Boho Boxmoor

Yoga classes in Boxmoor

Boxmoor's Brian Hanley has teaching yoga since 1992. He has a regular class in Boxmoor on Wednesday evenings that's fully booked, and now he's planning on offering more classes in the area:

BRIAN writes: I know only too well the stresses of juggling a work-life balance here as I have been living in Boxmoor for six years, commuting for the past two and a half years, and as a relatively new parent.

As a stay-at-home dad now, I’m starting up more regular classes – particularly suited to commuters, or other stay-at-home parents as there will be evening and daytime classes available. 

I originally discovered the benefits of yoga around Christmas 1987 when I left the Royal Navy. I was having difficulty sleeping due to irregular shifts and seeing active service. I saw an advert at the library for a yoga class which asked “Having trouble sleeping? Try yoga”.

Until relatively recently yoga was considered by many to be on the fringe. I had only heard of it through my training in karate as they used some of the stretching techniques – even my parents thought I was odd by going along.

But that night after my first yoga class I slept my first full-night’s sleep in years. There’s lots of other benefits too. And it’s suitable for anybody.

For more details about Brian's forthcoming yoga classes in Boxmoor, contact him on 01442 212903 or email: brianhan@tiscali.co.uk.

Remembrance Sunday in Hemel Hempstead

Remembrance Sunday commemorations will start from 10am in the Marlowes this Sunday, when veterans, members of the Royal British Legion and civic guests will congregate at the bandstand.

At 10,30am, they will march to the War Memorial at St John's Church, Boxmoor. RAF Halton is sending a marching contingent of 32 personnel and a Pipe and Drum band.

Members of the public who are not able to attend the march are welcome to go directly to the War Memorial from 10.45am when wreaths will be laid.

The Rembrance Day Church Service will take place in St John's immediately afterwards.

In July this year, 23-year-old Royal Marine Matthew Harrison from Hemel Hempstead was killed in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. His funeral service was held at St John's Church.

Boxmoor Primary School's Swish Party

Boxmoor Primary School is holding a Swish Party on Thursday 18 November, at 7.30pm. What's a 'Swish Party' I hear your ask? Swishing is the latest craze for fashion lovers, born out of the credit-crunch and eco-awareness.

Simply bring along a few items from your wardrobe that you never wear any more, and swap them for someone's else's glad rags. Instant wardrobe update in time for the party season, with little impact on your wallet or the environment.

Doors open at 7.30pm when you hand over your items and they're taken away to be put on rails ready for browsing. Bring a minimum of one item, maximum five - clean, pressed and in good condition, and on a hanger if possible. You can bring clothes, shoes or accessiories.

Then have a drink and nibbles and browse a few Christmas and shopping stalls until the main doors open at 8pm. You'll have stickers to put on items you like; if anything is chosen by more than one person, there's a draw for it. Clothes will be arranged by size, so you can quickly find the right things for you.

Tickets to the Swish Party cost £3 per person, available on the door. If you'd like to find out more, or ask about having a stall there, contact Lenka on 07871 608907. This event is organised by the Boxmoor Primary School PTA as a fundraising event for the school.

Venue: Boxmoor Primary School, Cowper Road, Boxmoor, HP1 1PF. Parking is on Cowper Road or Grosvenor Terrace.

Photo © Daniel Goodchild and DGimages

Fireworks and bonfires in Hemel Hempstead

Bonfire night is being celebrated on Friday 5 November and Saturday 6 November. Where can you find fireworks displays and bonfire celebrations in the Hemel Hempstead area?

First on the list has to be Camelot Rugby Club in Boxmoor, which is holding a Fireworks Exravaganza on Saturday 6 November - taking over from the Winkwell's popular annual display. Gates open at 5pm and there'll be a BBQ, hog roast and music. Single tickets £5, family tickets (2 adults, 3 children) £15.00.

You can also check out the Rudolf Steiner School's fireworks, in Kings Langley. These are on Friday 5 November from 6pm, with fireworks from 7.15pm. There's plenty of free parking and there'll be a bonfire and BBQ. Family tickets cost £14. 

The Old Mill in Berkhamsted has a 'Spectacular Bonfire Party' on Friday 5 November, from 7pm. Bonfire in the carpark and sparklers for kids. Free toffee apples and a sausage drawing competition, with sausages from local butcher Aubrey Allen. Kids welcome - I rang to double check.

