What's On Herts 2014 by The What's On Mag

Covering Harpenden, St Albans, Wheathampstead, Redbourn & surrounding villages.

herts.co.uk

News, Reviews and Local Events January to March 2014

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Winter 2014 Contents Pets Film Diary of Events Health and Beauty Recipes Homes Gardens Motors

Welcome to the Winter edition of What’s On! Brought to you by Your Local Media Harpenden. What I love about Winter is that even when it is grey and cold outside, we have the promise of spring to look forward to. It won’t be long until we see the first signs of new life appearing in our gardens and parks and colour will, once again, fill our lives!

Page 46 Page 48 Pages 50 – 67 Pages 68 – 73 Pages 75 – 79 Pages 80 – 95 Pages 96 - 99 Pages 100 - 101

Printed and Published by Your Local Media. 67 High Street, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2SL info@your-local-media.co.uk www.your-local-media.co.uk

If you find the winter months empty and dull, don’t despair - there is still lots going on in and around Harpenden and St. Albans. Check out the ‘What’s On Guide’ to find out exactly what the coming months have in store; there is something for everyone in our extensive Diary of Events listing on page 50

Editorial Content:

Claire Gillies

Publication Design & Artwork:

psdesign@rocketmail.com

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy 2014!

Advertising Contacts - Tel: 01582 469117

Claire Gillies

Disclaimer

Tony Mcfarland - tony@your-local-media.co.uk Mike Hamilton - mike@your-local-media.co.uk 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.

Editor

Welcome to Your Local Media, a local business run by local people. This quarterly publication is delivered to local distribution points throughout Harpenden, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Redbourn, Markyate and Flamstead. 20,000 A5 Glossy magazines carrying a 3 month What’s On listing providing great longevity for advertisers. Publication Dates: January - April - July - October. Deadlines: 1 month prior to publication date. What’s On Rates Prime £350 Full Page £260 Half Page £165 Quarter Page £120 Eighth Page £75 All prices + VAT

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Rugby League World Cup on tour of local schools The Deputy Mayor for St Albans City and District joined local teachers and pupils to welcome the Rugby League World Cup to St Albans District. The Rugby League World Cup trophy toured local schools prior to the championship in Autumn. As part of the tour, the cup visited: • Mandeville, St Albans • Sts Albans and Stephen, St Albans • Fleetville, St Albans • Cunningham Hill, St Albans • Oakwood, St Albans • Garden Fields, St Albans • St Bernadette’s, London Colney • St Helens, Wheathampstead.

Cllr Brian Gibbard, Deputy Mayor of St Albans City and District, said, “This year’s Rugby League World Cup championship is probably the biggest sporting event to take place in the UK since the Olympics. It is generous of the Rugby League World Cup 2013 organisers to arrange for the trophy to tour schools around the country, including schools in St Albans District. It is a great way to raise awareness of the sport, and to promote sporting opportunities for young people. It was fantastic to be invited to see the cup and to witness the enthusiasm of the teachers during the training session for our local tagrugby competition. I wish all the schools the very best in the tournament and look forward to watching the event later in the year.”

All the schools took part in a local Schools Rugby League World Cup tag tournament in October, organised by St Albans Centurions Rugby League Club.

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Mayor talks history with club for the disabled Members of the Wheathampstead Thursday Club for the Disabled were treated to a talk on the history of the mayoralty by the Mayor of St Albans.

Peter Woods, Thursday Club Events Organiser and committee member, said; “We are very grateful to the Mayor for visiting us today. We enjoyed meeting her very much and hearing about the history and responsibilities of the mayoral role. Our Thursday Club is a welcoming, friendly group of people and we enjoy a wide variety of speakers and entertainers. The Wheathampstead Thursday Club for the Disabled meets on Thursdays in term-time and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers with no paid staff. Members are collected from their homes in the morning and spend a sociable day in the Mead Hall at Wheathampstead. They enjoy refreshments, lunch and entertainment and play board games if they wish, before being driven home. Members are also offered a shopping service and other help while they are at the club.

The Wheathampstead Thursday Club meets during term-time at The Mead Hall, East Lane, Wheathampstead, AL4 8BJ.

The Mayor of St Albans City and District, Cllr Annie Brewster, also spoke about her experiences as mayor when she visited the club. The club has provided social activities for disabled people since November 1975 and a host of members and volunteer carers were present to meet the Mayor. The Mayor brought along her official mayoral robes and gave lucky club member Bob Morgan the opportunity to dress up as Mayor. The Mayor’s Macebearer, John Hills, was also on hand to talk about his role supporting the Mayor by carrying the ceremonial Mace. Cllr Annie Brewster, Mayor of St Albans City and District, said, “It was a great honour to visit, as Mayor, the wonderful Wheathampstead Thursday Club in my own village. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the club members and the energetic volunteers who help run the club and organise excellent activities. It is obvious that the club is highly valued for the enjoyment it gives members and the respite it offers to their carers.”

Beechwood Park’s Year One readers appear on Sky News Sky News showed a Year One Phonics lesson at Beechwood Park School, Markyate, near St Albans in a morning bulletin.

The young pupils, aged six and under, were described by Sky News reporter, Rachel Younger, as “forging ahead” in their reading. Boys and girls from Year One were shown reading extracts from Save The Children’s recently published Born To Read campaign report. This report highlights how children who fall behind in the three ‘Rs’ before the age of seven are destined to fail at school and are disadvantaged for life. Beechwood Park’s Headmaster, Patrick Atkinson, commented “We were delighted that RachelYounger, who had visited Beechwood Park previously, asked us if we would take part in the news item, at short notice.

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Valentine’s Day The celebrations of this romantic day in the calendar can be traced back to the Romans; they celebrated a pagan fertility festival (Lupercalia.)

Nowadays the traditions are a little simpler (and sadly a lot more commercial); each year in Britain, we spend around £503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for our loved ones.

There are many traditions and tales associated with romance activities on this day including: • Traditionally, spring begins on St Valentine’s Day, the day on which birds chose their mates; in parts of Sussex Valentine’s Day was called ‘the Birds’ Wedding Day’ • the first man an unmarried woman saw on 14th February would be her future husband; • If the names of all a girl’s suitors were written on paper and wrapped in clay and the clay put into water, the piece that rose to the surface first would contain the name of her husband-to-be. • If a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man & be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich person.

Millions of people also use digital means to create and send Valentine’s Day greeting messages such as e-cards, or printable greeting cards. Texting your Valentine message is an easy and cheap option. Valentine’s Day text messages include: WUBMV - will you be my Valentine xoxoxoxoxo - hugs and kisses LUWAM<3 - love you with all my heart ImRdy4Luv - I’m ready for love :’-) - I’m so happy, I’m crying ILUVU - I love you Who said romance was dead?!

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NewYear, New You!

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions are an annual ritual for many of us, a way of making a statement to the world that we are going to make a positive change in ourselves for the future.

Planning your resolution in advance will give you time to think about your goal and how to achieve it. If you want to drop a dress size, or shed your beer belly, then making sure you know what you want gives you a clear goal to reach. Spare of the moment decisions are quick to make, but also quick to break. Setting smaller, easily achievable goals along the way help to keep you on track, such as losing 2lb per week until you reach your overall goal. This will help keep your interest, as sometimes long term goals can seem so far away that they become unobtainable.

According to statistics, the top New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution in 2012 was to lose weight, but the reality is just one in 11 people stick to their resolutions for at least six months, with just under half breaking their resolution within a fortnight. The main reason given for breaking resolutions is lack of willpower, and as anyone who has tried to lose weight before knows, willpower is crucial to success.

Planning a reward for when you successfully reach your goal is a great incentive to keep you focused and on track during your weight loss journey. If your goal is to lose weight for a summer holiday, then why not treat yourself to some new clothes to show off your new figure and give yourself a well-deserved reward for all your hard work.

Making only one resolution makes it easier to stick to; trying to juggle several in one go can be stressful and ultimately result in you giving up. With just one goal to concentrate on will increase your chances of success.

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Verulamium Museum shop revamped in partnership with British Museum Visitors toVerulamium Museum can now buy fabulous gifts, books, toys and souvenirs inspired by the Roman World following a revamp, in partnership with the British Museum.

Increase in Night Crime

The shop has had a complete makeover, with a new layout and stock provided by the British Museum. The world leaders in museum retail have also helped staff at Verulamium Museum learn how to deliver an excellent customer experience.

Reports of night-time theft in St Albans have increased by more than 500% since the county council turned off the streetlights. There were an extra 32 reports of personal theft during the hours of midnight and 6am in 2012/13, than in 2009/10.

The stock is offered at various price points, appealing to a range of visitors from children with pocket money to those looking for unique and high-quality gifts.

The figures were provided as part of a review into the county council’s part-night lighting scheme, where the majority of the county’s street lights are turned off overnight to save money. The police claim the spike in theft is not related to streetlights being switched off. Out of the 38 thefts in 2012/13, 34 related to mobile phones stolen from people in the city’s nightclubs.

There is something for everyone. Gifts include Roman bath ducks, ancient games, feather quills, unique silver, gold and pearl jewellery, beaded skulls, sculptures, watches, scarves and other accessories. “Our plans include refurbishing the Town Hall to provide a state-of-the-art City centre space for the Museum of St Albans. We will soon be unveiling our fund-raising programme for this project and there will be plenty of opportunities for residents, businesses and wealthy individuals to get involved.”

During a review of the part-night lighting scheme, Michael Rhead from Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed that county-wide, the number of reported crimes has decreased year on year from 32,673 in 2009/10 to 25,526 in 2012/13. He added:“There is a fear of crime, but crime levels have not increased broadly.”

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Storytelling marks new chapter in children’s support “To lose someone we love is hard. Talking about it can make it less painful but sometimes talk is hard too - which is where stories come in, to communicate and engage where talk cannot.”

A specially designed Storyteller’s Chair heralded the launch this week of a new community initiative by The Hospice of St Francis to support children facing loss.

The Hospice hopes the chair’s arrival will mark the start of many storytelling events, which will enhance its children’s support services and enable it to extend its reach into the local community to raise awareness - particularly in schools - about what it does. In the future, it is hoped the chair will be a focus for poetry and musical events for adults too. Dr Ros Taylor said: “Thanks to Robyn’s generosity, inspiration and time - and the tireless help of our volunteer gardeners - we’ve been able to create a special, secluded, magical place where we can use storytelling to celebrate life and demystify death. It’s also a perfect space for quiet, therapeutic reflection.The chair is a work of art!” In a project which has taken three years from inception, Robyn commissioned famous Kew blacksmith Shelley Thomas to design and make the ice-blue painted chair, whose installation was marked in a special opening ceremony in the Hospice’s magical woodland garden.

The unique seat is made of galvanised iron and was donated by Robyn West, whose late husband Ian died of cancer six years ago after spending his final days at the Berkhamsted-based Hospice.

Berkhamsted children’s author, award-winning animator, and scriptwriter for children’s TV Allan Plenderleith entertained 20 pre-school children from Sunhill Montessori Nursery with a special inaugural reading from Berk, Ham and Ted in the Story Chair, written by Allan especially for the occasion and conceived by his son Max, 8, a pupil at Westfield School.

