What's On Herts Jan - March 2021 by The What's On Mag

Covering Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Redbourn & surrounding villages.

herts

January to March 2021

Well Worth A Wander In Winter See page 36

Easy Access Bathroom From Bathing Mobility

Advisory Service

See page 18

New Travel Agent Opens In Harpenden See Page 14

Covid-19 Tests From

OSD Healthcare See page 51

Planning Building Work? MB Surveyors can help.. See page 24

See 1page 32

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Winter 2021 Contents Welcome to the Winter edition of What’s On Herts, brought to you by Your Local Media. Firstly we would all like to wish you all a very Happy New Year! With 2020 now behind us, I’m sure we are all looking forward to a much better 2021. Events are still few & far between, so while we wait until gatherings return to normal, we have turned our attention to the outside and with “Well Worth A Wander”, a local guide of areas of beauty, especially in the winter months, for you to enjoy! Also inside this edition you’ll find details of Sustainability Festival 2021 and the Jigsaw Festival in June, along with the regular farmers market, so plenty to look forward too. We hope you enjoy the magazine, which can also be viewed online, by visiting “www.harpendendirectory.co.uk” and searching for “What’s On”. Stay Safe and well! Your Local Media

Well Worth A Wander

Pages 36 – 47

Health & Beauty

Page 48

Homes

Page 58

Gardens

Page 68

Motors

Page 74

Printed and Published by Your Local Media. 67 High Street, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2SL info@harpendendirectory.co.uk www.your-local-media.co.uk Publication Design & Artwork - Pete Salo - psdesign@rocketmail.com

Advertising Contacts - Tel: 01582 469117 Tony Mcfarland - tony@harpendendirectory.co.uk Mike Hamilton - mike@harpendendirectory.co.uk Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of going to press. However, Your Local Media cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of information in this publication.

Welcome to Your Local Media, a local business run by local people.

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AND SUPPORT THE HOSPICE OF ST FRANCIS As the Christmas festivities come to a close and you’ve eaten the last of the yule log, does your living room carpet resemble more of a forest floor? Save the seasonal stress of disposing of your Christmas Tree yourself and let The Hospice of St Francis provide a hassle-free collection service straight from your door! Harpenden and St Albans residents are asked to make a donation in return for having their tree collected by a team of volunteers and all the money raised will contribute to the over £5million the Hospice needs every year to fund its free care. Generously supported by Veolia and the St Albans Lions Club and Harpenden Lions Club, the teams of volunteers will be out in specially organised vans on 9th and 10th January 2021, throughout the AL1,AL3,AL4 and AL5 postcodes. The Hospice is facing the biggest drop in income in its history, with key fundraising events cancelled. But its commitment to helping local people, with life-limiting illness, to live their precious lives well, is unwavering. They continue to be right there beside them when they need it most.The Hospice’s care, which supports over 2,000 people, will never come at a cost to the patient or their loved ones. The community are at the heart of what the Hospice does, and the support of fundraising initiatives like this are vital to ensure the free care continues. In an average year the Berkhamsted-based Hospice supports around 150 patients and their families from the St Albans and Harpenden area. Arranging tree collection is easy, just visit charityxmastreecollection.com and leave the rest to the Hospice! You don’t even need to be there on the day - simply leave your tree outside your home. The trees will then be chipped, recycled and turned into bio fertiliser for farms in and around the local area. To keep the festive goodwill growing, the Hospice will be donating 10% of the funds raised back to projects that benefit the Harpenden community.

Go to charityxmastreecollection.com to arrange your collection. For more information please contact the Hospice on: 01442 869555 or visit

www.stfrancis.org.uk

There will also be an exhibition space, two function rooms, a local history room, bars on two floors and a coffee shop with views across the park.

HARPENDEN’S NEW CULTURE CENTRE TO BE NAMED AFTER COMEDY LEGEND

Harpenden’s new culture centre is to be named after one of its most famous residents – comedy legend Eric Morecambe. The centre is being built on the site of the town’s former sports centre in Rothamsted Park and is due to open by the late spring of next year. Eric, who died in 1983, lived in the West Common area of Harpenden during the height of his fame as part of TV’s Morecambe and Wise double act. The Eric Morecambe Centre (EMC) will include a 511-seat theatre with state-of-the-art production equipment to allow major touring shows to be staged as well as those put on by local groups.

The EMC is being built along with a new Harpenden Leisure Centre by St Albans City and District Council in an ambitious £20 million project. Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Heritage and Public Realm, said: The Council approached Eric’s family and asked permission to name the centre after him and I am delighted that they have agreed. Eric Morecambe was one of Britain’s mostloved and treasured comedians as well as one of Harpenden’s most famous residents. The auditorium of Harpenden Public Halls - which the EMC is replacing – had also been named after Eric. Despite the considerable construction difficulties caused by the coronarivus restrictions, it will open on schedule on Monday 4 January with the pools opening the following Monday.

INSURANCE THAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP Having a local office means we are accessible, whether you need to make changes to your policy or make a claim. We can help you insure your: • Home & Car • Horse & Horse box • Business • LGV & Commercial Vehicle

For a real conversation call the St Albans office on 01727 869496 Or pop in and see us at Rivers Lodge, West Common, 2 Victoria Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JD

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

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We’re Here. Working Safely for You Times may have changed and our appointments may be a little different – we’re now following meticulous safety protocols, carrying out many procedures using online technology and smart apps. But the quality of our care and service haven’t changed. Winner of an unprecedented five European and UK Audiologist of the Year Awards, the UK’s premier hearing healthcare clinic is here, in Harpenden. Our unrivalled reputation is built on a wholly client-centred approach where the focus is always on you. For your safety we’re currently working by appointment only. Contact us for the latest information and we’ll arrange a time to talk and to arrange a safe visit to the Practice. • • • • • 7

Hearing Assessment Tinnitus Reviews Clinical Ear Care Wax Removal Ear & Hearing Protection Programmes

Tel: 01582 767218 26 The Foresters, High Street, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2FB info@hearinghealthcare.co.uk hearinghealthcare.co.uk

HARPENDEN CHILD CONTACT CENTRE NEEDS YOU! The Harpenden Child Contact Centre and its volunteer-led teams provide a neutral venue with support to families by facilitating contact between children and their parents or other adults, from whom they are separated, often following a family breakdown. There are four teams of volunteers supported by team leaders, two coordinators and overseen by the Committee of the Charity that is Harpenden Child Contact Centre. The commitment from each volunteer is currently 12 to 5pm every two months and the volunteers all help each other out if other commitments clash. Sadly, many volunteers cannot help at the moment as they fall into a COVID-vulnerable category so the Centre urgently need new recruits - could you be one of them? It is an immensely rewarding task especially if you love children and have any experience of modern hybrid families or broken families. The Contact Centre had to close from March to August 2020 due to the COVID 19 crisis but has now reopened after carrying out rigorous Risk Assessments. The Centre opens on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month in the hall attached to All Saints Church in Station Road Harpenden. References and a DBS check are needed for volunteers and the DBS check will be processed for you by the Contact Centre. If you know of any families who might need help do please let them know about the Contact Centre and ask them to reach out. Another way of getting involved is to become a trustee and help in the management of the Centre. HCCC is run by a small management committee of between 6 to 9 trustees. Applications for new trustees – who are typically local people with an interest in supporting families but come from a variety of backgrounds – are welcome. Usually the Trustees meet four times a year and attend an AGM. If you have experience of websites that would be particularly useful but the main requirement is to want to help. If you are not able to be a volunteer or trustee but would like to support the Centre’s work then do consider becoming a member. Members are the financial bedrock of the Centre: they pay an annual subscription of £10 or more.They are invited to the Centre’s AGM and are contacted usually at least once a year with an update about the Centre.They are not asked to play any active role in the running of the Centre. For more information please contact one of the Centre’s Co-Ordinators, Ken Brennan or Sam Cooper who can be contacted at the email address of harpendenccc@gmail.com or by phone at 07842 167767; or please contact the Chairman, Brigid Brennan, at 07881 785299.

