CHRISTMAS IN HERTS:Top tips to make the most of the festivit ies

Your number one digital and print magazine for all that's best in #Herts

# Panto round-up and the pick of performances

# Gym tips to help beat the festive f lab

# Wine advice to get the best bott les in

# Our unrivalled Main Event guide to all that's on

# HERTSLEISURE | EVENTS | BUSINESS | FASHION | DINING

December 2015

WIN:An exclusive Hashtag pendant from top designer Alyssa Smith

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Sometimes words just aren't enough so take a look at these lovely pictures of a masterpiece in the making.

At #Herts we are truly honoured that top jewellery designer Alyssa Smith has marked the launch of our digital and print title by creating a bespoke item just for us.

Yes that 's right, Alyssa has produced this one of a kind piece to celebrate #Herts.

Now you don't have to take a look at www.alyssasmith.co.uk to realise that this is a very big deal. The woman who has set the business world by storm and who is a designer to the stars has added #Herts to that list and we now have this exclusive piece that #Herts readers can win.

From working with Formula 1 presenter Suzi Perry on their own range of motorsport related items, to appearing currently on TV

show The Money Pit, Alyssa has by way of this success also created a a remarkable list of celebrity clients that includes Theo Paphitis and Chancellor George Osborne (take a look at pages 26 and 27 for our special feature).

Now she has turned her attention to #Herts readers and it 's your turn to wear this exclusive piece from one of the biggest up and coming names in design.

Because #Hert s is out on it s own in t he way t hat it promotes t he

events, businesses and l i fest yle of #Hert s using social media, al l you have t o do t o be in wit h a chance of winning t his amazing it em is t o fol low and retweet us on Twit t er and l ike and share us on Facebook when our compet it ion post s are sent .

The winner will be drawn on Wednesday December 16th and you will get a delightful gift in time for Christmas, courtesy of #Herts and of course Alyssa Smith as well.

The prize that money can't buyWIN AN EXCLUSIVE JEWELLERY MASTERPIECE FROM ALYSSA SMITH IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

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5-7 8-10

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Hello and welcome to this the first edition of #Herts, the publication that combines the best of print and digital to reach the biggest audience in the county with features, business breakthroughs and what to do with your leisure time.

We begin at what for many is the best time of the year as we enter December with the festive season well and truly upon us.

I am delighted to say that this edition is crammed full of suggestions for things to do this month, along with some of the best stories that go to make #Herts the dynamic county that it is.

Indeed along with all the best to keep you entertained, we also have some some great competitions. Who would like to win a bespoke item of jewellery from top young talent Alyssa Smith for starters?

So whether it is a trip to the panto or the cinema, or you are looking for advice from a trusted local business, #Herts is the magazine that will keep you up to date with all the news that you missed, and tell you what 's in store in the weeks ahead.

And don't forget because we use the power of social media follow us on Twitter and Facebook, not just for great excerpts from this magazine and future editions, but for all the latest news and events taking place in the home we call #Herts.

Get in touch:

07539 782979

www.spitf irepr.com

email: darren@spitf irepr.com

Facebook: HashtagHerts

Twitter: @hashtagherts

Darren Ist edEdit or#Hert s

How an old method of t raining has led t o a breakthrough in sport

Our what 's on guide gives you t he lowdown on all t he t op events in #Hert s

JUST A BALL AND A WALL THE MAIN EVENT

# Hello

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Duncan Gammie gives us some top t ips as we plan our fest ive wine shop

I f i t 's Chr istmas it must be panto - and t he great Dame is in rude healt h t his year!

CORKING WINE IDEAS OH YES IT IS!

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How an inspirat ional #Hert s ent repreneur made t he business breakthrough

He's busy but wit h our guide you might just cat ch Santa in #Hert s before t he big day

JEWEL IN THE CROWN SEEKING OUT SANTA

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What is it about a market t hat can of t en be so special?

Of course for many it 's t he very goods t hat are on sale. A farmers' market can of fer a t aste of real qualit y while if you head of f t o a f lea market it can very of t en be t he unexpected t hat draws people in.

At t his t ime of year of course Chr istmas market s hold sway. And it 's hard not t o beat t he t ruly magical atmosphere of one of t hese fest ive gather ings.

Held in lat e November and t hroughout much of December, a Chr istmas market (hopefully wit h a real chil l in t he air ) of fers sight s and sounds only available in t he winter months.

As t hose who have been t o t he major market s abroad wil l t est if y, Chr istmas in #Hert s has upped it 's game and t here is lot s of fun (and bargains) t o be had before t he big day.

What bet t er place t o star t t han Ware which on December 4 wil l kick-of f i t s fest ive celebrat ions wit h a Dickensian evening for which it is now becoming famed. Once t he Mayor has swit ched on t he l ight s t he t own wil l be t ransported back t o Victor ian t imes wit h funfairs, craf t st alls and enough food and dr ink t o t ruly make merry.

I f Dickens isn' t your t hing t hen why not t ry St Albans and it s famed Chr istmas Market t hat runs unt i l Sunday December 20.

With a regular market t hat dates back t o t he 9th Century, St Albans has seen it al l opening f rom 11am-6pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fr iday, 11am-8pm on a Thursday and 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. I t is held in and around t he Vint ry Garden and is great t o t ruly get in t he fest ive mood!

Another great #Hert s t own and another great market is Hit chin. Famed for it s Tuesday market (and on December 22 t his year t here wil l be Gallopers in t he Market Place as well) Hit chin is host ing two ext ra days on December 23 and Chr istmas Eve. So whether it 's a last minute shop or another chance t o sample t hat unique atmosphere just head t o Hit chin.

STABLEYARD IS THE SCENE FOR A VERY MERRY MARKET EXPERIENCE The Stableyard in Hatfield House (pictured below) has a unique market feel all of its own and this December it will be the ideal destination for all things festive. Santa may be busy but you can still see him and check on that present list throughout the month. There are also late openings until 8pm festive surprises with St Albans City Band scheduled to play on the 10th.

DECEMBER AT STABLEYARD3rd Late opening 4th Santa experience 5th Santa and more6th Santa and more 10th Late opening11th Santa experience12th Santa and more13th Santa and more 17th Late Opening 18th Santa experience 19th Antiques Market 20th Farmer 's Market

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Christmas market magic

Wr i t i n g i s on t he w al l

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Wr i t i n g i s on t he w al l

An idea, a ball and a wall

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Interactive rebound wall WallJAM has hit the big time with a starring role in the popular BT sports show Football Tonight. 

The show, hosted by George Lamb, is screened from BT Sport?s state-of-the-art studios in the Olympic Park and WallJAM is proving a big success as stars of sport, stage and screen try their best to record a top score throughout the series.

WallJAM, which will allow players and coaches instant access to top level performance data via a mobile app, was handpicked by presenter Lamb to offer a light-hearted start to the weekend?s football action with star guests current and ex-pro?s competing each week against one another. In the first show of their newly entitled game balls-eye it was Michael Owen who stepped up to set the first score.

Commenting on the impact of WallJAM George said: ?I first saw the WallJAM concept when we were literally having our team meeting and talking about how we wanted something based around a football game for the show. This ticked the box because

this is the next generation. All football shows have guys kicking a football but we wanted to take it a stage further, we?ve got great engineers on it and we wanted to make it look really impressive. The wall looks great and it was wonderful, I?m really looking forward to seeing how it develops in the weeks ahead.?

The debut on the show is the latest stage in the development of the wall which is widely tipped to significantly drive sports participation levels across the UK. WallJAM has already been shortlisted in the Daily Telegraph Sports Technology Awards in the Most Promising Concept category and has attracted a great deal of attention within the leisure and sports sectors.

WallJAM is the brainchild of Tim Worboys, a chartered surveyor turned entrepreneur, who has used a childhood pastime to develop a

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fitness and ball skills product which is now being tipped for big things.

