your news from hertfordshire county council get … · your news from hertfordshire county council...
TRANSCRIPT
your new
s from
Hertfo
rdshire C
ounty C
ouncil
Spring 2017
wwwhertfordshiregovuk
Get creative at new state-of-the-art library Page 7
Budget specialHow we are getting value for your money Pages 11 12 amp 13
n Expert knowledgen Established for 16 years n Quality assuredn Competitive prices n Outstanding customer servicen Huge portfolio of drives patios and walling n Installed to Government endorsed standards n Free no obligation quotation and advice - no pressure sales
u Insurance backed guarantees
uWe cover all of Hertfordshire and North London
uCall now for your FREE no obligation consultation
Enhance your home with a brand new driveway or patio from Hertfordshire Driveways Ltd
Tel 0800 112 3920 or if calling from a mobile 0333 577 3920
wwwhertfordshiredrivewayscom
Head office Caxton Point Caxton Way Stevenage SG1 2XU
Hertfordshire Driveways LtdTHE DRIVEWAY AND PATIO COMPANY
2016 prices held throughout Spring 2017 Hurry promotion ends soon
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
Make the most of kerbside recycling
Sort your recycling before you arrive
Save up your recyclables for a single trip
Avoid peak times eg just after opening during bank holidays and school holidays
Park considerately - use all available spaces
Follow the instructions of the staff who are there to advise
For further details of our openingtimes and how to apply for a van permit visit
wwwwasteawareorgukor call 0300 123 4051 (option 1)or email hertshwrcsameycom
To waste less of your time at the recycling centre
Want to change your name
Hertfordshire Registration and Citizenship Service offers an official Change of Name Deed service
We can give you all the documents you need for your new name to be officially accepted by organisations such as banks and the Passport Office
For more information please visitwwwhertfordshiregovukchangeofnameor call 01707 897 396
From rubbish to riches amp Child protection services applauded
Email contacthertfordshiregovuk
Visit wwwhertfordshiregovuk
Write to us at Hertfordshire County Council Room 322 County Hall Hertford Herts SG13 8DE
Hertfordshire Horizons is delivered to approximately 470000 Hertfordshire homes To find out more about advertising in the magazine please call 01992 555060 or email horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Hertfordshire Horizons is delivered to residents by the Royal Mail door-to-door service This service delivers to full postcode sectors but please note that some county boundaries cut across the Royal Mail postal areas ndash therefore a small number of people outside Hertfordshire will receive this publication We apologise for this but hope that Horizons is of interest and may provide useful information Please recycle this paper when you have finished reading it
Hertfordshire Horizons can be made available in alternative formats large print Braille audio tape or disk by emailing contacthertfordshiregovuk or by calling our Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4040 It can also be translated into other languages This issue costs 8p to print produce and distribute
Designed by Superdream
wwwsuperdreamcouk
Hertfordshire County Council does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council
environmental tip
Hertfordshire Horizons is printed on recycled paper
09
20
Volunteers amp Put your mobile away when driving
23 Whatrsquos on amp A-Z of council services
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Yoursquore never too old to get fit
New state-of-the-art library in Hemel Hempstead amp Parenting groups
20Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover amp Lighting the way with LEDs
Budget special
Leaderrsquos column amp Latest news from around Hertfordshire
contents
Itrsquos that time of year to spring clean your home and garden To waste less of your time at the tip make sure you save up your recycling for a single trip Sort your items before you arrive and make the most of your kerbside collection service For tip locations and opening hours plus a list of accepted items visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwasteaware
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
15
09
18
17
07
11
04
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 3
Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary want to raise awareness of the risk of child sexual exploitation to prevent children and young people in Hertfordshire from becoming victims
To get the messages out to young people a short video was created for all Hertfordshire secondary schools
Make sure your voice is heard by voting in the county council elections on 4 May
If you havenrsquot already done so you need to register to vote It only takes five minutes visit wwwgovukregister-to-vote to find out more
Since the last election there have been changes to the areas that each councillor represents This includes an extra seat and changes to the names and boundaries within others All 78 seats will be up for election
Find out more information on our website wwwhertfordshiregovukelections
Michaelrsquos recipe for success School cook Michael Goulston has won the East of England regional final in
the prestigious national competition to find the Lead Association for Catering Educationrsquos School Chef of the Year
Michael who works for HCL (Hertfordshire Catering Ltd) at The Valley School in Stevenage scooped first prize at the live event held at the Harborne Food School in Birmingham After months of trialling dishes on family and friends Michaelrsquos delicious Hertfordshire chicken and ham hotpot pie served with mustard mash and seasonal vegetables followed by coconut panna cotta and mango coulis for dessert proved a winner He will now progress on to the national final which will be held at Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring
For more information visit wwwhertscateringcoukMichael Goulston
Although there isnrsquot evidence of organised child sexual exploitation in Hertfordshire we must not be complacent Hertfordshire County Council is taking every possible step to ensure that children in the county are able to grow up in a safe environment
If you suspect a young person is falling victim to child sexual exploitation you
can report it by calling the police on 101 contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 (to make an anonymous report) or contacting Childline on 0800 1111
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukcse
Hertfordshire invests in school places
Hertfordshire County Council is committed to providing high quality education for children and young people and will ensure that every child in the county has a school placeLast year 95 per cent of Hertfordshire applicants were offered a place at one of their four preferred primary junior or middle schools with 83 per cent gaining their first choice
In Hertfordshire more than 90 per cent of schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted above the national average
News around the countyMore firefighters to help heart attack victims
Firefighters in Watford and Stevenage have been taking part in a pilot project to improve heart attack survival rates across the regionWhen a 999 call is made to the ambulance service about a cardiac arrest their control room sends specially trained firefighters to the scene if they are closer than the nearest ambulance
The scheme has now expanded to include four more Hertfordshire fire stations in Hemel Hempstead St Albans Borehamwood and Tring
Hertfordshire County Show
Pop along and visit us at this yearrsquos event which takes place in Redbourn on 27 and 28 MayThe Hertfordshire County Show is a great showcase for promoting farming and agriculture and all the associated skills crafts trades and professions throughout the county as well as a great family day out
The show takes place at the Showground in Redbourn get your tickets at wwwhertsshowcom
Child safeguarding video created for schools
Have your say ndash vote on 4 May
latestnewsFollow us for all the latest news gtgt
Leaderrsquos column This edition of Horizons follows
our annual budget decisions ndash which affect the council tax you will have to pay next year
As always we have had to try to strike the right balance between the interests of local taxpayers and those who rely on our services
The graphics on page 11 illustrate a range of facts including our ageing population our sources of income and the main areas where the money is spent Once again we will be trimming our total spending next year while maintaining the full range of high quality services But even though we will be spending less the council tax will have to go up because (as the graphs show) the Revenue Support Grant has gone down
We have managed to cut total spending through a relentless drive for efficiencies
by achieving higher productivity from our staff and better value from our suppliers and contractors We have also been refocussing our services to catch problems even earlier which is better for those affected It also costs taxpayers less if we can prevent problems arising rather than having to sort things out afterwards Some of these preventative initiatives are summarised on pages 12 and 13
I hope this edition gives a broad overview of how we apply our finite resources to enhance the wellbeing of Hertfordshire and its people
Robert Gordon CBE Leader Hertfordshire County Council
Countyrsquos tourism boost Visitors to Hertfordshire bring more than pound21bn to the countyrsquos economy
each year according to new research
Visit Herts has found that more than 25 million people make day trips and overnight stays in the county with 43 per cent holidaying here 33 per cent visiting friends and relatives and 21 per cent visiting for business The research also shows the industry employs 38000 people
David Williams Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills said ldquoI am delighted to see that Hertfordshirersquos tourist economy is thriving Attracting visitors to the county makes Hertfordshire more appealing to businessesrdquo
For more information go to wwwvisithertscouk
Fire service provides a helping hand Emily May Wood 23 is one of many young people who have been helped by
the county councilrsquos fire and rescue service to develop vital job skills through the Princersquos Trust Team programme
The fire service runs the courses on behalf of the Princersquos Trust a youth charity that helps young people get into jobs education and training The 12-week personal development course helps unemployed 16-25 year olds develop the skills and experience along with the confidence and motivation to find work or go on to further education or training
Emily said ldquoBefore joining this course I had no sense of what I wanted to do with my life But now my perspective on the working world has changed significantly So many doors have opened and I see how many opportunities are available This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forgetrdquo
For more information see wwwhertfordshiregovukprincestrust
facebookcomhertscountycouncil
hertscc
wwwhertfordshiregovuk
Emily May Wood
Knebworth House
Spring 20174 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 5
Helping and supporting parents Hertfordshire County Council offers a range of courses that provide advice to parents in need of some extra support
Lisa 47 and her husband Michael 45 from Watford went to a course when their sons were aged 11 and 9 The course helped the family to tackle their problems
Lisa said ldquoIt taught us strategies for dealing with rows Now I donrsquot shout I take a couple of seconds and change my tone I donrsquot tell them to do something I give them choices and consequencesrdquo
The parenting programmes include help for parents with children with additional needs advice on how to manage your teenagerrsquos behaviour and courses tailored specifically for fathers
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoAll parents need a helping hand at times and we offer some fantastic parenting courses for families who may benefit from a little extra supportrdquo
To find out more visit your local childrenrsquos centre or get information about parenting classes and a directory of courses at wwwhertfordshiregovukparentingsupport
It costs each Hertfordshire resident less than 4p a day to provide the countyrsquos library services
A programme of events presented
by Hertfordshire Libraries
Over 25 events throughout
Hertfordshire
Litfest
lsquo17
0300 123 4049wwwhertfordshiregovuklibraries
hertslitfest17
Litfest Ad Feb 17_Layout 1 02022017 1116 Page 1
New state-of-the-art library opens
The brand new Hemel Hempstead Library has opened its doors to residents ndash marking the completion of a major building project in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council to improve the service for the local community
Based in the new building the Forum which also houses Dacorum Borough Councilrsquos offices and our registration service the library is now bigger and has more books and resources New additions include public computers and work benches as well as free Wi-Fi reading and study spaces and a meeting room available for hire
The new space has been designed to be flexible allowing for a variety of community groups and activities including performances to be held in the library Visitors will also be able to grab a drink at a new cafeacute in the Atrium area of the Forum building In addition there is a new express service available outside of the standard library opening hours This
means library members can return and loan items using self-service machines even when the library is closed
Hemel Hempstead Library is also home to Hertfordshirersquos second CreatorSpace a new concept designed to encourage people to experiment with digital technology Resources on offer include a 3D printer iMacs loaded with professional standard audio and video-editing software tablets a digital cutter for craft activities and Chromebooks
Teresa Heritage Cabinet Member for Libraries said ldquoWe have listened to residents who told us that they wanted their libraries to be vibrant welcoming and capable of delivering a modern service
ldquoWe are really excited about the new Hemel Hempstead Library including the launch of the new CreatorSpace facility ndash which will give people the chance to try out new technology in the comfort of their local library
ldquoA lot of work has gone into this project and wersquore pleased that the new Forum
building will be able to provide such a great community spacerdquo
For more information visit the Hemel Hempstead Library website wwwhertfordshiregovukhemelhempsteadlibrary
HertfordshireAdult amp Family Learning Service
Try one of Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Servicersquos new leisure courses
wwwhertfordshiregovukhafls 01992 556194 haflshertfordshiregovuk hafls
Course Cost (Per Person) Dates and times VenueIntroduction to Improving Your English(ESOL)
pound70 (6 week course) Fri 21 April-Fri 26 May 1300-1500
Holdbrook Hub 275 Holdbrook Court Waltham Cross EN87SL
Authentic Indian Cookery
pound90 (5 week course) Ingredients not included
Sat 29 April-Sat 27 May 1000-1230
West Herts College Watford Campus Hempstead Rd Watford WD17 3EZ
Level 2 Food Hygiene
pound60 (6 week course) Wed 3 May-Wed 7 June 1800-2000
North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre Monkswood Way Stevenage SG1 1LA
Indian Head Massage
pound90 (6 week course) Sat 29 April-Sat 3 June 0930-1230
Ludwick Family Club Hall Grove WGC Herts AL7 4PH
Jewellery Making for Beginners
pound50 (4 week course) All resources included
Tue 25 April-Tue 16 May 1000-1200
Westmill Community Centre John Barker Pl Hitchin SG5 2PG
Express Yourself Through Textiles
pound125 (6 week course) All resources included
Thu 20 April-Thu 25 May 1000-1230