“Ian used to delight in making up stories at bedtime for our daughter Amy when she was little,” explains Robyn, from St Albans. “They would always be about Amy, and Ian would use them to help her deal with friendship or other issues she’d experienced during the day, whether it was to make her laugh or to help her go to sleep with a happier heart.”

The story, as the name suggests, is set in Berkhamsted and its heroes are Berk the monkey, Ham the pig, and Ted the teddy bear, who reside in The Rocket - otherwise known as the Water Tower!

After Ian died, Robyn spoke to Hospice Director Dr Ros Taylor about how she might repay the Hospice for its support and when Ros shared her vision of a storytelling area in the woodland garden, Robyn was inspired. “A Storyteller’s Chair seemed the perfect tribute to Ian and a wonderful way of using storytelling to communicate with children,” she explains.

When the book is published, Allan, author of best-selling children’s classics The Smelly Sprout & The Silly Satsuma, has generously pledged to donate all profits to the Hospice, which provides total care for people living with life-limiting illness in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

“The reality of serious illness and dying is tough to deal with but because it’s a natural part of the cycle of life, I firmly believe that it’s important to talk about it.

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He said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to have been asked to read the first story in this magical setting. It’s a fantastically whimsical and unusual idea, which I hope lots of children will be able to experience and enjoy.”

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Most motorists understand that keeping car paintwork in good condition prevents rust, both extending the life of their car and maintaining its value. However, whilst repairing major damage is a given, minor damage such as scratches, scuffs and bumps are often left, either due to concerns about cost, or the inconvenience of having the car off the road for a couple of days or more in a body shop. However, as Winter draws nearer, motoring experts agree that minor damage can turn into a major headache. The AA had advised, “Check for stone chips as rust forms very quickly in the cold, damp weather,” while Brian Palmer of leading automotive paintwork repair specialist ChipsAway, adds, “It certainly pays to repair even small scuffs and scratches, as these can spread into larger areas of rust, ultimately costing you dearly if left untreated.” Harpdirectad.pdf

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CCTV IS USED TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY SAFETY A report from St Albans City and District Council shows that Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) helped ensure the safety of the community in 5,131 cases last year.

The CCTV operator alerted the police and the men were arrested and then charged. Cllr Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism, St Albans City and District Council, said, “This is just one example of how the timely actions of a CCTV operator result in arrests. The Council takes great care to ensure that law-abiding members of the community are not subject to intrusive surveillance. The system is used to help improve community safety by preventing and detecting crime or assisting with accidents or incidents of anti-social behaviour. The Annual Report that is now available shows how our use of CCTV is bringing positive benefits to the District.”

CCTV is provided by the Council to help keep the community safe by preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. It is also used to help find missing people and to respond to accidents. During 2012, CCTV enabled the police and other support services to respond to an average of 14 incidents per day in St Albans District. There were 4,460 incidents in St Albans and 671 in Harpenden, making a total of 5,131. This is an increase on the 4,694 incidents in 2011 where CCTV was used to protect the community.

Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Loveday from Hertfordshire Constabulary said, “We work closely with the Council and CCTV operators to detect and prevent a wide range of crimes and anti-social behaviour. CCTV also acts as a deterrent to reduce crime and help improve the safety of residents, workers and visitors to St Albans District.”

A recent example of this proactive approach resulted in the arrest of two men for the theft of items from a woman’s handbag in St Albans city centre. A CCTV operator noticed the men acting suspiciously near the woman and began monitoring them while they removed items from her bag.

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Books by writers such as JulesVerne and HGWells have provided ideas for what a Steampunk life might be like. Today, Steampunk is a growing genre that is moving into mainstream through films such as Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes series, which show a great deal of Steampunk influence. As Steampunk is all about inventions,StAlbans Museums felt it was a fitting addition to the inventive objects featured in its upcoming exhibition. The Museums Service put the call out to the Steampunk community for items that could be included in the exhibition.

January 2014 will see the launch of an exciting new exhibition at the Museum of St Albans. “Gadgets and Goggles” will feature weird and wonderful inventions dating from the times of Queen Victoria through to the 1950s. In addition St Albans Museums will also display items from the world of ‘Steampunk’.

The response has been great, with art, photography and writing being submitted for consideration. This is a great way to combine history with modern culture.

What is Steampunk, you wonder? Steampunk is a fictional genre that spreads across literature, film, music, fashion and art. Usually, it is set in a world which uses steam as its main source of power rather than electricity. It often features inventions and costumes taking inspiration from 19th Century Britain and the American West.

Gadgets and Goggles will run from 24th January - 13th April at the Museum of St Albans. The supporting programme include a series of exciting events including a Steampunk Ball on 22nd March. Be sure to get yourself a ticket for this event then grab a pair of brass goggles, top hat & fob-watch and dance the night away to the sounds of Steampunk band ‘Ghostfire’

The Grove, is an English Heritage building set in 2 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. We are 5 mins drive from the centre of Harpenden and 10 mins from St.Albans. There are three beautiful bedrooms to stay in that have recently been refurbished to a high standard.

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Mayor’s Pride Awards

Community Project of the Year 2:67 Project - Love Harpenden

Celebrate Community Heroes

This project involved young people hosting several events in the town centre with the main aim of brightening the day for people.

All the finalists were invited to an awards ceremony at the Alban Arena where their work was showcased in short films throughout the evening.

Community Oriented Business of the Year Harpenden Building Society This Hertfordshire-based building society supports charities, events and organisations that contribute to the quality of life in the local community.

The awards are organised by St Albans City and District Council and celebrate local people and groups who go the extra mile for others. They are delivered in association with the Herts Advertiser, Radio Verulam and St Albans District Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS).

Environmental Champion of the Year - Tom Short The teacher of Environmental Studies at Nicholas Breakspear School has set up a school farm and runs a school bee-keeping club.

Each year the Mayor of St Albans City and District invites nominations for each award category and a panel of judges then selects the winners. In addition, the Mayor, Cllr Annie Brewster, also gave her own awards for bravery and for contributions to the community by a group and individual.

Voluntary Sector Award - Mary Hudson The 80 year-old has volunteered with Home-Start for 11 years, supporting local families and children.

The Mayor, Cllr Annie Brewster, said: “The Mayor’s Pride Awards are the perfect opportunity for us all to celebrate together the remarkable work carried out in our District by so many unsung heroes. The nominations this year hugely exceeded my expectations and confirm what a wonderful place St Albans and District is to live.”

Inclusive Communities Award - Ian Woods and St Albans City Youth Disabled Football section They have brought together a large group of disabled athletes in the District to play sport, learn coaching and management skills. Mayor’s Bravery Award – Matthew Samples

Community Champion of the Year - Alison Bainbridge

Matthew was given the award for protecting people as a result of his brave actions. Early last year he detained a man armed with a machete who was intent on attacking staff at the Tesco Extra store in Hatfield.

Alison set up a gift shop selling products produced by local artists. Profits go to ‘Herts Against Cancer’.

Mayor’s Recognition Group Award – St Albans Cathedral

And the winners were....

The Mayor recognised the cathedral’s commitment and dedication to promoting St Albans as a cultural and historic City through various events. These include The Alban Pilgrimage, The St Albans International Organ Festival, Magna Carta 800 celebrations and the St Albans Fashion Show.

Cultural Innovation Award - Leoni Kibbey Leoni worked with local volunteers to create a film festival in St Albans. Young Person of Distinction Michael Albon and Nick Sutton

Mayor’s Recognition Individual Award - John Burgess

This award was given jointly to two young people. Michael, is a volunteer with a variety of organisations, including ReachOut Plus, and Nick, as Vice-Chair of St Albans Youth Council, has campaigned on issues affecting young people.

The Mayor recognised John’s contribution to improving the street scene in Wheathampstead Village and St Albans City centre. 28

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PAY FOR PARKING BY MOBILE PHONE IN ST ALBANS DISTRICT St Albans City and District Council is making it easier for residents and visitors to the District to pay for parking by introducing a cashless parking option.

The Council have also recently introduced a range of other parking services online for residents and businesses, including paying for a resident’s parking permit.

You no longer need to search for the right change to pay for on-street parking in the Council’s Controlled Parking Zones in the District. Instead, you now have the option of paying by mobile phone. The PayByPhone service will charge the parking fee to a credit or debit card. You can also pay for parking at the Counciloperated Civic Centre and Westminster Lodge car parks in St Albans by mobile phone.

The parking services now available online enable you to: • Buy an on-street resident’s parking permit • Renew a resident’s parking permit • Purchase parking bay suspensions • Purchase work permits • View parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) evidence • Challenge a PCN • Pay a PCN. More information about online parking services is available at: www.stalbans.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking/

You will still be able to use cash to pay for parking in these locations if you prefer. Signs are already in place in the affected areas which explain how to use the PayByPhone service. It costs 20p to pay the parking charge by mobile phone; this fee covers the administration cost of the Council’s contractor in running the service. Through the service, you can also extend your parking session, receive a text reminder that parking is due to expire and obtain a text receipt; each of these additional options costs 10p. To use the mobile phone payment service, you need to open a PayByPhone account for your vehicle by calling 01727 575 100 or going online at www.paybyphone.co.uk Every time you want to use the service simply call the number, text 65565 or go online and provide details of your location. More information about paying for parking by mobile phone is available at: www.stalbans.gov.uk/transport-andstreets/parking/paybyphone/ 30

The UK’s Premier Hearing Centre has moved…

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The Hearing Healthcare Practice has been based in Harpenden since 1981.

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HARPENDEN SOCIETY MEETING ANNOUNCES HARPENDEN RED HOUSE REDEVELOPMENT The Harpenden Society held a public meeting to announce the NHS plan to redevelop the Red House, also known as the Harpenden Memorial Hospital. The meeting was held in Park Hall, Harpenden. The hall was filled to capacity which reflected the interest in this most welcome project. David Law, chief executive of the Herts Community NHS Trust, assisted by Mark Carman, the project manager, presented the proposal for Harpenden’s new Health and Wellbeing Campus.

Left to right: Eric Midwinter - Co-organiser of the Red House Forum and member of The Harpenden Society, David Law - Chief Executive Herts Community NHSTrust, Mark Carman – NHS Project Manager and Teresa Heritage - County Councillor for Harpenden South West & Red House Forum co-organiser.

The Harpenden campus will incorporate a range of facilities, including some residential, to deliver integrated health and social care, all in a welcoming and localised environment.

“We are overwhelmed by the delight and passion shown by everyone”, said Society chairman Chris Marsden. “It was so good to see so many people enthusiastically supporting the scheme.We are making excellent progress.”

The audience listened intently and appreciatively to this clear-cut and comprehensive proposal. Questions were probing but positive and were raised concisely and answered competently. Great enthusiasm was shown for the scheme. The meeting was arranged by The Harpenden Society and the Red House Forum, the ginger group which has campaigned for such a way forward as this, and the whole evening proved to be invigorating.The attendees were clearly highly appreciative.

Once all the necessary approvals have been given construction of the new facility could start as early as 2016. To join the Harpenden Society telephone Barbara Ouston on 01582 760625 or visit the website www.harpendensociety.org

40 Years of good advice! A man who began his career in Kenya as an engineer and installer has celebrated 40 years of business in Harpenden.

The knowledgeable team aim to simplify the customer experience, explaining how best to choose between brands, technology and various connectivity options, with personal requirements in mind and within your chosen budget.

Tulsi Parmar, started work with Studio 99 Harpenden as a TV Engineer and a few years after, brought the business. The name changed to Studio 82 and then Bang & Olufsen over the years as Tulsi changed the business to keep up with the moving AV trends.

Tulsi and the teams offer an award winning personal service, be it for a simple purchase or home survey to wiring and setup installation, so come in and see our new showroom.

In July 2013 the team relaunched as AV82 - TV & HiFi Specialists. Now offering a wider range of brands than previously, AV82 is a stockist for many top brands, ranging from entry-level systems through to specialist manufacturers for example Sonos. Samsung, Panasonic, Loewe, Yamaha, Roberts, Arcam, Denon, DLS, Cabasse, Seinheisser and others.

AV82 82 High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2SP Tel: 01582 764246 Web: www.av82.co.uk Email: info@av82.co.uk

What care is available when you need it? You may already be thinking about what sort of care or support you would like to receive when you are old or frail. Or perhaps you have an elderly parent and already face this problem.

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One more thing to consider â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can either employ a personal assistant directly or through a support provider. If the former there are now a number of highly reputable agencies that do the vetting, set out the plan of care and monitor progress. If the latter then the personal assistant is employed by the provider. This is a much more expensive option typically 25% or so more than engaging your PA directly.

However, care delivered in the home is becoming more the norm partly because it is less expensive and partly because that is what most people prefer. One of the most attractive options available is live-in care. What is live-in care? It is like home care but with a crucial difference. Instead of maybe half-hourly visits say twice a day you receive constant support by someone who comes and lives in your home. This has been an especially effective solution for those with long term illness or perhaps a progressive condition such as Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

If you would like to find out more about your options for your care or support please contact Anne Thain at anne@eachlife.co.uk

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is an innovative way for children to learn football s in a fun & playful yet skills educational atmosphere. 1st Kicks is the regions premier soccer specific physical play programme for children from 18 months to five years of age. Even parents join in the fun too! Weekly sessions in Harpenden, Luton, Dunstable, & surrounding areas.

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Kids Fun! dot to dot WHAT AM I? If you want to find out, take a pencil, and starting at number 1 join up all the dots in order, finishing with number 34.

Brambleton Model Railway Brambleton MRC is a model railway club with two extensive outdoor layouts, one O gauge and one SM32. The first to be constructed was the O gauge line which dates back over 40 years; the O gauge lines comprise of a double track circuit with spurs to a terminus. In all, there are 9 stations with approximately a quarter mile of track. More recently, construction has centred on our SM32 line which allows operation of 16mm narrow gauge trains.

The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main aim is to provide a venue for members, and guests, to run stock over the realistic track distances that the layout provides. They own a certain amount of both O gauge and SM32 stock, but many members also run their own stock; the emphasis is on operation rather than detailed modelling of a particular period or location. The club is funded through its annual exhibition, held in Harpenden town centre, and a number of open days held at the site.

The Club can trace its roots back to 1947 when it began as an unofficial boys club. In January 1956 the formal club was formed with the aim of providing a youth based club for the benefit of young people in the Harpenden area who were interested in model railways. They first occupied an outdoor site in Roundwood Park before moving first to Wood End and then in 1961 to their present site adjacent to Highfield Oval (the home of Youth With a Mission) in Ambrose Lane, Harpenden.

This year the annual exhibition will be held on Saturday 18th January, from 10.30- 5.30 at Harpenden Public Halls. 45

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T O P D O G T I P S

Keeping dogs active and happy in the winter months Dogs need regular outdoor exercise but in winter choose daylight hours whenever possible. If you have to walk your dog in the dark • Keep your dog on a lead unless in a totally trafficfree area • Wear reflective clothing and carry a torch • Get your dog a glowing collar and lead and other safety devices to aid visibility, particularly if your dog is dark-haired.

Winter coats are recommended, but remember that salt and grit can damage your dog’s feet, as can ice!

Fur Isn’t Flawless!

If you walk your dog in the snow or when the temperature is below freezing, make sure you... • Towel dry your dog as soon as you get home or use a hair dryer on a low setting held some distance away • Consider getting a winter coat for dogs. • Prevent snowballs forming by trimming the hair between your dog’s toes or training it to wear doggy boots • Don’t let any pet stay outside in freezing temperatures for a lengthy period without access to shelter and warmth.

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Feed them up Dogs may need extra calories to keep warm in winter, so make sure they’re well fed.They’re just as likely to become dehydrated in cold temperatures as they are in the summer, so make sure there’s always a good supply of water on offer. Don’t leave them out in the cold. Despite their fur, dogs feel the cold just the same as humans do. Don’t leave them outside for long periods, and if your dog usually sleeps outside consider bringing him indoors over winter. Keep walks shorter. Never leave a pet in a car. Even a few minutes in a cold car can cause hypothermia. 47

Puppy Classes 1-2-1 Training Home Visits Adult Group Classes Clicker Training Agility • Committed to owners that want to improve their dogs lives • Small outdoor classes set in a safe realistic environment • Daytime and weekend classes based in Markyate • Fully insured

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2 0 1 4 Film Guide 2013 by Chris Jelf.

Far and Away by Chris Jelf. Far and Away is a very charming Irish drama chronicling the struggles of the Irish in post famine Ireland and the quest to emigrate to the perceived free, liberal, and golden United States of America.

THOR The Dark World by Chris Jelf. Chris Hemsworth returns as our favourite hammer weilding, brute of a superhero. Continuing the unbelievable success of Marvel’s recent run of superhero movies, it looks like they have produced another big budget blockbuster that will no doubt generate huge revenue, & subsequently, another sequel. The same cast returns to join the Nordic God & his family of realm protectors that battle evil.The evil genius that has been carved up as the baddie, is in the form of an Elfish supervillain with a desire to acquire a liquid matter with unthinkable powers to return the whole universe into darkness. Tom Hiddleston returns as the manipulative & deceiving brother, Loki, whilst Natalie Portman returns as Thor’s human counterpart. Malekith, the dark Elf baddy, is played by Christopher Eccleston (a former Dr Who), whom clearly has a remarkable make up artist! Highly effective CGI has returned to portray the different realms, such as Asgard, and cinematography has been enhanced with updated 3D technology.

Of course, the reality is different. Tom Cruise plays the Catholic, red blooded Irish peasant whom meets Nicole Kidman as a consequence of trying to assassinate her persecuting Protestant aristocrat of a father. Shannon (Kidman) is disillusioned with her Upper Class lifestyle, & runs off to the USA with Joseph (Cruise). The film is directed by Ron Howard & takes the form of a love story based around the theme of emigration, class based society & the struggles of the Irish in the New World post Civil War era. He accentuates this with the menial jobs immediately given to Joseph (Cruise) & Shannon from the leader of the local Irish community, & the initiation of Joseph into the underground bare knuckle boxing world. Far and Away also includes historical events, such as the Oklahoma Land rush of 1893. This is a true event where the US Land Office gave over 8 million acres of previously Indian owned land to those who literally won the race & got there first.

Some of the filming takes place in London, which is obviously a nice piece of aesthetics for an English audience, something that we can relate to in a local sense. Furthermore, director Alan Taylor has retained the light hearted wittiness of the first Thor & even introduces elements of other Marvel films, such as a Captain America cameo.

Howard incorporates this event into the film as the desire of Joseph to realise his dream of farming his own freehold land. Howard’s 1992 film is very aesthetic, the scenery & setting of the scenes is fantastic. He captures beautiful, green Ireland whilst portraying the gritty side of Boston harbour during the height of immigration.

What we must recognise is that the recent Marvel films are not everybody’s cup of tea, & that is quite understandable. Essentially, they are in the sci fi genre & unrealistic. However, if you are a fan,Thor 2 is as good as the first, and leaves room for a third.Thor 2 is not a great film, but enjoyable to watch.

To top it off, he features some brilliantly suitable Irish music. However, the film feels like it is lacking something. Maybe, it could be darker. It seems, in a way, like a PG version of a fictional scenario in real life, historical events. Nevertheless, well worth a watch. 48

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Brian Hicks Memorial Match On the 7th January 2014 at 7.30pm, Harpenden Town FC will host a Memorial football match in remembrance of Brian Hicks. Brian was a very well known figure in Harpenden, the founder of Hicks and Company Chartered Accountants and also a past President and Chairman of Harpenden Town Football Club. Brian was a big football fan, playing until his early forties; he coached a Wheathampsted Wanderers team and hosted many celebrity sporting events for charity, he was also an avid QPR supporter. The evening will consist of a football match between an ex Wheathampsted Wanderers XI and a Harpenden Town XI. Brian played a big part in the development of these two teams over the years. Following this there will be a trophy presentation for the winning team.

During the evening there will be a raffle taking place and the winners announced during half time, with prizes donated by companies and local businesses, all proceeds going towards the PSP association along with a collection happening throughout the evening. This is the charity that is dedicated towards helping others with the illness that Brian suffered from. That illness was PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) a degenerative illness that affects balance, speech, swallowing, movement and vision. We hope that as many people as possible will come along to support this event in memory of Brian and that lots of money will be raised in support of the PSP Association. For more information please do email at the following address: charliehicks26@gmail.com

FARMERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MARKETS ST ALBANS

HARPENDEN

2nd Sunday of the month

4th Sunday of the month

12th January

26th January

8am - 2pm City Centre

10am - 2pm Lower High Street

9th February

23rd February

8am - 2pm City Centre

12noon - 6pm Lower High Street

9th March

23rd March

8am - 2pm City Centre

10am - 2pm Lower High Street

For further information Please call

01727 836 781

01582 768 278

www.stalbans.gov.uk

www.harpenden.gov.uk

ch a r t e r e d a c c o u n ta n t s & ta x s p e c i a l i s t s

Brian Hicks Memorial Football Match

at Harpenden Town FC 7th January 2014 7:30pm

Wheathampsted Wanderers XI Vs

Harpenden Town XI Half Time Raffle We hope that as many people as possible will come along to support this event in memory of Brian and that lots of money will be raised in support of the PSP Association.

What’s On JANUARY - Happy New Year! WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

Harpenden Lea Valley Walk A guided walk identifying local birds. Facilities and number of places may be limited. FREE but a voluntary donation of £1 to the RSPB would be appreciated. 8am-10.15am. Meet on the bridge over the River Lea near the ‘Marquis of Granby’, which is at the junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis Lane.

TUESDAY

Philosophy in Action evening course - FREE OPEN EVENING Starting in January 2014 & running for ten weeks, Philosophy in Action evening classes can give you the time, space and inner stillness to start exploring big, important questions and to discover more about yourself. Find out more at our free open evening or contact us for more information. 7.30pm- 9.00pm, Friends’ Meeting House, Upper Lattimore Road, St Albans, AL1 3UD.

THURSDAY

Staje in Concert A very welcome return to the ever-popular jazz, funk, soul & blues big band. Main Stage, Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 2DL. Time: 8pm. Box Office: 01727 857861 Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 12 noon & on performance evenings from 30 minutes before curtain-up.

THUR - SAT

9 -11

SATURDAY

Rothamsted International Film Club - Zero Dark 30 Rothamsted International Film Club. 7:00 pm, bar opens 7pm. Tickets £4.00. Fowden Conference Centre Rothamsted Research, Harpenden. Further Information: 01582 762919

Music from the Movies Conductor: Bjorn Bantock Leader: Jennifer Wigram. Welcome the New Year with some of the most exciting & emotional music ever written - including music from James Bond, Star Wars, Spiderman & Schindler’s List. St Albans Cathedral & Abbey Church, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY 19.00. Call 01727 890256 Tickets: £20, £16, £12 reserved (nave) £8 unreserved (aisle, restricted view); £5 Students £1 accompanied child Tickets also available from 01727 857422, email: tickets@saso.org.uk or www.saso.org.uk

Amahl and the Night Visitors This seasonal one-act, one-hour opera by Gian Carlo Menotti is a community project hosted by The Friends of St Helen’s Church, Wheathampstead. Start time 7.30 pm on 9th and 10th, 5 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, 11th. Tickets from j.golesworthy@virginmedia.com. St Helen’s Church, Wheathampstead

Pentatonic Pentatonic (String Quartet) - Beethoven | Britten | Bruckner | Mendelssohn Pentatonic is a string quintet (two violins, two violas and cello) made up of friends. Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX.

What’s On JANUARY - Happy New Year! SATURDAY

SATURDAY

SAT - SUN

11 -12 th

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

SATURDAY

The University of Herts Saturday Morning Pictures – Despicable Me (U) Saturday Morning Pictures are family friendly film screenings accompanied by an optional Film CRAFT workshop inspired by the film. The event is suitable for children aged 5yrs old + & the workshop begins at 10am, then at 11am you can enjoy the film. Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9EU.

Three Valleys New Members Pub Night Three Valleys are a social & fundraising club, we are 30s-50s singles & couples from Herts, Beds & Bucks. Lots of fun to be had! 8pm, The Crooked Chimney, Cromer Hyde Lane, Lemsford, WGC, AL8 7XE

St Albans Model Railway Exhibition There will be more than twenty good quality working model railways, with a well-balanced coverage of scales, gauges and prototypes. Alban Arena, St Albans, from 10am-6pm (Sat) and 10am -5pm (Sun).

St Albans International Organ Festival Organ Recital David Baskeyfield, UK. Admission free. Retiring collection in aid of the IOFS St Albans Cathedral & Abbey Church, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY. 17.30pm.

A walk around the Historic Market Place The St Albans Tour Guides are running a walk round the historic market place in St Albans to complement the exhibition at the Museum of St Albans ‘Cornering the Market’. The walk will start from The Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road, St Albans. 3pm. £4 for adults & £2 for children.

Rennie Grove Biggest Loser Rennie Grove Hospice Care is inviting 60 people to ‘Get Healthy, Get Happy – for life’ in 2014 by applying for a place in its Biggest Loser Campaign. Programme will start in January but applications for a place need to be submitted by 13th January 2014. It is free to apply for a place on the Rennie Grove Biggest Loser Campaign 2014 but applicants are asked to guarantee that they will raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship money. For further information, please go to www.renniegrove.org/ biggestloser where you can download an application form.

Harpenden Film Society’s screening of “Behind the Candelabra All films start at 8pm and are at the Harpenden Public Halls. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk, or from WH Smith or from Harpenden Public Halls.

What’s On JANUARY - Happy New Year! FRIDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

The Overtures An evening of sensational yet varied songs performed by musicians so talented, that Sir Elton John declares them to be the best sixties band in the world. All profits raised will go towards the restoration of an old cinema in St. Albans From 8pm at the Alban Arena, St Albans Tickets: £18.00 For more information visit www.alban-arena.co.uk

Hay Fever by Noël Coward Coward’s classic comedy of English eccentricity sees the four self-centred members of the Bliss family each inviting a guest for the weekend without telling the others. The Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 6ST. (Also Saturday 18th, Monday 20th to Saturday 25th)

Boot Led Zepplin @ The Horn, St Albans Led Zeppelin were voted best Rock’n’Roll band of all time! Boot-Led-Zeppelin appeared on the BBC2 TV programme “I’m in a Rock’n’Roll Band!” live on Saturday 5th June!! For more information visit www.boot-led-zeppelin.co.uk. Doors open at 9pm. £8 adv/£10 otd.

Brambleton Model Railway

Brambleton MRC is a model railway club with two extensive outdoor layouts, one O gauge and one SM32. The first to be constructed was the O gauge line which dates back over 40 years; the O gauge lines comprise of a double track circuit with spurs to a terminus. In all, there are 9 stations with approximately a quarter mile of track. From 10.30- 5.30 at Harpenden Public Halls Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 1PD.

Fred Hughes 10 This is a 10 mile road race run round St Albans in Hertfordshire. The 2014 race will take place at 10:00am. Entries £17 (affiliated) or £19 (unaffiliated). Entries have additional RW fee. Entries are limited to 800 and will close on 14th Jan 2014 or when sold out Numbers and timing chips will be collected on race morning from Race HQ St Columba School, King Harry Lane, St Albans, AL3 4AW www.stalbansstriders.com

Punt & Dennis Life on the road is all rock-n-roll glamour. STEVE PUNT & HUGH DENNIS live the dream as they cruise the contra flow lanes, follow the one-way systems, unwrap the pasties & sip the service-station coffees of Britain. Starts at 8pm at the Alban Arena, St Albans Tickets: £22.50

Abbey by Night Tour See St Albans Cathedral in a whole new light! This unique, atmospheric tour gives you the rare chance to explore this magnificent Cathedral by candlelight. Tours take place at 20.00 and 20.30. Tickets are £12 and are available from the Cathedral Book Shop or by phone on 01727 890213. More information at www.stalbanscathedral.org

What’s On JANUARY - Happy New Year! THURS - SAT

St,Albans Tour Guides, Rags to Riches

Company of Ten presents ‘The Price’ by Arthur Miller - Miller’s wonderful play about two estranged brothers who meet to agree a price for the furniture of their late father. The Studio, Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 2DL . 23rd - 25th, 29th - 1st Feb 2014, 8pm. Sunday Matinée 26th Jan, 2.30pm. No performances on 27th or 28th Dec. Box Office: 01727 857861 Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 12 noon and on performance evenings from 30 minutes before curtain-up.

The Band & Corps of Drums H.M. ROYAL MARINES Portsmouth. Rotary Box Office open from 22nd October 2013 to 16th January 2014, inclusive. Between these dates, tickets are only available from the Rotary Box Office on 0845 0091215. From 17th January 2014 tickets are only available from the Alban Arena Box Office. Avoid disappointment & call to book your seats early. 7.30pm. Tickets: £24.00, £20.00

23 -1 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY

Royal Marines Band Concert

What’s On JANUARY - Happy New Year! THURSDAY

Harpenden Film Society’s screening of “Therese” All films start at 8pm and are at the Harpenden Public Halls. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk, or from WH Smith or from Harpenden Public Halls.

Grease

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

RARE Productions, the UK’s leading youth musical theatre group, will be presenting the iconic hit musical GREASE at the Alban Arena from 30th January to 1st February. Performances are at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee at 2.30pm on 1st February. Tickets can be obtained from the Alban Arena box office 01727 844488 or online at the Alban Arena website. Tickets: £14 (conc. £2 off)

Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band Barry Collins Entertainment presents: Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Man Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol. Paul Bacon as Elton John does both! Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City , Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX .

What’s On FEBRUARY SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Bishop’s Stortford College Festival of Literature Jay Rayner: A Greedy Man in a Hungry World at Bishop’s Stortford College. A Greedy Man in a Hungry World: ‘The doctrine of local food is dead and farmers’ markets are merely a lifestyle choice for the affluent middle classes’.

Epiphany and Candlemas Carol Service Sung by the Abbey Girls Choir & men of the Cathedral Choir. 6.30pm at St.Albans Abbey.

Harpenden Lea Valley Walk (RSPB) A guided walk identifying local birds. Meet on the bridge over the River Lea near the ‘Marquis of Granby’ at the junction of Crabtree Lane & Marquis Lane. 8-10.15 am. Free but a voluntary donation of £1 to the RSPB would be appreciated. Telephone: 01582 715420.

Rothamsted International Film Club - The Kid with a Bike Rothamsted International Film Club. Starts at 7pm, bar opens 7pm. Tickets £4.00. Fowden Conference Centre Rothamsted Research West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ. For further Info; 01582 762919.

What’s On FEBRUARY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

5 6

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

St. Albans Schools Musicians Wednesday lunchtime recitals support Grove House Hospice. Professional and amateur musicians give their time very generously, and they look forward to playing for you. Evening concerts are usually promoted by outside bodies from whom further details may be found on their posters/handbills or via their website. Details of the IOF and ticket prices are available on their own website; www.organfestival.com

WEDS - THU

Rotary Club of Harpenden Club Meeting: Job Talks 7.30pm. For more information on Harpenden Village Rotary Club www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1644

WEDNESDAY

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The Harpenden Floral Decoration Club Floral demonstration by Alison Mount “Safari”. Starts 2pm at the Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1PD. Visitors very welcome. For more information call 01582 621757.

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash Fresh from the success of Peppa Pig’s Party and Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt comes Peppa’s brand new show Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. Grab your wellies and brollies and get splashing! (Wednesday 5th 1pm & 4pm;Thursday 6th 10am & 1pm.) Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD

Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker The barren landscape of Australia in 1789 provides the setting for Timberlake Wertenbaker’s classic play that has become perhaps the strongest affirmation yet of the redemptive power of theatre. The Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6ST. (Also Saturday 8th, Monday 10th to Saturday 15th).

Sarah Millican Watford Colosseum, Watford. Hertfordshire, WD17 2EX. Visit www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk for more information.

Gerry Cross the Mersey Join in this musical journey through the life & times of one of our greatest 60’s icons Gerry Marsden. Gerry talks about his early beginnings in Liverpool, those heady days of the 60’s & up to the present. Harpenden Public Halls. Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 1PD

What’s On FEBRUARY Harpenden House Hotel Wedding Fair

SUNDAY

See over 30 locally recommended suppliers who will be able to assist with all aspects of your wedding plans. Two fashion shows at 12.30 and 2.30pm featuring stunning dresses from The Platinum Collection, Barton-le-Clay. Mother of the bride is provided by Elenis Fashions Luton, Menswear by Waterers, St Albans. Free entry and parking, with a complimentary goodie bag on arrival. There is also a free prize draw and plenty of special offers. Harpenden House Hotel, Harpenden.

Harpenden Gardening Society presents - The Spring Flowers Of South Africa

TUESDAY

Peter Sheasby Botanist & Photographer. Roundwood Park School, Roundwood Park, Harpenden AL5 3EG at 8pm. Free Entry. £3.00 entry fee for non-members. Visit the website for all the latest news and membership details. www.harpendengardeningsociety.org

WEDS - SAT

12 15 th -

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

St Albans Gang Show Meet outside the Verulamium Museum at 2:30 pm. www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk email: bookings@stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Harpenden Film Society’s screening of The Great Gatsby All films start at 8pm and are at the Harpenden Public Halls. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk, or from WH Smith or from Harpenden Public Halls.

