​Hertfordshire's proximity to the city of London has made it a popular destination for day-trippers and weekenders looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The county is also home to many historical sites and attractions, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and culture vultures alike.

Located in southeastern England, bordering the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, and Greater London, it is home to medieval villages, rolling countryside, and several interesting tourist attractions.

Here are some reasons why you should visit Hertfordshire:
1. The villages. There are a number of charming medieval villages in Hertfordshire, including Ashwell, Baldock, Berkhamsted, and Hitchin. These villages have historic churches, narrow streets, and thatched cottages.

2. The countryside. Hertfordshire is home to some of the most beautiful countryside in England. Hertfordshire is blessed with rolling hills, green fields, and picturesque woodlands. There are plenty of walks and cycle routes to enjoy, as well as picturesque villages and stunning forests. It's a great place for a country walk or bike ride.

3. St Albans Cathedral. This historic cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in England.

4. The pubs. Hertfordshire is home to some of the best country pubs in England. These pubs serve excellent food and drink, and often have live music and dancing.

5. The shopping. There are many good shopping towns in Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Watford, and Stevenage. You'll find everything from high-end boutiques to bargain-priced outlets.

​6. The history. Hertfordshire is home to some of the oldest buildings in England, including Hatfield House and Knebworth House. There are also plenty of historical towns and villages to explore. The area has a long and interesting history. Roman remains can be found at Verulamium Park in St Albans, while the Tudor manor house of Hatfield House is also worth a visit.

7. The festivals. Hertfordshire is home to a number of popular festivals, including the Hertfordshire Food and Drink Festival, the St Albans Film Festival, and the Hatfield House Music Festival.

8. The culture. There is a lot of culture to be found in Hertfordshire, with many theatres, art galleries, and museums.

9. The convenience. Hertfordshire is located just outside London, which makes it the perfect location for those who want to enjoy the best of both city and country life.

10. The people. The people of Hertfordshire are friendly and welcoming. You're almost guaranteed to receive a warm welcome wherever you go!

Other top sights in Hertfordshire include the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford and the Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne amongst others.

Hertfordshire is an ideal destination for a short break or a longer holiday. With so much to see and do, you're sure to find something to suit everyone. So why not pay a visit to Hertfordshire and see what all the fuss is about? You won't be disappointed!

​​Recently, the strong winds brought by Storm Eunice has been felling and uprooting trees, removing roof tiles and causing untold damage to lives and property across Hertfordshire and the UK.
 
Sadly, major news media reported a few deaths including a lady hit by a tree in Highgate, a man in Merseyside that was a victim of debris smashing through his van and a young Dad in Alton, killed by a falling tree. These events have been truly sad and we pray for the families and friends of the departed.
 
The general warning by the authorities especially the Met Office has been to remain indoors and avoid going out if possible. Transport infrastructure has been affected from roads to rail and even many airlines had to cancel their flights for a number of days.
 
Sincerely, we are hoping we have come through the worse of these extreme weather conditions and are looking forward to a great spring break. Indeed, a bit of mild normal sunshine and sprinkles of rain could do us great good.
 
For many, a tree may have fallen in your back garden or you may have lost a few roofing tiles or fence panels. Here we highlight some steps you can take to keep you and your home safe while we recover from the events of the last few days.
 
First, make sure your gas and electricity supplies are still active. If you smell gas, get to fresh air (preferably outside) and call the emergency services for assistance immediately. For electric faults, keep appliances unplugged or turn off their circuit breakers to avoid fires.
 
The emergency services have reported that due to downed powerlines and broken phone lines, there may be a shortage of assistance. Try to help those that are more vulnerable than yourself if you can.
 
If you have any broken windows due to flying debris, make sure you cover them, or else severe weather could enter your property and cause further damage. You can use materials like cardboard to cover windows if nothing else is available. If you have a working fireplace, this can be used to provide heat.

​​Keep a full water supply in case further storms hit whilst we're still recovering from this one, but store it carefully away from the rest of your household food to avoid contamination.
 