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Loom Weaving for Beginners
pound90 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 AprilndashWed 24 May 1000-1300
Trestle Arts Base Russet Dr St Albans AL4 0JQ
Art Journalling pound50 (one day session) All resources included
Mon 24 April 1000-1530
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Introduction to Printmaking
pound150 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 April-Wed 24 May 1330-1630
Rhodes Art Complex 1-3 South Rd Bishoprsquos Stortford CM23 3JG
For more information or to book a space please contact us
BOOK NOW
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 7
Simon (centre) and his dog Fido (left)
Hundreds of volunteers across Hertfordshire are making a positive impact on their communities by giving up their time to help Hertfordshire County Council deliver important services to peopleSimon and his dog Fido volunteer for Pets As Therapy classes at the Stevenage Resource Centre The programme is designed to help people in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their specially trained pets
Simon wanted to offer something back to the community after he received rehabilitation treatment at the centre following a stroke that left him in need of a wheelchair
ldquoOver several years the staff worked with me and helped me to learn to walk and talk again as well as giving me the emotional support I needed during my darkest daysrdquo he said
When he was feeling better he got a rescue dog Fido who had such a kind nature that he decided to get him trained for the Pets As Therapy programme
Simon and Fido regularly visit several of the day services and supported living units and the people there are always delighted to see them
Simon added ldquoI love volunteering I really like the company of others and meeting new people I see this as my opportunity to give something back to the community that helped me so muchrdquo
For more information about Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering and to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you go to wwwhertfordshiregovukvolunteering
Check for social media updates by searching for hertsyov
Put your mobile phone away while driving
Hertfordshire County Council is urging motorists to put their mobile phones away before they start their journeyItrsquos illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving Research has shown that a driver who texts and drives is 13 times more likely to be involved in a collision and their reaction times in emergencies are often even longer than drivers under the influence of alcohol according to Coventry Universityrsquos Centre for Mobility and Transport
Yet despite the risks a quarter of Hertfordshire drivers admit to using their handheld mobile phones behind the wheel
The Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership which includes the county council fire and rescue service and the police is running a campaign to ensure that drivers understand the law and are aware of the dangers of driving while distracted
The penalties for being caught using a handheld phone behind the wheel are doubling ndash that means a pound200 fine and six points on your licence
To support the campaign please share putitaway messages on social media or visit wwwhertfordshiregovukputitaway
Volunteers making a difference
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 9
bull Residential Respite and Day Care
bull Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care
bull Competitive fee rates not for profit
I never thought Irsquod make so many friends in a care home
Real life experiences at Quantum Care Homes
We have 26 Homes in Hertfordshire amp surrounding areas
Tel 01707 393293 email infoquantumcarecouk
Quantum Care homes provide a friendly stimulating atmosphere with the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable homely environment
We choose dedicated well-trained staff for whom caring is more than just a job and locations which are in the heart of their local communities
For more information on any of our homes or services
wwwquantumcarecouk
Your familylife couldchange a lifeA unique scheme that helps people recover from mental ill health is looking for families with spare rooms in Hertfordshire
For someone who is suffering from mental ill health the thought of a stay in hospital can be quite daunting and not always the best way of providing care at this time
The chance to spend a few weeks in a caring family environment as an alternative to hospital admission can make all the difference to someonersquos recovery
The Trust arranges placements for adult service users to spend time with a family They will take part in all aspects of family life from cooking meals together to shopping and leisure activities As a Host Family you will receive payment and support from specialist mental health professionals
If you would like to find out more aboutbeing a host family contact Host Familiescoordinator Nosheen Zia Ul-Haq on 07768 131 413 or email hostfamilieshpftnhsuk
Host Families _A5 Advert 2017indd 1 09022017 162843
w w w b m c a r e c o u k
BampM CARE ARE A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN CARE HOMES PROVIDER WITH OVER 40 YEARSrsquo EXPERIENCE OF CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Care that makes a difference
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL AND
DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
23 care homes across Herts Bucks Berks amp Northants
MONTROSE | Watford | 01923 804337
TARArsquoS RETREAT | Sandridge | 01727 850527
GREENHILL | Barnet | 020 8449 8849
ST JOSEPHS | Tring | 01442 823159
ST MATTHEWS | Redbourn | 01582 792042
CLARE LODGE | St Albans | 01727 864379
MILFORD LODGE | Hitchin | 01462 432524
ASHLYNS | Berkhamsted | 01442 870565
HILLVIEW | Ware | 01920 469428
THE LODGE | Hemel Hempstead | 01442 244722
WILLOWTHORPE | Stanstead Abbotts | 01920 871811
ST ANDREWS | Welwyn | 01707 324208
ST CATHARINES | Broxbourne | 01992 462224
TREMONA | Watford | 01923 805495
Interested in a worthwhile career in care Then visit bmcarejobscouk for further details
Follow us on
Purpose built private care homes for older people Exclusive locations 24hr person centred care and support from experienced staff Specialist dementia care in safe purpose designed environments Short stay respite and holiday breaks available Fully inclusive dining and laundry services Affordable fully inclusive weekly rates BampM Care have an industry envied staff training programme
b a n d m c a r e b a n d m c a r e
b m c a r e h o m e s
OVER 65s 2015 2030
194300
290900
65
19
17
6857
2
2
201718
18
6201415
Total income = pound8169mTotal income = pound8200m
Council tax
Revenue Support Grant
Other Government Grants
Business Rates
Other Income Bill for 201617
pound118662
Bill for 201718
pound124583
pound2361199 Council tax increase
pound35603 Adult social care precept increase
pound29474
pound5840
pound17226
pound56053 pound7438
pound2745
pound282
Childrenrsquos Services
Fire and Community Protection
Roads and Waste
Adult Care
Libraries and other community services
Public Health
Registrars and Coroner
pound5525
Financing and support for front line services
Helping to protect services for older and vulnerable people
How our sources of funding have changed
Where we spend your money
Once again we have taken steps to help meet the growing needs of elderly people in the county
The number of people with physical disabilities mental health needs and those people who require our services has also grown
The government recently changed the rules to allow local authorities to raise extra money to pay for these escalating costs This dedicated fund known as the adult social care precept can now be set at 3 of council tax ndash a 1 increase from last year
County council tax for band D households
An extra 1 on the social care precept will cost a band D taxpayer 23p a week around half the cost of a pint of milk and raise more than pound5m which will be ring-fenced to deliver crucial adult social care services
Chris Hayward Cabinet Member for Resources said ldquoThe money that this additional adult social care precept generates will be ring-fenced to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residentsrdquo
Other council tax bands are proportionate to this wwwhertfordshiregovukcounciltax
pound124583 for band D households
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 11
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
n Expert knowledgen Established for 16 years n Quality assuredn Competitive prices n Outstanding customer servicen Huge portfolio of drives patios and walling n Installed to Government endorsed standards n Free no obligation quotation and advice - no pressure sales
u Insurance backed guarantees
uWe cover all of Hertfordshire and North London
uCall now for your FREE no obligation consultation
Enhance your home with a brand new driveway or patio from Hertfordshire Driveways Ltd
Tel 0800 112 3920 or if calling from a mobile 0333 577 3920
wwwhertfordshiredrivewayscom
Head office Caxton Point Caxton Way Stevenage SG1 2XU
Hertfordshire Driveways LtdTHE DRIVEWAY AND PATIO COMPANY
2016 prices held throughout Spring 2017 Hurry promotion ends soon
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
Make the most of kerbside recycling
Sort your recycling before you arrive
Save up your recyclables for a single trip
Avoid peak times eg just after opening during bank holidays and school holidays
Park considerately - use all available spaces
Follow the instructions of the staff who are there to advise
For further details of our openingtimes and how to apply for a van permit visit
wwwwasteawareorgukor call 0300 123 4051 (option 1)or email hertshwrcsameycom
To waste less of your time at the recycling centre
Want to change your name
Hertfordshire Registration and Citizenship Service offers an official Change of Name Deed service
We can give you all the documents you need for your new name to be officially accepted by organisations such as banks and the Passport Office
For more information please visitwwwhertfordshiregovukchangeofnameor call 01707 897 396
From rubbish to riches amp Child protection services applauded
Email contacthertfordshiregovuk
Visit wwwhertfordshiregovuk
Write to us at Hertfordshire County Council Room 322 County Hall Hertford Herts SG13 8DE
Hertfordshire Horizons is delivered to approximately 470000 Hertfordshire homes To find out more about advertising in the magazine please call 01992 555060 or email horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Hertfordshire Horizons is delivered to residents by the Royal Mail door-to-door service This service delivers to full postcode sectors but please note that some county boundaries cut across the Royal Mail postal areas ndash therefore a small number of people outside Hertfordshire will receive this publication We apologise for this but hope that Horizons is of interest and may provide useful information Please recycle this paper when you have finished reading it
Hertfordshire Horizons can be made available in alternative formats large print Braille audio tape or disk by emailing contacthertfordshiregovuk or by calling our Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4040 It can also be translated into other languages This issue costs 8p to print produce and distribute
Designed by Superdream
wwwsuperdreamcouk
Hertfordshire County Council does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council
environmental tip
Hertfordshire Horizons is printed on recycled paper
09
20
Volunteers amp Put your mobile away when driving
23 Whatrsquos on amp A-Z of council services
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Yoursquore never too old to get fit
New state-of-the-art library in Hemel Hempstead amp Parenting groups
20Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover amp Lighting the way with LEDs
Budget special
Leaderrsquos column amp Latest news from around Hertfordshire
contents
Itrsquos that time of year to spring clean your home and garden To waste less of your time at the tip make sure you save up your recycling for a single trip Sort your items before you arrive and make the most of your kerbside collection service For tip locations and opening hours plus a list of accepted items visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwasteaware
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
15
09
18
17
07
11
04
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 3
Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary want to raise awareness of the risk of child sexual exploitation to prevent children and young people in Hertfordshire from becoming victims
To get the messages out to young people a short video was created for all Hertfordshire secondary schools
Make sure your voice is heard by voting in the county council elections on 4 May
If you havenrsquot already done so you need to register to vote It only takes five minutes visit wwwgovukregister-to-vote to find out more
Since the last election there have been changes to the areas that each councillor represents This includes an extra seat and changes to the names and boundaries within others All 78 seats will be up for election
Find out more information on our website wwwhertfordshiregovukelections
Michaelrsquos recipe for success School cook Michael Goulston has won the East of England regional final in
the prestigious national competition to find the Lead Association for Catering Educationrsquos School Chef of the Year
Michael who works for HCL (Hertfordshire Catering Ltd) at The Valley School in Stevenage scooped first prize at the live event held at the Harborne Food School in Birmingham After months of trialling dishes on family and friends Michaelrsquos delicious Hertfordshire chicken and ham hotpot pie served with mustard mash and seasonal vegetables followed by coconut panna cotta and mango coulis for dessert proved a winner He will now progress on to the national final which will be held at Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring
For more information visit wwwhertscateringcoukMichael Goulston
Although there isnrsquot evidence of organised child sexual exploitation in Hertfordshire we must not be complacent Hertfordshire County Council is taking every possible step to ensure that children in the county are able to grow up in a safe environment
If you suspect a young person is falling victim to child sexual exploitation you
can report it by calling the police on 101 contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 (to make an anonymous report) or contacting Childline on 0800 1111
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukcse
Hertfordshire invests in school places
Hertfordshire County Council is committed to providing high quality education for children and young people and will ensure that every child in the county has a school placeLast year 95 per cent of Hertfordshire applicants were offered a place at one of their four preferred primary junior or middle schools with 83 per cent gaining their first choice
In Hertfordshire more than 90 per cent of schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted above the national average
News around the countyMore firefighters to help heart attack victims
Firefighters in Watford and Stevenage have been taking part in a pilot project to improve heart attack survival rates across the regionWhen a 999 call is made to the ambulance service about a cardiac arrest their control room sends specially trained firefighters to the scene if they are closer than the nearest ambulance
The scheme has now expanded to include four more Hertfordshire fire stations in Hemel Hempstead St Albans Borehamwood and Tring
Hertfordshire County Show
