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Living Magazines - Berkhamsted Summer 2025

Summer is finally here! It’s the time for holidays, and where better to travel but to the first joint European Capitals of Culture, Gorizia and Nova Gorica – find out more in our travel feature. There’s also a chance to win a family ticket to a wonderful new show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Local history focuses on the lost watering holes of Berkhamsted, plus we look at the wonders of Wimbledon. As always, we include our local news, shop local section, and a calendar of forthcoming events. Visit our website for more at www.livingmags.info. The only local magazine offering guaranteed delivery to o 11,517* addresses in the HP4 Berkhamsted postcode area. *Royal Mail postcode data.

Summer is finally here! It’s the time for holidays, and where better to travel but to the first joint European Capitals of Culture, Gorizia and Nova Gorica – find out more in our travel feature. There’s also a chance to win a family ticket to a wonderful new show at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Local history focuses on the lost watering holes of Berkhamsted, plus we look at the wonders of Wimbledon. As always, we include our local news, shop local section, and a calendar of forthcoming events. Visit our website for more at www.livingmags.info. The only local magazine offering guaranteed delivery to o 11,517* addresses in the HP4 Berkhamsted postcode area. *Royal Mail postcode data.

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BERKHAMSTED

ISSUE 95 SUMMER 2025

LIVE | LIFE | LOCAL

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES SINCE 2001

TIME GENTLEMEN

PLEASE!

The lost pubs of

Berkhamsted

WIMBLEDON

The wonders of the

world’s most famous

tennis tournament

GARDENS

The hidden

perils of popular

garden plants

The Crown Inn in the foreground,

with the Swan next door during

its time as a public house.

© Unknown/Alamy

BY USING ROYAL MAIL, WE ARE STILL THE ONLY PUBLICATION DELIVERING TO EVERY SINGLE POSTCODE IN HP4

BERKHAMSTED AND HP23 TRING AND THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES OF PITSTONE AND CHEDDINGTON. MORE

THAN 22,600 HOMES AND BUSINESSES, WITH A READERSHIP OF OVER 68,000.

WINNER OF BEST COMMUNITY

MAGAZINE PUBLISHER 2024 –

HERTFORDSHIRE

WINNER OF BEST COMMUNITY

MAGAZINE PUBLISHER & LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR –

HERTFORDSHIRE 2024/25

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Welcome to the

Summer issue!

BERKHAMSTED

SUMMER 2025

o

The many sunny days since Lyn arrived

in the UK in early March have been so

welcome. Let’s hope they continue way

into summer and beyond.

It’s the time for holidays, and where better

to travel but to the first joint European

Capitals of Culture, Gorizia and Nova Gorica,

which straddle the two magnificent countries

of Italy and Slovenia. If you are staying

home, we have some weird tips for creative

gardeners, such as repurposing coffee

grounds as fertiliser. If you are renting a

home, we have ideas about what can be done

to alter the space so you still achieve a sense

of individuality and homeliness that can

often be missing.

Summer would not be summer without

Wimbledon. Read our special feature about

the heady first two weeks of July when the

dni

CONTENTS

4 News and views from

Berkhamsted and

surrounding villages

16 Shop local – before you head

online

19 Motoring – the truth about

manual gearbox tricks

20 The new and old wonders of

Wimbledon

23 The lost pubs of Berkhamsted

28 Garden plants with hidden

dangers

29 Unusual tips to keep your

garden growing

Down Under

deretrahC naM regnirt

great and the good of tennis – that’s players,

coaches and those who love their strawberries

and cream – descend on South-West London

for the greatest tournament the sport has to offer.

Our history feature focuses on some of

the pubs that have been lost to the past

in and around the town, as well as one

establishment’s mischievous ghosts. And with

her own ghostly experience in a former inn

on the other side of the world, you can read

more about Lyn’s supernatural experience in

this issue too.

Enjoy your summer reading.

Lyn and

Naomi

Owner & Editor

32 Make a rented property

feel like home

33 On-trend interiors ideas

34 Win a family theatre

ticket

35 Kids’ puzzles

36 How to help children

understand world issues

37 Students – make the most

of your final year

38 Codeword

39 Puzzle page

40 Crossword

41 A ghostly tale of an inn

42 10 ways to help you live

longer

44 Discover what your socks

say about you!

45 Travel to the joint European

Cities of Culture this

summer

46 Eclectic summer reads

from local authors

48 Seasonal treat –

try this summer

pudding recipe

50 What’s on

54 Local

Services

The only local magazine offering shrink-wrapped guaranteed delivery to 11,517* addresses in the HP4 postcode area,

by Royal Mail every quarter. *Royal Mail postcode data . Published quarterly in March, June, September & December

The Team: Publisher: Lyn Drummond / Editor: Naomi MacKay / Designer: Neil Randle

Registered Address: 376 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1HU. Living Magazines are published by independent publisher Lyn Drummond.

CONTACT US

01442 824300

INFO@

LIVINGMAGS.INFO

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

P s’semaJ .tS any errors ylno or omissions. stneserper Opinions expressed dna by fo authors evitatneserpeR and advertisers in this detniopA publication are not na specifically si endorsed by Living Magazines.

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For exclusive offers & updates between issues go to:

WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO


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Enjoy our heritage for free!

Booking opens this summer for the popular

Berkhamsted Heritage Open Days,

which see free walks and tours running

in September.

This year’s event runs from 12-21 September,

with the theme ‘Architecture’.

Berkhamsted History Society will once again

be hosting Heritage Open Days Walks and

Tours. There are new walks planned around

the architecture in Berkhamsted, as well as old

favourites such as Memories of the Foundling

Hospital, a visit to Berkhamsted Place, a tour

of St Peter’s Church and the Tudor Court

House, Canal walks, Amersfort Hall garden,

and a visit to The Old Hall and Chapel of

Berkhamsted School.

Booking opens on 18 August.

See the History Society website for dates and

times at https://berkhamsted-history.org.uk,

and book your free spot at www.eventbrite.co.uk.

While events are free, you must have booked

a place.

Award in the cards for Naomi

An 80-year-old Berkhamsted

tarot card reader has

won an award for her

continued contribution to charity

Comic Relief.

The Nosey Awards champion

those who have gone above and

beyond to raise life-changing

funds and spread joy across their

communities.

Naomi Stevens won the 2025 Solo Superstar

award, having raised over £4,000 since she began

fundraising for Comic Relief in 1985.

Her commitment began when, while

teaching computer skills as a single parent

to support her two daughters, she visited a

student’s office and discovered they were

supporting the first Red Nose Day. With her

tarot cards in hand, she spontaneously offered

a reading for a donation. Everyone loved

the idea and it quickly became a longrunning

tradition.

Naomi now arranges local sessions in the

lead-up to Red Nose Day, always arriving in

Comic Relief-themed outfits she has carefully

collected and customised over the years.

4 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


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Service Dogs UK launches New

Thames Valley Training Hub

Service Dogs

UK is urging

local Armed

Forces and Blue Light

veterans to contact

Veteran

Nick with

the charity for support

assistance

as it opens its new

dog Benji

training hub for

Herts/Bucks.

Service Dogs UK is a charity dedicated to

supporting Armed Forces and Emergency

Services veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic

stress disorder).

The charity partners with veterans to transform

dogs, mainly from rescue, into highly skilled

PTSD assistance dogs.

Veterans living with PTSD can apply to

be paired with a dog and learn how to navigate

daily life with greater independence

and confidence.

Visit www.servicedogsuk.org or contact

getintouch@servicedogsuk.org.

‘Lush’ prize up for grabs for Gavin & Stacey fans

What’s

occurrin’?

Well, a

rare piece of Gavin &

Stacey memorabilia

will go to the winner

of a raffle launched

by Herts-based

charity, DENS.

A call sheet

for the hit TV

show’s last-ever

scene, signed by the leading cast and featuring

a farewell message from creators James Corden

and Ruth Jones, has been donated to DENS by

star actor, Adrian Scarborough, in celebration

of his appointment as the charity’s first-ever

patron. The prize also includes a script of the

final episode.

The award-winning actor, known for playing

Pete in Gavin & Stacey, has also appeared in

Vera Drake, Gosford Park, Miranda and

The Chelsea Detective.

Reflecting on his new position at DENS,

Scarborough said: ‘It’s a true honour to become

the first ever patron of this amazing charity. I’ve

had the privilege of seeing the incredible work

they do to support vulnerable people across the

community – and their services are needed now

more than ever. I’m excited to work alongside

the great team at DENS and do whatever I can to

help grow their impact.’

DENS helps rebuild the lives of people facing

homelessness, poverty and social exclusion by

providing a range of vital, integrated services.

The raffle is now open, with entries costing £5

each. It closes on 30 July. See

https://bit.ly/dens-gavin-stacey for details.

6 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


Award recognises ‘dynamic duo’

Brian Buckell, a

dedicated volunteer

from Berkhamsted,

has been named Volunteer

of the Month by Hearing

Dogs for Deaf People.

The award recognises

volunteers who

consistently go the

extra mile, or who make

invaluable contributions

behind the scenes.

Brian and his wife Mary

were inspired to join

Hearing Dogs as volunteers

after attending a tour of the

charity’s southern training

centre in Saunderton. Inspired by what they saw,

they signed up to look after and train Kasper, a

cocker spaniel puppy.

Since then, Brian – affectionately known as

‘Uncle Brian’ – has become an indispensable

member of the Hertfordshire volunteering team.

Mary provides quiet, but invaluable support in

Berkhamsted Castle continues to attract

people, both to enjoy its beautiful location

and also to learn more about its almost

1,000 years of history, in which it has been

owned by kings, queens, princes and princesses,

as well as having connections with the likes of

Geoffrey Chaucer and Thomas Becket.

Until the end of September, at weekends and

bank holidays, there will be exhibits detailing

this long history. In addition, stewards will be on

site to answer any questions you may have.

the background, supplying everyone with her

amazing baking.

Recognising a need among his fellow

volunteers, Brian created his own bespoke doggy

daycare and walking service, offering crucial

support for those attending appointments where

they are unable to take their dogs with them.

Victoria Leedham, head of volunteering for

Hearing Dogs said: ‘Brian’s personal kindness

knows no bounds, and supported by wife Mary,

they form a dynamic duo who could not be more

highly regarded and appreciated within our

Hertfordshire volunteer community’.

Brian said he and Mary were overwhelmed,

but extremely proud: ‘It’s an absolute privilege

to help these incredible pups grow into fullytrained

partners for deaf people. I’ve been

fortunate enough to meet several Hearing Dog

recipients and, without fail, they’ve all said the

same thing, “Thank you so much – my hearing

dog has changed my life’’.’

Find out more about volunteering at

volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk or call

01844 348129.

Still time to learn about Berkhamsted

Castle’s history

So, if you have always wondered why William

the Conqueror’s half-brother decided to build a

castle at Berkhamsted or simply why there is so

little of the castle walls remaining, then you have

time to pay a visit.

The castle is open every day 10am to 6pm until

25 October; after that it closes at 4pm.

LOCAL

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Summer 2025 / 7


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Berkhamsted among ‘best places to live’

Berkhamsted

has been

named in The

Sunday Times Best

Places to Live

2025 guide.

Berkhamsted

was the only

Hertfordshire location out of 72 included.

Chorleywood and St Albans featured in 2024.

Petersfield, Hampshire, was the regional

winner for the Southeast of England, and

Saffron Walden, Essex, best in the UK.

Describing Berkhamsted, the guide said:

‘Berkhamsted is the perfect chichi commuter

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town, with easy links to London for work or play

but plenty to keep you busy closer to home.

‘It’s surrounded by lovely Chilterns

countryside, has a healthy historic pedigree but

also a buzzy café culture and lots of sporty and

wellness activities.

‘There’s more than a dash of culture,

too, notably at the Rex Cinema, as well as

two theatres, an art society and various

music groups.’

The newspaper’s judges visited all the locations

and assessed factors from schools to transport,

broadband speeds, and mobile signals to culture,

as well as access to green spaces and the health

of the high street.

‘We talk to locals to find out what they love

most about the places they call home,’ said

the guide’s editor Helen Davies. ‘This could

be anything from high-achieving schools and

reliable commuter links to cafés and culture or

somewhere wonderful to walk the dog. More

than anything else, what we are looking for are

towns, villages and cities with strong, hardworking

communities who love where they live.’

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A golden opportunity

Rennie Grove Peace

Hospice Care is

appealing for

donations of gold and

silver jewellery, coins, watches

and silverware to raise money

to fund local hospice care.

Barrie has been volunteering

with the charity for around 15

years. After starting as a volunteer in one of the

charity’s shops, he later offered to share his 30

years’ experience as an antiques dealer to help

the charity realise the value of donations of

jewellery, silver and other precious metals.

All donations that are received in the

charity’s shops within Buckinghamshire and

Hertfordshire are sent to the retail hub where

Barrie assesses, values, cleans and mends

donations as required.

Items can be donated to the charity’s retail

support hub, Bainbridge House (2 Northbridge

Rd, Berkhamsted), on Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 10am-4pm or to any Rennie Grove Peace shop

between 10am-4pm each day that the shop is open.

Get back to nature

Rectory Lane

Cemetery will be

taking part in

Berkhamsted’s Great Big

Green Week with its

Great Big Nature Hunt.

The event, on Saturday

15 June from 10am-1pm, is specially designed

for families. Knowledgeable volunteer guides

will help children to discover wildlife: newts,

tadpoles and other pond dwellers, insects,

butterflies, bumblebees, honey bees, trees.

Living Magazines wins

Prestige award

Berkhamsted &

Tring Living

Magazines

are proud to

announce that we

have been named

Lifestyle Magazine

Publication of the Year – Hertfordshire at the

South England Prestige Awards 2024/2025.

This latest accolade recognises our commitment

to delivering high-quality, engaging, and

relevant content to the local communities of

Berkhamsted and Tring. It follows our recent

success at the Southern Enterprise Awards,

where we were honoured as Best Community

Magazine Publisher 2024 – Hertfordshire.

The South England Prestige Awards celebrate

independent businesses and organisations

that consistently excel in their industry, with

winners chosen for their dedication to service,

innovation, and community impact.

We are incredibly grateful to our readers,

advertisers, and contributors, whose support

allows us to continue producing magazines

that truly reflect and celebrate life in our

wonderful towns.

Thank you for being part of our journey –

we look forward to bringing you even more

great content in the year ahead!

Children can get creative and make mini nature

collections and everybody will be able to enjoy

home-made refreshments.

The event is free but donations will be

appreciated to help keep this community

space going. Book your free places at

https://tinyurl.com/2s3fmzxc

10 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


Knitters tell the Longest Yarn

LOCAL

Volunteer knitters from across the world

have contributed to a wall art exhibition

that will be unveiled at Chiltern Open Air

Museum in August.

The Britain at War exhibition – The Longest

Yarn 2 – will feature 61 panels all made by

the volunteers.

Britain at War examines how Britain navigated

the war from 3 September, 1939 to VE Day on

8 May, 1945. The panels show all aspects of life,

including rationing, evacuees, The Blitz, terrible

headlines, when Britain was looking at ‘The

Darkest Hour’, and the euphoria when peace was

declared. The exhibition runs from 2-31 August.

Find out more at www.coam.org.uk

Have a laugh and a curry…

In July 2023, the Ashlyns Festival was

unexpectedly affected by adverse weather,

requiring the ASA (Ashlyns School’s PTA)

to pivot and adapt a key fundraising event. The

outdoor Saturday Festival was cancelled, but the

ever-popular (sell-out) Comedy & Curry Night

was relocated inside the historical building of

Ashlyns School.

Friday 11 July will see the sixth Comedy &

Curry Night, with another stellar line-up of

professional comedians, ensuring a night

of laughter, fabulous freshly-cooked curries

courtesy of Culinera, and a fully licensed bar.

The line-up, menu, and tickets are available at

https://ashlynsfestival.co.uk.

‘The Festival traditionally kicks off with

Friday’s Comedy Night, and we hope to continue

into Saturday with various community-led

fundraisers (watch this space),’ said Dhrooti

Mills, Ashlyns Festival lead.

The ASA is eager to build stronger partnerships

with local businesses, offering sponsorship

opportunities with a chance to showcase your

business. Your support could make all

the difference with its fund-raisers,

which are vital in helping to provide

tools and experiences to enrich the

education of Ashlyns students.

Email asa@ashlyns.herts.sch.uk.

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Save the date: Friday 11 July

Pre-show drinks and

food from 6pm

Acts on stage from 8pm

Drinks interval between

every set

Ian Stone Nevermind the Buzzcocks and

Live a the Comedy Store

Zoe Lyons Mock The Week and Live At The Apo lo

Jonny Awsum Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist

Mark Row Circuit regular and your MC

Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted Strictly over 18s only


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A

project to restore

ancient woodland has

reached its next stage

at Ashridge, with the planting

of 1,600 trees.

The project to restore 42

hectares of ancient woodland

has seen the National Trust

carefully removing non-native

conifers from some of the

most inaccessible and

ecologically vulnerable

parts of the landscape.

Matthew L’Estrange, area

ranger at Ashridge Estate, said:

‘Over the past two years, with

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1,600 trees set to be planted at Ashridge

more sunlight reaching the forest floor, natural

regeneration has already begun in the woodland,

leading to exciting ecological improvements.

The rare spotted flycatcher has returned, and

primroses and foxgloves have emerged from the

woodland floor and are now flowering.’

This year, work is underway to replant

Ringshall Copse with a mix of native broadleaf

species, including oak, hornbeam, crab apple,

hawthorn, cherry, hazel and lime trees.

Matthew added that as the trees establish, he

would expect to see an increase in other wildlife

such as bats, butterflies, bees and hoverflies.

Other areas of the estate will be subject to

similar projects in the next few years.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

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Luton airport expansion gets green light

Plans to

expand Luton

Airport,

almost doubling

its annual capacity

to 32 million

passengers, have

been approved.

The Planning Inspectorate had recommended

that the plans be rejected on environmental

grounds, but Transport Secretary Heidi

Alexander announced the approval of the

expansion in April.

It’s estimated that the airport could see 77,000

more flights a year than last year – with planes

flying over every 15 minutes, rather than once

every half hour as they do currently.

The airport expansion will see new airside and

landside facilities, and a new terminal built on

the site.

Luton Borough Council has also stated that

the expansion could create 6,000 jobs in Beds,

Herts and Bucks (as part of 11,000 new jobs

across the country).

Victoria Collins, MP for Harpenden &

Berkhamsted, said the decision was ‘a major

blow’ for our local community.

‘It’s set to raise noise pollution levels for local

residents, add pressures to our infrastructure

and inhibit the fight against the climate crisis,

in a move experts have already suggested won’t

improve growth.’ she said.

‘It’s alarming not only for the trajectory of

cutting carbon emissions and protecting our

local environment, but will be deeply worrying

for areas across Harpenden and Berkhamsted

already plagued by noise pollution. For the three

years prior to 2019 we saw Luton Airport violating

their aircraft noise limits, and with added capacity

this issue is only set to worsen,’ she added.

LOCAL


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Berkhamsted

Sports Grounds

Charitable

Association has

welcomed Berkhamsted

Bowls Club to its

membership, joining

other premier sports

clubs of the town.

The club is a flat lawn

bowls club situated in the

centre of Berkhamsted

next to the tennis and

football clubs. It is

celebrating its 40th

anniversary this year, and over the decades has

risen to being one of the finest clubs in the

county, thanks to the quality of its facilities and

bowls green.

The club has enjoyed competitive success at

District, County and even National level. The

Pub pours itself into the record books

Berkhamsted pub

The Lamb has

made history

and become a new

Guinness World Records

title holder – joining

Heineken and 114 pubs

and breweries across the UK to set a unique

world record for the most people pulling a pint at

exactly the same time.

The Big Pour saw 114 pubs across the country

pour pints of Heineken 0.0 and Heineken

simultaneously and in perfect sync. All involved

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Bowls club joins sports association

bowls club also celebrates diversity, counting

the world bowls blind champion Sarah Marshall,

who has been winning competitions out

in South Africa and New Zealand, among

its membership.

Berkhamsted Bowls Club is a progressive club,

which engages with the community through

experiences on and off the green. It welcomes all

ages and abilities to ‘come and have a go’, so they

can see for themselves what this relaxing but

competitive sport can do for their mental and

physical wellbeing.

The club joins the other members of BSG:

Berkhamsted Football Club, Berkhamsted

Raiders Community Football Club, Berkhamsted

Lawn Tennis and Squash Racquets Club,

Berkhamsted Golf Club, Berkhamsted Cricket

Club, Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead Hockey

Club and Berkhamsted Rugby Club.

For information about the BSG charity see

www.bsgca.org

are now the proud holders of the Guinness

World Records title for the most people pulling a

pint online simultaneously.

This modern record attempt was made possible

through online videos, as 114 publicans and pub

managers from Scotland to Surrey, joined The

Lamb to pour their pints together in real time

under the watchful eyes of an official Guinness

World Records adjudicator.

The Big Pour celebrates the installation of

Heineken 0.0’s 1,000th tap, making Heineken 0.0

the most widely available 0.0% beer on draught,

with more installations than any other brand.

14 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


Local plan inspectors appointed

The Secretary of State has appointed

Inspector Thomas Bristow BA Msc

MRTPI and Inspector Matthew

Birkinshaw BA (Hons) Msc MRTPI to carry out

the independent examination of Dacorum’s

Local Plan.

Dacorum Borough Council submitted its local

plan for the sustainable growth of the borough

to the government in March.

The independent planning inspectors

will assess whether the local plan has been

properly prepared, is effective, and aligns with

national policies.

The examination will take place over the

next few months, and will include a series of

public hearings.

A final decision may not be reached until early

2026, and if deemed sound, the local plan will be

presented to the Council for adoption.

Cllr Adrian England, portfolio holder for place

Controversy, drama – and Winnie the Pooh!

The Arts Society Gade Valley opens its

2025/26 lecture season this September,

promising a fascinating journey through

art, history and culture. Whether you’re drawn

to the gritty realism of New York’s Ashcan

painters, the controversy surrounding the Elgin

Marbles or the drama of 19th-century opera,

expert speakers will bring these topics vividly

to life.

This season’s highlights include an exclusive

behind-the-scenes look at international auction

houses, revealing the intrigue of the art market,

and a special lecture celebrating the centenary

of Winnie the Pooh, exploring the legacy of this

much-loved literary icon.

The society meets at Potten End Village Hall on

the third Wednesday of the month at 10.30am,

offering thought-provoking lectures, lively

discussion, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere,

whether you’re a long-standing member or new

to the society.

at Dacorum Borough Council, commented: ‘This

local plan is a vital step forward in ensuring

that Dacorum grows in a coherent, sustainable

and protected way. It provides the framework to

achieve that, and I am confident that it will stand

up to scrutiny in the examination process.

‘Our communities deserve developments

that are well-integrated, supported by the right

infrastructure, and considerate of the needs of

both current and future residents.

‘This plan sets out a clear vision for the

borough’s future, balancing the need for homes

and economic development with the protection

of our environment and local character.

‘Finally, I would like to add a big thank you to

everyone who responded, and a special thanks to

our staff who have worked tirelessly on this.’

You can view a copy of the submission at

https://letstalk.dacorum.gov.uk/hub-page/

newlocalplan

For full details on the

programme and membership, visit

theartssocietygadev.org.uk or email

membersgadev@gmail.com.

LOCAL


SHOP LOCAL

Don’t just head

online, visit your

local High Street.

Here’s some

ideas!

01

02

04

05

03

08

09

06

07

xx

10

11

12

13

14

16 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


LOCAL

15 16 17

Bailey & Sons - Berkhamsted

01 Et Toi Moi laboratory grown engagement

ring £POA

02 9ct gold Organic pendant £370

03 Silver gold plate enamel Copenhagen

earrings £45

Debbie Shrimpton Illustrates -

Berkhamsted

04 Bespoke illustration commissions from

£150

05 Loved local landmark framed prints £55

Fancy That - Tring

06 Jellycat summer from £23

07 Jellycat Mooliet £30 Board book £9.50

08 Lined journal £8

09 Large strawberry jug £22.50

Gems and Jules - Tring

10 Sterling silver butter knife cuff £245

11 Sterling silver ornate sugar tong

bracelet £110

12 Sterling silver gingko cuff £108

18

Notion Jewellery - Tring

13 Silver bracken pendant 18-inch chain £61

14 Silver small beech leaf pendant 18-inch

chain £54

Puddingstone Distillery - Tring

15 Box Moor Gin £40 (£2 from the sale of

every bottle goes to the Box Moor Trust)

Vinegar Hill - Berkhamsted

16 Empire Gin Glasses set of 2 £23.50

17 Beach Bag £43.99

18 Jamida Drinks Tray £39.99

Whilst we have made every effort to ensure these details are correct,

you must confirm directly with the retailer.

Contact advertising@livingmags.info to find out how you can

promote your local seasonal products here for free.

What our advertisers say:

I just wanted to say a massive ‘THANK YOU’ for

adding our charity information to your magazine.

We have gained 4 extra volunteers so far just from

the one editorial piece and I cannot thank you

enough for helping to make this happen!

Hector’s House

What our advertisers say:

Always very helpful, used for years

for my advertising.

A Aerial Fix

What our advertisers say:

Being part of a publication that is delivered

directly to peoples' homes via a reliable postal

service is really important to us as a small

business that has a supportive local customer

base. We find it useful to have a presence in

print media as well as online to strengthen

our position reaching those not online and

increase touch points for those who engage

with us on and off line.

Puddingstone Distillery

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 17


MICHAEL

Notes of

spice, juniper

HANNABY

and citrus with a

hint of colour

and sweetness

without the use

of sugar

Notes of

spice, juniper

and citrus with a

hint of colour

and sweetness

without the use

of sugar.

FURNITURE RESTORATION

07989 672 610

CAMPFIRE CASK AGED GIN

Head over to our distillery shop on

Friday or Saturday to discover

our full range of award winning gins.

PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY

Wilstone, Tring, Herts HP23 4NT

puddingstonedistillery.com

What our

advertisers say:

We always know when we

stop advertising as our

enquiry levels drop off.

Quite considerably.

Tierra Designs

What our readers say:

One of the few things I do

read that comes through

the door because of its

local content and it has a

really good look and feel as

'hard copy'.

Chris

Advertise

with us!

The only magazine

delivering to every

single postcode

in Berkhamsted

Serving the community and

supporting local businesses

since 2001


The truth about manual gearbox

tricks – do they actually work?

Coasting

The idea: By shifting into neutral and letting

the car coast, you reduce engine load and

save fuel.

The reality: This technique was more

relevant in older carburettor cars, where

cutting the fuel supply completely wasn’t

always an option.

Modern fuel-injected cars, however,

automatically reduce fuel delivery when the

throttle is closed, meaning coasting actually

wastes fuel rather than saving it.

Worse, it removes engine braking, reducing

control and increasing wear on your brakes.

Oh, and coasting downhill is technically

illegal under Rule 122 of the Highway Code, as

it reduces control over the vehicle, so best

avoid this one!

Double-Clutching

The idea: This involves pressing the clutch,

shifting to neutral, releasing the clutch, then

pressing it again before shifting into the next

gear. It’s supposed to improve gear changes

and reduce wear on the gearbox.

The reality: This was essential in older cars

with non-synchronised transmissions, but

today’s modern synchros do the job for you.

While double-clutching

can reduce wear slightly

and smoothen shifts in

certain performance or

classic cars, for everyday

driving it’s unnecessary.

Short-Shifting

The idea: Changing

up gears earlier than

usual to keep revs low

and save fuel.

The reality: This one

actually works… to a

point. Keeping revs too low

can strain the engine and lead to

‘lugging,’ which isn’t great for performance or

efficiency, but shifting up smoothly and

sensibly (without labouring the engine) can

improve fuel economy.

ALL THE GEAR,

NO IDEA?

Rev-Matching on Downshifts

The idea: Blipping the throttle when

downshifting to match engine speed to the

lower gear, ensuring a smoother transition.

The reality: This works, reducing drivetrain

shock, making downshifts smoother and

kinder to your gearbox. It won’t save you fuel,

but it can extend the life of your clutch and

make for a much more enjoyable drive.

Engine Braking

The idea: Using the engine’s resistance to

slow the car down instead of relying solely on

the brakes.

The reality: A good technique when used

properly. Modern engines shut off fuel when

decelerating in gear, making this an efficient

way to slow down. Plus, it reduces brake wear.

However, relying on it too much can cause

excessive wear on your gearbox, so balance is key.

Living Magazines

Summer 2025 / 19


WHO TO WATCH AT

WIMBLEDON

The first two weeks of

July sees the great and

the good of tennis – that’s

players, coaches and

those who love their

strawberries and cream

– descend on South-West

London for the greatest

tournament the sport has

to offer

Regardless of whether you’re a tennis

enthusiast or not, the word ‘Wimbledon’

evokes visions of blazing summer sun

warming up verdant grass courts, glasses of

champagne and a flurry of fine fashion (also,

possibly, the Wombles if you are of a certain age).

Yet for those participating, it is a

thing of bright anticipation and

hope, for to conquer the oldest

tennis tournament in the word (the

first championship was held in 1877) is to

truly be a master of your game.

Men

Novak Djokovic

He is widely considered as the

GOAT (greatest of all time) and

his July appearance will be the

20th since his 2003 debut.

Yet will the super Serb

claim his eighth Wimbledon

title, or at 38 years old – and

with big rival Carlos Alcaraz looking to make

it three victories on the spin – will this be the

sunset of his illustrious career?

Current ranking: 5

Total grand slams (as of March 2025): 24

Wimbledon wins: 7

Jannik Sinner

He’s the Italian sensation who

has quickly become a household

name, and in 2024 the ambitious

23-year-old had one of the

greatest seasons any player

has ever had in the history

of the sport, winning the US

and French titles and climbing to no.1 in

the world.

Having played Wimbledon six times, he will

have his eye on the big prize this year.

Current ranking: 1

Total grand slams (as of March 2025): 2

Wimbledon wins: 0

Women

Elena Rybakina

The impressive Russia-born

Kazakhstani shot to fame after

her stunning victory at

Wimbledon in 2022. Since the

start of her professional career

in 2014, she has made almost

constant progress and hopes are high that this

may be a repeat of her 2022 triumph.

Current ranking: 8

Total grand slams (as of March 2025): 1

Wimbledon wins: 1

Aryna Sabalenka

The Belarusian bombshell is

one of the most famous tennis

players in the world. With a

career that boasts three major

singles titles – 2024 US Open

and Australian Open wins in

2023 and 2024, as well as two

major doubles titles (2019 US Open and 2021

Australian Open). However, Wimbledon

remains elusive and her 2024 withdrawal

from the tournament after a shoulder injury,

will make her hungrier still. Could this be

the year?

Current ranking: 1

Total grand slams (as of March 2025): 3

Wimbledon wins: 0

WIMBLEDON

20 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


THE

WONDERS

OF WIMBLEDON

WIMBLEDON

We may not always

win – in fact we very,

very rarely do! –

but over the years,

British tennis players

have always helped

make Wimbledon the

magical experience

it is

WIMBLEDON

Henman the hopeful

Talented and adored as he was,

the chips never fell the way

Tim Henman would have

liked. But Wimbledon was the

stage for the Brit’s most

memorable performances, and

‘Tiger Tim’ was never short of

fans cheering him on.

He reached the SW19 semi-finals four times

(1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002), each time igniting

hopes of a British champion at the All England

Club. Despite never getting over the line, his

consistent performances and unwavering

determination made him a national icon, and

Henman Hill is the name many still use when

referring to the viewing area grounds where

pass users can watch the on-court action.

Fred Perry the legend

Most young people of today

associate the name Fred Perry

with very trendy polo shirts,

but the man himself is

arguably the most iconic

British tennis player in history.

Born in 1909, Perry’s career spanned a brief

but triumphant period in the 1930s. He won

three Wimbledon titles (1934, 1935 and 1936)

and achieved the rare feat of securing all four

Grand Slam singles titles by winning the

Australian Open, French Open and US Open.

Perry’s prowess and determination on the

court made him a global tennis superstar, but

for us Brits, Perry – the son of a cotton

spinner – represented hope and ambition for

anyone who sets their mind to it.

Murray the man of the hour

It’s 20 years since the

now-retired super Scot turned

pro, and what an exceptional

list of accomplishments he

tucked under his belt during

those two decades.

Murray finally got his major

breakthrough at the 2012 US

Open, where he claimed his inaugural Grand

Slam title by defeating Novak Djokovic in a

thrilling five-set match.

This victory made him the first British man

to win a Grand Slam singles title since the

aforementioned Fred Perry in 1936.

Within a year, Murray achieved what many

consider his greatest triumph by winning

Wimbledon. Victory over Djokovic in the final

ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a male

Wimbledon champion.

He won another Wimbledon title in 2016 and

also secured two Olympic golds for Team GB in

2012 and 2016. Not bad for a wee lad from Glasgow.

The young radical, Raducanu

Born in 2002, Brit superstar

Raducanu burst onto the

global tennis scene with her

extraordinary victory at the

US Open in 2021. At just 18

years old, she became the first

qualifier in history to win a

Grand Slam singles title, and

while injury and the pressures

of fame have thwarted further significant

rewards, her youth and determination make

her a hopeful for the future of British tennis.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 21


RS0634

Happiness

is a home designed with you in mind

Find your

nearest

community

Welcoming features at our

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But don't just take our word for it, come and see for

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* Subject to availability. Additional charges apply. Imagery is representative. Information correct at time of print.


LOCAL

HISTORY

Old Grey Mare

Images: with thanks to Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society

TIME

GENTLEMEN

PLEASE!

If you did a pub crawl around Berkhamsted

now, you’d have imbibed more pints than

most of us could handle, but Berkhamsted

has seen many more licensed premises over

the years that are no longer in operation.

According to historians, The Swan’s location

on the junction between the old Roman Road

Akeman Street (High Street) and the main

route between Berkhamsted and Windsor

Castle (Chesham Road) suggests it could

have been one of the town’s earliest inns.

Members of the Northchurch Football Club,

which was was formed in 1904, had no changing

facilities, so used to change in the chalet at the

rear of the Old Grey Mare

Berkhamsted and

surrounding villages are

blessed with plenty of

watering holes, but back in

the annals of history there

were even more inns…

During the 18th century most inns and ale

houses brewed their own beer, and the Swan’s

brewhouse was at the back, on what was

known as Grubbs Lane.

John Edward Lane senior (1808 –1889) is

well known in the town’s history. He was

a horticulturalist who built up the family

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 23


business, John Lane Nurseries (where Wood’s

Garden Centre is on the High Street). The

company name was recognised across the

country, and was well known for its awardwinning

roses, fruit trees, shrubs, and

bedding plants. The Nurseries even bred

a special apple variety – the Lane’s Prince

Albert apple – to mark the 1841 visit of Queen

Victoria and Prince Albert to Berkhamsted.

John Edward Lane was quite an

entrepreneur, and he also had a side hustle in

brewing beer, He bought a number of inns in

Berkhamsted, including The Swan.

You can find John’s gravestone in Rectory

Lane Cemetery.

In more recent history, the Swan became

one of the town’s principal hotels, but closed

in the 1980s, and is now home to the Swan

Youth Project charity, which supports local

young people.

The Boote Inn was at 37 Castle Street. In

1871, Mary Margrave was listed as licensee.

Her stepchildren had a rather sad history.

One of them, John Margrave, is also buried

in Rectory Lane Cemetery. There were seven

children, and their father George was a

shoemaker and a beer retailer. Their mother

(also called Mary Ann) died in 1841, when

John was only 10. His younger sister Ann

died the same year, and the children were

distributed to relatives – John and his brother

George to his paternal grandparents in the

High Street, while 16-month-old Sarah went

to her maternal grandparents in Northchurch.

Joseph, 16, and Elizabeth, 14, and Thomas, five,

stayed with their father.

In 1844, John’s father married again, to another

Mary Ann, and they had five more children.

John continued as a shoemaker, got married

and had seven children. He was declared

bankrupt in 1869 and unsuccessfuly tried

to follow his father into the licensed trade,

by taking on the tenancy of The Swan in

Dudswell, but was refused a licence.

The Boote closed after the First World War

and became a bric a brac shop.

Like the Boote, so many closed-down

pubs have second (and maybe third) lives in

different incarnations. The ale house the Fox

The Boote

The Swan

The

Gardener’s

Arms (left) in

Castle Street

is one of a

pair of mid-

19th century

houses

originally built

as ale houses

but first used

as shops

24 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


The White Hart

and Hounds sat next to Grooms the bakers,

in Potten End. When it closed it became a

transport cafe, called Fred’s Cafe.

Of course some buildings are no longer

there. Take the White Hart, which sat next

to the Town Hall and was built in 1861 to

echo the style of its neighbour, designed by

architect Edward Buckton Lamb, who has

been described, as being in the ‘Rogue-Goth’

camp of architecture. Two cottages owned

by Berkhamsted School were demolished

to make way for the inn, and it’s believed

to be on the site of an even older inn – the

medieval Saracen’s Head, which became the

George during the reign of Henry VIII and

was renamed the Prince’s Arms in 1806.

The Highfield road area was a good

place to buy a drink – at the top was the

Chaffcutter’s Arms, the drinking den

of choice for local farm labourers. An

interesting mix of bare-fist fighters and

businessmen frequented the nearby

Five Bells, and with circuses held behind

it, surely there would have been some

interesting clientele at the Red Lion too.

The Royal Oak was a small alehouse next

to the Sayer almshouses, and when you tired

of that you could cross the road to the Star

and Garter.

The Riser picks up prize

Berkhamsted pub The Rising Sun, has

been named Mid-Chilterns Campaign for

Real Ale (CAMRA) Cider Pub of the Year.

The pub, known by locals as The Riser,

impressed both with its extensive

range of ciders and its location and

atmosphere. This Victorian alehouse on

the Grand Union Canal (at lock 55) has

been around since the 1850s.

As it announced the award, Mid-

Chilterns CAMRA said: ‘The Rising Sun is

known locally as a bastion of inclusivity,

an ethos that quite literally trickles down

to the pub’s incredible drinks selection.

A back bar of exotic spirits and liquors

accompanies an award-winning range of

cask ales and keg beers. And then there’s

the ciders.

‘We’re confident that The Rising Sun

could be in the top 10 cider pubs across

the UK. A cellar of close to 20 changing

ciders offer the drinker a choice of

traditional styles, fruit flavoured tipples,

modern fancies and rare perrys to boot.

‘When paired with a freshly renovated

beer garden and gorgeous canalside

exterior, the pub’s cider and perry

offering make ‘The Riser’ an absolute

staple of summertime imbibing

(recommended in all seasons, in fact!).’

As we’ve mentioned, Berkhamsted was

on the main route to and from London, so

coaching inns were plentiful and they had

their fair share of noble visitors. The Red Lion

offered accommodation and stables to weary

travellers, but out of sight of its wealthy

visitors was Red Lion Yard, which had a very

different story. There were up to 18 little

cottages behind the pub at one time, rented

out as tenements to families. In 1886, the

overcrowding of the homes had caught the

attention of the sanitary authority,

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 25


The Black Horse was known by the insalubrious

name The Doss House, even as late as the 1960s.

In 1839 it was listed as being owned by Sarah Cox

and William Pocock. It closed in the 1980s and is

now The Curry Garden

according to the Bucks Herald: ‘The Inspector

reported several houses in Red Lion Yard,

Berkhampstead, as being over-crowded,

and orders were made in the cases of Thos.

Belcher, George Kingston… and Emma

Dolling to abate the overcrowding.’ Typhoid

was reported in 1874, and by 1886, a Dr.

Saunders stated that four houses there were

‘filthy and dilapidated, and quite unfit for

human habitation’.

Still open for business

The Bull is the town’s oldest operating pub

and dates back to some time before 1535

(When Henry VIII was on the throne). After the

construction of the Grand Union Canal at the

end of the 18th century, it was mostly used by

working canal folk and had bunks in its rafters

for sleeping stop-overs. The cellar is said to be

haunted by two mischievous boys – who like

to grab people’s ankles and trip them up – and

even turn off the gas when the pub is busy

serving customers!

Turn to page 41, to read our new publisher Lyn

Drummond’s tale of the haunted inn she owned

in Australia!

In 1889 the Red Lion pub was sold to Edwin

East, who ran an antique shop until the

building was demolished in 1939.

As late as 1911, there were still 15 cottages

housing 77 people in Red Lion Yard.

Running club

raises thousands

for local hospice

A

local running club, founded over a

decade ago by Paul Owen, a partner

at Machins Solicitors and family law

specialist, has quietly become a force for good

– raising over £23,000 in donations for The

Hospice of St Francis.

Paul, who has completed more than 100

marathons and authored two books on running,

started the club with a simple idea: bring people

together to enjoy running while supporting a

good cause. Since then, more than 300 runners

have taken part. Around 30 runners meet every

Wednesday, exploring a mix of road and trail

routes in and around Berkhamsted and Tring,

improving fitness and enjoying plenty of laughs

along the way.

There’s no joining fee – just a simple tradition:

each week, runners pop a small donation for

the hospice into the boot of Paul’s car. These

contributions have added up to vital funds

supporting the hospice’s care.

But for Paul, the best part of the club isn’t the

routes or the races – it’s the people: ‘We don’t

talk about work or bills – we talk shoes, gels, and

races! It’s a cracking mix of personalities and

abilities, and the support everyone shows one

another is what I really love.’

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just

starting out, all are welcome.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/

TheHospiceRunningClub or email

paul.owen@machins.co.uk


Award Winning Family Solicitors

Legal Excellence, Human Understanding

Separation & Divorce

Children

Mediation

Cohabitation

Financial Matters

Separation Agreements

Civil Partnerships

Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements

01442 872311 enquiries@machins.co.uk

machins.co.uk

Machins Solicitors LLP

Lockhart House

295-299 High Street

Berkhamsted HP4 1AJ

@machinslaw

@machinslaw

machinssolicitorsllp


POISON

IVY

alkaloids that can cause dilated

pupils, sensitivity to light,

blurred vision, tachycardia, loss

of balance, and hallucinations.

Ingesting even small amounts

can be fatal, but you can’t say

the name didn’t warn you.

Foxglove

The surprisingly poisonous plants

that are right here in the UK

Fans of Agatha Christie will be aware that

nefarious characters of yesteryear had a

penchant for poison. Terrifying

tinctures, savage serums and potions of ill

portent were popular in the periods before

modern medicine, and with the lack of

laboratories to create chemicals, apothecaries

and poisoners relied on humble plants to both

heal and kill.

Foxglove: A striking plant with tall spikes of

tubular flowers, often seen in gardens and

woodlands. Despite its allure (and charming

name), every part of the foxglove is highly

toxic. It contains compounds called cardiac

glycosides, which can cause nausea, vomiting,

hallucinations, and potentially fatal heart

problems.

Giant hogweed: An invasive species that can

reach up to 5 metres in height, its sap contains

toxic chemicals called furanocoumarins,

which can cause severe skin burns and

blistering when exposed to sunlight. Contact

with this plant should be avoided, and any

exposure should be treated with immediate

medical attention.

Deadly Nightshade: Also known as

belladonna, this plant bears attractive, shiny

black berries and purple bell-shaped

flowers. However, its beauty masks

a deadly secret; the entire plant is

highly toxic, containing tropane

Yew: The yew tree is a common sight

in churchyards and parks, known for its

evergreen foliage and red berries. But despite

its pleasant facade, all parts of the yew, except

for the flesh of the berries, contain toxic

alkaloids called taxines. These can cause

symptoms ranging from dizziness and dry

mouth to severe cardiac and respiratory

distress, potentially leading to death if

ingested. Who knew?

Monkshood: Also known as wolfsbane, this

is a tall, herbaceous plant with striking blue

or purple flowers. Despite its beauty, it is one

of the most poisonous plants in the UK. The

plant contains aconitine, a potent neurotoxin

that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,

convulsions, and heart arrhythmias,

potentially leading to death. If you think you

monkshood, you definitely shouldn’t.

Lily of the valley: This delicate plant is

often associated with springtime and is

commonly used in floral arrangements.

However, it contains cardiac glycosides

similar to those found in foxglove. Ingesting

any part of the plant can lead to symptoms

such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and

irregular heartbeats.

Hemlock: Hemlock is a tall, branching plant

with small white flowers and fern-like leaves.

It is notorious for its role in the execution of

the philosopher Socrates. The plant contains

potent alkaloids, including coniine,

which can cause symptoms such as

muscle paralysis, respiratory failure,

and death. Not a smart way to die.

28 / Berkhamsted Living

Monkshood

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GARDENS

Sometimes the internet

makes suggestions

that are too strange

to be believable;

however, the following

gardening hacks are

actually pretty useful

TOTALLY WEIRD

TIPS

Coffee grounds

Let’s start with one that’s pretty well-known,

and that is repurposing coffee grounds as

fertiliser. They are rich in nitrogen, which is

great for your soil, and all you need to do is

simply scatter them around the base of your

plants or mix them into your compost pile.

Banana peels

You’ve heard of a rose among the thorns, but

have you heard of a rose among the banana

peels? Packed with potassium, which is

essential for plant health, burying banana

peels near the roots of your rose bushes will

promote lush blooms as the peels decompose

and release nutrients into the soil.

Eggshells

No one likes walking on eggshells, especially

pests like slugs and snails. Scatter the crushed

shells around the base of your plants. The

sharp edges will deter these pests, whilst also

providing calcium to your soil.

Fish poop

If you have an aquarium, don’t throw out the

dirty water during cleaning. This water is rich in

nutrients from fish waste and can be used to feed

your plants, giving them a natty nutrient boost.

Milk

Powdery mildew can be a common problem

for many plants. Use a mixture of one part

milk to two parts water and spray it on

affected plants. The milk helps to prevent the

fungus from spreading… weird but true!

Nappies

Place a clean, unused (it is important that

it is not used!) nappy at the bottom of your

plant pots before adding soil. The nappy will

help retain moisture, keeping your plants

hydrated longer.

Tin foil

Do plants believe in aliens? Who knows, but

they certainly appreciate the protective power

of tin foil. If you’re growing plants indoors

and they need more light, create a reflective

surface using tinfoil. Place the foil around

your plants to reflect light back onto them,

helping them grow stronger.

Human hair

Believe it or not, human hair can deter pests

like deer and rabbits. Scatter it liberally

around your garden and the scent will keep

these animals at bay.

Cinnamon

Sprinkle cinnamon on seedlings to prevent

damping-off disease, a fungal infection that

can kill young plants. Cinnamon has natural

antifungal properties that protect your plants,

with not a pumpkin-spiced latte in sight!

Citrus peels

Finally, save your citrus peels and use them as

biodegradable seedling pots. Fill the peel with

soil and plant your seed then, when it’s time

to transplant, you can plant the entire peel in

the ground. It will decompose, thus enriching

the soil.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 29


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HOME IS

WHERE YOUR

ART

IS

Polaroid pictures will add a retro

feel and are a great way to

remember special moments. You

can also add a little cheer to your

fridge by attaching pictures with

magnets.

Tips to give a rental home a

little more of your personality

For many, renting is an inevitable aspect

of modern life. Yet the prohibitive nature

of what can and can’t be done to alter the

space can often take away that sense of

individuality and homeliness.

Fear not, with these top tips for perfect, nonpermanent

ways to brighten up the place, you

can be resplendent in your own surroundings

without risking that security deposit.

Lights

Ceiling lights tend to really suck the life out of a

room, which is why lamps are so good for creating

mood and style. Investing in a large lamp for

the lounge or a few well-placed desk lamps can

really help enhance personality of a space.

LED fairy lights have also become an

affordable option and come in a huge array of

styles and colours. A bundle of batterypowered

lights placed in a glass vase, or a

non-functioning fireplace, is a nifty style hack.

Snaps

Photos are a fantastic way to personalise a

place. If putting up a lot of picture frames is

problematic for your landlord, consider instead

a simple coloured string with photos

attached by tiny pegs.

Washi wonders

Washi tape is a versatile and colourful

tool that can be used to add a touch of

creativity to any room. Use it to frame pictures

or create geometric patterns on your walls.

You can also decorate your furniture, such as

outlining the edges of a bookshelf or adding

designs to a plain table, door or even just a lightswitch

fitting. And fret not, washi tape is easy

to remove, making it a perfect option for renters.

Throws and rugs

Another peril of renting can be ending up with

less-than-ideal upholstery and carpets, but the

solution is easy. Rugs can cover up grim and

worn carpets or floors, while throws and

blankets will conceal faded sofas and chairs.

