CATEGORIES
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
The Dead Give Life In The Woods
With Halloween this month we venture into the woods in search of the dead...
Something Old, Something New
Amanda Griffiths looks at the latest guidelines around wedding celebrations and how couples can still find a way to plan their big day
Umbrella academy
Changing perceptions of learning disability through music, Electric Umbrella reacted to the pandemic by reaching out to a whole new audience
THE POWER OF PICTURES
A trip to a Zambian school sparked an idea that has helped tens of thousands of people in need around the world. Here St Albans photographer Adam Dickens discusses the work of Taking Pictures, Changing Lives
The big picture
Painting primarily outdoors, Susan Gray is drawn to panoramas of land and sea to create energy-filled works
Sofa styling
Kerry Laird, interior designer at Fishpools in Waltham Cross, gives a guide to dressing your sofa
Passion fruit
October is the month of fruit harvest, but did you know those Conference pears and Czar plums in your shopping basket were created right here in Herts?
Relieved of duty
Karen Fletcher, residential property expert at Longmores Solicitors in Hertford, looks at the impact of the stamp duty holiday on the market
Hidden spaces
With some of Herts’ loveliest countryside and steeped in royal history, Kings Langley holds hidden gems for the walker or cyclist
Halloween thrills
From wraiths to witches, woods to wolves, here are 10 spooky things to give you and the family the willies this Halloween
NEW WORLD PIONEER
Hertford Puritan pioneer Samuel Stone founded what would become a state capital and a keystone in US democracy. This month, 400 years after The Pilgrim Fathers sailed to the New World, we look at his remarkable life and legacy
Making Good Connections
The owner of historic Munden Estate in Bricket Wood is Herts’ new High Sheriff, combining an ancient post with a passion for helping others
Open crisis?
Founded in 1927 to support district nurses, the National Garden Scheme is now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK. So how is the charity dealing with the loss of its primary fundraiser?
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Bushey’s Martin Langston began his art career in graphic design before moving into art direction. After a hiatus he has returned to his first love, comics
Wildlife without borders
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s Frieda Rummenhohl celebrates the magic of our migrating wildlife
New tricks?
Despite the dog adage, you’re never too old to learn, and doing so can improve your health and wellbeing
Blue sky thinking
A century ago this month, Geoffrey de Havilland founded the Herts aircraft company that would play a major role in aviation history. His legacy is marked by a new £2m exhibition space
Holiday at home
With holidays cancelled and the threat of rapidly changing government advice regarding quarantine, a luxury break at home could be just the ticket. You can do it in style and safety in Herts
Be prepared
Coronavirus made the last school year exceptional but you can help your loved ones cope with whatever the new one throws at them with a little preparation
A Way of life
Marking the diamond jubilee of The Ramblers’ Association 25 years ago, the Hertfordshire Way has grown into a near-200 mile celebration of the county’s countryside and heritage