SUN POSTAL might not be reaching the standards required by manager Terry Hows, but Saturday's (Deceber 15) 2-1 away victory at Wormley Rovers ensured they made the most of London Lions' weekend off to reclaim first place in the Premier Division. "We're
WATFORD mayor Sybil Tuckwood visited West Herts Golf Club on Sunday, December 16, to present the turkeys to the winners of the Turkey Stakes Competition. All the competitors had contributed their entry fees to the mayor's chosen charity, the New Hope
TUCKED away among high-rise office blocks in Borehamwood is a restaurant that provides a splash of colour in a grey world. If you have ever dreamed of a welcoming, friendly spot, a stone's throw from your computer terminal, with a glorious menu to suit
INTERNATIONAL cuisine might be all the rage in cosmopolitan London, but if, like me, you were brought up on steak and kidney pie and roast dinners with all the trimmings, nothing compares to traditional English cooking. Edwinns in Harefield caters for
WHEN a restaurant at which you are going to dine comes highly recommended by a restaurateur you know you are on to a good thing, especially when it is not his or her own establishment. I have to admit I had never heard of Roots in Rickmansworth until
OLD VERULAMIANS powered their way into the last 16 of the Powergen Intermediate Cup with an impressive 18-8 victory over London Division Two South opponents, Old Mid-Whitgiftians. An aggressive performance provided the platform for the victory and with
TAKING a break from their league programme, OAs travelled to Beaconsfield for a friendly with the coaching staff's experimental line-up comfortably wining 18-7. Although this was a friendly fixture, there was plenty of niggle in the forward exchanges
IF the closest you have ever got to Middle Eastern cuisine is stopping for a kebab on Edgware Road after a night out in the West End, you're missing out on a real treat. Elnomad in Ruislip High Street is one of Middlesex's hidden treasures that simply
THE 88 Restaurant in Mill Hill has got to be the Borough of Barnet's answer to eating out at one of the best places central London's Chinatown has to offer. Named after the number in Mill Hill Broadway where it can be found, this restaurant housed in
YOU may not have heard of the China Pearl in Denham, but if you are familiar with the area at all you will know the restaurant. For many years, the premises were home to La Capelle, and it was reincarnated under its present name in 2001. Situated just
CHINA CITY in Colindale is undoubtedly one of the best Chinese restaurants in the Borough of Barnet. Not only does the restaurant promise the finest authentic Chinese cuisine, but it also delivers delicious, mouthwatering dishes to whet every diner's
THE English are notoriously unadventurous with food, which is a great shame when it comes to something as exotic and flavoursome as Chinese cuisine. Tai Pan, a spacious, attractively-decorated Chinese restaurant conveniently near Northwood Tube station
A LOCAL charity was banned from fundraising in St Albans city centre, following complaints from a market stall holder. St Albans Round Table's Christmas float, which has entertained shoppers for more than 15 years, was banished from Market Place by St
THE PRESSURES of exams and family break-ups can severely affect young peoples' lives but the St Albans counselling service Youth Talk is here to help and will soon celebrate its fifth birthday. Where friendly neighbours, stable families and church communities
THEY don't like empty seats at AlFresco, so it's fortunate that's not a problem they encounter often. Regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants in Barnet, it's no wonder that AlFresco is the regular haunt of some of the borough's top footballing
CUSTOMER turnover in some restaurants can be so great it feels that no sooner have you sat down than you are being ushered out the door, your table is being cleared, the next diners are seated, and their orders being taken. Thankfully, this is not the
THE Alpine is a landmark restaurant, literally. Standing on the corner of High Street and Common Road, where Stanmore meets Bushey Heath and Middlesex meets Hertfordshire, it has given its name to the crossroads that drivers are told to watch for when
EVER since they slow hand-clapped Premier Blair, the ladies of the Women's Institute have been enjoying a rather more feisty image. But you will be relieved to know that at grassroots level they are still enjoying their well deserved reputation as darn
I HAVE sat in stunning Brussels bars, snow falling beyond the church like stained glass windows, while a beer sommelier has brought me a list of some 40 different beers - and discussed with me the merits of which might go with roast wild boar, which with
