harpenden NOW December 2015

harpenden

NOW December 2015

NOW for a Panto NOW Where’s Santa Get Your Skates On

Santa Runs Do Something for Charity NOW for some Festive Music

What’s on and lots more

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Welcome to December

It’s nearly Christmas and there’s so much going on, that we’ve had a job to squeeze it all in, from Santas to skating and music to Mummers… there’s definitely something for everyone.

We’ve had another great year at the NOW magazines, in case you didn’t know there’s just the two of us, and we laugh at the silliest things, sometimes so much that we can’t speak, and we’ve decided that we’ll live longer because of it!

So thank you to all who have advertised and contributed to the magazines this year, for giving us another year of working and laughing together!

We’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and don’t forget if you need a local business just have a flick through harpenden NOW or read it monthly on-line.

Jane & Wendy www.theNOWmagazines.com wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313

NOW for a Panto get in the festive spirit

NOW Where’s Santa ho ho ho

NOW for some Festive Music carols, classical & more

Get Your Skates On ice skating for everyone

NOW at the Cathedral carols, tours & services

NOW it’s Christmas all things festive

Do Something for Charity thinking of others

NOW for a Walk or Two local walks for everyone

Santa Runs Rennie Grove & St Francis

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What’s on in December & January

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Index of Businesses

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accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Bricktraders Bricktraders buy, sell and trade pre-loved Lego速 bricks, sets and figures, and even have an area where you can build and then buy your own creations.

Everyone is welcome from the youngest, casual builders to serious collectors.

12th Dec St Michaels Memorial Hall Branch Rd, St Albans 10am - 4.30pm 19th & 20th Dec Inn on the Park Verulamium Park, St Albans 10am - 5pm www.bricktraders.co.uk

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Christmas Tree Care Peonies and Roses Specialist in English Flower Design

Handtied and Traditional Bouquets made to order using the Freshest Blooms direct from the Flower Farms or Wholesalers.

All Occasions, Parties, Weddings and Funerals a Speciality. Free Local Delivery Please Contact Gill Ingram 07981 030668 peoniesandroses@outlook.com

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Containerised Trees Thoroughly water the compost and place a saucer beneath the pot. Keep the tree in the house for a short a period as possible. Put the tree in a frost free place to re-acclimatise before planting out, constructing a wind break around the plant would also be beneficial.

Cut Trees Store your Christmas tree in a cool, frost free place, until required, ideally lying flat.

Saw off 5cms from the bottom of the trunk.

Place in a bucket of water for a long drink, this will pump up the needles for a fuller looking tree and help to reduce needle drop. Either plant your tree firmly in a pot of moist sand with a saucer beneath the container or fix into a Christmas tree stand with an integral reservoir, and top up water level regularly. Place in a cool position away from heat sources and out of draughts.

Do not bring your tree in too early as it will only be at its best for 10-14 days Recycling At the end of the festive season please make sure you recycle your Christmas tree and cards.

Christmas Trees & Handmade Wreaths Logs, Kindling, Gas & Coal

from

TOWNSEND NURSERY LOGS Seasoned hardwood, cubic metre bags delivered or ‘take away’ bags

COAL 20 Kg Smokeless £9

CHRISTMAS TREES Nordman Fir ‘non drop’ trees, delivered on a day you choose

GARDEN MACHINERY Sales and Service

GARDEN SHEDS Supplied and Erected

WATER SOFTENER SALT 25 Kg Tablets £8, Blocks £4.90 (2)

Free delivery on orders over £10 within the AL5 area Townsend Lane Harpenden AL5 2RH 01582 713083 info@townsendnursery.com

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NOW for a Panto Peter Pan 4th December - 3rd January The Alban Arena, 01727 844488 Starring everyone’s favourite TV baddie, Jake Wood (EastEnders), Katrina Bryan (CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons) and St Albans’ legend, the one and only Bob Golding as Mrs Smee. www.alban-arena.co.uk Aladdin 4th December - 10th January Priscilla Presley, Hollywood royalty will be making wishes come true as the 'Genie of the Lamp', with comedian Gary Wilmot as Widow Twankey, and Wayne Sleep OBE as 'Genie of the Ring' Milton Keynes Theatre Marlborough Gate, Bucks MK9 3NZ www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 5th - 30th December A sparkling pantomime with stunning costumes, hilarious comedy, fabulous live music, lots of audience participation and of course a magic mirror!

The Radlett Centre, Radlett, Herts WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk Beauty and the Beast 6th December £5 Come and join the fun in what promises to be a real treat for young families. All children will receive a small gift after the show. Ages 4 - 11 years.

Batford Memorial Hall, Tallents Crescent, Harpenden AL5 5BS www.batfordmemorialhall.com Aladdin 11th - 22nd December Join us on a Magic Carpet ride as Aladdin meets the evil Abanazar, enters a mysterious cave and meets a powerful Genie in a Magic Lamp. Starring Michelle Heaton (Liberty X, TV Presenter), Peter Dean (EastEnders’ Pete Beale), Sophie Massie and Chris Law. Will Aladdin get to marry the beautiful Princess? Will his hapless brother, Wishy, and his daft Mum, Widow Twankey, be able to help? With tons of audience participation, fantastic costumes and scenery, loads of singing and dancing, and the corniest of jokes. See advert on page 2.

Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls .co.uk Cinderella 16th December - 3rd January Cinderella, Lauren Rammell (YouTube), has to run around looking after her father and her two very ugly sisters. Life’s a bit miserable even though her friend Buttons tries to cheer her up - but everything changes one night when Cinder’s Fairy Godmother sends her to the Grand Ball.

The Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6BX www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Dick Whittington 21st - 24th January Presented by The Hurst Children's Theatre Group. With a cast of 300 local youngsters, with lots of audience participation, packed with dances and wonderful songs like 'Sit down you're Rockin' the Boat', 'Spread a little Happiness' and 'Crest of a Wave', a show not to be missed!

Harpenden Public Halls 07568 363104 hctg@live.co.uk

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FLAT ROOFING 0800 8407819 07787 711129 kevin.oliver@kdflatroofing.co.uk www.kdflatroofing.co.uk If your flat roof is leaking or giving you problems or you need help and advice - give Kevin a call.

We also do traditional roof construction. If you would like to make structural changes to your roof or need a new roof constructed - we can help.

