harpenden NOW Aug 23

Welcome to August

As always we have a wide range of local businesses from Accountants to Windows and Doors, so please remember to call them if you need anything done, and let them know you found their advert in harpenden NOW. If you run your own business we’d love to include you, it’s so easy just book your space online today!

Why not have a flick through there’s lots happening this month, from new things at the Cathedral and Fun Family things to do, to Open Air Theatre and Cinema and much much more!

Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines

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You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 8th Aug for Sept editions

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313 www.theNOWmagazines.com

Out & About

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Time for Tea until 5th Nov

Exploring the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup. Taking you through what tea is, how it comes to the UK, is packaged, stored, made, and then drunk from different vessels. There will be lots of activities including talks and creative workshops.

Paint Your Own Mug

2nd Aug 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm

As part of the Time for Tea exhibition, learn how to create beautiful designs using simple shapes, and personalise a mug. £7.50, age 10+

Georgian Costume Ball 26th Aug 7.30pm

Bring your Pride and Prejudice fantasies to life at this costume ball in the Georgian assembly room. Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing (instructions provided by a historical dance caller). Dressing up is integral to the experience, so let your imagination run wild when choosing your 18th century outfits. £45 St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Community Photography Exhibition

31st July - 12th Aug 10am - 4pm

The theme is ‘Our Environment’. EMC, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR the-emc.co.uk

Aylett Nurseries

Big Butterfly Count until 6th Aug

This nationwide survey is aimed at helping assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies we see. Launched in 2010 it has become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies. Over 107,000 people took part in 2021, submitting 152,039 counts of butterflies across the UK. Counting butterflies is useful because they react very quickly to changes in their environment making them excellent biodiversity indicators. A decline in them is an early warning for other wildlife losses.

Autumn Festival

26th Aug - 10th Sept 10am - 4pm

The annual autumnal celebration of Aylett’s famous home grown Dahlias. Enjoy the Celebration Garden and Dahlia Field ablaze with seasonal colour. Also see the wildflower border complete with insect hotel, the garden is open all year, but is especially spectacular from July to early autumn when the dahlias are in flower.

The Celebration Garden is part of the National Garden Scheme, a charity that raises funds for nursing and health charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute. Light refreshments will be available in the tea tent. Admission by donation. Aylett Nurseries, North Orbital Road, St Albans AL2 1DH www.aylettnurseries.co.uk www.ngs.org.uk

Herts Wildlife Trust

Workshop: Discover Hedgehogs

1st & 29th August 2pm

Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs, aimed at families with children aged 6+ Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary, Harpenden

Dragonfly Walk

19th Aug 2pm

Guided walk to discover Panshanger Park's dragonflies. For families with children age 8+

Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA

Guided Bat Walk

27th Aug 8pm

Discover the bats of Verulamium Park. For families with children age 8+

The Parish Centre, St Albans AL3 4SL www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Verulamium Museum

Meet Tessa Wheeler 5th Aug 11.30am & 2pm

‘Meet’ 1930s archaeologist Tessa Wheeler, hear about her archaeological achievements and see her incredible experiences brought to life.

Free with admission

Tots Tales 25th Aug 10.30am & 1.15pm

A story, craft activities and a museum hunt, inspired by the popular story ‘All Are Welcome’ by Alexandra Penfold. £5, ages 2 - 4, accompanied by an adult Sceptical Cinema - Ruining Period Drama with

Historical Commentary 29th Aug 7pm

A novel cinematic experience, where the historical inaccuracies of a film are discussed before watching it. The film will be the epic historical action film ‘300’, where King Leonidas of Sparta leads 300 men into battle against the Persian "God-King" Xerxes and his invading army of more than 300,000 at the Battle of Thermopylae in the Greco-Persian Wars.

£10, child/student £7.50

St Peters Street AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Harpenden Library

Baby Rhyme Time

On Thursdays 10am & 11.30am

Storytime Tuesdays 2.15pm

IT Champion Available for Digital Help

On Mondays 2.30pm - 4pm

Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

More Out & About

Willow Weaving Workshops

2nd Aug: Animal Sculpture 10am

3rd Aug: Basket 10am

Put your creative skills to the test and enjoy a day of willow weaving. £85 per workshop

Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2BG www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Knitted Bible Exhibition

2nd - 4th Aug 10am - 12noon

Favourite bible scenes recreated in wool. Free

Harpenden High Street Methodist Church AL5 2RU

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Summer Workshops 10am - 12noon

3rd Aug - Herbs

10th Aug - Fruit & Veg

17th Aug - Flowers & Seeds

Ages 4 -7 & 8 -11, parent/carers must stay

Please book, £10

NGS Open Day 4th Aug 11am - 3pm £6, child free

All profits to the National Garden Scheme charities.

Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Sustainable St Albans

Open Food Garden 5th Aug 2pm - 5pm

104 Marshalswick Lane, St Albans AL1 4XE

Visit this local garden and pick up tips about growing food and plants, or share your own ideas. Free www.sustainablestalbans.org

Hitchin Beach 8th - 28th Aug 10am - 4pm

Bring your children with their buckets and spades to play in the sand, where there will be deck chairs, children's rides, activities and lots of sand!

Hitchin Market Place SG5 1DT

Highfield Park

Bat Night 11th Aug 8.15pm

Go out into the night with bat detectors to listen to and identify the bats who live in Highfield Park

Forest School 1st, 8th, 22nd & 29th Aug 10am

Den Building, bug hunting and learning about nature and bush craft. Please book, ages 4 - 11

Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0DY

www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Peter Rabbit & The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

13th Aug 11.30am & 2.30pm

An enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix

Potter’s best-loved tales. £13.50, child £9

Choogh Choogh 15th Aug 11.30am & 2pm

All aboard for a delightful train journey through India. Ages 0 - 7, £7

The Weather Machine

18th & 19th Aug

A playful outdoor show for young children and their families, making magic out of dance and weather, from the pitter patter of a shower to the awesome howl of a storm, from footsteps in the snow to a celebration of sunshine. Ages 3 - 7, £5

The Weather Machine Workshops

18th & 19th Aug

Fun, interactive dance theatre workshops for children and grown ups. £5

Stockwood Garden Party

26th - 28th Aug 11am - 3pm Free

A family-friendly event with a mix of puppetry, nature art, suitcase theatre, garden games and much more. Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

St Albans South Signal Box Open Days

13th & 27th Aug 2pm - 5pm

Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK and one of the few that's open to the public and next to a busy main line railway. There will be signalling demonstrations, a video of the restoration and railway-related exhibits on display. In the garden you can operate working signals and a point; see lit oil lamps, a telegraph 'pole route' and the garden railway. Free, donations welcome,.

Volunteering in Harpenden

Volunteering Days

23rd & 29th Aug

A great way to get some fresh air and exercise, support our environment and help the local community. All welcome, no experience necessary.

Litter Angels

Help pick up litter, a litter picker, high vis waistcoat, protective gloves and black sacks will be provided. For more details contact 01582 463667 harpenden.town.council@harpenden.gov.uk www.harpenden.gov.uk

Harpenden Farmers Market

27th Aug 10am - 2pm

Lower High Street, Harpenden

Charity Bridge Afternoon

29th Aug 2pm - 4.30pm

Includes afternoon tea, all proceeds to The Children's Society, £70 per table.

Contact Penny 01582 766824

St Nicholas' Church Hall, Church Green AL5 2TP

Time to Get Fit

Dunstable Downs

Summer of Play until 3rd Sept 10am - 4pm

Drop-in for free family daily activities and games including, football, hockey, tennis, athletics, volleyball and more.

Gentle Stroll: Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

16th Aug 10.30am

Join volunteers, Geoff and Annette for a relaxing stroll across the Downs, taking you along the multi-user path to the 5 knolls. £3, no need to book, meet at the Tree Cathedral car park.

Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Hospice of St Francis Hospice Golf Days

4th Aug Stocks, Aldbury

6th Sept Ashridge, Berkhamsted

Grab a team for a fun-filled day of golf

Edinburgh 7 Challenge 22nd - 24th Sept

A marathon distance with views of Edinburgh f rom the 7 highest viewpoints around the city. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Lets Do This!