HERTFORDSHIRE County Council has pledged to provide accommodation for up to 40 people with learning disabilities every year in a bid to meet the growing demand on its services. There are currently 6,773 people in Hertfordshire registered as having a learning
THE RADIO discussion programme Any Questions is coming to Marlborough Road Methodist Church in St Albans on Friday, December 21. The panel, consisting of thriller writer Mr Frederick Forsyth, actress Ms Fiona Shaw, Mr Paul Marsden MP, who recently left
THE first time we ever went to see my husband's family in Poland at Christmas 16 years ago, on the plane we asked the hostess if we'd be landing in Krakow on time, to be greeted by howls of mirth from surrounding passengers. Seasoned Polish travellers
SO, the big day is almost upon us. Every food column in the country is going mad for Christmas Day dinner, but what about Boxing Day? The day when you're supposed to take it a little more easily, spending less time in the kitchen and enjoying the holiday
OYSTER mushrooms are a delicious edible fungus, often found growing wild on trunks, logs and tree stumps in this country - though generally just the grey or beige variety, not the bright coloured more exotic species in this colourful dish from Sainsbury's
STRANGE irony, is it not, that in the greatest ale brewing nation in the world we import wine to drink with our meals. But beer is beaut with food, and who better than the Campaign for Real Ale to show how it should be done at their 30th anniversary dinner
SO, you've got the turkey, the mince pies are baked, the stuffing's made, you've polished the glasses and planned the dinner...but how about giving it a little 'zing' while saving some time on the day, too? By using smoked salmon in a stylish starter
BING Crosby may have dreamt of a white Christmas, but I'm dreaming of a dark one. Dark, spicy, dangerously alcoholic, full bodied Xmas ale - the drink that puts Cheers! into Christmas cheer. Everyone seems to rush around with Christmas drinks lists that
Senior citizens living at a residential care complex this week spoke of their distress at finding out that it could be sold off for housing development. People in sheltered accommodation and a nursing home at Borehamwood Care Village, in Cardinal Avenue
Buster Bloodvessel returns with the world famous ska band; The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans; Wednesday, December 19; admission 8. December 19, 2001 21:00
Every Monday, traditional and contemporary songs, everyone welcome as singers or spectators; The Bull, High Street, Redbourn; 8.30pm; admission 1; more details from John on 01923 404566. December 19, 2001 21:00
Melodic jazz and bossa nova every Friday in the bar; Batchwood Golf and Tennis Club, Batchwood Drive, St Albans; 8.30pm; entry free. December 19, 2001 21:00
Every Thursday mainly English and Irish traditional tunes and songs everyone welcome to listen or to play; Rose & Crown, St Michael's Street, St Albans; 9pm. December 19, 2001 21:00
Fine line drawings of Croxley, Rickmansworth, Bushey and Watford by John Kirkham; Croxley Green Library, Barton Way, Croxley Green; runs until Monday, December 24, 10am. December 19, 2001 21:00
Presented by Abbi Torrance; The Bull Gallery, High Street, Barnet; runs until Sunday, January 13. December 19, 2001 21:00
Remada Jarvis Hotel (A41), Watford Bypass, Watford; no denim, gentlemen shirts and ties required; last entry 10.45pm; every Thursday, 8.45pm. Tel: 020 8393 0914. December 19, 2001 21:00
If you're stuck for something to do on New Year's Day why not join in a walk across Hampstead Heath that unearths some ghostly tales? CHRISTOPHER SPARROW reports. Ever since the Middle Ages, Londoners have journeyed to Hampstead to enjoy the fresh air
A 24-carat seasonal spectacle; Palace Theatre Watford, Clarendon Road, Watford; runs until Saturday, January 12. Tel: box office 01923 225671 for times and ticket prices. December 19, 2001 21:00
Dacorum Pavilion, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead; Wednesday, December 21, to Sunday, January 6; tickets 9.50/12.50 adults, 6.50/9.50 children. Tel: box office 01442 228700 for times. December 19, 2001 21:00
Presented by Blag Theatre Company; The Pump House, Local Board Road, Lower High Street, Watford; runs to Sunday, December 23, 7.30pm; tickets 7. Tel: box office 01923 772320. December 19, 2001 21:00
THE take-up of the free flu vaccination by the over-65s in the North Essex Health Authority area which includes the Harlow district is seven per cent up on the same point last year. Halfway through the campaign, 55.6 per cent of over-65s have been vaccinated
