harpenden NOW Dec 21

harpenden

Pick p u me m ’ I E FRE

December 2021

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

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Welcome to December

Santa’s getting ready as Christmas time draws near, and it’s time to be with all of those you treasure and hold dear. We’ve got lots for you to do together, so have a fantastic festive time, with Skating, Steam Trains, Songs Galore and Santa’s Grottos by the score, Pantos, Reindeers and the Rudolf Run…we wish you all the best of fun with peace and joy to everyone.

If you run your own business we’d love to include you, we offer a helpful, friendly service so please give us a call.

Happy Christmas everyone, the magazines wouldn’t be the same without you!

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Advertising Rates 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition

3 months £43 per edition 1/4 page £52 per edition 1/3 page £64 per edition 1/2 page £110 per edition Full page

other options are available

Please get in touch

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313

Deadline 8th Dec for Jan edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

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s Xma rs Of fe le lab Avai

Treat someone you Love this Christmas...

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Feeling Festive

grounds to life. £16.50, child £10.50 Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

Keep an eye (or an ear) as this float and its special passenger passes through the streets of Harpenden collecting for charity in the lead up to Christmas, usually between 6.45pm and 8.30pm weekdays and 4.30pm-6.30pm at weekends. www.facebook.com/harpendenroundtable

Southdown Lights Switch On

Harpenden Round Table Santa Float

Hogwarts in the Snow

until 16th Jan The Great Hall will be dressed with wreaths, garlands and trees topped with witches on miniature broomsticks. The dining tables will be dressed as in Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone, complete with flaming Christmas puddings. Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Christmas at The Barn

until 19th Dec Thursdays - Sundays 10am - 5pm Barns full of beautiful gifts, jewellery and much more.

Home Farm Delaport, Lamer Lane AL4 8RQ www.sarahcollinsbarn.com

All Around St Albans

Nutcracker Trail 21st Nov - Christmas Day Find the nutcrackers hidden around St Albans.

Free trail maps available from the town centre.

Santa’s Post Office various dates in December Children can write a letter to Santa, enjoy arts and crafts and interactive family games.

Christopher Place Santa’s Post Boxes 1st - 22nd Dec Children can post a letter to Santa in one of the special post boxes in town, remember to include the email of a parent or carer. Fleetville Larder, Cositas, Eyes on St Albans & The Alban Arena St Albans Arts Teams Tinseltown Wednesdays and Saturdays in December Local choirs and acoustic acts will be singing carols and Christmas songs at St Albans Clock Tower.

Live Street Entertainment 7th, 10th, 12th & 23rd Dec Festive fun with innovative and interactive theatre performances. Outside The Museum + Gallery Covent Garden Street Performers 12th & 19th Dec With funny and brilliant street acts, just make sure you watch out for the toy soldiers and trees on stilts!

St George and the Dragon 26th Dec St Albans Mummers hope to return to the streets of St Albans this year, visit the website to find out more. www.stalbansmummers.org.uk

Shuttleworth in Lights

25th Nov - 19th Dec Walk along the illuminated trail and discover an enchanting world of light and colour. £15, child £5 www.shuttleworth.org

Enchanted Woodland Walk

26th Nov - 9th Jan 4.30pm - 9.15pm See magical light installations bring the sparkling 6

3rd Dec 5.30pm - 7.30pm With stalls, Santa’s grotto, carols, a fun fair, a lantern parade and more. Lights switch on at 6.15pm

Stockwood Illuminated

3rd - 23rd Dec 5pm A self-guided trail through illuminated pathways.

Stockwood Discovery Centre LU14LX www.culturetrust.com

Chiltern Open Air Museum

4th Dec 10am - 4pm & 5th Dec 10am - 5pm See some of the Museum’s historic buildings traditionally decorated for Christmas. www.coam.org.uk

Percy the Park Keeper's Winter Trail

4th - 24th Dec 10am - 4pm Step into Percy's wellies and help him with his winter tasks with games and clues along the way.

Dunstable Downs, Beds LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Christingle Service

5th Dec 4.30pm An annual tradition, using the symbol of a decorated orange, to explore the story of God’s love for the world. This service is in support of the Children's Society, and welcomes children and families.

