by Your Way Psychology, Buckingham.

peers. To facilitate that, they may need to refine social skills that allow them to make new friends, navigate different social groups, and deal with peer pressure.

STEPS TO SECONDARY SUCCESS

Plotting our children’s path from primary to secondary school

As a new school year looms, many children across the UK will be preparing to begin their journey at secondary (or senior) school. Naturally, this is an incredibly exciting time for them, but there may also be anxiety and trepidation.

Senior schools are invariably larger, more challenging and come with a higher expectation of (and from) pupils, so it is vital to prepare both your child and family for the challenges that many arise.

Get them organised

One of the greatest differences between primary and secondary school is the size of the site and the need to move around it. Instead of staying in one classroom as they did previously, children will be expected to navigate themselves from classroom to classroom.

Secondary school also follows a more structured timetable with fixed periods for each subject. Naturally, this requires a certain level of organisation, so it’s worth investing in a schedule planner to keep on track throughout the day.

Talk about social skills

With students coming from different primary schools your child will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a wider range of

Develop good habits

A healthy lifestyle contributes to overall wellbeing and academic success, so encourage your child to maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and establish a consistent sleep schedule. These can positively impact concentration and energy levels, as well as the ability to cope with stress.

Foster independence

Secondary school brings more responsibility and independence. With that in mind, encourage your child to take ownership of their education by completing homework and assignments on their own, as well as showing the confidence to seek help from teachers when needed.

They may also start making their own way to school, so discuss road safety and the need to establish bus or train time awareness if relevant.

Plan for their future

In many ways, beginning secondary school is the first day of the rest of your child’s life. The independence they will develop during this phase of education prepares them for the increasing responsibilities and challenges they will face in higher education, the workplace, and adulthood itself.

Remember, this is a gradual process, and each child develops at their own pace. Be patient, supportive, and provide opportunities for your loved one to learn and grow as they transition to greater selfsufficiency, in school and beyond.

UNSCRAMBLE THE LETTERS

Colour

HALLOWEEN WORDSEARCH

QUICK CROSSWORD

Across Clues:

3. Small sudden movement (6)

6. Move into position to be seen (6)

7. Alter body (9)

8. Move silently (5)

10. Performer (5)

14. Coloured cosmetic (9)

15. Likened too a large lizard (6)

16. Great comfort (6)

Down Clues:

1. Weather that is very hot (6)

2. Manner (6)

3. Add comments without permission (5)

4. Recently created (6)

5. Successor (4)

9. Refrigerator (6)

11. Sung by choir (6)

12. Show regret (6)

13. Useful (5)

14. British Nobleman (4)

Discover the magic of Lockers Park

Offering scholarships

7 October 2023

Register: www.lockerspark.co.uk

Across 3. Flinch, 6. Appear, 7. Shapewear, 8. Glide, 10. Actor, 14. Eyeshadow, 15. Dragon, 16. Luxury.

Down: 1. Baking, 2. Method, 3. Frape, 4. Newest, 5. Heir, 9. Icebox, 11. Choral, 12. Repent, 13. Handy, 14. Earl.

IN PURSUIT OF WINTER SUN

Egypt

Home to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and countless ancient temples, Egypt delivers culture and sunshine in spades.

British tourists flock here for the dry, mild weather, addicted to the unique vibe that emanates from bustling markets like Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, offering an enticing blend of ancient and modern cultures.

Avg temp (winter): 20°C

Travel time: 5hrs (around £350 return)

Avg hotel room price: £70-£120

Avg price for evening meal: £10-£20

Lanzarote

Lanzarote offers a unique lunar-like landscape adorned with beaches, volcanic vistas, and a rich biosphere reserve.

It’s a haven for British travellers seeking winter sun, thanks to its consistent yearround climate and the short flight from the UK.

The island’s vibrant culture, colourful carnivals and relaxed vibe, combined with outdoor activities, make it an unbeatable winter destination.

Avg temp (winter): 20°C

Travel time: 4hrs (around £200 return)

Avg hotel room price: £80-£150

Avg price for evening meal: £10-£20

Andalucia

Andalucia in southern Spain, known for its sunshine, flamenco, and historic architecture.

With famed attractions such as the Alhambra in Granada and Seville’s stunning cathedral, the region brims with cultural riches.