If you have fallen roof tiles or part of the roof of your property has blown off, contact a professional roofing company as soon as possible to assess and repair the damage. Feedback from lots of people affected shows that roofing companies are extremely busy at the moment. If possible, use alternative materials like cardboard or plastic to damaged areas that have been affected so that you limit further damage to your property. Try and arrange the next possible appointment with your local roofer.
 
If you have lost a few fence panels to the storm, try and fix them back if possible otherwise reach out to a professional fence company to fix your panels and secure your property again. Only attempt to do any of these tasks if they are absolutely necessary. If you can't fix back your fence panels or can't reach a fence contractor, then leave the panels in a safe place on your property until you can get help.
 
If you have a fallen tree on your property, then you will need the assistance of a tree removal company to safely take it out. Contact any local tree service company for assistance. While you wait for assistance, clear the area as best as you can to avoid any further damage.
 
If there are access issues to your property due to Storm Eunice, call emergency services immediately. They should be able to guide you on how you can evacuate the property safely if needed. No one wants to take chances with their lives, so please do not hesitate to call if you are in need. Do not interfere with the property yourself and do not fix any broken objects, but wait for help to arrive.
 
Damage reports have shown that there was a large increase in injuries as well as fatalities as a result of Storm Eunice. Please answer your calls and do not put yourself at risk by trying to fix areas that aren't immediately hazardous. The time to talk about your insurance is now, so please call your agent at the number listed on your policy statement.
 
Your priority must be to be safe and avoid any form of injury or loss of life. Stay indoors as much as possible. Only take walks if the area around you is calm and report any incident even if it doesn't affect you directly.  In Hertfordshire, we have seen some flash flooding in some areas and trees falling onto roads or power lines. Where possible report incidents to the emergency services to protect other people.
 
It seems that Storm Eunice has not slowed down completely. Please stay safe and do your best to keep yourselves dry and comfortable while we wait for this weather to pass.

​When you're on the lookout for residential dry lining companies in Watford, Hertfordshire, there are a multitude of factors that you need to consider. The most important of these is who can provide you with the best service and at the most reasonable rates. You also want a company that delivers a high-quality finish and service to its customers.
 
Picking the right company for residential dry lining companies in Watford can take time. Here we profile 5 of the leading dry lining companies in Watford.
 
Watford Drywall
Watford Drywall is a full-service plastering and dry lining company based in Watford but serving Hertfordshire and some areas of North London. The company comprises a fully trained and experienced team that provides excellent service at reasonable prices. The team comprises professionals in all aspects of wall and ceiling finishes with experience working on several projects.
 
The company covers all aspects of plastering, drywall installation and repairs. This includes dry lining, drywall partitions, suspended ceilings, plastering, rendering and screeding. The company also handles wall and ceiling finishes to a very high standard. They don't cut corners or compromise on safety standards for cheaper work. All work is carried out to a very high standard at all times.
 
With over 35 years of collective experience in the team, you are assured of the best possible finishes for your property. This leading dry lining company is also a specialist in dealing with very complex residential projects. With its attention to detail and great workmanship, Watford Drywall is the cost-effective and value for money dry lining and plastering company in Hertfordshire.
 
Contact: https://www.watforddrywall.co.uk/contact.html or call 01923 932 629.
 
Watford Drylining and Interiors Ltd
With the slogan “Creating designs for your home”, Watford Drylining and Interiors Ltd provides dry lining, suspended ceiling and partitioning as well as plastering and decorating services. The company is a full-service dry lining company providing residential dry lining to residential customers in Watford and surrounding areas in Hertfordshire.
 
By specialising in dry lining and everything related to the design of walls and ceiling interiors, the company has set itself apart from the rest. The founder comes from a family of plastering and dry lining experts of more than three generations. For this reason, the company is passionate about delivering results of a high standard with a quality service at all times.
 
Contact: watforddrylininginteriors@gmail.com or call 07909 464 771

​Plasterer Pepe
Plasterer Pepe is the “Plasterers Par Excellence”. Plasterer Pepe’s services include plastering, renders & finishing, dry lining and plasterboarding among other plastering alternatives. They are indeed the perfectionists when it comes to plastering and anything related to wall and ceiling finishing.
 
The success of the company has been down to working with a team of experienced and high-quality professionals in plastering, dry lining, wall and ceiling finishing. With lots of experience, expertise and attention to detail, Plasterer Pepe has established a very strong reputation in the trade in Watford, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
 
For all projects, Plasterer Pepe takes ownership and responsibility to ensure it is delivered to specification with great outcomes.
 
Contact: pepe@plastererpepe.com or call 07511 054 165
 
Watford Plasterer
Watford Plasterer is a well-established plastering and dry lining company in the area. The company has been in operation for over 20 years adopting the latest methods and materials in plastering to deliver great finishes for her clients.
 
The founder was trained by craftsmen in the trade and therefore they combine traditional plastering techniques with modern materials and methods to deliver excellent outcomes for your walls and ceilings.
 
With Watford Plasterer, you’ll get friendly service from a reliable and clean worker. They respect your home and property and leave it in the best possible way after completing their job. They work within a 10-mile radius of Watford but also handle specialists jobs on request.
Services offered by Watford Plasterer include plastering, rendering, float and skimming, plaster repairs restoration, plasterboarding and floor screeding.
 
Contact: call 01923 225 643
 
Stockman Plastering
Stockman Plastering provides plastering services plastering, skimming, patch repairs, dot and dab plasterboard works, dry lining, k rend, damp issues, screeding and pebble dashing amongst others. The company has a talented workforce that offers a spotless and clean job with minimal mess.
 
The company is well respected and offers a high calibre and expert finish to all their work and value being a well-respected company. The company works within a wide area in Watford, Hertfordshire, North London and Buckinghamshire.
 
Contact: info@stockmanplastering.co.uk or call 01923510876
 
Whatever your dry lining needs may be in Watford, you can always count on the expertise and experience of these companies to get the best results.
 

With Christmas only weeks away, why not buy a locally grown Christmas tree from Sacombe Green, Hertfordshire and help local communities in the process?

All Christmas trees are locally grown organic Nordman Firs and come in a range of shapes and sizes in exchange for a donation. All proceeds will go to St Catherine’s Church, Sacombe and Hertfordshire Community Foundation, a charity that tackles need and deprivation by providing grants to  small charities, community organisations and to families and children living in crisis in Hertfordshire.

The trees will be on sale between 9am and 4pm on 4, 5, 11, 12, and 18 December 2021 at Sacombe Green SG12 0JQ.

Helen Gray, Foundation Director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation said; “We are so grateful to the team of volunteers who are making this fundraising initiative possible. Thousands of local people are living in poverty and there is huge demand for support from Hertfordshire Community Foundation. If you are looking for a beautiful tree this Christmas please consider supporting this initiative and in turn making a difference to the lives of local people.”   
​
For further information visit www.hertscf..org.uk or email marketing@hertscf.org.uk

About Hertfordshire Community Foundation
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is an independent charity that encourages local giving. Donations received are turned into grants to support grassroots charities and voluntary groups working to improve the lives of vulnerable people and create stronger local communities in Hertfordshire. Every penny raised stays within the county.

Since inception in 1988, HCF has awarded over £16 million in grant aid support to local communities. HCF currently manages over 100 charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, companies and other organisations.

During 2020/2021 £2,212,782 was awarded in grant aid to over 276 charitable groups working to tackle identified need in Hertfordshire and make Hertfordshire a better place to live, for everyone. This includes HCF’s Coronavirus Relief Fund which helped to meet the increased demand on local charities and voluntary organisations during the Coronavirus pandemic.

For more information contact Danielle Hood, marketing Officer for Hertfordshire Community Foundation on 01707 280333 or email Danielle.hood@hertscf.org.uk

The flooring in your home is an important part of your home's interior. This is why it is important to pay attention to the overall design of the floors when building or renovating a home. However, most people do not think carefully about what kind of floor they will have in their homes until they move in. Getting the right type of flooring with good fitting service can be difficult most times.
 
Many leading flooring suppliers are not offering fitting services anymore as a way to reduce overall business costs and pass the savings to customers.
 
If you are looking for reliable flooring fitters in Watford, then you will need to search for professional companies that do this kind of work. With the right company on your side, not only will you get high-quality floors, but it will also help you find the best solution possible if something goes wrong with your floors.
​
Ways to find a reliable floor fitting service
Using a reliable flooring installation service is important if you are to have floors that stand the test of time. Most flooring companies won't offer installation services because they want customers to just buy their products. This is why you should look for a reliable floor fitting service before you purchase any floors.
 
Here are some steps on how to find reliable floor fitters in Watford.
 
Research
Take your time to find the right fitters
 
There are many flooring fitters around. While this may be good for you, it is important to take your time since some of these companies might not offer high-quality services. If you want the best service possible, then you need to look for a reliable company.
 
Ask for recommendations from people you trust
One way of finding such companies is by asking for recommendations from people you know - friends, family, colleagues at work etc. This also helps in saving time since you will not need to research many flooring companies.
 
It is important to ask around before hiring the best flooring company in Watford since your friends, relatives and neighbours might provide you with information on the reputable businesses in your locality. This means you will not have to waste time looking for relevant companies since they are likely to recommend the best flooring fitters.
​

Look for references for the company
If you cannot find references, then the internet is always a good option since it allows you to access information and reviews without leaving your home. Also, check specialist review sites that allow customers to rate their experiences. Look for the best flooring companies in Watford to help you make a smart choice.
 
Check the reputation of the company
When looking for reliable flooring companies, your priority should be checking the reputation of the company. Some companies might claim they are among the best but this cannot be ascertained without knowing how long they have been providing these services. It is always advisable to use companies that have been offering their services for more than five years because they are likely to offer quality services.
 
Look at the number of years of service
Hiring the best Flooring Company in Watford will be determined by how many years they have been on the market. You can also visit their websites or check on their advertisements because this is an indication that they are among the leading flooring companies in your locality.
 
It is important to consider the quality of services they provide and not their prices since you can be able to get a high-quality service at an affordable price thus creating value for your money.

​Look for specialists
Always look for wood floor fitting specialists rather than a company that offers a wide range of fitting services. They should be able to work on all types of wood floors as well as vinyl, hardwood, engineered wood and laminate flooring. They need to have a fleet of tools that will help them finish the job within a short time frame.
 
Online reviews and social media recommendations are a good way of getting information about these companies which will save you from hiring a company without any knowledge in this field.
 
Get quotes from a few floor fitting services
Contact a few floor fitting services and ask for a free no-obligation quote for a job you want to do. This allows you to discuss your project, interview the flooring contractor, get an insight on how they will go about your project, review their other completed projects and assess if they are a good fit for you. If you are doing this for the first time, don't feel pressured. Research your project and ask the right questions.
 
Finding reliable flooring companies in Watford and surrounding areas can be a bit of a mission. There is a general feeling that there is a dearth of reliable tradespeople with good workmanship. Watford Flooring is a professional floor fitting service that has consistently delivered excellent flooring installation services with great workmanship.
 
Our team are experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. With over 45 years of collective experience in the industry, we have successfully delivered multiple floor installation projects in homes across Watford, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth and surrounding areas.
 
All our services are delivered to a very high standard with an excellent finish. We are reasonably priced without being the cheapest or the most expensive. We have been delivering high-quality flooring installation for standard and upmarket properties for many years.
 
If you need more information on the best flooring company in Watford, visit our website today.

Herts in Focus, an online charity photographic exhibition, is returning for a second year in support of Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) to raise funds to help grassroots charities and voluntary groups in the county.
 
Local amateur photographers have donated photos of landscapes and landmarks of Hertfordshire. Photos include the stunning countryside in St Albans and architectural gems including Knebworth House.  A panel selected 30 photographs to be published, one a day, during the month of October on the Herts in Focus’ social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The prints will be available to be purchase on the exhibition’s website www.hertsinfocus.com.