St Nicholas Church, Church Green AL5 2TP

Rothamsted Manor

Christmas Lunch 8th & 22nd Dec £22.95, please book 01582 938500 Christmas Afternoon Tea 12th Dec £33.95, child £15.25 www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Love Came Down

13th Dec 8pm Beautiful carols and Christmas music performed by Hardynge Choir.

0845 475 1664 / tickets@hardyngechoir.org St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ

Lea Singers

FestiveLea Christmas Concert 23rd Dec An evening of singing popular carols with some beautiful (and occasionally silly) numbers for choir.

Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR MerriLea Digital Advent Calendar For 25 days watch a series of videos featuring Lea Singers’ performances with festive songs, verse and sketches. All to raise money for charity. www.leasingers.co.uk

Christmas Adventure

26th Dec - 2nd Jan 10am - 5pm Follow the trail, find the clues and discover the gardens stories and secrets. £13.90, child £8.40 Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

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It’s Panto Time

Aladdin 26th Nov - 23rd Jan Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ Widow Twankey wants a husband, evil Abanazaar wants the lamp, Aladdin wants adventure and Wishee Washee wants some Spiderman Pants! Can the Genie grant their wishes. www.gordon-craig.co.uk Dick Whittington & His Cat 2nd Dec - 2nd Jan Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ Join Dick and his cat on an unforgettable journey to London and beyond. With fabulous costumes, stunning sets, live music, non-stop laughs, and Dame Sherrie Trifle adding a dollop of fun. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk Snow White 4th - 31st Dec Radlett Centre WD7 8HL Another great panto from Upstage Productions. www.radlettcentre.co.uk Cinderella 9th - Fri 31st Dec Watersmeet Theatre WD3 1EH With live music, wonderful sets, beautiful costumes and lots of audience participation in true panto style! www.watersmeet.co.uk Jack & the Beanstalk 9th Dec - 2nd Jan Hawthorne Theatre WGC AL8 6AE Join Jack on the adventure of a lifetime to find fame, fortune and true love. With hit songs, silliness and a generous helping of it’s behind you, prepare to be dazzled and delighted. www.campuswest.co.uk Dick Whittington 9th Dec - 2nd Jan Royal & Derngate, Northampton NN1 1DP The purrrfect panto adventure that follows our hero to seek his fame, fortune and happiness in London Town. Staring TV baddie Ricky Champ (EastEnders), Phil Gallagher (Cbeebies’ Mister Maker) and St Albans panto dame legend Bob Golding. www.royalandderngate.co.uk Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs 10th Dec - 3rd Jan Alban Arena AL1 3LD With the fabulous Chizzy Akudolu (Holby, Strictly, EastEnders) as the Wicked Queen; social media sensation, Jonny Weldon as Muddles and our very own Ian Kirkby back by popular demand as Baron Von Badapple! www.alban-arena.co.uk Aladdin 11th - 30th Dec Eric Morecambe Centre AL5 2FR With spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects and lots of audience participation to keep the whole family entertained. www.the-emc.co.uk Jack and The Beanstalk 11th Dec - 8th Jan Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ Starring Ashley Banjo and Diversity, expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime! www.atgtickets.com Beauty and the Beast 12th Dec Batford Memorial Hall AL5 5BS A traditional pantomime for all the family. www.batfordmemorialhall.com Stalk Dirty to Me 27th Dec - 2nd Jan Hawthorne Theatre WGC AL8 6AE The traditional panto’s naughty sister. For adults only, it’s a feast of farce, extreme overacting, and innuendo!

8www.campuswest.co.uk

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Out &

experience everything this magical season has to offer. Included with normal admission £9, child £4.

Lights of Love for Isobel Hospice 2nd Dec 6.30pm Come together in a 30-minute service, with Christmas carols and the countdown to the lights switch-on reflecting the light of loved ones we hold dear and who we will never forget.

A Magical Evening at the Stable Yard 9th & 16th Dec 4pm - 7.30pm Wrap yourself up in that festive feeling, as you watch The Stable Yard come to life with twinkle and sparkle.

Winterscapes throughout Dec Vibrant and beautiful artworks created by local Wreath Making artists at outside pop-up public art exhibitions. The 16th Dec 9.30am & 7pm community arts initiative with Collective Gallery aims to Create a sustainable and inspiring design to adorn enhance the city centre and make art inclusive for all. your front door. Both sessions include a delicious two In the City Centre, Parklets and Museum Railings course meal. £100 www.hatfield-house.co.uk

About

Sustainable St Albans

Good COP? Bad COP? What next for our District?

Sustainable St Albans AGM 2nd Dec 7.30pm - 9pm See how COP26 informs our efforts to make the district more sustainable. Free, please book www.eventbrite.co.uk Plough and Harrow, Harpenden HP5 1PR Thermal Imaging Camera Book a Zoom session, then borrow a camera, free St Albans: 6th Dec 12.15pm & 15th Dec 8pm Harpenden: 1st & 9th Dec 8pm Take a Step Today with #CountUsIn! Setting out the 16 highest impact things that can make a difference in cutting your carbon footprint. Pick a step and pledge to try it over the next two months. www.sustainablestalbans.org

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust

Please book for all events, suggested donation £5 Slime Moulds and Macro Fungi 2nd Dec 8pm online Enjoy award winning wildlife photographer Andy Sands wonderful macro photography and learn more about these fascinating organisms.

Aimed at adults but all ages welcome Wildfowl of King's Meads 10th Dec 3pm Watch pochards, gadwalls, tufted ducks and shovelers as the sun sets over the rich wetland. Wrap up warm and bring binoculars. For adults and older children King's Meads, Ware SG12 9XD Learn to Sketch Robins 14th Dec 2pm online Local artist, Martin Gibbons, will show you how to begin field sketching our favourite Christmas bird by going through the basics of shape, form, depth and adding detail. Aimed at adults www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Hatfield Park

Frosty Footsteps 2nd & 9th Dec 11am, 5th & 12th Dec 3pm & 16th - 23rd Dec Stroll along the Woodland Walks to enjoy and 12

City of St Albans Tour Guides

Walks: 2nd & 9th Dec 7.30pm Ghosts and Ghouls 5th, 12th & 27th Dec 11.15am Historic St Albans £6, please book Online Talk: 13th Dec 7.45pm £5 Eat, Drink and be Merry in Roman Verulamium www.ticketsource.co.uk/city-of-st-albans-tour-guides

Harpenden Lea Valley Walk

5th Dec 8am Guided walk, run by an RSPB volunteer group, along the River Lea identifying local birds. Meet on the bridge over the River Lea at the junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis Lane. Voluntary donation of £1 ww2.rspb.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Festive Garland Workshop 5th Dec 2.30pm Create a bright and textural garland using cotton, acrylic paint, brushes, and rags with artist Anna Ray. All garlands will be photographed together as a piece of art once finished. £25 Walk: Vintry Garden Tree Stories 8th Dec 11am Join Kate Bretherton, creator of The Remarkable World of Trees exhibition, for a winter walk through the Vintry Gardens, starting at the Museum + Gallery, she will share the fascinating stories of the trees of the gardens, with time for reflection on their shapes, types and meanings. All ages, £5 St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

A Christmas Wish

7th Dec 2pm Harpenden Floral Decoration Club with Lorena Dyer, all welcome 01582 621757 Salvation Army Hall, Harpenden AL5 2TG

Circus Zyair

17th Dec - 3rd Jan Harpenden Common www.zyair.co.uk

Senior Citizens 10% off all prices Dry Cut Wash & Cut Blow Dry Cut & Blow Dry Blow Dry After Treatment Restyle & Finish Shampoo & Set Cut & Set Perm from

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Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you General household and office cleaning Moving in / out cleans Experienced in elderly or housebound clients Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems Social distancing observed and cleaning carried out to customers wishes within government Covid19 guidelines

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NOW at the Local Theatres Eric Morecambe Centre

Big Country – Wonderland Tour 1st Dec 8pm With hits such as ‘Fields of Fire’, ‘In A Big Country’ and ‘Look Away’. £25 & £30 Ben Elton 14th Dec 7.30pm 1980's era-defining comedian explores the modern age, bringing his hilarious perspectives with him. £31.50 Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.the-emc.co.uk

Wardown House

A Christmas Carol 2nd - 18th Dec 7.30pm This magical promenade piece takes you around the beautiful rooms in Wardown House, while telling the story of A Christmas Carol. £15, child £12 Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Luton LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com

The Maltings Theatre

The Wilderness Yet 3rd Dec Combining the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Together, they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes.

Christmas with the Herts Big Band 4th Dec A night of jazz with festive cheer and some excellent arrangements of Christmas songs and carols.

Herts Jazz Club 5th Dec Stan Tracey’s ‘Under Milk Wood’ The suite that made Stan Tracey famous with narrated extracts by his grandson Ben, the quartet will reproduce this magical milestone of British jazz.

12th Dec The Byron Wallen Quintet Byron Wallen, a wonderful trumpet player with an easy and fluent style, widely recognised as a seminal figure in British jazz.

19th Dec Alan Barnes “Christmas with Copperfield” One of our greatest jazz musicians plays clarinet and alto and baritone saxophones.

The Maltings Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.ovo.org.uk

The Old Town Hall

Sarah Jane Morris - Sweet Little Mystery 4th Dec 8pm 14

British soul, jazz and R&B singer Sarah Jane Morris, Tony Rémy and Tim Cansfield interpret singer and songwriter John Martyn’s canon of music to pay homage to a musical maverick. £16.50 A Christmas Carol 8th Dec 8pm See the atmosphere of Victorian London brought to life through the magical art of storytelling, with a live violin score. Ages 14+ £14.50 Robin's Winter Adventure 11th Dec 11.30am & 2.30pm An uplifting tale of change, bravery and friendship told with puppetry, poetry and music. Ages 3+ £8 The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Barn Theatre

Goodnight Mr Tom 12th - 30th Dec 7.30pm Tom Oakley is a widowed, childless recluse and as WW2 looms, he is entrusted with William a 10 year old boy from London. It becomes clear that the boy has been neglected and abused, and he sets out to rehabilitate him and give him the care he has not previously experienced. The story beautifully illustrates the healing power of love, not just in the receiving, but in the giving. £13 www.thebarntheatre.co.uk

Under The Frozen Moon

14th Dec- 3rd Jan In this immersive, theatrical frozen-folktale, a greedy dragon has gobbled up every fire and every light, leaving only the white glow of the frozen moon.

A tender folk story of love, friendship, and giving. £15 Southern Maltings, Ware SG12 7BS www.hertfordtheatre.com

Abbey Theatre

The Borrowers 17th - 28th Dec 2.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Arrietty Clock lives with her parents under the floorboards of a country house. But Arrietty longs for freedom, fresh air, and sunshine on her face. When they are discovered by the ‘human beans’, they set off to find a new home and their long-lost relations, facing many challenges along the way. www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Hat Factory Arts Centre

The Elves and the Shoemaker 18th - 24th Dec In this topsy-turvy re-telling we meet Geoff, a lovable retired shoemaker who is struggling to remember the past. A festive story sure to make the whole family feel warm and cosy inside. £12, child £10 Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

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Get your Skates on!

Winter Wonderland 19th Nov - 3rd Jan Glide around a Victorian bandstand n Hyde Park, beneath a canopy of fairy lights and enjoy the live band. Explore the bustling markets and the fairground and tuck into seasonal food. www.winterwonderland.seetickets.com Skate Letchworth 20th Nov - 2nd Jan A real ice rink on the terrace of the outdoor pool.

