Adoption chiefs are considering the prospect of activity days in a bid to match people with children needing homes.

Herts County Council already hosts successful children’s evenings every four weeks.

There no children present at these sessions, but potential adopters are able to view videos and pictures of children in need of a loving family and are also able to speak to the social workers who know them.

And approved adopters are already given support and encouragement to attend adoption activity days being held nationally if they wish.

Now the authority is considering a trial activity day where approved adopters have the opportunity to meet children who need homes.

County council spokesman Dee DeBruin said: “Hertfordshire continues to successfully match and place children for adoption and this has resulted in 69 placements made over the year up until December 2013.

“The majority of children in our care – 75 per cent – are in happy foster placements with the remaining 25 per cent in care homes and other provision.

“However, a significant number of the children in foster care continue to need the chance to live with an adoptive family.

“Hertfordshire is always looking for adopters from all walks of life who can give children a loving and permanent family in which they can thrive.”

People can find out more about adopting a child by calling 0800 917 0925 or by visiting www.hertsdirect.org/adoption.

Dee said: “Please do not discount yourself because of age, marital status or sexual orientation. If you feel you have something to offer a child, please get in touch.”

An alumna of Tring Park School will star on the silver screen alongside Colin Farrell and Russell Crowe this week.

Jessica Brown Findlay – perhaps best known for her role as the tragic Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey – stars as terminally-ill Beverley Penn, the love interest of co-star Colin Farrell’s Irish rogue character Peter Lake.

The supernatural drama is already out in the US under the title of Winter’s Tale, and is based on Mark Helprin’s 1938 novel.

Tring Park Principal Stefan Anderson said: “There is a lot of hard work, passion and dedication which goes before success and Jessica really deserves to be reaping the rewards from her hard work now.” A New York Winter’s Tale is in UK cinemas this Friday.

A vulnerable and lonely widow paid a builder over half a million pounds for work which should have cost £60,000, a jury was told.

Josephine Stubbings, 67, was befriended by John Jenkins who allegedly ‘lined his pockets’ with her savings for the next three and a half years.

Prosecutor Michael Speak said: “He relentlessly spent the money.”

On one occasion he took Mrs Stubbings, who drove a Nissan Micra, to a car dealership where he tried to persuade her to buy him a Jaguar.

He failed, but she did buy him a Peugeot. Mr Speak said: “The salesman thought it was very unusual for a lady of that age to be wanting a fast, powerful car.”

Mr Speak told the jury that Mrs Stubbings, of Berkhamsted, was a ‘vulnerable lady’.

He said: “She is a little eccentric with underlying mental health issues. She is a likeable lady. She is trusting in ways she should not be and is easily persuaded to do things in a way which none of you would do.

“Many loved ones had died and she was left alone in the world. She became isolated and began to suffer from acute anxiety.”

The prosecutor said Mr Jenkins, 70, from Poets Chase. Aylesbury, had ‘manipulated and exploited her’.

He worked as a general purpose builder, but by 2008 had either stopped working, had run out of work or was semi-retired. Mrs Stubbings had seen his ‘defunct’ advert in the Yellow Pages and contacted him to carry out a job at her home in Berkhamsted.

The court heard that Mr Jenkins persuaded her to have an ‘endless succession of work’ done on her house and mostly got others to do it for him.

Mr Speak said: “The defendant invented preposterous charges for this work, amounting to thousands and thousands of pounds. She trusted him and did not have a clear grasp of the situation. Sadly, she thought he was her friend – in reality he was anything but.”

The court heard Mrs Stubbings’ losses were revealed in November 2011 when she told a neighbour she had run out of money and asked to borrow some for food.

Mr Jenkins told police Mrs Stubbings’ house was in bad repair and he had got her out of her shell and cheered her up.

Their investigations showed she had paid him £530,000 – a surveyor found the work carried out amounted to £60,000 at most.

Giving video evidence via a pre-recorded interview with the police made in February 2012, Mrs Stubbings said: “Although he swindled me, I don’t bear him any animosity.”

She thought she had paid out about £150,000 to the builder, who did not give her any invoices or receipts.