Wonderful Wetlands (RSPB) An illustrated talk by regular speaker Chris Ward. All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Harpenden AL5 4UU (Google map.) 8 pm. £3.50 (£3 for concessions.) 01582 765443/ geoffrhorn@yahoo.co.uk

Come On Everybody THE biggest and best Rock ‘n’ Roll MUSIC tribute show in Britain is coming to Harpenden Public Hall. The music legends like Bell Hayley, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry will be celebrated along with tributes to Brenda Lee and Connie Francis in the Fast moving revue C’Mon Everybody. Complete with Lighting costume changes and non-stop music. Harpenden Public Halls. Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 1PD.

What’s On FEBRUARY SATURDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play - and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! The Weston Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB.

Fauré Requiem Carillon presents Fauré Requiem & Miserere (2009) by Scottish composer James MacMillan. Conducted by Derek Harrison. 7.30pm. St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, St Albans. £14/£12 Contact: 01582 763774 or ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com

The Straits THE STRAITS story began about two years ago in Rome. Dire Straits’ sax player Chris White and Dire Straits’ keyboard player and producer Alan Clark were having breakfast beside a pool one beautiful, sunny morning when Alan declared they were going to form THE STRAITS. Tickets £27.50, £25.00, 7.30pm at the Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Wow! This Show is Magic! Dr Bondini is a master of spellbinding storytelling and illusion, whilst Jezo can’t fail to keep any audience enthralled with his quick jokes, quick tricks, quick wit and friendly boyish charm. Hawthorne Theatre, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX.

Rotary Club of Harpenden Club: Tour of St Albans Abbey 7.30pm. For more information on Harpenden Village Rotary Club: www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1644

Chris & Pui Roadshow See Chris and Pui from ‘Show Me Show Me’ live on stage! CBeebies’ favourite double act is bringing songs, rhymes, comedy sketches and lots of joining in for all the family. 11am & 2pm; Tickets: £12.00 (conc. £2 off.) Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Murder at Verulamium Museum: Who Killed the Curator? An interactive murder mystery trail through the museum for families. 11am – 4pm. Verulamium Museum St Michael’s Street, St Albans Herts AL3 4SW.

What’s On FEBRUARY Harpenden Film Society’s Matinee screening of “Brave”

SATURDAY

The Croods

SATURDAY

TUES - WED

25 -26 th

All films are screened at the Harpenden Public Halls. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk, or from WH Smith or from Harpenden Public Halls.

Saturday Morning Pictures are family-friendly film screenings accompanied by optional Film CRAFT workshops inspired by the film. This season’s theme is Family Matters. Age suitability: 7+. 11.00am - 1pm. £2.50 per child (accompanying adults go free – maximum two) The Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9EU.

Jason Manford: First World Problems “What Manford does best: classic, chirpy-chappie stand-up” - Guardian. Everybody’s favourite northern comedian, Jason Manford, has announced a brand new tour for 2013. Tickets: £22.50. 8pm at the Alban Arena Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

TUES - WED

The Witches of Eastwick

Ware Operatic Society present three modern day witches who innocently plot and conjure over a heady brew of weak martinis and peanut butter brownies. Hertford Theatre (formerly Castle Hall) The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS 01992 531500.

25 -1

WEDNESDAY

MARCH

WEDNESDAY

Harpenden Film Society’s screening of The Heat All films start at 8pm and are at the Harpenden Public Halls. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk, or from WH Smith or from Harpenden Public Halls.

Rotary Club of Harpenden Club Meeting Speaker meeting – David LLoyd, Herts Police Commissioner. 7.30pm. For more information on Harpenden Village Rotary Club: www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1644

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ADD IT FREE ON www.whatsonherts.co.uk 60

What’s On FEBRUARY SATURDAY

A morning walk in the Ver Valley from St Alban A half day bird-watching walk led by Ann and Roger Doubleday. Meet in the car park by the Roman Museum in Verulamium Park. 9.45 am. Car parking fees in St Albans, plus a voluntary £1 donation to the RSPB would be appreciated. 01582 764226/ agdoubleday@sky.com

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

THURS - FRI

27 -28 th

Company of Ten presents ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ by William Shakespeare. The Main Stage, Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 2DL. 8pm Box Office: 01727 857861 Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 12 noon, and on performance evenings from 30 minutes before curtain-up. Please note that this play is also on 1st & 2nd March and 5th - 8th March.

Ostinato at The Crown, St Albans

FRIDAY

Ostinato play the very best in ‘80’s + New Wave, Synthpop & Indie numbers; it seems an age since we last played The Crown - we hope you’ll join us to blow away the winter cobwebs?! 9pm - 11.20pm. The Crown, 144-146 Hatfield Rd, St. Albans, Herts AL1 4JA

What’s On MARCH SATURDAY

1 -8 st

The Two Gentlemen of Verona The Company of Ten presents ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ by William Shakespeare. With more twists than a lover’s knot, this play has humour, hidden identity & even a dog! The Main Stage, Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 2DL. 1st March, 8pm; 2nd March, 2.30pm Sunday Matinée; 5th - 8th March, 8pm. N.B. There are no performances on 3rd and 4th March. Box Office: 01727 857861 Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 12 noon and on performance evenings from 30 minutes before curtain-up.

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

Watford Wedding Show If you are a bride & groom getting married in 2014/15 then you must put this date in your diary. The Colosseum in Watford, Hertfordshire is hosting the Watford Wedding Show. Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 3JN.

The Harpenden Floral Decoration Club Floral demonstration by Kyoko Regan “Dream come True” Starts 2pm at the Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1PD. Visitors very welcome. For more information call 01582 621757

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What’s On MARCH TUESDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

St Albans Pancake Race The annual St Albans Pancake Race and Flippin’ Walkers races traditionally take place outside the Old Town Hall at midday each Shrove Tuesday. Who will claim the famous Frying Pan trophies this year? Outside St Albans Old Town Hall, St Peter’s Street . 12 noon.

Quiz of Quizzes 2014 Our 19th annual charity Quiz of Quizzes takes place on Friday 7th March 2014 at St George’s School, Sun Ln, Harpenden, Herts AL5 4TD. Any enquiries to brimblecombe@btinternet.com

Women’s World Day of Prayer – Theme Egypt 10.30am at St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Harpenden AL5 1DJ. Or 7.45pm at Crabtree Church, 139 Crabtree Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 5RD. For more details please visit www.wwdp-natcomm.org

Rothamsted International Film Club - The Man Who Never Was Rothamsted International Film Club. 7pm - bar opens 7pm. Tickets £4. Fowden Conference Centre Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ Further Information 01582 762919

Cheeky Monkeys Nearly New Sale - Baby & Children’s Market Redbourn Recreation Centre. 75 Dunstable Rd, Redbourn, St Albans AL3 7PP. www.cheekymonkeyskidsmarkets.co.uk

Harpenden Art, Crafts and Antiques Fayre An Art, Craft and Antiques Market offering quality, unique items at affordable prices. 10-4, Harpenden Methodist Church, High Street, Harpenden. Email: beautifulantiques@btinternet.com

Strauss & Mendelssohn at St Albans Cathedral St.Albans symphony orchestra. www.saso.org.uk/concerts/ St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1BY.

Open Singing Day Lea singers- www.leasingers.co.uk St George’s School, Sun Lane, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 4TD. 62 70

What’s On MARCH SATURDAY

Community Book Fair An opportunity for community groups to fundraise by selling used books. Free to participate and free to buyers. 10am to 5pm, Verulamium Museum, St Michael’s St, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 4SW.

Guided walk on this reserve noted for wetland & woodland birds

SUNDAY

Meet at reserve at 10.00am. Leave M25 at J17 onto A412. Go right at first roundabout on A412 to Denham. At first lights turn left into Maple Lodge Close. Meet in car park Contact Neale 01707 324313. Car share at 9.15 am from Campus West car park, Welwyn Garden City (£1 parking.) Maple Lodge Nature Reserve, Nr Denham.

Mike and the Mechanics

SUNDAY

The Living Years’ – 25th Anniversary Tour plus special guest ‘Sadie and the Hotheads’ at the Alban Arena. Civic Centre, St. Peters Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3LD.

Harpenden Gardening Society presents - GARDEN DESIGN

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

Julie Toll Chelsea Gold Medal winner. Roundwood Park School, Roundwood Park, Harpenden AL5 3EG at 8pm. All welcome. £3.00 entry fee for non-members.Visit the website for all the latest news and membership details. www.harpendengardeningsociety.org

Clannad Clannad the Irish family group responsible for such timeless music as ‘Theme From Harry’s Game’, ‘In A Lifetime’, ‘I Will Find You’ & the soundtrack to the ‘Robin Of Sherwood’ TV series, make a welcome return to the UK in March 2014 to mark their 40th Anniversary. The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St. Peters Street, St. Albans AL1 3LD. Tickets from £28.50. Times from 7.30pm. Visit www.alban-arena.co.uk

Harpenden Film Society’s screening of First Position

th All films start at 8pm & are at the Harpenden Public Halls. Tickets can be purchased on line

at www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk, or from WH Smith or from Harpenden Public Halls.

THUR - SAT

13 -22 th

The Village Bike by Penelope Skinner OVO Theatre Company. Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3HL Tel: 01727 844222 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

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What’s On MARCH SATURDAY

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Adult Craft Taster Day: Wood Turning Learn from a local craftsman about different woods, using a lathe & produce something to take home at the end of the day. Bring a packed lunch. Mill Green Mill & Museum, Mill Green, Hatfield, Herts AL9 5PD

Spring Baby & Toddler Fayre A local event to help support local families & businesses. Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler related services & products welcome. Fair open to the public from 11am - 2.30 pm. Free entry. individualcreations@hotmail.co.uk. Sandridge Village Hall, 39 High Street, Sandridge, St Albans, Herts AL4 9DD

Steampunk Ball 7pm – Midnight. Tickets £20. Museum of St Albans Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 3RR. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Saturday Organ Concert Series With Eric Lebrun, one of the leading organist/composers of his generation. The recital includes works by Buxtehude, Boëly, Louis Vierne, Jehan Alain, Valéry Aubertin and Eric Lebrun. St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s St, St Albans, AL1 3HG. 5.30pm . Admission Free with a retiring collection in aid of the International Organ Festival Society.

Cycles of Life Brahms Requiem and Jonathan Dove The Passing of the Year. Lea Singers- www.leasingers. co.uk. St Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden AL5 2TP.

Young Musicians Competition Final in the Nave The final for the Young Musicians Competition 2014 will be held in the Nave. 1pm at St. Albans Abbey Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Herts AL1 1BY.

Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile This is a fun event and is open to all the family, it is hoped that many children as well as adults will take part. To enter the Harpenden Mile visit www.sportrelief. com , type in either Harpenden or your post code, the Harpenden Mile will come up on the left of your screen, select this and then choose your distance. Until the 12th January 2014 it is HALF PRICE ENTRY! www.sportrelief.com 64

What’s On MARCH SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

The Chilterns Cycle Challenge Another chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Chilterns – this time on two wheels. Choose from a 10k, 35 mile or 75 mile route to find your perfect pedalling challenge. All routes start & finish in Aylesbury. For more details visit www.renniegrove.org

Harpenden Light Operatic Society present - Crazy for You Tickets available from January 1st. Performances are at 7:45pm Mon 24th March 2014 to Sat 29th March 2014, with a Sat matinee at 2.30pm. Email: hlostickets@live.co.uk. Tel: 07817 331150 - Buy online: www.hlos.ticketsource.co.uk

The Invasive Crayfish Ronni Edmonds-Brown Chair of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society & expert in freshwater ecosystems & a Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. Ronni will speak on invasive crayfish & the impact they have on our waterlife. Meet 8pm Howlands Baptist Church, The Commons, Welwyn, Garden City, AL7 4RS.

Dvorak: Mass in D Haydn: Insanae et Vanae Curae - Bruckner: Three Motets - Martinu : Three Czech Dances Mendelssohn: Hear my Prayer - Dvorak: Mass in D, Op.86 - Martin Ford: Organ Matthew and Woodward: Piano. Conducted by Rufus Frowde. High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden. 19:30 Tickets: Available from The Ticket Secretary on 0845 475 1664 or email: tickets@hardyngechoir.org

March Elgar: The Apostles Conductor: Steve Bullimore Rehearsal conductor: Rufus Frowde. 7.30pm. www.hertsphil.org.uk/ Coptic Cathedral, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 8NP.

Carillon Chamber Choir Presents O Radiant Dawn Schütz - Deutsches Magnificat, James MacMillan, Strathclyde Motets, Eric Whitacre. Conducted by David Ireson with Alissa Firsova (piano). 7.30pm, St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans. Tickets: £14/12 For more details visit www.carillonchamberchoir.org Contact: 01582 763774 or ward.geoff.t21@btinternet.com

One True Grit One True Grit was formed by two friends who both served in the British Army and who now want to let everyone enjoy the type of training that they went through. They are all about having a laugh whilst keeping fit at the same time and not taking yourself too seriously. Set in 900 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside at Benington Lordship, High elms Lane, Benington, Hertfordshire SG27DG www.onetruegrit.com

Weekly English Traditional Folk Dance

Clubs - Rock Choir (contemporary The Lea Singers Harpenden Park Hall, Leyton Rd, Harpenden pop, motown and gospel singing (rehearse at St George’s School, Regular practice for English traditional Wednesday 19.45 – 22.00) for ADULTS) folk dance for children 6 - 18 years. 01582 620 993 Rehearses on Monday evenings during term Tel: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month Email: leasingerspress@fsmail.net time 8-9.30pm, at Aldwickbury Golf Club, Web: www.leasingers.co.uk Email: lynda.swaine@btinternet.com Piggottshill Lane, Harpenden, AL5 1AB. Book your FREE taster session at Hiel’ and Toe Club Hertfordshire Chorus www.rockchoir.com or just turn up! Lourdes Hall, Southdown Road, Rehearses Wednesday 7.30pm-10.00pm Harpenden, Herts. AL5 1PF. www.hertfordshirechorus.org.uk or email: Tel: 01582 769 607 membership@hertfordshirechorus.org.uk Harpenden Barbershop Harmony Club (The Kings of Herts Chorus) Web: www.hielandtoeclub.uk Dance Summer School Rehearse at Sir John Lawes School, Arts Club Monday Nights Manland Way, Harpenden, AL5 4QP. The Royal British Legion (7.45 – 10.00 most Thursday evenings) Harpenden Public Hall, Southdown Rd. (7.30 – 9.30 most Thursday evenings) Tel: 07710 033363 Tel: 01582 760 582 Web:www.harpendenartsclub.org.uk Web: www.kingsofherts.co.uk Diamond Community Dance Project Wednesday - Jenny on 01582 764391

The de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre

Doodley Bugs Hardynge Choir (Harpenden/ Art & Craft Classes for under 5’s. Wheathampstead based choral Mon: 10-11 Harpenden Trust Hall. Booking essential. Tel: 07710 889092 society)

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Tel: 01582 760 854 107, Salisbury Hall, London Colney, near Web: www.hardynegchoir.org St Albans, AL2 1EX. Tel: 01727 822051 Harpenden Light Operatic Society visit: www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, St John’s Hall. 8.00pm Tel: 01582 622 420 or 768 574 Harpenden Country Market Web: www.harpenden-operatic.co.uk Friday mornings 9.00 - 11.30 Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Harpenden. Great range of fresh homeHarpenden Winds baked, handcrafted foods inc: vegetarian Small Wind Orchestra Indian cuisine, breads, cakes, biscuits, www.stalbans.gov.uk/harpendenwinds savouries & preserves. Also, freerange eggs, plants, hand-made cards, English Miscellany Folk Dance Display Group knitwear, quilts & crafts. - East Hyde Village Hall, Lower

www.doodleybugs.co.uk or email monica@ doodleybugs.co.uk

Harpenden Health Walk Every Tuesday. Free led Health Walks, 10.30am. Meet for either: White Horse P.H. Car Park, Redbourn Lane, AL5 2JP. Tel: 01462 459395 See www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks

Pensioners’

Coffee

Mornings

Every Thursday in first floor room High Street Methodist Church Harpenden Tel: 01582 460457

Wheathampstead Health Walk

Every Thursday. Free led Health Walks, Harpenden Road, LU2 9QB. 10.30am. Meet: Public Car Park, behind The Monkey Music Harpenden Email: publicity@englishmiscellany.com Bull, East Lane. Wheathamsted, AL4 8BL. Award winning classes for babies & young Web: www. englishmiscellany.com Tel: 01462 459395. Children (from 3 months to 4 years). Email: See www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks harpenden.hitchin@monkeymusic.co.uk Music Makers Choir of Harpenden Children’s Card Making Workshop or Tel: 01582 620446 or visit our website Rehearsal address: 3nd Saturday every month at Artscape. www.monkeymusic.co.uk The Parlour, Harpenden High Booking Essential Tel: 01582 766385 Street Methodist Church. Sarah Collins Christmas Gift Contact Judith Caunce on Harpenden Photographic Society and Art Fair Tel: 01582 765 006 3rd Tuesday every month Sept – June Email: jac@events-plus.co.uk Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead Visit www.hpsociety.co.uk Thursday – Sunday 10am to 5pm Musicale Adult Band Magic Voices Mixed Contemporary Choir 3rd October – 22nd December inclusive. Tuesday evenings, all standards A contemporary choir, based in Visit www.sarahcollinsbarn.com welcome. Tel: 01582 713 333 Harpenden. Monday eve - 8-10pm at Email: info@musicale.co.uk The British Legion Club, Harpenden. Web: www.musicale.co.uk Visit www.magicvoices.co.uk

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Weekly Wheathampstead Health Walks Every Tuesday. Free led Health Walks, 10.30am, 1½ hr. walk (3-4mls), OR 1st steps walk (20-30 min’s gentle pace). Meet for either at the public car park behind the Bull pub, East Lane, Wheathampstead, AL4 8BL. See website for more details:

Redbourn Watermill and Bakery

Redbournbury Watermill is a working mill producing a range of stoneground organic flours principally from locally grown grains. It is run by a team of dedicated volunteers & was extensively restored following a fire in 1987. 1000 years of milling history at the last working mill on the river Ver. www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks Redbournbury Lane, Redbourn Road, or call 01992 588433. St Albans AL3 6RS. Tel: 01582 792874 Visit website for more information & Harpenden Health Walks opening times: Every Thursday. Free led Health www.redbournburymill.co.uk

Walks, 10.30am, 1 hr. walk (2-3mls). Meet: Hatching Green, Harpenden, AL5 2JP. See:

Knebworth House

One of England’s most beloved stately www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks homes, Knebworth House is famous or call 01992 588433. worldwide for its rock concerts. Knebworth House, Knebworth, Herts SG3 De Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre 6PY Tel: 01438 812661. Visit website for The De Havilland Aircraft Heritage more information & opening times: www. Centre, formerly the Mosquito Aircraft knebworthhouse.com Museum, is a volunteer-run aviation museum in London Colney, Herts. Butterfly World Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, “Best Days Out For The Family” listed in The Saturdays: 12:00 - 17:00 Times, The Observer, Independent and The Sundays: 10:30 - 17:00 guardian “The brightly coloured carpet of the Address: largest international wildflower meadow in Salisbury Hall, St Albans, Herts AL2 1BU. the UK is a sight to behold.” The Times. Tel: 01727 822051 Address: Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk Chiswell Green, Herts, AL2 3NY

PARK STREET CAMERA CLUB

Tel: 01727 869 203. For more details visit: www.butterflyworldproject.com

Every Thursday 7.45 for 8.00 pm, St. Stephen Parish Centre, Station Road, Bricket Wood, AL2 3PJ. Re-start 5 St Albans Clock Tower September 2013. The site of the Eleanor cross which Visit www.parkstreetcameraclub.com once stood in St Albans lies opposite or Tel: 01923 677111 for details. Waxhouse Gate. This was one of the entrances to the medieval Abbey. In Harpenden Health Walks 1290, the funeral procession of Queen Every Tuesday. Free led Health Walks, Eleanor, wife of Edward I rested here on 10.30am, 1½ hr. walk (3-4mls), OR 1st its slow journey to Westminster. steps walk (20-30 mins gentle pace) Open: Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays, Meet for either : public car park 10.30-5.0 pm Easter to mid-September. behind the Bull pub, East Lane, Admission: Adults £1, Children 40p. Wheathampstead, AL4 8BL. Or every Thursday. Free led Health Walks, 10.30am, 1 hr. walk (2-3mls). Meet: DISABLED ACCESS is difficult as there is a restricted entrance & 93 narrow steps to Hatching Green, Harpenden, AL5 2JP. the top. For further details, visit: See www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk or Call: 01992 588433.

Museum of St Albans Founded as the Hertfordshire County Museum in 1898, the Museum of St Albans tells the story of St Albans from the departure of the Romans to the present day. In the medieval gallery you can find out about Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, and the Abbey that grew up around the site of his martyrdom. See objects used by people in medieval St Albans & learn how they lived. Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 2.00 - 5.00pm Admission: Free - For further details, visit: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Sopwell Nunnery This romantic ruin is all that remains of the Tudor mansion built around 1560 by Sir Richard Lee, a soldier and royal engineer, granted the land by Henry VIII in 1540. Lee’s first house was built on top of the medieval nunnery, which itself dated back to 1140. Open: During daylight hours/at any reasonable time. Admission: Free DISABLED ACCESS: Sopwell Nunnery is situated in a mainly level grassed area, but there is no path. For further details, visit: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Verulamium Museum The Museum of everyday life in Roman Britain. Verulamium Museum is on the site of one of the major cities in Roman Britain, now an attractive park. Inside you will find: recreated Roman rooms, hands-on Discovery Areas, video presentations, touch screen databases, some of the finest Roman mosaics and wall plasters outside the Mediterranean. Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm, Sunday 2.00pm - 5.30pm Last admission 5.00pm Visit the website for admission charges and further information: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Health

Cold & Flu this winter Most of us will have a cold this autumn or winter and some of us will have flu. Here’s how to look after yourself if these viruses affect you. Colds and flu are caused by viruses.There are more than 200 common cold viruses and three types of flu virus with many different strains, so they’re hard to avoid.