Watford Borough Council has organised its annual Light Up Watford event at Cassiobury Park on Saturday 6 November. There will be live entertainment, children's fireworks display at 6.15pm and a main display at 7.30pm. This is a big event.

And there's a display at Tring Park Cricket Club at Saturday 6 November from 6pm. Adults £5, kids £3, family ticket (up to 3 Kids) £ 15 Tel: 01442 823080 Address: Beechwood, London Road, Tring, HP23 6HA

A good list of firework displays in the wider area can be found on the Watford Observer - click here.

Herts Police has published a list of safety tips for bonfire night and fireworks displays - click here.

Halloween Half-term: What's on

There are lots of activities to keep you and the kids busy this Halloween half-term, especially if you're looking for fun of the frightening variety. Here are my picks for some of the best around Hemel Hempstead:

Half-term at Waddesdon Manor
Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 October: Halloween half-term activities including scary films in the Power House, face painting, terrible trail round the garden and free craft activities. Children in fancy dress receive a free gift from the Stables shop. There are also free children's tours of the house at 11.30am on 27, 28 & 29 October (one adult also gets in free; £5 per adult thereafter). Booking required: 01296 653226. www.waddesdon.org.uk

Box Moor Trust's autumn activities
Join in the Box Moor Trust's Autumn Family Activity Day on Thursday 28 October, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm. Crafts and activities (indoor and out) based on the themes of autumn colours and patterns. Meet at the Old Barn, Westbrook Hay. Adult supervision required. Booking required: 01442 253300. Suggested donation £2.50 per child.

Little ones' Halloween fun
Jacqu'in the Box babies and Toddlers Halloween Fancy Dress Musical Party 10.00am to 11.30am, Monday 25 October, 10am-11.30pam at St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish Centre. Booking required. Email jacquitomlin@aol.com for booking form or text 07948371615. www.jacqinthebox.com

Old Town Halloween classic
Sunday 21 October: Halloween wouldn't be Halloween without the Old Town Hall's ghost walk. This year, follow the clues to find the wicked witches of witchety wood (featuring  A Level Gobstoppers' students). For ages 6+, tickets £2 available on the door. Fancy dress optional. Walks start at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. The Old Town Hall Theatre, High Street, Hemel Hempstead. For more info ring 01442 228091 or visit www.theoldtownhall.org.uk

Chilling & thrilling: Kids' ski courses
The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is offering skiing courses for kids as young as 4-7 years old this half term. One-hour courses over four days teach children balance and co-ordination, with the emphasis on fun in the snow. £66 for the week (£46 for members). There are also courses for older kids (7-10 and 11-16) - these run for two hours and cost £110 (£77 to members) for the week. Visit the Snow Centre's website to find out more or ring 0845 258 9000.

Frights down on the farm
Mead Open Farm are running a Freaky Fortnight which carries on through half-term, with a haunted castle, phantom trailer ridde and a creepy tots corner. More details on their website. 

Further afield: Halloween at Capel Manor
Head to Capel Manor Gardens near Enfield for their annual Halloween Howler on Sunday 31 October, 10am-4pm. Carve up some pumpkins and get stuck into some other traditional craft activities. Tractor rides and ghostly stories, plus storytelling are all on offer. It's Trick o' Treating with a country feel. Website: www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk

HELPFUL LINKS
Top tips for Halloween from Mum's The Boss blog (Hertfordshire)
Half-term activities - Gade Extended Schools (see October half-term newsletter) 
Sportspace Hemel Hempstead: Kids' half-term activities - download available

 

The Big Draw at Frogmore Paper Mill

Come along to Frogmore Paper Mill & Visitor Centre in Apsley on Sunday 17th October, 11am to 4pm and join in with the Big Draw. This is an annual national event, run each year by The Campaign for Drawing. This year Frogmore Mill's theme is ‘water + power + fibre = paper’.

You can join in with a variety of innovative activities including drawing around the mill, figure study (sketch the firemen), hand paper making, drawing and painting on the canal boat (pictured, above), painting with water pistols and lots more. 

Entry is £3.50 per person (to draw from the boat is an extra £2 per person). All materials will be provided. Mill tours will also be available at £2 per person.