Bedford Triathlon 13th Aug 7.30am

Tackle a river swim, a fast bike ride through the

Bedfordshire countryside and end with a flat three-lap run around the river and Russell Park. £30 - £70

The Embankment, Bedford MK40 3QF

Run Through Lee Valley Velo Park

26th Aug 9am

A multi-distanced event at the iconic Olympic venue. This 1-mile looped course is flat and perfect for all abilities. Run on the grounds blessed by professional athletes and earn your medal. £10 - £30

Velodrome, London E20 3AB

The Mass Start Swim Series 26th Aug 9.30am

The perfect event for water-lovers of all abilities. With distances ranging from 750m - 5000m, there's a race for everyone. With chip-timed results and finisher's medals. This is part three of a three race swim series. £14.40 - £28.80

Box End Park Watersports, Bedford MK43 8RN www.letsdothis.com

Thames Path Challenge Festival

The Moonlight 10 Walk 8th Sept

A spirited 10k or an energetic 10 mile looped route through the heart of London as darkness falls, passing famous landmarks including St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and more.

Thames Bridges Trek 9th Sept

Venture 25k across the capital with unrivalled views of the skyline. Setting out from Putney Bridge then zigzagging over 16 of London’s historic bridges, each with its own fascinating story, and with a mid-point refreshment stop at The Oval for snacks and drinks. Ultra Thames Path Ultra Challenge 9th & 10th Sept England’s greatest river provides a fantastic backdrop for an unforgettable challenge. Over 3000 adventurers will start at Putney Bridge for the 100k route heading upstream to Henley, through Richmond, Hampton Court, Runnymede and Windsor, with some wonderful scenery to a riverside finish line. With 50k, 25k distance options also available. www.ultrachallenge.com

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NOW for a Walk

Hertfordshire Health Walks

All walks are free with no booking required, just turn up 10 mins before the walk, or 15 minutes before your first walk to register, or register and pre-book online. Walks range from a gentle First Steps (20-30 mins) and increase in length from grade 1 (30 mins) up to grade 4 (90 mins).

Highfield Park YMCA

59 Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB

Mondays 9.30am Grade 3

Tuesdays 1.30pm First Steps

Wheel Chair & Buggy Friendly

Tuesdays 1.30pm Grade 3

Wheathampstead

East Lane car park, East Lane AL4 8BL

Tuesdays 10.30am Grade 3

Cottonmill Cycling Hub & Community Centre

Basketball Court, 12 Old Oak, St Albans AL1 2EF

Tuesdays 11.45am First Steps

Wheelchair & Buggy Friendly

Rothamsted Research

West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ

Thursdays 10.30am Grade 4/4+

Greenwood Park Community Centre

Tippendell Lane, St Albans AL2 3HW

Fridays 2pm Grade 3

Batchwood Hall

Car park, off Batchwood Drive, St Albans AL3 5XA

2nd, 16th & 30th Aug Grade 3

Batford & The River Lea

Marquis Lane car park, Harpenden AL5 5AA

5th Aug Grade 4

Verulamium Park

Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans AL1 2DJ

9th & 23rd Aug Grade 3

Bricket Wood

Riverside Way car park, Drop Lane AL2 3TX

20th Aug Grade 4

For more information call 01992 555 888 or email Healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks

St Albans Guided Walks

City and District of St Albans Tour Guides run regular local walks. Each walk costs £6 per person and must be booked in advance online.

Historic St Albans

2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Aug 2.30pm

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 28th Aug 11.15am

Crime and Punishment 5th Aug 2.30pm

Tudor St Albans Revealed 6th Aug 2.30pm

A Roman City Revealed 12th Aug 11am

A Monastery Revealed 13th Aug 2.30pm

St Michaels & Fishpool Street 19th Aug 2.30pm

The Pubs of St Albans 20th Aug 2.30pm

Explore St Peters 26th Aug 2.30pm

Medieval Life in St Albans 27th Aug 2.30pm

Tudor St Albans Revealed 28th Aug 2.30pm www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Entertainment & Fun For Everyone

Roman Theatre Festival until 6th Sept

Here’s a little bit about what's planned for August

Little Women 2nd - 5th Aug

A fresh approach to this classic story, guaranteeing laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit.

Private Lives

7th, 8th, 12th, 13th & 17th - 19th Aug

Noel Coward’s brutal comedy.

The Railway Children

10th - 12th, 14th, 15th, 19th & 20th Aug

An imaginative and humorous adaptation of this children's classic.

The Threepenny Opera 31st Aug - 6th Sept

A bold and imaginative production of Kurt Weill's riotous musical comedy. Age 10+

The Essence of Greek Tragedy 16th Aug

An entertaining and enthralling introduction to classical theatre.

The Count of Monte Cristo 23rd - 26th Aug

All 1200 pages of this French epic are stuffed onto stage in this brand-new comedy adaptation.

Wind in the Willows 27th Aug

Join Toad and his friends on the riverbank for some rip roaring fun, but watch out for any weasels lurking on the way.

The Comedy of Errors 28th Aug

Cartoonish capers in Shakespeare’s funniest farce!

Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St Albans AL3 6AE www.ovo.org.uk

Radlett Centre

Bridesmaids of Britain

1st Aug 7.30pm

A hilarious show that promises to be a girl’s night out to remember. Prepare for dance-offs/sing-offs and eventually shout-offs at the “Hen do of the year”… held in a caravan! £31.50

Milkshake Live!

2nd Aug 11am & 2.30pm

A brand-new show with plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun. £18, child £16.50

Magic of Science 4th Aug 2pm £15, child £13

A colourful, magical science show, packed with mystery, suspense and heaps of mess! Promising to be fun, entertaining and inspiring for all young budding magicians and scientists.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

7th Aug 2pm 8th & 9th Aug 11am & 2pm

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! £15

Sarah & Duck

23rd Aug 1.30pm & 4pm

Bursting with charm Sarah and Duck’s enchanting world is brought to life with puppetry, storytelling and music. £16, child £14

Pop Princessess

25th Aug 2pm

A children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing! With hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor swift. Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals. £19.50

Captain Calamity Summer Spectacular

30th Aug 2.30pm £14

A crazy mix of magic and mayhem like no other. Expect jaw dropping science stunts, enormous balloons, beautiful bubbles, one or two custard pies and enough craziness to send you into fits of giggles. The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk

The Old Town Hall

The Tortoise & the Hare

2nd Aug 11.30am & 2pm

An interactive story with live music, puppetry and a tale you thought you knew. £12, £10, ages 2 - 6

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy: Noel James & Andrew Bird 21st Aug 8pm

Old Town Hall’s resident monthly comedy club, why not treat yourself to an uplifting start to the week! Please book, £10, 18+

The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Hatfield House

Twelfth Night 3rd Aug 6.30pm

Shakespeare as it’s meant to be: interactive, fun, and highly accessible! A wild, whirlwind comedy of love triangles, mistaken identities, and the mayhem of love! £16, child £10

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

9th & 23rd Aug 10.30am

Make your very own bear and then take a scavenger hunt around the Stable Yard. £21.50, includes child's entry to Hatfield Park and picnic

Classic Ibiza 19th Aug 5pm

A magical rollercoaster of dance with music’s most iconic tracks reinvented by the Urban Soul Orchestra. From £24

Hatfield House AL9 5HX

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Sundown Open Air Cinema

Stockwood Discovery Centre Luton LU1 4LX

Matilda the Musical 4th Aug 3pm *

Tom Gun: Maverick 4th Aug 9pm **

Encanto 5th Aug 3pm *

Grease 5th Aug 9pm **

Sing 2 6th Aug 3pm *

The Greatest Showman 6th Aug 9pm **

Hitchin Lavender Cadwell Farm SG5 3UA

Alien 10th Aug 8.45pm £15

Top Gun: Maverick 11th Aug 8.45pm **

Encanto 12th Aug 2pm *

The Bodyguard 12th Aug 8.45pm £15

The Super Mario Bros. Movie 13th Aug 2pm *

Romeo and Juliet 13th Aug **

Mamma Mia! 17th Aug 8.45pm **

Elvis 18th Aug 8.45pm **

Matilda the Musical 19th Aug 2pm *

Ghost 19th Aug 8.45pm **

The Greatest Showman 20th Aug 2pm *

Zoolander 20th Aug 8.45pm **

*£11, child £5.50 / **£15, child £9

www.ticketsource.co.uk/sundowncinema

Alice In Wonderland

6th Aug 5pm

Join Alice as she explores Wonderland and meets the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and even

The Queen of Hearts. This outdoor production is full of fun and laughter and bound to make even the smallest member of your family want to stay in Wonderland! £15, child £10

Shaw’s Corner, Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BX

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Hertford Castle

Rock at the Castle 6th Aug 12noon - 7pm

Music festival with performances by local musicians, featuring acoustic, folk, indie, rock, soul and pop. Plus food and children’s activities. Free

Open Air Cinema 18th Aug

Sing 2 2pm £8

Top Gun: Maverick 7pm £8

Brings chairs and a picnic

Hertford Castle, Castle Street SG14 1HR

www.hertford.gov.uk

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Great Train Robbery 6th Aug 10.30am - 4pm

