What's On Herts January - March 2022 by The What's On Mag

Covering Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Redbourn & surrounding villages. Herts Sash Window fp ad.pdf

17/12/2021

15:59

Keeping you upto date with What’s Going On Locally

herts.co.uk January to March 2022

Herts Sash Window

Restoration

Specialising in the renovation of period sash & casement windows

We are a small company based in Hertfordshire that specialise in sash window restoration for all Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian era properties. Our main aim is to restore your windows and only replace as a last resort. We can help with:

Sash Window Renovation ❖ Slimline Double Glazing ❖ Draught Proofing ❖

Casement Window Renovation ❖ New Bespoke Joinery ❖ Sash Replacements ❖

Call us today to discuss your window repair

Herts Sash Window Restoration

Tel: 07766 714810

w w w. h e rUnitt Turn s6, sTalents ato pagesfarm, h15wforKimpton, ifullndetails dSG4o8EUw s . c o . u k Email: henry@hertssashwindows.co.uk Web: www.hertssashwindows.co.uk

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Winter 2022 Contents Welcome to the Winter edition of What’s On Herts, brought to you by Your Local Media. What we love about Winter is that even when it’s 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 outside and colour will, once again, fill our lives! If you find the Winter months empty and dull, don’t despair – there is still lots going on in and around the local area. Check out our Diary of Events pages 30 – 40 to find out exactly what the coming months have in store. If you fancy embracing the Winter weather, get out and explore our Woodland that is on our doorstep with our “Well Worth a Winter Wander” section on pages 41 – 45. All the team at Your Local Media would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a Happy New Year! Have fun over the next few months and remember...

Diary of Events Winter Wander Health Recipes Homes Gardens Motors

Pages 30 - 40 Pages 41 – 45 Pages 46 – 51 Pages 52 - 55 Pages 56 - 69 Pages 70 - 73 Pages 74 - 75

Printed and Published by Your Local Media. 65 High Street, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2SL info@harpendendirectory.co.uk

Advertising Contact Mike or Tony via these email addresses Mike Hamilton - mike@harpendendirectory.co.uk Tony Mcfarland - tony@harpendendirectory.co.uk Publication Design & Artwork - Pete Salo - psdesign@rocketmail.com Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of going to press. However, Your Local Media cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of information in this publication.

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

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE THIS JANUARY AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOSPICE As the Christmas festivities come to a close and you’ve eaten the last of the yule log, does your living room carpet resemble more of a forest floor? Save the seasonal stress of disposing of your Christmas Tree yourself and let The Hospice of St Francis provide a hassle-free collection service straight from your door! Harpenden and St Albans residents are asked to make a donation in return for having their tree collected by a team of volunteers and all the money raised will contribute to the £5 million plus the Hospice needs every year to fund its free care. Generously supported by Veolia and the St Albans Lions Club and Harpenden Lions Club, the teams of volunteers will be out in specially organised vans on 8th and 9th January 2022, throughout the AL1,AL3,AL4 and AL5 postcodes. The pandemic is still having a huge impact on the Hospice.They have shown incredible versatility and flexibility over the last year to adapt how they work so that they can continue to help local people during these challenging times.The Hospice’s care, which supports over 2,000 people, will never come at a cost to the patient or their loved ones.The community are at the heart of what the Hospice does, and the support of fundraising initiatives like this are vital to ensure the free care continues. In an average year the Berkhamsted-based Hospice supports around 150 patients and their families from the St Albans and Harpenden area. Arranging collection is easy, just visit www. charityxmastreecollection.com and leave the rest to the Hospice! You don’t even need to be there on the day - simply leave your tree outside your home.The trees will then be chipped, recycled and turned into bio fertiliser for farms in and around the local area. To keep the festive goodwill growing, the Hospice will be donating 10% of the funds raised back to projects that benefit the Harpenden community. Lucy Hume, Joint Director of Fundraising at the Hospice, said:“We’re delighted that the residents of Harpenden have taken to our Christmas tree Collection so well and are thrilled to be back here again collecting and recycling more trees this Christmas with the help of Veolia and local Lions Clubs. “We couldn’t raise the £5 million plus we need each year to continue to provide our free care and support without the help of people like you in our local community. Every donation made for the collection of your Christmas tree is helping more people and their families to live their precious lives well.” For more information please visit: www.stfrancis.org.uk/ support-us/events/detail/christmas-treecollection or contact the Hospice on Tel: 01442 869555, or by email fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook – The Hospice of St Francis,Twitter - @Hospicstfrancis and Instagram - @hospicestfrancis to find out more about our work. 4

SIMON ALLNUTT PAINTING & DECORATING SIMON-ALLNUTT.CO.UK

07963 467885 01582 478182 simonjallnutt@hotmail.co.uk 5

MEMORY LANE CAFE RE-OPENS The Memory Lane Café launched in January 2020. Part of the wider initiatives helping Harpenden to become a more dementia friendly Town, the café welcomed those living with dementia and their family members to a secure, welcoming and understanding environment. With a diverse and interesting programme of events including talks on wildlife and even African drumming sessions, together with an opportunity to talk to Citizen’s Advice, the café was incredibly popular. Sadly, due to the pandemic and Government advice, the café was unable to open for much of 2021, however the good news is that we can now plan a relaunch for early 2022! The café will run in partnership with Harpenden Trust Wellbeing Hub and the Salvation Army Church, and we have exciting plans to continue offering a varied and engaging programme. Harpenden Town Council would like to thank those involved for their support and commitment, and we look forward to new weekly sessions on Mondays at the Salvation Army Church.

Harpenden Gang Show returns for it’s 72nd year! 11th - 15th January 2022 11th – 15th January 2022 The show now has a new home at the Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park. Tickets can be purchased from www.harpenden.gs and follow the instructions. Ticket availability will be updated on the website daily, but please note that the Friday and Saturday performances sell out very quickly! It is also possible to make telephone bookings and we are now able to take credit card payments over the phone.

The Box Office telephone number is 07391 131245.

9 OUT OF 10 CUSTOMERS RENEW WITH US EACH YEAR To find out why, talk to us today about your home and car insurance needs. Contact NFU Mutual St Albans and Harpenden office Rivers Lodge, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JD | 01727 869496

J C Langley & C M G Platt is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

Celebrating 40 years as an independent, community-based audiology practice, Hearing Healthcare Practice offers life changing hearing solutions. That’s why clients travel from all over the world to visit our purpose built, state-of-the-art consulting rooms and award-winning team of audiologists. But you don’t have to…

Tel: 01582 767218 26 The Foresters, High Street, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2FB info@hearinghealthcare.co.uk 3x UK WINNER 2x EUROPEAN WINNER hearinghealthcare.co.uk

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Award for Harpenden’s new leisure centre

Harpenden’s new leisure centre has been presented with an award for the lasting contribution it is making to the community. The centre was rebuilt by owners St Albans City and District Council as part of a £20 million development that also included the creation of a new culture centre. It was officially opened earlier this year by Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Max Whitlock and badminton legend Gail Emms. Now the Harpenden Society, which campaigns to improve the town, has awarded the centre its Certificate of Merit. This is in recognition of the range and quality of the sports facilities that are on offer to residents. Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Chair of the Council’s Public Realm Committee, and Cllr Robert Donald, Chair of the Regeneration and Business Committee, received the award from Society Chair Phil Waters at a presentation ceremony.

Cllr Rowlands said: I am thrilled that the efforts of all those involved in redeveloping the leisure centre have been recognised by the Harpenden Society. This is a first-class centre which can help residents achieve good physical and mental health and wellbeing through participation in swimming, gym sessions, spin cycling, exercise classes, badminton and other sports. We are proud to have delivered such a magnificent centre for Harpenden and the surrounding villages and pleased to be commended in this way by the Society. The centre, on the edge of Rothamsted Park, is managed on the Council’s behalf by leisure contractor 1Life. It has a 25-metre-long swimming pool, a learner pool, an 80-station gym, sports hall, two exercise studios, spin room, sauna, steam room, changing village and café. The new culture centre is nearby on the site of the old sports centre and is named after comedy legend Eric Morecambe, a former Harpenden resident. Mr Waters said: The Society is delighted to make an award to recognise the significant contribution that the completely rebuilt and updated leisure centre will make to the Harpenden community. The improved facilities are excellent and will be central to helping ensure the well-being of our community long into the future.

Gillian Brown fp ad.pdf

16/07/2020

08:43

C OV I D - 1 9

Safety Guidelines Taken

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Discover the non-invasive solution Does this describe you? • You have been diagnosed with a slipped disc in your neck or lower back. • You are having a nightmare trying to do normal things like sitting, walking and getting dressed. • The pain is disturbing your sleep and you constantly taking painkillers. • You have tried other treatments like physiotherapy or osteopathy, and where disappointed that they did not work for you. • You are looking for a long term solution but would like to avoid surgery

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

Tel: 01582 760 444

harpendensportsnspinal.co.uk 21 Leyton Road, Harpenden, AL5 2HU

(1st ﬂoor Bennet’s, Royal British Legion)

Don’t live with your pain, get help today. 9

Beds available for all rough sleepers throughout winter

Extra COVID-secure accommodation is available for all rough sleepers in St Albans District during the cold winter months. St Albans City and District Council has worked with partner organisations to ensure a bed is available for every rough sleeper who wants one. Five self-contained cabins, known as Bunkabins, with a total of six beds have been provided at land owned by the charity Emmaus Hertfordshire. A further two emergency beds are available elsewhere with this Winter Beds Project being managed and part-funded by the Open Door charity. In addition, Open Door’s homeless shelter in Bricket Road, St Albans, will be in operation as it is throughout the year. Outreach workers, employed by Hightown Housing Association (HA), are also active in the District to make rough sleepers aware of the support. Councillor Chris White, Leader of the Council, said: The number of rough sleepers that we have to deal with in the District at any one time is generally quite small. Every year, though, we look to provide extra beds to make absolutely sure that no one need sleep outside as the temperatures plummet. With the help of our partners, I am confident that we have ensured that enough beds are available for all who want them. The need to ensure accommodation is COVID secure has meant we were not able to expand Open Door accommodation or use a local church for emergencies as we have done in previous years.

EARTH LANDSCAPES Ltd

The Garden Design & Landscape Practice 7B Thrales End Farm Thrales End Lane Harpenden AL5 3NS

T. 01582 761381

10 10

M. 07731 993918

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We create warm homes from fresh air A well insulated house and one of our Air Source heat Pumps can cut your carbon footprint & lower your bills. Become one of the heat pump generation call us today.

Call 01727 840555 or visit solinvictus.co.uk 11

Beds available for all rough sleepers throughout winter - Continued Bunkabins are an excellent addition and shows we’re determined to keep rough sleepers as safe as possible from the cold and the pandemic as they are an especially vulnerable group. Lucy Gaygusuz for Open Door said: This is the firth year in a row that we have run the Winter Beds Project in St Albans. As was the case last year, we can offer people who would otherwise be rough sleeping, a safe, self-contained, COVID-secure space to sleep away from the streets. The Winter Beds Project has always been a volunteer led service.We have an amazing group of dedicated volunteers who are all ready to make sure no one in St Albans has to sleep rough this winter. Rough sleepers given shelter are also being offered long-term support to change their lifestyle with the prospect of a permanent home of their own. This support programme includes courses in life skills at Open Door which is run by Hightown HA and acts as a drop-in centre during the day. Anyone concerned about a rough sleeper is advised to contact the charity StreetLink on www.streetlink.org.uk/ .They will inform the Council or other public agencies. Cllr White added;The best help anyone can provide rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping is to support your local charities. “We work with them to encourage individuals with often complex problems to turn their lives around on a long-term basis.” If anyone wants to give financial help, they are advised to make a donation to one of the charities involved with rough sleepers. Information on this is here: www.opendoorstalbans.org/donating/ www.emmaus.org.uk/hertfordshire/donate/ www.centre33.org/donations.html www.druglink.co.uk/donate.

Maidment Judd are based in Harpenden and work with businesses of all types both locally and further afield

For professional, reliable and friendly help with your business call 01582 469500

Help for new Help for existing businesses businesses www.maidmentjudd.com 01582 469500

Charter House, Marlborough Park, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 1NL

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows have become the UK’s leading company for domestic glass replacement. Customers are no longer needing to risk their windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the road, instead, now they can join over 320,000 happy customers and have their glass replaced in an affordable and ethical manner. Remember, a failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid any future costly problems.

have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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

When talking to the Manager of For a free quotation please call Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen 0800 61 21 118 or visit Moon it became clear that these values www.cloudy2clear.com

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INVESTMENT IN SOUTHDOWN PONDS

The Ponds in Southdown is a popular area of Harpenden Common and it is wonderful to see it so well appreciated by many visitors every day.This beautiful area is a real asset to our Town and important for biodiversity in the area. These gravel pits were dug out in the 1870s and in 1928 work was provided for the unemployed, digging and reshaping the workings to form three ponds at descending heights. Over the years, water from the roads carried oil and petrol into Southdown Ponds, which soon became extremely polluted and consequently bad for wildlife.The ponds had been cleaned in 1985, but pollution continued. In 2004 Harpenden Town Council initiated a project, in partnership with Hertfordshire Highways and the Harpenden Society to regenerate the heavily polluted and unusable ponds.A nine-metre long petrol interceptor was installed to cleanse the dirty water. Southdown Ponds were then re-lined and re-planted with native species. They were officially reopened on December 13, 2007. Harpenden Town Council information panels describe the ponds and the surrounding wildlife. With so many users of the paths they have become increasingly unstable and uneven, and slippery in bad weather. The Council are pleased to let Harpenden Common users know that by March 2022 the paths will have been resurfaced, removing trip hazards and vastly improving accessibility.

