Hello, Berko!
February is here, the mornings are getting lighter and there's a chance you might actually see the sun this week.
Rain or shine, we’ve got some walks to try if you're feeling adventurous and the usual round-up of what's happening around town.
On the map this week:
Take a Hike Out Berkhamsted Way
What's happenin' this week
Sports, dogs & music
Let's get into it.
Take a Hike ‘Out Berkhamsted Way’
Did you know that Berkhamsted appears in George Orwell's 1984?
"D'you know what that little girl of mine did last Saturday, when her troop was on a hike out Berkhamsted way? She got two other girls to go with her, slipped off from the hike, and spent the whole afternoon following a strange man. They kept on his tail for two hours, right through the woods, and then, when they got into Amersham, handed him over to the patrols."
There's something cool about Berko being mentioned —even in passing— in Orwell's novel.
What was "out Berkhamsted way" in 1948 when Orwell was writing? The Common, probably. Maybe the woods towards Ashridge. He doesn't specify, but it's nice to think the landscape he had in mind is still there to walk through.
Did you also know that Berkhamsted Town Council has created five audio trails that likely take you through those same routes? I came across the website this week and it’s something of a time warp itself.
If you're looking for something active to do this week, below are three walks that are well worth your time.
Berko’s Own Narrated Walking Tours
New Slang | The Shins
I’m Alright | Jeffrey Foucault
Mine Is Yours | Cold War Kids
What’s happenin’ this week
3 Feb | Centenary Theatre | 19:00 | An Audience With Dame Laura Kenny | Details
4 Feb | The Highwayman | 19:30 | Quiz Night
4 Feb | The Crystal Palace | 19:30 | Quiz Night
5 Feb | Faire | 18:00 - 22:00 | Asian Tapas — Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through February and March, featuring bubbles, cocktails and tunes.
5 Feb | The George & Dragon | 19:30 | Open Mic
6 Feb | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 19:30 - 22:30 | The Marley Experience — described as the UK's No.1 Bob Marley & The Wailers sound | Details
6 Feb | Mad Squirrel 19:00 - 21:00 | Ellis & Green — Lively duo harmonising on familiar singalong songs for all ages
6 Feb | Lagley Meadow Hall | 19:00 | Public Meeting - Berkhamsted Developments — Hosted by local MP Victoria Collins with local councillors in attendance; limited seating and booking essential
7 Feb | Berkhamsted Town Hall | 10:00 - 15:00 | Green Eco Market
7 Feb | The George & Dragon | 16:00 - 19:00 | Live Music & Food Truck — Performer Jacob Morgan and food vendor El Bocadillos.
7 Feb | The Goat | 21:30 - 00:00 | Booby Trap — an energetic female-fronted rock covers group
7 Feb | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 20:30 - 22:30 | Ben Holder Quartet — Ben Holder is described as one of the UK’s leading jazz violinists who is also a powerful vocalist | Details
7 Feb | Northchurch Social Centre | 09:30 - 12:30 | Berko Repair Café — Volunteer-run repair event offering community members help fixing broken items to reduce waste, save money, and promote sustainability.
9 Feb & 10 Feb | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 20:00 | Maria — film screening presented by the Berkhamsted Film Society | Details
9 Feb | The Bull | 19:00 | Quiz Night — £12pp entry + prizes to be won + inc. food at half time (£2 of entry fee goes to Mind Mental Health)
If you want to tell us (and other locals!) about something happening, use this form!
Movie Pick of the Week
9 Feb & 10 Feb | Berkhamsted Civic Centre | 20:00 | Maria | Details
Biographical drama about Maria Callas, the world's greatest opera singer. The film follows her as she lives out the last days of her life in 1970s Paris and confronts her identity.
Berko Sports
4 Feb | Berkhamsted FC | Men’s First Team | 19:45 KO (a) | vs. London Lions (cup)
4 Feb | Berkhamsted FC | Development Team | 19:45 KO (h) | vs. Chalfont St. Peter FC Development
7 Feb | Berkhamsted FC | Men’s First Team | 15:00 KO (a) | vs. Plymouth Parkway
7 Feb | Berkhamsted FC | Development Team | 15:00 KO (h) | vs. Penn & Tylers Green U23 (cup)
8 Feb | Berkhamsted FC | Ladies | 14:00 KO (h) | vs. Stotfold Women
Herbie | Lurcher | Loves short walks & long naps
That's it for this week.
If you spotted something useful, feel free to pass it on to someone else.
We're not Big Brother but we're always on the lookout for stories and partnerships. Hit reply and get in touch.
— from Berko.