HARLOW nightspot owner Luminar has joined forces with Essex Police to encourage drivers not to drink and drive this Christmas. The company, which owns Jumpin Jaks and the Chicago Rock Cafe is taking part in this year's drink-drive campaign which was launched
A 24-carat seasonal spectacle; Palace Theatre Watford, Clarendon Road, Watford; Saturday, November 24, to January 12. Tel: box office 01923 225671 for times and ticket prices. December 19, 2001 21:00
THE Friends of St Thomas Church in Old Uxbridge Road, West Hyde, will be holding a Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 19, at 7.30pm. The concert, to raise money for the upkeep of the church, will feature the Walbrook Singers. For tickets and more
If you're stuck for something to do on New Year's Day why not join in a walk across Hampstead Heath that unearths some ghostly tales? CHRISTOPHER SPARROW reports. Ever since the Middle Ages, Londoners have journeyed to Hampstead to enjoy the fresh air
A SINGLE candle destroyed a home and nearly killed two people when it started a fire in block of flats. Firefighters were called to the blaze in the early hours of Tuesday, December 18, after a flurry of 999 calls from residents of the flats in Croxley
CHRISTMAS shoppers should not be lured by tempting offers of extra credit and buy now pay later deals according to Watford Citizens Advice Bureau. The CAB is warning consumers that the deals may not be as convenient as they seem and could lead to consumers
MEMBERS of Friends of the Earth have blasted the Government for "refusing" to fund a project to extend the London Underground tube system to Watford Junction Station. The campaign group says this is the second year the Department of Transport Local Government
THE drunken driver of a speeding car which crashed into a parked JCB killing himself and two of his passengers had a conviction for drink driving a year before, an inquest heard on Friday, December 14. Only one man survived the accident in Oxhey Lane,
HUNTERS is almost certainly Cockfosters' best-kept secret. The restaurant is tucked away among a parade of shops along Heddon Court Parade, but is a treat definitely worth exploring. It is modelled on a French-style villa, complete with luscious countryside
WATFORD deputy manager, Ray Wilkins, stepping in while Luca Vialli dashed back to see his family in Italy, pointed to Watford's display against Crystal Palace on December 15 as further signs that the team is beginning to gel. "I would like to think we
THE Cock Inn in Sarratt has the best of both worlds: it's just a few minutes from the M25, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of town life. It looks like a picture postcard, an old building, set back from a bend in a country road, opposite a
AN INTERESTING mix of Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine greeted us on our first visit to Jakarta in Sheaveshill Avenue, just off Edgware Road, in Colindale. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, with wrought iron chairs, walls painted in warm colours
PEOPLE sometimes ask: what's in a name? Well, if Aroma Kitchen in Abbots Langley is anything to go by, a great deal, it would seem. The mouthwatering aromas at the 80-seater Chinese and Malaysian restaurant in Katherine Place, College Road, guarantee
IT'S always great to have the opportunity to escape to an exotic location such as Thailand, where you can blend into the fascinating culture, experience strange aromas, observe the people and sample the local cuisine. But, unfortunately, this is not always
VERLEA ATHLETICS CLUB enjoyed their best ever cross-country turnout in the latest round of the Chingford League Cross-Country at Trent Park on Saturday, December 15. Andy Slack produced the performance of the day to finish in third position in the men's
ON a cold Monday night in December, I was not really looking forward to venturing out to an Indian restaurant. But after sampling the delicious fare on offer at Tandoori Nights in Cockfosters, I was glad that I had forced myself out, for the restaurant
THE Viceroy Brasserie is in a league of its own for not only is the modern decor not what you would expect in an Indian restaurant, but the food is exquisite, the service second to none, and you could find yourself dining next to stars such as comedian
FOR someone who thought all curry tastes the same, I found that dining at the Monsoon restaurant in Verulam Road, St Albans, the most refreshing encounter with the hot stuff I've had for a long time. I have been used to frequenting curry houses with mirror
HOWEVER much you may love Indian food, it is hard to disagree that most Indian restaurants are deeply unlovely, no matter how high the standards of their cuisine and service. The flock wallpaper look that made Indian restaurants so exotic for diners brought