Pop along and visit us at this yearrsquos event which takes place in Redbourn on 27 and 28 MayThe Hertfordshire County Show is a great showcase for promoting farming and agriculture and all the associated skills crafts trades and professions throughout the county as well as a great family day out
The show takes place at the Showground in Redbourn get your tickets at wwwhertsshowcom
Child safeguarding video created for schools
Have your say ndash vote on 4 May
latestnewsFollow us for all the latest news gtgt
Leaderrsquos column This edition of Horizons follows
our annual budget decisions ndash which affect the council tax you will have to pay next year
As always we have had to try to strike the right balance between the interests of local taxpayers and those who rely on our services
The graphics on page 11 illustrate a range of facts including our ageing population our sources of income and the main areas where the money is spent Once again we will be trimming our total spending next year while maintaining the full range of high quality services But even though we will be spending less the council tax will have to go up because (as the graphs show) the Revenue Support Grant has gone down
We have managed to cut total spending through a relentless drive for efficiencies
by achieving higher productivity from our staff and better value from our suppliers and contractors We have also been refocussing our services to catch problems even earlier which is better for those affected It also costs taxpayers less if we can prevent problems arising rather than having to sort things out afterwards Some of these preventative initiatives are summarised on pages 12 and 13
I hope this edition gives a broad overview of how we apply our finite resources to enhance the wellbeing of Hertfordshire and its people
Robert Gordon CBE Leader Hertfordshire County Council
Countyrsquos tourism boost Visitors to Hertfordshire bring more than pound21bn to the countyrsquos economy
each year according to new research
Visit Herts has found that more than 25 million people make day trips and overnight stays in the county with 43 per cent holidaying here 33 per cent visiting friends and relatives and 21 per cent visiting for business The research also shows the industry employs 38000 people
David Williams Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills said ldquoI am delighted to see that Hertfordshirersquos tourist economy is thriving Attracting visitors to the county makes Hertfordshire more appealing to businessesrdquo
For more information go to wwwvisithertscouk
Fire service provides a helping hand Emily May Wood 23 is one of many young people who have been helped by
the county councilrsquos fire and rescue service to develop vital job skills through the Princersquos Trust Team programme
The fire service runs the courses on behalf of the Princersquos Trust a youth charity that helps young people get into jobs education and training The 12-week personal development course helps unemployed 16-25 year olds develop the skills and experience along with the confidence and motivation to find work or go on to further education or training
Emily said ldquoBefore joining this course I had no sense of what I wanted to do with my life But now my perspective on the working world has changed significantly So many doors have opened and I see how many opportunities are available This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forgetrdquo
For more information see wwwhertfordshiregovukprincestrust
facebookcomhertscountycouncil
hertscc
wwwhertfordshiregovuk
Emily May Wood
Knebworth House
Spring 20174 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 5
Helping and supporting parents Hertfordshire County Council offers a range of courses that provide advice to parents in need of some extra support
Lisa 47 and her husband Michael 45 from Watford went to a course when their sons were aged 11 and 9 The course helped the family to tackle their problems
Lisa said ldquoIt taught us strategies for dealing with rows Now I donrsquot shout I take a couple of seconds and change my tone I donrsquot tell them to do something I give them choices and consequencesrdquo
The parenting programmes include help for parents with children with additional needs advice on how to manage your teenagerrsquos behaviour and courses tailored specifically for fathers
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoAll parents need a helping hand at times and we offer some fantastic parenting courses for families who may benefit from a little extra supportrdquo
To find out more visit your local childrenrsquos centre or get information about parenting classes and a directory of courses at wwwhertfordshiregovukparentingsupport
It costs each Hertfordshire resident less than 4p a day to provide the countyrsquos library services
A programme of events presented
by Hertfordshire Libraries
Over 25 events throughout
Hertfordshire
Litfest
lsquo17
0300 123 4049wwwhertfordshiregovuklibraries
hertslitfest17
Litfest Ad Feb 17_Layout 1 02022017 1116 Page 1
New state-of-the-art library opens
The brand new Hemel Hempstead Library has opened its doors to residents ndash marking the completion of a major building project in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council to improve the service for the local community
Based in the new building the Forum which also houses Dacorum Borough Councilrsquos offices and our registration service the library is now bigger and has more books and resources New additions include public computers and work benches as well as free Wi-Fi reading and study spaces and a meeting room available for hire
The new space has been designed to be flexible allowing for a variety of community groups and activities including performances to be held in the library Visitors will also be able to grab a drink at a new cafeacute in the Atrium area of the Forum building In addition there is a new express service available outside of the standard library opening hours This
means library members can return and loan items using self-service machines even when the library is closed
Hemel Hempstead Library is also home to Hertfordshirersquos second CreatorSpace a new concept designed to encourage people to experiment with digital technology Resources on offer include a 3D printer iMacs loaded with professional standard audio and video-editing software tablets a digital cutter for craft activities and Chromebooks
Teresa Heritage Cabinet Member for Libraries said ldquoWe have listened to residents who told us that they wanted their libraries to be vibrant welcoming and capable of delivering a modern service
ldquoWe are really excited about the new Hemel Hempstead Library including the launch of the new CreatorSpace facility ndash which will give people the chance to try out new technology in the comfort of their local library
ldquoA lot of work has gone into this project and wersquore pleased that the new Forum
building will be able to provide such a great community spacerdquo
For more information visit the Hemel Hempstead Library website wwwhertfordshiregovukhemelhempsteadlibrary
HertfordshireAdult amp Family Learning Service
Try one of Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Servicersquos new leisure courses
wwwhertfordshiregovukhafls 01992 556194 haflshertfordshiregovuk hafls
Course Cost (Per Person) Dates and times VenueIntroduction to Improving Your English(ESOL)
pound70 (6 week course) Fri 21 April-Fri 26 May 1300-1500
Holdbrook Hub 275 Holdbrook Court Waltham Cross EN87SL
Authentic Indian Cookery
pound90 (5 week course) Ingredients not included
Sat 29 April-Sat 27 May 1000-1230
West Herts College Watford Campus Hempstead Rd Watford WD17 3EZ
Level 2 Food Hygiene
pound60 (6 week course) Wed 3 May-Wed 7 June 1800-2000
North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre Monkswood Way Stevenage SG1 1LA
Indian Head Massage
pound90 (6 week course) Sat 29 April-Sat 3 June 0930-1230
Ludwick Family Club Hall Grove WGC Herts AL7 4PH
Jewellery Making for Beginners
pound50 (4 week course) All resources included
Tue 25 April-Tue 16 May 1000-1200
Westmill Community Centre John Barker Pl Hitchin SG5 2PG
Express Yourself Through Textiles
pound125 (6 week course) All resources included
Thu 20 April-Thu 25 May 1000-1230
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Loom Weaving for Beginners
pound90 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 AprilndashWed 24 May 1000-1300
Trestle Arts Base Russet Dr St Albans AL4 0JQ
Art Journalling pound50 (one day session) All resources included
Mon 24 April 1000-1530
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Introduction to Printmaking
pound150 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 April-Wed 24 May 1330-1630
Rhodes Art Complex 1-3 South Rd Bishoprsquos Stortford CM23 3JG
For more information or to book a space please contact us
BOOK NOW
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 7
Simon (centre) and his dog Fido (left)
Hundreds of volunteers across Hertfordshire are making a positive impact on their communities by giving up their time to help Hertfordshire County Council deliver important services to peopleSimon and his dog Fido volunteer for Pets As Therapy classes at the Stevenage Resource Centre The programme is designed to help people in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their specially trained pets
Simon wanted to offer something back to the community after he received rehabilitation treatment at the centre following a stroke that left him in need of a wheelchair
ldquoOver several years the staff worked with me and helped me to learn to walk and talk again as well as giving me the emotional support I needed during my darkest daysrdquo he said
When he was feeling better he got a rescue dog Fido who had such a kind nature that he decided to get him trained for the Pets As Therapy programme
Simon and Fido regularly visit several of the day services and supported living units and the people there are always delighted to see them
Simon added ldquoI love volunteering I really like the company of others and meeting new people I see this as my opportunity to give something back to the community that helped me so muchrdquo
For more information about Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering and to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you go to wwwhertfordshiregovukvolunteering
Check for social media updates by searching for hertsyov
Put your mobile phone away while driving
Hertfordshire County Council is urging motorists to put their mobile phones away before they start their journeyItrsquos illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving Research has shown that a driver who texts and drives is 13 times more likely to be involved in a collision and their reaction times in emergencies are often even longer than drivers under the influence of alcohol according to Coventry Universityrsquos Centre for Mobility and Transport
Yet despite the risks a quarter of Hertfordshire drivers admit to using their handheld mobile phones behind the wheel
The Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership which includes the county council fire and rescue service and the police is running a campaign to ensure that drivers understand the law and are aware of the dangers of driving while distracted
The penalties for being caught using a handheld phone behind the wheel are doubling ndash that means a pound200 fine and six points on your licence
To support the campaign please share putitaway messages on social media or visit wwwhertfordshiregovukputitaway
Volunteers making a difference
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 9
bull Residential Respite and Day Care
bull Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care
bull Competitive fee rates not for profit
I never thought Irsquod make so many friends in a care home
Real life experiences at Quantum Care Homes
We have 26 Homes in Hertfordshire amp surrounding areas
Tel 01707 393293 email infoquantumcarecouk
Quantum Care homes provide a friendly stimulating atmosphere with the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable homely environment
We choose dedicated well-trained staff for whom caring is more than just a job and locations which are in the heart of their local communities
For more information on any of our homes or services
wwwquantumcarecouk
Your familylife couldchange a lifeA unique scheme that helps people recover from mental ill health is looking for families with spare rooms in Hertfordshire
For someone who is suffering from mental ill health the thought of a stay in hospital can be quite daunting and not always the best way of providing care at this time
The chance to spend a few weeks in a caring family environment as an alternative to hospital admission can make all the difference to someonersquos recovery
The Trust arranges placements for adult service users to spend time with a family They will take part in all aspects of family life from cooking meals together to shopping and leisure activities As a Host Family you will receive payment and support from specialist mental health professionals
If you would like to find out more aboutbeing a host family contact Host Familiescoordinator Nosheen Zia Ul-Haq on 07768 131 413 or email hostfamilieshpftnhsuk
Host Families _A5 Advert 2017indd 1 09022017 162843
w w w b m c a r e c o u k
BampM CARE ARE A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN CARE HOMES PROVIDER WITH OVER 40 YEARSrsquo EXPERIENCE OF CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Care that makes a difference
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL AND
DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
23 care homes across Herts Bucks Berks amp Northants
MONTROSE | Watford | 01923 804337
TARArsquoS RETREAT | Sandridge | 01727 850527
GREENHILL | Barnet | 020 8449 8849
ST JOSEPHS | Tring | 01442 823159
ST MATTHEWS | Redbourn | 01582 792042
CLARE LODGE | St Albans | 01727 864379
MILFORD LODGE | Hitchin | 01462 432524
ASHLYNS | Berkhamsted | 01442 870565
HILLVIEW | Ware | 01920 469428
THE LODGE | Hemel Hempstead | 01442 244722
WILLOWTHORPE | Stanstead Abbotts | 01920 871811
ST ANDREWS | Welwyn | 01707 324208
ST CATHARINES | Broxbourne | 01992 462224
TREMONA | Watford | 01923 805495
Interested in a worthwhile career in care Then visit bmcarejobscouk for further details
Follow us on
Purpose built private care homes for older people Exclusive locations 24hr person centred care and support from experienced staff Specialist dementia care in safe purpose designed environments Short stay respite and holiday breaks available Fully inclusive dining and laundry services Affordable fully inclusive weekly rates BampM Care have an industry envied staff training programme
b a n d m c a r e b a n d m c a r e
b m c a r e h o m e s
OVER 65s 2015 2030
194300
290900
65
19
17
6857
2
2
201718
18
6201415
Total income = pound8169mTotal income = pound8200m
Council tax
Revenue Support Grant
Other Government Grants
Business Rates
Other Income Bill for 201617
pound118662
Bill for 201718
pound124583
pound2361199 Council tax increase
pound35603 Adult social care precept increase
pound29474
pound5840
pound17226
pound56053 pound7438
pound2745
pound282
Childrenrsquos Services
Fire and Community Protection
Roads and Waste
Adult Care
Libraries and other community services
Public Health
Registrars and Coroner
pound5525
Financing and support for front line services
Helping to protect services for older and vulnerable people
How our sources of funding have changed
Where we spend your money
Once again we have taken steps to help meet the growing needs of elderly people in the county
The number of people with physical disabilities mental health needs and those people who require our services has also grown
The government recently changed the rules to allow local authorities to raise extra money to pay for these escalating costs This dedicated fund known as the adult social care precept can now be set at 3 of council tax ndash a 1 increase from last year