​Money raised from the sale of the photographic prints will be donated to HCF which provides grants to families in crisis, grassroots charities and voluntary groups, helping some of the county’s most vulnerable residents and addressing deprivation in the county.
 
Henrietta Buxton, HCF Ambassador and exhibition coordinator said, “This year’s online exhibition is a visual journey through the beauty of Hertfordshire through the eyes of talented local amateur photographers. We were delighted with the response to last year’s exhibition and we are grateful to everyone who supported it by buying a print. We hope that once again the people of Hertfordshire will help to improve the lives of those struggling by supporting this exhibition. All profits will go to Hertfordshire Community Foundation and they’ll make a wonderful Christmas gift.” 

Helen Gray, Foundation Director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation says, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the photographers who have so generously provided these stunning photos and for everyone who has expressed an interest in purchasing prints. The collection showcases the beauty we enjoy in our county. Sadly, everyone’s experience of life in Hertfordshire isn’t always beautiful or easy and people are struggling through serious social issues in every part of our county, with many issues exacerbated by Covid-19. Monies raised through the sale of prints will help HCF to make Hertfordshire a better place, for everyone.”
 
Prints cost £60 and are printed A4 and mounted and framed in a 30cm x 40cm frame. To find out more about the exhibition visit www.hertsinfocus.com
 
To find out more about local giving and how Hertfordshire Community Foundation helps local people visit www.hertscf.org.uk
 
Should you wish to make a donation to Hertfordshire Community Foundation you can do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/hertscf

About Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF)
Over the past three decades HCF has funded thousands of local initiatives addressing complex social issues including domestic abuse, learning disabilities, bereavement, homelessness, mental health and many more. Grants have enabled music therapy groups to help people affected by dementia, support courses for carers of young people affected by ADHD and Autism, increased capacity for a domestic abuse charity and funding for bedside hospital visits for people of all ages affected by hair loss.
 
During 2020 HCF was able to provide grants to enable local charities to adapt and continue to support their beneficiaries.
 
For further information please contact Danielle Hood, Marketing Officer for Hertfordshire Community Foundation on Danielle.hood@hertscf.org.uk or 01707 251351 

Launched in July 2021, Fine and Country’s new office in Rickmansworth and Chorleywood is bringing a more innovative approach to marketing properties at the higher end of the market. Utilizing the power of social media, the internet and other tech tools, the target is to reduce the time it takes from the initial consultation and property listing to the final sale of the property. That way homeowners get the best possible price for their properties within a shorter period.
 
Fine and Country is the fastest growing premium estate agency in England with a global footprint. Based in Park Lane, London, it consists of a global network of licensed real estate offices that are specialists in the rental, sale and marketing of luxury homes and prime residential properties. Properties sold range from rural estates to luxurious houses. Utilizing international marketing best practices combined with local knowledge of the area means Fine and Country delivers a premium service to her clients.
 
The Fine and Country office for Rickmansworth and Chorleywood covers primarily the WD3 postcode area made up of Loudwater, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth and Chorleywood. This office is managed by Director, Darren Hopcroft, a highly experienced Estate Agent that has worked across London, Hertfordshire and Europe. Darren wants to position Fine and Country Rickmansworth and Chorleywood as the leading estate agency in the area for the upper end of the market.
 
Darren has lived in Rickmansworth for over 10 years and knows the area very well. Backed by Fine and Country’s very strong international brand and network as well as his local knowledge of the area, he is positioning Fine and Country Rickmansworth to be the most successful estate agency in the WD3 area for prime residential property.
 
“My approach is slightly different from the regular high street estate agency. It’s not just about marketing a property. It’s about a lifestyle. This means communicating the benefits of buying in the area in a simple way by highlighting important places to see, what to do at weekends or evenings, where to go with your kids and even where to get a nice coffee. People want to know what they are getting beyond purchasing the property. For each potential buyer, we communicate the benefits of living in the area."
 