Mrs Stubbings said she had studied English Literature at Durham University and had been a teacher before working as a post lady and as a home carer. She said she had anxiety and agoraphobia, but was now on medication.

Jenkins denies the theft of £532,695 between 1 April 2008 and 31 December 2011 and fraud by false representation between the same dates.

The Jenkins case continues.

Limber up for a free dance event that will have you shimmying towards a healthier lifestyle this Saturday.

The Marlowes Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead is inviting its customers to a ‘World Rhythms’ activity day involving everything from Azonto and Zumba fitness workshops to burlesque and salsa.

As well as expert-led classes and demonstrations running throughout the day, from 11am to 5.30pm, there will also be a belly-dancing display.

Nutrition and weight loss products company Herbalife will also be on hand to offer free health advice and BMI checks.

> The full line-up of classes is as follows:

11am: Zumba

11.30am: Fitsteps

Midday: Fight Klub

1pm: Azonto Fitness

1.30pm: Zumba

2.30pm: Burlesque

3pm: Salsa Demo and lesson

4pm: Belly Dance Display

The town centre mall also played host to a children’s activity day last weekend, in which more than 200 little ones took part in arts and crafts activities led by Tinker Bell.

The pirate fairy workshop coincided with the start of half term and the launch of Disney’s latest animated adventure, Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy.

Shoppers can still be in with the chance to win a range of Disney goodies by picking up an entry form at the customer services desk before 6pm tomorrow (Friday).

Tributes have been paid to a talented skier who was killed when an avalanche struck in the Swiss Alps.

Businessman Chris Longbottom, who ran his own ski accommodation business, showed an entrepreneurial flair throughout his teenage years according to school pal Elliot Ronald.

“He was a very larger than life character. Very smart and entrepreneurial. He spoke four or five languages.

“Even when we were at school he used to go and collect golf balls that had got lost and then he would sell them to make money.

“He was always coming up with entrepreneurial little businesses.”

The 39-year-old, went to Hemel Hempstead School and it is understood that his parents – a Swiss mother and British father – still live locally in Box Lane.

He had been skiing off piste at the ski resort Col de Forclaz with a group of friends when an avalanche hit on Sunday, February 9.

His friends were able to dig themselves out of the snow but Chris’ body was found several days later by mountain rescue teams.

“He was an amazing skier, that was his real passion. I skied with him quite a few times,” said Elliot.

“He was a really fun guy.

“He would have great parties but he was also a smart and pretty focused chap. It is really sad.”

Chris became a professional golfer at the age of 18 and set up his first ski business at 22.

He was a keen cyclist and spent a year-and-a-half during his early 20s travelling the world on his bike riding through California, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Thailand.

He was also a mountain runner and involved with trail run organisers Run the Alps.

In a profile under a ‘meet the team’ section of the running group’s website Chris said: “Everything I do, I do to the max.

“ I love skiing, love my running, love my mountains, love my freedom.”

Another Hemel Hempstead School pal Tim Osborn-Jones said: “He was a great athlete, daring, energetic and always led from the front.I could never keep up with him.

“Reading his Facebook page he touched so many people during his life and clearly had many fans.”

A six-year-old boy was killed when the car his mother was driving crashed into a tree, an inquest heard.

Jamie Sutton, who lived in Bovingdon with his family, suffered severe head injuries and died as a result of an accident Bucks Coroner’s Court heard on Wednesday.

The accident happened in Ley Hill Road, Chesham, on September 13 last year and Jamie died at the scene.

Police believe that his mother, for some reason, lost control of the black Ford KA she was driving.

At the time of the accident Jamie’s family released a statement through Thames Valley Police which said they were ‘struggling with this devastating and life changing situation’.

They described Jamie as a cheeky youngster and said: “Sleep tight my angel, we will love your forever.”

Students from Hemel Hempstead’s Longdean School involved in raising money for their World Challenge trip to Costa Rica chose instead to donate half the money to a local charity. 

The 11 Year 11 and Post-16 students at the school in Rumballs Road, Bennetts End, spent a number of Saturdays during the Christmas holidays packing carrier bags and taking them to shoppers’ cars.

They were aiming to raise £2,000 towards their World Challenge Trip. 

However, when they realised how much they had raised they decided to split the total 50-50 with the Teenage Cancer Trust, which works with teenagers suffering from the effects of cancer and their families.

When the money was split they were able to donate £896 to the charity and to also provide the same amount to their World Challenge totals. Geography teacher Martin Macdonald, who organises the World Challenge trip for the school, said: “It is fantastic to see Longdean students not only giving up their time to raise money but also to be thoughtful and selfless enough to realise the money raised could support those less fortunate than themselves.”

Caroline Mwaniki from the Teenage Cancer Trust attended a whole school assembly on Valentine’s Day to receive the cheque.

She said: “It is wonderful to see teenagers taking the time to raise money for their peers who may not have the same opportunities that they do.”

The Longdean students involved are: Shannen Avis, Chloe Behr, Molly Rice, Nicola Glass, Charnai Harkness, David Stredwick, Tamzin Klyen, James Mellish, Tom Dignum, Beth Jordan

A hospital trust has apologised to a patient who was twice admitted to hospital for bowel surgery but was sent home on both occasion without going under the knife.

It was not until the third time that Steven Tiffen was admitted to Watford General Hospital that he had an operation to remove part of his bowel.

But before surgeons took action, Steven, 32, went through weeks of abdomen pain and unexplained bleeding, which saw him repeatedly sent to hospital by his GP.

He said: “The way I was being treated was appalling. I didn’t know if I was coming or going.

Now West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Hemel Hempstead, Watford and St Albans hospitals, has apologised for ‘any distress and anxiety’ that Steven experienced.

A trust spokesman said: “We have thoroughly investigated the issues Mr Tiffen has raised, including a full clinical review of the care he received. We are sorry for any delays he experienced; however, we believe that all clinical decisions were made appropriately.

“A detailed formal response has been sent to Mr Tiffen which we hope fully addresses his concerns.  This response details some of the actions we have put in place to make improvements to our service.”

When Steven, of Adeyfield, Hemel Hempstead, was first admitted to hospital after being told by surgeons that he would need an operation, he was told the following morning that surgery would not be necessary and that the problem should settle down by itself.

He spent a week in hospital before being discharged, despite still bleeding and, when Mr Tiffen tried to suggest that he should not be sent home, he was escorted by security to the discharge lounge.

After a couple of weeks at home, Steven, who is currently signed off sick and still suffering from health problems, returned to his GP with the same problem.

He was sent for emergency blood tests and told to return if it did not improve.

By the start of November he went back to his doctor, who prescribed some medication.

On January 2, Steven’s condition worsened so he returned to his GP, who contacted Watford hospital. He was told to attend hospital where experts said he needed surgery. The following day he was told by a consultant that he did not need surgery and was discharged on January 4.

Two days later Steven’s case got worse and he was admitted to hospital again. Several days later he had surgery, when part of his bowel was removed.

The green light has been given for 26 new homes in Leverstock Green after a deal was struck over how much the Crown Estate will pay towards local infrastructure.

Dacorum Borough Council and the home builders have agreed what funds will be handed over under a section 106 planning arrangement.

Planning consent was originally given for the two, three and four bedroom homes in June by the council’s development control committee but nothing could go ahead until the funding deal was finalised. It relates to the amount of money the Crown Estate will pay towards local services such as school provision and public transport.

Previous objections from concerned neighbours were quelled after developers agreed to go back to the drawing board and change the site’s access point from rural Pancake Lane to an existing entrance off Westwick Row.

Thirty per cent of the development will be affordable housing.

A daughter is appealing for thieves to return a pendant containing the ashes of her father which was snatched when crooks struck at her mother’s home.

The precious heart-shaped pendant was taken when Janet Lane’s home in Hobbs Hill Road, Bennetts End, was ransacked yesterday.

Other jewellery and money was also snatched but daughter Laura Kingsley said they just want the irreplaceable necklace back, which was made in accordance with Allen Lane’s wishes after he lost his battle with lung cancer in January 2012. An eternity ring that Allen had bought for his wife of 32 years was also stolen.

Devastated Laura said: “He left my Mum money to grant his wishes of putting some of his ashes into a pendant so she always has a part of him, that was one of the reasons he also bought her the eternity ring too.