Norton Common, Letchworth SG6 4UF www.sll.co.uk/skateletchworth Natural History Museum until 16th Jan Now in its final year, skate in front of one of London’s most iconic museums, as it’s transformed for winter with twinkling fairy lights and a magnificent Christmas tree. www.nhm.ac.uk Somerset House until 16th Jan Glide along the ice with its giant Christmas tree in a daytime skating session or at late-night skates with DJ soundtracks playing under the stars. www.somersethouse.org.uk Hampton Court Palace until 9th Jan The Ice Rink is set against the palace's spectacular Tudor facade, which lights up with beautiful colours as darkness falls. www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Queen's House 18th Nov - 9th Jan Skate in the gorgeous surrounds of a Unesco World Heritage Site. Glide along the ice like a royal, while admiring the views over the river Thames and the sparkling lights of Canary Wharf. www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house Canary Wharf until 26th Feb Enjoy skating flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers. Then head to the rink-side bar for a drink or check out the many restaurants and bars nearby. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk Alexandra Palace Plan a fun festive day out, where you can get your skates on all-year round. Show off your best moves at the disco or watch the action on the ice with mulled wine and festive treats in the Ice Café. www.alexandrapalace.com Skylight London until 16th Jan Skate in style on the rooftop of Tobacco Dock.

Besides sweeping views of London, find heated après-skate bars serving cocktails, warming drinks and tasty street food, as well as cosy igloos providing the perfect place for a post-skating break. www.skylightbars.com

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Christmas Trees Wreaths & Logs

Winter Bedding Hanging Baskets 5 mins from Harpenden Town Centre

East Hyde LU1 3TS 01582 766728

Hardwood Seasoned Logs

(less than 20% moisture content)

Kiln Dried Logs Smokeless Coal Xmas Trees

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

www.townsendnursery.com

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Where’s Santa?

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park Weekends from 20th Nov & 17th - 24th Dec Santa’s cheeky elves welcome you to this magical experience of festive fun, see the Elves Magical Show, decorate a gingerbread person in Mrs Claus' Kitchen and meet Santa with photo opportunities and goodies for the children. www.leevalleyfarm.co.uk Van Hage Garden Centre until 24th Dec Guided by Santa’s little helpers, make your way to meet him to receive a special gift. Please book £12 www.vanhage.co.uk Whipsnade Zoo weekends from 20th Nov & daily 18th - 24th Dec Meet Santa along with some of the best company the animal kingdom has to offer, some festive magic, and his cheeky elves. Every child meeting Santa will receive a gift. www.zsl.org

Cuddle workshop and decorate a gingerbread. www.willowsactivityfarm.com Mead Open Farm Thurs - Sun from 3rd Dec & 16th - 24th Dec Meet Santa and his cheeky elves, discover an enchanted world, visit the magical Toy Shop to choose a gift, make a cuddly bear and visit the farm. www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Knebworth House Lunch: 5th, 12th, 19th & 23rd Dec Dinner: 7th, 14th & 21st Dec Enjoy an early family treat with a fantastic Christmas meal at Knebworth Barns, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Please book www.knebworthhouse.com

Burston Garden Centre 20th Nov - 24th Dec Visit Santa in his magical Christmas grotto.

Please book www.burston.co.uk

Wardown House 11th - 22nd Dec Curl up with Miss Christmas for a story before joining Santa to receive a gift, and then enjoy milk and cookies with the elves. www.culturetrust.com

Paradise Wildlife Park Weekends from 27th Nov Daily 18th Dec - 24th Dec Wander through a winter wonderland and festive fairy light tunnel to meet Santa and his reindeer and have your photo taken with him. www.pwpark.com

Leighton Buzzard Railway Weekends 4th - 19th Dec Weds from 8th Dec & 18th & 24th Dec Take a steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway, and meet Santa in his grotto where children will receive a present. www.buzzrail.co.uk

Bletchley Park 27th & 28th Nov & 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th 18th - 23rd Dec 10am - 3.30pm £9.50 A unique vintage grotto, meet Santa in the beautifully decorated Mansion, where children will receive a gift.

Santa has lost some toys, can you help find them by following a free trail, and break a secret code.