The Traveling Post Office will be holding special activities to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Great Train Robbery. £12.50, child £8.50

Peppa Pig is Coming! 13th Aug

Peppa will be appearing at intervals throughout the day. Tickets includes full entry to the steam railway, with unlimited train rides. £14.50, child £10.50

Pre-1988 Classic Vehicle Rally 28th Aug

See dozens of classic vehicles on display, and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the heritage railway. £14.50, child £10.50

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BY

The Alban Arena

Peter Pan A Musical Adventure

12th & 13th Aug 1.30pm & 7.30pm

JM Barrie’s timeless tale of the boy who refused to grow up is reborn as a spectacular musical, it will have you hooked as Peter Pan whisks the Darling children just beyond the stars for one big adventure after another. £20.50, child £14.50

Friendly Fires 24th Aug

A special homecoming show from the St Albans-3 piece, Ed McFarlane, Edd Gibson and Jack Savidge celebrating the bands 15th anniversary of their debut album ‘Friendly Fires’, which launched the band to huge success. 14+, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. £24 Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

Flamstead Scarecrow Festival

18th - 20th Aug

The Festival is held throughout the village with residents displaying scarecrows on their property or around the village. Voting forms are in the festival programme, just fill one out and post it in one of the voting boxes.

Suggested donations of £4, child £2 www.flamsteadscarecrowfestival.co.uk

Summer Circus

19th - 28th Aug 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Roll up, Roll up to see John Lawson's award-winning circus, with an entirely human cast, featuring amazing new acts and routines. £8

Van Hage Harden Centre, Great Amwell SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk

NOW for Some Music

The Horn

80'S Night 4th Aug 8pm

Featuring Six Go Mad, the ultimate 80s party covers band playing a mix of memorable material with tracks by the likes of Blondie, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Hall & Oates, Kim Wilde, Human League, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, The Bangles and many more to keep you dancing all night! Free

The Fabulous Feedback Band

11th Aug 8pm

Every performance, is a tour de force of musical dexterity, wit, charm and creative genius. They leave in their wake audiences struck dumb by their astonishing power. Free

Ion Maiden 12th Aug 8pm *

Built around the core of four ex-members of some of the best Maiden tribute bands in the UK, and with only one rehearsal their first gig was an instant success. £15

Battle of The Bands - Final 17th Aug *

Beaf / Sharper Side / Daybreak / Funky Monks

Independent judges will vote based on song

writing, stage presence and overall performance. The winning band will be announced on the night. £10

Totally Blondie 26th Aug 9pm

Blondie were one of the most iconic bands of the 70s and 80s. With Totally Blondie's lookalike and soundalike singer, you can expect all the classics like Hanging On The Telephone, Sunday Girl, One Way or Another, Atomic and more. £15

*Age 14+ U18s to be accompanied by a guardian Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

Organ Concert: Dr Kevin Morgan

12th Aug 3pm

Enjoy a varied selection of music. Tickets at the door or online £15 St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Music in Lydekker

26th Aug 12 - 4pm

An afternoon of fantastic music, bring picnics and deck chairs or enjoy what’s on offer from the delicious food and drink stalls. Free Lydekker Park, Harpenden AL5 2UQ www.harpenden.gov.uk

Live Event Cinema

Love is All Around 27th Aug 1pm

André Rieu, the King of the Waltz will again stage his annual summer concert in the iconic Vrijthof Square in his hometown of Maastricht. It will be a musical feast with heart-warming pieces covering classics, popular sing-alongs, and delightful waltzes that will make you want to dance.

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

Local Clover Singing Club Gives to Local Charities

The Clover Singing Club, a not-for-profit singing social club in Harpenden, was delighted to host this event at the Harpenden Trust to mark the donation of £1300 to its favourite charities, Herts Musical Memories and the Hopper Bus. The choir of retired older women raised the money by singing at local community events and sharing out excess club funds. They sang their favourite pop and folk songs including Beauty and the Beast, You Raise Me up, and Greensleeves and invited the audience to sing along to Que Sera, Sera and Let’s Go Fly a Kite. Charlotte Vickerstaff, the Club’s Director of Music said, “We were set up with a grant from the Community Fund, so it’s wonderful that we are able to help others now.” The Club, which sings, socialises and goes on trips together, has nearly 90 members and welcomes new members throughout the year. There are no auditions and all abilities are welcome. www.cloversingingclub.com

NOW at the Cathedral

90s Silent Disco 4th Aug 8pm

Dance the night away to the iconic music of the 90s, from Take That, Spice Girls, Oasis and Robbie Williams to Blur, Madonna, Whitney Houston many more. Dig out your 90s clothes, grab your friends and sing your heart out!

Graffiti Art Workshop

12th Aug 11.30am - 1.30pm

Join Artist in Residence, Ant Steel and learn how to create art with spray paint and add your creativity to a collaborative piece on a custom wall. Free, drop in session, children must be accompanied by an adult Organ Concert: Andrew Lucas

13th Aug 3pm free

Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight

15th, 16th & 17th Aug 7.30pm

With a cast of West End Singers and a live band, this incredible show will be packed with hits including Little Lies, The Chain, Rhiannon, Don’t Stop and more. £10

Storytelling with Tales from the Hart

18th Aug 11am

A feast for the eyes and ears as these wonderful storytellers and fire breathing dragons bring the past to life with stories from the gritty Middle Ages. £5, ages 5 Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meat Loaf by Candlelight

18th & 19th Aug 7.30pm

Featuring a cast of West End singers including stars from 'Bat Out of Hell', and a live rock band, enjoy songs such as Anything For Love, Bat Out of Hell, Dead Ringer for Love and many more. £10 - £60

More to Explore: 700 Years Ago

- A Great Disaster 20th Aug

700 years ago part of the nave fell down. Why did it collapse and what happened? It took many years to rebuild and in a completely different style. Hear the fascinating story of disaster and recovery.

Interactive Dog Talk

A family workshop where children can learn about caring for dogs, and make their own dog creation too. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 4 - 11, £2, child free

Out of Town

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Terrific Tuesdays

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Aug 11am - 3.30pm

Family craft and activity days.

Britain at War 5th & 6th Aug

Watch re-enactors depicting different wartime periods throughout Britain’s history, and visit the living history camps and see displays from Medieval times to WWII.

Tudor Courtroom

12th & 13th Aug 11am & 2pm

Become immersed in the Tudor world, learn about the intrigues of village life and join in to help decide the rights and wrongs of each case.

Ragged Victorians 19th & 20th Aug

Learn about the less savoury aspects of Victorian life in a fun, family-friendly environment.

Viking Raid 26th, 27th & 28th Aug

Enjoy games, music, storytelling and activities from the Viking Age. Then watch as the raid unfolds and see the battle between the Vicious Vikings and the Christian forces of Wessex.

All events included in admission

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Tring Natural History Museum

Insect Inspiration

1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th, 29th & 31st Aug

Uncover the fascinating world of insects and discover what makes them so unique.

Fossil Fascination 2nd Aug 10.30am & 2pm

Explore how fossils are formed and learn about life during different geological time periods. Create a fossil craft, handle unique fossils and take the gallery trail. Adults free, child £6

Whizzbanging Words

9th Aug 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm

Take a close-up look at insect specimens before following in the footsteps of children's author Roald Dahl and creating your own insect character. £2

Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Waddesdon

Alice in Wonderland 3rd Aug 6.30pm

A delightfully anarchic show that gets curiouser and curiouser with live music and audience interaction. £17.50, child £13.50

Circus Workshop 4th - 6th Aug 11am - 4pm *

Learn juggling, diabolo, devil sticks, cigar boxes, spinning plates and walking the tightrope! Wind in the Willows 10th Aug 6.30pm

Join Mole, Ratty and Badger on their mad-cap adventures in Quantum Theatre’s new adaptation of this family favourite. £17.50, child £13.50

Junkyard Orchestra Soundgarden *

11th - 13th Aug 11am - 4pm

A soundgarden installation of tuned instruments made from recycled materials set up at different heights for all ages and abilities to rock out on.

Relaxed House Opening

12th & 25th Aug 11am - 12noon

Designed for neurodivergent adults and children and their family, friends or carers, offering a calmer visit to the historic house.

The Tales of Peter Rabbit 17th Aug 6.30pm

Join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the much loved Beatrix Potter classic. £17.50, child £13.50

Shed of Stories 18th - 20th Aug *

11am - 4pm

Stories every hour, on the hour, between stories, the shed becomes a pop-up library where you can read together.

Gertrude & Dorothy *

20 Aug 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm

A brand new family show celebrating the lives of two inspirational women, Dorothy Levitt, Britain’s first racing driver, and Gertrude Jekyll, horticulturalist and garden designer extraordinaire.

Romeo and Juliet 24th Aug 7pm

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present this great play as Shakespear first saw it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Bring a chair and a picnic and prepare to be entertained. £21, child £11.50

Climbing Wall 25th - 28th Aug 11am – 4pm

Channel your hero and scale our 7.2m high mobile climbing wall, with 4 climbing faces, each with a variety of holds to make your ascent as easy or as tricky as you wish.

Robin Hood 31st Aug 6.30pm

With tales of camaraderie, good against evil, swashbuckling action and riotous comedy. £17.50, child £13.50

*free with admission

Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

More Out of Town

Wrest Park

Romeo and Juliet

4th Aug 6.30pm

Enjoy this play as Shakespeare first saw it performed, in the open air, by an all male cast and with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Bring a chair and a picnic. £18, child £10 Wrest at War

19th & 20th Aug 10am - 5pm

Experience WWI and WWII, train like a soldier and hear stories of the battlefield as you wander through living history encampments.

£20.50, child £12.50

Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Shuttleworth

Carnival Air Show

6th Aug 9.30am

Bringing the spirit of the carnival, the fun of the fair and the thrills of the circus, with the event culminating in a stunning full air display. Includes access to the Shuttleworth Collection, Gardens and House. £35, child free

Aviation Photography Workshop:

Silver Wings Special

11th Aug 10am

With lots of opportunities for photography, covering the most likely scenarios in which you may wish to photograph an aircraft, leaving you set to tackle the next air show with confidence.

£175

Flying Proms 19th Aug 2pm

With a full symphony orchestra, a choreographed air display and climax of a firework display and airborne pyrotechnics to music. Includes access to the Shuttleworth Collection, Gardens and House. £48.50, child £25

Strive at Shuttleworth 20th Aug starts 9am

Challenge yourself from 5k to Ultra, doing as many loops of the course as you like. In collaboration with The MS Trust. £35, 18+ Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Knebworth House

Garden Theatre: Romeo & Juliet

6th Aug 7pm

Packed with devastating twists and turns, and burning passion this is without doubt the greatest love story ever told. Performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. £18, child £10

Garden Theatre: The Wizard Of Oz

24th Aug 6pm

This magical family show presented by Immersion Theatre is guaranteed to have you in stitches from beginning to end. £14, child £12

Classic Motor Show

27th & 28th Aug 10.30am - 5pm

With a static display plus a show arena hosting parades, vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles, as well as children’s entertainment, live music, hot food and shopping stalls. £13.50

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Red Panda Weekend

19th & 20th Aug

Enjoy a fun family day out learning about the Red Pandas at the Park while raising funds and awareness for the Red Panda Network.

Included in admission

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com

Bletchley Park

Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

26th Aug 6pm

Shakespeare’s tale of rebellious love, impish fairies, and ordinary people swept up in the mischief. Enjoy an evening of mirth and magic. £15, child £8

Vintage Live Music

Saturdays in August 12 noon & 1.30pm

5th Aug Johnny Victory

12th Aug Fiona Harrison in Straighten up and Fly Right!

19th Aug Miss Sarah Jane

26th Aug Miss Lily Lovejoy

Included with admission

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

I made a mistake!

How long do I have to wait until I can divorce?

Most couples deciding to marry believe it is forever, but sadly, this is not always the case. What happens when you realise you don’t want to spend forever with that person?

How long do I have to wait?

Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, (effective from 6 April 2022), you no longer need to be separated for two years before applying for a divorce by consent. A divorce can be obtained after 12 months of marriage. The only requirement is that the relationship must have “broken down irretrievably”.

After issuing the initial divorce application, there is a 20 week and one day period before the Conditional Order can be applied for. This allows for a period of reflection and provides an opportunity to discuss financial aspects of the divorce, before the Final Order (formerly known as Decree Absolute) is obtained.

With short marriages (one to five years) there will probably be less “mingling” of finances. The starting point is to look at what assets have been

accrued during the marriage and any period of cohabitation before the date of the marriage. Assets accrued during the marriage are likely to be shared equally and each party will probably be able to keep assets they brought into the marriage.