County council tax for band D households
An extra 1 on the social care precept will cost a band D taxpayer 23p a week around half the cost of a pint of milk and raise more than pound5m which will be ring-fenced to deliver crucial adult social care services
Chris Hayward Cabinet Member for Resources said ldquoThe money that this additional adult social care precept generates will be ring-fenced to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residentsrdquo
Other council tax bands are proportionate to this wwwhertfordshiregovukcounciltax
pound124583 for band D households
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 11
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Constabulary want to raise awareness of the risk of child sexual exploitation to prevent children and young people in Hertfordshire from becoming victims
To get the messages out to young people a short video was created for all Hertfordshire secondary schools
Make sure your voice is heard by voting in the county council elections on 4 May
If you havenrsquot already done so you need to register to vote It only takes five minutes visit wwwgovukregister-to-vote to find out more
Since the last election there have been changes to the areas that each councillor represents This includes an extra seat and changes to the names and boundaries within others All 78 seats will be up for election
Find out more information on our website wwwhertfordshiregovukelections
Michaelrsquos recipe for success School cook Michael Goulston has won the East of England regional final in
the prestigious national competition to find the Lead Association for Catering Educationrsquos School Chef of the Year
Michael who works for HCL (Hertfordshire Catering Ltd) at The Valley School in Stevenage scooped first prize at the live event held at the Harborne Food School in Birmingham After months of trialling dishes on family and friends Michaelrsquos delicious Hertfordshire chicken and ham hotpot pie served with mustard mash and seasonal vegetables followed by coconut panna cotta and mango coulis for dessert proved a winner He will now progress on to the national final which will be held at Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring
For more information visit wwwhertscateringcoukMichael Goulston
Although there isnrsquot evidence of organised child sexual exploitation in Hertfordshire we must not be complacent Hertfordshire County Council is taking every possible step to ensure that children in the county are able to grow up in a safe environment
If you suspect a young person is falling victim to child sexual exploitation you
can report it by calling the police on 101 contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 (to make an anonymous report) or contacting Childline on 0800 1111
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukcse
Hertfordshire invests in school places
Hertfordshire County Council is committed to providing high quality education for children and young people and will ensure that every child in the county has a school placeLast year 95 per cent of Hertfordshire applicants were offered a place at one of their four preferred primary junior or middle schools with 83 per cent gaining their first choice
In Hertfordshire more than 90 per cent of schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted above the national average
News around the countyMore firefighters to help heart attack victims
Firefighters in Watford and Stevenage have been taking part in a pilot project to improve heart attack survival rates across the regionWhen a 999 call is made to the ambulance service about a cardiac arrest their control room sends specially trained firefighters to the scene if they are closer than the nearest ambulance
The scheme has now expanded to include four more Hertfordshire fire stations in Hemel Hempstead St Albans Borehamwood and Tring
Hertfordshire County Show
Pop along and visit us at this yearrsquos event which takes place in Redbourn on 27 and 28 MayThe Hertfordshire County Show is a great showcase for promoting farming and agriculture and all the associated skills crafts trades and professions throughout the county as well as a great family day out
The show takes place at the Showground in Redbourn get your tickets at wwwhertsshowcom
Child safeguarding video created for schools
Have your say ndash vote on 4 May
latestnewsFollow us for all the latest news gtgt
Leaderrsquos column This edition of Horizons follows
our annual budget decisions ndash which affect the council tax you will have to pay next year
As always we have had to try to strike the right balance between the interests of local taxpayers and those who rely on our services
The graphics on page 11 illustrate a range of facts including our ageing population our sources of income and the main areas where the money is spent Once again we will be trimming our total spending next year while maintaining the full range of high quality services But even though we will be spending less the council tax will have to go up because (as the graphs show) the Revenue Support Grant has gone down
We have managed to cut total spending through a relentless drive for efficiencies
by achieving higher productivity from our staff and better value from our suppliers and contractors We have also been refocussing our services to catch problems even earlier which is better for those affected It also costs taxpayers less if we can prevent problems arising rather than having to sort things out afterwards Some of these preventative initiatives are summarised on pages 12 and 13
I hope this edition gives a broad overview of how we apply our finite resources to enhance the wellbeing of Hertfordshire and its people
Robert Gordon CBE Leader Hertfordshire County Council
Countyrsquos tourism boost Visitors to Hertfordshire bring more than pound21bn to the countyrsquos economy
each year according to new research
Visit Herts has found that more than 25 million people make day trips and overnight stays in the county with 43 per cent holidaying here 33 per cent visiting friends and relatives and 21 per cent visiting for business The research also shows the industry employs 38000 people
David Williams Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills said ldquoI am delighted to see that Hertfordshirersquos tourist economy is thriving Attracting visitors to the county makes Hertfordshire more appealing to businessesrdquo
For more information go to wwwvisithertscouk
Fire service provides a helping hand Emily May Wood 23 is one of many young people who have been helped by
the county councilrsquos fire and rescue service to develop vital job skills through the Princersquos Trust Team programme
The fire service runs the courses on behalf of the Princersquos Trust a youth charity that helps young people get into jobs education and training The 12-week personal development course helps unemployed 16-25 year olds develop the skills and experience along with the confidence and motivation to find work or go on to further education or training
Emily said ldquoBefore joining this course I had no sense of what I wanted to do with my life But now my perspective on the working world has changed significantly So many doors have opened and I see how many opportunities are available This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forgetrdquo
For more information see wwwhertfordshiregovukprincestrust
facebookcomhertscountycouncil
hertscc
wwwhertfordshiregovuk
Emily May Wood
Knebworth House
Spring 20174 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 5
Helping and supporting parents Hertfordshire County Council offers a range of courses that provide advice to parents in need of some extra support
Lisa 47 and her husband Michael 45 from Watford went to a course when their sons were aged 11 and 9 The course helped the family to tackle their problems
Lisa said ldquoIt taught us strategies for dealing with rows Now I donrsquot shout I take a couple of seconds and change my tone I donrsquot tell them to do something I give them choices and consequencesrdquo
The parenting programmes include help for parents with children with additional needs advice on how to manage your teenagerrsquos behaviour and courses tailored specifically for fathers
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoAll parents need a helping hand at times and we offer some fantastic parenting courses for families who may benefit from a little extra supportrdquo
To find out more visit your local childrenrsquos centre or get information about parenting classes and a directory of courses at wwwhertfordshiregovukparentingsupport
It costs each Hertfordshire resident less than 4p a day to provide the countyrsquos library services
A programme of events presented
by Hertfordshire Libraries
Over 25 events throughout
Hertfordshire
Litfest
lsquo17
0300 123 4049wwwhertfordshiregovuklibraries
hertslitfest17
Litfest Ad Feb 17_Layout 1 02022017 1116 Page 1
New state-of-the-art library opens
The brand new Hemel Hempstead Library has opened its doors to residents ndash marking the completion of a major building project in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council to improve the service for the local community
Based in the new building the Forum which also houses Dacorum Borough Councilrsquos offices and our registration service the library is now bigger and has more books and resources New additions include public computers and work benches as well as free Wi-Fi reading and study spaces and a meeting room available for hire
The new space has been designed to be flexible allowing for a variety of community groups and activities including performances to be held in the library Visitors will also be able to grab a drink at a new cafeacute in the Atrium area of the Forum building In addition there is a new express service available outside of the standard library opening hours This
means library members can return and loan items using self-service machines even when the library is closed
Hemel Hempstead Library is also home to Hertfordshirersquos second CreatorSpace a new concept designed to encourage people to experiment with digital technology Resources on offer include a 3D printer iMacs loaded with professional standard audio and video-editing software tablets a digital cutter for craft activities and Chromebooks
Teresa Heritage Cabinet Member for Libraries said ldquoWe have listened to residents who told us that they wanted their libraries to be vibrant welcoming and capable of delivering a modern service
ldquoWe are really excited about the new Hemel Hempstead Library including the launch of the new CreatorSpace facility ndash which will give people the chance to try out new technology in the comfort of their local library
ldquoA lot of work has gone into this project and wersquore pleased that the new Forum
building will be able to provide such a great community spacerdquo
For more information visit the Hemel Hempstead Library website wwwhertfordshiregovukhemelhempsteadlibrary
HertfordshireAdult amp Family Learning Service
Try one of Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Servicersquos new leisure courses
wwwhertfordshiregovukhafls 01992 556194 haflshertfordshiregovuk hafls
Course Cost (Per Person) Dates and times VenueIntroduction to Improving Your English(ESOL)
pound70 (6 week course) Fri 21 April-Fri 26 May 1300-1500
Holdbrook Hub 275 Holdbrook Court Waltham Cross EN87SL
Authentic Indian Cookery
pound90 (5 week course) Ingredients not included
Sat 29 April-Sat 27 May 1000-1230
West Herts College Watford Campus Hempstead Rd Watford WD17 3EZ
Level 2 Food Hygiene
pound60 (6 week course) Wed 3 May-Wed 7 June 1800-2000
North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre Monkswood Way Stevenage SG1 1LA
Indian Head Massage
pound90 (6 week course) Sat 29 April-Sat 3 June 0930-1230
Ludwick Family Club Hall Grove WGC Herts AL7 4PH
Jewellery Making for Beginners
pound50 (4 week course) All resources included
Tue 25 April-Tue 16 May 1000-1200
Westmill Community Centre John Barker Pl Hitchin SG5 2PG
Express Yourself Through Textiles
pound125 (6 week course) All resources included
Thu 20 April-Thu 25 May 1000-1230
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Loom Weaving for Beginners
pound90 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 AprilndashWed 24 May 1000-1300
Trestle Arts Base Russet Dr St Albans AL4 0JQ
Art Journalling pound50 (one day session) All resources included
Mon 24 April 1000-1530
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Introduction to Printmaking
pound150 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 April-Wed 24 May 1330-1630
Rhodes Art Complex 1-3 South Rd Bishoprsquos Stortford CM23 3JG
For more information or to book a space please contact us
BOOK NOW
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 7
Simon (centre) and his dog Fido (left)
Hundreds of volunteers across Hertfordshire are making a positive impact on their communities by giving up their time to help Hertfordshire County Council deliver important services to peopleSimon and his dog Fido volunteer for Pets As Therapy classes at the Stevenage Resource Centre The programme is designed to help people in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their specially trained pets
Simon wanted to offer something back to the community after he received rehabilitation treatment at the centre following a stroke that left him in need of a wheelchair
ldquoOver several years the staff worked with me and helped me to learn to walk and talk again as well as giving me the emotional support I needed during my darkest daysrdquo he said
When he was feeling better he got a rescue dog Fido who had such a kind nature that he decided to get him trained for the Pets As Therapy programme
Simon and Fido regularly visit several of the day services and supported living units and the people there are always delighted to see them
Simon added ldquoI love volunteering I really like the company of others and meeting new people I see this as my opportunity to give something back to the community that helped me so muchrdquo
For more information about Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering and to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you go to wwwhertfordshiregovukvolunteering
Check for social media updates by searching for hertsyov
Put your mobile phone away while driving
Hertfordshire County Council is urging motorists to put their mobile phones away before they start their journeyItrsquos illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving Research has shown that a driver who texts and drives is 13 times more likely to be involved in a collision and their reaction times in emergencies are often even longer than drivers under the influence of alcohol according to Coventry Universityrsquos Centre for Mobility and Transport
Yet despite the risks a quarter of Hertfordshire drivers admit to using their handheld mobile phones behind the wheel
The Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership which includes the county council fire and rescue service and the police is running a campaign to ensure that drivers understand the law and are aware of the dangers of driving while distracted
The penalties for being caught using a handheld phone behind the wheel are doubling ndash that means a pound200 fine and six points on your licence
To support the campaign please share putitaway messages on social media or visit wwwhertfordshiregovukputitaway
Volunteers making a difference
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 9
bull Residential Respite and Day Care
bull Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care
bull Competitive fee rates not for profit
I never thought Irsquod make so many friends in a care home