The café will be serving a variety of refreshments and snacks, while you will be able to buy lots of different papers from the shop to continue with your new found artistic side at home.

Drop in and draw and find the creative you. Come early and stay as long as you like.

Venue details: Frogmore Mill, Fourdrinier Way, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead Herts HP3 9RY. Parking is in the public pay & display car park in Durrants Hill Road (only a two-minute walk from Frogmore Mill’s main entrance).

If you would like further details about The Big Draw at Frogmore Paper Mill call 01442 234600 or visit the website at www.thepapertrail.org.uk. You can also visit The Big Draw’s website at www.campaignfordrawing.org

Box Moor Trust's Conker Festival 2010

It's that time of year again. The Box Moor Trust holds its annual Conker Festival on Sunday 17 October in Blackbirds Moor, 12pm-3pm. Registration for the competition starts at 11.30am, and you'll want to make sure you get there early as places do fill up. There are two separate competitions: Juniors (8-11 years old) and adults (12 and over).

If you're not taking part in the competition, there's still plenty to keep the whole family entertained. You can try your hand at archery courtesy the Berkhamsted Bowmen or take part in a mini pottery workshop with the Dacourm & Chiltern Potters Guild.

The Trust's education team will be running craft activities of kids of all ages and there will be a variety of charity and community stalls. Plus the Jolly Jazzers, face painting, refereshments and a clown to entertain the kids - what more could you want?

Entry is free - just turn up to Blackbirds Moor, Boxmoor. See you there! Find out more about the Box Moor Trust.

Conkers photo by Roy Lathwell on the Boho Boxmoor pics group on Flickr. See Roy's photostream here.

Monthly litter picks - how did we do?

Here's the haul from our first monthly Boxmoor litter pick, held on Saturday 2 October. Seventeen people showed up, 14 bags were collected in total and rubbish was cleared from litter 'hotspots' in Boxmoor like the Cotterells, St John's Road, Hemel Hempstead Cricket Club and Fishery Passage.

The monthly litter picks are organised by Lance Redler, and the starting point is outside his house at 156 St John's Road. You collect tabards, rubbish bags and litter-picking sticks from Lance, choose a route and off you go.

All ages are welcome, and we hope that these ongoing litter picks will reinforce that this is an area that is well cared for by its residents. The next pick is Sunday 7 November, start time tbc. Find out more about the monthly litter picks here.

 

Boxmoor Macmillan Coffee Morning 2010

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Macmillan Coffee Morning at St Mary & St Joseph's Parish Centre on Friday 24 September, to take part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning locally.

We raised £400 at the event for Macmillan Cancer Charity - £350 from donations for cakes and coffee and contributions from stall-holders; plus £50 via a Forever Living promotion run by local trader Heidi Brown. Last year's total was £303, so we're delighted that each year we're able to raise more and more.

Smith's Coffee of Apsley took part for the first time this year, providing all the coffees and teas - which were delicious. Owner Colin Smith showed up early, set us up with coffee-making equipment and left everything running smoothly. Yolanda, Alison, Elspeth and Lois usually work up a head of steam providing coffees in the kitchen, but this was their easiest year ever, thanks to Smith's.

That's it until next year - we're already booked in at the same venue on Friday 30 September. Thanks to all who came and everyone who made cakes and helped out. It was a warm community event as usual and let's hope for many more.

Here's an article from the Gazette about all the Macmillan Coffee Mornings in Hemel Hempstead... including ours, of course - click here.

Nearly £2 million has been raised so far from the World's Biggest Coffee Morning 2010. More info.

 

Box Moor Trustees election - voting gets underway

The Box Moor Trust is looking for five new Trustees to join its board of Trustees. The election was advertised over the summer - 60 local people expressed an interest and 17 have decided to stand.

The voting process kicks off on Monday 4 October. Ballot packs will be sent out to homes in the 'area of benefit' (this is Hemel Hempstead and Bovingdon). Adult voters are entitled to vote for up to five candidates. If you need an additional voting pack for your household, ring 0208 889 9203. You can vote by post, online and via freepone and SMA. Closing date for votes is 21 October 2010.

You can find out more about how to vote on the Box Moor Trust website: www.boxmoortrust.org.uk. You can also see photos and find out more about each of the candidates - click here. Here's a quick run-down: