harpenden
Pick p u me m ’ I E FRE
December 2020
NOW
Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside
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A member of the
www.refurbsandroofing.co.uk email: dean.w.1@hotmail.com promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006
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Welcome to December We’re delighted to have found so many local events happening this month, we hope they will all go ahead as planned, but please make sure you check websites for any changes. Lockdown has again highlighted the importance of local businesses to our community, so please continue to ‘think local’ when looking through the magazine to see who you need, from Accountants to Windows and Doors. If you’re interested in advertising, please get in touch. The magazines are monthly and if you don’t have a copy handy, you can always find them on Twitter, Facebook or our website. We wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas
Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines
Advertising Rates 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition
3 months £43 per edition 1/4 page £52 per edition 1/3 page £64 per edition 1/2 page £110 per edition Full page
other options are available
Please get in touch wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313
Deadline 8th Dec for Jan edition
Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you General household and office cleaning Moving in / out cleans Experienced in elderly or housebound clients Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems Social distancing observed and cleaning carried out to customers wishes within government Covid19 guidelines
Phone for a free quotation 07719 657125 07909 091325 www.merrivac.co.uk ~ Taking Care of Your Home ~
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To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com
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To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com
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01582 864138 / 01727 453019
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FREE Oven Liner (RRP £12) with all cleans completed by 30/12/20
Harpenden Cookers are now going to be Turkey Ready! Harpenden homeowners welcome the news that Duane Smith is now not only cleaning ovens but gleaming them! Duane is your local OvenGleamer for Harpenden and the surrounding areas. Fear not, your cooker, oven or range can now be gleamed to a fresh, hygienic and “as new” looking finish ready for you to cook that Turkey or Nut Roast this year. The smoking and greasiness will be ecologically gleamed away using a vegetable-based paste; OvenGleamers prides itself as being the only local oven cleaning company that never uses harmful chemicals in your home. Duane explains “The Covid-19 safe cleaning process is not only child, pet and asthmatic friendly but also includes a post clean anti-virus sanitisation of all surfaces.” Book now to guarantee your Turkey comes out of the oven as fresh as it goes in, call Duane on 01727 743480 or go to www.ovengleamers.com for more details.
W lun e als oe ch trip es & njoy s to the get atre h er
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Volunteers Needed
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The Harpenden Museum is due to open in the new Eric Morecambe Centre in Rothamsted Park next year. Work on converting the former sports hall into the new theatre and culture centre complex has continued throughout lockdown. The museum will only be open when volunteers are available to staff it, and so they are appealing to anyone with an interest in Harpenden’s history to offer their services, with flexibility on the time people can spare. Knowledge of local history or museum experience are less important than a friendly face and welcoming smile, says curator David Keen, who can be reached at davidkeen100@talktalk.net 01582 760423 www.harpenden-history.org.uk
UK registered charity no 297489
RTI AUTO SERVICES LTD Specialist in Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance
MOT ONLY £35
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When Booked with a Full Service
@rtiautoservicesltd
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Free Vehicle Collection Nutwood (Left Hand Gate), Down Green Lan, Wheathampstead AL4 8EB
Contact Robert Innes 07596 454 550
Friendly, Reliable, Independent Business
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Festive Fun for Everyone
Please check websites for any changes
Van Hage Garden Centre 3rd - 24th Dec Visit Santa in his traditional Christmas Grotto, which will be bigger than ever to allow for social distancing, receive a gift and have a photo with the man himself. £11.50 per child, please book Van Hage Garden Centre SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk
Burston Garden Centre 3rd - 24th Dec Children can walk through Candy Cane Lane, spot the mini gingerbread men, create an elf name and take an elfie selfie. All activities will be non-contact to keep everyone safe. Each family can spend time with Santa, before choosing a present from his sack. The restaurant will be serving festive food, so why not stop off for breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake. Burston Garden Centre AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk
The Olde Watermill 3rd - 24th Dec Fri-Sun until 18th Dec then daily Believe in the magic of Christmas and let Santa put a smile on your face. The new COVID safe Grotto has been laid out to offer a 20 minute private family experience (3 - 6 people per booking). You will be greeted by cheeky Elf, Elfie Selfie and Tinseltoes, who will help you wish upon a star, make Reindeer food and belly laugh with their antics and magic tricks, before you meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. With a present for every child and photo opportunities this is an experience not to be missed. Please book The Olde Watermill, Barton-le-clay MK45 4RF www.tickettailor.com
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ZSL Whipsnade 3rd - 24th Dec Weekends until 19th Dec then daily See Mrs Claus and the cheeky elves, and join in with Christmas crafts before meeting the man himself. Every child will receive a gift. VIP experience of breakfast with Santa also available. Please book ZSL Whipsnade Zoo LU6 2LF www.zsl.org
Woburn Sands Garden Centre Ice Rink 3rd Dec - 3rd Jan A skating rink with real ice, skates are included in the price, and skating aids will be available. Please book Adult £7.50 - £14.50, child £5 - £9.50 Newport Road, Milton Keynes MK17 8UF www.wsemporium.co.uk
Hogwarts in the Snow 3rd Dec - 17th Jan Get into the festive spirit as this annual event returns with more snow than ever. For the first time Diagon Alley undergoes a wintery transformation with the cobbled stones and magical shop fronts given a festive makeover, draped in layers of filmmaking snow. Though Diagon Alley was not seen in the snow, the set was used for parts of Hogsmeade during the wintery scenes when Harry made use of his invisibility cloak to join the school trip without permission. Warner Bros Studio Tour WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Vintage 1940s Christmas Grotto
Lunch With Santa
5th - 23rd Dec 10am - 3pm Weekends until 19th Dec then daily Enjoy a magical meeting with Father Christmas in the beautifully decorated Mansion, where children can tell him their Christmas wishes and take photos surrounded by vintage toys, Christmas trees and 1940’s decorations. All children will receive a gift. Please book. Bletchley Park MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
6th, 13th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec 12 noon - 3pm Enjoy an early Christmas lunch of turkey and all the trimmings followed by Christmas Bakewell tart and ice cream, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Please book, maximum 6 guests Knebworth Barns SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com
Father Christmas visits Wardown Museum
12th, 13th, 19th, 20th & 21st Dec Enjoy a steam train ride and see Santa, where all children will receive a present. Please book Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org
5th - 23rd Dec 11am - 3pm, every 30 mins Enjoy a story in the library with Holly Claus before joining her father, Father Christmas in the dining room for a special gift from under the tree. Afterwards, you can enjoy milk and cookies with the friendly elves and have a photo with Santa. Adult £6, child £14, age 10+ www.culturetrust.com
The Enchanted Christmas Journey 5th - 24th Dec Make festive memories where your experience will be socially distanced but just as magical. Discover the Enchanted Forest with magical portals, meet Father Christmas and his elves where children will receive a gift, learn to be an Elf at Elf Academy, decorate gingerbread and meet some adorable animals. Mead Open Farm, Billington LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
Leighton Buzzard Railway Santa’s Steam Specials 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec Take a 25-minute steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway that’s more than 100 years old, and run by enthusiastic volunteers. Meet Santa in his grotto and receive a gift. And to help with your own present-hunting, the shop at Page’s Park station has the best selection of Thomas products, and much more besides. Age 13+ £9, under 12’s £9.50 incl present Mince Pie Specials 27th & 28th Dec Santa will be off on his holidays once Christmas is over, but for a couple of days, you can still enjoy the festive steam train ride and seasonal refreshments. Adult £7.50, child £4.50 Page's Park Station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TG. www.buzzrail.uk
Santa at the Station
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show 12th Dec - 3rd Jan Featuring a menagerie of enchanting puppets in a magical show that adapts four of Eric Carle's beloved books for the stage, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, the newly added Dream Snow and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. A special, live, socially distanced performance for everyone to enjoy. Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS www.hertfordtheatre.com
British Schools Museum 19th Dec 10am - 4pm Join Santa on his sleigh, all children will receive a gift. Please book www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
Christmas Adventure Quest 26th Dec - 3rd Jan 10am - 4pm Enjoy this festively-fun event with your family and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened. Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way to get out and about in Christmas week. Wrest Park MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tracking Santa Every year on Christmas Eve, in a programme set up in 1965 by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, you can track Santa as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children around the world. Visit the website from 1st December and watch the countdown to Santa’s launch www.noradsanta.org
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Senior Citizens 10% off all prices Dry Cut Wash & Cut Blow Dry Cut & Blow Dry Restyle & Finish Shampoo & Set Cut & Set Perm from
£11.50 £13 £12 £19 £22 £11.50 £19 £37
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Christmas Markets
Time to Get Festive Please check websites for any changes
Christmas at Waddesdon 3rd - 20th Dec Weds - Sun 12 noon - 7.30pm Visit this outdoor extravaganza, soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with over 80 stalls, surrounded by twinkling trees. As twilight falls see the gardens sparkle with spectacular light displays bringing the extraordinary landscape to life. Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea. Please book Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury HP18 0JE www.waddesdon.org.uk
Christmas Afternoon Tea 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th Dec 3pm Treat yourself to a selection of sandwiches, a spiced scone with clotted cream and jam, other festive treats and a glass of Kir Royale. Please book, maximum 6 guests Knebworth Barns SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com
Christmas Weekend 5th & 6th Dec 10am - 4pm Find out how Christmas was celebrated in the past and see some of the Museum's historic buildings traditionally decorated. There’ll be a small artisan Christmas market and the Museum's shop will be full of local handmade products including jewellery, candles, preserves and gin. Listen to carol singing and have your family portrait taken (additional charge). Grounds and gardens £5, please book Chiltern Open Air Museum HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk
British Schools Museum Christmas Craft Fair 5th & 6th Dec 10.30am - 2pm Festive Headmaster's House 9th - 31st Dec 10am - 4pm See the Headmaster's House like never before. Christmas School-yard Sale 12th Dec 10am - 2pm Winter Wonderland 13th, 19th -24th Dec 10am - 4pm Christmas Readings 19th Dec 10am - 4pm Hear costumed characters reading excerpts from favourite Christmas books. Please book for all events www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
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St Albans Christmas Charter Market 12th - 24th Dec daily 9am - 4pm St Peters Street AL3 5DJ Enjoy some festive cheer with gifts, produce and Christmas spirit. Harpenden Farmers’ Christmas Market 20th Dec 10am - 2pm Rothamsted Research Conf Centre AL5 2JQ Live choirs, chestnuts, mulled drinks and more as well as a visit from Father Christmas and a Christmas craft activity for the children.
Auction of Promises bidding closes 16th Dec In support of the Mayor’s charities, view the auction items and bid at www.harpenden.gov.uk
St Albans Mummers St George and the Dragon 26th Dec St Alban's Mummers are hoping to present this traditional play in various locations in the city centre, if the COVID-19 rules will allow it, the show will go on! Check the website for up to date information www.stalbansmummers.org.uk
Hospice of St Francis The Hospice has a range of high quality cards, available in their charity shops and online. www.stfrancis.org.uk
Cards for Good Causes raises up to £100k for charity each year in St Albans alone, sellling Christmas cards and gifts. The 250 charities supported by them will suffer due to the lockdown as they can’t trade in the usual way. So they have introduced a Click and Collect service at selected locations, and new ones are being added daily so please check back or place orders via the website. www.cardsforcharity.co.uk
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A local family business offering regular, occasional and one off gardening and maintenance services Lawn Mowing I Hedge Cutting Weeding I Garden Clearance Fencing I Power Washing/Sealing Turfing I General Maintenance + Much more‌ Contact us now for a free quote!
01582 529429 I 07984 244494 info@detailgardening.co.uk DetailGardening www.detailgardening.co.uk
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NOW at the Local Theatres Please check websites for changes
Winter Concerts 4th, 5th, 18th & 19th Dec 7pm Rothamsted Manor will be joining forces with Steve Moss, musical director of Les Miserables to host four special festive concerts featuring some of the UK’s leading musical theatre actors. Each concert will be socially distanced, with groups seated apart. There are just 26 tickets available per concert, so book now to avoid disappointment Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2JQ www.rothamstedenterprises.com
That’ll Be The Day’s Rock & Roll Christmas Show 5th Dec 7pm online Join this rollercoaster sleigh ride through the ‘golden’ age of Rock & Roll and Pop, a sparkling mix of Christmas hits, hilarious comedy and nostalgia. Grab your chance to see this new prerecorded Christmas show from the comfort of your armchair. Buy your ticket and receive a link to watch the show online direct from the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage. www.thatllbetheday.events
Barn Theatre The Best Man 10th - 13th Dec 8pm online A richly dark and comic tale that absorbs the listener and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Telling the story of Bailey, the best man at his oldest friend’s wedding, this is a tale of love and cheating, with a sting. City of Tomorrow 16th - 18th Dec Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Welwyn Garden City. www.barntheatre.co.uk
lashings of magic, mischief, music and makebelieve, and a little sprinkle of fairy dust. Capacity is reduced to 40% so tickets are limited. £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Alban Arena AL1 3LD www.maltingstheatre.co.uk
The Sandpit Theatre Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella 12th Dec 7pm A thrilling love story set in London during WW2. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the Blitz. This story is heart-stopping and takes you into the heart of Prokofiev’s magnificent score. Concerto: A Beethoven Journey 16th Dec 7pm Filmed over 4 years, leading concert pianist Leif Ove Andsnes attempts to understand and interpret some of the greatest works for piano ever written: Beethoven’s five piano concertos. Considered one of the top pianists of the age, Andsnes offers rare insights into the mind of a world-class pianist. Dream Maker 19th & 20th Dec 11am, 2pm & 4pm Discover the mysteries of Dream Making and share the secrets of mixing the perfect dream. An inclusive, interactive show that families can enjoy together safely. Visit the Dream Shop in your family group and have your own space to work and play together to create a fantastic dream. A perfect return to the theatre. Age 3+ www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
The Secret Garden
12th - 30th Dec 7.30pm & 2.30pm In theatre and live streamed When Mary Lennox's parents suddenly die, she is sent to live with her uncle, on his remote country estate deep in the Yorkshire moors. While exploring, she discovers a hidden magical garden. A classic tale of discovery and friendship, just what we need in these challenging times. Join us at the Peter Pan 11th Dec - 3rd Jan theatre or from the comfort of your own home. The Maltings Theatre presents a musical version of £15, concs £9 JM Barrie's classic, much loved play, told with Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk OVO’s customary irreverence and wit. With
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DJ&M M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com
Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and
Basins ● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines
and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps
Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover
01727 224802 www.theNOWmagazines.com
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Index of Businesses
Accountants Hicks
Conservatory Roof Solutions 9 22 Nu-Look
Bakery Zuckermaus Artisan Bakery
Domestic Appliance Repairs 13 13 Spin Doctor Loft Ladders 11 10 Home Counties Loft Ladders Oven Cleaners Finance Oven Gleamers 12 AMR Financial Management 22 Continuum 25 Painters & Decorators CB Decorators 29 Fireplaces & Heating 29 Fireplaces & Heating Ltd 6 M & M Decorators Plumbers Garage Doors DJ&M Plumbing Garolla 15 Services Ltd 29 & 31 Garden Nursery / Centre Roofing Bridge Valley 31 GJ Smith Roofing 8 Townsend Nursery 27 Security Gardening / Landscaping Maximum Security 10 AR Landscapes Ltd 26 Detail Gardening Singing Club & Maintenance 27 Clover Singing Club 12
Electricians Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service 2 Anderton Electrics Blinds Harpenden Blinds
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Building / Refurbishment Complete Refurbishment & Roofing Front Cover Kingsholme Back Cover Open Plan Solutions 5 Bicycle Repairs Cycling Dutchman
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Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop
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Car Servicing / Repairs RTI Auto Services Ltd
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Charities Harpenden Trust Traid
22 Gas Engineer 14 Be Heated
Chiropodist Kathy Witchard
Hairdresser 19 Image Mobile Hairdressing
Cleaning A&R Exterior Cleaning Services Ltd Merrivac Molly Maid
Healthcare Spire Harpenden 27 Hospital 20 & 21 3 Hearing Services 13 Hearing Healthcare Practice 18
Computer Repairs Ken Hodson
30 Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services
Slimming 6 Vision Weight Consultancy Solicitors 19 Rayden Solicitors
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Venue Hire Harpenden Trust
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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 4 Kings Windows 4
Local Computer Hardware and Software Repairs Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business
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No fix, no fee for all repairs - you have nothing to lose! Low hourly rate Most repairs carried out in your home, if not the computer will be picked up and delivered back to you. Problems with Windows / Applications / Games / Internet / Networks fixed Friendly training and instruction available in plain English Advice given on upgrades - many older computers can be upgraded at a fraction of the cost of a new machine Upgrades of hardware and software
07974 156743 / 01582 794723 enquiries@kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk www.kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk We have made every effort to ensure that any material published in harpenden NOW is correct and can accept no liability for any errors or delays in publication or distribution, harpenden NOW accepts no responsibility for its advertisers.
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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd
Ken Hodson
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DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●
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Complete
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Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations
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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries
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Tiling Plastering Electrical
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Discounts on all Bathrooms & Kitchens Supplied
Electric and Power Showers Ball Valves and Overflows Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers Repair Leaking Pipes Outside Taps
Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk Wishing all our Clients a Safe and Peaceful Christmas and New Year
Christmas Trees, Logs, Kindling & Coal Winter Pansies & Winter Baskets 5 mins from Harpenden Town Centre
East Hyde LU1 3TS 01582 766728 To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com
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