Real life experiences at Quantum Care Homes
We have 26 Homes in Hertfordshire amp surrounding areas
Tel 01707 393293 email infoquantumcarecouk
Quantum Care homes provide a friendly stimulating atmosphere with the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable homely environment
We choose dedicated well-trained staff for whom caring is more than just a job and locations which are in the heart of their local communities
For more information on any of our homes or services
wwwquantumcarecouk
Your familylife couldchange a lifeA unique scheme that helps people recover from mental ill health is looking for families with spare rooms in Hertfordshire
For someone who is suffering from mental ill health the thought of a stay in hospital can be quite daunting and not always the best way of providing care at this time
The chance to spend a few weeks in a caring family environment as an alternative to hospital admission can make all the difference to someonersquos recovery
The Trust arranges placements for adult service users to spend time with a family They will take part in all aspects of family life from cooking meals together to shopping and leisure activities As a Host Family you will receive payment and support from specialist mental health professionals
If you would like to find out more aboutbeing a host family contact Host Familiescoordinator Nosheen Zia Ul-Haq on 07768 131 413 or email hostfamilieshpftnhsuk
Host Families _A5 Advert 2017indd 1 09022017 162843
w w w b m c a r e c o u k
BampM CARE ARE A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN CARE HOMES PROVIDER WITH OVER 40 YEARSrsquo EXPERIENCE OF CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Care that makes a difference
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL AND
DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
23 care homes across Herts Bucks Berks amp Northants
MONTROSE | Watford | 01923 804337
TARArsquoS RETREAT | Sandridge | 01727 850527
GREENHILL | Barnet | 020 8449 8849
ST JOSEPHS | Tring | 01442 823159
ST MATTHEWS | Redbourn | 01582 792042
CLARE LODGE | St Albans | 01727 864379
MILFORD LODGE | Hitchin | 01462 432524
ASHLYNS | Berkhamsted | 01442 870565
HILLVIEW | Ware | 01920 469428
THE LODGE | Hemel Hempstead | 01442 244722
WILLOWTHORPE | Stanstead Abbotts | 01920 871811
ST ANDREWS | Welwyn | 01707 324208
ST CATHARINES | Broxbourne | 01992 462224
TREMONA | Watford | 01923 805495
Interested in a worthwhile career in care Then visit bmcarejobscouk for further details
Follow us on
Purpose built private care homes for older people Exclusive locations 24hr person centred care and support from experienced staff Specialist dementia care in safe purpose designed environments Short stay respite and holiday breaks available Fully inclusive dining and laundry services Affordable fully inclusive weekly rates BampM Care have an industry envied staff training programme
b a n d m c a r e b a n d m c a r e
b m c a r e h o m e s
OVER 65s 2015 2030
194300
290900
65
19
17
6857
2
2
201718
18
6201415
Total income = pound8169mTotal income = pound8200m
Council tax
Revenue Support Grant
Other Government Grants
Business Rates
Other Income Bill for 201617
pound118662
Bill for 201718
pound124583
pound2361199 Council tax increase
pound35603 Adult social care precept increase
pound29474
pound5840
pound17226
pound56053 pound7438
pound2745
pound282
Childrenrsquos Services
Fire and Community Protection
Roads and Waste
Adult Care
Libraries and other community services
Public Health
Registrars and Coroner
pound5525
Financing and support for front line services
Helping to protect services for older and vulnerable people
How our sources of funding have changed
Where we spend your money
Once again we have taken steps to help meet the growing needs of elderly people in the county
The number of people with physical disabilities mental health needs and those people who require our services has also grown
The government recently changed the rules to allow local authorities to raise extra money to pay for these escalating costs This dedicated fund known as the adult social care precept can now be set at 3 of council tax ndash a 1 increase from last year
County council tax for band D households
An extra 1 on the social care precept will cost a band D taxpayer 23p a week around half the cost of a pint of milk and raise more than pound5m which will be ring-fenced to deliver crucial adult social care services
Chris Hayward Cabinet Member for Resources said ldquoThe money that this additional adult social care precept generates will be ring-fenced to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residentsrdquo
Other council tax bands are proportionate to this wwwhertfordshiregovukcounciltax
pound124583 for band D households
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 11
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
Helping and supporting parents Hertfordshire County Council offers a range of courses that provide advice to parents in need of some extra support
Lisa 47 and her husband Michael 45 from Watford went to a course when their sons were aged 11 and 9 The course helped the family to tackle their problems
Lisa said ldquoIt taught us strategies for dealing with rows Now I donrsquot shout I take a couple of seconds and change my tone I donrsquot tell them to do something I give them choices and consequencesrdquo
The parenting programmes include help for parents with children with additional needs advice on how to manage your teenagerrsquos behaviour and courses tailored specifically for fathers
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoAll parents need a helping hand at times and we offer some fantastic parenting courses for families who may benefit from a little extra supportrdquo
To find out more visit your local childrenrsquos centre or get information about parenting classes and a directory of courses at wwwhertfordshiregovukparentingsupport
It costs each Hertfordshire resident less than 4p a day to provide the countyrsquos library services
A programme of events presented
by Hertfordshire Libraries
Over 25 events throughout
Hertfordshire
Litfest
lsquo17
0300 123 4049wwwhertfordshiregovuklibraries
hertslitfest17
Litfest Ad Feb 17_Layout 1 02022017 1116 Page 1
New state-of-the-art library opens
The brand new Hemel Hempstead Library has opened its doors to residents ndash marking the completion of a major building project in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council to improve the service for the local community
Based in the new building the Forum which also houses Dacorum Borough Councilrsquos offices and our registration service the library is now bigger and has more books and resources New additions include public computers and work benches as well as free Wi-Fi reading and study spaces and a meeting room available for hire
The new space has been designed to be flexible allowing for a variety of community groups and activities including performances to be held in the library Visitors will also be able to grab a drink at a new cafeacute in the Atrium area of the Forum building In addition there is a new express service available outside of the standard library opening hours This
means library members can return and loan items using self-service machines even when the library is closed
Hemel Hempstead Library is also home to Hertfordshirersquos second CreatorSpace a new concept designed to encourage people to experiment with digital technology Resources on offer include a 3D printer iMacs loaded with professional standard audio and video-editing software tablets a digital cutter for craft activities and Chromebooks
Teresa Heritage Cabinet Member for Libraries said ldquoWe have listened to residents who told us that they wanted their libraries to be vibrant welcoming and capable of delivering a modern service
ldquoWe are really excited about the new Hemel Hempstead Library including the launch of the new CreatorSpace facility ndash which will give people the chance to try out new technology in the comfort of their local library
ldquoA lot of work has gone into this project and wersquore pleased that the new Forum
building will be able to provide such a great community spacerdquo
For more information visit the Hemel Hempstead Library website wwwhertfordshiregovukhemelhempsteadlibrary
HertfordshireAdult amp Family Learning Service
Try one of Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Servicersquos new leisure courses
wwwhertfordshiregovukhafls 01992 556194 haflshertfordshiregovuk hafls
Course Cost (Per Person) Dates and times VenueIntroduction to Improving Your English(ESOL)
pound70 (6 week course) Fri 21 April-Fri 26 May 1300-1500
Holdbrook Hub 275 Holdbrook Court Waltham Cross EN87SL
Authentic Indian Cookery
pound90 (5 week course) Ingredients not included
Sat 29 April-Sat 27 May 1000-1230
West Herts College Watford Campus Hempstead Rd Watford WD17 3EZ
Level 2 Food Hygiene
pound60 (6 week course) Wed 3 May-Wed 7 June 1800-2000
North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre Monkswood Way Stevenage SG1 1LA
Indian Head Massage
pound90 (6 week course) Sat 29 April-Sat 3 June 0930-1230
Ludwick Family Club Hall Grove WGC Herts AL7 4PH
Jewellery Making for Beginners
pound50 (4 week course) All resources included
Tue 25 April-Tue 16 May 1000-1200
Westmill Community Centre John Barker Pl Hitchin SG5 2PG
Express Yourself Through Textiles
pound125 (6 week course) All resources included
Thu 20 April-Thu 25 May 1000-1230
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Loom Weaving for Beginners
pound90 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 AprilndashWed 24 May 1000-1300
Trestle Arts Base Russet Dr St Albans AL4 0JQ
Art Journalling pound50 (one day session) All resources included
Mon 24 April 1000-1530
Watford Central Library Creator Space Hempstead Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3EU
Introduction to Printmaking
pound150 (6 week course) All resources included
Wed 19 April-Wed 24 May 1330-1630
Rhodes Art Complex 1-3 South Rd Bishoprsquos Stortford CM23 3JG
For more information or to book a space please contact us
BOOK NOW
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 7
Simon (centre) and his dog Fido (left)
Hundreds of volunteers across Hertfordshire are making a positive impact on their communities by giving up their time to help Hertfordshire County Council deliver important services to peopleSimon and his dog Fido volunteer for Pets As Therapy classes at the Stevenage Resource Centre The programme is designed to help people in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their specially trained pets
Simon wanted to offer something back to the community after he received rehabilitation treatment at the centre following a stroke that left him in need of a wheelchair
ldquoOver several years the staff worked with me and helped me to learn to walk and talk again as well as giving me the emotional support I needed during my darkest daysrdquo he said
When he was feeling better he got a rescue dog Fido who had such a kind nature that he decided to get him trained for the Pets As Therapy programme
Simon and Fido regularly visit several of the day services and supported living units and the people there are always delighted to see them
Simon added ldquoI love volunteering I really like the company of others and meeting new people I see this as my opportunity to give something back to the community that helped me so muchrdquo
For more information about Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering and to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you go to wwwhertfordshiregovukvolunteering
Check for social media updates by searching for hertsyov
Put your mobile phone away while driving
Hertfordshire County Council is urging motorists to put their mobile phones away before they start their journeyItrsquos illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving Research has shown that a driver who texts and drives is 13 times more likely to be involved in a collision and their reaction times in emergencies are often even longer than drivers under the influence of alcohol according to Coventry Universityrsquos Centre for Mobility and Transport
Yet despite the risks a quarter of Hertfordshire drivers admit to using their handheld mobile phones behind the wheel
The Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership which includes the county council fire and rescue service and the police is running a campaign to ensure that drivers understand the law and are aware of the dangers of driving while distracted
The penalties for being caught using a handheld phone behind the wheel are doubling ndash that means a pound200 fine and six points on your licence
To support the campaign please share putitaway messages on social media or visit wwwhertfordshiregovukputitaway
Volunteers making a difference
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 9
bull Residential Respite and Day Care
bull Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care
bull Competitive fee rates not for profit
I never thought Irsquod make so many friends in a care home
Real life experiences at Quantum Care Homes
We have 26 Homes in Hertfordshire amp surrounding areas
Tel 01707 393293 email infoquantumcarecouk
Quantum Care homes provide a friendly stimulating atmosphere with the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable homely environment
We choose dedicated well-trained staff for whom caring is more than just a job and locations which are in the heart of their local communities
For more information on any of our homes or services
wwwquantumcarecouk
Your familylife couldchange a lifeA unique scheme that helps people recover from mental ill health is looking for families with spare rooms in Hertfordshire
For someone who is suffering from mental ill health the thought of a stay in hospital can be quite daunting and not always the best way of providing care at this time
The chance to spend a few weeks in a caring family environment as an alternative to hospital admission can make all the difference to someonersquos recovery
The Trust arranges placements for adult service users to spend time with a family They will take part in all aspects of family life from cooking meals together to shopping and leisure activities As a Host Family you will receive payment and support from specialist mental health professionals
If you would like to find out more aboutbeing a host family contact Host Familiescoordinator Nosheen Zia Ul-Haq on 07768 131 413 or email hostfamilieshpftnhsuk
Host Families _A5 Advert 2017indd 1 09022017 162843
w w w b m c a r e c o u k
BampM CARE ARE A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN CARE HOMES PROVIDER WITH OVER 40 YEARSrsquo EXPERIENCE OF CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Care that makes a difference
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL AND
DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
23 care homes across Herts Bucks Berks amp Northants
MONTROSE | Watford | 01923 804337
TARArsquoS RETREAT | Sandridge | 01727 850527
GREENHILL | Barnet | 020 8449 8849
ST JOSEPHS | Tring | 01442 823159
ST MATTHEWS | Redbourn | 01582 792042
CLARE LODGE | St Albans | 01727 864379
MILFORD LODGE | Hitchin | 01462 432524
ASHLYNS | Berkhamsted | 01442 870565
HILLVIEW | Ware | 01920 469428
THE LODGE | Hemel Hempstead | 01442 244722
WILLOWTHORPE | Stanstead Abbotts | 01920 871811
ST ANDREWS | Welwyn | 01707 324208
ST CATHARINES | Broxbourne | 01992 462224
TREMONA | Watford | 01923 805495
Interested in a worthwhile career in care Then visit bmcarejobscouk for further details
Follow us on
Purpose built private care homes for older people Exclusive locations 24hr person centred care and support from experienced staff Specialist dementia care in safe purpose designed environments Short stay respite and holiday breaks available Fully inclusive dining and laundry services Affordable fully inclusive weekly rates BampM Care have an industry envied staff training programme
b a n d m c a r e b a n d m c a r e
b m c a r e h o m e s
OVER 65s 2015 2030
194300
290900
65
19
17
6857
2
2
201718
18
6201415
Total income = pound8169mTotal income = pound8200m
Council tax
Revenue Support Grant
Other Government Grants
Business Rates
Other Income Bill for 201617
pound118662
Bill for 201718
pound124583
pound2361199 Council tax increase
pound35603 Adult social care precept increase
pound29474
pound5840
pound17226
pound56053 pound7438
pound2745
pound282
Childrenrsquos Services
Fire and Community Protection
Roads and Waste
Adult Care
Libraries and other community services
Public Health
Registrars and Coroner
pound5525
Financing and support for front line services
Helping to protect services for older and vulnerable people
How our sources of funding have changed
Where we spend your money
Once again we have taken steps to help meet the growing needs of elderly people in the county
The number of people with physical disabilities mental health needs and those people who require our services has also grown
The government recently changed the rules to allow local authorities to raise extra money to pay for these escalating costs This dedicated fund known as the adult social care precept can now be set at 3 of council tax ndash a 1 increase from last year
County council tax for band D households
An extra 1 on the social care precept will cost a band D taxpayer 23p a week around half the cost of a pint of milk and raise more than pound5m which will be ring-fenced to deliver crucial adult social care services
Chris Hayward Cabinet Member for Resources said ldquoThe money that this additional adult social care precept generates will be ring-fenced to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residentsrdquo
Other council tax bands are proportionate to this wwwhertfordshiregovukcounciltax
pound124583 for band D households
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 11
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
Simon (centre) and his dog Fido (left)
Hundreds of volunteers across Hertfordshire are making a positive impact on their communities by giving up their time to help Hertfordshire County Council deliver important services to peopleSimon and his dog Fido volunteer for Pets As Therapy classes at the Stevenage Resource Centre The programme is designed to help people in the community through the visits of trusted volunteers with their specially trained pets
Simon wanted to offer something back to the community after he received rehabilitation treatment at the centre following a stroke that left him in need of a wheelchair
ldquoOver several years the staff worked with me and helped me to learn to walk and talk again as well as giving me the emotional support I needed during my darkest daysrdquo he said
When he was feeling better he got a rescue dog Fido who had such a kind nature that he decided to get him trained for the Pets As Therapy programme
Simon and Fido regularly visit several of the day services and supported living units and the people there are always delighted to see them
Simon added ldquoI love volunteering I really like the company of others and meeting new people I see this as my opportunity to give something back to the community that helped me so muchrdquo
For more information about Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering and to find a volunteering opportunity that works for you go to wwwhertfordshiregovukvolunteering
Check for social media updates by searching for hertsyov
Put your mobile phone away while driving
Hertfordshire County Council is urging motorists to put their mobile phones away before they start their journeyItrsquos illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving Research has shown that a driver who texts and drives is 13 times more likely to be involved in a collision and their reaction times in emergencies are often even longer than drivers under the influence of alcohol according to Coventry Universityrsquos Centre for Mobility and Transport
Yet despite the risks a quarter of Hertfordshire drivers admit to using their handheld mobile phones behind the wheel
The Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership which includes the county council fire and rescue service and the police is running a campaign to ensure that drivers understand the law and are aware of the dangers of driving while distracted
The penalties for being caught using a handheld phone behind the wheel are doubling ndash that means a pound200 fine and six points on your licence
To support the campaign please share putitaway messages on social media or visit wwwhertfordshiregovukputitaway
Volunteers making a difference
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 9
bull Residential Respite and Day Care
bull Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care
bull Competitive fee rates not for profit
I never thought Irsquod make so many friends in a care home
Real life experiences at Quantum Care Homes
We have 26 Homes in Hertfordshire amp surrounding areas
Tel 01707 393293 email infoquantumcarecouk
Quantum Care homes provide a friendly stimulating atmosphere with the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable homely environment
We choose dedicated well-trained staff for whom caring is more than just a job and locations which are in the heart of their local communities
For more information on any of our homes or services
wwwquantumcarecouk
Your familylife couldchange a lifeA unique scheme that helps people recover from mental ill health is looking for families with spare rooms in Hertfordshire
For someone who is suffering from mental ill health the thought of a stay in hospital can be quite daunting and not always the best way of providing care at this time
The chance to spend a few weeks in a caring family environment as an alternative to hospital admission can make all the difference to someonersquos recovery
The Trust arranges placements for adult service users to spend time with a family They will take part in all aspects of family life from cooking meals together to shopping and leisure activities As a Host Family you will receive payment and support from specialist mental health professionals
If you would like to find out more aboutbeing a host family contact Host Familiescoordinator Nosheen Zia Ul-Haq on 07768 131 413 or email hostfamilieshpftnhsuk
Host Families _A5 Advert 2017indd 1 09022017 162843
w w w b m c a r e c o u k
BampM CARE ARE A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN CARE HOMES PROVIDER WITH OVER 40 YEARSrsquo EXPERIENCE OF CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Care that makes a difference
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL AND
DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
23 care homes across Herts Bucks Berks amp Northants
MONTROSE | Watford | 01923 804337
TARArsquoS RETREAT | Sandridge | 01727 850527
GREENHILL | Barnet | 020 8449 8849
ST JOSEPHS | Tring | 01442 823159
ST MATTHEWS | Redbourn | 01582 792042
CLARE LODGE | St Albans | 01727 864379
MILFORD LODGE | Hitchin | 01462 432524
ASHLYNS | Berkhamsted | 01442 870565
HILLVIEW | Ware | 01920 469428
THE LODGE | Hemel Hempstead | 01442 244722
WILLOWTHORPE | Stanstead Abbotts | 01920 871811
ST ANDREWS | Welwyn | 01707 324208
ST CATHARINES | Broxbourne | 01992 462224
TREMONA | Watford | 01923 805495
Interested in a worthwhile career in care Then visit bmcarejobscouk for further details
Follow us on
Purpose built private care homes for older people Exclusive locations 24hr person centred care and support from experienced staff Specialist dementia care in safe purpose designed environments Short stay respite and holiday breaks available Fully inclusive dining and laundry services Affordable fully inclusive weekly rates BampM Care have an industry envied staff training programme
b a n d m c a r e b a n d m c a r e
b m c a r e h o m e s
OVER 65s 2015 2030
194300
290900
65
19
17
6857
2
2
201718
18
6201415
Total income = pound8169mTotal income = pound8200m
Council tax
Revenue Support Grant
Other Government Grants
Business Rates
Other Income Bill for 201617
pound118662
Bill for 201718
pound124583
pound2361199 Council tax increase
pound35603 Adult social care precept increase
pound29474
pound5840
pound17226
pound56053 pound7438
pound2745
pound282
Childrenrsquos Services
Fire and Community Protection
Roads and Waste
Adult Care
Libraries and other community services
Public Health
Registrars and Coroner
pound5525
Financing and support for front line services
Helping to protect services for older and vulnerable people
How our sources of funding have changed
Where we spend your money
Once again we have taken steps to help meet the growing needs of elderly people in the county
The number of people with physical disabilities mental health needs and those people who require our services has also grown
The government recently changed the rules to allow local authorities to raise extra money to pay for these escalating costs This dedicated fund known as the adult social care precept can now be set at 3 of council tax ndash a 1 increase from last year
County council tax for band D households
An extra 1 on the social care precept will cost a band D taxpayer 23p a week around half the cost of a pint of milk and raise more than pound5m which will be ring-fenced to deliver crucial adult social care services
Chris Hayward Cabinet Member for Resources said ldquoThe money that this additional adult social care precept generates will be ring-fenced to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residentsrdquo
Other council tax bands are proportionate to this wwwhertfordshiregovukcounciltax
pound124583 for band D households
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 11
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
w w w b m c a r e c o u k
BampM CARE ARE A TRUSTED FAMILY RUN CARE HOMES PROVIDER WITH OVER 40 YEARSrsquo EXPERIENCE OF CARING FOR OLDER PEOPLE
Care that makes a difference
PROVIDERS OF QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL AND
DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
FOR OLDER PEOPLE
23 care homes across Herts Bucks Berks amp Northants
MONTROSE | Watford | 01923 804337
TARArsquoS RETREAT | Sandridge | 01727 850527
GREENHILL | Barnet | 020 8449 8849
ST JOSEPHS | Tring | 01442 823159
ST MATTHEWS | Redbourn | 01582 792042
CLARE LODGE | St Albans | 01727 864379
MILFORD LODGE | Hitchin | 01462 432524
ASHLYNS | Berkhamsted | 01442 870565
HILLVIEW | Ware | 01920 469428
THE LODGE | Hemel Hempstead | 01442 244722
WILLOWTHORPE | Stanstead Abbotts | 01920 871811
ST ANDREWS | Welwyn | 01707 324208
ST CATHARINES | Broxbourne | 01992 462224
TREMONA | Watford | 01923 805495
Interested in a worthwhile career in care Then visit bmcarejobscouk for further details
Follow us on
Purpose built private care homes for older people Exclusive locations 24hr person centred care and support from experienced staff Specialist dementia care in safe purpose designed environments Short stay respite and holiday breaks available Fully inclusive dining and laundry services Affordable fully inclusive weekly rates BampM Care have an industry envied staff training programme
b a n d m c a r e b a n d m c a r e
b m c a r e h o m e s
OVER 65s 2015 2030
194300
290900
65
19
17
6857
2
2
201718
18
6201415
Total income = pound8169mTotal income = pound8200m
Council tax
Revenue Support Grant
Other Government Grants
Business Rates
Other Income Bill for 201617
pound118662
Bill for 201718
pound124583
pound2361199 Council tax increase
pound35603 Adult social care precept increase
pound29474
pound5840
pound17226
pound56053 pound7438
pound2745
pound282
Childrenrsquos Services
Fire and Community Protection
Roads and Waste
Adult Care
Libraries and other community services
Public Health
Registrars and Coroner
pound5525
Financing and support for front line services
Helping to protect services for older and vulnerable people
How our sources of funding have changed
Where we spend your money
Once again we have taken steps to help meet the growing needs of elderly people in the county
The number of people with physical disabilities mental health needs and those people who require our services has also grown
The government recently changed the rules to allow local authorities to raise extra money to pay for these escalating costs This dedicated fund known as the adult social care precept can now be set at 3 of council tax ndash a 1 increase from last year
County council tax for band D households
An extra 1 on the social care precept will cost a band D taxpayer 23p a week around half the cost of a pint of milk and raise more than pound5m which will be ring-fenced to deliver crucial adult social care services
Chris Hayward Cabinet Member for Resources said ldquoThe money that this additional adult social care precept generates will be ring-fenced to protect our elderly and most vulnerable residentsrdquo
Other council tax bands are proportionate to this wwwhertfordshiregovukcounciltax
pound124583 for band D households
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 11
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
From local schools and libraries to support for elderly and vulnerable people and maintaining the roads and pavements Hertfordshire County Council delivers a range of local services to more than one million people who live work and travel in the county Wersquove put together this illustration to give you an idea of just some of the things we do across the county every year as well as a focus on some of the more specialist services we offer
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos budget is funded mainly from money received from residents through council tax with additional funds from some local business rates and grants received from central government
For more information on our services visit wwwhertfordshiregovukwhatwedo
bull It can cost around pound200000 per year to support those individuals with the most complicated and complex needs
bull 15570 people with a learning or physical disability are supported both at home and in care homes
bull We arrange 15000 home care visits every day
Spring 201712 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 13
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
Report fraud online wwwhertfordshiregovukfraud or by calling us on 0300 123 4033
KNOW A CHEATON YOUR STREET
FRAUDThey are a cheater Report them now
HOUSING amp TENANCY
Do you know someone who lied to get a council property Do you someone who lied to get a discount to buy their Council House
SPOT THE
From rubbish to riches
Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes once you throw it away Did you know that once it is recycled a plastic bottle is transformed into all sorts of useful everyday products including toys clothing and kitchen utensils Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdateme
wwwwasteawareorguk
New child protection service applauded for ground-breaking work
Hertfordshire County Council has radically reformed its approach to child protection National Chief Social Worker for Children and Families Isabelle Trowler praised the new service for its ldquoherculean effortrdquo in delivering ldquoincredible outcomesrdquo for vulnerable children
Following the reforms childrenrsquos social workers now work alongside experts in mental health substance misuse and domestic abuse This joint working has transformed the lives of Hertfordshirersquos most vulnerable children and families
bull the need for individual child protection plans has fallen by 49 per cent
bull the number of children looked after in care or in foster homes has reduced by 10 per cent
Its journey starts in your recycling box along with other recyclables