Est 2014

Pottery painting for everyone Weekly Harpenden sessions at: The Cabin, Southdown Monday The Old Cock Inn Tuesday The Inn on the Green Wednesday The Cabin, Southdown Friday

10-12pm & 4-6pm 2-430pm 1030-1pm 10-12pm & 4-6pm

* Please book a table to avoid disappointment.

If you would prefer to paint at home, takeaway kits are an option. Available for private bookings, commissions & clay impressions. For more information please contact Michelle on: 07958 324520 michelle@glazetime.co.uk www.glazetime.co.uk glazetimeharpenden glazetimeharpenden

Herts Sash Window fp ad.pdf

17/12/2021

15:59

Herts Sash Window

Restoration

Specialising in the renovation of period sash & casement windows

Sash Window Renovation ❖ Slimline Double Glazing ❖ Draught Proofing ❖

Casement Window Renovation ❖ New Bespoke Joinery ❖ Sash Replacements ❖

Call us today to discuss your window repair

Herts Sash Window Restoration

Tel: 07766 714810

Unit 6, Talents farm, Kimpton, SG4 8EU

Email: henry@hertssashwindows.co.uk Web: www.hertssashwindows.co.uk 15

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Market decisions delayed Key decisions about the future shape of St Albans’ historic Charter Market have had to be delayed until early this year. St Albans City and District Council has been considering the best long-term infrastructure to provide traders as well as the market’s overall appearance. The market, which is run by the Council, was able to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing stall holders to bring their own gazebos to assemble and dismantle themselves. This reduced the amount of personal contact to guard against the spread of the virus. With the pandemic easing, Councillors have been discussing at a Charter Market working group whether to move to a gazebo-only market permanently or revert to the traditional stalls. It had been hoped to receive the group’s recommendations and make that decision at a meeting of the Council’s Regeneration and Business Committee last year, however, it was not be possible to do so until a Wednesday 2 February meeting because of a series of issues that have newly arisen.These include staff changes and health and safety problems at the market depot. Traders, in the meantime, will be asked to continue to bring their own gazebos on market days. The Committee did, though, make two major decisions to improve the future look of the market and help traders. It accepted a recommendation that gazebos or stalls will eventually be uniform in appearance and in the City’s traditional blue and yellow colours. The Council will also now provide assistance with assembling and dismantling the traders’ gazebos as a new service.

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Call 01582 469117 to discuss your office search or letting management requirements. 18

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

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Harpenden 2 Piggottshill Lane, Harpenden, AL5 1LH 19

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We service cars, using quality oil and parts with very competitive labour rates. There is no “pressure selling” from our staff. We will always be open and up front with our prices and will be pleased to show our customers exactly what we do on their behalf. All our work is guaranteed and if anyone is not satisfied then our Directors will review any issues to ensure an agreeable outcome.

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FREE Drop-In Centres ST. ALBANS

HARPENDEN

Thursdays 9.30am - 12.30pm St. Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, AL1 4JP

Thursdays 9.45am - 12.15pm 12 Southdown Road (Quakers Meeting House), AL5 1PD

Thursdays 1.30pm - 4.30pm Marshalswick Baptist Free Church Sherwood Avenue, AL3 9QL Saturdays 2.00pm - 4.30pm Islamic Community Centre 145/147 Hatfield Road, AL1 4JY

FLAMSTEAD Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm (First Wednesday of each month) Spotted Dog Pub, 8 High Street, AL3 8BS

Don’t delay - contact us today! Tel: 01727 617359 (Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-1pm) Email: courses@cfsta.org www.cfsta.org 23

HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANTS

Did you know that Harpenden Town Council operates a Community Grants scheme? The Town Council recently reviewed the maximum value of grants it can award, in order to help support the recovery of local groups and organisations from the Covid 19 pandemic.The decision has been taken that over the next two years the maximum value of grant be increased from £500 to £2000 towards projects which benefit the community of Harpenden. All applicants for a Community Grant must complete an application form outlining the purpose of the grant. Applications are then considered against an agreed criteria at council meetings which are held at regular intervals throughout the year. Recent successful grant awards have funded musicians to play in care homes, the purchasing of materials for costumes to take part in the Christmas Carnival procession and towards the running of community events. If you feel that a project which you are working on or would like to work on is eligible, please visit www.harpenden.gov.uk for an application and further details.

Our dedicated team specialise in the selection and planting of semi-mature and mature specimen trees, topiary and hedges. We offer a comprehensive service from the planting of a single tree to a large scale treescape.

We source, supply & plant the finest quality Trees, Topiary & Hedges Thrales End Farm | Harpenden | Hertfordshire | AL5 3NS

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

32-34 Upper Malborough Road St Albans, AL1 3UU Tel: 01727 848882 handelsbanken.co.uk/stalbans

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

travelfourseasons INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL SERVICE - PACKAGE & TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

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SAVE THE DATE!

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in St Albans, Harpenden and the villages We can help you open your street for play up to 8 times a year, bringing neighbours FR EE together and building a zo stronger community where Se om e w in you live. eb fo s sit es e f sio You can give children the or d ns et in F ai space and freedom to: ls. eb! * Be outdoors and active * Gain skills and independence * Make friends on their street * Have fun!

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Registered charity no 1173118

Harpenden Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 16 year-olds

07793 206846 www.stagecoach.co.uk/harpenden Sir John Lawes School, AL5 4QP

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

What’s On JANUARY SAT-SUN

1 20 st -

FEB

SUNDAY

Hello Again Neil Diamond Evocative imagery, video and narration enhance the magic, as the show takes you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50 year career. From The Bang Years to the present day you’ll soon be singing along to all the hits. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit: www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

SPITFIRE: AN ICON IN AIRFIX - Event Time: 10am – 4pm Do you remember the feeling of finishing that first Airfix Spitfire? Join us at IWM Duxford for an all-day event exploring the design process behind Airfix’s iconic modelling kits. The event will feature: • A lecture from an IWM expert introducing our Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon exhibition • A talk by Airfix Product Designers exploring the research, design and production methods they use • An opportunity to go behind the ropes of the exhibition and observe the intricate details of the aircraft up close • A demonstration of painting techniques by experts from Airfix Model World magazine • A goody bag to take home Venue address: Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR. For more information visit: www.iwm.org.uk

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon See a world first at IWM Duxford – the largest collection of Spitfires under one roof at the historic airfield that keeps making history. Uuntil 20th February, get up close to twelve Spitfires of varying marks side by side on display for a limited time only. Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will celebrate how this aircraft captured the hearts of the home front and became synonymous with the hope and protection of the British Isles. Venue address: Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR. For more information visit: www.iwm.org.uk