Cushions are another great way to add

personal flair and, as an extra bonus, those

additional layers of fabric will protect the

property, saving you money on cleaning at

the end of the tenancy.

Plants

If your house is lacking lustre, get some

plants in there – you can use unconventional

containers like teacups, tin cans, or even old

shoes to house your plants.

Decorate the containers with paint, fabric

or other embellishments to give them a

unique touch. Not only do plants

brighten up the place and

create colour, but they

also purify the air:

double win.

Like us on Facebook


INTERIORS

The new frontier of home

interiors: sleeker, smarter,

greener, and all geared at

improving your quality of life

Celestial walls

If the state of the world today has you

wondering what it all means, then this trend

for celestial wallpaper may ease your

existential dread. Starry skies, suns, moons

and zodiac motifs all feature against that

ever-so-calming deep-blue backdrop

associated with the universe and all its

infinite secrets.

LATEST HOME

TRENDS

breathable fabric – with soft

lighting, curvaceous lines and

calming colours that soothe the

senses and soul.

Flex your tech

Our living spaces are becoming

smaller, but we are using them for more

things. This means that certain areas must be

used as workspaces without disrupting the

integrity of the room’s original use.

With that in mind, designers are becoming

more flexible, finding savvy ways to make our

homes adaptable without feeling as if you’re

living in the office. Coffee tables or consoles

that can fold out to become a desk, discreet

plug and USB sockets and lighting which can

be controlled from your phone in order to

create the desired mood (work, relax, play), are

just a few ways you can have both your

worlds existing comfortably side-by-side.

Living nature

An abundance of plant life, sustainable wood,

plenty of natural light and materials, which

remind us of the great outdoors (wool, stone

and granite), are all becoming effective ways

in which interior designers look to bring the

outside in. With many of us working from

home and the insulative nature of the digital

world, this is a great way to deepen your

connection with Mother Earth while still

staying connected.

Wellbeing wonders

Given the amount of time we spend in our

homes, it seems sensible that our

surroundings ought to be designed to boost

our health and happiness. Furniture that

combines style and ergonomic comfort is

essential – so neither that hard chaise longue

or enormous squishy settee, but something

in-between: a wooden-framed settee with

deep, soft cushions in a natural and

Serpent time

In the Chinese Zodiac it is the year of the

snake, but be not afraid, for wisdom,

elegance and transformation are all

represented by its seductive, slithering

form. Mirrors gilded with silver

serpents will have you channelling

Medusa and an abundance of reptilian

prints in wallpaper and art, remind us

of more glamorous times when snakeskin

handbags and cocktail hour reigned supreme.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 33


Run away

with the

circus!

COMPETITION

We have a family ticket

for four for Cirque:

The Greatest Show –

Reimagined on Wednesday

6 August at Aylesbury

Waterside Theatre

Cirque - The Greatest Show has been

Reimagined and is back for 2025 –

bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever!

Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus

acts, taking the original circus-meets-musical-theatre spectacle to thrilling

new heights. Experience iconic West End showstoppers paired with

awe-inspiring circus acts showcasing their breathtaking feats of agility.

This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant,

kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement. Featuring

stunning vocalists and world-class circus performers, this family-friendly

extravaganza is a must-see for 2025!

To enter our competition, answer the question below at

www.livingmags.info/competitions by 6 July 2025.

Who was the main subject of the movie

The Greatest Showman?

a) W.C. Fields b) P.T. Barnum c) J.K. Rowling

We have one family ticket (four tickets) to give away.

Terms & Conditions apply. Refer to website for details.

For your chance to win simply

answer the relevant question -

scan the QR Code or visit www.

livingmags.info/competitions

Spring winners: Tracy Lerpiniere and Charlotte Panayiotou each won a pair of tickets to the

Saturday show at Chilfest on July 5. Hope you enjoy it!

34 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


Connect

the

Dots

Transportation

Wordsearch

BIKE

BOAT

BUS

CAB

CAR

PLANE

SHIP

TRAIN

TRUCK

Transport

i-Spy

Count all the items in

the puzzle


PARENTING

In today’s interconnected

world, children are increasingly

exposed to global issues. As

parents, it is essential to guide

them in understanding these

complex topics in a way that is

age-appropriate, informative

and fun!

Work out where they’re at: Before diving

into discussions about global issues, it

is crucial to assess your child’s current

understanding and awareness, so ask openended

questions to gauge their knowledge

and feelings about the topic. This approach

not only helps you tailor the conversation, but

also ensures you glean any misconceptions or

fears they may have.

Environmental awareness: When you’re

ready, why not steer the conversation away

from terrors of global warming and instead

explain the positive effects of environmental

conservation, and how small, local actions can

make a big difference.

Discuss topics that your child can actively

change, such as climate change, pollution, and

wildlife preservation. Use examples such as

recycling, conserving water and protecting

animals to illustrate your points.

Understanding inequality: Discuss the

importance of fairness, justice and equality.

Talk about issues such as poverty,

discrimination and human rights. Use stories

and examples from around the world to

highlight the struggles and triumphs of

different communities, and focus on what

unites us rather than what divides us.

CHILDREN OF THE Be age-aware: Try to tailor

WORLD

all discussions to your child’s

age and developmental stage.

For younger children, use

simple language and concrete

examples they can relate to.

For older children, you can delve

deeper into the complexities and

encourage critical thinking.

Encourage curiosity: When they inevitably

come, create a safe space for your child to ask

questions. Guide their inquisitive minds and be

patient in addressing their inquiries. If you don’t

know the answer, it’s okay to admit it. Use it as

an opportunity to explore the topic together.

Instil empathy and compassion: Encourage

your child to empathise with people affected

by global issues. Discuss how they can

help, whether through charitable actions,

raising awareness, or simply being kind

and understanding. Highlight stories of

individuals who have made a positive impact,

inspiring them to believe in their ability to

contribute to change.

Reach out with role play: A great way

for helping your child’s understanding of

these themes is to work on role-playing

and hypothetical scenarios. This interactive

approach allows them to explore different

viewpoints and consider the consequences of

various actions.

This will also ensure important

learning such as this is accessible

and fun!

Utilise educational tools:

Finally, there are numerous

child-friendly resources

available that present global

issues in an engaging and

understandable manner. From websites to

children’s books and even puppet shows and

kids’ theatre experiences, it’s all out there for

parents devoted to making the next

generation truly global citizens.


EDUCATION

How to navigate that crucial last

year of university so that it can

most benefit your future

Your final year of university is a pivotal

time in your life, and not just because

it’s arguably your last chance to sample

the carefree realities of student life.

More than this, it is a period filled with

anticipation, opportunities and crucial

decisions that will shape your future. Having

said that, it can also bring a level of terror as

life outside academia looms large on the

horizon… which is why it’s worth thinking

early-on about what you hope to achieve.

Plot your career path: By your final year,

you should have a clearer understanding of

the career you wish to pursue. Take this time

to research the job market, refine your CV and

build your professional network.

Attend job fairs, consider creating an online

professional presence, and seek internships

that align with your career goals. Engaging

with alumni and attending industry

networking events can provide valuable

insights and connections.

Conquer your course: Your academic

performance in your final year can

significantly impact your future

opportunities. Aim to excel in your

coursework and complete any remaining

degree requirements with diligence. Seek help

from professors and utilise campus resources

like tutoring centres and study groups.

STEER YOUR

FINAL YEAR

Maintaining a strong academic

record can set you up for

graduate programmes,

scholarships, and job offers.

Broaden your horizons: If you

are passionate about a particular

field of study, consider pursuing

graduate studies. Research various graduate

programmes, their prerequisites, and application

deadlines. Preparing for standardised tests,

gathering recommendation letters, and crafting

a compelling statement of purpose are essential

steps in the application process. Preparation is key!

Discover new lands: If you are keen to

travel, studying abroad is a fantastic way to

experience a new culture and explore the

global job market, and many universities have

exchange programmes or partnerships with

international institutions.

Remember to research the curriculum,

course credits and language requirements of

the options you are interested in. Bear in mind

that studying abroad can be expensive, but

there are numerous scholarships and financial

aid options available. On that point, applying

for financial aid early can help alleviate the

financial burden.

Prepare for the final destination: Finally,

transitioning from university to the

professional world can be daunting. Take

advantage of career services offered by your

university, such as resumé workshops, mock

interviews, and job placement assistance. Start

your job search early, apply

for positions that align

with your career goals, and

prepare for interviews.

Mostly, relish the

challenge – the beginning

of something great where

new experiences await

around every corner.

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 37


Codeword

Each letter of the alphabet has been

replaced by a number shown in the grid,

with the first few entered for you.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 3 4 7

2 6 6 8

6 9 10 11 11 11 1 6 4 10

4 10 12 13 10 9

14 10 15 13 16 9 10 6 16 14 10

1 10 17 18 11 13 6 17

19 17 13 10

20 10 9 3 20 7 13 21

20 6 1 1 10 16 14 3 10 4 3

3 8 6 16 6 11

4 13 13 8 11 20 13 11 17 13

7 6 13 14

10 15 13 16 18 10 5 13 16 13 14

1 2 3 4

C

C O S E

1 2 3 4 5 6 75 8 96 10 117 12 13 8 14 15 16 17

A B C D E F G H 9 I J K10 L M 11 N O P 12Q R S T U

O

13 14 15 16

E

S

17 18 19 20

21

A B C D

E F G H

X

I J K L

M N O P

X

Q R S T

X

U V W X

Y

X ZX

Answers on page 49


Puzzle Page

Across Clues:

5. Providing or obtaining food (9)

8. Plant used for flavouring (4)

9. Having the ability to attract (8)

10. To extend (7)

11. A condition (5)

13. Excessive pride (5)

15. Those who suffer from harmful event (7)

18. To increase (8)

19. Without covering, exposed (4)

20. Assigned to a lower position (9)

Down Clues:

1. A thin film of soapy water (6)

2. A facial expression showing discomfort (7)

3. Male deer (5)

4. Secret (6)

6. A luxurious apartment (9)

7. A natural, often permanent mark (9)

12. Container used for holding burning coals (7)

14. Fashioned into a specific form (6)

16. A small, flat electronic device (6)

17. Cooked by dry heat (5)

Word Ladder

Word Ladder

Make your way from COLD to HARM by changing

Make your way from COLD to HARM by changing

one letter on each step to make a new word!

one letter on each step to make new word!

COLD

HARM

Quick Crossword

5

1 2 3 4

6 7

8 9

10 11

13 14 15 16

18 19

20

17

What Country are

you in if...? Quiz

1. You are snorkelling in the Great Barrier

Reef?

2. You are exploring the Amazon

Rainforest?

3. You are walking through Red Square?

4. You are touring the Alhambra in

Granada?

5. You are visiting the Statue of Liberty?

6. You are shopping in the Grand Bazaar?

7. You are exploring the ancient ruins of

Petra?

8. You are gazing at the Moai statues on

Easter Island?

9. You are climbing to the top of Table

Mountain?

10. You are taking a safari in the Serengeti

National Park?

12

ANSWERS: (COLD, HOLD, HELD, HERD, HARD, HARM)

Answers on page 49


General Knowledge Crossword

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9

10

11 12

13 14 15

16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24

25 26

27

28 29

Across Clues:

7. Ahead in progress (8)

9. To secure or finalise something (6)

10. Part of a corn plant (3)

11. Larvae of a beetle (8)

12. Slanted text style (6)

13. A tough band of tissue connecting muscle to

bone (6)

15. Chemical element in air (8)

16. One who strives for flawlessness (13)

20. Italian-style omelette (8)

22. A comfortable sitting room (6)

25. A vehicle on runners (6)

26. An aggressive entrance (8)

27. Abbreviation for stock launch (3)

28. To remove skull (6)

29. Midday (8)

Down Clues:

1. Cling to something (6)

2. A narrative song (6)

3. To seek or gather through effort (8)

4. Written text (6)

5. Large, tube-shaped pasta (8)

6. An unintended event (8)

8. A public display of a skill (13)

14. Abbreviation for a famous holiday (3)

16. Lines that are equidistant (8)

17. A device used to keep teeth in place (8)

18. The state of being forgotten (8)

19. Star (3)

21. Small, sap-sucking insects (6)

23. Disruptions or surprising outcomes (6)

24. Dark or dismal (6)

Answers on page 49


The Golden Fleece

Living Magazines publisher Lyn Drummond recalls

her experience owning a haunted inn in Australia

I

once owned a former inn, reputed to be

haunted. It is in the small village of Binalong

in the State of NSW, about an hour’s drive from

the Australian capital, Canberra. The inn was

built in 1851 on what was then the main Cobb

and Co coach route from Sydney to Melbourne.

I had bought it sight unseen while working

overseas. A friend agreed to attend an open day

at the inn designed to attract buyers. He told me

if I did not buy it, he would. It was a stunning

spring evening when my late husband and I

finally saw it; a setting sun highlighting the pink

roses across the white stone walls.

I later discovered that the former owners, whom

I never met, had stayed in the small flat in the garden

and never in the house because The Golden Fleece

as it was called was haunted. I was not convinced.

One night my son and his friends stayed in the

house. He said he kept hearing footsteps on the

The Golden

Fleece

verandah. His unease grew when he got up to

look in every room and found one room was

much colder than others. It was there we later

heard that the husband of one of the village

residents who lived there with his partner,

had died.

The artist I sold the house to renovated the

property and showed me around when I Iast

visited. Opening one door leading into the main

house, she said it was the only room connected

to the house she used. She told me she did not

live in the actual house because it was haunted,

sleeping instead in the garden flat.

I found whatever energy was there filled me

with a feeling of well-being – but I never slept in

the house.

Last year, the field at the back of the inn was

found to be a sacred Aboriginal burial ground.

Maybe that is where the haunting starts…

MOBILE VETERINARY CARE FOR BERKHAMSTED AND SURROUNDING AREAS

The Lounge Vet is an independent, compassionate

mobile veterinary practice, established by local vet

Katie Hansard. We provide a premium level of care

for you and your pets, making the experience as

comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Get in touch or head to our website for more

information about our convenient new service.

We look forward to meeting you and your pets

T: 01442 927925 E: enquiries@theloungevet.co.uk W: www.theloungevet.co.uk


10 WAYS

TO LIVE AN EXTRA

10 YEARS

We all strive for longevity in life – we want to maximise

each day and each experience

With that in mind, here are the 10 things scientists recently outlined which,

if done properly, can each add a year into life expectancy…

A balanced diet

A diet rich in various nutrients is essential

for longevity. Incorporate a variety of

fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole

grains to ensure a balanced intake of

vitamins and minerals.

For example, the Mediterranean diet is

lauded for its focus on healthy fats, fish and

an abundance of plant-based foods, which

have all been linked to lower rates of heart

disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Regular exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity

can be transformative. It bolsters

cardiovascular health, regulates blood

sugar levels and will even enhance mood

due to the release of endorphins.

Whether it’s brisk walking, swimming

or cycling, consistent exercise can help

maintain muscle mass and flexibility as

we age, all of which are vital for mobility

and independence.

Adequate sleep

Quality sleep is non-negotiable for

good health. It allows the brain to clear

out toxins and supports the repair of

cells. Poor sleep, on the other hand, has

been implicated in a host of diseases,

making those 7-9 hours a night a critical

investment in your future wellbeing.

Good stress management

The impact of chronic stress cannot

be overstated; it accelerates wear and

tear on the body. Techniques such as

mindfulness and meditation can reduce

the production of stress hormones such

as cortisol.

Regular practice of these techniques

can lower blood pressure, improve

heart health and offer a serene mind,

contributing to a lengthened lifespan.

Healthy social connections

Humans are inherently social beings and

isolation can be harmful to our health.

Cultivating friendships and community

ties can provide emotional support,

reduce stress, and foster a sense of

belonging and purpose.

Prioritise relationships and social

activities that bring joy and comfort, as

these can be as vital as any medicine.

Lifelong learning

An active mind is a healthy mind.

Challenging your brain with new

information and skills can stave off

mental decline. Pursuits such as

reading, learning a new language or

playing a musical instrument stimulate

neural connections and can protect

against dementia and memory loss.


HEALTH

Preventive healthcare

Proactive engagement with healthcare

providers for regular screenings and

check- ups can catch problems before

they escalate.

Vaccinations, cancer screenings and

monitoring vital signs including blood

pressure and cholesterol levels are

cornerstones of preventive care. Don’t

overlook dental health, as it can often be

a window to overall health.

No smoking and limited alcohol

Smoking cessation is perhaps the single

most powerful change for those who do

smoke. It significantly reduces the risk

of numerous cancers and cardiovascular

diseases.

If alcohol is part of your lifestyle,

moderation is key. Overconsumption of

alcohol can lead to liver damage,

increased cancer risk and other

health issues.

Healthy body weight

Excess weight,

particularly around

the midsection, is

associated with an

increased risk of

heart disease, type 2

diabetes and certain

cancers. Achieving and

maintaining a healthy weight through

a balanced diet and regular exercise

can significantly reduce these risks and

contribute to longevity.

A positive outlook

Psychological wellbeing impacts physical

health. Optimists, who generally expect

good things to happen, are less likely to

suffer from cardiovascular disease and

can even have stronger immune responses.

That means cultivating gratitude, joy,

and a positive mindset may not only make

your days brighter, but also extend them!

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berko@regentsparkaesthetics.co.uk


SOCKS

APPEAL

Being a lover of simplicity and

order, you find satisfaction in

the harmony that comes with

everything being in its right

place… not least your favourite

pair of black socks.

What do our socks say about us?

The socks you choose each morning can

say more than you may think about

your personality and lifestyle. From

plain to quirky, every choice reveals

something unique.

Plain

Signalling a strong sense of duty and

meticulous attention to detail, with a driven,

disciplined nature, this is a sock wearer who

takes pride in precision.

‘Buzzworthy’

Beauty

& Bliss

Facials . Massages

Electrical facials

Lash & brow treatments

Electrolysis . Waxing

07546 517186

www.beesbeautyandmassage.com

bethany@beesbeautyandmassage.co.uk

10% Blue Light Card discount on Thursdays

FIND US AT: DICKMANS CHEMIST

224 HIGH STREET, BERKHAMSTED HP4 1BB

Athletic

Sporty styles

indicate an

active

lifestyle, as

you thrive on

outdoor

activities such as running, cycling and team

pursuits. Your competitive nature drives you

to excel and achieve goals, but comfort

is crucial.

Odd

Highlighting your creative flair and boldness,

you’re not afraid to break fashion rules, and

are keen to dismiss convention in order to

express yourself. Confident and daring, you

set trends rather than follow them.

Sustainable

Revealing a nature-loving, carefree spirit, you

appreciate simplicity and the natural world,

favouring comfort and subtle, earthy styles. A

relaxed attitude and love for the environment

makes you a refreshing presence with people

drawn to your easy-going and genuine charm.

Humorous

Showcasing your vibrant personality and love

for making others laugh, you’re the life and

soul of the party, always up for new

experiences. Your friends know you for your

humour and

unpredictability,

whether an

original joke or an

amusing pair of festive

toe-warmers.


A

CULTURAL

DIVIDE

Its historic centre, while compact,

exudes an enigmatic, almost

cinematic atmosphere, and its

main border crossing features a

poignant museum. There is also

a nearby monastery, which is

well worth a visit.

Discover Gorizia and Nova

Gorica, the first joint European

Capital of Culture that straddles

two magnificent countries

Observe this delightful city from one of

the hilltop vantage points and be

struck by its strange beauty: medieval

on one side, modern on the other. For this is a

city of not two halves, but two countries:

Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gorica in Slovenia.

Once the frontline of the Cold War, the city is

no longer divided and exploring it is now both

a pleasure and a breeze, though the region

remains a melting pot. Before 1918, it was part

of the Austrian Empire, ruled from Vienna.

After Austria’s defeat in the First World War,

it was handed to Italy and governed from

Rome. Then, following Italy’s defeat in the

Second World War, the area was seized by

Yugoslav partisans and later occupied by

Western Allies.

All this of course, makes it the ideal choice for

the first joint European Capital of Culture,

symbolising how far our continent has come

in its peacetime efforts.

If you’re weary of bustling cities packed with

tourists, Gorizia provides a peaceful and

evocative retreat—an ideal destination to

explore history, culture, and the art of quiet

reflection. Gorizia feels untouched by modernity,

with no flashy chain stores, minimal traffic,

and few contemporary buildings.

In stark contrast, Nova Gorica

displays brutalist high-rise architecture

favoured by Communist regimes worldwide.

Perhaps lacking in beauty of the traditional

sort, it is steeped in historic splendour.

Though once the site of some of the First World

War’s bloodiest battles, the countryside on both

sides of the border is a patchwork quilt of

farms, fields and endless vineyards that are

home to one of Italy’s finest wines, Collio. This

adds another aspect to one’s adventure as you

sip on a glass of chilled white and sample the

local fare, which is Germanic in style. In this

sense, a visit here becomes three-in one: the old,

the new and the timeless.

Getting there: Fly to Venice from London

Heathrow with British Airways, from Gatwick

with EasyJet, or from Edinburgh, Luton, or

Stansted with Ryanair. EasyJet and Ryanair also

operate flights from Bristol and Manchester.

Trains from Venice to Gorizia take 2–3 hours

and cost around €15 each way.

Where to stay: Once the Palazzo Strassoldo,

now the Grand Hotel Entourage. This elegant

rococo building offers old-fashioned charm

with a warm, homely atmosphere. Rooms are

reasonably priced and steeped in history.

Living Magazines


BOOKS

An eclectic collection of reads from local authors,

including everything from mystery and fantasy to

dystopian and surreal fiction

Flume - Bigfoot

Surrealist author Bigfoot has done it again, with this compelling story, set on a

33-minute ride down London’s largest water flume ride.

A ride built by a famous seafarer called Mr Poppy, who died on his first slide

down it.

12-year-old Shanks is no fan of rides like these – nor can he swim – but his uncle

has paid for it as a birthday treat.

He reluctantly pushes off behind his two friends, but in the 33 minutes the ride

lasts, can he make sure they don’t suffer the same fate as the ride’s inventor?

A tale with twists and turns and mystery, Bigfoot has written this for kids and big kids. A thrilling

ride of a read!

Bigfoot is a local author who creates surreal stories for middle school age up to adult. Flume was a

finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

Edward IX, The Black Lion - Sandy Berlin

What would happen if the way we live now was taken from us, and we returned

to a world before the industrial revolution?

How would we survive if cities fell apart as all technology was wiped out and we

returned to life in the countryside, surviving off the land, with no electricity and

no modern medicine?

That’s what happens when a man who believes he is the rightful Plantagenet

king takes over not only Britain, but the world.

This thought-provoking tale carries us along with Colonel Alex Rheinhart,

one of Britain’s most decorated female soldiers, who finds herself thrown into this alien world,

and her quest to find the ‘king’ takes her across the globe to discover a horrific world of mind control

and clones.

You won’t want to put it down, and the good news is that the sequel, Edward X: The Gold Lion, is

already out now!

Sandy Berlin is a retired bank manager, who has lived in Northchurch for over 30 years, with his wife

Janet. He says: ‘Writing has become one of my favourite pastimes so far.’ A third book is already in

the works.

46 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


www.austinmacauley.com

£8.99 / €10.95

The Missing Madonna - MH Field

MH Field brings us back to the Chiltern village of Diston St. Peter with another

mystery for the Reverend Robin to solve.

This time an unexpected visitor sends Robin on a quest to find the missing

Madonna statue.

Another cosy, easy read, perfect for indulging in while travelling to your holiday

destination or for a relaxing read sitting in the garden.

MH Field has lived in a village in the Chilterns for over 40 years. After a life

working in the financial sector and commuting into London every day, they have

now retired and enjoy travel and photography. This is their second book about the Reverend Robin

and his wife Penny. The first book, A Difficult Truth, was published in 2024.

years since the Sommer lings –

gue – vanished from Elbion.

e by a great evil, they retreated

oors, down into a hidden

gical, so enchanting, that they

nd guarded them, forbidding

urn to Elbion on pain of death,

s break, then the evil would

eturn to Elbion: strangely

al realm, creeping curiously

ors to walk amongst the fields

n night fell. But the greater

he had a name… Morgalene, a

threatens to destroy not only

the hidden realm of faery.

f the Sommerlings, the spirit

re and so save both kingdoms

te destruction?