Once they are collected theyrsquore taken to a recycling facility where the items are separated from other recyclable waste
either by hand or by machine
This way of working saves taxpayersrsquo money and improves outcomes Costs fell by pound36m last year as a result of reduced placement costs spending less on agency staff and more efficient working
Plastics can be recycled into so many items Clothing t-shirts toys chairs and tables headphones kitchen utensils paint pots car parts cuddly toys filling for duvets and sleeping bags pens and pencils building materials such as fencing flooring piping garden furniture buckets and of course more plastic bottles and packaginghellip the possibilities are endless
bull the number of repeat police call outs to homes due to domestic abuse has dropped by 67 per cent
bull school attendance has increased by 36 per cent
Richard Roberts Cabinet Member for Childrenrsquos Services said ldquoThis ground-breaking work with our most challenged and struggling families is protecting children and keeping families together The results speak for themselves with huge improvements in parental behaviours that benefit the child and help the family thriverdquo
For more information on the Family Safeguarding project or to seek further help and advice please visit wwwhertsfamilysafeguardingcouk
All the plastics are then baled and transferred to the reprocessing plant where they use the latest technology
and equipment to separate plastics by colour and type
After sorting the plastic is shredded washed and melted into compounds
ready for transportation to its final destination However this is not the end of the recycling journey itrsquos also
the beginning
360 plastic bottles 25 plastic bottles
make 1 picnic table
make 1 jacket
make 1 chair
1400 plastic bottles
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 15
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
Got a job to do Get it done by a trustworthy local business
Just like Mark Hopkinson Domestic Gas Heating Engineer all our traders in Hertfordshire have been assessed and checked by Which trading standards professionals and Hertfordshire trading standards before being given our seal of approval
So whether yoursquore after a plumber electrician roofer or mechanic finding a trader in Hertfordshire whorsquos up to the mark couldnrsquot be easier
To find out more call 01707 292 429 or visit whichtrustedtraderscouk
TRADING STANDARDS
APPROVED
MARK HOPKINSON DOMESTIC GAS
HEATING ENGINEERSTEVENAGE
Find a trustworthy local trader
whichtrustedtraderscoukStop looking Start finding
HCC Horizonindd 1 05012017 1426
When 60-year-old Letchworth resident Penny Horley retired from her job as a supermarket shelf-stacker she knew her life would become less active as a result
She decided to take up a fitness activity and looked at what exercise classes were available in her local area Penny discovered a local bootcamp activity part of the Get Active North Herts programme and partly funded by Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Public Health service She decided to give the classes a try
ldquoIt was the first time Irsquod done something like this so it was dauntingrdquo said Penny
She has now been attending sessions since April and taking part in the classes has given her a real sense of achievement
Penny said ldquoThe sessions are very supportive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities and time really flies I feel so much
happier ndash my energy levels are better Irsquom much fitter and I feel more positiverdquo
Cabinet Member for Public Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoThis is just one of many health-related district activities taking place across Hertfordshire that are supported by funding from the county council
ldquoWorking in partnership in this way means that we can build healthier communities and make a real difference to our residentsrsquo wellbeingrdquo
To find out about activities in your area visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
You can also check your own health score and find out how you can change your life by completing the quiz at wwwnhsukoneyouhay
Exciting opportunities are available for people to become apprentices in the county this year
Senior Human Resources Officer Holly De Boise has worked for Hertfordshire County Council for over 10 years and has first-hand experience of the advantages an apprenticeship can offer
She said ldquoIn my early twenties I wasnrsquot sure what I wanted to do Working at the council and having the opportunity for further education and training has given me the confidence to apply for more senior rolesrdquo
Next month the government is introducing the Apprenticeship Levy which requires many large employers within the UK to invest in apprenticeships
The levy provides an opportunity for the council to continue to develop its well-established apprenticeship scheme and create even more opportunities for both new and current employees
Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos ambition is to increase the availability and breadth of apprenticeships whether you are a school leaver looking for a career change or to develop skills and experience you already have
After completing a Business Administration Diploma Apprenticeship and gaining a degree in Human Resources Holly has successfully worked her way up to her current role where she is now supporting the implementation of the Apprenticeship Levy
For more information about council apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy please visit wwwhertfordshiregovukapprenticeshiplevy
Apprenticeships are changing
Sign up at wwwhertfordshiregovukupdatemeHolly De Boise
Yoursquore never too old to give things a try
Penny Horley
wwwhertfordshiregovuk 17
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
Do you need a copy
birth death marriage or civil partnership certificateAll birth death marriage and civil partnership registers of events that occurred in Hertfordshire since 1837 are held at the Hertfordshire Registration Certificate Archive at The Old Courthouse in Hatfield
Whether you require a copy of your own certificate or are working on your family tree we can help You can order and pay for your copy certificate online at wwwhertfordshiregovukregistercertificatesOnline orders cost just pound15
You must know the date and place in Hertfordshire where the birth death marriage or civil partnership occurred and the name(s) of the person(s) involved
Tel 0300 123 4045 option 2
Pleasecall us on
0800917 0925to find out more
We need foster carers for teenagers amp siblings who can give them a safe loving and caring home
Whatrsquos top of their wish list
Hertfordshire County Councilwwwhertfordshiregovukfosteringwishlist
wwwfacebookcomhertfordshirefosteringHCCFosterAdopt
Firefighters help older people stay safe and well
Sawbridgeworth resident Sue Fleming gave up smoking using e-cigarettes for her 50th birthday and she hasnrsquot looked back
She said ldquoAt first I was worried about making the switch because I wasnrsquot sure if e-cigarettes were safe but Hertfordshirersquos Stop Smoking Service helped me The Stop Smoking Service was fantastic really giving me the confidence to go for it and keeping me on track Irsquom so pleased I gave up smoking itrsquos made such an amazing difference to my health Things taste much better I go to the gym and do yoga now and I donrsquot get out of breath like I used tordquo
Hertfordshirersquos Cabinet Member for Public
Health Teresa Heritage said ldquoSince Public Health joined the county council four years ago we have made real headway in reducing smoking rates across the county and thousands of people are now leading happier healthier lives as a result
ldquoVaping isnrsquot for everyone but therersquos good evidence that e-cigarettes are much much safer than smoking and can help people quit tobaccordquo
For advice about e-cigs and help to quit visit wwwhertfordshire govukstopsmoking
Canrsquot give up smoking Thought about e-cigs
Hertfordshire residents can now learn about more than just fire safety when they receive a home visit from firefighters
Fire crews have been trained to give essential advice to vulnerable residents ndash including tips on keeping warm in the winter eating and drinking properly preventing falls and avoiding loneliness as part of the Safe and Well project They can also refer residents to specialist support if necessaryPlans are now in place to roll out the project run by the County Councilrsquos Fire and Rescue and Public Health services across the countyCabinet Member for Community Protection Richard Thake said ldquoWe carry out around 7000 home fire safety visits each year to identify potential fire risksldquoThe people most at risk of fire are also the people most at risk of other health problems so this joint initiative is a great opportunity to keep older people healthy and help them remain safe and well in their own homesrdquo To request a safe and well visit which includes a home fire safety check please visit wwwhertfordshiregovuksafeandwell or call 0300 123 40 46For information about other health initiatives in Hertfordshire visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhealthinherts
Win a side-splitting family night out to see Dick amp Dom Live
This May The Spotlight in Broxbourne presents Dick amp Dom live on stage Dick amp Dom the BAFTA award winning legends of kids TV are about to be unleashed on the nation in a brand new live show The stars of such memorable shows such as Diddy TV Absolute Genius with Dick amp Dom Splatalot and of course Dick amp Dom in Da Bungalow will bring their own
brand of madness and mayhem to the stage The Spotlight is offering a free family ticket (two adults and two children) to see the show on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm To enter the draw simply answer the following question Which award did Dick amp Dom win
a) The Nobel prize b) A BAFTA c) A Grammy
The prize draw will be held on 7 April 2017 To enter email your answer to horizonshertfordshiregovuk or on a postcard to Dick amp Dom competition Room 322 County Hall Pegs Lane Hertford SG13 8DE Please include a daytime telephone number You can also enter via Facebook Leave your answer on our competition-related post at wwwfacebookcomhertscountycouncil You can also purchase tickets for the show by visiting Broxbourne Councilrsquos website wwwbroxbournegovuk and clicking on The Spotlight link or call 01992 441946
Spring 201718
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
In addition to the programme of routine maintenance work on Hertfordshirersquos roads this year we have
bull cleared 14 miles of ditches
bull trimmed 94 miles of hedges
bull refreshed 559 miles of road markings
bull dug out 2300 roadside drains
Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for the maintenance of over 3000 miles of roads the same distance in footways and cycle paths 110000 street lights 660 sets of traffic lights 165000 road gullies and 1800 bridges and other structures
Hertfordshirersquos roads get a makeover
This year we spent pound3m on a one-off programme to make sure our highways are not just well maintained but also look good
Hertfordshire County Council has visited every one of the 86000 road signs in the county and where required cleaned them changed bulbs in lit signs and carried out some repairs or replacements Faded road markings have been repainted plants and vegetation cut back and hedges and weeds removed from the roadside To help improve drainage wersquove also cleared gullies and ditches of debris and fallen leaves that may cause blockages
Terry Douris Cabinet Member for Highways said ldquoWe know how important well-maintained roads and footpaths are to our quality of life in Hertfordshire Our highways are among the busiest in the country so itrsquos vital we keep motorists cyclists and pedestrians on the move and help make the county a more attractive place to live and workrdquo
For more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovukhighways
Growth deal set to boost economic development and employment throughout the county
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured pound4395m on top of an existing allocation of pound2215m from the Governmentrsquos Local Growth Fund to invest in people places and businesses over the next five years
Nearly half of the latest funding will support the regeneration of Stevenage (pictured) with the remainder to be invested in key projects across the county Additional investment will also be made in further
education colleges to help ensure that the skills and development of students are tailored to meet the current and future needs of local employers The funding will also be used to help deliver thousands of new apprenticeships as well as infrastructure to relieve congestion and
unlock future growth
David Williams Hertfordshire County Councilrsquos Cabinet Member for Enterprise Education and Skills and Hertfordshire LEP Board Member said ldquoThe announcement of additional funding is great news for Hertfordshire We want residents to have the opportunity to live prosperous lives and the
regeneration of our town centres is vital for our future economic
prosperityrdquo
Hertfordshire LEP has secured a total growth deal package to date of pound26545m for the county The total expanded Growth Deal has the capacity to deliver over 11000 new jobs and unlock pound460m public and private investment by 2021
For more information visit wwwhertfordshirelepcom
Maintaining Hertfordshirersquos roads Hertfordshire is one of the busiest
counties in the country with more than 3000 miles of roads supporting millions of car journeys and almost three times the national average of lorries travelling through the county
Hertfordshire County Council aims to keep highways in as good condition as possible
and last year we resurfaced almost two million square metres of road
In addition to the money we have budgeted for maintenance work this year we have an additional pound12m from the Department of Transportrsquos Pothole Action Fund which will help fix Hertfordshirersquos potholes
To find out how we inspect and repair potholes watch our video wwwbitlyfixpotholes
To report faults on the highway go to wwwhertfordshiregovukhighwayfaults
Lighting the way with LEDs The remainder of Hertfordshirersquos old-style streetlights
will be changed to LEDs over the next three years saving millions of pounds over their lifetime and reducing our carbon footprint
LEDs ndash or light emitting diodes ndash are cheaper to run improve visibility and reduce light pollution compared to conventional sodium lamps They are more reliable and environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights There are already more than 40000 LED streetlights in Hertfordshire with almost 70000 more streetlights to be converted
As well as allowing us to monitor streetlights from a central point which cuts inspection costs the LEDs can also be dimmed This means we can vary light levels on roads during the night without switching streetlights off A recent pilot study found that dimming LEDs by 25 per cent is barely noticeable but saves on energy costs
Find out more on wwwhertfordshiregovukstreetlights
Improvements set for key east-west roads Plans to improve journey times and reduce congestion for motorists travelling east and west across Hertfordshire are
making good progress
The A120 bypass at Little Hadham has been granted planning permission and will address traffic congestion and reduce flood risk in the village Construction of the scheme a partnership between the county council and Environment Agency could start as soon as next year with the bypass due to open in 2020
Improvements to the A602 which links the A1(M) in Stevenage with the A10 in Ware start this year Plans for two sections of work already have the green light with two more applications to follow The improvements should be completed in 2018