The Dreamboys Scream if you are ready to misbehave because Dreamboys are coming to St Albans with their 2020 Too Hard To Resist Tour. Let the boys tease, tantalise and sweep you off your feet as you and your friends enjoy the raunchiest night out of the year. Think chiselled torsos, high-energy dance routines and boy-next-door seduction that will leave your heart pounding. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit: www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

An Evening of Burlesque With World Class Entertainers and stars of the stage and screen. An Evening of Burlesque is an extravaganza of glitz and glamour! Expect fun, feathers, fan dancing, fabulous costumes plus specialty Artistes, Cabaret and Circus Stars, Comedians, World Guinness record holders and Champagne Showgirls! It’s the perfect night for everyone. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

What’s On JANUARY MONDAY

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Dirty Dusting Our 2022 production stars Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo!) and Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street) and Leah Bell completes the threesome. Gladys, Olive and Elsie are three “vintage style” cleaning ladies who, threatened with redundancy, chance on an ‘unconventional’ way of earning some extra cash. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available at the Box Office on 01582 767525 or by visiting www.the-emc.co.uk Venue: The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2FR.

Day At Night: A Musical Tribute to Doris Day Starring Lynda Radford and Brad Pepper with James Gutteridge and his band. Featuring singers and a live band, this show pays tribute to the Hollywood Legend, TV and recording artist Doris Day and includes twenty four unforgettable hits, including “Secret Love”, “Sentimental Journey”, “Teacher’s Pet”, “Move Over Darling” and “Que Sera Sera”. Doors Open at 1.30pm, Auditorium 2.00pm and show starts at 2.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD

The Skids – Unplugged The Skids formed in 1977 in their home town of Dunfermline, Scotland by Richard Jobson, Stuart Adamson, Bill Simpson & Tom Kellichan. After releasing an independent single the band were played by John Peel, supported The Clash in concert and then were signed to Virgin Records in 1978. Their first singles were ‘Sweet Suburbia’, ‘The Saints are Coming’ and ‘Into the Valley’ – the latter reaching the UK Top Ten in early 1979. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available at the Box Office on 01582 767525 or by visiting www.the-emc.co.uk Venue: The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2FR.

The Music of Prince Formerly known as Purple Rain come Celebrate the life, legacy and The Music of Prince, this brilliantly funky show featuring the world class New Purple Celebration delivers a non-stop 2-hour hit packed extravaganza. Expect to see, hear and feel all of the hits from one of the most loved Artists of all time. 1999, Little Red Corvette, Purple Rain, Kiss, Diamonds And Pearls, Raspberry Beret, U Got The Look, When Doves Cry, Cream, I Wanna Be Your Lover and so many more. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Motown: How Sweet It Is Now in its 18th successive year, this stunning 100% live show combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have! This show will have you Dancing On The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many, many more. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD

What’s On JANUARY MONDAY

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Beginners Crochet Course Join in our ‘Place of Making’ workshops with established artists to learn new skills, creative techniques, and make your own art. Event Time: 6.30pm. Cost: £85 for all 6 sessions. Age Guidance: 16+ . Venue address Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY. Tickets available from www.culturetrust.com

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Think Floyd This extraordinary band, dubbed the Definitive Pink Floyd Experience, are renowned for their stunning celebration of the music of one of the world’s greatest musical phenomenon. Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason describes the band as “Brilliant! – They are really good.” In an interview on LBC the legendary drummer commended Think Floyd and rather generously called them “better than we are”. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Omid Djalili : The Good Times Tour

After experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people and a Drive-in gig where Omid witnessed an audience member get out his car, attach a hose pipe to his exhaust and feed it through the window; multi award-winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili is now where he belongs, on a stage and bringing back the Good Times. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra

Time: 7.30pm Amadeus has performed in and around St Albans for over 40 years, and has established itself as the leading chamber orchestra in the area. Amadeus welcomes back Andrew Blankfield to play the Beethoven piano concerto no.4. Conducted by Henry Kennedy, the programme includes Beethoven Coriolan overture and Haydn Symphony no. 101, the Clock. Tickets available via website www.ticketsource.co.uk/ amadeuschamberorchestrastalbans/t-jozell Venue address: St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3UG. For more information visit: www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk/

What’s On FEBRUARY TUESDAY

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Harpenden Floral Decoration Club Demonstration of flowers by Fiona Harrison “Flower of Scotland”, at 2 pm at the Salvation Army Hall, Leyton Green, Harpenden AL5 2TG. All visitors very welcome details 01582 621757.

The Bowie Collective Take an incredible two hour trip through the finest work of David Bowie. This group of rock musicians, artists and performers recreate Bowie’s most iconic recordings in exquisite detail against a spell-binding backdrop of lights and visual magic. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Ross Noble – HUMOURNOID What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see it. This is it. “He is pure delight” – The Times. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD

Oh What A Night OH WHAT A NIGHT! takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Oh what a night combines infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies and even slicker dance moves to deliver a show full of energy and nostalgia which always leaves audiences wanting more. Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands! Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available at the Box Office on 01582 767525 or by visiting www.the-emc.co.uk Venue: The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2FR.

Roy Orbison & The Traveling Wilburys Experience Five Fabulous Tributes in One Evening - ROY ORBISON GEORGE HARRISON TOM PETTY JEFF LYNNE BOB DYLAN Now in its eighth successful year of touring, hit production “Paul Hopkins’ Roy Orbison & the Traveling Wilburys Experience has wowed audiences with their uncanny visual, vocal and musical resemblances to the original band members. And with the Traveling Wilburys never actually going on tour – perhaps partly due to the untimely death of Roy Orbison – this is a wonderful chance to enjoy a live Traveling Wilburys Experience. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

An Evening With Sir Geoff Hurst

Back by popular demand after 2019’s successful tour. Geoff will talk amusingly about his illustrious WEST HAM & ENGLAND CAREER . Everyone that came in 2018 and 2019 had a great time and we have had so many requests to do it again. So here we are back on the road with his great friend and agent Terry Baker from A1 Sporting speakers once again asking the questions. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

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What’s On FEBRUARY MONDAY

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Reginald D Hunter – Bombe Shuffleur Reginald D Hunter is back with a brand-new show, and there’s no time for niceties. Unafraid to tackle head on the subjects the rest of us skirt around, Reginald is the voice of his generation – searingly honest, brutally funny and uniquely placed to commentate on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit: www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour The Banff Mountain Film Festival joins the world’s best adventure film-makers and explorers as they push themselves to the limits in the most remote and stunning corners of the globe. Witness epic human-powered feats, life-affirming challenges and mind-blowing cinematography – all on the big screen! Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

FASCINATING AÏDA - They’re back at last! Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman are heading out on tour. With a selection of old favourites, songs you haven’t heard before and some you wish you’d never heard in the first place. The songs are hilarious and topical – the glamour is unstoppable. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD. Roy Ayers Ubiquity Roy Ayers Ubiquity celebrate the 45th anniversary of their seminal 1975 album Mystic Voyage. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York, Mystic Voyage has been sampled countless times in Hip Hop over the years and was one of the foundations of the burgeoning Jazz-Funk scene which developed in the mid to late 1970’s. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available at the Box Office on 01582 767525 or by visiting www.the-emc.co.uk Venue: The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2FR.

Tim Vine is Plastic Elvis - Please note that this is not a stand-up comedy show The total sell out at the Edinburgh festival is now on tour! Feel the electricity as Plastic Elvis hits the stage backed by his incredible five piece THE HIGH NOON BAND. He’ll shake, he’ll smoulder, he’ll try and control his hair and in the end he’ll break your heart. Sing along with some of the King’s greatest songs on a breathless night of rock’n’roll. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD. The Comedy Bar Join resident MC Jake Pickford for an evening of stand-up comedy from the nation’s up and coming talent. Line Up – TBC. Doors to auditorium open at 7pm, with the bar opening at 6pm Venue: Hat Factory Arts Centre 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY. Tickets available from www.culturetrust.com

What’s On FEBRUARY SATURDAY

DUXFORD IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT: THE SPITFIRE SPECIAL - Event Time: 4pm – 9.30pm

Are you a keen photographer with a love of aviation? Enjoy the opportunity to photograph 12 Spitfires up close with The Spitfire Special, the third event in our ‘Duxford In a Different Light’ series, a photography night-shoot dedicated to the most iconic aircraft in British aviation history. Using innovative lighting techniques, the aircraft in our Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon exhibition, each representing different stages of the Spitfire’s development, will be illuminated to create evocative opportunities for your photographs. As well as our fantastic array of Spitfires, the aircraft and exhibits inside the main display space will also be lit up to allow you to capture some of Duxford’s incredible collection of British and Commonwealth aircraft in a different light. Venue address: Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR. For more information visit: www.iwm.org.uk

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Henning Wehn – It’ll All Come Out In the Wash Watch German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn give everything a good rinse and witness him wring sense out of the nonsensical. Henning has no agenda, he just happens to be always spot on. It’s a curse. “A master at using his outsider status. Dazzlingly funny” The Times “He’s German but he means well” some bloke on Twitter. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

An Evening with Dolly Parton The Rags to Rhinestones Story is a smash hit dynamic theatre production that is widely accepted as the World’s foremost tribute show to Dolly Parton. It is performed by the award-winning Miss Julia Martin, who in 2019 was presented with the accolade of the UK’s No1 Dolly Parton tribute by the National Tribute Music Awards (NTMA). The show has been described by audiences as totally authentic in every way, and not only captures Dolly’s incredible stage presence, mannerisms, charisma and unique comedy one-liners, but also delivers a spectacular evening of entertainment, that no true Dolly fan will want to miss. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Superslam Wrestling - Gigantic Over The Top Rope King of The Ring

st It promises to be an evening of non-stop action when all of your favourite heroes and villains of All Star Superslam

TUESDAY

Wrestling meet in a giant Over the Top Rope – King of The Ring. It’s every man for himself. Friend against friend and foe against foe. Unlike a Royal Rumble, a King of The Ring match features all the wrestlers in the ring from the beginning. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure; inspiring generations and risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

What’s On FEBRUARY Jason Manford: Like Me

WEDNESDAY

He’s back! It’s been a busy few years for Jason since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. ‘Like Me’ is Jason’s latest comic offering set to hit the road, and is sure to be ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian) mixed with ‘comic gold’ (Mail on Sunday). Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Fairport Convention

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Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, with 2022 being their 55th anniversary! During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same – Fairport’s passion for performance. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena. co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever! Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep, Gerald Giraffe and more! There are a number of different show times available 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

What’s On MARCH Harpenden Floral Decoration Club

TUESDAY

Demonstration of flowers by Jackie Page “Flights of Fancy”. at 2 pm at the Salvation Army Hall, Leyton Green, Harpenden AL5 2TG. All visitors very welcome details 01582 621757

The Zombies

TUESDAY

“British Invasion” Legends The Zombies return home to celebrate their long-awaited induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Led by founding members, vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent, alongside Steve Rodford on drums, guitarist Tom Toomey, and Søren Koch on bass, The Zombies are also in the studio recording the follow-up to their 2015 Billboard-charting album, Still Got That Hunger. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available at the Box Office on 01582 767525 or by visiting www.the-emc.co.uk Venue: The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2FR.

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What’s On MARCH THUR-SAT

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Rare Productions: Aladdin

An original adaptation of the classic Aladdin story by Burton and Marriott. An amateur youth Musical th production When street rat Aladdin frees a genie from a lamp, he finds his wishes granted. However, he soon finds that the evil has other plans for the lamp – and for Princess Jasmine. But can Aladdin save Princess Jasmine and his love for her after she sees that he isn’t quite what he appears to be? A great musical for all the family with some amazing show tunes as well. Various show times Thurs 7.30pm, Fri 7.30pm, Sat 2pm & 6.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Dear Zoo

Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift the flap book has been a firm favourite with children and parents for nearly forty years. Lovingly adapted for the stage, his distinctive illustrations leap from the page in this colourful show packed full of puppetry, songs and, of course, all the animals from the zoo. With lots of laughs and audience interaction, Dear Zoo is the perfect introduction to theatre for young children. Join us and find out whether the zoo will send the perfect pet…in the end! Show starts at 1.30pm. Tickets available at the Box Office on 01582 767525 or by visiting www.the-emc.co.uk Venue: The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2FR.

Glenn Miller & Big Band Spectacular The hardest swinging big band in the UK recreates the million sellers of the 40’s and 50’s. Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and String of Pearls are just a few of the numbers that shot band leader Glenn Miller to world stardom. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Dear Zoo

TREXTASY T.Rextasy have now been performing around the world for over 20 years, a career that ironically out lives Marc’s very own T.Rex. The band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management. The band has been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