WHEN you have dined in one Indian restaurant, you've dined in them all: right? Wrong. This is certainly not the case when you pay a visit to the Bina Tandoori in High Street, Northwood. Being greeted by Martin, the singing waiter, is enough to make you
INDIAN restaurants are changing, and it is a revolution that all lovers of good Indian food must surely welcome wholeheartedly. There are still plenty of places with red flock wallpaper and joss sticks around to satisfy those for whom a curry is merely
TRADITIONALLY, pizza may not be deemed to be the last word in luxury dining, but at Oscars Pizza Company, what was once the staple food of the Italian peasant is given a touch of extravagance. The restaurant and takeaway rises above the flat, breaded
"Christmas is coming, the duck is getting fat..."; "Oh little town of Beijing...."; "We wish you a merry Communist...". Stop the carols. Something's not quite right with Christmas this year. On the positive side, I haven't been bombarded with the consumer
THE battle to save Hemel Hempstead Hospital's maternity services culminated in the hand-over of a 52,000-signature petition to Number 10 Downing Street on Tuesday, December 18. St Albans MP Kerry Pollard and Harpenden MP Peter Lilley joined Dacorum MP
WHEN the final curtain fell on rock musical Chess at Alban Arena recently Queen of the players, Mary Myers, was also taking a final bow. One of the grande dames of the local theatrical scene for nearly half a century, Mary announced in the Chess programme
With everyone's busy lifestyles, its all too easy to let a good tasty meal become something that you only enjoy in a restaurant, or after having spent ages slaving over a hot stove and a Delia Smith cookbook. This wonderful little dish is very easy to
IT WAS an act of extreme foolishness to argue with the comment in the recent vodka column on this site (see Polish Vodka article by Susan Nowak), that a good Scot will never put water in his whisky. I can hardly quibble with my punishment - a piece on
EVERYONE seems to rush around with Christmas drinks lists that include champagne, wine, port, sherry and Baileys - but stray to the beer shelves and see the ding dong merrily selection brewed by our innovative British brewers especially for the festive
MY husband has this theory that if you drink vodka - and only vodka - all evening, you will suffer no hangover in the morning. Not just any old vodka, I hasten to add. Not the stuff distilled in Warrington nor any of the other mass market varieties that
Every Wednesday, hosted by local band organised by St Albans blues/rock trio Mojo, guest performers and floor spots are welcome and all performers get a free drink get there early to book your place; Mermaid pub, Hatfield Road, St Albans; admission free
Every Sunday, house band plus guests, floorspots, players and singers welcome; The Portland Arms, Portland Street, St Albans; 8.30pm. December 19, 2001 21:00
A warm welcome for all every Thursday evening at the Hollybush Folk Club; informal singers night; Old School Room, Hollybush pub, Church End, Redbourn; 8.15pm to 11.15pm; admission 2 on the door; further information on 07710 471862 or 07850 163241. December
Presented by Jeanette Perry; Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford; runs until Saturday, January 5; admission free. December 19, 2001 21:00
Showcasing the work of local craftspeople; Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford; runs until Saturday, January 5; admission free. December 19, 2001 21:00
Local scenes of the Rickmansworth area; foyer of Three Rivers District Council Offices, Northway, Rickmansworth; runs until end of December. December 19, 2001 21:00
An exhibition of toys, games and childhood memorabilia;Bushey Museum and Art Gallery, Rudolph Road, Bushey; runs until Saturday, February 23; open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm; admission free. December 19, 2001 21:00
Ballroom dancing; Orbital Community Centre, Haines Way, Watford; new members welcome; every Tuesday, 2pm to 4pm. Tel: 01923 681054. December 19, 2001 21:00
YMCA, Charter Place, Watford; mainly for senior citizens; every Thursday, 2pm to 4pm; admission 1.50. December 19, 2001 21:00
A beginners class for ladies; The Oracle, 12 Market Street, Watford; Monday, December 19, 7pm to 8pm and 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Tel: 020 8421 5178. December 19, 2001 21:00
School of Dancing, 14 Nascot Road, Watford; Thursday, December 20, 8pm, followed by practice session; no partner required, complete beginners welcome. Tel. 01923 210016 for further details. December 19, 2001 21:00
Gala Charity Preview Show; Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans; Tuesday, December 18, 7pm; tickets 15; Wednesday, December 19, to Sunday, January 6, tickets 8.50 to 16. Tel: box office 01727 844488. December 19, 2001 21:00