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE References available on request No job too big or too small FRIENDLY, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Call today for a FREE quote

01727 298007 For more information visit

www.nulookroof.co.uk www.theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW Where’s Santa The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead

Sunday Lunch with Santa

Snow Garden Every Saturday & Sunday until Christmas 9am - 3pm 24th, 26th, 31st Dec & 1st Jan 10am - 5pm Come and enjoy the new Snow Garden and the magic of snow at the bottom of the 160m slope.

Helmets are included. Wear warm clothing, gloves and waterproof footwear (snow boots or wellies).

Clothing can be hired for £7 per person (but not footwear) and gloves bought for £10.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

30 minute session, ages 2 - 5, child £3, adult free.

Don’t miss Santa on Christmas Eve 10am - 5pm Sledging Sessions 24th, 26th & 31st Dec & 1st Jan 10am - 5pm Whizz, spin and slide down the slope on a Rubber Ringo or Sledge. Wear warm waterproof clothing, gloves and footware, helmets provided.

30 minute session, ages 4+, £8.50 0844 770 7227 www.thesnowcentre.com

Knebworth House 6th, 13th & 20th Dec Enjoy a fantastic lunch at Knebworth Barns, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child.

Arrive at 12 noon, lunch 12.30pm, booking essential.

Adult £24 Child £10 www.knebworthhouse.com

Meet Santa at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Christmas at Gulliver's

Breakfast with Father Christmas Dunstable Downs 8th,10th, 14th, 16th & 18th Dec Enjoy breakfast with Santa and his elves in the View Café. Place a wish on the Christmas Tree, receive a lovely gift and a certificate to prove you met Father Christmas. £7 please book 01582 500920 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas at the Old Manor

Capel Manor Gardens 12th & 13th Dec 11am - 5pm Visit this magical winter wonderland and see the Santa Specials gardens sparkle! Browse the festive gifts and food Leighton Buzzard Railway market, join in with Christmas decoration making, the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 20th, activity trail and face painting. Visit Santa, and make a 22nd & 23rd Dec Christmas wreath (£12.99 / £17.99).

Enjoy a 25-minute trip in a museum-piece steam train, Please book to see Santa along a narrow-gauge railway that’s almost 100 years Adult £5, child £5, visit Santa £2, family £18 old, visit Santas Grotto in the Buzzrail Café. www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk Adult £8, child £8.50 Santa Spectacular at Willows Farm 01525 373888 www.buzzrail.co.uk 25th Nov - 24th Dec Santa Experience Visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a golden key Stable Yard at Hatfield House to his Toy Shop and choose a gift. Make your own , 3rd - 5th, 10th -12th 17th -19th December 3pm - 8pm Bear-y Christmas Bear, go on the Festive Wood Meet Santa and his elves in his winter wonderland Ride, skate on the Synthetic Ice Rink, enjoy festive themed tavern! Have your photo taken with him if Funfair Rides and lots more. you've been good this year and receive a gift! £7.50 www.willowsactivityfarm.com 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th & 20th-24th December Meet Santa in his Grotto and enjoy a day packed with Christmas themed activities. Book a timed slot, receive a gift and enjoy some Christmas arts and crafts to take home.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

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28th Nov - 23rd Dec Enjoy a winter wonderland with Christmas rides, shows and attractions throughout the theme park.

Look out for the Elf School, become an honorary elf and visit Mrs Christmas' Kitchen and cook up some delicious treats. www.gulliversfun.co.uk

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NOW for some Festive Music Bach Christmas Oratorio 5th Dec 7.30pm Continuing their acclaimed performances of the great Bach vocal works, Amici Voices perform this joyous and festive masterpiece.

Adult £15, child £5 High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden 01582 462024

Music for Christmas 6th Dec 7pm Hertfordshire Chorus, one of the country’s finest large choirs will be performing a range of Christmas classics. Why not enjoy mulled wine and mince pies before settling down to enjoy some Christmas favourites.

Adult £15, child £10 The Old Palace, Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Christmas Charity Carol Concert 12th Dec 3pm Join Music Makers Choir of Harpenden for an afternoon of Christmas Carols and songs with a guest appearance by St Hilda's School choir.

All proceeds to go the Harpenden Trust.

Adult £12, concs £10, students £6 High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden 07834 484989

A Celebration of Christmas 13th Dec 7pm St Albans Choral Society's will be joined by the Choir of St Bernadette Catholic Primary School, London Colney for their Christmas concert. The programme includes Cecilia McDowall’s new Christmas cantata A Winter’s Night, James MacMillan’s beautiful Christmas motet O Radiant Dawn and Richard Harvey’s prizewinning new carol Chanticleer. Alongside a variety of seasonal music with opportunities for audience participation and readings from members of the choir.

Adult £13, child £1 Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans SACS Ticket Line 07884 231958

Desert Island Carols 14th Dec 8pm Hardynge Choir concert of popular carols chosen by the choir and audience; some to be sung by the choir alone and some with the audience.

With seasonal refreshments afterwards.

Adult £12, concs £6 St John's Church on the Common, Harpenden 0845 475 1664 www.hardyngechoir.org

Christmas Carol Concert 22nd Dec 7.30pm Join the Harpenden Choral Society for their festive concert.

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org

FestiveLea

23rd Dec 7.30pm Harpenden chamber choir The Lea Singers invite you to join them for their Annual Charity Christmas Concert.

A festive evening of uplifting singing, popular carols, mulled wine and mince pies.

The Leas’ chosen charity this year is the Harpenden Music Foundation, which Mechanical Instrument exists to promote the study Christmas Special and performance of music 13th Dec 1.45pm - 5pm by young people in A live, continuous musical performance of the Harpenden and the various instruments, given with a descriptive surrounding area. commentary.

Adult £15, concs £5 Adult £7.50, child £5 St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road, St Albans Harpenden Public Halls 07734 753477 www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk www.leasingers.co.uk

Gemma Turner Festive Songs

12th Dec 1pm Gemma Turner has been performing at local special events for over ten years and she now has some very special Christmas music for your delight including all the classics plus some more recent songs. Free entry Stable Yard, Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk

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Royale Harpenden Studios Has Arrived!

After much success in Chiswick, London, we’re delighted to offer our wonderful classes in Harpenden, starting with our two most popular ones!

Barre Fusion We have created this wonderful barre inspired exercise class involving simple exercises to tone and sculpt the whole body as well as some light cardio work. We fuse yoga, pilates and ballet together.

Royale Ballet Workout A full body, mind and cardio workout to classical music. Helps coordination and balance and is great for stress relief.

You do not have to be a dancer to join in this class! All levels welcome.