For more information visit:

www.harpendenchildcontactcentre.org.uk 8

Gillian Brown fp ad.pdf

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C OV I D - 1 9

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Gillian Brown, Osteopath and co-owner of Harpenden Sportsnspinal clinic helps many patients find a solution to their unresolved back and neck pain using IDD therapy (Intervertebral disc decompression). This cutting-edge medical technology deals with more severe spinal issues that require more than manual therapy. Don’t take our word for it.... Colin, Hitchin: "IDD Therapy was my last resort after over a year of excruciating leg and back pain. The pain was affecting both my work and sleeping and making me feel depressed. I found the treatment very relaxing and even fell asleep during treatments. It has been life-changing and after 15 sessions I am now pain free. I would highly recommend to you if you have sciatica“ Monica, Harpenden: "After 2 years of not being able to compete at my favourite sport, tennis, I have finally found a treatment that is getting me active again. Gillian Brown at Sportsnspinal in Harpenden recommended this brilliant method of traction using the latest technology called IDD. It's helping release the pressure on my lower back discs and the results are phenomenal. I've gone from being scared to run to competing at international level in a year. I get to lie down on the machine for 26 mins of chill time while it works its magic. No regrets here" John, Harpenden: "I have been extremely pleased with my IDD Therapy Disc Treatment. The way it targets the problem areas has significantly improved my back. I felt better after 3 sessions and carried on improving over the 8 sessions to the point that I am now essentially pain free."

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REPAIR WORK TO ALBAN ARENA WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON SHOWS Repair work to Alban Arena will have no impact on shows Scaffolding has been put up to allow for the repairs to brickwork surrounding the windows at the building’s corners. The area below has been cordoned off by fencing as a safety precaution for the public with the repairs scheduled to start this month once design work has been completed and new materials sourced

Further inspections are likely to take place to determine the extent of the deterioration in the 52-year-old building’s condition. Owners St Albans City and District Council are working with a consultant construction engineer and a contractor on the project.

St Albans • Harpenden • Redbourn • Wheathampstead • Luton

10 10

The Green Home Grants scheme. There’s £5,000 in it for you If you’ve ever thought about a heat pump, a biomass boiler or A solar thermal system, now’s the time to act. The Government will pay two thirds of the cost up to a maximum of £5,000. Ask us for a quote and get your name on a voucher today.

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PLANS FOR CHARTER MARKET CHANGES SHOULD BE REVIEWED, A COMMITTEE SAYS. MORE STATUES AND OTHER PUBLIC ART NEEDED IN ST ALBANS. Plans to replace traditional stalls at St Albans Charter Market with a variety of gazebos should be reconsidered, a Council Committee has said. St Albans City and District Council stopped putting up the stalls during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the health risks. Instead, traders have been told to bring along and erect their own gazebos. In an update about the change at Cabinet in September last year, it was said that the stalls - which have awnings in distinctive blue and yellow colours were not expected to return. The issue was discussed by the Council’s Community, Environment and Sport Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on Thursday 3 December. Members made a number of recommendations to the Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and Culture who has responsibility for the Charter Market. They called for the proposal to use gazebos permanently to be subject to a full consultation with traders, local shops, Councillors and residents. In addition, they said gazebos or any new stalls should in future be branded uniformly with the traditional colours. A further recommendation was that decisions on the future of the Market, including is appearance and layout, should be cost-effective. Councillor Annie Brewster, the Committee’s Chair, said after the meeting: The proposal to dispose of our traditional market stalls seems to have been advanced without adequate debate or attention. The Committee was surprised at this news. The Committee felt that this is a very major issue affecting the future look of our City Centre and it needs to re-thought and consulted on more widely. 12

We must hear the views of traders, shoppers, local businesses and the public at large. Members felt it was important to ensure that, once the pandemic is over, our 1553 Charter Market is uniquely branded again in St Albans’ colours. It needs to revert to a tidy, uniform appearance to project the right image of our City, as a major jewel in our crown. There was a concern that dispensing with stalls to save the Council money would open the door to redevelopment of the storage depot in Drovers Way where the market equipment is stored, removing this valuable market resource. While COVID has hit the Council’s finances and we always have to be cost efficient, the Committee was of the view that the Charter Market is the beating heart of the City and must be properly resourced. The Committee also looked at the issue of statues and other public art in the District. A charitable trust is looking to put up a bronze street-level statue of Samuel Ryder (1858-1937), founder of golf’s Ryder Cup, an ex-Mayor and local businessman, in St Peter’s Street. There are also moves to put up a sculpture commemorating the Wars of the Roses with the First Battle of St Albans in May 1455 having marked the beginning of the conflict. The Committee recommended that the Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and Culture should investigate whether the Council had a policy on public art. They said this could allow planning applications for the Ryder statue and the Wars of The Roses sculpture to be progressed quickly in 2021. In addition, the Committee said the Council should consider using S106 money, payments from property developers, to finance such public realm projects.

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful corona virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of

supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help again”.

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WHEN DOES A HOLIDAY START?

When it’s booked, as you leave work or home, at the airport or as you arrive in the destination? We think a holiday starts right from the moment of enquiry, that’s why we do everything to make investigating options enjoyable and comfortable.

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From fresh bean to cup coffee, a wide tea Experts selection or how aboutina creating gin and tonic.bespoke luxury travel So, when holidays are back on your list of Comfortable seating around a coffee table experiences, established wishes for 20212013 please give us a try or pop and a kids corner with PS4 and Netflix on in just to say hi. Open 6 days from 09:30 demand to keep the littles ones entertained to 17:30, we prefer appointments so we can while we discuss the perfect escape for you. prepare and have options ready for you but With a collective experience of over 60 don’t let that put you off and feel free to pop years our team of consultants are well in anytime. Visit our website toatbook an appointment in travelled and even more experienced person, by telephone or via Zoom creating a tailor made holiday experience

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that we truly care you’ll enjoy. This experience coupled with our 100% Visit our website to book an appointment in financial protection guarantee means your person, by telephone or via Zoom next holiday is safe in our hands. 1a The Forresters, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2FB As a leading independent, established in 201301582 320188 Telephone: and voted UK’s High Street Agent of the Year Email: info@travelfourseasons.co.uk 2016, we have access to suppliers across the spectrum of mainstream and boutique. 1a The Forresters, High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2FB www.travelfourseasons.co.uk

Telephone: 01582 320188 With great commercial arrangements covering Beach, Ocean and River Cruise, Email: info@travelfourseasons.co.uk Tours, Short Haul, Long Scan Haul & Ski. We have the code for Top Offers & Inspiration the World covered and our service is not www.travelfourseasons.co.uk only to find and arrange for you the perfect escape but to have your back if and when Q8835 things go wrong, 2020 and Covid Q8835 has shown Looking forward to calling Harpenden us that personal local service is invaluable. home!Scan From Nicky & Hayley. theSean, code for Top Offers & Inspiration 15

Hundreds of jigsaws will be displayed and available for sale or simply to view. All the proceeds will be divided equally between Azalea (a Luton based charity which reaches out to women trapped in sexual exploitation) and Workaid (a Chesham charity which collects and refurbishes unwanted tools for use in disadvantaged communities abroad). An event organiser, Jon Carr from the Developing World Group, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, who suggested the idea after witnessing a similar event in Lancashire, is delighted that during these difficult times the local community is already coming together to help preparations.

Local residents have been busy during the pandemic assembling jigsaw puzzles, not only for their own enjoyment and helping to overcome loneliness and possible boredom, but as part of the Harpenden Jigsaw Festival (HJF).

All from young to old are welcome to participate in this community event now by assembling their own or donated jigsaws, or by donating jigsaws themselves for others to make up.

If you can help, please contact the Harpenden Jigsaw Festival organisers on 01582 713068 or by email at harpendenjigsaws@gmail.com and visit our website: The Festival, the first in Harpenden, which will be www.harpendenjigsawfestival.co.uk held on 4 & 5 June next year, is a charity event Bridge Valley Nursery half page ad.pdf or follow11:17 us on our Facebook page being organised by Our Lady of Lourdes and 1 10/11/2018 Harpenden Jigsaw Festival High Street Methodist Churches.

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DO YOU KNOW OF A COMMUNITY DEFIBRILLATOR IN HARPENDEN? LET HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL KNOW! Harpenden Town Council is compiling a list of community defibrillators to determine which area of town may be in need of a defibrillator. Do you know of a publicly accessible defibrillator in Harpenden that isn’t mentioned on the list below? If so, please email them at:

harpenden.town.council@ harpenden.gov.uk • Harpenden Indoor Bowling Club • Park Hall/Town Hall • Harpenden Cricket Club • Harpenden Trust • Harpenden Rugby Club • Vaughan Rd Police Station

We build our mortgages around you At Handelsbanken, we provide a personal mortgage service, with a dedicated account manager and the power to make clear and timely decisions within the branch. We take the time to understand your needs, to help find a solution that is right for you, whether buying a new home or remortgaging. David Taylor - Individual Banking Manager Tel: 01727 848934, Email: data04@handelsbanken.co.uk, Mobile: 07767 115 298 Paula Martin - Individual Banking Manager Tel: 01727 848898, Email: pama03@handelsbanken.co.uk, Mobile: 07791 754 413 Joanne Prior - Individual Banking Manager Tel: 01727 848996, Email: jopr02@handelsbanken.co.uk, Mobile: 07792 413 838

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Please note that our lending facilities are only available to persons aged 18 or over and are subject to status. Written quotations and Terms & Conditions are available on request Handelsbanken is the trading name of Handelsbanken plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales with company number 11305395. Registered office: 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY, UK. Handelsbanken plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number 806852. Handelsbanken plc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ).

HARPENDENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYING PRACTICE MB Surveyors is a trustworthy and friendly Chartered Building Surveying practice specialising in providing a personal and professional service to the local community. Matthew Barter is the Principal of the practice and has lived and worked in Harpenden and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. He is a professional member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the firm is Regulated by the RICS. Over the years, Matthew has built up an expertise in many types and forms of construction, be it residential, commercial or educational buildings. MB Surveyors specialises in undertaking pre-purchase surveys of properties, project managing both extensions, refurbishments and new building works, and providing associated professional services such as party wall matters. Matthew can advise and gently guide you through the process of designing and constructing your project; including obtaining planning permission, building regulation approval, drawing up specifications of works and then tendering and managing the works on site. The construction process can often appear daunting, particularly as your home is usually your most important asset.With Matthew managing the project you are in capable hands and you will be looked after throughout the process. MB Surveyors offer an efficient, cost effective service by minimising overheads, by the use of modern technology and shunning the need for expensive High Street offices. Please feel free to call Matthew directly to discuss your requirements, or just for some free initial advice.

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TECHNOLOGY HOUSE HELPS YOU STAY SAFE, WELL AND INDEPENDENT IN YOUR HOME Find ways to make life easier for you at home. On Hertfordshire County Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Technology House webpage, learn about gadgets and devices which can help you or your loved ones to stay safe and well. Simple things like medication reminders could help you to continue to be independent. Systems which can link you to your family or a carer, or even a team of trained advisors in a monitoring centre, can give reassurance and help if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed. As well as showing examples of devices, you can also find how to get these and learn about technology to suit different conditions. Visit the Technology House website at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/technologyhouse

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Last year the event raised nearly £100,000 in sponsorship, which was a fantas!c achievement, and we’re hoping to MAKE raise even more thisSURE year.” “If everyone YOU’RE who has signed up so far could raise just £50 in sponsorship, d already be REGISTERED TO we’ VOTE! well on the way to funding a nurse for a year.”Good luck County Council, Police & Crime Commissioner, and if you are taking part, but if not, please come down and District Council elections are due to take place on support all the runners, in this fantas!c charity event. Please Thursday May 2021. remember6 there is NO parking at Rothamsted Research. Residents are reminded to make sure they’re registered to vote.You must be on the electoral register in order to vote, so if you’ve recently moved it’s important that you register again at your new address. Registering to vote is straightforward and can be done online at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote. Alternatively, call the Electoral Services Team on 01727 819294 for a paper application form.

Founded in 2006, this year marks the event’s 11th anniversary and it’s s!ll going strong. An es!mated 20,000 people have taken part since the inaugural race 11 years ago and many now make it a yearly feature on their running calendar. Rennie Grove Director of Fundraising & Marke!ng, Gillian Barne3, said: “The Herts 10K raises much-needed funds for Rennie Grove, suppor!ng local pa!ents with life-limi!ng illnesses and their families.

If you can’t make it to the polling station on polling day, you can apply to vote by post or appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. Postal and proxy vote application forms are available from www.electoralcommission.org.uk/iam-a/voter or by calling the Electoral Services Team on 01727 819294. The race will start at 10:00am prompt For further information on registration & voting please visit: To ﬁnd out more about the event please visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/voting-and-elections www.herts10k.com

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There is now less than a week to go un!l the start of this year’s Herts 10K in Harpenden. On Sunday 8th October, thousands will take their marks at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden at the start of the mul!-terrain 10k course through the beau!ful Hertfordshire countryside.

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Our Planet Our Future continues with ... Talks and discussion Monday, January 11th 2021, 7:30 - 9:00 pm Rising to the challenge A life on our Planet

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Monday, March 8th 2021 Topic to be decided

WHAT: WHEN: WHERE:

Second Monday Alternate months 7:30 pm

On Zoom, or at Bennet’s, Harpenden. FREE - Book at: sustainablestalbans.org/our-planet-events

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SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL 2021 Across St Albans, Harpenden and the villages Energy

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Sunday 23rd May - Sunday 6th June Organise an event that suits your group or business.

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WELL WORTH A WANDER!

We are blessed to have lots of open spaces around us, which we take for granted. With the situation as it is at the moment,

get out and go for a wander! 36

Harpenden Common

Harpenden Common is a place of natural scenic beauty. A Green Flag Award winning site since 2007, the Common stretches almost 2 miles from the centre of Harpenden southwards and provides residents and visitors alike with an unsurpassed amenity and recreational resource.The Common is home to numerous types of wild and plant life and is recognised as a county wildlife and protected species site. Over the decades Harpenden Common has had varied uses including grazing for sheep, horseracing, hunting, ice skating, athletics, football, cricket, golf, circuses and fairs. Presently, the Common is home to a football club, two cricket clubs and a golf club.Throughout the year events such as fairs, circuses, classic car meetings and art exhibitions are still held on the Common. Although the horseracing has stopped, a permissive horse ride loops the Common. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a picnic area, Southdown Ponds, a nature trail, the Brickle Dells (where once bricks were made from the clay extracted) and the Hayfield with numerous wildflowers and grasses - something for everyone! A visitors leaflet entitled ‘Harpenden Common’ which includes a map of the Common showing the various walking trails and places of interest is available by visiting: www.harpenden.gov.uk/harpenden-common Address: St Albans Road, Harpenden AL5 2JF. Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day

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Rothamsted Park Harpenden

Rothamsted Park is a 56-acre (230,000 m2) public park in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. The park was formerly part of the Manor of Rothamsted, later Rothamsted estate, owned by Sir John Lawes. He initiated agricultural experiments in 1843, which led to the founding of the nearby Rothamsted Experimental Station. He also created the formal entrance from Leyton Road to what is now the Park and planted the avenue of Lime trees. In 1931, the family decided to sell the estate, and after a successful public appeal, the Experimental Station was able to finance its purchase of the estate in 1934. In 1938 the Harpenden Urban District Council purchased the land now known as Rothamsted park from the Experimental Station, in order to provide playing fields and to preserve an important open space. Rothamsted Park is also home to Harpenden Town FC. The Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main entrance gates were removed for salvage during the Second World War, and after the war the restoration of the entrance was paid for by the Friends Provident Insurance Company. In 1975 the nearby sports hall was opened by the Mayor of St Albans City and District, as one of the first major projects of the newly formed St Albans District Council. Address: Leyton Rd, Harpenden AL5 2HU. Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day

LYDEKKER PARK AN OASIS IN CENTRE OF HARPENDEN

The park is sited on land that was part of the grounds of Harpenden Lodge, which was built in 1803 and bought by the Lydekkers, one of Harpenden’s oldest families, in 1857. The property remained in the Lydekker family until 1987. The last surviving member of the Harpenden branch of the Lydekker family, Miss Hilda Lydekker, lived in Harpenden Lodge until 1979, when she left at the age of 93 to move into a nursing home. Her uncle, Captain Arthur Lydekker, was for six years the Chairman of Harpenden Urban District Council, from its inception in 1898.

This was to be completed by the developers of the newly created housing estate surrounding the park and donated in a finished state to the Council. As St Albans District Council was the successor Council to the former Harpenden Urban District Council, it became the beneficiary of this gifted land.

In 1937, Hilda Lydekker had entered into an agreement with the former Harpenden Urban District Council that the 11 acres of land attached to Harpenden Lodge should become private open space. It was her intention that part of it be preserved as a memorial to her loved ones lost in the 1914 – 1918 War. With the demise of the Urban District Council in 1974, this agreement passed to the newly created St Albans District Council. Following the death of Miss Lydekker in 1987, shortly before her 101st birthday, St Albans District Council entered into an agreement with the executors of the Will to retain a total of three acres as public open space with a car park.

The HarpendenTown Council of that time made strenuous efforts to have the public open space and car park retained in the ownership of Harpenden Town Council. Following discussions with the District Council, an agreement was reached in 1998 that Harpenden Town Council would lease Lydekker Park and the new 93 space fee paying car park from St Albans District Council at a peppercorn rent. In 2012 after much campaigning Lydekker Park and car park were devolved back from the District Council into the ownership of Harpenden Town Council. The Council has now created a 5-year management plan for the park which can be viewed here. Two new interpretation boards were installed in the park in August 2017 and feature a background to the history of the park, and information about the wildlife that inhabit the ponds. In July 2017, Lydekker Park was awarded its very first Green Flag Award, joining Harpenden Common as one of the UK’s very best open spaces.

Lydekker Park is situated just off Sun Lane, Harpenden.

Batford Springs Nature Reserve 1

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Batford Springs is a 3.5 hectare Local Nature Reserve in Harpenden.. It is owned and managed by Harpenden Town Council. The majority of the conservation and maintenance work on the site is undertaken by Batford Springs Volunteers with assistance from the Council and other contractors. Such works are detailed in a 5-year management plan put together by the Volunteers with continuing input from a number of specialist advisors including the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. In 1995, the area was accredited as a Reserve by Natural England. Its principal features are the fresh springs that serve a small network of chalk lined streams and ponds. The River Lea with its riverside walks flows through the site and there is open grassland and a small wooded area to explore. Locally the River Lea from its source in Luton through Harpenden down to Wheathampstead has been made a focus for the Upper Lea Catchment Management Plan. In January 2015 the Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve was extended with the purchase of land in Marquis Lane. The land runs from the corner of Marquis Lane, eastwards to the bottom of Piggotshill Lane.A plan for to incorporate this area into the nature reserve is being drawn up in conjunction with the Batford Springs Volunteers and the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. A fully accessible path across the new area was installed in November 2016.

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Nomansland Common

Nomansland common is approximately 130 acres (52.5 ha) of common land of which Wheathampstead parish council owns 35 acres (95 ha) the remainder being owned by the Althorp Estate and located in Sandridge parish. Nomansland is reputed to have got its name because of the bitter rivalry and frequent disputes between the monasteries of St Albans and Westminster. Both claimed the land was within their respective parishes of Sandridge and Wheathampstead. It is believed that this area was used for grazing as early as 4000BC.

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Horse races were held here regularly between 1829 and 1837. In 1829 King George VI won the St Albans cup and it is thought the first proper steeplechase in England was held here in 1830. There used to be a river running parallel to the main road from Wheathampstead to St Albans but this has now gone underground and runs where the outfield of the cricket pitch dips and turns under the cricket pavilion.

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During the 1700s Nomansland was notorious for highway robberies, Dick Turpin and Tom King used to meet there regularly on their way to other counties. The most infamous robber in these parts was Lady Ferrers of Markyate, dubbed the Wicked Lady. During this time a gibbet (gallows ) was erected at the top of the hill towards St Albans, as a warning for thieves.

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In 1429 a Puddingstone was placed to mark the boundary between Sandridge and Wheathampstead. This stone can be seen on the outfield of the cricket pitch close to the road. For more information on Nomansland, its history and Puddingstone see the virtual museum on the Wheathampstead Heritage web site. www. wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk Car Park Address: Ferrers Lane,Wheathampstead, St.Albans,AL4 8EJ. Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day For more information visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visitingwoods/woods/nomansland-common 41

Heartwood Forest Heartwood Forest’s 347-hectare (858-acre) site rises from what was once mainly agricultural land. It’s so big that it’s now the largest continuous new native forest in England; a place where everyone can find space, peace, wildlife and miles of beautiful woodland to explore. Heartwood Forest is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust along with more than 1,000 sites all over the UK and supported by more than 250,000 members. Find out more about the Woodland Trust by visiting www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/ New and ancient woodland Thanks to the hard work of thousands of volunteers, more than 600,00 trees have been planted and local communities and visitors have taken this new landscape to their hearts.There’s not just new woodland at Heartwood Forest though.The forest also has precious pockets of ancient bluebell woodland, old hedgerows, wildflower meadows, wonderful bird life and open grassland. Why simply imagine the dazzling spectacle of fields ablaze with flowers in rich shades of blue, yellow, red, pink, purple and white? Come and see them for yourself between May and August. Exploring Heartwood A network of paths, including a public footpath and two bridleways, run in and around Heartwood Forest, as well as through the existing ancient woodlands.You can also explore the site by bike, horse or on foot. There are three way-marked trails which take you to different areas of Heartwood Forest.To get more information visit: www. heartwood. woodlandtrust.org.uk/about-heartwood. Address: Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ.

See website for more information, opening times and facilities: www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

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WHEATHAMPSTEAD RAILWAY STATION Wheathampstead Railway Station was closed following the Beeching Report on 26th April, 1965.

As with many rural villages, the station had transformed the lives of local residents. It lay on a single-track branch line running between Hatfield and Dunstable with through trains from London to Birmingham. Within a few years of closure the tracks, surrounding embankments and station buildings had all been removed to make way for new developments and road improvements. All that was left of the station was most of the platform, high and dry on an isolated embankment raised 4m above the surrounding roads and buildings. Despite being within a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw of the village centre, there it lay for over 40 years forgotten and completely hidden by ivy and saplings. In 2009 a group studying the heritage of the village rediscovered the platform remains and decided to restore it in time for the 150th anniversary of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening on September 1st, 1860.

This was an ambitious project. The only access was by scrambling up the steep embankment. The tracks, platform slabs, ballast and all other signs of the railway had been salvaged or scavenged at the time of closure. All that remained were the railings, basic platform structure and some of the large edging slabs. Without access for heavy machinery or even water and power, the task seemed hopeless. Undaunted, the team raised financial support from businesses, the Parish Council (who own the site) and other groups. Most importantly, all of the work had to be done by hand (just as it was when it was built) so they had to rely on many villagers giving up their free time to clear the site. Wheathampstead is part of St Albans District and a group of sailors from HMS St Albans was despatched to help. Original materials were reused where possible but 18 new slabs each weighing a quarter of a ton had to be made by hand. By the time of the 150th anniversary of the opening in September 2010, the platform was once again open to the general public. 43

WHEATHAMPSTEAD RAILWAY STATION Work has continued since then and a 40 foot section of the original track has been put in place. One hundred and twenty feet of the platform is now complete with signage and access steps, and visitors can see a section of the original Victorian structure uncovered during the work.

Continued Being equally ambitious, the project team sought a 5 plank 12 ton wagon to set on the track. Once again, access was the issue and the wagon had to be craned about 100 feet in the air to clear surrounding trees. The wagon was dually restored and opened on the first of June 2014. A Lottery Fund grant has also enabled the team to construct a shelter in the style of the original buildings to complete the effect. The site forms an important part of the Wheathampstead Heritage Trail opened in 2011. Apart from being a local attraction for visitors, the team have planted trees and shrubs to attract wildlife and has installed a picnic table on the track bed. April 2016 saw the return of George Bernard Shaw to Wheathampstead Station More than 65 years after his death, George Bernard Shaw has been seen again at Wheathampstead’s railway station.

Being equally ambitious, the project team sought a 5 plank 12 ton wagon to set on the track. Once again, access was the issue and the wagon had to be craned about 100 feet in the air to clear surrounding trees. The wagon was dually restored and opened on the first of June 2014. A Lottery Fund grant has also enabled the team to construct a shelter in the style of the original buildings to complete the effect. The site forms an important part of the Wheathampstead Heritage Trail opened in 2011. Apart from being a local attraction for visitors, the team have planted trees and shrubs to attract wildlife and has installed a picnic table on the track bed. April 2016 saw the return of George Bernard Shaw to Wheathampstead Station More than 65 years after his death, George Bernard Shaw has been seen again at Wheathampstead’s railway station. The full-sized oak carving has been installed in the shelter on the platform and fans of the author and playwright can have their photograph taken next to the famous man. 44

The full-sized oak carving has been installed in the shelter on the platform and fans of the author and playwright can have their photograph taken next to the famous man. George Bernard Shaw was Wheathampstead Station’s most famous traveller, regularly cycling from his home in Ayot St Lawrence to catch the London train. Leaving his bike at the Station Hotel (6p per week) he would collect it on his return and cycle home. If running late, it was not unknown for him to send his chauffeur ahead to ask Mr Lee, the station master, to hold the train until he arrived! Go down to explore for yourselves. For more information please visit: www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk WHEATHAMPSTEAD RAILWAY STATION, WHEATHAMPSTEAD HERTS AL4 8DR.

Verulamium Park

Verulamium Park is a park in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Set in over 100 acres (0.40 km2) of parkland,Verulamium Park was purchased from the Earl of Verulam in 1929 by the then City Corporation.Today the park is owned and operated by St Albans City and District Council. The park is named after the Roman city of Verulamium on which it stands.The City walls and outline of the main London Gate can still be seen.Archaeological excavations were undertaken in the park during the 1930s by Sir Mortimer Wheeler and his wife Tessa, during which the 1800-year-old hypocaust and its covering mosaic floor were discovered.The Hypocaust Mosaic is on view to the public and currently protected from the elements by a purpose-built building in the park. On the outskirts of the park is Verulamium Museum, which contains hundreds of archaeological objects relating to everyday Roman life in what was a major Roman city.A pub,Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, is also located on the edge of the park.This pub has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest such establishment in England. A main feature of the park is the ornamental lake. Construction started on this project during 1929,[1] giving much needed work to the unemployed of St Albans during the depression.The lake is fed by the River Ver.The lake is home to a wealth of waterbirds, including mallards, swans, herons, great crested grebes, coots, pochards and tufted ducks. Address: 1 St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SL. Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day

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Stanborough Park

Stanborough Park, also referred to as Stanborough Lakes is a 126-acre park in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The park features two lakes, which were opened more recently in 1970.They are man-made and were built as a result of gravel extraction at the time of the building of the A1(M) motorway, although the thought of a riverside park had been considered since the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Master Plan of 1949 The whole park is completely man-made from an old quarry site creating the lakes and the hills around them. The Boating Lake (the northern lake) at Stanborough is 11.3 acres (46,000 m2) in size. It is a shallow lake, under three feet in depth with several small islands. The boating lake is fed by water from the River Lea at its north end and from a spring. Excess water flows over a weir back into the river at the south end. Coarse fish such as carp are bred in the boating lake and fishing is banned here. The Sailing Lake (the southern lake) is 15.3 acres (62,000 m2) in size. This lake has no islands but is deeper than the boating lake, more than six and a half feet deep in places. Unlike the Boating Lake the Sailing Lake is ground water fed. Before the lakes were built the River Lea used to flow through part of the Sailing Lake but it was re-directed to the west side. Many watersport activities take place here, including sailing, windsurfing and angling.

Heartwood Dunstable Forest Downs

Dunstable Downs are part of the Chiltern Hills, in southern Bedfordshire . They are a chalk escarpment forming the north-eastern reaches of the Chilterns. At 797 ft (243 m), Dunstable Downs are the highest point of the county of Bedfordshire. Because of its elevation, Dunstable Downs hosted a station in the shutter telegraph chain which connected the Admiralty in London to its naval ships in the port of Great Yarmouth during the years 1808 to 1814. Whipsnade Zoo has cut an enormous lion shape into the chalk into the side of one of the hills. The lion can be seen from the B489 (Aylesbury to Dunstable road).

The downs are home to a wide variety of wildlife including many rare wild flowers, such as the bee orchid, and butterfly species, like the marbled white and the chalk hill blue. Areas of the west-facing slope were notified in 1987 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) called Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs. Blow’s Down is a continuation of the Dunstable Downs escarpment on the eastern side of Dunstable. It is also an SSSI and most of it is managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (as Blow’s Downs).

The downs are used by gliders, kite fliers, hang gliders and paragliders in the area because of their height. The London Gliding Club is based at the foot of the downs. Much of the downs is managed by the National Trust as part of the Dunstable Downs & Whipsnade Estate property. At the northern tip of the Dunstable Downs, lies the Five Knolls Barrow Cemetery. First described by antiquarian William Stukeley in the 18th century, the site contained burials from the late Neolithic to Saxon eras prior to excavation. They include the ‘Five Knolls Woman’, aged between 35 – 40 years, buried on her side with a flint knife. A mother and child, buried with a number of echinoid fossils were also found, dating approximately from the early Bronze Age. The site is also known for the deviant burial of executed Saxon criminals.

Walk in the steps of history giants at Dunstable Downs, is a walk that begins and ends with elevated views from Dunstable Downs. Find out how people in prehistoric times, right up to the recent past, lived in this unique landscape. Visit the Armada fire beacon, Pre-historic mounds and site of the Admiralty Signal station. For details and directions of this walk visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downsand-whipsnade-estate/trails/walk-in-thesteps-of-history-giants 47

Health

HERTFORDSHIRE UNITED AGAINST

CORONAVIRUS

Important information about support and advice

on coronavirus

available from your county council

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ coronavirus 48

A guide to your county council services

Support for people who need it By the time you receive this leaflet you may have been self-isolating for several weeks. We just wanted to remind you that we are here to support you. Help is at hand if you: • have received a letter from the NHS telling you to stay at home due to an existing health condition • are over 70, pregnant, have an underlying medical condition or are normally eligible for a flu jab • are in financial crisis • have lost your usual support network of friends, family and neighbours due to the impact of coronavirus.

If you fall into any of these groups contact HertsHelp. Visit www.hertshelp.net, email info@hertshelp.net or call 0300 123 4044. You can also contact HertsHelp if you run or are part of a community or voluntary group and need some extra help at the moment. Anyone currently using a social care service should expect that to continue, however if you’re worried about this please speak to your care provider in the first instance or call on 0300 123 4042 for other urgent care needs.

Looking after yourself and your family It’s important that we continue to follow these simple steps: • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing – if you use a tissue throw it 49

Your Hertfordshire

in the bin then wash your hands. • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have just washed your hands. • Follow the latest government guidelines on self-isolating and social distancing. 49

Staying well at home Whether you are self-isolating for medical needs or socially distancing, being at home all day can be stressful. It is important that we stay physically and emotionally well during this time. Here are some top tips to help you do that: Be up to date. Get the latest news from trusted sources like the NHS or the BBC, don’t get it from social media. Be active. Great for mind and body. Find ways to keep physically active that work for you like gardening or online exercise classes. Be connected. Keep in touch with friends and family on the phone or by video call. Be prepared. Think about what you are going to need like food and medicines and a make a plan. Be in a routine. Develop a new daily routine that works for you. Be occupied. Now is a great time to get on with your hobbies or to try something new. Be alert. Scammers are taking advantage of some people at this difficult time. 50

Be helpful. See how you can support others. Whether it’s someone you know or volunteering to support people locally, there are lots of ways to get involved, even from home. Be relaxed. Try a relaxation or meditation exercise that works for you and practice it once a day for at least 10 minutes. Be heard. Talk to friends, family, or community or faith groups about how you are feeling. Writing things down can help you to organise your thoughts. Be positive. Try to look for positives in the current situation like having some extra ‘me time’, or having the chance to catch-up with something you have been meaning to do.

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Where to go for advice If you are self-isolating and you need emotional support or practical help www.hertshelp.net Info@hertshelp.net HertsHelp: 0300 123 4044

Medical and health advice and information www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

Information about local council services www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ coronavirus

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or worried about someone else who might be

Financial advice Money Advice Unit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/benefits Hertfordshire Citizens Advice Service: 03444 111 444 www.hcas.org.uk National debtline: www.nationaldebtline.org 0808 808 4000

Advice on avoiding scams Sign up for scam alerts from trading standards www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ updateme Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133

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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in volunteering

If you are in immediate danger always dial 999

www.thvolunteering.org.uk HertsHelp 0300 123 4044

Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline: 08 088 088 088 (freephone Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat/Sun 9am-4pm)

Mental health advice and support Herts Mind Network www.hertsmindnetwork.org 020 3727 3600 0300 777 0707 (8am-7pm) Nightline: 01923 256391

The quickest and easiest way to access our services and contact us is www.hertfordshire.gov.uk Follow us on social media @hertscountycouncil @hertscc @hertscc @HertfordshireCountyCouncil 52

food & Drink Spicy Carrot Soup Ingredients - Serves 2 3 large carrots sliced 3 stalks of celery chopped 2 onions chopped 1 to 2 vegetable stock cubes making up 700ml of stock 2 teaspoons of ground cumin 2 teaspoons of ground coriander frylight salt and pepper to season. some fresh coriander

Starter 54

Method Spray a large saucepan with frylight and add the onions and celery until golden. Add the carrots and a couple of tablespoons of the stock, cook for a further 3-4 mins, add the cumin and coriander and stir to evenly coat. Add the remaining stock, bring to the boil and simmer for approx 1 1/2 hours until carrots are softened. Blend soup in a blend (or if you prefer, just blend half the soup, to retain some of the vegetables bite). Return to saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with some fresh coriander.

Next 3 dates are: Sunday 24th January Sunday 28th February Sunday 28th March All Farmers’ Markets are held on the fourth Sunday of each month with the exception of the December Market. Although we aren’t yet able to return the Farmers’ Market to the Lower High Street, we have secured a location for the market that is more suitable for winter weather than the Common. The new venue will be the Main Car Park at the Rothamsted Research Conference Centre. The address is: Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ. Over the next three months the venue might change, so please visit our website to double check before you arrive.

www.harpenden.gov.uk 55

Main Course Meatballs Serves: 4

Method:

Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 30 to 60 minutes

Place the beef and pork mince in a large bowl and add the onion, garlic, breadcrumbs and dried herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix well with clean hands. Divide the mixture into 20 portions and roll into small, neat balls.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs 250g/9oz lean beef mince 250g/9oz pork mince 1 small onion, very finely chopped 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 25g/1oz fresh white breadcrumbs 2 tsp dried mixed herbs sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp sunflower oil For the gravy 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 medium onion, finely sliced 1 tbsp plain flour 150ml/5fl oz red wine 300ml/10fl oz beef stock made with one beef stock cube 1 tbsp tomato purée 56

Heat the sunflower oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the meatballs for 6–8 minutes, or until nicely browned on all sides. Roll the meatballs around in the pan as they brown to prevent them from becoming flattened on one side. Transfer the meatballs to a large lidded saucepan. To make the gravy, heat the sunflower oil in the frying pan and gently fry the onion over a low heat for five minutes, or until softened, stirring regularly. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir well. Slowly add the red wine, stock and tomato purée, stirring constantly. Pour the gravy over the meatballs and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid and leave to simmer gently over a low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and increase the heat. Boil the gravy for another 3–5 minutes or until thickened. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

Baked Cheesecake with Crumble Topping Prep: 50 minutes, plus 3 hours chilling Cooking time: 50 minutes to 60 minutes Total time: 280 minutes to 290 minutes Ingredients - Serves 8: Crumble 30g caster sugar 60g butter 125g plain flour 375g dessert shortcrust pastry Filling: 500g ricotta 85g soured cream 4 medium eggs, separated 200g caster sugar 1 lemon, finely grated zest, plus 1 tbsp juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp plain flour

Dessert Method Preheat the oven to 180Â°C, gas mark 4. Take a 25cm tart tin thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at least 5cm deep and has a removable base, line with the pastry and chill for half an hour. Prick the base all over with a fork, line with baking parchment, & weight down with baking beans. Cook for 12 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and return the pastry case to the oven. Bake for a further 7 minutes until dry. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Reduce the heat of the oven to 170Â°C, gas mark 3.To make the filling, beat the ricotta with the soured cream. Beat the egg yolks with the caster sugar until pale, then add to the cheese mixture, also mixing in the lemon zest and juice and vanilla extract. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Sift the flour over the ricotta mixture, then fold it in along with the egg whites. Spoon the filling into the pastry case. To make the crumble mixture, rub the butter into the flour, then stir in the sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the cheesecake. Bake for about 50 minutes to one hour, until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven, then chill it for at least 3 hours before serving.

Homes

DON’T WASH BUT SCRAPE!

Hands up who cleans their dirty pans in the sink? That’ll be most of us then. But turns out washing our frying pans in this way could be harming the environment. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), who have issued new guidance on how people should be cleaning pans in order to save water. Instead of just rinsing under the tap, they are advising you wait until oil in your pan has cooled before scraping the excess off to reuse or bin. They then suggest we wipe leftover grease out of the pan with kitchen roll before finally washing. It is estimated the UK water industry spends £100m each year on clearing blockages caused by the wrong things being put down sinks and toilets.

The department released the guidance as part of its new Love Water campaign, which aims to reduce the amount of oil we pour into our waterways as a nation. If washed off with water, the oil and fat can harden in pipes, causing fatbergs to form - which is expensive to remove. Just one litre of oil poured down the sink can pollute one million litres of water, DEFRA said. The Food Standards Agency said there is no reason not to follow the advice regarding cleaning frying pans,“As long as utensils are washed appropriately after scraping out the oil, there is no health and safety issue.” The advice comes as campaigner’s fear England could run short on water in the next 25 years, with Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan describing it as a “jaws of death” situation.

For more information visit: www.gov.uk

FLAT PACK MIKE Assembly Service

Harpenden Based Flat Pack Man available to take the headache out of building your furniture.

Call or Email Mike today with your Model Name & Number for a Free Quote on:

mIKEA

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FLAT PACK MIKE

01582 713034

or email: info@flatpackmike.co.uk

www.flatpackmike.co.uk

FLAT PACK MIKE

F D S DRAINAGE SERVICES Welcome to Freeman Drainage Services, our local specialist drainage engineers are never far away.

• Drain Unblocking • Drain Re-Lining • CCTV Drainage Surveys • Homebuyer Reports • FREE Quotes • FREE Advice For a Full Quality Drainage Service Call: Mob: 07920 826484 Tel: 01582 483693 47a Front Street, Slip End, LU1 4BP.

Cairns & Hall half page ad.pdf

13/12/2018

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

15:13

EXTENSIONS CONVERSIONS RENOVATIONS INTERNAL & EXTERNAL LOFT & GARAGE CONVERSIONS BESPOKE SUMMER HOUSES BATHROOMS & HEATING PLASTERING & TILING REPLACEMENT RUBBER WORK

All aspects of plumbing, gas and electrical work carried out by qualified tradesmen.

Tel: Nick: 07779 688 9540 Jamie: 07971 162 232

Email: cairnsandhall@gmail.com Web: www.cairnsandhall.co.uk 59

MIRROR MIRROR ON MY WALL…

No matter where you put one, mirrors are an easy way to reflect light, make a space look bigger, and open up a room.

Just like windows, mirrors add light and depth to the room interior, so feel free to use them as decorative windows that could be installed in any place you wish. It shouldn’t necessarily be a big wall mirror, even a small mirror in bold framing can become a centre of attention. Designers tend to use mirrors in small rooms since they are able to visually expand it. Just make sure it reflects nice views. Mirrors cannot only enlarge space, but also brighten it up and become an additional source of lighting. Large floor mirrors allow making a statement in a narrow room and bring a dramatic effect, which cannot be accomplished by other décor elements.

You will be surprised to find out that mirrors can serve as full-fledged art objects. Simply play with them and try to hang a group of mirrors on a certain wall. Ensure the mirrors are proportional to each other and to the wall: don’t try to hang a multitude of small mirrors on a big wall. Entryways, dining rooms and other areas that deprive of natural light are perfect for installing mirrors.When complemented with candles, art objects and original lighting, they allow creating a one-of-a-kind ambiance.

Ross Witton Decorators (Harpenden) Ltd

High Class Decorating at sensible prices

All All Painting Painting & & Decorating Decorating Work Work Interior & Exterior Interior & Exterior Kitchen Kitchen Unit Unit Refurbishment Refurbishment Plastering Plastering & & Coving Coving • • Tiling Tiling • • Fully Fully Insured Insured Domestic Domestic Commercial Commercial & & Industrial Industrial Established Established Local Local Company Company Reviews on:

Mob: 07952 265849 Tel: 01582 512997 65 High Street Harpenden Herts AL5 2SL

ross@theharpendendecorator.co.uk www.theharpendendecorator.co.uk 60

HARPENDEN BLINDS quarter page ad.pdf

OFFICE LETTING & MANAGEMENT for Harpenden, St Albans & surrounding villages

LOOKING FOR...

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to start a new business or expand your current one, register with us and we will help with all of your property search requirements. CALL US ON:

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Call 01582 469117 to discuss your office search or letting management requirements.

Alternatively, email info@65highstreet.co.uk or visit www.65highstreet.co.uk

Goodson Builders Ltd ESTABLISHED 1975

Extensions & renovations and expert in conservation & heritage work complete service from drawings to decoration quality old fashioned craftmanship plus competitive old fashioned prices guaranteed to please. Full Building Maintenance Service ALL WORK QUALITY ASSURED & GUARANTEED

CALL: 07850 746171 FAX: 01582 873456

Email: goodson.builders@lineone.net 61

25/11

Harpenden Waste Away and Recycling are a Harpenden based, registered waste carrier that offers a friendly, affordable rubbish and waste removal service.

Our flexible approach ensures that we can meet your waste management needs in a quick, professional and friendly manner.

Often cheaper than a skip, we are the cost effective way to get rid of your waste legally and ethically with waste recycled where possible.

With the increase of fly-tipping, It’s very important to check that your waste carrier is fully licensed like Harpenden Waste Away which you can do easily, via this website:

At Harpenden Waste Away & Recycling our goal is to make waste removal fuss free for our customers and we take great pride in the work we do.

Call Harpenden Waste Away & Recycling today on:

Whether you want to clear out the garage, get rid of that old furniture, have some bulky waste that you can’t fit in your dustbin or have a full house clearance, it’s always worth giving us a call. Harpenden Waste Away will always provide a professional service at a reasonable price guaranteed. We are a company committed to recycling and take all rubbish to transfer stations that recycle all reusable materials.

www.environment.data.gov.uk

07486 646756

www.harpendenwasteaway.com It couldn’t be easier.....No fuss, No hidden charges, Know where your waste goes! Beware of companies that under charge.

Extensions & Alterations All General Building Work Loft Conversions All Brickwork Undertaken Carpentry & Joinery Property Renovations Roofing & Roof Repairs

Call: 01582 621347 / Mob: 07594 541870 Email: info@pshalsey.co.uk Web: www.pshalsey.co.uk 9 Tallents Crescent, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5BP

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15/09/2017

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RUBBISH REMOVAL AND RECYCLING

Harpenden Waste Away & Recycling is a professional, friendly, reliable service that remove rubbish from homes, gardens and commercial business premises. The company is fully licensed with the Environment Agency as a registered waste carrier and is fully insured. Local friendly service - Domestic house & garden clearance Commercial business waste removal - No Job too big or too small Removal of almost all types of rubbish – Same day collection Areas we cover: Harpenden, St. Albans, Redbourn, Wheathampstead, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin, Luton, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Dunstable & all surrounding areas.

Call Harpenden Waste Away & Recycling today and arrange your rubbish removal

07486 646756

www.harpendenwasteaway.com Same Day Collection • Fully Licensed & Insured • Cheaper Than Skip! 63

Cutmore Carpentry full page ad.pdf

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CUTMORE CARPENTRY

BESPOKE CARPENTRY SOLUTIONS

Kitchen Design & Installation Made to measure bespoke Wardrobes, Shelving Units, TV Units and more.