Tim, who lives in Kimpton and is based at the Business Technology Centre in Stevenage said: ?As a kid, I could have easily failed as an academic but sport helped me to focus and succeed in all areas of my school work. Unbeknown to me, the hours spent playing with a ball and a wall built the foundation and set the pathway of my success in adult life. I have no doubt I am not alone in this regard. I believe WallJAM will provide a springboard for embracing a more active lifestyle which can also help some youngsters find their feet academically,? said Tim.

?I love the fact I am able to apply my in-built passion for sport and health to a business that I genuinely believe can make a difference to people?s lives.?

WallJAM?s shape and surface encourages repetition and continuity of play, with an array of impact sensors that are randomly activated with LED lighting. It is both modular and scalable coming in a range of sizes and is suited to both the indoor and outdoor

environment. It offers a number of revenue steams for any would-be buyer and is fast becoming an ideal marketing tool

For further details log on to www.walljam.com

Contact Tim Worboys on 07753 719311

Email: t im@wall jam.com

Twit t er : @wall jammer

"I LOVE THE FACT THAT I AM ABLE TO APPLY MY IN-BUILT PASSION FOR SPORT AND HEALTH TO A BUSINESS THAT I GENUINELY BELIEVE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE'S LIVES"

PANTO SPECIAL:

DICK WHITTINGTON4th Dec - 2 Jan, Wat ford Palace Theat reThe ultimate rags to riches story of a young man and his lucky black cat

PETER PAN4th Dec 2015 ? 3rd Jan, The Alban Arena, St Albans EastEnders' Jake Wood leads an all star cast in this favourite tale

SLEEPING BEAUTY27th Nov - 24th Jan, Gordon Craig Theat re, Stevenage.Wendi Peters of Coronation Street fame stars in this swashbuckling tale

SNOW WHITE AND THE MAGNIFICENT SEVENDec 3 - May 7 The Market Theat re, Hit chinHere we go again with the usual health warnings for the always live Market Theatre Panto

ALADDINDec 11 - Dec 22 Harpenden Public HallsMichelle Heaton stars in this magic carpet ride of a tale

HANSEL AND GRETELDec 5 -Jan 1, Hert ford Theat reThis traditional tale offers sweet toothed songs and giggles by the

sledge-full

CINDERELLADec 16 - Jan 3, Hawthorne Theat re, WGCA slipper, a prince and a grand ball, what more could you want from a panto

ALADDINDec 11 - Jan 3, Wyllyot t s Theat re, Pot t ers BarLet the Genie grant your wish for a magic carpet ride of fun

December 5

THE WATERBOYSWat ford ColosseumA tuneful treat from these musical shape-shifters

JESTERLARF COMEDY CLUBEllen Terry Suit e, Stevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reDave Johns, Danny Ward, Mark Simmons, Ed Gamble Playful and mischievous Geordie and Edinburgh Fringe Award winner Dave Johns unleashes his hilarious brand of effervescent daft and playful comedy. Support comes from Danny Ward with his passive ranting

LITTLE RED RIDING HOODMarket Theat re, Hit chinThe children's Christmas show opens for ages 4-9 and those young at heart

PANWat ford Palace Theat reFilm

THE LADY OF THE CAMELLIASWat ford Palace Theat reFilm - Delayed Live screening

OF MICE AND MENWat ford Palace Theat reFilm - Delayed Live screening

December 6

TO CATCH A THIEFBroadway CinemaFilm

FOLLOWING THE STARHit chin Chr ist ian Cent re, Bedford Road, Hit chinTeddy and Onesie Concert with The Kings Chamber Orchestra

SILENT NIGHTHit chin Chr ist ian Cent re, Bedford Road, Hit chinWith The Kings Chamber Orchestra - a musical journey through time and space searching for the real

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YOUR GUIDE TO THE UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTS

The Main Event

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Christmas.

December 8

JANE EYREWat ford Palace Theat reFilm

JANE EYREBroadway Cinema, Let chworthFilm

GRAND CHRISTMAS PARTYNorth Hert s College At r ium, Hit chinJoin Hitchin Light Orchestra and special guests WD Radio

December 10

CHRISTMAS WITH BUTLERS IN THE BUFFPi Bist ro Restaurant , Stevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reAn evening of muscle and music introducing 'Butlers in the Buff '. Highly professional, and cheeky

THE MARTIANWat ford Palace Theat reFilm

CHRISTMAS AT WOODSIDE (also December 11, 12)Woodside Hall, Walsworth Road, Hit chinJoin Hitchin Thespians for an evening of holiday entertainment

FUNKY STRINGSWalsworth Road Bapt ist Church, Hit chinIncluding WD Vocal Project and Garage Clarinets Beautiful concert

WATFORD PHILHARMONIC SOCIETYWat ford ColosseumThe choir and orchestra of Watford Philharmonic Society return

December 11

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACHQueen Mother Theat re, Hit chin

FIDELIO TRIOBenslow Music, Hit chinPlaying Debussy, Satie and Schoenberg

December 12 &13

FESTIVE FOOD & FUN WEEKENDHit chin Market PlaceThe giant Snow Globe experience will be in the Market Place all weekend. Have your photo taken throwing snowballs at your friends. There will also be street entertainers, choirs, live music on stage and delicious street food and drink.

December 12

AN EVENING WITH NOEL FIELDINGConcert Hall, Stevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reNoel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Luxury Comedy) is embarking on his first Live tour in five years. Expect a magical mix of Noel's unique brand of stand up comedy, live animation, music and some of Fielding's best known TV characters (such as The Moon and Fantasy Man)

VIVACE AT CHRISTMASTilehouse St reet Bapt ist ChurchA Christmas concert with Vivace and guests the Mid Herts Music Centre Girls' Chamber Choir with conductor Joe Bolger

December 13

ANDY WILLIAMS' CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR STARRING THE OSMONDSWat ford ColosseumJimmy, Merrill and Jay star in this

festive treat

CHARITY CAROL CONCERTSpirella Ballroom, Let chworthFestive music from the Salvation Army

THE NUTCRACKERWat ford PalaceTheat reFilm - Delayed Live screening

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREETWat ford Palace Theat reFilm

December 14&15

THE WALKWat ford Palace Theat reFilm

December 16

THE NUTCRACKERBroadway Cinema, Let chworthBallet from the Royal Opera House

SUFFRAGETTE (16-20)FilmWat ford Palace Theat re

December 17

LIVE WIRESBroadway Hotel Let chworthLive music and a meal

December 18

THE CHICAGO CHRISTMAS BALL (And Dec 19)Concert Hall, Stevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reStep back into 1920's America and dance the night away. Perfect for

The Main EventYOUR GUIDE TO THE UNMISSABLE EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTS

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The Main EventYOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE NOT TO MISS EVENTS IN YOUR PART OF #HERTSChristmas parties or a night out with friends. The Evening will include a 3 course meal, Live entertainment and Disco until 1am

ALEX BAY AND FRIENDSJolly Brown, Hit chinBring your own bottle and cushion, in aid of Garden House Hospice

December 19

THE GALLOPERSMarket Place, Hit chinTraditional historic fairgorund attraction

CAROLS ON THE HOURSt Albans CathedralTake a break from the shopping with each service lasting 30 minutes

December 20

AN ALBION CHRISTMASHit chin Folk Club

December 21

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (From Dec 21-Dec 28, not 24th or 25th)Wat ford ColosseumOne of the most popular Xmas films comes to the stage

December 24

CHRISTMAS EVE MARKETHit chin Market

December 31

THAT'LL BE THE DAY NEW YEAR'S EVE EXTRAVAGANZAConcert Hall, Stevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reThe hosts are teaming up once again with 'That 'll Be The Day' for the 12th year running

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTYWat ford ColosseumFizz, fire, food and fun to see in the New Year