Please book www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Shuttleworth 5th, 12th & 19th Dec See Santa fly into the aerodrome in a super cool vintage aircraft, follow him to the Swiss Garden and see how many snowballs you can collect, before swapping them for a gift, then take a vintage bus ride. www.shuttleworth.org

The Olde Watermill Christmas Grotto Thursday - Monday from 2nd Dec A magical fun-filled experience of singing, funny antics and belly laughs. Elfie Selfie will show you how to make magical Reindeer food and teach you a special way to send Christmas wishes to Santa. Please book www.oldewatermill.co.uk Willows Activity Farm 3rd - 6th, 10th - 13th, 16th - 24th Dec A day of festive family fun, visit Santa, choose a gift from his Toy Shop, make a soft toy in the Create-a22

Buckinghamshire Railway 4th & 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th - 21st Dec See Father Christmas while enjoying a steam train ride and watching this year's mini panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears. www.bucksrailcentre.org Tracking Santa Every year on Christmas Eve, in a programme set up in 1965 by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, you can track Santa as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children around the world. Visit the website from 1st December and watch the countdown to Santa’s launch www.noradsanta.org

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Local, Reliable, Dependable Providing help to those that need it in and around the home, from simple tasks to assisting with outings, companionship and offering respite to carers who may simply need a break.

Contact us today

Celine: 07742 064245 Sarah: 07742 064246 info@caringconnections.co www.caringconnections.co

Tailor made assistance with independent living W lun e also che en trip s & t joy s to hea tr get h er e

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Caring & Sharing St Albans Postboxes

The Yarnbombers are back, after last years phenomenal success, raising over £25k. This year they’re aiming for even more Post Box Toppers and to raise even more for their chosen charities; Youth Talk and ADD-Vance.

This is only possible because of the amazing creative team, so if you’d like to get involved with anything from crocheting, knitting or sewing to, wielding a hot glue gun or assembling the toppers just email them. They also need good quality wool, individual figures, trees and all sorts of other things! Email: hq@stalbanspostboxes.org.uk

Charity Christmas Cards

The Hospice of St Francis is selling Christmas Cards online and in their charity shops. 100% of the profits go directly to The Hospice www.stfrancis.org.uk

St Albans for Refugees

Raise funds for Afghan refugees, Christmas cards are now for sale at their online shop. www.stalbansforrefugees.org/shop

Rennie Grove

Christmas Wreath Making Workshops Make a wreath to last throughout the festive season, while raising money to keep families together this Christmas.

There are two options, both include a ring, fir, cones, berries and a ribbon. £30 Workshop at Grove House 8th Dec 7pm With head gardener Sue Hobley.

Please book Virtual Workshop After signing up you will receive an email with a video from Sue Hobley, showing how to make your wreath. Please sign up by 1st Dec and collect kits on 9th Dec. Grove House, St Albans AL3 5QX Big Festive Quiz of the Year 30th Dec Get your Christmas jumper on and host the Quiz at home or over zoom. Quiz packs will be provided for a minimum donation of £5. Please sign up by 12 noon on 23rd Dec www.renniegrove.org

Christmas Jumper Day

10th Dec It's super fun, and it's easy to take part.

Since 2012 people have put on their jazziest jumpers for one Friday in December, donated £2 to Save the Children and raised money to help protect the magic for children around the world. Why not sign up today. www.savethechildren.org.uk 30

UK registered charity no. 297489

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NOW at the Cathedral Advent Trail 1st - 31st Dec 9am - 5pm Explore some reminders of the Christmas story with facts about the Cathedral's traditions, architecture and assets. Trail maps from the Welcome centre.

The Hospice of St Francis Carol Concert 5th Dec 3pm A magical afternoon of popular carols, with performances from local choirs and opportunities for audience participation.

The Willow Carol Concert 7th Dec 7.30pm Carols sung by Hertfordshire Chorus with readings

by Co-Founders Bob and Megs Wilson.

Bach Choir Christmas Carol Concerts 11th Dec 3pm & 7pm Two concerts performed by St Albans Bach choir 3pm - Traditional carols and festive brass pieces for families with young children.

7pm - Traditional carols and choral music with brass pieces for adults.

Christingle 12th Dec 3pm - 3.30pm This service is an annual tradition, using the symbol of a decorated orange, to explore the story of God’s love for the world. Each element of the orange has symbolic value, and during the service candles are lit to represent Christ's light. This service is in support of the Children's Society, and welcomes children and families.