Tel: 01582 483459 Mob: 07980 235644 64

COUNCIL

HOMES

DELIVERED

An ageing sheltered housing block in St Albans has been transformed with the first new tenants due to move in by Christmas. Wavell House, in Cell Barnes Lane, was demolished and 24 new homes for over-55s were built on the site. The block has been renamed Warner House. St Albans City and District Council’s £4.8 million project was supported by a £720,000 Homes England grant and will provide 12 two-bedroom and 12 one-bedroom social rent properties. The building has also been fitted with an environmentally-friendly green or living roof. Building contractor Jarvis, a construction company based in Harpenden, handed over the site last week. Some of the new occupants will be existing Council tenants who have decided to downsize, freeing up their homes for larger sized households who may currently be in overcrowded accommodation. The Council has an incentive scheme to help people who wish to downsize to a more manageable home. There are grants of up to £1,950 available. Any remaining flats will go to people on the Council’s Housing Register who have been waiting for a new home.

plumbing

. . heating

bathroom & kitchen specialist

Plumbsmith are a local business providing complete design & build solutions to domestic & commercial clients.

“Fantastic! We are so thrilled with our new bathroom. Thank you, it really has been a pleasure from design consultation meetings through to completion. Would highly recommend Plumbsmith.”

Receive a minimum of 20% Discount on all Sanitary Ware when booking with Plumbsmith Contact Simon Smith on: 07961 067894 or 01582 937522

2 Wells Close, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 3LQ. simon@plumbsmith.co.uk www.plumbsmith.co.uk

Is heat leaking from your home? Borrow one of Sustainable St Albans' Thermal Imaging Cameras to find those draughts and cold spots. Improve your insulation where needed. Create a more energy efficient home this winter! Join a free short online information session to learn to use a camera. The District's residents can then borrow a camera.

FIND OUT MORE! www.sustainablestalbans.org/thermal-imaging

Registered charity no 1173118

HARPENDEN’S FAMILY FIRM YOU CAN TRUST

Your complete building service, large and small works, professional advice

Lafters, The Common, Kinsbourne Green, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3PD

Telephone: Harpenden (01582) 713919 Email: enquiries@rcgrimwade.co.uk

HARPENDEN’S FAMILY FIRM YOU CAN TRUST

Your complete plumbing, heating and friendly gas service. Bathroom and shower specialists.

Lafters, The Common, Kinsbourne Green, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3PD

Telephone: Harpenden (01582) 713919 Email: enquiries@rcgrimwade.co.uk 67

BIRD BOXES

Gardens

With the nesting season over, autumn is the perfect time to clean out your bird boxes with an effective disinfectant, repair any damage and get them ready for next year’s bird families. Even boxes that haven’t supported a brood need a check over to ensure they are in good condition. Open them up, clear out any debris carefully and use a special cleaner/disinfectant for wildlife to clean into the cracks and crevices. This allows time for a range of garden birds to inspect their prospective home and can use it for roosting in the winter. After cleaning line the box with fresh, dry moss or dried, autumn leaves and put the boxes back up ready for spring. If you don’t have a box and would like to have some feathers friends as your neighbours, pop long to The Hertfordshire Garden Centre, to get your bird box today! The Hertfordshire Garden Centre, Redding Lane, Redbourn, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 7PS.

Tel: 01582 792255 Lawns page ad.pdf 1 22/11/2015 Alternatively First have some funhalf and design and build your own. You can’t go11:04 wrong because they’re all different.

Your perfect lawn doesn’t have to cost the earth! We are an independent Lawn Care Company not part of a franchise, accredited by Which, as a Trusted Trader. We offer flexible treatment programme specific to your lawn needs. With over 12 years experience, we can help with:

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Lawn Fertilisation Moss Treatments Aeration Scarification Specialised Treatments

Call us today on: 01582 768698 www.firstlawns.co.uk 68

TOP 10 GARDENING JOBS FOR JANUARY (ADVICE FROM THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY)

In January, your garden could need protecting from frosts, gale-force winds and heavy rain. Check stakes, ties, fleeces and other supports for damage and consider moving plants to sunnier positions to maximize light. Don’t forget to keep feeding the birds, food is scarce for them over winter. You can also start planning next year’s vegetable plot.

1  Recycle your Christmas tree by shredding it for mulch 2  Ventilate the greenhouse on sunny days 3  Dig over any vacant plots that have not been dug already 4  Repair and re-shape lawn edges 5  Inspect stored tubers of Dahlia, Begonia and Canna for rots or drying out 6  Prune apple and pear trees 7  Start forcing rhubarb 8  Plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season 9  Keep putting out food and water for hungry birds Landscapes page ad.pdf 10  Prepare Badger a polythene shelter half for outdoor peaches1 and nectarines, to protect them from peach leaf curl

For more month by month advice 14:11 visit www.rhs.org.uk

09/12/2017

Badger Landscapes Landscape and Garden Services

A friendly and professional approach to our work is our key focus. Badger Landscapes specialises in the following products & services

• • • • • • •

Garden Design Project Management Patios Paths Driveways Decking Fencing

• • • • • •

Pergolas Artificial Grass Turfing Sheds & Bases Tree Work Planting AND MORE!

65 High Street, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2SL.

Tel: 07989 394041 W: www.badgerlandscapes.com E: pete@badgerlandscapes.com 70 70

Creating Beautiful Landscapes Matthew Gore Landscaping provides the full range of hard landscaping and soft landscaping for properties in Hertfordshire and surrounding counties. Over the past 15 years we have built up a strong reputation and loyal client base with teams of experienced landscapers working on projects from small driveways up to large country gardens.

www.matthewgoreltd.co.uk

Prospect Lane, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2PL matt@matthewgoreltd.co.uk 71

OPENING TIMES

There are three Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in the St Albans District. They accept a wide range of materials for recycling and are for household waste only.

Harpenden Household Waste Recycling Centre - Dark Lane, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1QB Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday - All year 10am - 6pm Closed: Thursday and Friday St Albans Household Waste Recycling Centre 14 Ronsons Way, Sandridge, off St Albans Road, St Albans. AL1 4AP Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Winter 8am - 4pm - Summer 10am - 6pm Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday Waterdale Household Waste Recycling Centre St Albans Road, Near Garston, Watford WD25 0PR Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday All year 10am - 6pm. Saturdays (Summer only) 8.00am - 6pm Closed: Thursday and Friday

Further on 12:04 all the Flyer NEW Aprilinformation 2013_Layout 2 15/05/2013 Page 1 above Centres please visit: www.wasteaware.org.uk

01582 840144 07939 623675

www.highelmstreesurgery.co.uk Email: info@highelmstreesurgery.co.uk

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ROCOCO Landscaping and Building was established in 2003. With a wealth of experience in Landscape construction working alongside establishes garden designers. We undertake all aspects of landscaping and have a number of testimonials from happy clients. If you are looking for a complete garden make-over including design and build or perhaps something more modest, then ring Peter on:

01582 621222 or 07775 715086

Motors

IDLING... SWITH OFF FOR CLEANER AIR DO YOUR BIT FOR AIR QUALITY Running your engine when you’re not driving it (idling) truly gets you nowhere. It reduces your vehicle’s fuel economy, costs you money and creates pollution which is harmful to health. The trouble is that stationary cars release up to 20 times more exhaust emissions than when the car is moving at 30 mph. These pollutants have detrimental effects on human health and contribute to respiratory illness, cancer and premature deaths. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable. It is estimated that poor air quality leads to 40,000 premature deaths each year in the UK. Compare this to the 1,713 deaths from road traffic accidents and we can see that this is a significant problem. People can be affected by poor air quality even if they never experience any noticeable pollution related-health effects such as breathing problems because some of the effects are chronic and long-term. St Albans City and District Council are committed to reducing unnecessary engine idling as a means to improving local air quality, preventing health impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the ‘Switch Off For Cleaner Air’ campaign we are asking drivers to switch off their engines if they are to be stationary for longer than a minute. We are looking for volunteers to help raise awareness about this important matter locally.

Please visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/anti-idling for details.

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MOT CENTRE

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MOT CENTRE

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