Our instructors are professionally trained at The Royal Ballet School and Musical Theatre Colleges, having all had long professional dancing careers in ballet companies and West End musicals.

Saskia, the founder of Royale Harpenden Studios trained at the Royal Ballet School and had a career in West End musicals such as Starlight Express and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Weekly Classes Mondays 7pm - 8pm Barre Fusion, Batford Methodist Church Hall Tuesdays 7.30pm - 8.30pm Royale Ballet Workout, Harpenden Public Halls Drop in classes £10, or book 3 consecutive classes at £27 To book please email balletworkout@yahoo.co.uk or call / text 07970 867906 as spaces may be limited All clients receive a FREE first trial class

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Get Your Skates On Canary Wharf Ice Rink until 26th Feb Canada Square Park London E14 5AG An imposing backdrop with extravagant surroundings. An iced path allows you to dash off from the main rink and glide below fairy light-laden trees. For beginners seal-shaped skate aids can be hired. Food and drink, from sandwiches and ales to cheese fondue and hot buttered rum are available. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Eyeskate until 3rd Jan Riverside Building County Hall London SE1 7PB The open-air London Eye ice rink is situated in front of the big wheel itself, its pods gently floating past you as you glide.

Sessions last 45 minutes. Booking recommended www.londoneye.com/frostival/ Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink until 4th Jan East Molesey Surrey London KT8 9AU Henry VIII's sixteenth-century pad makes a mighty picturesque backdrop for this 900-square-metre outdoor rink, especially when lit up after dark. Beginners can hire an ice guide, and younger visitors can book skate lessons in advance. Any unsteady nerves can be soothed with a mulled wine from the Ice Bar and CafĂŠ. www.hamptoncourticerink.com Ice Skating at Wembley Park until 3rd Jan London HA9 Wembley Stadium's iconic arch will glitter away above this 600-square-metre outdoor ice rink that neighbours the London Designer Outlet Centre, alongside a weekend German Christmas food market and vintage fairground rides. www.iceskatingatwembley.co.uk Skate at Somerset House until 10th Jan Strand London WC2R 1LA The grand 18th-century courtyard provides a stunning location for skating. Fortnum's Lodge will offer champagne and afternoon tea. Club Nights will feature DJs from Ministry of Sound and Island Records. The Christmas Arcade will bring posh shopping from Fortnum & Mason, and guests can admire the skaters with drink in hand at the Botanical Bar, both of which can be accessed without a ticket. www.somersethouse.org.uk/Skate Tower of London Ice Rink until 3rd Jan Tower Hill London EC3N 4AB Located in the dry moat, this ice rink offers a grand historical setting for skating along with views of the Tower.

Sessions last an hour. Online booking is advised www.toweroflondonicerink.com Westfield London Ice Rink until 3rd Jan Ariel Way London W12 7SL The atrium of the Shepherd's Bush shopping mecca has a 160-capacity indoor ice rink with family entertainment, themed sessions, DJs and live performances. Beginners can hire penguin- and seal-shaped stabilisers to keep them upright.

Sessions are an hour long. Ages 4+ Booking recommended. www.uk.westfield.com/london

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MIND-BODY BALANCE The perfect support for mind-body health and vitality

FOOT CARE I provide foot care in the comfort of your own home I am qualified to treat Corns Verrucae Callouses Fungal Nails Cracked Heels Ingrowing Nails Athlete’s Foot Together with Nail Clipping and Filing Experienced in dealing with the Elderly and Dementia sufferers 01582 761390 / 07806 409723 Cherry Aquitaine MCFHP, MAFHP, Foot Health Practitioner

Reiki Courses, Treatment and Consultations in Harpenden Flexible Monthly Teaching of Reiki I II and III

Shown to be Effective in EASING PAIN CALMING ANXIETY REDUCING STRESS INDUCING DEEP RELAXATION Trish Webb BA Hons Sociology MGHT FAETC

Reiki Master 07792 133443 trishhealthbiz@gmail.com

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NOW at the Cathedral

St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols 12th December Two concerts of Christmas music and readings 3pm Family Carol Concert Adult £7, child £1 7pm Evening Carol Concert Adult £13, child £6

Willow Foundation Carol Concert 1st December 7.30pm Evening of carols and readings featuring Hertfordshire Chorus. The Willow Foundation will be joined by Life Presidents, Bob and Megs Wilson. £6 - £16 with mulled wine and mince pies Carols on the Hour 19th December hourly from 11am - 4pm Exhibition: Dedication 900 Take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy 2nd - 31st December a very special event. Each carol service lasts just A display looking at the lives of individuals 30 minutes - enough time to sing some uplifting associated with the Cathedrals long history. carols with the Cathedral choirs and get a real taste of Christmas. No tickets required.

Tower Tours 5th December 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm 2nd & 9th December 12.30pm & 2pm Restrictions apply see website for details. £8

Festival of Lessons and Carols 20th & 21st December 7pm by ticket only, available by postal ballot.

Christingle Service 6th December 3pm

Christmas Eve

Organ Meditation 6th December 5.15pm Christmas Jethro Tull Concert 11th December Rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull with the odd surprise guest and the Abbey Singers will perform a Christmas benefit concert. There will be some of the bands more festive numbers, old and new, combining Christmas tradition with a rather more unusual repertoire for a cathedral setting. 100% of the income from tickets will go towards the upkeep of the Cathedral buildings and to support its musical ministry.

Crib Service 2.30pm A popular and lively service lasting about an hour for young families. Children visit the crib and join in singing carols.

Choral Evensong 5.30pm Midnight Mass 11.30pm / doors open 10.50pm The first celebration of Christmas, with carols and the glorious singing of the Cathedral Choir.

Christmas Day Eucharists with Carols 8am Parish Eucharist 9.30am Matins 11.15am Eucharist 12.30pm

Boxing Day Eucharist 9am and 12 noon Carols 4pm www.stalbanscathedral.org

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NOW at St Albans Old Town Hall Choice Books Annual Book Fair until 24th Dec 9.30am - 4.30pm Court Room, St Albans Town Hall Valuation Days - J P Humbert Auctioneers 2nd Dec 10am - 2pm Free valuations on jewellery, silver, gold, paintings, clocks, objet d'art, antiques and more. Entries for auction welcome, donations to a local charity.

Aurra Jewellery Sale 18th - 22nd Dec 9am - 5pm A unique collection of necklaces, bracelets, silver and pearls from Bali and beyond.