PRINCE OF THE SOMMERLINGS E. L. Grant

PRINCE OF THE

SOMMERLINGS

BOOK ONE

Kingdom of Elbion

E. L. Grant

Prince of the Sommerlings - E.L. Grant

The Sommerlings – or faeries – vanished from Elbion thousands of years

ago, when a great evil drove them from their homes and into a magical,

hidden kingdom.

They were forbidden to return to Elbion on pain of death, in fear that the evil, a

terrible creature called Morgalene, would re-awake. But they did return, and she

did awake – putting the magical faerie land in danger.

Now, they must hope that the Prince of the Sommerlings, the spirit of nature,

will rise once more to save both kingdoms.

The author paints a wonderful picture of the worlds in his book, and the story is well-paced – with

the action speeding up as we approach the finale. Even if you’re not a huge fan of fantasy fiction, this

makes for an easy read, and it’s a fabulous read for fantasy aficionados.

The author and his partner Denise have recently moved house, to live on the edge of Ashridge

Forest. He works for John Lewis, is an avid Arsenal fan, and enjoys cross country running, pubs and

Caribbean cooking.

His dream is to be writing full time from a luxury cabin in the bottom of the garden and to see his

work make it onto the big screen.

Man Trouble: Belonging / Behaviour / Biology -

David Algar

In this interesting read, David looks at what it means to be a man in today’s

society. He combines personal experience in an engaging, very honest and often

humorous way. For men of a certain age, his essays on losing glasses, the prostate

and keeping chickens will definitely be relatable! Younger readers may get a taste

of what’s to come!

Written as a series of essays, the book is easy to dip in and out of, as and when

you wish, to read about everything from drinking culture and the boys’ trip to

nicknames and banter, as well as David’s very honest account of his own cancer battle.

An engaging read for anyone, whether you’re a man who can relate, a teenage boy finding your

place in the world, or someone who wants to find out more about the way their male partner or

friend, son, or brother interacts in society.

David Algar is a Bucks-based author with a degree in psychology and politics, a long career in

industry, a wife, two kids, five chickens, their bikes and a kayak!

Local authors! Let us know about your book releases. Email editorial@livingmags.info

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 47


RECIPE

Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 • Serves 6 •

ANGELA NILSEN’S

SUMMER

PUDDING

Ingredients

• 1.5kg British summer fruits

(e.g. raspberries, strawberries, blueberries,

blackcurrants, redcurrants)

• 175g golden caster sugar

• 5tbsp crème de cassis

• Five slices of thick white bread, 3-5 days old

• Double cream, to serve

Author of The

Cake Decorator’s

Bible, Angela

Nilsen offers

this stunning

take on a classic

British pud

1. Hull the strawberries and cut them in

halves or quarters. Strip the blackcurrants

and redcurrants – keep both the

currants separate from the other fruits.

2. Tip the sugar into a wide, not too deep,

saucepan. Measure in 3 tbsp water and

the cassis. Put the pan on a low heat

and cook, stirring often, until you can no

longer hear the crunch of sugar grains

on the bottom of the pan. Next turn up

the heat to medium-high and let the

mixture bubble away for about 8

minutes. Let it go syrupy but don’t let it

change colour or caramelise.

48 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


1 2 3

4 5

6 7 8 9 10

11

12 13

14 15 16

21

17

18 19 20

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9

11 12

13 14 15

16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24

25 26

28 29

27

10

For more recipes scan the

QR Code and find them in our

online features section

3. Tip the blackcurrants and redcurrants

into the hot syrup, then bring everything

back up to a lively simmer and let it

bubble again for no more than a minute,

just to lightly burst and soften the

currants without losing their shape. Take

the pan off the heat.

4. Gently stir in the strawberries and

raspberries – a large metal spoon is best

so they don’t break up – and let the

fruity mixture sit for about half an hour

so the juices all mix in.

5. Trim crusts off bread. Cut a little square

(about 4cm) from one slice and put it in

the bottom of a 1.2 litre pudding basin.

Using a big, slotted spoon, put a layer of

fruit (about 3 spoonfuls) over the

bread. Next lay a slice of bread in

the centre over the fruit trimming

to fit and fill any gaps with trimmings

of bread so the fruit is covered.

Continue layering with more fruit,

more bread, then a final layer of fruit.

Spoon over a few spoonfuls of juice.

Cover the fruit with a final layer of

bread, press down to compact

everything, cover with cling film, and

put a weighty cover over the top. Leave

in the fridge overnight.

6. To turn out, go round the edge of the

pudding with a round-bladed knife to

release it, then invert it on to a plate.

Enjoy!

CODEWORD, CROSSWORD,

PUZZLE Codeword AND QUIZ ANSWERS

solution

#052

CODEWORD

Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced

by a number shown in the grid, with the first

few entered for you.

C H I N W A G G I N G

H A A L

A B O S S S C A N O

N O K E O B

D O V E R B O A R D O

C O T P S E A T

U T E O

F O B I F G E M

F A C C O R D I O N I

I L A R A S

N E E L S F E S T E

G A E D

O V E R P O W E R E D

WHAT COUNTRY

ARE YOU IN?

1. Australia - 2. Brazil -

3. Russia - 4. Spain -

5. USA - 6. Turkey -

7. Jordan - 8. Chile -

9. South Africa -

10. Tanzania

WORD LADDER

Cold, Hold, Held, Herd,

Hard, Harm

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

General Knowledge Crossword Solution

CROSSWORD

#052

A B S S R A

A D V A N C E D C L I N C H

H L R E A R G C

M E A L W O R M I T A L I C

R A U O P T D

T E N D O N N I T R O G E N

Y G S N N

P E R F E C T I O N I S T

A E R B U

F R I T T A T A L O U N G E

A A P T I P L

S L E I G H I N V A S I O N

L N I P O I E O

B E H E A D N O O N T I M E

L R S N S Y

Answers:

Across: 7. Advanced, 9. Clinch, 10. Ear,

11. Mealworm, 12. Italic, 13. Tendon, 15. Nitrogen,

16. Perfectionist, QUICK 20. CROSSWORD

Frittata, 22. Lounge, 25. Sleigh,

26. Invasion, 27. IPO, 28. Behead, 29. Noontime.

Down: Adhere, 2. Ballad, 3. Scrounge, 4. Script,

5. Rigatoni, 6. Accident, 8. Demonstration, 14. NYE,

Across: 16. Parallel, 17. 5. Retainer, Nutrition, 18. Oblivion, 19. Sun,

21. Aphids, 23. Upsets, 24. Gloomy.

8. Herb, 9. Magnetic,

10. Stretch, 11. State,

13. Boast, 15. Victims,

18. Escalate, 19. Bare,

20. Relegated. Down:

1. Bubble, 2. Grimace,

3. Stags, Covert, 6.

Penthouse, 7. Birthmark,

12. Firepan, 14. Shapen,

16. Tablet, 17. Baked.

CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Explore Our 45-Acre Outdoor Museum

Exciting Special Events Programme

Visit www.coam.org.uk for Full Details

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park,

Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles,

Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AB

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 49


WHAT’S ON

MONDAY 2 JUN

Talks: Cameo Lunch

Club

Tring Garden Centre,

every Monday 11.30am-

1.30pm. No need to book.

A club for social contact

for individuals who

would like conversation,

laughter, friendship

and maybe some food.

www.facebook.com/

groups/773041230629254

Talks: Full Council

Meeting

The Council Chamber,

Berkhamsted Civic

Centre, 7.30pm. www.

berkhamsted-tc.gov.uk

TUESDAY 3 JUN

Comedy: Rich Hall -

Chin Music

Dembe Theatre, 7.30pm.

‘Chin Music’ has two

meanings. One is idle talk.

The other is a brushback

throw in baseball or

cricket to intimidate the

batter. Both describe Rich

Hall’s comedy. www.getstuffed.biz

WWW.LIVINGMAGS.INFO OR SCAN

THE QR CODE FOR DAILY UPDATES

ALWAYS CHECK with the event organiser beforehand. Opening times may

vary. If you would like to include your event in future magazines complete the

form at: www.livingmags.info/submit-event

Dance: Scottish Country

Dancing

Potten End Village Hall,

8-10pm. Weekly. A fun,

social activity, no need

for a partner. Regular

classes run for beginners.

berkhamstedreelclub.org

Talks: Alcoholics

Anonymous

Corpus Christi Church

Hall, Langdon Street, Tring,

8-9.15pm. Every Tuesday.

Help@aamail.org

WEDNESDAY 4 JUN

Dance: Care to Dance

Berkhamsted Civic Centre,

1.30-2.30pm. Weekly

dementia-friendly dance

classes. Suitable for all

those living with dementia

and their caregivers,

dance seated or standing.

dacorumdance@gmail.com

Talks: Hec-Talk Group

The XC Centre, Jarman

Way, Hemel Hempstead,

7.30-8.30pm. Every first

and third Wednesday of

the month. Open to all men

to come together and talk.

Register via link. tinyurl.

com/5n8c6p3v

Talks: Alcoholics

Anonymous

The Swan Building, 137 High

Street, Berkhamsted, 8pm-

9.30pm. Every Wednesday.

Help@aamail.org

FRIDAY 6 JUN

Music: Tony Christie - The

Great Farewell

The Dembe Theatre, 7.30pm.

Tony is performing a select

handful of shows along

with his band in 2025 in

commemoration of his

triumphant 60+ year career.

dembetheatre.org

SATURDAY 7 JUN

Talks: The Great Big

Green Week

To 15 Jun. Berkhamsted

and Tring and are joining

together to bring you a

programme of events and

activities for our whole

community so as many

people as possible can join

in. www.sustainabletring.

org.uk

Fundraisers: Open Door

Repair Café

Open Door Berkhamsted,

9.30am-12.30pm. Bring

along your broken items

and let the experts take

a look, in exchange for

a donation. No need to

book. Refreshments

available while you wait

from donations café.

opendoorberkhamsted.

co.uk

Markets & Sales: Pop Up

Bazaar

Berkhamsted Town

Hall, 10am-4pm. Dogs

welcome. Fab indoor

market home to

independent market stall

small businesses plus onsite

cafe. Email if you would like

a stall. popupbazaarberko@

outlook.com

Markets & Sales: Tring

Arts & Crafts Market

Victoria Room, Victoria

Hall, Akeman Street,

10am-3pm. A place for

locals to showcase their

talents. Handmade crafts,

accessories, homeware,

art, jewellery, candles,

sweet treats and more.

tringartsandcraftsmarket@

gmail.com www.

facebook.com/profile.

php?id=61558152523480

Music: Karen Street

BJazz at the Civic Centre,

Berkhamsted, 8pm. Jazz

inspired by French swing,

Latin and Tango alongside

original compositions

and jazz standards, led by

the UK’s leading virtuoso

accordionist. www.bjazz.org

50 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


SUNDAY 8 JUN

Talks: Eco Hub

Quaker Meeting House,

Berkhamsted High Street,

2.30-5pm. Great Big

Green Week event. www.

theecohub.org.uk

Fundraisers | Music: Live

at the Movies

Aylesbury Waterside

Theatre, 4pm. An afternoon

of iconic movie soundtracks

performed by Aylesbury

Vale Concert Orchestra

in support of Florence

Nightingale Hospice

Charity. atgtickets.com/

aylesbury

Talks: Alcoholics

Anonymous

High Street Baptist Church

Hall, Tring, 7-8.15pm. Every

Sunday. Help@aamail.org

TUESDAY 10 JUN

Talks: Tring U3A Monthly

Meeting

Victoria Hall, Akeman St,

10am. This month’s talk is

about the Berkhamstedbased

charity Hector’s

House. www.tringu3a.

org.uk

WEDNESDAY 11 JUN

Talks: The Three Great

Game Changers of 19th

Century Opera

Arts Society Tring Park,

Berkhamsted Civic

Centre, 10.30am. In the

19th century, three men

revolutionised the art form

of opera - Verdi, Wagner

and Puccini. Speaker:

Jamie Hayes. artssocietytringpark.co.uk

FRIDAY 13 JUN

Fundraisers: Walk of

Light

Waddesdon Manor,

6.30pm. Walk 5km or 10km

alongside friends and

family, honour loved ones,

and show your support for

the incredible nurses at

the Florence Nightingale

Hospice Charity in this

meaningful experience.

www.fnhospice.org.uk

SATURDAY 14 JUN

Markets & Sales: Tring

Farmers Market

High Street, Tring, 9am-

12.30pm. 2nd and 4th

Saturday of the month.