If one party has a higher salary, only in very limited circumstances would the lower earner receive spousal maintenance and it is unlikely that pension savings would be shared. Parties should be able to achieve a clean break, with no future claims against each other. For further advice on short marriages, please contact us to speak to a member of the Rayden Solicitors team.

Saffiyah Sheikh, Solicitor Rayden Solicitors Harpenden

NOW for the Kids

Family Prehistory Adventure

21st July - 4th Aug (Tues - Thurs or Fri - Sun)

Escape the everyday, sleep in your own roundhouse with all the modern comforts of home. Enjoy activities from archery to prehistoric pottery, then watch the sunset as dinner is served before sitting round the fire and enjoying the evening entertainment. Please book

Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

Mead Open Farm

Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular

22nd July - 3rd Sept

Enjoy water zorbing, Battle of the Beats silent disco and the famous foam party.

Summer Camping selected dates in Aug

Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Willows Activity Farm

Summer Spectacular 22nd July - 3rd Sept

Get lost in the a-maze-ing maize, enjoy the splashtastic puddle play park, adventure play, funfair rides, tractor rides, indoor soft play and more.

Kids Fest Herts 19th Aug 2pm - 7pm

Music, shows, entertainers, interactive activities and meet and greets to keep the little ones entertained.

Willows Activity Farm, London Colney AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Horrible Histories Up in the Air Adventure

22nd July - 3rd Sept 10.30am, 12.45pm & 3pm

Learn about the history of flight, from the disasters and triumphs to the downright stupid! £7.50

RAF London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Whipsnade Zoo

Beano Goes Wild 22nd July - 4th Sept

Take a comic strip trail, meet amazing animals and enjoy games and interactive challenges. Age 5+

Late Openings on Summer Saturdays

5th, 12th & 19th Aug 10am - 9pm

See the animals as the sunsets, included in admission. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

RSPB Rye Meads

Self-Led Pond Dipping 22nd July - 2nd Sept 10am - 4pm (Weds - Sat)

Discover the creatures lurking in the depths, from the tiny water flea to the mighty dragonfly nymph. £3

Summer Activity Trail & Crafts

22nd July - 3rd Sept 9am - 5pm

Practice balancing like a heron, perfect leaping skills like a grasshopper, create a flying minibeast, make an animal mask, decorate rocks, draw a fantasy creature and more. Trail £1, arts and crafts £3

Minibeast Mondays

7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Aug 11am - 2pm

The team will show you where to find insects from ants and aphids to slugs and snails and explain the role they play in keeping nature thriving. £3

Big Wild Sleepout

11th - 12th & 18th - 19th Aug 5pm - 9am

Families can spend a night out in the wild, camping under the stars as the nocturnal wildlife awakens on the reserve. £25.50, child £13

RSPB Rye Meads, Ware SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk

Teddy Bear’s Picnic 2nd Aug 11am - 2pm

With soft play, face painting, circus skills, arts and crafts and Teddy Bears’ Hospital. Bring a picnic and your favourite bear! Free Rothamsted Park, Harpenden www.harpenden.gov.uk

Woburn Safari

Meet Hey Duggee 12th Aug

Meet the Minions 13th Aug 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm

See giraffes, tigers, elephants, monkeys and more, then meet the Minions or Hey Duggee, Included in admission. Woburn Safari Park, Beds MK43 0TU www.woburnsafari.co.uk

Summer Funfair 24th - 28th Aug 1pm - 9pm

Harpenden Common

Roald Dahl Summer Adventures

You’re invited to embark on an adventure through your favourite Roald Dahl stories. For every week of the summer holidays, an exciting new challenge will be released online which children and families can take on from their own homes.

Each week's adventure will be inspired by one of the best-loved Roald Dahl stories, encouraging children to be brave like Matilda, inventive like George, kind like Mr Fox, adventurous like James and much more. To join this spectacular journey, just download each week's adventure activity sheet and get adventuring in your own time.

If you’ve enjoyed these adventures, why not visit the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, and come face-to-face with Fantastic Mr Fox, measure up to your Roald Dahl heroes, pull a power pose next to Matilda and discover Roald Dahl's famous Writing Hut, the birthplace of your favourite characters. High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com

Summer Reading Challenge

Ready, Set, Read! Calling all children, time to get ready for a summer of sporty reading, with lots of books to borrow for free from your local library, pop in or visit the website to see what's available. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

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Local Computer Hardware and Software Repairs Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business

● 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

●

Harpenden