What’s On MARCH FRIDAY

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Friends the Musical Friends! The Musical Parody celebrates and pokes fun at the wacky misadventures of the group of 20-something pals we love from the hit TV show as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life, and love in 1990’s Manhattan. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Fastlove – Everything She Wants Tour Now touring in 18 countries, FASTLOVE has quickly become a global phenomenon and you can be a part of it on this amazing journey for a night like no other. There will only ever be one George Michael and this show pays tribute to all his incredible music, his life and the great man himself. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit: www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Snooker Greats with Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor & John Virgo Recreating the 1985 World Championship Final, with host & referee John Virgo Come and join Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor as they recreate the match that gripped a nation – the 1985 World Snooker Final. A record-breaking 18.5m TV viewers stayed up to watch the legendary match and this is your chance to see the rematch with snooker royalty as we recreate the final frame from that special night. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Dylan Moran: WE GOT THIS How can it be you have spent a whole ten minutes staring at a banana? Why do you always do stuff like that? Why do you never do the other really great things where it’s much, much better – and afterwards you don’t want to saw off your own face and post it back to yourself with not quite enough stamps? Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit: www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Russian State Opera Carmen - The Russian State Opera presents… Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a live Orchestra numbering over 30 musicians After its successful season of Madama Butterfly and Tosca, Russian State Opera returns to delight you with the powerful and dramatic production of Carmen – feel the thrill of fiery passion, jealousy and violence of 19th century Seville Bizet’s most popular opera. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD. Talking Pictures: The 9th Festival Of Film Renown Pictures and Talking Pictures TV are delighted to announce another festival of film for 2022. A truly great day out for fans of British film and TV from the 1940s, 1950s & 1960s. The day includes a variety of films, shorts and celebrity guests from the world of film and the eras we all love, on stage throughout the day. PLUS a selection of stalls selling film memorabilia, special book signings & DVDs. FULL GUEST LINE-UP AND SCREENING PROGRAMME TO BE ANNOUNCED. Doors open 10am – 7pm, First guest on stage at 10:30am. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

2022

Sundays 10am-3pm 20 March 15 May 17 July 18 September 20 November Lower High Street, Harpenden

sustainablestalbans.org/sustainability-market

Charity no 1173118 39

What’s On MARCH FRIDAY

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The King is Back – Ben Portsmouth is Elvis Ben Portsmouth – The World’s Number One Elvis Tribute Artist. Ben, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’s DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. He looks like Elvis, sings like Elvis and has an on-stage charisma that has audiences believing at times they are watching the King himself. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LDtoo be missed. We look forward to meeting you.

A Country Night in Nashville A Country Night In Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music. Prepare to be transported on a musical journey through the history of Country, featuring songs from its biggest stars both past and present. Hits from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly to the Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson to Little Big Town, are showcased by the amazing Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Dr Hook Starring Dennis Locorriere The talented, charismatic front man, with his brilliant group of players and singers, has been bringing that unmistakable ‘DR HOOK sound’ to SOLD OUT audiences all around the world. Now, to celebrate five decades of timeless music, the band is announcing their 50th Anniversary Tour. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

The Bootleg Beatles

Now celebrating 40 years since their debut on the West End stage in ‘Beatlemania’, the world’s Premier Beatles band continues to draw critical acclaim with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook in history. Doors Open at 6.30pm, Auditorium 7.00pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

Jive Talkin’ Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees tribute show that have actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb. Doors Open at 7pm, Auditorium 7.30pm and show starts at 8pm. Tickets available by calling the Box Office on 01727 844488 or visit www.alban-arena.co.uk Venue: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3LD.

GOT AN EVENT? LET US KNOW BY EMAIL: INFO@HARPENDENDIRECTORY.CO.UK

WELL WORTH A WINTER WANDER!

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

get out and go for a wander! 41

Harpenden Common

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

Rothamsted Park Harpenden

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

LYDEKKER PARK AN OASIS IN CENTRE OF HARPENDEN

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

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

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

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

Lydekker Park is situated just off Sun Lane, Harpenden.

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

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

See website for more information, opening times and facilities: www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ 44

Nomansland Common

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

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

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

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In 1429 a Puddingstone was placed to mark the boundary between Sandridge and Wheathampstead. This stone can be seen on the outfield of the cricket pitch close to the road. For more information on Nomansland, its history and Puddingstone see the virtual museum on the Wheathampstead Heritage web site. www. wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk Car Park Address: Ferrers Lane,Wheathampstead, St.Albans,AL4 8EJ. Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day For more information visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visitingwoods/woods/nomansland-common 45

Health LOOK AFTER YOURSELF THIS WINTER In the UK, around 25,000 more people die over the course of each winter compared to other times of the year. That’s why Hertfordshire County Council is urging people to take practical steps to help them stay well this winter. There are a range of conditions worsened by the cold weather - including respiratory conditions like severe asthma and COPD; circulatory illnesses such as heart disease and stroke; kidney disease; diabetes and dementia. Those who are older, pregnant, carers and very young children are also more at risk in winter. The Stay Well This Winter campaign encourages people most at risk from cold weather to take some simple precautions to help them prepare for the lower temperatures. Local pharmacists can offer free, qualified health advice at any time, and no appointment is necessary. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give expert help on everyday illnesses and answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines. Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Localism and Libraries, Teresa Heritage, said: “With winter on the way, there are important things we can all do to keep ourselves healthy during the winter months. “If you qualify for the free flu jab, get it now before it’s too late – it’s the best way to protect yourself. “Cold and damp homes can contribute to poor health so make sure you heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F) and keep windows closed at night. Help to make sure your home is energy efficient is available by calling 0300 123 4044. “If you do start to feel ill, seek immediate advice from a pharmacist before your condition gets more serious.” 46

There are also other practical dangers when the weather gets cold such as icy pavements, which lead to an increase in slips and falls, particularly amongst the elderly so take extra care outside. Look after you and your loved ones by eating and drinking well, taking exercise, socialising with others and making sure you have stocks of food and medicines at home. If you’re worried about someone or need help yourself, Call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit www.hertfordshire. gov.uk/winterhealth If you don’t fall into one of the at risk groups but want a flu jab, they are available at many local supermarkets and pharmacies for a small fee. If you would like to sign up to receive regular updates about your health and wellbeing, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme

Keep yourself and others well Follow these steps to help stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and warm water, itʼs the best way to stop germs spreading and can help prevent colds, and diarrhoea.

Use tissues to catch your cough or sneeze and then throw them in the bin.

Helpful hints to protect you and your family

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

hours Try to stay away from others for 48 hours if you have had sickness or an upset stomach.

Keep surfaces like door handles and clean with anti-bacterial cleaner. 47

DRY JANUARY

Dry January is the perfect way to reset your relationship with alcohol.

Here’s a few of the benefits: 1. You may lose weight

It’s no secret that alcohol is loaded with calories. At 7 calories per gram, a standard glass of wine (5 ounces) can contain about 130 calories, and a serving of beer (12 ounces) nearly 330 calories.

It only takes three weeks to break a habit, so this could be your route to happier, 2. You’ll get deeper sleep It’s true that a nightcap can help you doze off faster, healthier drinking long-term. Alcohol is linked with more than 60 health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, depression and seven types of cancer. In fact, alcohol is the biggest cause of death for people aged 15-49 in the UK. Cutting back on alcohol reduces your risk of developing these conditions. The UK’s top doctors (they’re called the Chief Medical Officers) recommend drinking no more than 14 units per week, spread over three or more days, and with at least two days off. The good news is that Dry January is the perfect training ground for helping you cut down from February onwards! Cutting down permanently is, for many people, very hard, because habits are hard to break. Dry January is an excellent way of learning what your habits are and how to break them, enabling you to cut down longer-term. You can think of it as a bootcamp for drinking self-control! 48

but according to a 2013 study, alcohol disrupts the most restorative phase of sleep that occurs later in the night. 3. You could kick a cold faster

Alcohol can suppress your immune system, which might hinder your ability to fight off an illness. Even one night of too much drinking—in this case, drinking until you’re drunk—can interfere with your body’s ability to produce cytokines, or chemicals that help fight off infections. 4. Your skin might look younger

Alcohol can act as a diuretic, which can increase fluid loss and lead to dehydration, possibly damaging the skin, plus, when people stop drinking, they get more calories from foods; this tends to improve their vitamin intake, which can also make their skin appear healthier. 5. You’ll get better at resisting peer pressure

The participants in a Dry January study, not only drank less later in the year, but also felt more confident turning down drinks. 6. More money in your pocket

The average person spends £50,000 on booze in their lifetime Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity, formed from the merge of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research who can offer help and support. For more information about alcohol and support please visit: www.alcoholchange.org.uk

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Get winter ready Here are our top 10 tips to help you stay safe and well this winter Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated

Good nutrition is vital to help keep us healthy and well. Eat meals with a mix of protein, dairy, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. Drink lots of water (and warm drinks or soup in cold weather) and try not to exceed recommended alcohol limits.

Boost your vitamin levels

Get outside in the sunshine for 15-20 minutes a day and take a vitamin D supplement to avoid vitamin

Sleep well

Establish a bedtime routine and use relaxation exercises to improve sleep.

Keep a wellstocked medicine cabinet

You can buy useful remedies for lots of minor illnesses from your local pharmacist or supermarket, often at very little cost. Own-brand versions are often cheaper but just as

Stay active

30 minutes a day, including strengthening exercises, can help you to stay strong and independent. Hertfordshireʼs countywide health walks are a free, fun and sociable way to be active. You can also search for local activities and online classes at: www.movingmore.co.uk

Prevent falls

Keep warm Heat your home to at least 18 degrees – if you can’t heat the whole house, heat the room you are in. Help to carry out energy be available.

Keep your home safe

Check your home for trip hazards or electrical concerns and make sure you have a working smoke alarm - a free Safe and Well visit can help with this (see page 21 for details).

Move around regularly and use gentle exercises to stay strong and supple. Wear slip-resistant shoes with good grip and replace worn slippers. Secure rugs and mats and move obstacles. There’s lots of information to help prevent falls at: www.hcpastopfalls.info, including a useful app that can be downloaded onto a smart phone or tablet (ask someone to help you do this if you need to).

Stay connected

Keep in touch with people, keep a list of Be prepared useful contacts in or by your If you have a car, keep phone in case of emergencies it ‘winter ready’ with an and please look out for friends emergency kit in the boot. and neighbours. There are Keep a few extra store cupboard many good neighbour schemes items i.e. tins and long-life across the county. See page 23 milk at home, in case you can’t for more information on staying get out for a few days. connected. We’re here to listen and help you find the independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life. Call us on 0300 123 4044 email: info@hertshelp.net or visit: www.hertshelp.net

Starter

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 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.

The Harpenden monthly Farmers Market takes place on the 4th Sunday of every month from 10am until 2pm and is run and organised by us at Harpenden Town Council. The Farmers' Market accommodates approximately 70 stalls and runs northbound along the Lower High Street from Sainsbury’s Supermarket to Strutt & Parker.

Each Market finds a huge selection of produce available, for example: • Meats, pies, sausages • Fish • Preserves – pickles, jams and honey • Cheeses • Vegetables and fruit • Flowers and plants • Fresh bread, cakes and pastries • Eggs • Beer, wine and liqueurs Markets marked * are the 4th but not the last Sunday of the month.

2022 dates are: Sunday 23rd January* 2022 Sunday 27th February 2022 Sunday 27th March 2022 53

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 54

Method: Preheat Oven to to 120C/fan 100C/gas ½ 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.

Baked Cheesecake with Crumble Topping

Dessert

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 180°C, gas mark 4.

Ingredients - Serves 8:

Take a 25cm tart tin that’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: 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

Cook for 12 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and return the pastry case to the oven. Bake for a further 7 minutes until dry. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Reduce the heat of the oven to 170°C, gas mark 3.To make the filling, beat the ricotta with the soured cream. Beat the egg yolks with the caster sugar until pale, then add to the cheese mixture, also mixing in the lemon zest and juice and vanilla extract. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Sift the flour over the ricotta mixture, then fold it in along with the egg whites. Spoon the filling into the pastry case. To make the crumble mixture, rub the butter into the flour, then stir in the sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the cheesecake. Bake for about 50 minutes to one hour, until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven, then chill it for at least 3 hours before serving.

Homes Improvements to planning application process

Improvements to the planning application system in St Albans District have been recommended for the benefit of all those involved. Among the proposed changes is the greater involvement of Councillors, who make the key decisions, in pre-application discussions with developers and other applicants. This is to ensure the views and needs of the community are voiced before applications are finalised, increasing their chances of success. Another proposal is for the number of Development Management Committees that consider applications to be reduced from four to one. This is to allow Councillors to focus on applications most likely to have an impact on the community. The recommendations were made by St Albans City and District Council’s Local Plan Advisory Group (LPAG) at its meeting on Tuesday 29 November. Members agreed that detailed proposals should be shared with all political groups prior to consideration by the Policy Committee and then Full Council. Council officers will now draw up detailed guidelines that would increase Councillor Engagement in the pre-application process according to best national practice. Councillor Chris White, Council Leader and Chair of the LPAG, said after the meeting: It is important that we continually look for ways to streamline and improve our services.

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Improvements to planning application process - Continued Involving Councillors at an early stage in the application process will ensure that developers are fully aware of the community view before they make a submission. This will be particularly helpful for those making applications that will have a major impact in the local area or are likely to be contentious. It also means that Councillors will become aware of issues surrounding an application long before they reach a Committee when a decision has to be made. In addition, cutting the number of Development Management Committee meetings will put us into line with other local authorities and concentrate Councillor efforts on the big cases. It will mean delegating more of the very small applications to our professional planners while the remaining Committee can focus on the larger decisions. The Council’s four Development Management Committees, including three that cover specific geographic areas, are scheduled to meet almost 50 times a year in total. Under the proposed new system, it is envisaged the one Committee would meet around 12 times a year. It is estimated the changes would save almost £30,000 a year as well as 1,000 hours of Councillor time, some of which can be better spent on pre-application work. The recommendations also involve changes to the call-in process which allows Councillors to demand that an application is considered by a Committee rather than delegated to officers. Under the proposals, Councillors would no longer be able to call in applications deemed to be of a technical nature and Cairns not of wider interest. & Hall public half page ad.pdf 1 13/12/2018 15:13 These could include, for example, a household application for an extension or other small works. All other District Councils in Hertfordshire have a single Development Management Committee.