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Harpenden Window Cleaning ● ● ● ●

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Fully Gutter Vac Insured (Gutters Cleaned) High Access Fully Experienced Window Cleaners Inside Windows Cleaned (if required) Lots of recommendations and references from Harpenden customers Based in Milton Road 07757 499296 01582 450934 www.harpendenclean.co.uk

CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

 28 Years Experience  Simple Honest Pricing  Friendly and Reliable  Service You Can Trust

CLEANING COMPANY Carpets - Upholstery - Oriental Rugs Leather Cleaning and Recolouration Carpet Repairs - Anti Dust Mite Soil Protection - Hard Floors Amtico Floors - Stain Removal

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 Ironing collection / delivery on request Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems

Phone for a free quotation 01582 750995 07719 657125 www.merrivac.co.uk

Call for an Appointment

01582 418777

~ Taking Care of Your Home ~

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Ken Hodson 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 Upgrades of hardware and software

07974 156743 / 01582 794723 enquiries@kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk www.kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk

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St Albans Christmas Market 26th November - 20th December Come and enjoy a fantastic family launch party in the grounds of St Albans Cathedral on 26th November from 5pm - 7.45pm.

While the market’s in town, you’ll find beautiful and unique jewellery and accessories, clothing, decorations, candles and lovely home décor. When it’s time for a break, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, a hot chocolate and some fantastic food in the Sumpter Yard food court including duck wraps, traditional bratwurst, waffles and crepes.

Expect great music, fantastic street performances and the return of the ever-popular Bjorn the Bear!

Father Christmas will be on hand each day to welcome children and grown ups to his magical grotto.

Entertainment will continue with some great music expected on the busking stage from Thursday to Sunday, and traditional Christmas music from Community and School Choirs along with pop, folk, blues and classical artists from the local scene.

December Market Days in St Albans Wednesdays and Saturdays in St Peter's Street as usual plus, every day from Friday 18th to Thursday 24th December, a chance to get your last minute Christmas shopping.

Farmers Market 13th December French Market 14th & 15th December

Christmas at the Barn until 20th December Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am - 5pm.

The Barn is a treasure trove of wonderful gifts, paintings, jewellery and more. Opening twice a year, at Easter and Christmas, the Barn is a friendly and relaxed place to shop; treating yourself or filling that all important present list.

The Barn, Home Farm, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8RQ www.sarahcollinsbarn.com

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www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

or OW f N k o Bo tmas Chris g Day xin & Bo

Fully Licenced and Air Conditioned

Good Food and Good Service Come and enjoy Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine Cooked Daily with Fresh Meat, Chicken and Vegetables from Local Suppliers

Special Gourmet Nights £10.95 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

FREE HOME DELIVERY on orders over £10 within 4 mile radius

10% Discount on all collected orders over £10 The Council Hygienist has scored this restaurant very highly

2 Grove Road, Southdown, Harpenden AL5 1PX

01582 467676 / 469191 Easy Parking Available

Late Night Christmas Shopping

3rd, 10th & 17th December The shops in the Stable Yard at Hatfield House will be open until 8pm and many will have special Christmas offers as well as festive fun and entertainment! The Coach House Restaurant will have Christmas treats including mulled wine and mince pies!

Entry to the Stable Yard is free www.hatfield-house.co.uk

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NOW it’s Christmas Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey Get Your Skates On until 4th January Come and experience the magic of ice skating at Van Hage with the return of the Real Ice Rink. Now in its 8th year, the rink will be surrounded by a fully heated marquee with a mouth-watering Café, comfortable seating and a skate-exchange desk featuring top-quality skates of all sizes!

Book online early to avoid disappointment Van Hage, Great Amwell, Herts SG12 9RP 01920 870811 www.vanhage.co.uk

Traditional Christmas Crafts Stockwood Christmas Fayre 5th & 6th December 11am - 4pm Come along to a magical festive weekend of stalls, crafts and activities for the family to enjoy.

Take a journey to see Santa in his sleigh, create a Christmas ornament, write a letter to Santa, make Reindeer food, decorate gingerbread, snow zone and Frozen area, live music and brass band, children’s rides.....and much more.

Suitable for all ages. adult £2, child £5 (£10 includes a visit to Santa and a gift) Stockwood Discovery Centre 01582 548600 www.lutonculture.com/ stockwood-discovery-centre

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22nd & 23rd December 10.30am - 3.30pm Join us for some creative Christmas themed crafts.

Drop in, £1.50 per child.

Hertford Museum 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT

27th November - 24th December With songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa & a free gift!

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is flying high above the clouds delivering presents to boys and girls around the world. Hiding in the back are two naughty elves Charlie and Kara who have snuck on-board for the ride…! All is well until suddenly, just as Santa Claus flies high above The Forum at Watford Colosseum, the Sat Nav goes haywire leaving him stranded without his list of postcodes to deliver presents to! A truly unforgettable experience includes snowflakes falling over the audience, a white Christmas at every show! All the children will meet Santa after the show and receive a special present. Ages 2+ The Forum Watford Colosseum Watford WD17 3JN

St Albans Mummers St George and the Dragon Boxing Day The Town Hall 11.30am / The White Hart Hotel 12.15pm West End St Albans Cathedral 1pm / The Fighting Cocks 1.45pm The Clock Tower 2.30pm The play, which is performed at five different locations in the city centre, is a none-tooserious drama of life, death and resurrection with several ferocious battles, some cures unknown to medical science, poetry of less-than-Shakespearian quality and some very bad jokes.

As well as St George and the Dragon, the play also features the Lord of Misrule, the Queen of Egypt, a Giant, a Turkish Knight, a Doctor and old Father Christmas, taking a day off after his seasonal labours.

Come along and support this traditional Boxing Day custom which started in 1967 when a group of friends wanted to revive the ancient custom of the mummers play.

Today’s play is at heart the same as it was then but every performance is different as the players include topical material and interact with the audiences. www.stalbansmummers.org.uk

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Christmas Holiday Skates Daily 21st December - 4th January 10am - 11.30am 12 noon - 1.30pm 2pm - 3.30pm Booking recommended RollerCity, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX www.rollercity.co.uk Christmas Market & Fair Sandringham School, St Albans, AL4 9NX

I've Seen Santa 6th December 11.30am & 2.30pm A festive treat based on the children's book by David Bedford. It’s Christmas Eve, and as the snow falls gently, Little Bear is very excited indeed. He can't wait to see Santa "Santa will come just as soon as you go to sleep" says Mummy Bear. But Little Bear is far too excited to sleep. So when everybody is tucked up in their beds, he finds a hiding place and waits - for a very long time! Will Little Bear really see Santa? This delightful show comes to life with songs, music, puppetry and magical storytelling.