Whether you prefer basking in the rich historical ambience of Egypt or Jordan, the vibrant cultures of Andalucia or Goa, or the beach vibes of Lanzarote, there’s a sunny corner of the world waiting to warm you

Andalucia’s vibrant local life, from tapas bars to traditional ferias, imbues it with a uniquely lively and welcoming winter atmosphere.

Avg temp (winter): 16°C

Travel time: 2hrs 50mins (around £150 return)

Avg hotel room price: £80-£130

Avg price for evening meal: £10-£25

Jordan

A winter holiday in Jordan means stepping into a world of awe-inspiring historical sites and warming desert sunshine.

The Petra archaeological site, Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes, and the buoyant Dead Sea

are highlights not to be missed, while Jordan’s warm hospitality, captivating Bedouin culture and exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine underpin its popularity.

Avg temp (winter): 13°C

Travel time: 5hrs (around £500 return)

Avg hotel room price: £80-£150

Avg price for evening meal: £10-£20

Goa

India’s beachfront jewel, Goa, is a paradise for sun-seeking Brits during winter. Its stunning coastline boasts beautiful beaches, Portuguese-influenced architecture, vibrant nightlife, and a unique blend of Indian and European cultures, with the local markets and spice farms offering unique shopping and culinary experiences.

Avg temp (winter): 32°C

Travel time: 9hrs, usually with one stop (around £600 return)

Avg hotel room price: £60-£120

Avg price for evening meal: £5-£15

Travel Impressions are specialists in tailor-making holidays to destinations worldwide. If you are thinking of travelling to Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa, South America, Asia, India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan or within Europe, please call or email us.

We can help you create the best itinerary, as we offer: Personalised planning - we take the time to get to know you • Friendly, honest advice from an independent travel agency Extensive experience to arrange every detail • Using fully bonded tour operators • No booking fees

Massey House in Brook Street remembers one of the town’s sons who became a respected Victorian poet and author despite a poor start in life.

The apartment building is named after Gerald Massey - known as Tring’s Poet - the son of an illiterate canal boatman, who became a respected poet and writer on spiritualism and Ancient Egypt, mixing with literary giants such as Lord Alfred Tennyson and Robert Browning.

Born Thomas Gerald Massey in a flintstone hut in Gamnel Wharf in Tring in 1828, he worked at the Silk Mill from the age of seven, until the factory suffered a serious fire. He worked from six in the morning until half-past six in the evening for ninepence per week. In an interview with The Bookman in 1897 he recalled that he was an ‘inveterate gambler’, and on the Saturday lost all his first week’s wages at pitch-and-toss!

He wrote: ‘Having had to earn my own dear bread by the eternal cheapening of flesh and blood thus early, I never knew what childhood meant. I had no childhood.’

Tring’s Poet

However, he credited his drive to his mother ‘a fiery-spirited, great-hearted little woman’.

Massey learned to read at a penny school. He would have access to books that had been left at his family home, such as the Bible and the writing of John Bunyan, moving on to Robinson Crusoe and a few Wesleyan tracts.

At 14 he was packed off to London, and his first writing appeared in the Aylesbury News in 1843. Not long after that he issued a shilling pamphlet of poems - Poems and Chansons, by a Tring Peasant Boy.

He joined the Chartist agitation in 1848 and a year later started the The Uxbridge Spirit of Freedom, which printed 11 issues and was written by working men. It got him into trouble - he was fired from several publishing jobs for producing it, but remained committed to the cause of the working man. In 1850 he published Voices of Freedom and Lyrics of Love.

It was in 1854 that he published what he considered his first proper volume - The Ballad of Babe Christabel, and Other Poems. It received rave reviews in the press and five

From humble beginnings, working in the town’s Silk Mill as a boy, Gerald Massey became a respected poet and author

editions were sold in one year. Among those whose attention he attracted was the novelist George Eliot, who used him as her model for Felix Holt in her book, The Radical.

The life of a writer did not bring him great wealth - and in 1865, Lord Brownlow settled Massey’s debts and the family were offered an estate cottage in Little Gaddesden. However, the villagers were suspicious of his wife Rosina, a well-known spiritualist medium, and her clairvoyant abilities, believing her to be a witch. The Brownlows then offered the family Ward’s Hurst, a large isolated farmhouse, where they lived rent-free until they moved to London in 1877.