January 2-3

THE JERSEY NIGHTSWat ford ColosseumThe smash hit show straight from the US

January 17

Ult imate BubleWat ford ColosseumTop tribute includes three course lunch

January 23

THAT'LL BE THE DAYWyllyot t s Theat re30th anniversary special of the popular show

January 29

T-REXTASYStevenage Art s and Leisure Cent reLet the magic of Marc Bolan live

January 30

SARAH MILLICANWat ford ColosseumDon't miss the chance to see this popular comic

February 5

SOUL LEGENDSWyllyot t s Theat reDirect from the US, the best that soul has to offer

February 6

ROY ORBISON & THE TRAVELLING WILBURYSWyllyot t s Theat reA top tribute to the band of musical stars that never toured

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STAG CANDLE HOLDER MARKS AND SPENCER £69

SMALL GLOBE MONEY BOXMARKS AND SPENCER £15

HARE BUTTER DISHWHITESTUFF £25

AT HOME WITH ASHLEY THOMAS PRESENT SACKDEBENHAMS £32

BARRA CHAIR IN TORRIN PLAID, RUBYMARKS AND SPENCER £999

COPPER & GLASS BOXWHITESTUFF £25

Festive fun

AT HOME WITH ASHLEY THOMAS CUSHIONDEBENHAMS £28

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The Vine Leaves has an amazing f irst yearDINING IN #HERTS: THE VINE LEAVES, HARPENDEN

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A restaurant which has become one of the most talked about new venues outside of London marked its first anniversary recently.

The Vine Leaves based in Vaughan Road, Harpenden, has taken little time to rise the ranks on review sites and through social media and has become the place to come and sample a unique fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine cooked using European influences.

Developed by Firas and Emile, who met six years ago while they worked at the Fifth Floor Restaurant at London?s Harvey Nichols, The Vine Leaves is the culmination of hard work and a determination to raise the standard of food while also presenting it in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.

Commenting on the development of The Vine Leaves, Firas said: ?We wanted to produce a concept which was different, developing food that has been inherited from recipes held by our mothers and grandmothers. Both our

backgrounds are in European cuisine and our ingredients and presentation have a similar style so this with a fusion of authentic Middle Eastern recipes makes us truly unique.?

The celebration was marked with music, good food and drink and an invitation to the already loyal army of customers who delight in the authentic surroundings. And present on the evening was Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Nicola Linacre.

Commenting on the event Cllr Linacre said: ?It is always a delight to come to The Vine Leaves and a pleasure to see that independent business can have such a positive impact on Harpenden. The support of places such as this is vital if our

high street is to stay as vibrant as it is.?

With a menu that changes frequently and accompanying wines from the Middle East, there is always something new to come back and experience, and with the anniversary celebrated, there are more surprises ahead.

For fur t her details contact The Vine Leaves on 01582 760749or email bookings@thevineleaves.co.uk

Quality dining that takes the crownDINING IN #HERTS: THE CROWN ASTON END

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Andrew and Claire bought The Crown freehold of The Crown Aston End in late August 2012. They have always worked in hospitality and for the last 20 years have both enjoyed successful careers in pub and hotel management. During October and November 2012 The Crown was carefully repaired and refurbished by local tradesmen and has now been restored to a beautiful, modern Victorian property. The

recycled dark wood tables and upholstered dining chairs with a rustic mix of tartan arm chairs in the bar area and around the fully restored fireplace is now the ideal place to relax with friends and enjoy a light meal or drink. Many local black and white photos on the walls tell the story of Aston and Aston End through the ages.

In the summer of 2013 the refurbishment continued outside

and new rattan patio furniture arrived along with brand new garden seating for over 200 people in April 2014. With cream umbrellas by day and illuminated trees and candlelit lanterns sparkling by night the 50 seat courtyard is now Stevenage's hot spot in the country.

The passion at The Crown is for fresh British food served simply yet cooked to perfection, where taste is paramount and service is consistently great.

Claire and Andrew say: ?We firmly believe in serving top quality fresh food, with great emphasis on efficient, yet relaxed, service in comfortable, warm, unpretentious surroundings...a great place for all the family where everyone is welcome.

"Although amazing food, ales and wines is at the heart of what we do, we're focused on offering our customers everything they expect from our village pub in the

country - a place where we know your name and you know ours, with well kept real ales, sourced from local breweries, a well priced wine list, good selection of soft drinks, teas and excellent Lavazza coffees.

With monthly events ranging from music quizzes to live acoustic singers and guitarists, charity events and bouncy castle family fun days there's always something happening at The Crown, and always something to look forward to.

The Crown56 Long Lane, Aston End,Stevenage,Hert s SG2 7HD

01438 880060

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Cheers to a festive wine selection

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December is by far one of the best months of the year for home cooking. Each family has their own foodie traditions and favourite dishes. This also makes December the best month to have some truly brilliant wines as they are capable of taking a good meal and making it great, complimenting and contrasting the various components stacked highly on your plate. 

As much as I personally love Champagne, it would be wrong for me recommend it. Right now the world loves Prosecco, it?s fresh, approachable and offers the joy of bubbles without the headiness of Champagne. Our Prosecco Super iore DOCG by Nardi Giordano (£15) is a premium Prosecco ideal for special occasions,

with the quality of champagne but at half the price.

A lot of the food you are going to be serving is going to be weighty and complex, I would recommend white wines with similar qualities to match. If you can?t leave classics like a New Zealand Sauv Blanc, try our Sauvignon Blanc ?La St rada? by Fromm (£13) this award winning wine offers much more body, perfect for that flavoursome turkey. For the adventurous types, Sauvignon/ Chardonnay/ Gewurzt raminer by Bodegas Pir ineos (£9.60) is a brilliant Christmas wine. Three different varieties each adding something special to the blend resulting in a fresh but textured wine perfect for any salmon starters. 

For red wine drinkers my Christmas favourite is Source de Rouge by Chateau Ka (£11.50) this Lebanese blend of Cab Sauv/Merlot/Syrah is full bodied with approachable tannin and offers great quality in comparison to similarly priced Bordeaux?s. Alternatively Mencia by Bodegas Merayo (£9.50) is often thought of as the Pinot Noir of Spain, a great lighter option with pronounced red fruit notes. 

People are often scared of sweet wines because it can be very difficult to find the right one. For cheeses or fruit crumbles our Ice Cider by the Somerset Cider Brandy Company (£15) is a phenomenal match, often described as a sweet cider on steroids.

Dun can Gam m ie f rom aw ard w in n in g w in e m erchan t WINE2LAYDOWN t ak es a l ook at som e of t he best w in es t o m ak e a f am i l y gat her in g great t h i s Ch r i st m as

Secret garden tips

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Enjoy your garden

The cold weather may have finally arrived and the frosts of winter are here but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy gardens. Keep an eye out for any gardens that may be open at this time of year, you'd be amazed how many great ideas you can get not just for winter planting, but also for the seasons ahead when you stop to have a chat with those in the know.

Think of t he birds

It 's easy to focus on plantlife but have a thought for the birds at this time of year as food is scarce for them. Fat balls and seeds in the correct containers are ideal.

Don't leaf i t

It may seem like a given but make sure you sweep up those leaves. A hazard on paving, they can also cause damage if left on the garden or in ponds.

Stay safe

Now that the frost is here don't take chances with your tender perennials in pots. Bring them in and they should continue to flourish.

Happy Holly

Christmas is on its way so now is the time to get out and get that holly for the festive swags and decoration. Make sure you get permission first though!

Sweetpea surpr ise

It does catch some by surprise but now is a good time to sow those sweetpeas. As soon as there is enough growth they are ready to go

out in spring and reach for the skies!

Keep on cut t ing

Keep an eye out for future growth by taking cuttings of evergreens like holly or privet. The way to do this is to cut below a node on a cutting around 3in-4in long and then place in a pot with grit rich compost. You can also take hardwood cuttings of shrubs.