The main symptoms of winter cold & flu bugs are:

These viruses can be spread through droplets that are coughed and sneezed out by an infected person. The viruses can also be transferred on a person’s fingers. For example, if you have a cold and you touch your nose or eyes and then touch someone else, you may pass the virus on to them.

• • • • • •

coughing sneezing blocked nose sore throat headache a slight temperature

If these are the only symptoms you have, it’s unlikely that your GP will be able to do anything.

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You may want to visit your local pharmacy, where you can get advice on how to manage the symptoms and buy over-the-counter medicine.

Pharmacists say cold and flu medicines are among their top sellers in the winter. Some of the remedies combine painkillers with decongestants, which can help to manage symptoms.

CATCH IT Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

“Painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, can really help if you have a cold,” says a pharmacist. But aspirin shouldn’t be given to children under 16 years of age. “Decongestants help to reduce the swelling inside your nose so you can breathe more easily.”

BIN IT Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.

In most cases, antibiotics (which are used to treat bacterial infections) aren’t necessary. “Colds and flu, and most coughs, are caused by viruses so antibiotics can’t help.” Minor bacterial infections will also be fought off by natural immunity.

KILL IT Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.

Find out more about treating colds and flu by visiting

Get rest and eat well Try to rest, eat well, avoid stress and keep well hydrated. If you have a fever, you may need extra fluids.You could also take paracetamol to treat fever and pain, or inhale steam with a decongestant in it to help clear a blocked nose.”

www.nhs.uk or visit your award winning Pharmacy See page 72

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5 TOP TIPS FOR EXCERCISING IF THE WEATHER IS BAD Getting motivated to excise outside when you look out of the window and the rain is falling down or snow has covered everything, often results in an easy excuse to curl up on the sofa . However there are several workout options you can do indoors, so there’s no excuse not to keep to your New Year’s Resolution.

Dust off your at home exercise equipment If you love to exercise outdoors, your fitness equipment is probably covered in dust. During bad weather, take a few minutes to clean off that treadmill, and then hop on for a quick workout. Rethink your exercise program

Hit the stairs for a quick cardio workout

Exercise doesn’t have to involve walking or lifting weights. You can actually get a great workout by simply cleaning your house.

Running up and down stairs, or even a few steps, is a great way to exercise during bad weather.

Head to the gym

Pop in a fitness DVD

If you don’t like the idea of exercising at home, head to the gym.The gym is a wonderful place to exercise during bad weather.

Having a wide variety in your collection allows you to get the perfect workout, any day of the week

Want to get fit? Book a FREE trial session at jonbellfitness.co.uk 07595 368257 info@jonbellfitness.co.uk 70

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COLDS AND FLU? DON’T FEEL

BLUE!

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New Year’s Resolutions A New Year’s Resolution is a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year.

The top 10 resolutions for 2013 were:

This tradition is steeped in history with the ancient Babylonians making promises to their gods at the start of each year, the Romans making to the god Janus, and, in the Medieval era, knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Lots of us make a resolution in the New Year, but, according to research, only 8% of us will actually stick to them! A poll conducted by LA Fitness asked 2,000 people what their aims for 2013 were. Reading more books has topped a list of most popular NewYear’s resolutions, according to a survey. Saving money and losing weight are the second and third most common resolutions respectively, ahead of redecorating and taking better pictures.

Read more books Save more money Lose weight Redecorate Take better photos Go travelling Sell old unwanted stuff on eBay Buy a tablet Organise photos Do something for charity

Spending less time on Facebook is 16th, while lower down are eating less chocolate (20th), drinking less alcohol (22th) and quitting smoking (26th).

If you have made a promise for 2014...

Good Luck!

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Food Shrove Tuesday - 4th March Shrove Tuesday, commonly referred to as Pancake Day, is the last day before the Christian period of Lent (which is a time of abstinence.) Traditionally Shrove Tuesday was marked as it was the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren’t allowed for the 40 days of abstaining; foods such as butter & eggs.

The race is followed by a church service.

Since 1950 Olney has competed with Liberal in Kansas, which holds an identical race, to see which town can produce the fastest competitor.

Today many of us mark Shrove Tuesday with the flipping & eating of pancakes & the running (or watching!) of pancake races...a tradition which dates back further than you think! Pancake races are thought to have begun in 1445. A woman had lost track of the time on Shrove Tuesday, & was busy cooking pancakes in her kitchen. Suddenly she heard the church bell ringing to call the faithful to church for confession. The woman raced out of her house & ran all the way to church; still holding her frying pan & wearing her apron.

After the 2000 race, Liberal was leading with 26 wins to Olney’s 24.

St Albans holds its own Pancake race each year -

One of the most famous pancake races is held at Olney in Buckinghamshire over a 415 yard course.The rules are strict; contestants have to toss their pancake at both the start and the finish, as well as wearing an apron and a scarf.

this year it is to be held on 4th March (Shrove Tuesday)

Mayor’s Charity Gourmet Night raises £1,891.00 Chefs from local restaurants created a four-course taster menu for paying guests at the Mayor of St Albans’ Gourmet Night to help raise funds for the Living Room. The event raised £1,891 for the charity through ticket sales and proceeds from a silent auction. Chefs from Darcys, Lussmanns,The Foragers (at The Verulam Ams) and Brasserie Blanc demonstrated their skills at the Poggenpohl kitchen showroom in London Road, St Albans. Each restaurant cooked a course in front of the guests and handed out samples for them to try. The menu included thai kangaroo salad, sea bream with clams, pan roasted crown of wood pigeon and chocolate delice. 74

Cllr Annie Brewster, the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, said: “It was a tremendous night that helped raise funds for my mayoral charity and showcased some of our most talented chefs. They created such delicious food in front of our eyes while providing clever cooking tips throughout the night. I want to thank them all for generously taking part and everyone else who bought tickets to help support this fundraising event.”

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

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. 75

Main Course

7 hour Slow Roast Leg of Lamb Prep: 15 mins Cook: 7 hrs, 30 mins Serves: 6 Ingredients: 1 large leg of lamb, about 3kg/6lb 8oz 4 onions, sliced 8 garlic cloves, peeled, left whole 4 carrots, leave whole if small or quarter lengthways 300ml white wine 300ml stock, use what you have Thyme sprigs to finish

Method: Preheat Oven to to 120C/fan 100C/gas Â˝ Put your largest lidded casserole on the hob and brown the seasoned leg of lamb on all sides. Make sure you do this thoroughly until it is a good dark brown as it will not brown in the oven. If the lamb sticks, add a drizzle of oil. Allow 10 minutes on a high heat. Pour away any fat that has collected in the bottom of the pan. Throw in the vegetables, followed by the wine and stock. Season and bring to the boil, then put the lid of the casserole dish on and put in the oven. Bake for 7 hours, turning twice during the cooking process. There is no need to rest the meat when it is cooked in this way, so you can serve straight away. Serve with potatoes, garden vegetables and a sprig of thyme. 76

Boost the Immune System with Super Foods Include fresh, organic vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, garlic, mushrooms and spinach in the diet as often as possible to boost the immune system. Eat vegetables raw wherever possible to maximize health benefits.

Drinks to Boost the Immune System

Fruits to include would be lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas and dark coloured fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and black grapes. Spicing up meals with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and cayenne will help to build the immune system in order to fight off colds and can even be taken at the onset of a cold to reduce the effects.

Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice or tea helps to restore the body’s pH balance. An imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favourable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms which thrive in a more acidic environment. Drink plenty of pure water each day to flush the body of toxins. Drinking green tea, will promote overall good health.

Learn more: www.nhs.uk

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Baked Cheesecake

Dessert

with Crumble Topping Prep: 50 minutes, plus 3 hours chilling Cooking time: 50 minutes to 60 minutes Total time: 280 minutes to 290 minutes

Method Preheat the oven to 180Â°C, gas mark 4.

Ingredients - Serves 8:

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.

Crumble 30g caster sugar 60g butter 125g plain flour 375g dessert shortcrust pastry Filling:

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.

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

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. 79

Homes

COUNCIL TO MANAGE BUILDING OF LONDON COLNEY LEISURE FACILITY

St Albans City and District Council has decided to manage the construction of the planned new leisure centre at London Colney in-house. The new leisure facility will include a 60-station fitness centre and eight five-a-side and one sevena-side sport pitches.

This means that the £4.5m project will be run in a similar way to that used for the construction of Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre. It will be funded using a combination of Section 106 money, borrowings and capital already allocated to the project.

The Council was initially working to deliver a new leisure centre on land at Cotlandswick by having a leisure operator design, build, run and maintain the facility. Under this type of arrangement a leisure operator funds the construction of a facility and recovers the cost from users over the life of a contract.

Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council, said, “The Council will now manage the construction of the new leisure facility project inhouse. We did this successfully with Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre and we can do so again with this leisure facility at Cotlandswick.”

They have now decided to fund the construction and recover that cost using the income earned from the facility over 25 years.

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How to reduce the risk of burglary Many burglaries are opportunistic and not planned, so they are easy to prevent. Residents can help prevent burglary by following these tips: • If light timers are not available, leave a light on if going out at night and draw curtains/blinds. • Don’t leave curtains closed during the day. • Keep all keys away from windows and external doors so they are not visible/ accessible to an opportunist thief. • Leave a television or radio on to create the impression that someone is in, if you are out for a short period of time. • If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your street, call the police on the non-emergency number 101. • Look out for your neighbours’ property if they are away for a few days.

• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Together you can help protect your homes by keeping a look-out for suspicious behaviour in your street. • Keep front, patio and back doors closed and locked when you are elsewhere in the house or the garden. • Ensure that all windows and external doors are not only closed but locked at night or when you are out of the house. • Remember to close downstairs windows when leaving a room, to deter the opportunist thief. • Fit good locks to doors and use them. • Have window locks fitted to older windows; a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window. • Fit and use a door chain. • Change locks when you move into a new home. • Fit a good quality alarm from a reputable supplier. A visible burglar alarm can also act as a deterrent. • Leave spare keys with someone you trust, not close to external doors or windows. • Install external lights. They will welcome genuine visitors & deter the criminal who wishes to work undetected. • Set lights on a timer switch to give the impression that someone is in. A living room or a bedroom light will give the impression of occupancy; leaving only a hall or landing light on may not have the same effect.

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How to make your mirrors gleam! Mirrors can provide a focal point, show off a room’s best feature, make a small space feel larger and make any area feel brighter and more spacious by reflecting the light. They are a versatile piece of home furnishing and, in my opinion, every room needs one! But, when it comes to getting gleaming mirrors, the abundance of them in my home becomes a real chore. So, what is the best way to get a smear free finish? Well apparently the key is a simple microfibre cloth and some plain warm water. If the mirror isn’t too dirty, it can be sorted in seconds with a little warm water, applied and then rubbed dry (in even circular motions to avoid smears) with a microfibre cloth. It really is as easy as that...no cleaning products needed.