“Rickmansworth and Chorleywood have excellent schools, beautiful green areas, very nice pubs and restaurants, golf courses, proximity to London for travel and business amongst others. It has everything for an upwardly mobile client or a client that is at the end of their career and is looking for an area that has a mix of that urban and rural setting. There is something for everyone here.” There are lots of entrepreneurs and senior business executives that call the area home.

Through its customer focus and personalised service, Fine and Country wants to be different from other estate agencies in the area. “Estate agencies get a bad rap. Lots of property sellers feel they are not getting a great service. The industry is currently changing. In the past, people were happy to walk down the high street and into an estate agents office to discuss buying or selling a property. Now everything happens online and very quickly.”
 
“I think the covid-19 pandemic is accelerating the changes in the industry. Virtual viewings and valuations are the norm. Agencies can no longer rely only on Rightmove.com and Zoopla.com to list and sell properties. Moreover, property sellers prefer dealing with one agent from the start to the finish of the transaction rather than picking up the phone and speaking to different agents each time.”
 
“With us, you have a point of contact from the beginning to the end of the transaction. I believe that this personal relationship works very well for most clients. They have complete assurance that the sale of their property is in good hands. For instance, I’ll handle the initial consultation, valuation, staging of the property and the launch to the general public myself. I’ll also set targets for the property to be sold giving the seller the best return and the buyer value for their money”
 
Fine and Country Rickmansworth is having an open house for one of its newly acquired properties for sale at Old Shire Lane, Chorleywood on September 18, 2021. “This property had been on the market but was not getting the desired enquiries. We have taken over the sale of the property with a different and more effective marketing approach. We utilize the online marketing tools – video social media and the Fine and Country magazine – Refined - to drive interest to the property. We have combined all these activities with the old fashion knocking on doors of people that have expressed interest in purchasing a property. We take all the necessary steps to get the property sold within a short time.
 
Darren has been an estate agent for about 23 years. “I started at the age of 18 and have worked for multiple estate agency brands across London and more recently in Hertfordshire. I also had a stint in Germany selling properties for a while.”
​

​Why the estate agency business? “I have always been very competitive. I was involved in sport and represented my school and the county on many occasions. So whatever I was going to do after I left school, I wanted to fully utilize that competitive part of me. My dad had a plumbing business before he retired. I recall going on a call with him when I was much younger to this really beautiful house. I asked my Dad what the owner did for a living and he told me that the owner is an estate agent. I suppose the seed was planted then.”
 
 “I was never going to be comfortable sitting behind a desk from 9am to 5pm. I love meeting and talking to people. I like building relationships and like the variety of dealing with various people from Solicitors to Mortgage brokers to Builders etc. I also like to compete. Being an estate agent gives me that variety which I enjoy. I have always wanted to have my own business too. With Fine and Country, I get the opportunity to have my own business and put in as much effort as I can to make it successful.”
 
Since the launch of the Fine and Country office in Rickmansworth, Darren has been creating a lot of awareness on the potential of the area through social media. On the Fine and Country Rickmansworth Facebook page, you will see uploaded videos of important areas in WD3 and interviews with some local businesses. “It is about creating awareness of things to do in the area, places to visit and reasons why Rickmansworth and Chorleywood are excellent places to live,” says Darren.
 
The next 6 to 12 months are crucial as the Rickmansworth office seeks to add more properties on the books and close more sales. “There are several available properties in the area which could use our service. We want to be more involved in taking properties to the market and selling them to buyers. We’ll utilize our strong brand, network and local knowledge of the area to make this a success.
 
For enquiries on property sales or purchases in Loudwater, Chorleywood, Croxley Green or Rickmansworth call 07944 283 290 or email darren.hopcroft@fineandcountry.com.

Entries invited for Charity Photo Exhibition
​

Local amateur photographers are invited to submit photos of Hertfordshire’s places to be considered for inclusion in the Herts in Focus 2021 charity photo exhibition.
 