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DON’T WASH BUT SCRAPE!

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

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

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RADIATE A GOOD VIBE IN YOUR HOME Gone are the days when radiators were hidden away out of site or behind covers.

degrees or that spare room that only your guests have to endure, now can become enjoyable spaces.

Today we have started to celebrate the beauty of them and with number of beautiful designs you can see why! When it comes to choosing the right radiator there are many advantages to having modern designs installed. Not only can you potentially save money long term but you can also make the fashion statement you want and it can become the talking point of your room. With such a huge choice of designs, finishes and colours, you can have a radiator placed in pretty much any area or space in your home without any problems. That awkward space in your hallway, the small downstairs loo that nobody uses because it -15

There are many websites out there that can help you calculate the size of radiator you need for the size of room. Alternatively you could contact your local Plumber’s Merchant, Bathroom Showroom or Heating engineer and speak to them for advice.

Start enjoying your radiators today!

Goodson Builders Ltd ESTABLISHED 1975

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

CALL: 07850 746171 FAX: 01582 873456

Email: goodson.builders@lineone.net 62

Harpenden House page 1 full page.pdf

05/11/2015

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Luxury Serviced Apartments in the heart of Harpenden

Moving Home • Re Locating • Away on Business Building an Extension • Visiting Family

Tel: 01582 761642

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

info@harpendenhouse.com www.harpendenhouse.com 63

Stay safe at home Did you know you can book a free Safe and Well visit to have your home checked for hazards and get advice about fire safety? You can also get guidance on staying healthy and active, including how to prevent falls.

free if required.

The appointment lasts no more than an hour and the friendly

For more information, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov. uk/safeandwell or contact HertsHelp (see back page for contact details).

need to keep your home safe. They will also make sure your smoke alarms are working

Covering Harpenden, St Albans and surrounding villages.

Home Counties Security Systems is one of the areas premier security installation companies specialising in:

Security Systems, Alarms and CCTV for the Home & Commercial Buildings NSI Approved Installer

enquiries@homecountiessecurity.co.uk 64

www.homecountiessecurity.co.uk

Lewlec Electrical Advert - Half Page Landscape (3).pdf

21/01/2021

15:29

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

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

OPENING TIMES

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

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

Further information on all the above Centres please visit: www.wasteaware.org.uk

FLAT PACK MIKE Assembly Service

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

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

mIKEA

Saving relationships for years!

FLAT PACK MIKE

01582 713034

or email: info@flatpackmike.co.uk

www.flatpackmike.co.uk

FLAT PACK MIKE

HARPENDEN’S FAMILY FIRM YOU CAN TRUST

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

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

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

HARPENDEN’S FAMILY FIRM YOU CAN TRUST

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

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

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

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

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

Registered charity no 1173118

Cutmore Carpentry full page ad.pdf

27/06/2020

15:29

CUTMORE CARPENTRY

BESPOKE CARPENTRY SOLUTIONS

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

Tel: 01582 483459 Mob: 07980 235644 69

LITTER IN HARPENDEN Litter in Harpenden is very much on our agenda and early in 2021 Harpenden Town Council set out a plan to take a lead role in reducing litter across the Town.They carried out a community survey to help identify problem areas and reasons for these; this enabled them to address each location individually. Additionally, they conducted a review of bins in our parks and open spaces allowing them to focus on budgeting appropriately and replacing litter bins efficiently. Back in June 21 they launched their Litter Angel Scheme; this was an initiative to encourage volunteers to litter pick in convenient locations. HTC were delighted to receive so many applications and were happy to supply Litter Angel Packs consisting of high vis vests, bin bags, litter pickers and other helpful items to our Angels. Volunteering with them enables residents to contribute to their community whilst getting some fresh air and exercise. Did you know that anyone can borrow some of their litter pick packs? Many individuals and groups have already done this and they are grateful to them for organising their own litter picking sessions. Westmoor half page ad.pdf

23/01/2021

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Finally, watch out for new signage around Harpenden, reminding us all to take care of our environment. HTC asked school children to design these and we were overwhelmed with the artistic and thoughtful entries.

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CCTV INSTALLED IN R OT H A M S T E D PARK Harpenden Town Council has installed new Close Circuit Television (CCTV) in Rothamsted Park. Cameras, which will record activity in a large area of the Park including the recently opened playground, will detect and deter crime and antisocial behaviour. It is hoped that CCTV will also offer reassurance to members of the public, and will help to protect the Town’s buildings and assets. Sadly, the installation of CCTV follows recent reports of antisocial behaviour and we urge local residents and schools to talk to young people in their care about the potential consequences of antisocial behaviour. Flyer NEW April 2013_Layout 2 15/05/2013 12:04 Page 1

We are determined to help tackle this and will not hesitate to report the individuals responsible to the police and provide CCTV evidence. This is a clear message to perpetrators that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. Since taking ownership of Rothamsted Park, the Town Council has been working to make improvements that will make it a better and safer place.This includes working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary, the Community Protection Team at St Albans City & District Council and other partners to address antisocial behaviour. If you see any suspicious behaviour in the park or suspect a crime is in progress, call 999.

01582 840144 07939 623675

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

• • • • •

NPTC CERTIFIED POLLARDING RESHAPING STUMP REMOVAL HEDGES TRIMMED, SHAPED & REMOVED • DEAD WOODING • REDUCTIONS • CROWN LIFTING

• • • •

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LOGS DELIVERED TREE REMOVAL T.P.O. & PLANNING APPLICATIONS • 24hr EMERGENCY CALL-OUT • TREE SURVEY INSPECTIONS & REPORTS

• No Job too small • FREE Estimates & Advice • • Fully Insured to £10 million & Approved by Local Authorities • Herts, Beds, Bucks & London + we will beat any written quotation Registered in England No. 5005478 VAT Reg. No. 847 4261 12

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

01582 621222 or 07775 715086

Motors

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

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

Victoria garage New half page ad.pdf

12/12/2017

15:32

VICTORIA GARAGE

Friendly Local Service Centre Servicing • Repairs • Tyres • Exhausts Brakes • Clutches • Fault Finding

NOW RELO CAT ED

TO B ATF ORD MILL IND EST !

All work carried out to the highest standard! Free Delivery & Collection in Harpenden & surrounding areas!

Call Today on:

MOT's by Appointment

01582 760551 01582 769132 Unit 5, Batford Mill, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5BZ

JUST MOT’s

Spares, Repairs or Sales Pressure - Just a fair test!

1 High Street Redbourn Herts AL3 7LE Easy to park!

The Centre You Can Trust! Open Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm. Sat 8am - 12.30pm. Sun & Bank Holidays Closed.

MOT CENTRE

MOT’S WHILE - U - WAIT - NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

MOT CENTRE 75

MOT CENTRE

MOT CENTRE 75

DESIGN BY WWW.LETTERG.CO.UK

Let us help you move in 2022 76