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Good morning and Happy Friday!

Get ready for a weekend full of energy and entertainment across Hertfordshire!

From Black History Month celebrations in Watford to standout comedy, theatre, and classical performances, the county is bursting with creativity. Catch Oklahoma! The Musical in Potters Bar, mind-bending shows like Alex McAleer: Mind Reader and WiFi Wars in Hemel Hempstead, or laugh out loud at the Women in Comedy Festival featuring Sophie Duker, Chloe Petts, and Shazia Mirza.

Whether you’re out to laugh, relax, or explore, Hertfordshire is alive with inspiration, culture, and local charm this weekend.

Plan your weekend, discover new experiences, celebrate community, and enjoy the very best of Hertfordshire.

💬 Spotted an event we missed? Drop us a message, let’s make sure every great local event gets the spotlight it deserves.

💌 Love this newsletter? Share it with a friend or family member! 💌

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Events in Hertfordshire

Black History Month: Dial-Up Open Mic Night Special

📅 Date: Friday, 17 October 2025 — 7:00pm–10:00pm
📍 Venue: Watford Pump House
🎭 Category: Music / Heritage
💷 Entry: Free (Suggested £5 donation at the door)
🔗 More info: pumphousewatford.co.uk/events/black-history-month-dial-up-3
📞 Contact: 01923 241362 | [email protected]

Description:
Celebrate Black History Month with a vibrant and inclusive open mic night hosted by the Watford African Caribbean Association at the Watford Pump House. This special event welcomes everyone to share their music, poetry, and stories — a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and heritage.

Organizer: Watford African Caribbean Association
🔗 waca.org.uk/black-history-watford

The free newsletter making HR less lonely

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

🎭 Theatres and Live Performances

Alex McAleer: Mind Reader

📅 Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
📍 Venue: The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
💷 Tickets: From £18
🔗 More info: oldtownhall.co.uk/whats-on

The Milk: Unplugged

📅 Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
📍 Venue: The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
💷 Tickets: From £20
🔗 More info: oldtownhall.co.uk/whats-on

WiFi Wars Halloween Special (Family Show)

📅 Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
📍 Venue: The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
💷 Tickets: £12
🔗 More info: oldtownhall.co.uk/whats-on

Oklahoma! – The Musical (ELODS)

📅 Date: Friday–Sunday, 17–19 October 2025
📍 Venue: Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar
💷 Tickets: £18–£22
🔗 More info: visitherts.co.uk/whats-on/find-events

Women in Comedy – Ladies of Laughter

📅 Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
📍 Venue: Watford Palace Theatre
💷 Tickets: From £22
🔗 More info: watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/whats-on

Arts in East Herts: Act and Explore

📅 Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
📍 Venue: BEAM, Hertford
💷 Entry: Free
🔗 More info: beamhertford.co.uk

🎬 Cinemas and Film Screenings

Pretty Woman Outdoor Cinema Experience

📅 Date: Friday, 17 October 2025 – 6:00pm
📍 Venue: Knebworth House, Stevenage
💷 Tickets: £17.37–£25.21
🔗 More info: eventbrite.co.uk

Tring Cinema Presents: The Salt Path

📅 Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 – 7:30pm
📍 Venue: Nora Grace Hall, Tring
💷 Tickets: £8.50
🔗 More info: billetto.co.uk

Tring Cinema Presents: Mr Burton

📅 Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025 – 7:30pm
📍 Venue: Nora Grace Hall, Tring
💷 Tickets: £8.50
🔗 More info: billetto.co.uk

🎪 Family, Cultural, and Village Events

Hertfordshire Hub Halloween Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 – 11:00am–1:00pm
📍 Venue: The Grove Hall, Welwyn Garden City
💷 Entry: Free
🔗 More info: heartheroes.co.uk

Gilded Poems Literary Collaboration

📅 Date: Saturday–Sunday, 18–19 October 2025
📍 Venue: Enfield / Broxbourne Border District
💷 Entry: Free
🔗 More info: herts.loveyourdoorstep.co.uk/events

🇳🇬 Black History Month: 65th Nigerian Independence Celebration

📅 Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 — 12:00pm–6:00pm
📍 Venue: Talisman House, 3 Wiggenhall Industrial Estate, Wiggenhall Rd, Watford WD18 0FL
🎭 Category: Heritage / Cultural Celebration
💷 Entry: Free (registration required)
🔗 More info: waca.org.uk/black-history-watford

Description:
Join the Watford African Caribbean Association to mark 65 years of Nigerian independence! Enjoy a day of cultural celebration with food, music, dance, raffle draws, and engaging talks about heritage and community. A lively and educational experience for all ages.

Organizer: Watford African Caribbean Association

Giant Trail Adventure

📅 Date: Ongoing until Sunday, 19 October 2025
📍 Location: St Albans City Centre
💷 Entry: Free
🔗 More info: enjoystalbans.com/whats-on

🎶 Octagon Music Society – Dogoda Wind Quintet

📅 Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025 — 4:00pm–6:00pm
📍 Venue: Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School for Boys
🎭 Category: Classical Music
💷 Tickets: £20 (available in advance or on the door)
🔗 More info: octagon-music.weebly.com/2025-2026-season.html
📧 Contact: [email protected]

Description:
Enjoy a breathtaking evening of classical performance by the Dogoda Wind Quintet, featuring works by Sally Beamish, Amy Beach, Valerie Coleman, and Dvořák. Presented by the Octagon Music Society, this event showcases some of the most talented instrumentalists in the region.

Organizer: Octagon Music Society

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The existing home features three spacious reception rooms, a modern kitchen, four bedrooms including a principal suite with en suite, plus a ground-floor shower room, family bathroom, and integrated garage.

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FOOD GEM

Ocean Bells Watford

Tucked away on Watford's high street, yet somehow still part of the Atria Watford Shopping Centre, sits a little slice of London's coffee culture that's been quietly perfecting its craft since 2013.

Ocean Bells isn't your typical chain café. This is the real deal: independently owned, family-run, and seriously passionate about what goes into your cup.

The story started over a decade ago when the founders, inspired by the capital's thriving coffee scene, decided Watford deserved better than mediocre brews. They brought specialty coffee to town before it was everywhere, paired it with home-made cakes that actually taste home-made, and added a brunch menu that's made fresh to order.

But here's where it gets interesting. In May 2024, Ocean Bells did something bold, they knocked through the wall into the retail unit next door and doubled their space. More room for more people to discover what locals have known for years: this place is special.

The location couldn't be easier either. Just a two-minute stroll from Watford High Street Station, it's perfectly positioned for a quick coffee pit-stop or a leisurely weekend brunch. About a month ago they changed their menu and they’ve seen more people come through since.

In a world of identical high street chains, Ocean Bells stands out by doing things the old-fashioned way: independently, carefully, and with genuine heart. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out on one of Watford's best-kept secrets.

WEEKEND WEATHER 🌧  WATFORD

FRIDAY

15°C 🌡️ 8°C | Sunny intervals and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 07:28 Sunset 18:05

SATURDAY

14°C 🌡️ 9°C | Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:30 Sunset 18:02

SUNDAY

15°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌧 Heavy rain and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:32 Sunset 18:00

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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