Carols on the Hour 18th Dec 11am - 5pm On the hour, every hour this fantastic opportunity to sing carols and hear music from different local choirs is a festive break from shopping and a lovely way to get a taste of Christmas.

Live Nativity Trail 18th Dec 12 noon - 3pm Journey through St Albans, meeting and hearing from the nativity characters who will greet you throughout the day, and give you a stamp. Bring your fully stamped trail to the Cathedral to see the nativity scene brought to life like never before.

Collect trails for free on the day from the Cathedral, St Peter's Church, St Albans Museum + Gallery, The Beech House, Marlborough Road Methodist Church and Dagnall Street Baptist Church.

Parish Eucharist with Nativity 19th Dec 9.30am Watch the traditional crib scene come to life as the children of St Albans Cathedral star in this heart warming retelling of the very first Christmas.

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Expect laughs and festivity with this can't-miss performance.

Weekend Wisdom: Hark the Herald 19th Dec 1.30pm A seasonal trail for all the family, tracking down some of the hundreds of angels in the Cathedral. The stone, wood and glass angels are powerful symbols, and they fly high, so bring binoculars if you have them!

Lessons and Carols 19th & 21st Dec 7.30pm Opening with the sound of a single chorister singing Once in Royal David's City from the organ loft, and candlelight begins to spill through the cathedral. The services continue with lessons interspersed with popular carols and Christmas motets performed by the choir.

Crib Services 24th Dec 1pm & 2.30pm This wholesome celebration of Christmas is a popular service, welcoming children and families.

Christmas Eve Choral Vespers As night falls, this beautiful and reflective service of music, readings and prayer marks the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas.

Midnight Mass Marking the beginning of Christmas this is a lovely way to start celebrations with family and friends with popular carols and an atmospheric performance of a chosen Mass.

Christmas Day Eucharists Holy Eucharist 8am A simple Christmas service in traditional English.

Christmas Day Eucharist 9.30am Service for all ages, full of popular carols to sing alongside a Mass sung by the Cathedral Choirs.

Christmas Day Eucharist 11.15am Traditional Eucharist with Christmas music, sung by the Cathedral Choirs. For those who cannot attend this service will also be livestreamed.

Boxing Day Combined Eucharist 10am A combination of the usual Sunday morning services, that will also be livestreamed.

Carols 4pm Informal service encouraging people to come along for a final festive celebration. www.stalbanscathedral.org

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New flooring showroom now open in Chiswell Green, St Albans KC Flooring Specialists Ltd are experts in all types of flooring Authorised retailers of Karndean Hugh Mackay carpets Elements London carpets

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

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Index of Businesses Accountants Hicks

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Bakery Zuckermaus

Cleaning Domestique Merrivac

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Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

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Beauty The Cove Spa

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Blinds Harpenden Blinds

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Bra Fitting Shop No.1 Bra

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Building / Refurbishment Complete Refurbishment & Roofing Front Cover Kingsholme Back Cover Open Plan Solutions 36 Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Car Servicing / Repairs RTI Auto Services Ltd Charities Rennie Grove Hospice Care - Rudolph Run Salvation Army - Christmas Day Traid Chimney Sweep The Local Chimney Sweep

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Home Care 13 Caring Connections 13 Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock 18 Locksmith Services

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 7 Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Finance Continuum JP Wealth Management Ltd Flooring KC Flooring Specialists Ltd Garage Doors Garolla

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Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators 23 M & M Decorators 23 Pest Control Wasp Guys 10 Plumber 11 DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd 34

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Roofing GJ Smith Roofing Maccabees Roofing

33 Security Garden Centres / Nurseries Harpenden Alarms Ltd Bridge Valley Nursery 21 Maximum Security Townsend Nursery 21 Vanstone Park 20 Singing Club Clover Singing Club Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd 25 Solicitors Rayden Solicitors Hairdressing Image Mobile Hairdressing 13 Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd Healthcare TGB Treecare Spire Harpenden Hospital 28 & 29 Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Hearing Services Kings Windows Hearing Healthcare Practice 26

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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