He later moved to Edinburgh where he edited the Edinburgh Evening News, and wrote for the North British Quarterly Review, and for the Witness. He reviewed poetry for the Athenæum, for the next 10 years,

He left Scotland in 1858 and joined the

lecture circuit, where he remained in great demand for the next 10 years or so.

In 1869 he published The Haunted Hurst, A Tale of Eternity, which he said was based on a personal experience in a house that was haunted. He said the publication ‘did for me in a literary way. A well-known editor spoke of me as having deserted Liberalism and gone over to “those spiritualists”.’

In 1872 he published a little volume, Concerning Spiritualism, which prompted Lord Tennyson to write to him saying, ‘I have read your book more than once, and have bought copies of it to give to friends.’

Massey also used to meet Robert Browning at Ashridge when he visited Lady Marian Alford. He wrote about him in the Quarterly and reviewed his poetry in the Athenæum.

Massey’s specialisms were varied - he published a series of study of Shakespeare’s sonnets, and in his later years he began a long research into religious origins, and the mythology of Egypt, producing The Book of the Beginnings, The Natural Genesis and Ancient Egypt: The Light of the World, published between 1881 and 1907.

Massey died at his home in South Norwood Hill, London, in 1907, and was buried in the family tomb in Southgate Cemetery.

1. Tring’s Silk Mill

2. The dormitory buildings of the Silk Mill

It was in 1854 that he published what he considered his first proper volume - The Ballad of Babe Christabel, and Other Poems. It received rave reviews in the press and five editions were sold in one year

Grandeur & Relaxation...

Introducing the new “Rose Garden Grand Suite”, in the middle of the peaceful forest glade of rural Hertfordshire, where peacocks roam freely. It’s as if you have stepped into another world.

Hire the grounds, or take it a step further and hire the Manor exclusively for you and your guests. With a spa and 35 acres of grounds, the venue is also ideal for bridal showers, pre-wedding pampering sessions, rehearsal dinners and more!

SPA & LEISURE

Indulgent pre-wedding pampering at Pendley Manor guarantees blissful bridal relaxation.

EVENT HIRE

Our stunning location, exceptional amenities and historic charm guarantee noteworthy seminars and fruitful meetings, from intimate affairs to launch events to weddings in our new Rose Garden Grand Suite.

Pendley Manor Hotel, Cow Lane, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5QY

Telephone: +44 (0)1442 891891 | reception@pendley-manor.co.uk

pendley-manor.co.uk

BOOKS

Free Fall By Sherry Hostler

As the nights draw in this autumn, pass the evening with a title chosen from our books by local authors

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, this will be a real page turner for you. We reviewed Sherry’s first book Hypnotic a while ago and couldn’t put it down. Well she’s done it again. This time, she focuses on Ellie who is in an unhappy marriage and feels alone. So when a handsome stranger comes along and offers her the relationship she’s been missing, Ellie is bowled over. But as their flirtation becomes something more intense, Ellie decides to end things with Saul.

But that’s not the end of it - soon a series of unexplained and threatening events lead Ellie to believe that Saul may still be around…

Sherry, who lives in Quainton, Bucks, with her husband, and her big fluffy bear of a dog, is now working on her third novel. We’re looking forward to it already!

Don’t Disturb the Dragon By Rhiannon Findlay - Illustrations by Sian Roberts

Berkhamsted author Rhiannon Findlay (author of the best-selling Ten Minutes to Bed series) has written a brilliant new bedtime adventure. This time, the princess’s baby brother has learned to crawl and has escaped from his cot! It’s up to the princess to find him before he disturbs the fearsome dragon. A lovely, rhyming, interactive story with charming illustrations that is perfect for bedtime reading for ages two and above.

Rhiannon has sold over a million picture books in 20 languages with her Ten Minutes to Bed series. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring, playing and reading with her young daughter, who provides endless inspiration for her stories.

The French Chateau Dream By Julie Caplin

Lose yourself in this wonderfully summery romance as you follow Hattie, who is in need of a summer escape. She jumps at the chance to work in a beautiful chateau in the Champagne region of France, with romance the last thing on her mind… And then she meets Luc. Will picnics and trips to foodie markets with him just lead to a summer romance or something deeper?

An ideal holiday read.

Tring-based Julie Caplin also writes as Jules Wake - this is her 22nd novel. She has sold over 2m books worldwide.

Land Girls at The Wartime Bookshop By Lesley Eames

We first met Alice Kate and Naomi in The Wartime Bookshop, so we were delighted to find out more about the friends’ lives in the fictional Hertfordshire village of Churchwood during the Second World War in Lesley’s second book in the series.

The three friends face a new set of challenges - can two Land Girls help Kate on Brimbles Farm or will they cause more problems? Naomi discovers evidence that her husband is being unfaithful, and Alice has money worries - will she have to leave the village to find work?.

This heartwarming and nostalgic tale is a joy to read.

Hertfordshire author Lesley Eames published 90 short stories and four historical sagas set around the time of WW1 and into the Roaring 20s.

WHAT’S ON

WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO FOR DAILY UPDATES

ALWAYS CHECK with the event organiser beforehand. Opening times and restrictions may vary. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event.

WEDNESDAY 6 SEP

Fundraisers: Ashridge

Golf Day

Ashridge Golf Club in support of the Hospice of St Francis. www.stfrancis. org.uk

Fundraisers: Charity Quiz

Robin Hood, Tring. 8.30pm every Wed. In aid of Hector’s House. www.robinhoodtring. co.uk

Talks: Hec-Talk Group

The XC Centre, Hemel 7.30-8.30pm. First and third Wednesday of the month. Open to all men to come together and talk. tinyurl. com/5n8c6p3v

THURSDAY 7 SEP

Music: Brave Rival

Tring Rugby Club, 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk

FRIDAY 8 SEP

Fairs / Festivals: Heritage

Open Days

Annual festival runs to 17 Sep. Celebrating our local communities and stories with both digital and in-person events. Visit the website to learn more. Pre-booking required via eventbrite. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

Talks: Cyber and Fraud

Event

Hemel Hempstead Library, 10.30am-4pm. Run by Hertfordshire Constabulary. www.owl.co.uk/herts

SATURDAY 9 SEP

Markets & Sales: Tring

Farmers Market

High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

Fairs / Festivals: St Bartholomew’s Church

Fete

St Bartholomew Church, Wigginton 12-4pm. Stalls, dog show, entertainment, cream teas & BBQ. stbart holomewschurch.org/calendar/ Music: Nick Tomalin’s Quintet: Shades of Shearing BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. www. bjazz.org

SUNDAY 10 SEP

Exhibitions: Halton House

Open Day 10am-4pm. A rare opportunity to view the ground floor rooms of Halton House. www. heritageopendays.org.uk

Gardens: Hospice of St Francis Garden Party

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted 12-5pm. With food, entertainment, dog show and ‘shop local’ village. www. stfrancis.org.uk

Music: Piano & More Tring Parish Church, 3-4pm. Bach, Finzi and Tchaikovsky. Soloists Arwen Newband & Anna Le Hair. Followed by tea. Free entry; donations to expenses welcome. piano-andmore.org.uk

MONDAY 11 SEP

Arts & Crafts: Tring Yarn Bomb Knit & Natter Tring Library, 1-2.30pm. Also 9 & 23 Oct. www.instagram. com/tringyarnbomb

WEDNESDAY 13 SEP

Talks: The Spy Who Solved his Own Murder Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. 2006 assassination of ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

FRIDAY 15 SEP

Fairs / Festivals: BerkoBeerFest

Berkhamsted Cricket Club. 6-11pm. Also 16 Sep 12-11pm. Real ales & craft beers from breweries in & around the Chilterns. Friday Comedy Night with 4 top comedians from Edinburgh Fringe & TV. Plus 9 local bands performing Saturday. berkobeerfest.co.uk

Film: Tring Cinema

Nora Grace Hall. Doors 7.30pm, film 8pm. www. tringcinema.com

SATURDAY 16 SEP

Fairs / Festivals: Chilterns Heritage and Culture Festival

To 1 Oct. Walks, talks and exclusive tours. chilternsociety.org.uk/ heritage-festival

Fundraisers: Skydive 2023

Why not push the boundaries and take to the skies to support The Hospice of St Francis! www.stfrancis.org.uk

Exhibitions: Tactile Explorers: Under the sea Natural History Museum, Tring, 11am-12noon. For blind and partially sighted children aged 5+ and their families. Booking essential. www.nhm. ac.uk/visit/tring

Comedy: Simon Evans Have We Met Court Theatre, 8pm. www.getstuffed.biz

SUNDAY 17 SEP

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. www.facebook.com/ berkofm

Fairs / Festivals: Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Show Chesham Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Lane, Chesham, 11am-5pm. Treat yourself to a holisitc therapy or 1-1 reading. Gifts with a difference. Relax with friends and family. www.deerspirit.co.uk

Kids: Storytelling for Kids Also Sun 24. Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted, 2-3pm. Perfect for children from 4-8 years old. chilternsociety.org. uk/heritage-festival

Music: Tring Chamber Music Summer Season Hastoe Village Hall, 6pm. Please note early start time. Beethoven 130 Grosse Fuge. Tickets £20 | Under 18’s £10. Booking required. www. tringchambermusic.co.uk

MONDAY 18 SEP

Film: Empire of Light Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 19. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk

TUESDAY 19 SEP

Business: Tring BusinessMart Breakfast

7.45-9am. Join the friendly

BusinessMart networking group. www.tringtogether. org.uk

Talks: The Volunteer Centre

Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am-12pm. Third Tuesday of each month to talk about volunteering and local volunteering roles. www. support4dacorum.org.uk

Exhibitions: Tactile Tours Natural History Museum, Tring, 2.30-3.30pm. For blind and partially sighted adults and their families or friends. Booking essential. www.nhm. ac.uk/visit/tring

WEDNESDAY 20 SEP

Talks: The Story of Nica Rothschild High Street Baptist Church, Tring, 8pm. tringlocalhistory museum.org.uk

FRIDAY 22 SEP

Sport: Golf Day Buckingham Golf Club. In aid of PACE. thepacecentre.org/ event/charity-golf-day

SATURDAY 23 SEP

Exhibitions: Tring And District Model Railway Club Exhibition

Pitstone Memorial Hall, 10.15am-4.30pm. 8 layouts in a range of scales plus items for sale, light refreshments and free parking on site. www. tringmrc.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 27 SEP

Fundraisers: West Herts 21 Century Hospital Solution Fundraising Dinner

Berkhamsted Town Hall, 7pm. £35. Are you satisfied with our hospital service? Pre-booking required. gordonyearwood@ gmail.com

THURSDAY 28 SEP

Business: Berko Interchange Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8.30-9.30am.

Business networking meeting. www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/berko-interchangetickets-547761187457

Fairs / Festivals: Berkhamsted International Graham Greene Festival

To 1 Oct. 24th Graham Greene International Festival. Visit website for more information. grahamgreenebt.org/festival

Music: Toby Walker USA Tring Rugby Club, 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk

MONDAY 2 OCT

Film: Broker

Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 3. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 4 OCT

Fundraisers: Charity Quiz Robin Hood, Tring. 8.30pm every Wed. In aid of Hector’s House. www.robinhoodtring. co.uk

Talks: Hec-Talk Group

The XC Centre, Hemel 7.30-8.30pm. First and third Wednesday of the month. Open to all men to come together and talk. tinyurl.com/5n8c6p3v

THURSDAY 5 OCT

Music: Sam Kelly’s Station House

Tring Rugby Club, Tring. 8.30pm. bluesbartring.co.uk

FRIDAY 6 OCT

Talks: The Volunteer Centre High Street Baptist Church, Tring, 10-11am. Talk about volunteering and local volunteering roles. www. support4dacorum.org.uk

Comedy: Stephen K Amos

Oxymoron

The Court Theatre, Tring, 8pm. £18. www.get-stuffed.biz

SATURDAY 7 OCT

Music: Bernardi Music Trio St Mary’s Church, Drayton Beauchamp, 6.30pm. benefice3@gmail.com

SATURDAY 7 OCT (CONT)

Music: Classical Concert

St Mary’s Church, Drayton Beauchamp, near Tring, 7.15pm. All proceeds to help St Mary’s Church. benefice3@ gmail.com

Music: The Chiltern Sinfonietta

Victoria Hall, Akeman Street, Tring, 7.30pm. Admission free with retiring collection. Orchestral Music by Richard Strauss, Faure and Mendelssohn. www. chilternsinfonietta.com

Music: Alex Clarke Quartet BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. Full Bar facilities. www.bjazz.org

SUNDAY 8 OCT

Music: Piano & More Tring Parish Church, 3-4pm. Recital of French clarinet and piano music. Performers: Alison Eales and Anna Le Hair. Free entry; donations to expenses welcome. piano-and-more.org.uk