Ages 3-7, adult £8, concs £6 The Sandpit Theatre, The Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto Tombolas Gift & Sweet Stalls Inflatables & Entertainment Pottery Painting Board Game Challenges Giant Wooden Games Raffle and lots, lots more

Ashridge Christmas Fair 6th December 10am - 4pm Join our seasonal celebrations at the annual Ashridge Christmas Fair. There’s more stalls than ever this year with lots of goodies to buy including local produce.

Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Near Berkhamsted HP4 1LT

nd the Dragon

2.15pm g Cocks 1.45pm

tions in the city centre, is a none-tooseveral ferocious battles, some cures Shakespearian quality and some very

so features the Lord of Misrule, the tor and old Father Christmas, taking a

ay custom which started in 1967 when stom of the mummers play. but every performance is different as the he audiences. www.stalbansmummers.org.uk

Norad Tracks Santa Every year on Christmas Eve in a programme set up in 1955 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 to see the start of the annual countdown to Santa’s launch. www.noradsanta.org

Festive Fun at Tring Rudolph's Christmas Trail 9th December - 3rd January Discover what animals Rudolph meets on his journey around the world delivering Christmas presents with Santa. Be sure to collect your chocolate prize at the end, trail sheet £1, for all ages Christmas Starfish 10th December 11am & 2pm Create your own Christmas clay starfish in a 30-minute workshop, Messy play for under-5s, £2 Tring Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

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St Albans Abbey Sleepout 4th December 9pm-7am This year St Albans Abbey will be hosting its 22nd 'Sleep Out'. Its aim is to raise awareness about homelessness as well as funds for 11 local charities dedicated to helping homeless people. Participants spend one night sleeping out, giving them an understanding of the conditions experienced by the homeless.

Since it began, more than £500k has been raised! So why not grab your sleeping bag, don some warm clothes and remember to wear a smile! It’s open to anyone of any age, but under 11’s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This is your opportunity to help vulnerable young people in and around Hertfordshire.

St Albans Abbey St Albans, Herts AL1 1BY www.abbeysleepout.org

Light up a Life - St Albans 13th December 4pm - 5pm Rennie Grove Hospice Care invites you to support ‘Light up a Life’ this Christmas, a ceremony providing you and your family with an opportunity to remember loved ones no longer with us by lighting a candle. All are welcome, whether the person remembered was cared for by Rennie Grove nurses or not.

War Memorial St Peters Street AL1 3HG

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UK registered charity no 297489

Please Don’t Bin it When you receive The Harpenden Trust Christmas Appeal envelope this year, please don’t bin it please give generously! The money donated provides more than 45% of the total income of the Care Fund, which carries out the Trust’s traditional role of helping individuals and families in the community. If possible complete the Gift Aid declaration, so a further 25% of whatever you put in the envelope can be claimed back from the Government, (your details will never be given to any other organisation).

If you're out when the collector calls please drop off the envelope at the Trust Hall, 90 Southdown Rd, at Barclays Bank in the High Street or Jelley’s Meats, 137 Southdown Road.

Many Many Thanks www.theharpendentrust.org.uk

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NOW for a Christmas Read Buying a book for someone can be a bit of a minefield…

Will they enjoy it? Do they already have a copy? Will you be able to borrow it?

Hopefully our choice of recent releases will help you make the right choice.

Faber Poetry Diary 2016 Various This is one of those books that you are given and then find yourself buying as a gift for years to come. A week-to-view diary that offers a poem or illustration for each week, the Faber Poetry Diary makes Monday mornings just that bit more enjoyable. This years includes a wide variety of poets, from Simon Armitage to Wendy Cope, via Dylan Thomas, Alice Oswald, Sylvia Plath and a whole lot more.

The Jacqueline Wilson Christmas Cracker Jacqueline Wilson Packed with Christmas tales featuring some of her loved characters, this book is guaranteed to be a hit with girls aged 7-11. Tracy Beaker takes a starring role, and there are also appearances from identical twins Ruby and Garnet, along with Hetty Feather and other favourites. There are also festive puzzles, recipes, craft ideas, fun facts and more to keep girls entertained long after the latest ‘must-have’ toy has been discarded. Ideally, give it as a gift early on in December, so that the recipient can make full use of the present-wrapping tips and Christmas craft ideas.

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Everyday Super Food Jamie Oliver No present list would be complete without at least one cookery book, and Jamie Oliver seems to be a favourite with everyone from wannabee Junior Masterchefs to seasoned bakers. With this book, Jamie is making it his mission to prove that low-calorie, nutritious meals can still be pretty darn delicious.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all covered and there’s something to tempt most taste buds, from spicy ‘Energy Balls’ to ‘Super Tasty Miso Broth’ and ‘Harissa Roasted Aubergine’.

The Lake House Kate Morton It’s 1933 and a missing child throws the privileged Edevane family into a downward spiral.

Fast forward seventy years and the child’s older sister, Alice, finds herself re-opening old wounds when a police detective starts asking questions about the unsolved case. A real pageturner, this is the kind of book you want to curl up and disappear into on Boxing Day. (It’s also a great one to give as a gift in the understanding that you get to read it once the recipient has finished it!)

The Three-Year Swim Club Julie Checkoway Buying for a biography lover?

This inspiring book tells the story of a school teacher in 1930s Maui who wanted to give his under-privileged pupils a brighter future. Soichi Sakamoto set out to transform the children into Olympic swimmers, despite not having any training himself, and the fact that most of the children had never seen a swimming pool. A great read for lovers of tales of triumph over adversity.

The Magical Christmas Lizzie Mary Cullen Who would have thought that colouring books for adults would have become such a phenomenon? If you know a fan, or are just buying a present for someone who could seriously do with a chance to unwind, this book is a good choice. From traditional gingerbread houses to alternative Christmas days (surfing in Sydney anyone?), each turn of the page reveals a new intricate scene just waiting for pen or pencil to bring it to life. The only difficult part of this gift is resisting the urge to start colouring it in yourself.

M&M Decorating Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 11 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 07970 720911

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW for a Festive Bake Stollen Happy Christmas to all our Customers before

after

Wallace & Gromit's Big Bake 7th - 13th December Join Wallace & Gromit and their friends at Homepride Flour and help raise some dough for sick children in hospitals and hospices across the UK. Register for your cracking BIG Bake fundraising pack and don't forget to keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter for exclusive competitions and updates. So come on bakers, whip out your whisks, roll out your rolling pins and preheat your ovens for Wallace & Gromit's BIG Bake 2015! www.wallaceandgromitcharity.org

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This spiced and fruity Continental sweet bread is perfect with a glass of warm mulled wine.

50g butter 175ml milk 3 tbsp caster sugar 375g strong plain white flour, plus extra for kneading 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground mixed spice 2 tsp fast-action dried yeast Zest of 1 lemon 1 large egg, beaten 125g raisins 25g chopped mixed peel 50g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and quartered 175g marzipan Melted butter, for brushing Icing sugar, for dusting Makes 10-12 slices, ready in about 3 hours Put the butter, milk and caster sugar in a small pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted. Leave to cool for 10 minutes. Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice into a large bowl and stir in the dried yeast. Make a well in the centre and stir in the milk mixture, lemon zest and egg. Mix together with a round-bladed knife to form a soft and sticky dough.

Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. At first the dough will be quite sticky so add more flour as necessary.

Flatten out the dough and knead in the raisins, cherries and peel until just combined. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, then roll out to a 25cm square. Shape the marzipan into a sausage shape and place down the centre of the dough. Fold one side over to cover the marzipan then repeat with the other side, overlapping in the centre. Seal the ends. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 190째C, fan 170째 C, gas 5.

Bake the stollen for 35-45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Brush the hot stollen all over with melted butter and roll in the icing sugar to coat. Leave to cool.

DJ&M 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

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The Swiss Garden in Lights 5th - 10th December 4.30pm - 8.30pm The Regency Swiss Garden has a long history of being beautifully illuminated by its creator Lord Ongley, from as early as the 1820s. Now the Garden will be lit up again, and brought to dazzling life with magical, tasteful colours and fun interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy. Walk along the special route to make sure you don't miss any of the garden features which have been highlighted and enhanced by creative, intriguing lighting and the re-creation of an aviary believed to have once existed in the garden.

On 5th December the choir from St Andrews Church will be singing carols from 5pm as the lights are switched on for the first time.

Adult £10, child £3

Santa’s Christmas Fly In 5th December Come and see Santa arrive in his aeroplane, visit him in the Swiss Cottage and join in with the Christmas activities. £3 per child. Santa visits 11.30am - 3.50pm, Please book on 01767 627935.

There are also fun Christmas trails in the Swiss Garden for children (not included in the above cost).

The Shuttleworth Collection Old Warden Aerodrome nr Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EP 01767 627 933 www.shuttleworth.org

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Christmas in the RAF 5th & 6th December 11am, 12 noon, 2pm & 3pm A very special weekend with the Curatorial Team at RAF London, where you’ll have access to items from the Museum archives that tell the story of what it was like to be in the RAF at Christmas during WW1. Tickets are free of charge and are limited to 8 per session, so please book on 020 8358 4997 RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

1940’s Boutique 5th December 9.30am - 4pm Join in with a day of 1940's glamour and learn how to style your hair and make-up to achieve that iconic 1940s look, including the famous victory rolls. Stand out at the Christmas Party with this glamorous festive look!

Refreshments, lunch and admission to Bletchley Park exhibitions and facilities are all included.

Bletchley Park Milton Keynes MK3 6EB 01908 640404 www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Please call 01582 760168 Discover an easy and proven electrical company that can save you money, and help guarantee your happiness, you’ll love the results

A range of the sevices we provide: Full Rewires / New Build Projects / Fuseboard Upgrades Additional Sockets and Lights / Landlord Safety Certificates LED Lighting / Security Lighting / Garden Lighting Extractor Fan Installation / Repair Smoke Alarm Installation / Testing PAT Testing / Data Points / BT Points Please contact the team for a free no obligation estimate info@parkbrey.co.uk www.parkbrey.co.uk

24 Bond Court, Hillside Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 4DJ

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NOW at the Local Theatres Abbey Theatre Tom’s Midnight Garden by David Wood 18th - 22nd, 27th - 29th Dec Tom has been sent to stay with his aunt and uncle who live in an old house converted into flats. His visit takes on an adventurous twist when one night, he hears the hall clock strike thirteen. Escaping the flat to explore, he discovers a magical garden and the enigmatic Hatty, a girl seemingly from the past. This is a beautifully crafted adaptation that will charm and enthral the whole family.

Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

The Maltings Poetry and Music of the Middle East: Vers Poets 1st Dec 7.30pm, £5 In this fascinating look at the history and cultures of the Middle East, award-winning poet Ruth Padel will read from her book Learning to Make an Oud in Nazareth. The book celebrates the different groups with links to the Holy Land - Jews, Christians and Arabs - the cultural heritage and the loss. At a time when a flood of refugees from the region is testing our conscience, this interfaith event reflects the common humanity behind the headlines and conflicts.

Folk @ The Maltings 4th Dec 8pm adult £10, student £8, child £6 This concert brings together, Life and Times and the Rachel Hamer Band who made a great impression in New Roots 2015. The songs they have written on local themes, have taken them to many of the major folk festivals in England, and folk clubs nationwide.

Yes, Prime Minister 10th - 12th Dec 8pm £10 / £8 Ten trillion dollars! What Prime Minister could resist considering such an offer to the UK? Surely it would be his duty, nay, his responsibility to the Great British public, who recently voted him back into office, at least to look at it very carefully. But what if the deal has strings which are not acceptable. What if the deal involves what might become a major scandal? There's got to be a way...surely? Is it Yes, Prime Minister?

The Maltings Arts Theatre St Allbans www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

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NOW for a Walk or two RSPB Walks Sunday 6th Dec 8am Walk along the River Lea identifying local birds.

Meet on the bridge over the River Lea at the junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis Lane.

Friday 18th Dec 10am A walk along the Lea Valley from Batford Springs to Leasey Bridge and back, followed by an optional lunch in the Amble Inn. Meet outside the Amble Inn, Station Road.

Free but a donation of £1 for the RSPB welcome www.rspb.org.uk

Hertfordshire Health Walks Free, guided, local walks. Just turn up!

Highfield Park Mondays 9.30am Tuesdays 1.30pm Charters Health Club Car Park, Hill End Lane AL4 0DB Wheathampstead Thursdays 10.30am East Lane public car park behind The Bull AL4 8BL (except 24th & 31st Dec) Hatching Green Tuesday 10.30am Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3HW (except 25th Dec) Redbourn Saturday 5th Dec 2pm Cricket Club car park Heartwood Forest Sunday 20th Dec 10.30am Meet at Heartwood Forest car park AL3 6JB 01992 588433 www.hertslink.org

Visit Ashridge Christmas Trail until 31st Dec 10am - 4pm £1 Collect your map from the Visitor Centre and follow the trail through the woodland discovering more about Winter and Christmas time at Ashridge, answer the questions and return to collect your reward.