Spring into act ion

We may not have even felt the force of winter yet but you can make plans for a good showing in spring by planting out bulbs.

Stop wet pot s

Waterlogged pots can occur this time of year so act against this by using pot feet to raise them up from the ground.

The # Her t s t eam of exper t s gi ve you som e t op t i ps an d jobs t o do i n w hat m an y m ist ak en ly t h in k i s a quiet t im e f or t he garden

Feel the forceTHAT OLD TROOPER STAR WARS IS SET TO STORM THE BOX OFFICE DURING FESTIVE SEASON

I f you're looking for t he standout release of t he fest ive season t hen nothing t icks t he box more t han t he new Star Wars of fer ing.

The seventh film in the series Star Wars: The Force Awakens kicks off a brilliant new trilogy with new characters and old favourites.It 's three decades on from the events of Return of the Jedi. On the desert planet Jakku, tough loner Rey (Daisy Ridley) plies her trade as a scavenger. Meanwhile, a stormtrooper named Finn (John Boyega) finds himself in great danger, the villainous Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) wields a cool cross-form lightsaber, and an X-Wing pilot named Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is sent on a mission by "a certain princess". Star Trek director and long-term Star Wars fan J.J. Abrams brings these intriguing plot strands together with consummate skill to launch a spectacular new trilogy. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher are among the returning members of the

original Star Wars cast. And motion capture king Andy Serkis is also on board as Supreme Leader Snoke, who is very much on the Dark Side of the Force.Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher.Director: J.J. Abrams

There's a Christmas Day release date for Snoopy And Char lie Brown: The Peanuts Movie.Charlie Brown and his beagle Snoopy return to charm a new generation in a CGI animation from the director of 'Ice Age: Continental Drift '. To mark the 65th anniversary of the much-loved 'Peanuts' cartoon strip, lovable loser Charlie Brown

Top release for January viewing

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C EI MN A

The Hateful EightRelease date:8 January 2016

Set after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry landscape. The passengers race towards the town of Red Rock where "The Hangman" will bring justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and a southern renegade who claims to be the town's new Sheriff. Losing their way in the blizzard, the four seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie's, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces...

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, this long awaited western stars Samuel L Jackson and Kurt Russell.

Cineworld Stevenage:0871 200 2000www.cineworld.co.uk

Broadway Let chworth:01462 681088www.broadway-cinema.com

Odyssey St Albans:01727 453088www.odysseypictures.co.uk

and his imaginative dog Snoopy make their CGI animated feature debut. This new film is co-written by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz's son Craig and grandson Bryan. Director Steve Martino's credits also include 'Horton Hears a Who!'Cast: Francesca Capaldi, Noah Schnapp, Venus Schultheis.Director: Steve Martino.

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Fun for all the familyA THEATRE STYLE THAT'S REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR CENTURIES IS STILL A HIT. PICK A PANTO WITH THE FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS

DICK WHITTINGTON

Dec 4 - Jan 2, Wat ford Palace Theat re

The ultimate rags to riches story of a young man and his lucky black cat.

PETER PAN

Dec 4 ? Jan 3, The Alban Arena, St Albans

EastEnders' Jake Wood leads an all star cast in this favourite tale.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Nov 27 - Jan 24, Gordon Craig Theat re, Stevenage.

Wendi Peters of Coronation Street fame stars in this swashbuckling tale.

SNOW WHITE AND THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Dec 3 - May 7, The Market Theat re, Hit chinHere we go again with the usual health warnings for the always lively Market Theatre Panto.

ALADDIN

Dec 11 - Dec 22, Harpenden Public Halls

Michelle Heaton stars in this magic carpet ride of a tale.

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Dec 5 - Jan 1, Hert ford Theat re

This traditional tale offers sweet toothed songs and giggles by the sledge-full.

CINDERELLA

Dec 16 - Jan 3, Hawthorne Theat re, WGC

A slipper, a prince and a grand ball, what more could you want from a panto.

ALADDIN

Dec 11 - Jan 3, Wyllyot t s Theat re, Pot t ers Bar

Let the Genie grant your wish for a magic carpet ride of fun.

THEATRE - PANTO SPECIAL

The Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage has always prided itself on hosting one of the best pantos in this area.

Every year at this time the team never fail to disappoint and with the production of Sleeping Beauty they have certainly matched their own very high standards.

Wendi Peters, known to all as Cilla in Coronation Street will be starring along with Aidan O'Neil who returns following his performance as Wishee Washee. A Gordon Craig panto wouldn't be the same without the legendary Paul Laidlaw and he is back once more, this time as Nurse Nellie Night Nurse.

Indeed the team have burst

into prose in order to provide a hint about what is to come saying...

"A goodie with some gagsA baddie wanting BoosAs we spin the great adventure Of a very lengthy snooze!!!!"

Here at #Herts we are delighted to have teamed up with the Gordon Craig Theatre and can offer one lucky reader a family ticket to watch this year 's production of Sleeping Beauty.

To win just t el l us t he name of t he character Wendi plays in Coronat ion St reet and email darren@spit f irepr.com or fol low and retweet t he compet it ion on Twit t er .

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Take your pick of a

Alban Arena:01727 844488alban-arena.co.uk

Gordon Craig Theat re:01438 363200gordon-craig.co.uk

Harpenden Public Halls:01582 767525harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Hawthorne Theat re, WGC01707 357117hawthorntheatre.co.uk

Hert ford Theat re:01992 531500hertfordtheatre.com

Market Theat re Hit chin:01462 433553markettheatre.co.uk

Wat ford Colosseum:watfordcolosseum.co.uk01923 474100

Wat ford Palace Theat re:watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk01923 225671

Wyllyot t s Theat re:wyllyottstheatre.co.uk01707 645005

The pace of technology may mean that children have new and complex ways to be entertained.

But it 's refreshing to note that the age old panto is not only staying alive in #Herts, it 's positively thriving. Just take a look at the number of theatres, large and small, that are devoting a full programme and a host of shows to this style of entertainment that has changed little for centuries.

Wyllyotts Theatre in association with Jordan Productions present Aladdin (pictured right).

From Friday 11th December to Sunday January 3rd the Potters Bar based theatre promises to let the Genie grant your wish and enjoy another magical pantomime.

It 's of course the age old tale, Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the magic lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee-Washee wants a clean vest! Can the Genie grant their wishes?

The production stars a professional West End Cast: Patric Kearns as Abanazaar, Dereck Walker as Widow Twankey, Seren Sandham-Davies as Aladdin and Adam Shorey as Wishee-Washee.

All are promised a show jam-packed with all of the essential pantomime

THEATRE - PANTO SPECIAL

ingredients, plus top-class live music, a fabulous cast, dazzling sets and a magic carpet ride through a spectacular adventure.

For further details contact the box office on 01707 645005 or log on to www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk to book your tickets.

Along with the traditional pantos there are also the adult panto which have proved increasingly more popular each year.

The Market Theatre in Hitchin specialise in this and in December they launch Snow White and the Magnificent Seven. There is also

something for the over 18s at the Hawthorne Theatre in WGC as they present Cinderella Unbuttoned.

top panto

What is t he name of your char it y?

Stevenage Community Trust

What is t he aim of t he char it y?

To promote charitable giving and enhance the lives of those living in Stevenage and the surrounding villages

Where are you based?

Stevenage

Do you have any special project s at t he moment?

Yes, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from The Follett Trust, we are working with local support agencies such as Home-Start and the Children?s Centres to identify 200 local families in need to receive a Sainsburys gift card to help make Christmas a little easier. We have been working in partnership with the Chauncy Charity to provide assistance to those in financial difficulty with a grant to help them and their families to keep warm

during the winter months.

How can local businesses help you?

We have over 50 local businesses who support the Trust through our membership programme, fundraising

activities and sponsored events.

How can I f ind out fur t her informat ion about you?

