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Many volunteers and voluntary groups, working in museums, clubs
and organisations, are the catalysts for much of the cultural activity
in the town. The contribution they make to Hertford culturally,
socially and economically is both recognised and valued.
Local Clubs and Societies
One of the notable features of Hertford is its lively and active
community boasting a multitude of community groups and activities
to suit every interest and age group.
There are too many to list here, but this guide gives a selection
of music, dance, drama, cultural and art societies available in
the town.
Courtyard Arts Centre, Port Vale (01992) 509596,
www.courtyardarts.org.uk
This is a community arts organisation with a permanent base converted
from historic coach house and stables, the Gallery shows contemporary
art by artists from all over the region. Run mainly by volunteers,
it offers two workshop spaces (one equipped for ceramics) and has
a public gallery with a continuous programme of exhibitions. Art
works for sale.
Special needs accommodated for. Disabled facilities: ground floor
is wheelchair accessible.
Hertford Art Society www.hertfordartsociety.co.uk
Hertford Art Society was founded in 1953 with the declared objectives
of “encouraging interest in art and providing opportunities
to practice and study art”. It provides a range of activities
in a winter programme, and outdoor painting sessions throughout
the summer, and concessionary rates to attract more, younger members
to Tuesday evening meetings at the Cowbridge Halls in Hertford.
The Society’s summer exhibition is held at the beginning of
May, and a members’ show towards the end of October. For further
details call 07951 621532
The Company of Players (CoPS) www.cops.org.uk A
private theatre in Balfour Street.
Hertford Choral Society www.choral-society.com
01992 589730.
Has a choir of 140 singers, gives four concerts a year and brings
quality orchestras and soloists to the County Town. For further
information visit our website.
Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society (HD &
OS), www.hdos.org.uk
Formed in 1919, HD&OS stages plays, musicals and pantomimes,
and presents Theatre Week held in Hertford Theatre each year. For
membership enquiries or any further details please contact the membership
secretary, Joan Laidler, on 01992 586010.
Hertford Music Club Contact: Paul Durbin on 01992
587230 or visit: www.hertfordmusicclub.co.uk
Founded in 1940 by Thomas Barber, the Club stages and hosts a wide
variety of live classical music concerts in the Friends’ Meeting
House. With both local and world renowned artists, the concerts
are held on six Sundays at 3pm from October through to April,
Hertford Symphony Orchestra www.hertfordsymphony.org.uk
The Hertford Symphony Orchestra (HSO), conducted by Gerry Cornelius,
comprises amateur and professional musicians, performing six concerts
a year. HSO performs a diverse repertoire encompassing concertos,
major symphonies, lesser known works and concerts for families and
children. New players welcome. Contact the Hon. Sec Colin Eldred
on (01992) 503658 or visit the HSO website.
Hertford & Ware Local History Society (H&WLHS)
The Society was founded in 1979 for the study of the history of
both towns and their environs. Meetings alternate between Hertford
and Ware and take place in the evening on the 2nd Thursday of every
month between September and May, with talks cover all aspects of
local history. There are outings in the summer months. New members
are welcome.
For membership details and the lecture programme contact the Secretary
Jean Riddell on 01992 586092 or visit the website: www.hertfordwarehistory.org.uk
Hertford Civic Society (HCS)
Hertford is a fascinating town with its interesting buildings, four
attractive rivers and “fingers” of countryside. The
Civic Society campaigns for even better buildings, to retain and
improve the “fingers” of countryside that penetrate
our town and to achieve improved access for pedestrians, cyclists,
bus users and motorists. There are talks and visits, a grand summer
party, and the Society challenges planning applications, helps fund
local projects and is widely respected for its expertise.
Contact bandbm.goldsmith@ntlworld.com
Hertford Library
(01438) 737333 (Library Link), www.hertsdirect.org.uk (Enquiries
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm)
Old Cross, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1RF. Monday, Tuesday &
Friday 9am-7pm.
Wednesday 9am-5pm. Thurs 10.00am - 7.00pm. Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm
Books, maps, videos, DVDs, music recordings, audio books, language
courses, music scores, play sets etc are all available. Use of free
computer facilities, including internet access. Access for people
with disabilities, partial wheelchair access, hearing induction
loop, accessible computer facilities.
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
01438 737333 Website : www.hertsdirect.org/hals Email: hertsdirect@hertscc.gov.uk
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 09.30 - 17.30. Tues 10.00 - 20.00.
Fri 09.30 - 16.30
Sat 09.00 - 13.00
Located in the “Register Office Block” of County Hall
in Hertford, the first place you should visit if you are interested
in Hertfordshire’s past and its people. The Archives look
after, collect and preserve original documents covering many aspects
of life in the County, including the environment, businesses, institutions
and societies. There are over 3,000,000 documents dating from 1060
to the present day on 5 miles of shelving.
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