Post Christmas Walk 27th Dec 10am - 12 noon adult £7, child £5 Enjoy a scenic walk through the Estate at this magical time of year. Please book.

Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate 01442 851227

01582 864138 / 01727 453019

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Santa Runs Run for a Good Claus The annual Jingle Bell Jog and Reindeer Run return on 6th December, when hundreds of residents fill the streets of St Albans dressed as Santas and reindeer. Over the past eight years the event has raised sponsorship for Rennie Grove Hospice Care, a charity offering support to patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Last year, it raised £10k enough to fund 500 hours of nursing care.

The 1.5km Reindeer Run starts at 11am and is perfect for young children to run, walk or toddle. It costs £10 to take part, which includes reindeer antlers, a flashing nose and a medal at the finish line.

The 5km Jingle Bell Jog, open to over 10s, starts at 11.30am and sees participants racing through St Albans in Santa suits, which are included in the £17 entry fee.

Meeting point is at Waterend Barn, St Albans where there’ll be festive music and the chance to buy your Christmas cards and decorations.

To register visit www.renniegrove.org/jinglebelljog or call 01442 820740

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Calling all Santa's Two and four legged Santa's are being asked to join The Hospice of St Francis’s Santa Dash in a 2.5 mile route around the streets of Hemel Hempstead on Sunday 13th December at 10am. Last year’s event raised over £15k, providing care for patients facing life-limiting illness, and support for carers and families across West Herts and Bucks.

Family (and dog) £35, adult £15, child £5, includes Santa suits, reindeer ears and puzzle books for little Santa’s, a treat for your jingle dog and mince pies and hot drinks at the finish line.

You’re encouraged to decorate your outfit for a chance to win a prize for the best dressed Santa and the most festive canines.

Sign up now at www.stfrancis.org.uk/ santadash it’s festive fun for everyone and all for a good claus!

Riverside, Hemel Hempstead www.stfrancis.org.uk

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Celebrating Hertfordshire’s Hidden Heroines

A Life Changing Opportunity for Local Young People

Trestle Theatre Company has been awarded £44,500 by the Heritage Lottery Fund for an exciting new project, Hertfordshire’s Hidden Heroines, to discover and celebrate some of the county’s pioneering, inspiring and heroic women.

Including the Witch of Walkern, Jane Wenham, Boudicca and her daughters who ransacked St Albans as revenge on the Romans, the pioneering entomologist Eleanor Ormerod who experimented on herself, Verulamium archaeologist Tessa Wheeler, leading suffragette Constance Lytton, daring World War II pilot Lettice Curtis of the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) and spy Elizabeth Poston among many others.

Contemporary local women will be asked for their stories of ordinary heroism and inspiration, which will be recorded and brought to life, as well as stored digitally.

The project will involve schools and community organisations throughout the county, working towards an exhibition in the Museum of Hertford, a book, film and community show. Trestle will be creating specific masks to unite the various strands of the project.

Emily Gray, Artistic Director of Trestle said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to discover and celebrate the achievements of these women from our county, and to find out who their modern-day equivalents are.”

The project is looking for stories of women past and present who are local heroines, and for volunteers to train as oral history takers; contact heroines@trestle.org.uk

Thameslink and The Prince's Trust are looking for new recruits that live along the Great Northern Line rail route to join their ‘Get Into Railways Programme’ designed to help young people into employment.

Based in their offices in Stevenage, the fourteen 18-25 year olds will receive a free four -week training programme, two weeks learning and a two-week work placement at a station.

They will also receive six months' additional support direct from the Prince's Trust. In many cases it leads to offers of full-time employment.

Thameslink station manager, Tony O'Grady, who has been spearheading the campaign, said: "I do this because it really changes people's lives. Over 3 years we've given 84 candidates a taste of life on the railway, 53 of them staying on to pursue a career with us.

"Our programme helps young people to improve skills such as team work, communication which develops their confidence to cope with the demands of the working world.”

Earlier this year Luton Airport Parkway ticket inspector Mike Tyler (pictured), who was the first of Thameslink's Prince's Trust recruits to be offered a full-time job, won a national award from the Prince of Wales for his achievement.

Mike, now 22, said: "Before, I was living on the streets and not doing anything with my life. The Prince's Trust changed all that and now I'm in a job I love and couldn't be happier."

The next batch of recruits will be selected on 6th January 2016. The programme will start on Monday 11th January. To get involved, email Prince's Trust co-ordinator Anna Crump at anna.crump@princes-trust.org.uk or leave details on 07904 364206.

Trestle Arts Base 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk

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What’s on in December

27th & 28th Nov / 4th & 5th Dec Christmas Food & Wine Fair Harpers, Half Moon Lane, Pepperstock 11.30 - 2.30pm, tastings of selected Christmas food & wine 1st Talk: ‘An Evening of Questions & Answers’

by Helen Yemm of The Daily Telegraph, Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Gardening Society, 8pm, £3 www.harpendengardeningsociety.org ‘Seasonal Anticipation’ by Nick Grounds, Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm, visitors welcome 2nd Roy Ayers & His Band Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, a winning mix of soul, world music & jazz, 7.30pm, £23.50 2nd, 5th & 9th Tower Tours see page 16 2nd - 31st Exhibition: Dedication 900 see page 16 3rd Far From the Madding Crowd cert 12A New version of the classic Thomas Hardy novel, Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm, £5 www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk Make a Christmas Wreath Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans, £20, 6.30pm - 9pm materials provided, bring secateurs & pliers.