Music: Folk Tales

The Old Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 7pm. Behind the Mirror. www.behindthemirror. org

TUESDAY 10 OCT

Fundraisers: The Pepper Show 2023

Court Theatre, Tring. To 14 Oct. Live music performed by a wealth of local talent. www. pepper.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 11 OCT

Talks: Laura Ashley Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 10.30am. theartssociety.org/ tring-park

Talks: Arts & Craft Gardens and Movement

Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

THURSDAY 12 OCT

Talks: Rothschild’s ‘Fine Collection’ of Cassowaries

Natural History Museum, Tring, 7-8pm. Booking required. www.nhm.ac.uk/ visit/tring

Business: Tring BusinessMart

Join the friendly BusinessMart networking group. www.tringtogether. org.uk

FRIDAY 13 OCT

Fundraisers: Pop Up Restaurant

Nora Grace Hall, Tring, 7.30pm. Booking essential. www.tringtogether.org.uk

SATURDAY 14 OCT

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www.tringfarmersmarket. co.uk

Exhibitions: Arts and Crafts Exhibition St Mary’s Church, Ivinghoe, 10.30an-4.30pm. Also Sun 15 Oct 10.30am-3.30pm. pitstone.co.uk/event/ exhibition-of-arts-crafts-2

Music: Walk in Beauty

Ivinghoe Town Hall, 5pm. Concert presented by The Ridgeway Ensemble. mrwslapton@gmail.com

Music: Barbican Quartet Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm. www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk

SUNDAY 15 OCT

Fundraisers: Mud Pack Challenge

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted. Get ready to get filthy for The Hospice of St Francis! www.stfrancis. org.uk/support-us/events/ detail/mud-pack-challenge

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market

High Street, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. 3rd Sunday of every month. www. facebook.com/berkofm

MONDAY 16 OCT

Film: The Drover’s Wife

Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 17. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk

FRIDAY 20 OCT

Music: Ma Bessie & Her ‘Pigfoot’ Band After Hours Show

Tring Rugby Club. 8.30pm. www. bluesbartring.co.uk

THURSDAY 26 OCT

Business: Berko Interchange

Waite & Rose Café

Berkhamsted, 8.30-9.30am. Business networking meeting. www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/berko-interchangetickets-547761187457

Fundraisers: Alvin the Ultimate Elvis Tribute

The Gatsby, Berkhamsted, 7.30-11.45pm. tockify.com/ opendoorberkhamsted/ detail/142/1698345000000

Comedy: Mark Steel Court Theatre, Tring, 8pm. www.get-stuffed.biz

FRIDAY 27 OCT

Film: Tring Cinema

Nora Grace Hall. Doors 7.30pm, film 8pm. www.tringcinema.com

SATURDAY 28 OCT

Music: Peter Rudeforth Jazz Band

BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. www. bjazz.org

MONDAY 30 OCT

Film: Hit the Road

Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 31. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety. co.uk

WEDNESDAY 1 NOV

Fundraisers: Charity Quiz

Robin Hood, Tring. 8.30pm every Wed. In aid of Hector’s House. www.robinhoodtring. co.uk

Talks: Hec-Talk Group

The XC Centre, Hemel 7.30-8.30pm. First and third Wednesday of the month. Open to all men to come together and talk. tinyurl. com/5n8c6p3v

THURSDAY 2 NOV

Music: Consummate Rogues

Tring Rugby Club. 8.30pm. www.bluesbartring.co.uk

FRIDAY 3 NOV

Fairs / Festivals: Tring Book Festival

To 12 Nov. The programme will include debates, interviews, presentations and workshops from renowned authors across multiple venues. www. tringbookfestival.co.uk

SATURDAY 4 NOV

Fairs / Festivals: Tring Festival of Fire

Tring Park Cricket Club. To support sport in the local community. www. tringfireworks.co.uk

Fairs / Festivals: Berkhamsted Town Fireworks Gates 6pm for 7pm start. A charitable event at Berkhamsted Cricket Club. www.berkobang.org

SUNDAY 5 NOV

Fairs / Festivals: BerkoFest Book Festival

Berkhamsted Town Hall, 10am-7pm. Acclaimed authors will participate in readings, panels, Q&As, book signings, storytelling and interactive workshops. tickets.matterpay. com/s/berkofest