First of all, make up a bowl of washing up liquid and water and wash the glass with a sponge, next buff away any remaining marks with a clean microfibre cloth.

If, however, there is a little more dirt involved, you will need to put in a bit more effort.

And what about that bathroom mirror which is always steamed up when you want to use it? To keep mirrors steam-free, apply a little shaving foam evenly across the surface; wipe away and buff with (you’ve guessed it) a microfibre cloth.

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Floors & More!

Rogue traders Hertfordshire Trading Standards is advising residents to always say NO to traders who turn up uninvited on the doorstep. Rogue builders and gardeners often trick people into paying high prices for unnecessary or shoddy work and give false names and addresses. The following advice is given: • Only deal with callers by appointment • Always ask for ID and check it carefully • Keep front and back doors locked • Fit a door bar/chain and use it • Do not keep large sums of money in the home • Do not buy goods or services at the door • Don’t be a victim, say NO to doorstep callers.

The trader should give you a cancellation notice explaining your rights, and he must not start work within the seven days without you requesting him to do so in writing. If the trader fails to comply then he is breaking the law and the contract is unenforceable against you, you don’t have to pay. If you need to have home improvements carried out, consider using a Trustmark-registered trader. www.hertdirect.org/trustmark or call Harpenden Directory on 01582 469117.

For the majority of contracts made at your home (both invited and uninvited visits), you will be entitled to a seven-day cooling-off period.

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HELP GET THE DISTRICT’S

RECYCLING UP TO 60%+ St Albans City & District Council is working on plans to get recycling in the district up above the current 50% level. The more you recycle, the less has to go to landfill; landfill is environmentally unfriendly and costs tax payers lots of money and creates methane gas which contributes to global warming. The council also earn income from the materials sent for recycling; this means there will be more in the pot to spend on vital front line services, vulnerable people and boosting the local economy. Put your cardboard in with paper recycling Put cardboard in your paper recycling box. Flatten and tear all cardboard so it fits into your recycling box/boxes with your paper. You can also put cardboard out neatly weighed down under your recycling box. Please ensure sheets are no larger than your recycling box to avoid clogging up the collection vehicle crushing mechanism.

National standards for compost have become tighter to ensure that it is of the highest quality. This means that cardboard will no longer be accepted with garden and food waste. So that cardboard can continue to be recycled it needs to go in with paper waste. If you do have any large pieces of card you can arrange an alternative collection; you can book for them to be collected on the Wednesday or Saturday of your recycling collection week, 01727 819285.

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Recycle more of your plastics We are now able to collect lots more plastics. You can now recycle clean margarine and ice cream tubs, yoghurt pots, plastic food trays and fruit punnets. Please wash and squash your cans and plastics. This will help you get more in your box and will avoid large containers clogging up the collection vehicle machinery

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ADVICE ON HOW TO SAVE WATER Hertfordshire is located in one of the driest regions in the country with the East of England receiving only two-thirds of the average UK annual rainfall. In addition, St Albans District is one of the highest users of water in the country. Here, the average person uses 174 litres per day, compared to a national average of 150 litres or the county average of 162 litres. High water use has a negative impact on our natural environment, in particular, on the chalk river habitats which are an irreplaceable feature of the local landscape.* There are only around 200 chalk streams in the world, and with 85% of these found in England, there is a need to protect them.

Water is precious

Save Water To help reduce water usage, residents are invited to book a home visit from Groundwork Hertfordshire, a non-profit environmental organisation, for water and energy saving advice. Simply call: 01707 260129 or email: Hertfordshire@groundwork.org.uk.

Recognising the need to save water, the Government has set a national target of reducing water consumption by 13% by 2030, to 130 litres per person per day.**

Groundwork will also provide up to £30 worth of free water-saving devices, such as toilet flushing mechanisms and water-efficient shower heads. Continues on page 90

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ADVICE ON HOW TO SAVE WATER Continued

In addition, free shower timers are available from the Council’s offices at the Civic Centre, St Albans while stocks last.

In St Albans District, we need to reduce consumption by 24 litres per person per day just to come in line with the national average.

As part of the project Groundwork will visit community groups to explain the link between our high water consumption and the deterioration of the natural environment. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Affinity Water will also be hosting interactive lessons and assemblies and providing water-saving equipment to schools in the District.

To meet the government target, we each need to cut our usage by 44 litres per day. Please take up the offer of free advice and water-saving devices to help you do this. Not only will you save water, but you are also likely to save money by reducing your energy bills. ” The campaign to reduce water consumption is being run by Hertfordshire Sustainability Forum (HSF) which is made up of local authorities and environmental organisations in Hertfordshire.

Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for Environment, St Albans City and District Council, said: “As a society, we use almost 50% more water than 25 years ago, partly because of power showers and household appliances. This modern lifestyle is having a negative effect on the environment and we must consider how to reduce our water usage.

More information about the campaign is available at: www.greenourherts.org.uk

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New recycling scheme increases recycling rate In addition, every home is receiving a food caddy and some paper liners to make it easier to recycle and compost food waste; the cost of these is being met by a grant from Hertfordshire County Council.

St Albans City and District Council’s new recycling scheme has increased the percentage of waste recycled and composted to 56% in areas where it is in operation.

Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for Environment, St Albans City and District Council, said, “If everyone continues to recycle and compost waste at these levels then the District will achieve a household recycling rate of 56% for 2013/14. However, the composition of waste recycled and composted varies across the year and as more garden waste is composted during the summer the rate may be lower.

Prior to the scheme being introduced the recycling rate was 42% across the District for 2012/13 ( this is after the figures were adjusted due to cardboard contaminating green waste.) Under the new scheme people need to separate cardboard from green waste to ensure that the compost meets quality standards. Residents are asked to fold their cardboard so that it fits neatly in or underneath their paper recycling box The council are also increasing the range of plastic materials people can recycle to include margarine and ice cream tubs, yoghurt pots, plastic food trays and fruit punnets.

“Nevertheless a fantastic effort is being made to recycle and compost more waste and to reduce the amount that goes to landfill. Landfill is not only environmentally unfriendly, it also costs taxpayers money. The less waste that goes to landfill means more money is saved to spend on frontline services.”

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Cllr Alec Campbell, Portfolio Holder for Resources at St Albans City and District Council, said, “The Council has worked hard to deliver savings of £1 million so that there is no increase in the District Council’s element of Council Tax for 2014/15. If the Budget is approved by Council then it will be the sixth year running where we have managed to freeze Council Tax.

District Council plans to freeze Council Tax for 2014/15

However, it is becoming harder and harder to identify savings to help balance the Budget. With increasing cost pressures, inflation and indications of future cuts in government grants, we may not be able to freeze our element of Council Tax in future years. We will, of course, try our best to do so, but it may not be possible.”

St Albans City and District Council is on track to freeze Council Tax for 2014/15 by making savings of £1 million. The Budget takes into account a grant available to councils that freeze their Council Tax. It also reflects likely inflation and cost pressures and early indications of reductions in funding from central government. The Budget proposals will not result in staff cuts.

The Council also collects Council Tax on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Parish Councils. Their shares, called precepts, will be taken into account when the final level of Council Tax is set by the District Council in February 2014.

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Gardens

StAlbansDistrictinBloom

2013 winners unveiled

Gardening enthusiasts who make St Albans District a more attractive place were rewarded at the St Albans District in Bloom Awards 2013.

Best Sustainable Garden Winner: Mrs Kate Aylett of Wheathampstead Highly Commended: Mrs Joan Walton of St Albans

The gardening competition is organised by St Albans City and District Council, in association with Aylett Nurseries. It provides the opportunity for green-fingered gardeners and community groups to showcase their work in helping to make the District bloom.

Best Front Garden Winner: Miss Jane Smith of Colney Heath Highly Commended: Mrs Heather Osborne of St Albans Best Pub Frontage Winner: The Plough & Harrow, Harpenden

Competition winners were announced at an awards ceremony attended by the Deputy Mayor of St Albans City and District, Cllr Brian Gibbard. The Deputy Mayor said, “I want to thank everyone who entered this competition and for their wonderful work in helping to create a greener and more attractive District.” Judges took into account how entrants helped to enhance the appearance of the District and their use of sustainable gardening techniques.

Highly Commended: Blacksmith Arms, St Albans

There were winners from across the District, including Redbourn Infant & Nursery School which won the Best School Project. Best Pub Frontage was won by The Plough & Harrow in Harpenden and Wheathampstead Parish picked up an award for Best Parish.

Best Parish Winner: Wheathampstead Parish Highly Commended: St Stephen’s Parish

Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at the Council, said, “These awards celebrate people’s contributions to enhancing the District & encourage sustainable gardening techniques. I congratulate all the winners & thank everyone for taking part.”

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All the competition entrants were invited to the awards ceremony held at Aylett Nurseries. Adam Wigglesworth, Director of Aylett Nurseries, said, “We are proud to sponsor St Albans District in Bloom Awards 2013 and I applaud the winners and everyone who took part in the competition. Their hard work helps enhance the local environment.” A full list of the winners are: Best School Project

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WINTER GARDENING JOBS

Browse the seed catalogues A job you can do from the warmth of indoorshave a look through the seed catalogues and make a wish list. It may seem a little early, but if you have a greenhouse or indoor propagator you can start sowing at the end of January. Prepare new ground by double digging If you are feeling energetic and want to work off your Christmas over indulgences, winter is an ideal time to dig over any new beds or borders ready for spring sowing. As long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, it is fine to get to work.

It may be cold outside, but there are some jobs which need doing in the garden. So, don your boots, wrap up warm and head outside...you’ll be grateful come spring when you are enjoying the fruits of your labour!

Clear old crops from your vegetable plot Remove any old, decaying crops; throw the debris on the compost heap, or, if it is diseased, burn it.

Clean old pots and seedtrays Scrub pots to get rid of encrusted dirt; once they are free of the worst dirt, soak in a garden disinfectant. Disinfectants work slowly in cold weather, so leave them for several days to be sure all spores are killed. Rinse before use.

Feed the birds Winter is a tough time for birds as food is scarce and water may be frozen. You don’t have to buy special bird food - starlings love peanuts, and thrushes and blackbirds like over-ripe apples and raisins. If you do buy special food, consider buying fat balls as they are high in energy.

Protect your containers Prevent containers from freezing solid by wrapping them with bubblewrap or taking them Flyer NEW April 2013_Layout 2 15/05/2013 12:04 Page 1 into shelter.

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Motors

FIVE SIMPLE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CAR ON THE ROAD THIS WINTER 1- 2- 3- 4-

Charge the battery. Dead car batteries are common in winter - & most fail on a Monday morning, after being left standing over the weekend. De-ice your car. If you are caught driving with an unclear windscreen you could be fined up to £1000. Check the anti-freeze. Check the water tank under the bonnet once a week or before long journeys. Check your tyres. It’s important to check tyres regularly, as they determine your car’s grip on the road.

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Be well prepared. According to Auto Trader there are ten essential items which you shouldn’t leave home without this winter: Scraper and de-icer Warning triangle First aid kit Reflective clothing - jackets, armbands and stickers Boots Jump leads Food & a warm flask of water Mobile phone with breakdown firm contact details Tow rope & shovel Blanket

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5- i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x.

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