Following on from the success of Herts in Focus 2020 which featured Hertfordshire wildlife, the 2021 exhibition’s subject matter will be Hertfordshire places and will once again be raising money for local charity, Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

Henrietta Buxton, Ambassador for Hertfordshire Community Foundation said, “We are looking for images from across the county in all seasons and lights. We were delighted with the response to last year’s exhibition and we are grateful to everyone who supported it by buying a print. We raised £7,700 to help vulnerable people in  Hertfordshire.
 
“This year we have decided to celebrate the beauty of Hertfordshire’s diverse and striking landscapes, iconic buildings and rich heritage. We are appealing for local amateur photographers who may like to help to improve the life of someone struggling in Hertfordshire to become involved in this exhibition. We know that local people are suffering as prolonged economic impact of the pandemic unfolds which is why this exhibition is raising money to help them.”

A panel will select 30 photographs to be posted one a day on social media during the month of October 2021. The photos will also be for sale on the Herts in Focus website (www.hertsinfocus.com). Pictures will be printed A4 and mounted and framed in a 30cm x 40cm frame and sold for £50 with all profit going to Hertfordshire Community Foundation a local independent charity that collects donations to provide grants and support to small charities, voluntary groups and families in crisis in Hertfordshire. Over the past three decades HCF has funded thousands of local initiatives addressing complex social issues including domestic abuse, learning disabilities, bereavement, homelessness, mental health and many more.

Photographic contributions can be emailed to hertsinfocus@gmail.com with a title and location before Friday 20th August 2021.

For further information about the exhibition please contact Henrietta Buxton by emailing hertsinfocus@gmail.com or visit www.hertsinfocus.com
 
For further information about Hertfordshire Community Foundation visit www.hertscf.org.uk
​

Thursday 12 August 2021 is International Youth Day and to mark it the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire is hosting a free event at St Albans Cathedral. Taking place between 10.30am and 3pm, the event will include a wide variety of organisations from around the county displaying information about opportunities available for young people.

During his year in office The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Lionel Wallace DL is focusing on helping the youth of Hertfordshire to thrive. He has undertaken activities and given his support to projects which are encouraging opportunities for young people to advance, be confident, committed and community minded.

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire said, “I would like to invite the young people of Hertfordshire to pop in and learn about some of the wonderful opportunities that are available to them in our county. It’s a day to celebrate and support them as they receive notice of exam results. I hope that those attending this fun and relaxed event will be inspired and uplifted by the opportunities and support available to them to build their skills, confidence and futures.”

“I also want to recognise and celebrate the charitable and voluntary organisations who are helping to increase opportunities for young people to excel and I will be doing this through my High Sheriff Award 2021 programme. Nominations for the awards will open at the event and also be available online ​https://www.hertscf.org.uk/high-sheriff-awards.

Food stalls will be available at the event, but visitors are also welcome to bring a picnic.”
For a full list of stalls and the event programme visit  https://www.highsheriffofhertfordshire.org.uk/international-youth-day-celebration-2021

For more information about the event email: highsheriff@hsoh.org.uk

For more information about the High Sheriff Awards email grants@hertscf.org.uk
​

JPA Workspaces have been nominated as finalists in the annual Mixology awards 2021 for Furniture Provider of the Year and are thrilled for our team!

Mixology awards are run by Mix Interiors Magazine and celebrate the very best products, people and projects within the commercial interiors sector. The judging panel is comprised of key players in the industry.

‘To be a nominated finalist is a mark of recognition for our work and raises our profile within the community so it’s a marvellous achievement’ says Richard Cooksey, JPA’s new Chief Operating Officer.

Completed JPA furniture projects over the last 12 months include refurbishments at Rothamsted Enterprises in Harpenden (flexible working environments), Eastman Dental Institute (administrative areas), St Edwards School Oxford (6th Form social study space), Lincoln College Oxford (new student area)

JPA have also been working with local NHS Trusts during covid to move, store and re-locate furniture to accommodate additional hospital beds, and also setup covid treatment, testing and vaccination centres including Nightingale, Wasps, the BDC and Emirates stadium.

If you are re-designing your workspace or want to create a safer, functional work area for your team please contact JPA Workspaces.

Get more information on the Mixology21 nominations.