WEDNESDAY 8 NOV

Talks: Propaganda Posters on WW1 & WW2

Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society, Town Hall, Berkhamsted, 8pm. berkhamsted-history.org.uk

SATURDAY 11 NOV

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market

High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

Exhibitions: Little Gaddesden One Day Art Exhibition and Sale

Little Gaddesden Village Hall, Church Road, HP4 1NX. 10.30am-4pm. littlegaddesden. org.uk/clubs-and-institutions/ art-club/

Exhibitions: Tactile Explorers: Under the sea Natural History Museum, Tring, 11am-12noon. For blind and partially sighted children aged 5+ and their families. Booking essential. www.nhm.ac.uk/ visit/tring

Music: Zemlinksy Trio Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm. www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk

SUNDAY 12 NOV

Music: Piano and More Tring Parish Church, 3-4pm. piano-and-more.org.uk

Music: Untold Stories Berkhamsted Old Town Hall, 7pm. Behind the Mirror. www. behindthemirror.org

Forthcoming sale dates

GENERAL SALES

1st December 2018

15th December 2018

5th January 2019

19th January 2019

2nd February 2019

16th February 2019

MONDAY 13 NOV

Film: Living

Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 14. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk

TUESDAY 14 NOV

Business: Tring BusinessMart

Join the friendly BusinessMart networking group. www. tringtogether.org.uk

THURSDAY 16 NOV

Music: Guy Tortora Band plus Tyzac & Tortora Tring Rugby Club, 8pm. www. bluesbartring.co.uk

FRIDAY 17 NOV

Film: Tring Cinema Nora Grace Hall. Doors 7.30pm, film 8pm. tringcinema.com

SATURDAY 18 NOV

Music: Big Band Swing

BJazz at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, 8pm. www. bjazz.org

SUNDAY 19 NOV

Markets & Sales: Berkhamsted Farmers Market

High St, Berkhamsted, 10am-2pm. Third Sun of every month. www.facebook.com/berkofm

SATURDAY 25 NOV

Fairs / Festivals: Tring Together Christmas Festival

Tring High Street and Victoria Hall, 3.30-8.30pm. With stalls, fun fair and music plus there will be plenty to see with festive stalls in The Victoria Hall, special guests in the Memorial Garden and music

What our readers say:

stages around the town to showcase local performers. www.tringtogether.org.uk

SUNDAY 26 NOV

Fairs / Festivals:

Berkhamsted Festival of Light

Berkhamsted High Street, 3.30-6pm. With entertainment from local musicians, stalls, Santa and the Elves Posting House in the Civic Centre, fairground rides, St. Peter’s Church service, best dressed shop window competition and more. www.berkhamstedtown council.gov.uk

MONDAY 27 NOV

Film: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 8pm. Also Tues 28. www. berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk

THURSDAY 30 NOV

Business: Berko Interchange Waite & Rose Café Berkhamsted, 8.30-9.30am.

Business networking meeting. www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/berko-interchangetickets-547761187457

Wednesday 6 Dec

SATURDAY 2 DEC

Markets & Sales: Tring Farmers Market High Street, Tring, 9am12.30pm. Also 16 Dec. www. tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

Music: Behind the Mirror Berkhamsted Civic Centre 7.30pm, A celebration of festive music from medieval carols to new versions of traditional Christmas songs. www. berkhamstedmusic.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 6 DEC

Fundraisers: Charity Quiz The Robin Hood, Tring. 8.30pm every Wed. In aid of Hector’s House. www. robinhoodtring.co.uk

Comedy: Rich Hall Shot from Cannons Court Theatre, 8pm. www.get-stuffed.biz

Li ve life to the full with DENTAL IMPLANTS

Bow House a Centre for Dental Excellence provides you with excellent dentistry in a friendly and welcoming environment. The surgery is specifically tailored to the placement of dental implants which are a permanent solution to tooth loss.

Spread the cost...

We realise that whilst many people would like to benefit from the treatments available, paying in one amount can prove difficult. To enable you to benefit from the SMILE you want now, we can offer a range of finance plans enabling you to spread the cost. *Subject to status, terms and conditions apply

What better gift can your dentist give you than being pain free?

When you need an emergency dentist it’s reassuring to know that you are in capable and experienced hands here at Bow House a Centre for Dental Excellence. If you’re suffering from severe dental pain, or any other dental emergency then please call the practice as soon as possible and your dental needs will be dealt with.