01727 731028 / fundraising@renniegrove.org Melanie C & Spike's All Star Band Watford Colosseum, 01923 571102 4th First Daze of Christmas Harpenden Public Halls, 7pm St Albans Abbey Sleepout see page 28 Folk at the Maltings see page 36 4th Dec - 3rd Jan Peter Pan see page 8 5th Santas Christmas Fly in see page 34 Christmas Extravaganza see page 25 Bach Christmas Oratorio see page 12 5th & 6th Christmas in the RAF see page 34 Traditional Chilterns Christmas Chiltern Open Air Museum, 01494 871117 5th Dec - 28th Feb Wildlife Photographer of the Year Tring Natural History Museum, HP23 6AP, aweinspiring images from around the world, free www.nhm.ac.uk 6th Christingle at St Albans Cathedral page 16 Ashridge Christmas Fair see page 25 42 Planting of New Orchard Fovant Close,

Harpenden, linking with National Tree Week with The Town Mayor, Councillor Brian Ellis, 9.45am - 11.45am Carols by Candlelight Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525 Jingle Bell Jog & Reindeer Run page 38 Beauty & The Beast see page 8 Ashridge Christmas Fair Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted, 10am - 4pm, free I've Seen Santa see page 25 Music for Christmas see page 12 7th ‘Shake Rattle & Sing’ Soroptimist women's group carol singing, St Albans City Station, in aid of St Albans & Hertsmere Women's Refuge, from 6pm, donate or sing & have supper, to book supper call 07834 345796 10th The History of Christmas Hitchin Schools Museum, 01462 420144, hear the story of Christmas customs, 7pm, £5 www.BritishSchoolsMuseum.org.uk 10th - 12th Yes Prime Minister see page 36 11th - 22nd Aladdin see page 2 12th Christmas Charity Carol Concert see page 12 12th, 19th & 20th Bricktraders see page 4 13th A Celebration of Christmas see page 12 14th Desert Island Carols see page 12 16th Dec - 3rd Jan Cinderella see page 8 18th - 22nd / 22nd - 29th Tom’s Midnight Garden see page 36 19th Carols on the Hour see page 16 21st -23rd Dec & 26th Dec - 1st Jan Children's Christmas Crafts Ashridge Visitor Centre HP4 1LT, 11am - 4pm, £2 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 21st Dec - 4th Jan RollerCity Christmas Holiday Skates Welwyn Garden City, please book www.rollercity.co.uk 22nd Christmas Carol Concert see page 12 23rd FestiveLea see page 12 24th - 26th St Albans Cathedral Christmas Services page 16 26th St George & the Dragon see page 24 27th Post Christmas Walk see page 36

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What’s on in January 44

1st New Year’s Day Celebration Concert St Albans Cathedral, 01727 890290, St Albans Symphony Orchestra, Bernstein, Strauss & more, 7pm, adult £15 - £25, concs £5 3rd New Year Wassail Event Mill Green Museum, Hatfield, traditional twelfth night ceremony, 2pm 4.30pm, adult £3, child £2 www.welhat.gov.uk 5th - 9th Harpenden Gang Show Harpenden Public Halls 7th Make a Bird Feeder Tring Natural History Museum, HP23 6AP, workshops: 11am & 2pm, £2, for all ages www.nhm.ac.uk 9th Archaeology Apprentices Verulamium Museum, St Albans, an archaeology dig, see what people in the past have left behind & what we can learn from the finds, ages 5 - 11, 2pm 4pm, free 9th & 10th Bride: The Wedding Show Knebworth Barns, Knebworth House, 01242 211099, £5 13th Abbey by Night Tours St Albans Cathedral, atmospheric tours led by monks & historical characters, a rare chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight, 8pm & 8.30pm, £12.50, includes drinks 15 minutes before Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, Linden Innes-Hopkins, 12.30pm, free 13th & 27th Blood Donation Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk 16th Dong-ill Shin Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, St Albans, 5.30pm - 7pm www.organfestival.com The Stars Above Tring Natural History Museum, HP23 6AP, join local astronomers & meteorite expert to discover the stars above, ages 7+ please book, 6.30pm - 8pm, adult £4.50, child £3 www.nhm.ac.uk 16th & 17th St Albans Model Railway Exhibition The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, Sat: 10am - 5.30pm, Sun: 10am - 4.30pm 21st - 24th Dick Whittington see page 8 22nd - 30th Eclipsed Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, St Albans, 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 23rd The King’s Singers with St Albans School Choir

& the Choristers of St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Cathedral, 7.30pm, £10 - £35, concs £12 / £5 Superslam Wrestling The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, adult £15, child £10, family £45 23rd & 24th Resident’s First Weekend visit various historical places not usually open to the public 29th Burns Night The Noke Hotel, St Albans, 01727 731000, food, dancing & an auction to raise funds for Rennie Grove Hospice, 7pm, £37.50 www.renniegrove.org Royal Marines Band Concert The Alban Arena, concert with classical, popular & military music, organised by local Rotary Clubs, 7.30pm, tickets from 01727 865547 until 21st Jan, then 01727 844488, £24 / £20 30th Amadeus Chamber Orchestra St Peter’s Church, St Albans, 01727 864511, Schubert, Poulenc, Haydn & more, 7.30pm, adult £13, concs £11 31st Epiphany & Candlemas Carol Service St Albans Cathedral, a beautiful service of music & readings, 6.30pm

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Index of Businesses

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials Beauty Lavender & Stone Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

33

35

Electricians Parkbrey Ltd

35

11

Fencing Verulam Fencing

41

38

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

20 29

29

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

39

Florist Peonies and Roses

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd

39

Foot Care Feet First

Charity Traid

28

Chimney Sweep Poppins Chimney Sweep

19

Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

15

Blinds Harpenden Blinds

Cleaning Big Yellow 19 Harpenden Power Wash Services 18 Merrivac 19 Mobile Maid Services 18 Murray’s Cleaning Services 18 Complementary Health Mind-Body Balance Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

Insurance NFU Mutual

21 21

15 20

9

Dance & Drama Stagecoach

5

15

Garden Centre / Nursery Bridge Valley Nursery Burston Garden Centre Townsend Nursery

7 6 7

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens Vanessa Blain Garden Design

43 41 45 45

Gas K25

33

Health & Fitness Royale Harpenden Studios

13

Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice Hot Tubs A5 Hot Tubs

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

6

Indian Restaurant Shapla

17 3 & 47

Back Cover

Kindergarten / Nursery Artisans Redbourn House Day Nursery

4 4

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

32

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

31 31

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

31

Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

33 & 47

Property Maintenance The 50plus

37

Recruitment Agency KA Marketing

20

Roofing K & D Flat Roofing

9

Security Maximum Security Systems

37

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

43

Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

37

Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

19

Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows Sash Restorations Ltd

9 27 26 26

23

Garden Photographer of the Year until 5th January With stunning work from both amateur and professional photographers, capturing beautiful images of plants, habitats and amazing landscapes, this is a must-see event.

Free, but donations welcome.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton www.lutonculture.com/stockwood-discovery-centre

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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Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

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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 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 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our Clients

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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