Please visit our website at www.stevenagecommunitytrust.orgor cal us on 01438 525390

Check-out a charityTHE PAGE THAT PROMOTES CHARITIES LOCALLY, THEIR FUNDRAISING EVENTS, THEIR AIMS AND THEIR FUTURE PLANS

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It 's strange but trueFIVE AMAZING FACTS ABOUT #HERTS THAT WE KNOW YOU JUST DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL NOW!

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What t he devil!

The Six Hil ls (r ight ) which give t heir name to a major route in Stevenage are said t o have been caused by Old Nick himself t hrowing lumps of eart h at passers-by. Indeed a seventh is said t o have overshot and damaged t he spire of Graveley Church. Of course t hose looking for another explanat ion suggest t hey may be Roman bur ial mounds dat ing back t o 100AD.

Turnpike turn-up. For those of you aware what a turnpike is (it 's a road which was barred by someone wielding a weapon called a pike) Herts has a special place in the history books as the first such recorded road was just north of Ware. Wadesmill was the place where cash was demanded and tolls were first levied in 1663

Letchworth people love t o claim a place in hist ory and t hey can cert ainly do so in a roundabout way.

That 's because t he f irst 'gyratory t raf f ic f low system' or roundabout t o you and me was built in t he Garden Cit y back in 1909.

Town archit ect s Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin int roduced t his feature when t hey devised t he masterplan in an area called Broadway.

It may have a name suggesting little happens but Nomansland Common (right) to the south of Harpenden has a rich history.

The site of the second battle of St Albans during the War of the Roses, the common also hosted the first steeplechase in England in 1830 and was a regular venue for bare-knuckle fights.

Famous for crossing t he Niagra Falls on a dar ing t ight rope walk, Char les Blondin prepared for t he big event by pract ising in Welwyn. His good f r iend t he eccent r ic inventor George Der ing had a large estate nearby and t he pair made crossings of t he r iver Mimram ahead of his breathtaking exploit .

13NEW LOOK £29.99

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EYE CHUBBY COLLECTION NEXT £20 TEDDY FAUX FUR COAT NEXT £50

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Boy you got taste!

CASA COUTURE COPPER COCKTAIL SHAKER AND TOOL SETHOUSE OF FRASER £30

TOPMAN CORD TWISTED CUFF BRACELETTOPMAN £7.50

WORLD MAP WASH BAGDOTCOMGIFTSHOP £14.95

KRUPS PIXIE CLIPS & AEROCCINO MACHINE HOUSE OF FRASER £179.99

RETRO RECORD MEAL TIME PLACEMATDOTCOMGIFTSHOP £6.95 HOWICK NAVY CASHMERE JUMPER

HOUSE OF FRASER £95

HOWICK TAN PLAITED LEATHER BELTHOUSE OF FRASER £25

THE MODERN GENTLEMAN'S BLOCK DESK CALENDARDOTCOMGIFTSHOP £9.95

13

What do you t hink you have cont r ibuted t o t he jewellery indust ry?

To be honest, it?s more of a two way street. With just £500 to start my business and a bedroom floor for an office, I have created a gorgeous and sparkly empire which proves that if you want to, you CAN stick to your principles- creating a great British Brand, which also manufactures everything in the UK too!

Is locat ion important for a product s based business?

My office location isn?t really that important, but the fact that I commit to having everything made in the UK is fundamental to my

business- so I guess in that sense, location is very important. Being primarily an internet based business, I am able to sell worldwide at the simple click of a button, which I still find amazing!

What does being an ent repreneur mean t o you?

To me, being an entrepreneur means that I can follow my dreams and have the freedom to create anything that my mind comes up with! I can also change my mind pretty quick if I don?t like something, or come up with a new masterpiece over night! I get terribly impatient so being able to make what my mind desires at the click of a finger (ok? a little while at the jewellers bench) is an incredible feeling! Being a recognised

entrepreneur is even better, because people actually look up to me and find me inspiring, which means the world to me! If I can help inspire more people to live the life they always dreamed, then I think that?s a good job done indeed!

Whats your t op 3 success t ips for people in business?

Top 3? . You can?t limit someone who can talk for England! But here goes-

1.Just do it! No? .I didn?t steal that from ?nike?, I mean it! Stop thinking about it, stop day dreaming and building walls as to why you CAN?T do it, and just do it! What 's the worst that can happen!? You fail. Someone says NO. So what!? Get up and try again. But different.

Alyssa Smith - jewel in the # Herts crown

Alyssa has teamed up with Formula 1 presenter Suzi Perry

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2.Nurture your Seed? . So you plant your seed (your business idea? you launch a business- bravo) but then you need to water your seed, and nurture it, and help it grow into a beautiful little plant. And from that little plant, you could potentially even grow a little tree- and then a mighty oak! But ONLY if you water your seed and look after it well!

3.Move with the times. This really doesn?t warrant any more detail? Just keep ahead.

Who would you say is an inf luent ial ent rpreneur t o you?

The obviously choices are obviously people like Richard Branson and Theo Paphitis, but for me, it?s people like Will King and Brad Burton- who actively support young people, and share their knowledge with others. This is really inspirational and is on much more of a communicative level that people just starting out can relate to as well.

What are some of your t op achievements?

I?m a really lucky girl - I?ve won endless business awards, filmed a tv series, managed to get myself a whole bunch of amazing groupies, have celebs who love my jewellery and have the most loyal and lovely customers I could ever have asked for. But on another level, I am also very proud of the mentoring I do at a college in my area to business and marketing

students, and I was lucky enough to be named as a national ambassador for the Federation of Small businesses too? . But I would say that one of my most proudest achievements is that I have now taken on my first apprentice. This has made a huge difference to my business and I am absolutely loving every minute. It?s like planting ad nurturing a new seed all over again!

What 's your view on Networking?

It isn?t just about going to meetings, swapping business cards and elevator pitches! I don?t do any of that! I don?t even have a business card! I use every single

minute I can, and every single opportunity I have to network. Being so involved with the federation of small businesses, I get to network on another level- I even high fived George Osborne which resulted in getting him into my cufflinks a few months later! I awkwardly missed an air kiss with Ed Milliband, but he now owns a lovely tie slide made by myself too!

Who wears your jewellery?

Haha! Probably easier to say who doesn?t ;-) celebs, non celebs, me, my chihuahua, women, men, children, my groupies? . Oh! Even people like Theo Paphitis, Ed Milliband and the Chancellor George Osborne!

" I w ould say one of my proudest

achievements is that I have now tak en on my f i rst apprentice"

Alyssa Smith starring with Jason Manford on the TV show Money Pit

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Use the power of social to connect

The key t o t he success of #Hert s is t hat more and more businesses and readers are t urning t o digit al t o both sell and also t o entert ain. A websit e is a given now for most businesses but so are Facebook pages, Instagram sit es and Twit t er feeds. They are all ways in which potent ial customers can f ind out more about what is going on in t heir area and who is of fer ing services t hat t hey need.

There wil l always be pr int . But even t hough t here wil l be a pr int

element t o #Hert s, don?t expect t housands of copies being pushed t hrough unwil l ing let t erboxes or even worse, embarrassing numbers lef t in apt ly named ?dump? bins.

Those days are gone. Now if a customer wants t o view your product t hey wil l come to you. They wil l be a fol lower, or t hey wil l log on and search for you. So #Hert s is t he best of both wor lds. I t is a pr int st yle

publicat ion wit h all t he famil iar it y t hat af fords, but it uses current t echnology and t rends t o make sure t hat customers get exact ly what t hey want . The lazy of days of hit and hope publishing are over, t he days of t he hashtag are here...isn?t it t ime you became a leader t o your fol lowers?

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Heritage Brides. The destination for brides in Hertfordshire.If you are tired of Fleur de Lys and chandeliers and are looking for a bridal experience with a difference, then Heritage Brides could be the place you are looking for.We are nestled in the exclusive location of Hatfield House - yes, the Hatfield House where Elizabeth I grew up. But rather than being a bow to history, Heritage Brides makes a nod to fun, to the magical and to the different. Based upon a vintage

woodland theme, the boutique is filled with quirky curiosities - look out for Aggie the purple greyhound

- and touching and trying is positively encouraged.Found in the Harness Room of the Stable Yard, Heritage Brides occupies the whole of the first floor of this impressive building which dates back to the 15th century.

With beams, brickwork and designer gowns to die for, there really can't be any reason for your bridal adventure to not

be a heritage one.

Couture. Quirky. Classic.

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THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEEKING A DREAM BRIDAL EXPERIENCE

Wedding dress dreamland

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Topgolf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favourite local bar and #Herts took a recent trip to their Watford home to find out what all the fuss is.

You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone from the hopeful pro golfer to your 7-year-old cousin can play all year-round. Just picture a 240-yard outfield with dartboard-like targets in the ground. The closer to the centre or ?bull?s-eye? you get and the further you hit your microchipped balls, the more points you get. Score even bigger with Topgolf?s extensive food and drink menu, served to you by one of the bayhosts.

Top Golf : The signature game, players score points by hitting balls

(assigned using microchip technology) into any target. The more accurate the shot and the further the distance, the more points.

Top Chip: For fans of the short game, TopChip uses just the red target (five shots), yellow target (five shots) and green target (10 shots). Hit the correct target and you?ll score points, but hit the wrong one and they go.

Top Pressure: Test your touch and accuracy by hitting all nine sections within the yellow target. Close out the first level, then see point values multiply during levels two and three.

TopBreak: Based on snooker, its objective is to hit the red target followed by any other coloured target. Just like snooker, the higher value colours, or in TopBreak?s case,

the further away the target, the more points you?re awarded.

Top Shot : Similar to TopChip, this game challenges you to hit the targets at four consecutive distances (five shots each). The starting target you choose (red, yellow, green or brown) determines the game?s level of difficulty. Topgolf , Bushey Mil l Ln, Wat ford, WD24 7AB. Tel 01923 222045.

Time for Topgolf

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If you want to change your career path then what are your options? Below we list some great tips on things to consider that may help.

1)      Registering with a reliable recruitment consultancy will open up lots of options. They will be able to show you what is out there in a range of markets and advise you on areas you may be able to move into.

2)      Additional training could be an option. Colleges provide work based training and education programmes, potentially short courses, which will open up new fields. Look up your local College and ask about short courses and how these courses may assist you in changing career.

3)      Training within your field may

also open up new opportunities you never knew were available. If you?re currently part of a large company then there may be other departments you could transfer into if you were able to undertake additional training.

4)      Go back to your CV and examine what you?ve done over the years. Think about what parts of jobs you have really enjoyed and see if there are any roles out there that incorporate these duties.

5)      Go online and search a range of recruitment websites to get an idea of the types of jobs out there. Check the sites of companies you might be interested in working for as most have a vacancies page that will list current job opportunities.

6)      Transferable skills is a phrase

you?ll hear a lot if trying to change career paths. These are skills you have learnt in your current or past roles, which can be applied to other different jobs. Go through your CV and identify your transferable skills.

7)      Education. Going back to University or College maybe seem like a long route into a new career but if you?re looking at changing to a professional role then you may need to do so. These days there are courses specifically designed to channel students into job positions. These are also run on a part-time basis so can be carried out whilst you are working.

To f ind out more about t he Lawrence Dean dif ference t hen call us now on 01438 310131 and f ind your way on t he career path.

Our focus is just the job

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WEB ADVICE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLIMBING TURN SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

This article is about a key component of the World Wide Web. Without it, the web wouldn?t work and yet it is arguably one of the most overlooked and undervalued parts of the internet. What I?m talking about is the humble URL or, to give it its full title, the Uniform Resource Locator.

Now, don?t panic! This isn?t going to be an article packed with jargon. URLs are simply the unique addresses of every web site and web page on the internet and without them our web browsers wouldn?t be able to find

a single web site. URLs work in the same way as the address written on the front of an envelope ? they uniquely identify the web page we want to visit just like our house address uniquely identifies where we live.

Here?s a couple of examples you might be familiar with: http:/ /www.bbc.co.uk/ and http:/ /www.facebook.com. Typing each of these into your browser?s address bar will get you to the BBC and Facebook respectively. They?re both unique and will take you to their respective web sites. Before I go any further you may be asking

yourself, ?so what?? or ?why should I be interested?? After all they just work and get us to where we want to go. On the contrary, understanding these addresses are one of the key components to helping you stay safe online and, if you have your own web site, a well-crafted URL can greatly increase your chances of getting found online.

This article isn?t a comprehensive guide to online safety, however a basic understanding of URLs can go a long way to preventing you from falling victim to the bad guys out there who send spoof emails with dodgy URL links in them. To understand URLs let?s begin by looking at their component parts. This is quite easy. Let?s take an example: http:/ /www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics This URL will take you to the BBC website?s politics pages and to understand it lets break it down into three sections.

First, there?s the protocol ?that?s the ?http:/ /? bit. You may think this part is always the same and we can ignore it. In fact many web browsers hide this from us these days; however there are other protocols which are designed for use by different programs on your computer. So if an address doesn?t start with http:/ / the content at the other end isn?t meant to be read by a web browser; clicking on such a link may activate another program on your computer. So it?s worth doing a

Url need this for web based safety

33

quick check for http:/ / at the start of an address.

The second part is the domain name. This is everything after http:/ / up to the first forward slash ? in our example the domain name is ?www.bbc.co.uk?.

The third part of the address is everything else which comes after the domain name ? this part of the address identifies a specific page and in our example this is ?/news/politics? which takes us to the BBC?s news section and within that section, to the politics pages.

All very simple so far. So how can understanding all this help to keep us safe?

In order to understand that we need to look a bit closer at the domain name bit, ?www.bbc.co.uk?. It is in here that the bad guys can try to trick us. A domain name is made up of three constituent parts ? in our example these parts are the top level domain ?co.uk?, the main domain ?bbc? and a sub domain ?www?. Top level domains (such as .co.uk, .com, .org etc) are tightly controlled and can?t easily be spoofed; however the domain and subdomain can be and this is where you need to pay attention before clicking on a link. What follows is an example of a link that could be sent in an email asking you to confirm your Paypal login details. Now, before going any further, no reputable company will send an email asking you to do this so my advice is to simply delete emails like this. However it is an example of how domain names can be manipulated.

Consider this URL (which I?ve made up by the way, but it illustrates the point). An address such as ?paypal.secure-login.com? ? does this look legitimate? Well it?s certainly not a link to Paypal, it?s a link to a site located at ?secure login.com?. For less than £20 the bad guys can buy a domain name such as this and then create any number of subdomains at little or no additional cost. So they could create addresses such as

?barclays-bank.secure-login.com? or ?lloyds-bank.secure-login.com? very easily.

The trick to understanding URLs is to simply read them from right to left starting at the top level domain. Remember the top level domain is the .co.uk (or .com, .org etc.) bit. What comes immediately before the top level domain is the site you?re really visiting ? in this case it is ?secure-login? and is definitely not paypal or barclays-bank. Another trick is for the bad guys to simply buy a £20 domain name which includes a legitimate company name and separate it with hyphens such as paypal-secure-login.com. Can you see what they

did there? It is also very important to remember that

URL links sent in emails can be visibly different to the actual link itself. So the email text could read ?Visit www.barclays.com now!? but the actual URL could be completely different. If you?re reading your emails on a computer you can hover over the link with your mouse and the real URL is usually displayed in the status bar at the bottom of your email program. If you?re reading your email on a tablet or phone this isn?t possible so it?s probably best to simply delete the email. URLs can also convey meaning and for business owners, selecting a good URL can be key to a successful website.

More of this in a future article and remember to always look before you click.

WEB ADVICE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLIMBING TURN SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

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Art of the landlordBeing a landlord allows you far greater control of your money and your investment compared to a pension scheme, writes Mervyn Terrett of A-Top Property Lettings. With a pension, decisions are made without you knowing, your money is worth far less and you have less flexibility in drawing anything from it should you need it. With a property you can physically touch your investment and day by day you can evaluate its worth. We would also expect a minimum five per cent return on your money rather than something approaching one per cent at the bank and, of course, rather than a yearly dividend you will get a monthly income from your property.

Small properties are also the best to buy for renting and for an aspiring landlord it would be better to buy two small properties if one could afford it rather than one large one, writes Mervyn Terrett of A-Top Property Lettings. Some parts of this area might be seen as more desirable to rent for a number of reasons including the fact that they are near transport links like a

railway station, are on the edges of a town or give easy access to motorways. The best time to buy is as soon as you have the money, and with interest rates being so low there is no time like the present and a repayment mortgage is always the one to choose as you will

end up owning your property outright. To find out how to buy, pop into A-Top Property Lettings for free and impartial advice tailored to your own personal circumstances.

Mervyn?s A-Top t ip: I f you can af ford it buy two small propert ies rather t han one large propert y as t his keeps your investment more f lexible.

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Mighty f ine piesMack's Pie and Mash is a family run business bringing a taste of this famous food stuff from London to #Herts

They are traditional in every sense and all the pies are handmade and of the highest quality.

Founder of the business Paul is dedicated to making sure that every customer that enters the shop is made to feel welcome and that customer service is his very top priority.

After searching for the right location for a number of years Paul and Jaime finally settled on Stevenage Old Town having moved

from London some 10 years ago. With the success of the opening of this first shop Paul hopes that his children Oliver, Joseph and Isla will one day take on the business.

And what a success they will have on their hands! In a short space of time Mack's has earned a great

reputation for their range of handmade pies cooked on the premises. There are minced beef for those who prefer a traditional pie but there are also vegetarian, steak and ale and a chicken and mushroom pie. Indeed for the Christmas period a turkey and cranberry pie is also available.

If you have pie then you must have mash and all the mash is made from the finest selected potatoes and cooked on the premises. And if you want the ultimate experience, why not try the stewed or jellied eels.

www.mackspieandmash.co.uk

01438 317721

Opening t imes:

11am-8pm

Tuesday - Sunday

(closed 6pm Sunday)

29b High Street , Stevenage , Herts, SG1 3AU

Located behind Corals Bookmakers

5

Keeping motivated through the winterAn Art icle by Janine Sizer, Fit ness Coach at Odyssey Healt h Club

Your alarm goes off. It?s a cold winter morning. The warmth and comfort of your bed is begging you to stay inside rather than go to the gym. How do you keep yourself motivated to stick with your healthy lifestyle and keep up the hard work in the gym.

Eat ing r ight :

It?s really important that throughout the winter we eat right. Listen to your cravings - there is a reason for them! In the winter, with fewer sunny hours, your stored serotonin (the "feel-good" brain chemical) starts to decline. Your cravings for carbohydrate-loaded comfort foods are your body's cries for more serotonin. But be careful when choosing carbohydrates to boost serotonin! Opt for nutritious whole grains and choose high-quality carbs such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squashes.

Eat ing Right Tips:

Eat ing Right Tip 1. ?You can?t out-train a bad diet.? ? Try not to over eat throughout the whole of the festive season. A little indulgence is ok, just don't go mad on the bad stuff (alcohol and sugary treats!)

Eat ing Right Tip 2. Remember your 5-a-day. The World Health Organisation advise on eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and veg a day to lower the risk of serious

health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Eat ing Right Tip 3. Leave the chocolate alone, especially at this time of year! Ok, if you insist on eating a little chocolate then try and stick to dark chocolate with between 70-85% cocoa content.

Eat ing Right Tip 4. Check your food labels. If you?re stuck between two options, try and go for the one with lower sugar and saturated fat. If you want to better understand food labels, have a chat with one of our fitness team. We can arm you with the knowledge you need to make better decisions!

Find a f r iend:

Find someone who will commit to joining you in the morning for walks or workouts, and hold you accountable for showing up. Knowing someone is waiting for you to share the pain of the early darkness might be just the stimulus you need to throw back the covers and get out of the house.

Find a f r iend Tips:

Find a f r iend Tip 1. Find someone who will commit to joining you in the morning for walks or workouts, and hold you accountable for showing up. Knowing someone is waiting for you to share the pain of the early darkness might be just the stimulus you need to throw back the covers and get out of the house. If they're a non-member, we can offer a FREE guest pass for them to

trial our club and if they join you'll receive a fantastic referral gift!

Find a Fr iend Tip 2. Set friendly competitions with each other ? who can do the most steps this week? You could even use our new software to monitor the amount of 'Moves' you make each week and set a friendly competition around that! Speak with a coach to find out more about mywellness and moves.

Find a Fr iend Tip 3. Recipe Swaps - if you're looking for inspiration in the kitchen, having someone to give you a healthy recipe can take the pressure off having to think about what to eat each night. Have you tried Michael Prentice's Thai Red Curry? #FoodHeaven

Find a Fr iend Tip 4. Try a new class to meet new people, they will expect to see you next week! Check out our studio class timetable here...

Find a Fr iend Tip 5. Make exercise part of your social time ? time flies when you?re having fun, and so will that workout.

Find a Fr iend Tip 6. Share the drop off! Not only will you help save the planet, you'll also feel a sense of commitment.

Use mini-goals for major rewards:

Set small targets that lead to higher intensity, focus and discipline to stay on track each day. Perhaps the number of miles this week, the number of workouts over the next seven days, or steady improvements in strength gains on the bench press. For maximum

36

motivation, always write your goals down, making them specific and measurable, and track progress so you can reward yourself for the results.

Mini Goals Tips:

Mini Goals Tip 1. Set weekly or daily goals that are achievable but still a challenge. You can use the mywellness app to keep on track!

Mini Goals Tip 2. Train for an event. You can then break down the time between now and the event into mini-goals. This is a sure-fire way to keep on track and to make huge challenges achieveable. We'll support you all the way and adapt your programme accordingly. NOTE: Marathon runners - how are you getting on with your training? We're offering a 12 Day FREE Pass this month so come and let us show you how some strength and conditioning work can make your running easier and more enjoyable!

Mini Goals Tip 3. 10,000 steps - Even if you struggle to make time for the gym, make sure you get around 10,000 steps into your day. This will equate to around 5 miles which may sound like a lot but can

easily be achieved. There are many mobile fitness apps that can track this for you, some of you might already have one on your phone now (Apple Health) - take a look at yours now and let us know how many steps you've taken today. Like apps, you'll love mywellness. Check out the link odysseyhealthclubs.com/mywellness

Mini Goals Tip 4.  Go to 1 class a week - changing your exercise routine around can be a great way to ensure you get results as you keep the body guessing. Having a goal of getting to 1 class a week to change things up might sound like a small acheivement but it helps with getting some structure into your routine. Take a look at the studio programme and get booked in to a class today!

Mini Goals Tip 5. Cycle 5,000m -

Cycling this distance is probably quite an easy goal for you, although add in a timed element and you can really achieve some results from a 5km ride. Jump on one of our Wattbikes today and time yourself. Track your time using the

mywellness software we have and your mobile app to see how quickly you can reduce your time. Not used the app yet?

Mini Goals Tip 6.  How many squats can I do in 1 minute? Write this down and stick it to your notice board or fridge. Do it again next Sunday and see how many you've done. Keeping a simple goal in mind like this can really help you make the most of your exercise during the week. You'll soon find the number rising! See how much you improve and let us know.

For fur t her details contact Odyssey Knebworth on 01438 313320 or go t o www.odysseyhealt hclubs.com

" Train for an event. You can then break dow n the t ime betw een now and the event into mini -goals. This is a sure-f i re w ay to k eep on track and mak e huge chal lenges achievable"

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Seeking out Santa...He may well be an internat ional man of mystery and of course t his is his busiest t ime of t he year, but if you check out our Santa guide you may just get t o see him around #Hert s and make t hat all important wish before t he big day.

Van Hage, Great AmwellThe grotto is open and will remain so until Christmas Eve. Children will be delighted by the winter wonderland displays when paying a visit, and each will receive a surprise toy. There is also an exclusive Van Hage Christmas badge for each paying visitor. The cost is just £7.50 per child, and advanced booking online is recommended, as on-the-day availability can often be very limited. Visit www.vanhage.co.uk

Westgate Shopping Cent re, StevenageThe grotto will remain open every day throughout December until Christmas Eve. Grotto entry and a gift from Santa costs just £4.50, and

digital photographs from the happy occasion start from just £5. Santa's postbox will also be available this year for children to send their wish lists. All letters posted by Thursday, December 17 will receive a personal reply from Santa.

Garden Square Shopping Cent re, Let chworth GCThe shopping centre will open a grotto until Christmas. Proceeds will go to the Garden House Hospice.

Willows Farm Vil lage, St AlbansThe grotto will open until Christmas Eve. Along with this, you can say hello to Santa's reindeer, take a seat on the festive wood ride and enjoy seasonal lights and songs. There is also a synthetic ice rink and funfair rides. Every child admission to see Santa will receive a voucher to return to Willows. Tickets are just £10 for adults and £25 for children, but you can get up to a 25 per cent discount if booking online.

Baldock High St reet

There will be a Santa's grotto at the

Baldock Christmas Vintage and Craft market on Saturday, December 5 from 9am until 6pm. The event in Baldock High Street will also feature a snow dome, a vintage craft fair, a funfair, live music, food stalls and church tower tours and is a day not to be missed.

Dickensian Evening, WareAlong with crafts and music, young people will be able to visit Santa. The event in Tudor Square takes place on Friday, December 4 between 6.30pm and 10pm.

Buckland Barn, near Bunt ingfordSanta will be in his workshop every Saturday and Sunday. Visit him between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Sundays. If there are groups of six or more, then other times can be arranged by appointment. Each child will be able to select a gift worth the cost of the ticket, as well as a sticker, and parents are welcome to take photographs. Call 01763 272549 for further details.

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C&J Heat ing and Plumbing of fer boiler repairs & cent ral heat ing installat ions across Stevenage, St Albans, Hit chin, Let chworth & Harpenden, in fact almost across t he whole of #Hert s.

With over 20 years? experience their expert Gas Safe engineers are happy to offer excellent quality and craftsmanship on all our work. They pride themselves on providing a flexible, affordable solution to your boiler and central heating problems.

Helping Heat Your Home

Heat is the heartbeat of any home and when the heartbeat comes from energy efficient, safe central heating system it is strong and healthy. To help you maintain that C&J Heating and Plumbing are here for you 24 hours a day.

To have a safe and efficient central heating system it needs to be maintained with regular servicing, just one of the essential services C&J Heating and Plumbing are here to supply.

Because any central heating system is most likely to break down when you need it most, C&J Heating and Plumbing offer regular servicing and a call out repair service.

Expert Engineers

With their own expert engineers and qualified fitters they are able to provide a full range of specialist services for landlords and home owners alike, at the most competitive prices and providing the highest quality workmanship.

Offer ing a Range of Services...

C&J Heating and Plumbing combine excellent value for money with their clear pricing system together with free estimates for all your boiler or central heating system needs.

Emergency Call-out will cost just £70.00 + VAT (evenings and weekends £80.00 + VAT ).

Boiler Services are just £65.00 + VAT and £75.00 + VAT for back boilers.

?Powerf lush? will cost £450 including VAT.

Replacement Hot Water Cylinders from £460.00 including VAT. For more information on any of these services contact C&J Heating and Plumbing today on 01438 351799.

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Helping you with your heating needs

Emergency Cal l -out will cost just £70.00 + VAT (evenings and weekends £80.00 + VAT ).

Boiler Services are just £65.00 + VAT and £75.00 + VAT for back boilers.

?Powerf lush? will cost £450 including VAT.

Replacement Hot Water Cyl inders f rom £460.00 including VAT

Keeping you warm this winter

Stevenage 01438 351799Luton/Harpenden 01582 920097St Albans 01727 240056Hitchin/Letchworth 01462 820 021

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LEISURE # EVENTS # BUSINESS #DINING #

# HERTS# HERTS

Get in touch:

07539 782979

www.spitf irepr.com

darren@spitf irepr.com

HashtagHerts

@hashtagherts

In the next edit ion of ...

Spring wil l be in t he air and so wil l t houghts of love so along wit h a Valent ine's special we wil l also t ake a look at wedding plans and st yles for 2016 wit h an exclusive Br ide Guide.

Along wit h our regular columns and features promot ing t he very best of #Hert s t here wil l also be our unr ivalled guide The Main Event featur ing all t he t op act s and events in t he county.

To advert ise or make sure of your copy contact or fol low us on t he addresses below.

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A-Top Propert y Let t ings

Drapers Way, Stevenage, 01438 369173www.a-topletting.co.uk

C&J Heat ing and Plumbing

33c Julians Road, Stevenage01438 351799www.candjservices.co.uk

Herit age Br ides

The Harness Room, Stable Yard, Hatfield House AL95NQ 01707 707842www.heritagebrides.co.uk

Lawrence Dean Recruitment

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 01438 310131www.lawrencedeanrecruitment.co.uk

WINE2LAYDOWN

Unit 21, Merchant Drive, Hertford, SG13 7AY, 01707 505560www.wine2laydown.com

WallJAM

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 07753 719311www.walljam.com

Climbing Turn

BTC, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX, 07717 582128www.climbingturn.co.uk

Mack's Pie and Mash

29b High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3AU01438 317721www.mackspieandmash.co.uk

Topgolf

Bushey Mill Ln, Watford, WD24 7AB01923 222045www.topgolf.com

Wat ford Colosseum

Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD17 3JN 01438 01923 571102www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

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We are delighted to present our business directory of trusted traders and supporters of #HertsCall 07539782979 if you wish to take advantage of one of the advertising options via our extensive online promotion and here in the magazine

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Wyllyot t s Theat re

Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 01707 645005www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Gordon Craig Theat re

Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, SG1 1LZ 01438 363200www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Henry Moore Studios and Gardens

Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham, SG10 6EE 01279 843333www.henry-moore.org

Stableyard Hat f ield HouseStableyard Shops, Hatfield House, Hatfield, AL9 5NF 01707 287010www.stableyardshops.co.uk

Parent s Paradise

Unit C, Greatham Rd Industrial Estate, Bushey, WD23 2NZ, 01923 249747www.parentsparadise.eu

The Music Dept

67 London Road, St Albans,01727 898300www.themusicdept.com

Rookies Day Nursery

Stevenage FC Academy, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, SG2 8RH, 01438 842233www.rookiesdaynursery.co.uk

Spit f irePR

Wheelwrights, Kimpton, Herts, SG4 8PW07539 782979www.spitfirepr.com

Odyssey Healt h Club

Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, SG2 8DU 01438 313320www.odysseyhealthclubs.com

Cineworld Stevenage

Stevenage Leisure Park, Kings Way, Stevenage, SG1 2UA0871 200 2000www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/stevenage

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For result s t oday speak t o t he communicat ion expert s at Spit f irePR

Media relat ions

Social media market ing

Market ing

Copy writ ing

Media t raining

Crisis management

For al l your mark eting and social media needs:

07539 782979

w w w .spi tf i repr.com

darren@spi tf i repr.com

@DarrenIsted1