By upgrading transport links between key areas of Hertfordshire we will make travel across the county more predictable and help support economic growthFor more information visit wwwhertfordshiregovuka120 or wwwhertfordshiregovuka602
Spring 201720 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 21
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
March 201715 ndash 18 March 730pm18 March 230pm
The Pirates of PenzanceAbbey Theatre St AlbansOne of Gilbert and Sullivanrsquos enduringly popular operas full of fun and frolicsTickets pound1850For more information contact the box office on 01727 857861 or visit wwwabbeytheatreorguk
18 March 930am - 1pm
Ashwell Flea MarketSt Maryrsquos Church AshwellMany interesting weird and wonderful items for sale at knock-down prices Tea and coffee available All proceeds will go to the Church Restoration AppealFree entry For more information email MCthespringseclipsecouk
Tuesday 21 March 8pm
Preview Itrsquos OK Irsquom Dealing With ItThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadIn a culture obsessed with quick fixes a need for perfection and fake smiles what do we do when things arenrsquot okay With their multi-award winning combination of dance theatre and comedy Cristina and Chess unravel and blow the cover on what it is to be okayTickets pound14 pound12 concession pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Monday 27 ndash Wednesday 29 March 745pm every evening with additional 230pm performance on Wednesday
The Sound of Murder by William FairchildGordon Craig Theatre StevenageCharles Norbury is a successful writer of childrenrsquos books but he doesnrsquot like children An unlovable man he has no friends is arrogant controlling sadistic and cruel His wife starved of love and denied children of her own has met another man In their cottage in Surrey a tape recorder has been left on during a conversation between his wife and her lover in which the latter plans the authorrsquos murder Charlesrsquo secretary listens to the tape and hears the murder plot Tickets various pricesFor more information visit wwwgordon-craigcouk
Tuesday 28 March 730pm
A Midsummer Nightrsquos DreamRhodes Centre Bishops StortfordWilliam Shakespearersquos best loved and most accessible comedy is brought to life on the Rhodes stageTickets Adults pound16 concessions pound14 school performance pound10For more information call the Box Office on 01279 710200 or visit wwwrhodesbishopsstortfordorguk
April 2017Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April 1030am to 5pm
The Big Weekend at St Albans Clock TowerClock Tower High Street St AlbansBe a tourist in St Albans and come and visit the Clock Tower as part of the Big Weekend Discover - or rediscover - the array of fantastic things to see and do and spread the word about your county As part of the ballot for free tickets you can apply for a place on a private guided tour of the Clock Tower For more information about this ballot and all the other opportunities to win free tickets to a variety of places to visit and things to do on your doorstep please see wwwhertsbigweekendcouk
Wednesday 5 April 1pm and 4pm
The Elves and the ShoemakerHertford Theatre HertfordIn this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff a lovable retired shoemaker One day at the bottom of his garden he is visited by two magical friends who help him to recall the old days in the shoe shop reliving the hard times the good times and the magicTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 8 April 5pm
Muso ndash Imperopera Watford Museum Watford Muso invites audiences to explore the museum after dark hunting for buried artefacts A funny and unique way of exploring the museum Suitable for ages 8+Cost pound3 adult pound2 child - booking essentialFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 745pm
Champions of Magic Tour 2017Hertford Theatre HertfordDirect from a hit season in Londonrsquos West End the world-class illusionists that make up the Champions of Magic team make their debut in Hertford for a spectacular night of mysteryTickets various prices For more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
Saturday 22 April 1030am - 4pm
Big Wordfest TearoomWatford Museum Watford The Watford Writers are taking over the Little Gallery Tearoom this month (there will still be yummy homemade cakes and Fairtrade drinks for sale) Suitable for allFreeFor more information please visit wwwwatfordbigeventscoukwatfordmuseum
Saturday 22 April 12pm ndash 4pm
St Georgersquos Family Fun DayGrundy Park CheshuntTraditional English entertainment with a fun re-enactment of the dragon-slaying Punch and Judy and morris dancing Free entryFor more information visit wwwbroxbournegovuk
Saturday 22 April ndash Saturday 6 May
Spring FayreA fortnight of events celebrating the arrival of spring in Tring Includes guided nature and heritage walks For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 28 April 8pm
The 34th Baldock FestivalAt this yearrsquos festival there will be more than 60 wide-ranging and different events over two weeksFor more information visit wwwbaldockfestivalorgwp
May 2017Thursday 4 ndash Sunday 7 May 10am - 5pm
Living CraftsHatfield House HatfieldHundreds of designer-makers showcase British craft with demonstrations workshops and entertainment a creative experience for all the familyFor more information visit wwwlivingcraftscouk
Saturday 6 May
Tring Together Job ShowAfter last yearrsquos resounding success the Job Show returns bigger and better Many local exhibitors a CV clinic and useful workshops all for free For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk
Friday 12 May 8pm
The Biggest Brain QuizNora Grace Hall Faversham Close TringFor a fun-filled night get a team together and join our annual quiz A General Knowledge quiz ndash have you got what it takes to be the Biggest Brain Cash bar on site and snacks providedpound6 per head or pound40 for a table of 8To book tickets email Trishtringtogetherorguk
Sunday 14 May 11am ndash5pm
Ashwell at HomeDiscover the beautiful village of Ashwell in north Hertfordshire A great day out for all the family Price pound6 Under 18s freeFor more information visit wwwashwellathomeorguk
WHATrsquoS ONWe do everything we can to make sure this information is accurate Sometimes changes to events take place without our knowledge Please check with the organiser or venue before you travel
If you have an event which you would like us to include in the next edition of Horizons please email to horizonshertfordshiregovuk
Friday 19 May 8pm
Chopping ChilliesThe Old Town Hall High Street Hemel HempsteadA cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine Katie dreams of curries and chapattis Ajna of holy souls and reincarnationA delightful poetic magical yarn that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London Tickets pound14 pound12 Concs pound10 Dacorum Card pound5 UpStagedFor more information please visit wwwoldtownhallcoukevents
Thursday 25 May 745pm
VentouxHertford Theatre HertfordVentoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani ndash whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seenTickets Various pricesFor more information please call 01992 531500 or visit wwwhertfordtheatrecom
June 2017Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 11am
Watford Race for Life Events Cassiobury Park Watford In 2017 wersquore hoping to see over 7000 women
taking on one of our 5k 10k or Pretty Muddy events in Welwyn Watford Stevenage or St Albans These ladies will be raising vital funds for our life-saving research into all 200 types of cancer As well as helping us to beat cancer sooner they will also be taking important steps towards a fit and healthy lifestyle Race for Life entry Adults pound1499 children pound10 and free for 5yrs and under Pretty Muddy entry pound1999Ladies can sign up at raceforlifeorg
Saturday 10 June ndash Sunday 25 June
Letchworth FestivalA celebration of life in Letchworth Garden City and a chance for the local community to come together and join in a whole range of activities and events over a two-week periodFor more information visit wwwletchworthfestivalorg
15 ndash 17 June 745pm
The Settlement Players present Private Lives by Noeumll CowardThe Letchworth Settlement Nevells Road Letchworth Garden CityA comedy of manners revolving around a divorced couple who while honeymooning with their new spouses discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel One of Cowardrsquos most loved and successful comediesTickets pound8 available from mid-May For more information visit wwwsettlement-playersorguk Tickets also available at Davidrsquos Music Eastcheap LGC
22 ndash 25 June
Tring CarnivalPound Meadow TringThe Carnival week runs from Thursday through to Sunday lunchtime With a procession down Tring High Street and over 80 stalls including craft home deacutecor gardening jewellery and local charities Tring Brewery has a beer tent and there are food and drink stalls galore Competitions and entertainment will go on throughout the day
For more information visit wwwtringtogetherorguk or pick up a Carnival brochure from local Tring businesses
24 June 10am
The Alban Pilgrimage ndash part of Alban WeekendSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JESt Albans Cathedral is delighted to bring you the spectacular Alban Pilgrimage a celebration of the life of Saint Alban who gave the city its name This unique and dramatic event sees giant carnival puppets retrace Albanrsquos last steps and tell his remarkable and moving story Roman chariots centurions lions roses and executioners all take their place in the processionFreeFor more information visit wwwenjoystalbanscom
25 June 12pm ndash 6pm
Alban Street FestivalSt Peterrsquos Street St Albans AL1 3JECelebrating all that is fun and fabulous about St Albans the festival will be staged on a closed to the traffic St Peterrsquos Street and feature a range of creative excitement for residents and visiting guests to take part in and enjoyFree wwwenjoystalbanscom
28 June ndash 9 July various times
IOFringe ndash The St Albans International Organ Festival FringeVarious venues around St Albans City CentreThis is a bi-annual eventAll events are freeFor more information visit wwwfacebookcomIOFringe and wwwlemonrockcomiofringe
Online services and telephone contact numbersRemember many of our services are available at the click of a button on our website ndash go to wwwhertfordshiregovuk and use the search box to find out more
If you have difficulty getting online ask for help and advice at your local library or call the numbers listed here to find out more
You can access our services 24 hours a day at
Admission to schools bull Archives bull Archaeology information and advice bull Birth and death registrations bull Care and support for adults bull Civil marriage and partnership ceremonies bull Countryside management bull Crime prevention bull Education bull Fire and Rescue bull Fostering and adoption bull Footpaths bull Gritting bull Highway (road) maintenance bull Home care bull Libraries bull Money advice bull Naming ceremonies bull Public Health bull Protection for adults and children at risk bull Recycling bull Rights of Way bull Road safety bull Street light maintenance bull Support for schools pupils and parents bull Support for people with disabilities bull Travel and transport bull Waste recycling bull Youth services
General enquiries 0300 123 4040
Textphone users all services 0300 123 4041
Health and community services 0300 123 4042
Childrenrsquos services 0300 123 4043
Fire safety enquiries 0300 123 4046
Environment and roads 0300 123 4047
Education benefits 0300 123 4048
Archives local studies and libraries 0300 123 4049
Passenger transport 0300 123 4050
WasteAware 0300 123 4051
Trading standards 08454 040506 (via Citizensrsquo Advice Consumer Service)
wwwhertfordshiregovukOur helplines are open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays
Spring 201722 wwwhertfordshiregovuk 23
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you
The Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has launched his new Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan Everybodyrsquos Business 2017-2022 The name of the plan has been changed from the Police and Crime Plan to Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan to reflect the new emphasis and path the Commissioner wants to take in the next five years David Lloyd said ldquoThis new plan sets out the strategic direction for community safety and criminal justice across Hertfordshire It will be used by the Chief Constable Charlie Hall to help develop an Operational Policing Plan which will set out how he along with many other partners including our community safety partnerships will deliver on the priorities set out in this planrdquoThe Commissionerrsquos strategies also includes proposals to improve the experience of victims when going through court a more joined-up approach to scammers who prey on the vulnerable and closer relationships with other emergency services like the Fire ServiceYou can find a copy of the plan at wwwhertscommissionerorgplan
Commissioner Launches New Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan
Local Policing Protected through Police Precept IncreaseA key part of the Commissionerrsquos plan is the protection of neighbourhood policing To date the local policing model has remained in place due to prudent savings in the Constabulary and the careful use of reserves
Due to cuts in funds granted to the force by the government and an IT project delay which would have delivered significant savings ndash the PCC has increased the police part of the council tax for the first time in six years to protect local policing in the county
The increase equates to pound5 a year for the average household
David Lloyd said ldquoIrsquove always said I will not charge the residents of Hertfordshire a penny more than needed and that remains the case
Increased pressures on our teams combatting domestic abuse the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults ndash combined with a drop in funding and delays to savings ndash mean we must make this difficult choice
Irsquom pleased to say that local policing will receive the funding because time and again it is the thing residents tell me is most important to themrdquo
To contact the Commissioner or find out more about his work and his new Community Safety and Criminal
Justice Plan visit wwwhertscommissionerorg Email commissionerhertspccpnngovuk
Write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Harpenden Police Station 15 Vaughan Road
Harpenden AL5 4GZ or call 01707 806100 HertsPCC hertspcc
David Lloyd with Julie Wheatley Chief Inspector for North Herts
Did you knowIn the unlikely event of becoming a victim of crime it is important to know that you are entitled to support and services
The Commissioner is keen to ensure people are aware of their rights and entitlements and remain informed on each step of the journey in the aftermath of a crime
A new Victim Information Booklet is now available on this website should you need it wwwhertfordshirebeaconorgbooklet
You are entitled to free support through Beacon - the Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre irrespective of whether you have reported a crime to the Police
Operating out of a single hub in Hertfordshire this service offers a complete lsquowrap-aroundrsquo provision for victims with vulnerable or repeat victims being identified early on for an enhanced care package
The Beacon Helpline is open seven days a week from 7am to 10pm
Helpline 0300 011 5555 (calls charged at local rate)
wwwhertfordshirebeaconorg
Hertfordshire is a safe place to live and work but should you ever become a victim of crime then the Beacon team is available to help you