Fine produce from around

the district.

www.tringfarmersmarket.

co.uk

Fundraisers: Tring Lions

Club Charity Car Boot

Sale

Market Square, Brook

Street Tring. Set up from

9am, open to the public

from 10am. 07833 158090

info@tringlions.org.uk

www.tringlions.org.uk

SUNDAY 15 JUN

Markets & Sales:

Berkhamsted Farmers

Market

High St, Berkhamsted,

10am-2pm. An opportunity

for local customers to buy

high quality produce direct

from the producer. www.

facebook.com/berkofm

Fundraisers: Bubble Rush

Gadebridge Park, Hemel

Hempstead, 10am. A 5k

fun run through colourful

bubbles to benefit The

Hospice of St Francis. The

course is family friendly and

suitable for pushchairs and

wheelchairs. www.stfrancis.

org.uk

Kids: Great Big Nature

Hunt

Rectory Lane Cemetery,

Berkhamsted, 10am-1pm. A

free family-friendly Great

Big Nature Hunt - children

can safely explore three

green acres, discover

wildlife, learn fascinating

facts about pondlife, insects,

butterflies, bees, trees;

collect their own treasures

and do nature-related

craft activities. tinyurl.

com/2s3fmzxc

Fairs / Festivals:

Marsworth Steam Rally

Startop Farm, HP23 4LL.

11am-5pm. Over 20 full-sized

steam engines, vintage and

classic vehicles, vintage

fairground, horse-drawn

rides, live band, family

entertainment, beer

and tea tents, food and

snacks, stalls, crafts and

more. All proceeds to local

fundraising and charities.

www.marsworthsteamrally.

co.uk

Music: Tring Chamber

Music - In Tchaikovsky’s

Hands

Hastoe Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Haydn Piano Trio in E flat

No 45; Caroline Shaw ‘In

Manus Tuas’ for solo cello

(2009); Prokofiev Grand

Waltz and Winter Fairy

from Cinderella; Tchaikovsky

Piano Trio in a minor Op 50.

Bubble Rush - 15 June

Great Big Nature Hunt -

15 June

Paul Barritt violin, Joely

Koos cello, Daniel King

Smith piano. www.

tringchambermusic.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 18 JUN

Business: Tring

BusinessMart Breakfast

8am. Join the friendly

BusinessMart networking

group for a morning of

enjoyable but productive

networking and the

chance to meet new

business associates. info@

tringtogether.org.uk

www.tringtogether.org.uk

Talks: London Bridged-

3500 Years of Crossing the

Thames

Potten End Village Hall,

10.30 am. membersgadev@

gmail.com theartssocietygadev.org.uk

Living Magazines | 01442 824300 | info@livingmags.info Summer 2025 / 51


SATURDAY 21 JUN

Walks: DENS Woodland

Trail

Berkhamsted Castle,

8.30am- 3pm. Walk or run

your choice of 5- or 10-mile

routes. Immerse yourself in

beautiful woodland and

nature on a summer’s day.

Help local people facing

homelessness, poverty and

social exclusion. www.dens.

org.uk

Fairs / Festivals: Summer

Fest

Waddesdon Manor,

Aylesbury. A two-day

festival of performance,

art, music, food and drink.

waddesdon.org.uk

Fundraisers: Repair Café

High Street Baptist Church

Hall, Tring. Third Saturday

of each month, 10.30am-

1pm. A place where people

can gather and fix those

objects from everyday

life that would otherwise

end up in landfill. www.

sustainabletring.org.uk

Fundraisers: MSAR

Charity Darts

Tournament

Berkhamsted Football

Club, registration from

6.30pm. In support of

MSAR (Midshires Search

and Rescue), a voluntary

group who assist the

police to locate missing

persons in Bedfordshire

and Hertfordshire. www.

midshires.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 25 JUN

Exhibitions: Earth Photo

Waddesdon Manor,

10am-4pm. This powerful

exhibition showcases

shortlisted works that

explore themes such as

nature, people, places,

forests, land and seascapes.

waddesdon.org.uk

Sport: Tring Midsummer

Fun Run

Tring Park Cricket Club,

access from Station Road.

Arrive from 4.30pm, races

start 5.30pm. Runners

of all ages, abilities and

backgrounds welcome.

www.tringrunningclub.

org.uk

THURSDAY 26 JUN

Business: Berko

Interchange

Waite & Rose Café

Berkhamsted, 8-9am.

Informal and free business

networking over coffee.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/

berko-interchangetickets-547768158307

SATURDAY 28 JUN

Music: Chiltern Chamber

Choir Summer Concert

St. Peter’s Church,

Berkhamsted 7.30pm.

Summer choral concert.

www.chilternchamberchoir.

com

Music: Jivin Miss Daisy

BJazz at the Civic Centre,

Berkhamsted, 8pm. Sextet

delivering a rousing evening

of classic music from

Gershwin, Cole Porter and

Ellington through to Nat

King Cole and Ray Charles.

www.bjazz.org

SUNDAY 29 JUN

Comedy: The Tringe

Roving Comedy Night

Four venues full of comedyloving

audiences, four

groups of comedians made

up of professionals and a

group of locals who have

trained for the scariest and

most exhilarating night

of their lives. Now is your

chance to take part. www.

get-stuffed.biz

FRIDAY 4 JUL

Music: Chilfest

Cow Lane, Tring. Totally

Tribute Friday featuring

Noasis, Flash (Queen trubute),

The Marley Experience,

Bootleg Bee Gees, Blur2 and

Duran Duran tribute. Sat 5:

Adam Ant, Kim Wilde, Peter

Hook, Haircut 100, Bad

Manners, The Real Thing,

The Hoosiers and DJ

Brandon Block. chilfest.co.uk

SATURDAY 5 JUL

Music: Tring Choral

Society Summer Concert

St Peter & St Paul’s church,

Tring, 7.30pm. A sung

arrangement of Vaughan

Williams’ classic ‘The Lark

Ascending’; Paul Barritt is

playing the solo violin with

the chorus as orchestra. Also

John Rutter’s ‘Magnificat’

for soprano soloist, chorus,

chamber orchestra, organ,

harp and percussion. www.

tringchoral.org.uk

MONDAY 7 JUL

Talks: Full Council Meeting

The Council Chamber,

Berkhamsted Civic Centre,

7.30pm. www.berkhamstedtc.gov.uk

WEDNESDAY 9 JUL

Talks: The Bird in Art

Arts Society Tring Park,

Berkhamsted Civic

Centre, 10.30am. See birds

depicted in Aboriginal rock

decorations millennia ago,

right up to the present day.

Speaker: Frank Woodgate.

artssociety-tringpark.co.uk

THURSDAY 10 JUL

Talks: Tring U3A Monthly

Meeting

Victoria Hall, Akeman St,

10am. A Journey in India -

An illustrated talk by Alison

Mees. www.tringu3a.org.uk

FRIDAY 11 JUL

Fundraisers: Ashlyns

Comedy & Curry Night

Ashlyns, Berkhamsted.

Save the date for this

fundraising event hosted

by the Ashlyns School

Association, to celebrate

the end of term and the

start of the summer. www.

ashlynsfestival.co.uk

SATURDAY 12 JUL

Fairs / Festivals:

BeaconLit Book Festival

2025

Ivinghoe Town Hall

and Community Hub, 9am.

The BeaconLit Book Festival

has been raising funds for

Beacon Villages Community

Library since 2013. This

year’s treats include

bestselling authors,

fabulous new writing

talent, crime writers who

set their novels in exotic

places, poets and a fun

writing workshop.

www.beaconlit.co.uk

Markets & Sales: Tring

Farmers Market

Church Square, High Street,

Tring, 9am-12.30pm. 2nd

and 4th Saturday of each

month. Fine produce from

around the district. www.

tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

52 / Berkhamsted Living View all our editions at www.livingmags.info | Like us on Facebook


Fairs / Festivals: Tring

Summer Carnival Day

Pound Meadow, Tring. www.

tringtogether.org.uk

Fundraisers: Canines

& Cakes

Chilterns Dog Rescue

Society, Bromley Heights,

St Leonards Road, Tring,

HP23 6LD. 12-4pm. Also

Sun 13. Afternoon tea and

cakes, Pimms & beer, stalls

and music. All welcome.

chilternsdogrescue.org.uk

SUNDAY 13 JUL

Music: Tring Chamber

Music - Beethoven Raz 3

Hastoe Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Mozart String Quartet No

19 in C major ‘Dissonance’

K.465; Gershwin Lullaby;

Beethoven String Quartet

Op 59 No. 3 ‘Razumovsky’.

Paul Barritt violin, Catherine

Yates violin, Robin Ireland

viola, Nick Roberts cello.

www.tringchambermusic.

co.uk

Music: Emerging UK Jazz

Artists

BJazz at the Civic Centre,

Berkhamsted, 8pm.

Showcasing Emerging

Talent: two 1-hour sets, each

featuring rising stars of the

UK Jazz scene. Expect to

see award-winning players

at the start of their careers

and a closing jam session of

them all. www.bjazz.org

THURSDAY 17 JUL

Business: Hospice of St.

Francis Corporate Partner

Network Meeting

Garden Marquee, Hospice

of St. Francis, 5.30-7.30pm.

Refreshments provided.

New businesses welcomed.

claire.larkin@stfrancis.org.

uk www.stfrancis.org.uk

SUNDAY 20 JUL

Markets & Sales:

Berkhamsted Farmers

Market

High Street, Berkhamsted,

10am-2pm. An opportunity

for local customers to buy

high quality produce direct

from the producer. www.

facebook.com/berkofm

Comedy: Marcus Brigstocke:

Vitruvian Mango

Dembe Theatre, Tring, 8pm.

The multi-award winning

comedian asks ‘What are

men for?’ www.get-stuffed.biz

TUESDAY 22 JUL

Business: Tring

BusinessMart Breakfast

8am. Join the friendly

BusinessMart networking

group for a morning of

enjoyable but productive

networking and the

chance to meet new

business associates. info@

tringtogether.org.uk

www.tringtogether.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 23 JUL

Music: Albert Lee

The Dembe Theatre,

7.30pm. One of the most

respected and renowned

guitarists in music history,

Albert Lee has worked with

The Everly Brothers, Eric

Clapton, Emmylou Harris

and The Crickets over his

long and illustrious career.

dembetheatre.org

SATURDAY 26 JUL

Music: ELO Encounter

Face the Music

Dembe Theatre, Tring,

7.30pm. Roll over Beethoven,

because the greatest tribute

to Jeff Lynne’s Electric

Light Orchestra is here!

dembetheatre.org

THURSDAY 31 JUL

Business: Berko

Interchange

Waite & Rose Café

Berkhamsted, 8-9am.

Informal and free business

networking over coffee.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/

berko-interchangetickets-547768158307

SATURDAY 2 AUG

Fairs / Festivals: Long

Marston Village Show

Long Marston Village

Hall and Recreation

Ground, 2pm. Traditional

horticultural show in the

hall and village show in

the recreation ground with

family fun, games, crafts,

plant stalls, rock choir, bee

keeping, raffle, dog show,

BBQ, beer & Pimms tent and

much more. 07940 127450

lmvillageshow@gmail.com

SATURDAY 9 AUG

Markets & Sales: Tring

Farmers Market

High Street, Tring,

9am-12.30pm. 2nd and

4th Saturday of each

month. Fine produce from

around the district. www.

tringfarmersmarket.co.uk

THURSDAY 14 AUG

Talks: Tring U3A Monthly

Meeting

Victoria Hall, Akeman St,

10am. This month’s talk is

Walking Land’s End to John

O’Groats by Nick Heath.

www.tringu3a.org.uk

SUNDAY 17 AUG

Markets & Sales:

Berkhamsted Farmers

Market

High Street, Berkhamsted,

10am-2pm. An opportunity

for local customers to buy

high quality produce direct

from the producer. www.

facebook.com/berkofm

THURSDAY 28 AUG

Business: Berko

Interchange

Waite & Rose Café

Berkhamsted, 8-9am.

Informal and free business

networking over coffee.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/

berko-interchangetickets-547768158307

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BERKHAMSTED 128 High Street | Berkhamstedt | Hertfordshire | HP4 3AT

TRING 75 Western Road | Tring | Hertfordshire | HP23 4BH

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