“They mean so much to all of us and play a big part in our lives as the pendant was the main connection we still had with our dad and it’s like he has been taken from us all over again.”

The pendant also has a picture of Allen on it and the words ‘To my devil in disguise love you always’ are engraved.

Anyone with information about the missing jewellery should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference D1/14/1116.

Space movie GRAVITY (12: Warner) lost out to 12 Years A Slave in the coveted best film category, but still dominated the Bafta awards, winning six prizes.

The nerve-shredding tension of Speed meets the technical perfection of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey in this intimate sci-fi spectacular.

Sandra Bullock stars as Ryan Stone, a talented medical engineer making her first space-shuttle mission under the command of veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney).

As the team carry out a service on the Hubble Space Telescope, a planned missile strike on a defunct Russian satellite sends shards of dangerous debris hurtling towards them, instantly destroying the shuttle.

With limited oxygen supplies remaining, Stone and Kowalski find themselves trapped in the void, setting the clock ticking on an intense and exhilarating fight for survival.

The special effects are tremendous, while Bullock’s almost balletic performance imbues this film with a humanity and grace that beautifully complements director Alfonso Cuarón’s breathtaking vision.

> The only thing that THE HAUNTING OF CONNECTICUT: GHOSTS OF GEORGIA (15: Lionsgate)has in common with the original story is that it involves ghostly goings-on and is supposedly based on a true story.

The haunted house this time is an old mansion in the Georgian backwoods, which was once part of the “underground railway” that helped slaves from the Deep South escape to the north.

The house’s newest residents are a young family from the city, but with daughter Heidi possessing psychic abilities, it’s not long before otherworldly creatures are popping up all over the place.

Mum Lisa, who has similar powers to her daughter but has fought long and hard to suppress them, is sceptical at first yet reluctantly starts to accept something very bad must have happened at the property back in the 19th century.

A relentless pace is sustained throughout and the proceedings are punctuated with a constant stream of frights and shocks, which go a long way towards compensating for the predictable plotting and bland performances.

> On paper, CLOSED CIRCUIT (15: Universal) has the makings of a taut and clever thriller.

Barrister Martin Rose (Eric Bana) is appointed to defend the sole surviving suspect after a terrorist bomb in central London leaves many dead.

But when special advocate Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall) is appointed to review classified evidence that she legally can’t reveal to ex-lover Rose, the pair find both their careers and lives in jeopardy as they unravel a conspiracy that stretches to the country’s highest seats of power.

So much screen time is spent explaining the legal complexities of terrorist trials that the pace never gets into top gear.

The script is by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, but the clunky dialogue has a tendency to make the two leads appear wooden and disconnected from the story, with only Jim Broadbent as a government bigwig with a hidden agenda making any real impression.

The number of potholes in the county reported to road fixers so far this year are down compared to the same period in 2013.

But highways contractor for Herts County Council - Ringway - expect all that to change once flood water has subsided

Divisional manager Matthew Kelley said: “Since the beginning of the year, the number of pothole related public enquiries received has reduced by 30 per cent compared to last year.

“Our current priority is focused on managing the flood water and fallen trees as a result of the extreme weather conditions in the past month.

“We are anticipating that there will be an increase in potholes and damage to the road once the water subsides due to the detrimental effects of the exceptional volume of standing water on the road surface.”

This part of the country spent the beginning of last year under a blanket of snow and the freezing conditions took a toll on the county’s roads with water running into cracks and then expanding when it froze.

The most efficient way to report a pothole is online by {http://www.hertsdirect.org/services/transtreets/highways/hhonlineservices/hfr|clicking here}

A free course for people who want to improve their fitness while lending a helping hand to Hemel Hempstead’s conservation effort starts tomorrow.

Groundwork Hertfordshire’s Get Outdoors, Get Active project gives participants the chance to improve Grovehill’s Margaret Lloyd Park with bulb planting, path-making and coppicing – all while improving their fitness with gentle walks and stretches.

The project’s Daniel du Gard said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to improve their health, meet new people and learn new skills. It will be a great way to dust off the winter blues”

The course starts on Thursday and runs throughout March. Places are limited so call Daniel on 01707 260129 to book.

The project is joint funded by NHS Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group through the Healthy Communities Fund and Hertfordshire County Council and is supported by the Grovehill Medical Centre and Dacorum Borough Council.

Three men have been charged in connection with break-ins in Tring and Hemel Hempstead.

Elton Bierman, 37, of Aldbury Gardens, Tring, and James Bierman, 33, of Handscroft Road, Luton, were arrested on February 19.

Both men have been charged with burglary and handling stolen goods in relation to a burglary in New Road, Tring between Wednesday, February 12, and Saturday, February 15. A lawnmower, power tools and food were taken from a shed in the property’s back garden.

James Bierman pleaded guilty when he appeared at Hatfield Remand Court earlier today. He was released on bail and will appear at St Albans Crown Court on March 17.

Elton Bierman is still in police custody at this time.

Brian McDermott, 40 and of no fixed abode, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with burglary which occurred between Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8, in Lamsey Road, Hemel Hempstead.

The property’s rear door was forced open and several items including watches, an iPad and mobile phones were stolen.

McDermott was also charged with criminal damage to police equipment and a racially aggravated public order offence after insulting a police officer. He appeared at Hatfield Remand Court yesterday and was remanded into custody.

Chief Insp for Dacorum Glen Channer said: “Burglary is a crime which can be highly distressing to victims and we are working hard to tackle it, through proactive patrols, carrying out robust and thorough investigations, as well as highlighting crime prevention advice to residents.

“While these arrests have been made, I would still remind people of the importance of keeping their property secure.”

Police have advised homeowners to take extra care when it comes to securing their home by double-checking doors are locked and installing a burglar alarm.

{https://www.herts.police.uk/|More advice can be found on the Herts Constabulary website here.}

A collection of tech-savvy, table-turning disc jockeys are throwing community spirit into their mix by working with charity.

The Hemel Hempstead and London-based group NoFaking, run by Denis Walker, is sponsored by charity Survive On Our Streets, who help prisoners move away from a life of crime.

Denis said: “For us, it’s about changing negative thoughts into positive ones. Our parties are about good vibes and leaving any attitude people may have at the door.”

The group performs at Cheri’s Bar on Marlowes. Follow @Nofakingever on Twitter for more.

Nobody wants to spend too much time contemplating their own mortality – but far too many of us ignore the inevitable, and that can just cause more heartache for those we leave behind.

It’s estimated that around 30 million people in the UK haven’t yet made a will – and that includes a third of the people aged 55 and over.

Nearly everyone knows what they want to happen with their estate – they just haven’t got round to making it official.

But that can cause all sorts of problems – your estate could be tied up in red tape, your wishes might not be followed if the government takes on the job and has to follow strict rules about who should get what. A common law partner could be frozen out, for example.

Charities regularly team up with local lawyers to encourage people to make that all-important step.

And next month the Northchurch-based Hospice of St Francis is helping local people to make a will with its annual Make a Will Month this March.

Solicitors across its catchment area taking part in the scheme will waive or reduce their fees for preparing a standard will in lieu of a donation to the hospice.

Last year the fundraiser contributed more than £4,000 to the charity’s coffers.

Hospice trusts and major gifts manager Kate Rogers said: “I meet many people who just haven’t got round to making a will yet but it’s a big thing on their ‘to do’ lists.

“Our Make A Will month is a prompt to encourage people to think about their future wishes to ensure their assets and wishes are safeguarded for family and friends.

“We are very grateful to the nine participating solicitors in Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and other towns who are happy to guide individuals through the process, making it as straightforward as possible.

“Make A Will month is not about leaving all your money to the hospice, but if you do want to include a gift to help fund our work it’s a lovely way of helping others from your local community in the future.”

Chris Jacobs, 66, from Tring, is one person who has done exactly that. Chris, who is also a fundraiser for the hospice, said: “I made my will during Make A Will month and decided to leave a legacy to the hospice because my father died in a hospice 20 years ago, and it nearly closed shortly afterwards through lack of funds, which would have been terrible.

“Over the years, I’ve known so many people who have benefitted from the care and support the Hospice of St Francis provides – not just patients but their families, friends and carers.

“There’s no better care and support and you never know when you might need it.

“We’re all going to float away on our clouds one day – how, when or where we don’t know, but it’s nice to know your money will help others to be cared for after you’ve gone.”

James Houghton from Austins Penny & Thorne in Berkhamsted added: “We are delighted to support this. We so often see the unfortunate consequences of intestacy.

“Making a will ensures your loved ones are protected whatever happens, and with the future assured you can concentrate on living.”

You can make appointments at Austins Penny & Thorne, Sumner & Tabor or Harrowell and Atkins in Berkhamsted, KK Law and Witts Moloney in Hemel Hempstead and Taylor Walton in St Albans and Harpenden.

Details of other law firms which are taking part can be found online at www.stfrancis.org.uk/MAW.

A Hemel Hempstead snapper has been named as one of the UK’s top 10 people photographers for 2013.

At a ceremony for the Guild of Professional Photographers Awards this month, Nina Mace celebrated the accolade, which was hotly contested with more than 10,000 images entered into the competition.

Nina, who photographs people in Boxmoor Trust land, said: “I have had a wonderful year meeting new families and I am so proud to have won a place in the Top 10 with such a reputable organisation.” Visit Nina Mace Photography on Facebook for more.

Seven month old duo Piper and Leo are looking for a home together with someone who can give them the time needed to settle in.

To find out more contact Cats Protection by calling 0845 371 1851 or {http://www.cats.org.uk/dacorum|click here}

Short tailed collie cross dog Martin is between five and seven years old.

He is a good natured, well behaved dog who likes having his tummy tickled.

Martin is popular with rescue centre volunteers who have lots of fun taking him out for walks in the woods.

Now he just needs someone to fall in love with him and offer him a forever home.

To find out more call the Chilterns Dog Rescue Society on 01296 623885 or {http://www.cdrs.org.uk|click here}

“If this relationship is going to work out between us I need to feel free to party with a bunch of strangers whenever I feel like it... I will text you.” It’s not the sort of thing you would expect Batman to say, is it?

Are you the type of person who carefully follows the instruction sheet for each Lego model you own? Does the thought of a missing piece or a freestyle creation that is completely off the instruction sheet disturb you?

Or are you a ‘Master Builder’ who can see incredible machines, awesome vehicles and madcap gadgets in any given random pile of Lego bricks?

These are the two types of people who clash in The Lego Movie – and only one can win the day…

Meet Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt), an ordinary construction worker mini-figure in Lego City who is careful to follow the instruction sheet for his life. Everything is awesome for him until one day when he discovers that he is actually ‘the special’ – the Lego figure destined to save the world and thwart the evil tyrant, Lord Business (Will Ferrell).

Lord Business plans to glue every last piece of Lego into place, preventing any future deviation from the instruction sheets – and stamp out any creativity for all time.

Emmet is going to need all the help he can get and that gives the filmmakers licence to go wild with cameos from a host of Lego characters from across a wealth of franchises. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, DC Comics, Star Wars, 1980s ‘classic Lego’ and more collide in a superb, surprisingly subversive and highly awesome adventure comedy for all the family.

The action is frenetic and the plot zips along at breakneck speed.

There are visual jokes and pop-culture references aplenty and the visuals are eye-popping throughout.

Morgan Freeman leads the AAA supporting cast that includes Elizabeth Banks, Channing Tatum, Alison Brie, Liam Neeson, and Billy Dee Williams (yes, playing his Star Wars Lando character).

It’s Will Arnet as Batman who steals the show – but props to Jonah Hill, hilarious as the Superman- bothering Green Lantern.

If you’ve ever played with Lego you will find something here to please you.

The clever screenplay from directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (who you might know from Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs) keeps this from being just a massive product placement. Don’t deny yourself this fun visual treat.

A managing dementia information evening is being held at Tring’s High Street Baptist Church.

There will be guest speakers including a GP, an early dementia diagnosis specialist and a consultant psychiatrist on Tuesday, March 4 from 7.15pm to 9pm.

There will also be a question and answer session and literature available for people to take away.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome.