harpenden NOW Feb 16 by wendy robertson

harpenden

NOW

February 2016

February Fun NOW at the Public Halls

NOW at the Local Theatres Doing Something Big Amazing Aircraft

NOW at the Alban Arena What’s on and lots more read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

choose local first 1

Welcome to February

It might not feel like spring just yet, (it certainly wasn’t when we went to print in mid-January!) but it will soon, so we couldn't resist adding a reminder of what to look forward to on the covers this month. We hope they made you smile when you picked them up! As we get back into the swing of things and the evenings get lighter and we emerge from hibernation, there’s lots happening from Pancake Races and Half Term Activities for the kids, to Local Art and Wedding Shows and as always lots of local businesses keen to offer their services, so get out and have some fun and don't forget, if you need something doing choose local first. As always we would love to hear from you with news of events and what's happening in the local area so please do get in touch. Jane & Wendy www.theNOWmagazines.com wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313

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NOW at the Public Halls music, comedy & films

Clean for the Queen for Her Majesty’s 90th

Amazing Aircraft

signals, models & the Vulcan

NOW at the Local Theatres

music, drama & sport

NOW at the Alban Arena

music, comedy & more

NOW for some Local Art

all about art

February Fun

pancakes, Valentines & the circus

NOW at the Cathedral

music, tours & more

NOW for Some Music

classical, 2-Tone & choral music

Doing Something Big

Ed’s North Pole Expedition

What’s on in February & March

42 44

Index of Businesses

accountants to windows & doors

Musical Sunday Afternoons at St Albans Organ Theatre

320 Camp Road, St Albans AL1 5PE (next to Camp School)

A permanent working collection of mechanical (self-playing) musical instruments - ranging from Musical Boxes, Organettes and Reproducing Pianos to four large Belgian Dance Organs. The collection also includes a working Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ and the very rare Rutt Theatre Pipe Organ. The afternoon includes refreshments. Parking is available at the Theatre and nearby. Full facilities for the disabled. The collection is open from 2pm on the second Sunday of each month from March to November. Further details on 03003 65 65 65 or via our website www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Public Halls Film: The Hundred-Foot Journey cert PG 5th February 7.30pm £7.50 Town Mayors Charity Film Night in aid of The Harpenden Trust & Southdown Play Areas Working Group. Gretchen Peters 10th February 7.30pm £22.50 Since the release of her album, Hello Cruel World, two-time Grammy nominee Gretchen Peters has risen to the top of her craft by writing and recording songs that explore the deep corners of life with empathy and integrity. Her rapturously received new album, Blackbirds, was released on Proper Music to great reviews all round. Chantel McGregor + Support 12th February 7.30pm £14 advance / £16 on the door Rocking out with her band or performing solo acoustic sets, Chantel never fails to impress. Imagine the tone and inspiration of Jimi Hendrix, the energy of Royal Blood plus the intensity of Black Keys, in contrast with the ethereal acoustic sounds of Eva Cassidy and the haunting vocal of Stevie Nicks all rolled into one. Katherine Ryan ‘Kathbum’ 18th February 8pm £18.50 Star of Live At The Apollo, QI and The Jonathan Ross Show, the razor sharp and hilariously funny Canadian returns with a highly anticipated new show. Danny Bryant + Red Butler 25th February 7.30pm £13 Danny Bryant Riding high on the European blues scene and still only 35, Danny has played over 2,000 club and festival shows around the world and is acknowledged as one of the cream of the crop. Red Butler Light hearted and melodic compositions, culminating in the release of their debut album ‘Freedom Bound’; reviewed in glowing terms by a number of leading publications. Lewis Schaffer ‘Free Until Famous’ 26th February 8pm £10 Combining the comedy genes of Joan Rivers and Jackie Mason with the pathos of Tommy Cooper, New York comic Lewis brings us his free-wheeling “jazzy” comedy for a unique show. T.Rextasy 27th February 7.30pm £18 T.Rextasy have been performing around the world for over 20 years, a career that ironically out lives Marc’s very own T.Rex. The band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band. If you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, then this show is for you!

Harpenden Film Society The Gift 11th February 8pm cert 15 Simon and Robyn are a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an old acquaintance sends their world into a turmoil. Inside Out 20th February 3pm cert U After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school. Ruth and Alex 24th February 8pm cert 12A A long-time married couple who've spent their lives together in the same New York apartment become overwhelmed by personal and real estate-related issues when they plan to move away.

01582 765464 Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk

01727 298 007

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How long does it take to biodegrade? · Paper bag up to 1 month · Orange peel up to 2 years · Banana skin up to 2 years · Plastic bag up to 10–20 years 4th - 6th March · Cigarette butts up to 12 years Clean for The Queen is a campaign launched by · Plastic bottle up to 450 years Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep . Glass bottles and chewing gum Britain Tidy to clear up Britain in time for The are not biodegradable How much is it costing? Queen’s 90th birthday in June. It hopes to rally an army of volunteers to clean up their local It costs taxpayers almost £1 billion every year to areas and includes a special clean-up weekend clean up litter from our streets on 4th - 6th March. The cost of cleaning up chewing gum from a When the Queen came to the throne litter was town centre is up to £60,000 not the problem it is today, so what better way to According to a 2014 Keep Britain Tidy report, show our gratitude to Her Majesty than to clean if we recycled 50% of items littered in England, up our country? it would have an economic value of at least How much litter is there? £14.8 million. About 2.25 million pieces of litter are dropped on So why not help out on the weekend of 4th - 6th March Hatfield House will be working with local the streets of the UK every day. Thirty million tons of rubbish are collected from England’s communities to clear up the local area and streets each year, enough to fill Wembley Hatfield Park. Black sacks and litter grabbers will Stadium four times over. be available from Station Lodge (opposite The Highways Agency clears about 180,000 Hatfield Railway Station) from 7am for volunteers sacks of litter from motorways and A roads alone. to use. Large skips and bins will also be placed There could be 46,000 pieces of plastic floating at the Lodge for people to dispose of the litter in every square mile of the ocean, about 80% of they collect. that comes from the land. Plastic takes at least If you can’t make it to Hatfield House you can still 450 years to break down in seawater. take part in the weekend and clean up your street In 2013/14, local authorities dealt with 852,000 fly or area just visit the website where you can -tipping incidents in England and Wales. These register your interest and get help on how you cost roughly £45 million to clear up. The RSPCA can ‘Clean for The Queen’. www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk receives 7,000 calls a year about animals injured www.keepbritaintidy.org by litter. The amount of litter on UK beaches has almost doubled over the past 15 years. An RSPB study found that 95% of fulmars washed up dead on the North Sea coast had ingested plastic.

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Palmier Biscuits

Transfer to a board and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Dampen a large baking sheet by sprinkling with cold water. Cut across the chilled pastry length These delicious sweet pastries are easy to make into about 28 thin slices. Place the slices, cut-side down, on the baking sheet. Flatten each one using just a sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry and slightly with the palm of your hand. caster sugar. Serve with coffee, or sandwiched Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until together in pairs with jam and whipped double crisp and golden brown. Turn each slice over with cream for an indulgent dessert. a palette knife halfway through cooking. Transfer 1 x 375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry to a wire rack and leave to cool. 4 tbsp caster sugar 1 tsp cinnamon (optional) For savoury palmiers, spread the pastry with a Senior Citizens little pesto sauce, then scatter over finely grated Parmesan cheese instead of sugar. Coffee Mornings Unroll the puff pastry sheet and trim the edges to Come and enjoy a coffee a neat rectangle, if necessary. Sprinkle over 2 The Harpenden Trust Centre tbsp of caster sugar and half the cinnamon (if 90 Southdown Road using). Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the sugar to lightly press it into the pastry. Tuesdays 10am – 11am Fold in the long sides of the pastry rectangle High Street Methodist Church halfway towards the centre. Sprinkle over a little Thursdays 10am - 11.15am more caster sugar and press down with the rolling Everyone Welcome pin. Fold each long side in again to meet in the centre. Sprinkle with the rest of the sugar and cinnamon (if using), then fold the pastry in half lengthways to form one long strip.

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Amazing Aircraft Scale Model Exhibition at Shuttleworth 28th Feb 10am - 4pm Come and enjoy a range of exhibits from aircraft to vehicles and rail, and a Modelling Competition with 6 categories:- Best 1/72nd and smaller - Best 1/48th and smaller - Best over 1/48th - Best model of a Shuttleworth aircraft or vehicle - Best model made by a person aged under 16 - John Morris Memorial Trophy awarded to the best model in show Adult £10, child free The Shuttleworth Collection Old Warden Aerodrome nr Biggleswade Beds SG18 9EP 01767 627 933 www.shuttleworth.org

Volunteer at de Havilland Museum The de Havilland Aircraft Museum is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers, who are united in their mission to restore, preserve and display de Havilland Aircraft and artefacts. It’s a ‘working’ Museum where visitors are encouraged to get up close to the aircraft. The Museum is always looking for volunteers for the following: Shop Staff, Stewards and Aircraft Guardians, Artefact Research, Aircraft Restoration, Carpentry and General, Electrical or Grounds Maintenance, so why not download an application form and get involved. de Havilland Aircraft Museum AL2 1BU www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk

The Signals Musem, RAF Henlow Come and see some of some of the important items of communication used during the World Wars. The Museum is open to visitors on the first Saturday of every month and attempts to tell the story of RAF Signals. It is hoped visitors and signallers past, present and future can see something of the heritage upon which the Museum specialisation has been built. Whichever category you fall into, you should find your visit both interesting and informative. 01462 851515 The Signals Museum RAF Henlow, Beds SG16 6DN www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

Visit the Vulcan RAF London 23rd Feb A rare opportunity to climb into the magnificent Avro Vulcan and have a look round. Your experience will last 15 minutes. Once inside you will have the opportunity to take photos and ask as many questions as you like. After this, if you are able, you will climb the last ladder which leads you into the cockpit where you will take the pilots seat. A recent visitor said "I just wanted to say what a great event the Vulcan Open Cockpits was. The aircraft team made the difference between it being good and it being excellent, and the whole event went beyond our expectations." £27 per person RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.RAFmuseum.org.uk

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NOW at Rye Meads NOW at Verulamium Museum Half Term Activities 15th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 4pm Incredible Icarus: Hear the story of Icarus and his escape from the labyrinth. Create an embellished picture of this amazing hero and make your own labyrinth game. £6, ages 6 - 11 years ** 15th & 19th Feb 2pm - 4pm Paper Mosaics Craft Activity: Create a fabulous mosaic picture to take away. £1.50, ages 3 - 11 years * 16th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 4pm Gruesome Gorgon: Find about Medusa, a horrible gorgon who had snakes growing out of her head and turned people into stone just by looking at them. Make a Medusa mask and a Greek shield £6, ages 6 - 11 years ** 16th - 18th Feb 2pm - 4pm Mystery Objects in the Galleries: Visit our object handling table and discover everyday items people used in Roman times. Free, ages 3+ * 17th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm / 2pm - 4pm Arion and the Dolphins: Listen to this Greek Myth and create a colourful Dolphin mosaic to take home. £6, ages 6 - 11 years ** *children must be accompanied by an adult ** please book and pay in advance Verulamium Museum, St Albans AL3 4SW 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Half Term Pond Dipping 13th - 21st Feb Grab a net and bowl and go dipping in the ponds. What weird and wonderful creatures will you find? Drop in, £2 Messy Welly Club Tadpoles and Frogspawn 17th Feb 10.30am - 11.30am Wild Flowers 16th March 10.30am - 11.30am Messy outdoor play and wild art for preschool children! Splash in puddles, run wild and explore nature and make exciting art and crafts, under 5’s, please book, £4.50 Wildlife Explorer’s Club 20th Feb 11am - 1pm Be a wildlife photographer for the day! Bring your camera and go outside to learn techniques and skills from a professional who will help you take some super snaps, ages 6-12 years, please book, £5 Explore and Art Afternoons 28th Feb 12 noon - 2pm 27th March 12 noon - 2pm Come and discover amazing creatures and beautiful nature outside and then it’s back inside to create some artwork. Lots of fun for kids and adults alike! Please book, £3 Rye Meads Nature Reserve, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Local Theatres

Trestle Arts Base

Exhibition: Gail Robins - Works on Paper until 3rd March Local artist Gail Robins will be displaying a colourful selection of abstract drawings in the Abbey Theatre Gallery Café. Her pieces, with their interlaced A Mirror Up To Nature lines often have the aesthetic of maps or 4th - 6th Feb 7.30pm labyrinthine diagrams. They are drawn freehand 6th Feb 3.30pm with archival pens over a loose base of ink and Annual showcase for Theatrix giving students the paint on paper. Entry is free. opportunity to perform to a public audience. This Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, show explores how films are reflected in plays 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk and plays reflected in films. Thursday evening and Saturday matinee are The Maltings Arts Theatre performed by the younger students and Friday Old McDonald and the Three Pigs and Saturday evening by the older students. 6th Feb 3pm www.theatrix.co.uk 01727 860217 The Three Pigs are fed up with singing “Eee aye eee aye oh!” every day and bravely decide to Sporting Celebrities move away from Old McDonald’s farm. Join the 9th February 8pm kind old farmer and his animal friends in helping Paul Merson, the former the little pigs build homes of their own, but Arsenal player, looks beware, the big bad Wolf is on the prowl. Can back on his playing days you help save the day and stop the wolf blowing and talks candidly about all the pigs hard work away? A colourful, fun life both on and off the pitch. The evening will be interactive show, full of props, pop ups and audience participation! Tickets: £6, family £20. hosted by fellow Arsenal The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Allbans favourite, Perry Groves, www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk and promises to be full of laughs, football stories, Wheathampstead Dramatic Society fun and nostalgia from The Weir by Conor McPherson one of the game’s real 18th - 20th Feb 8pm characters. A VIP Set in a bar in a remote part of Ireland, the local experience starting at men swap ghostly stories to impress a young 7pm is available for £49 woman from Dublin who has just moved into the which includes meeting area. She turns the tables on them however with Paul and Perry prior to a story of her own which casts their own tales the show, ages 16+ into the shadows. First produced in the late 1990s and winning numerous awards in the West The Real Thing End and on Broadway The Weir and has already by Tom Stoppard become a modern classic.Tickets £10. 26th & 27th Feb 8pm Wheathampstead Memorial Hall 28th Feb 2.30pm www.wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk 1st - 5th March 8pm A glittering wordplay with an array of pop songs tell the ingenious story of a scriptwriter. Henry writes a play about a collapsing marriage only to find his own marriage keeling over. What exactly is ‘the real thing’? As The Telegraph says, “You couldn’t ask for a more deeply felt, or more deeply affecting, drama about love than this…” Abbey Theatre, St Albans 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

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NOW at The Alban Arena Tom Stade - You’re Welcome 4th February 8pm The UK’s favourite Canadian resident. Candid and alluring, join Tom as he ruminates on life’s oddities and revels in his own perpetual shortcomings. The Classic Rock Show 14th February 7.30pm Celebrating its sixth year, this critically acclaimed show will toast the occasion in the best possible fashion, with some of the greatest moments in rock guitar history. Joe Brown 19th February 7.30pm Joe, with his five piece band will be on stage all evening, and the musical styles incorporated into this new show are as unique as the man himself. Madam Butterfly 20th February 7.30pm Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live Orchestra with over 30 musicians This tale of the doomed love inspired Puccini to write some of his most sublime and beautiful music. The Hertfordshire Wedding Fair 21st February 11am - 4pm Over 60 local bridal companies, nationwide wedding venues and a special pamper area for brides with beauty, tanning and fitness. Fashion shows 12.30pm & 2.30pm. See up to 70 stands, live entertainment, fabulous prize draw and so much more! Gilbert O’Sullivan 24th February 7.30pm A superstar who topped the UK and US charts with the likes of ‘Alone Again (Naturally)’ and ‘Get Down’, Gilbert O’Sullivan will be performing with a ten piece band and with his New album Latin Ala G exploring a Latin influence.

Brian Conley 25th February 8pm The multi-talented and irrepressible Brian Conley returns to the stage in this all-new show. Showcasing his many talents, there’ll be singing, laughs, and much, much more in this latest variety show from one of Britain’s most loved performers. Whitney - Queen of the Night 26th February 7.30pm This award winning production features a stellar line-up with rising West End star Rebecca Freckleton delivering a powerhouse and breathtaking performance as Whitney. Tommy Tiernan 27th February 8pm Now entering his 20th year as a stand-up comedian, and still as passionate as ever about the adventure of storytelling and comedy, Irelands number one comedian is also starting to take some very exciting risks. There’s no manners on him, profound, dark, and silly too, his performance mesmerises in a way that is joyful, uplifting, inspirational and most importantly always breathtakingly funny. www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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Our Feathered Friends

position them so that you can also enjoy watching them. Only buy the net-free fat balls, as birds’ feet can get trapped in the net. Watching wild birds in your garden is a real You can also buy grubs and larvae to feed the delight, and as many help to keep pests at bay for birds. These high protein snacks are particularly much of the year it makes sense to encourage useful once birds start feeding their young in the them in. You can provide a haven for wild birds as spring, and are best put on a bird table or even a long as you have a fair number of potential hiding garage roof. places, such as good sized shrubs or trees - and You could also make or buy a bird table on which trees which provide berries or other fruits are to put the food, choose one that is not accessible always going to be welcome. by cats, and position it where you can watch the But what else can you do to encourage your birds as they feed and drink. feathered friends into the garden? A source of Alternatively you can feed them on top of an old, water is one of the best features, so either buy an established hedge, just put out food on flat ornamental birdbath or create one from a shallow wooden trays, perfect to view and impossible for dish with sloping sides. The water should be no cats to get the wrong idea about who is meant to by Pippa Greenwood deeper than 2” (5 cm) and if it is you should fill the be eating! bottom with good sized stones, to reduce the depth. Ideally the water should be changed every National Nest other day, but at this time of year it’s essential to Box Week make sure it doesn’t freeze for long periods of 14th - 21st February time. Other garden water features, including NNBW takes place ponds with shallow sloping sides, are also perfect each year and is now for many birds to feed and bathe in. Providing an established part of birds with additional food is worthwhile, but the ornithological remember to always top it up or they may come to calendar. rely on something that is not there when they It aims to encourage need it most. everyone to put up If you have a problem with squirrels, use a squirrel nest boxes in their proof feeder, which resemble bird cages and hold local area in order to promote and enhance a central cylinder of peanuts otherwise use a biodiversity and conservation of breeding birds cheaper nut feeder, but position it out of range of and wildlife. Natural nest sites for birds such as cats. holes in trees or old buildings are disappearing Save household scraps for the birds too; they fast as gardens are ‘tidied’ and old houses are enjoy apples, cooked rice, cheese, old breakfast repaired. cereal, raisins and sultanas and, of course, bread. Anyone can take part so why not find a space Buy fat balls which contain mixed seeds and hang for a nest box in your garden and get involved them from trees or large shrubs where they will in this important National event. You can put provide a fantastic meal for many birds and, up a nest box at any time of the year, visit the British Trust for Ornithology website to find out how to make one. Taking part in NNBW gives you the chance to contribute to bird conservation while giving you the pleasure of watching any breeding birds that you attract to your nest box.

Make a Nest Box 17th February 11am, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Help the birds in your garden as part of National Nest Box Week by creating a place where they can build their nests in spring. One hour workshops. £8 per box, please book, ages 5+. Tring Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring

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NOW for some Local Art Cambridge Glass Fair 21st February 10.30am - 4pm This year’s Fair will have an exhibition of Scandinavian glass and a glassblowing demonstration in the courtyard as well as a wide range of antique, collectable and contemporary glass offered for sale by specialist exhibitors. You can be sure of finding something to suit your taste and price bracket, whether that be a few pounds or a few hundred! Glassblowers, kiln formers, cast glass artists, engravers and jewellery makers, are just a few of the contemporary artists that will be there. From sculptural abstract forms and statement pieces to delicate ornamental items, the Fair promises to be a great day out for all the family. £5 Knebworth House 07887 762872 www.cambridgeglassfair.com

Angela Allaway Gala Auction 18th February 7pm - 9pm Don’t miss this chance to buy an original painting of Ashridge's famous ‘Queen Beech’ by local artist Angela Allaway. Angela has painted some of the wonderful ancient trees on Ashridge Estate and is kindly donating her painting of the famous Queen Beech (which sadly is no more) to be auctioned to raise money to help the preservation of Ashridge's ancient trees. There will also be numbers one to three of a limited edition print run for auction. Ashridge Golf Club Adult £15, booking essential 01442 85127 www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.angelaallaway.co.uk

Local Historic Paintings Come Home Two paintings by local artist Ernest Heasman of The White Horse pub in Harpenden have returned to their original home nearly a century after they were painted. Both depict the pub as it was almost a hundred years ago showing the brewer as Glover Ales, a small Harpenden brewer taken over by J W Green in 1919. Heasman was a stained glass artist who lived and worked in Harpenden from 1906 where he had a studio and painted local landscape scenes as well as creating stained glass and hand painted tiles. These two paintings came into the possession of former Harpenden resident Ian Taylor (pictured with Wife Hazel) from his grandparents William and Ella Jane Seabrook who ran The White Horse from 1917 to 1929. The White Horse Redbourn Lane

www.harpenden-history.org.uk

Peter Ingram Gallery This new gallery is dedicated to the founder and former chair of trustees, of Apsley Paper Trail, Peter Ingram, for his work preserving the paper heritage housed at Frogmore Mill and Apsley Mills Cottage. There is a changing programme of exhibitions linked to fibre and paper history, including painting, drawing, sculpture, design, 3D, photography, textiles, craft work and historical artifacts. The Gallery is open on Thursdays and the first Sunday in the month, 11am - 4.30pm so in February you can visit on 4th, 7th, 11th, 18th & 25th. Frogmore Paper Mill Hemel Hempstead HP3 9RY 01442 234600 www.frogmoremill.com/the-peter-ingram-gallery

Snowdrops at Benington Lordship Gardens Open daily from 10th February - 6th March 12 noon - 4pm Come and enjoy this popular annual event when the gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops around the remains of the Norman Castle and surrounding moat. Hellebores, Aconites and winter flowering shrubs are also in flower, as well as the coloured stems of Acers, Cornus and Willow. A collection of rare Snowdrops can be found in the borders and a labelled collection of 200 varieties is also kept in and around the walled Kitchen Garden. The gardens will be taking part in the Snowdrop Festival organised by the National Garden Scheme; in partnership with Visit England on Saturday 13th February, 12 noon - 4pm, why not go along and support the charity. Adult £5, concs £4 (not on Sundays), under 16's £2, under 12's free There are guided walks on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2pm, £1 Single and double snowdrops and a limited number of named varities available to buy (weather dependant) Snowdrop Concerts There will be a series of concerts in St Peter's Church on each Sunday in February 2.30pm - 3.15pm, Free with a retiring collection in aid of the church organ fund. Benington Lordship Stevenage SG2 7BS 08701 261709 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

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February Fun Flippin’ Good Fun Valentine’s Day Lunch 14th February 12 noon - 2pm Book a romantic lunch in the beautiful setting of The House at Shuttleworth. For more details or to book please email Sonia.Gunn@shuttleworth.org The Shuttleworth Collection nr Biggleswade Beds SG18 9EP 01767 627 933 www.shuttleworth.org

9th February St Albans Pancake Day Races will take place in St Peters’ Street on Shrove Tuesday, with local businesses and charities taking part in the traditional walkers and runners’ races. To join in the fun please register by emailing events@stalbans.gov.uk

1940s Boutique 6th February 9.30am - 4pm Enjoy a day of 1940's glamour and learn how to style your hair and make-up to achieve that iconic 1940s look just in time for Valentines Day! Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

John Lawson's Spring Circus 13th - 21st February 12 noon, 2pm & 4pm Roll Up, Roll Up the Circus is back! Come and enjoy the new acts planned for 2016. A great family show, not to be missed. £6.50, 4 tickets £20 Van Hage Amwell Hill, Ware SG12 9RP 01920 870811 www.vanhage.co.uk

Holiday Skates 13th - 21st February All ages welcome even adults can have a go! Chart music and a great atmosphere, where children and adults can get their skates on and have a blast. Even if you’re a bit wobbly on your wheels, head out to the dance floor and strut your stuff! Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. RollerCity, Welwyn Garden City www.rollercity.co.uk

National Libraries Day 6th February Libraries in the UK are loved, valued and were visited an astonishing 282 million times last year! Why not come and celebrate them on National Libraries Day at Harpenden Library. There will be a special story-telling session 11am-12 noon and the chance to meet local author Heather Trefusis. The event is free but please book at Harpenden Library. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Harpenden Library, 27 High Street, Harpenden AL5 2RU 0300 123 4049 www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk

Quiz of Quizzes

Guided Walks 10th & 26th February Ghosts & Ghouls 8pm As you explore haunted St Albans, you will visit many places that are noted for some strange events. Stories of the well known phantoms of the town will be related by the guide. Join in and discover the hidden, ghostly side of St Albans. Adult £4, Child £2 Meet outside the Old Town Hall, St Albans www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

11th March Harpenden Village Rotary’s Club’s ever-popular Quiz of Quizzes will be held at St George’s School, Sun Lane at 7.30pm. Tables for 6 people cost £78 which includes a cold supper, there is also a cash bar. All proceeds go to charities and other good causes supported by Rotary. The Quiz is regularly a sell-out, so teams wishing to secure a place should contact Roy Brimblecombe without delay on qofq@hvrc.net Over the last twenty years the Quiz has raised over £50,000 for charity.

Tring Natural History Museum

Huntfun Harpenden Here’s something different to do with family or friends, suitable for all ages, a hunt is easy to organise and a great way to get outdoors and have fun exploring. Following directions and solving clues along the way, Harpenden Treasure Hunts last about 2 hours taking you past many local attractions and places of interest, the War Memorial, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St Nicholas Church, the High Street and the Methodist Church, but more importantly they get you looking around and opening your eyes to things you would normally walk straight past! The Treasure Hunt starts at the War Memorial, Church Green. Happy Hunting! To find out more just visit www.huntfun.co.uk

Lambing Event 13th - 21st February Live lambing, newborn lamb bottle feeding demonstrations and a full day’s programme of fleecy fun for a baa-rilliant day out. Willows Activity Farm St Albans AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Children’s Activities 4th Feb Cheeky Monkey Faces 11am & 2pm Create a big wide cheeky monkey face to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Monkey, £2, all ages 16th & 18th Feb Monkey Masks 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 2.30pm & 3pm Create a mask to monkey around the galleries in for the Chinese year of the Monkey, £2, all ages 17th Feb Nest Box Week: Making Bird Boxes see page 20 19th Feb Tring Park Adventure and Den Building 10.15am & 2pm Play in the woodland and build your own den. Free but please book, ages 5+. Adult Activities 25th Feb Talk: To Make a Museum: The Fulfilment of Walter's Ambition, 7pm - 8pm, Local historian Tim Amsden, who is working on a biography of the architect William Huckvale (1848-1936), considers the design and construction of Walter Rothschild’s Museum at Tring. £4.50, please book 27th Feb Walk: History of Tring Park, 10.30am -12.30pm Join the Woodland Trust for a guided walk on the history of Tring Park. With links to King Charles II, Charles Bridgeman and Walter Rothschild, its rich and varied story will unfold on your journey. Free, please book Tring Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP 020 7942 6171 www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring

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NOW at the Cathedral Lunchtime Organ Recital 3rd February 12.30pm Tom Bell, Organist, St Michael’s, Chester Square, London Free, retiring collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. Abbey by Night Tour 3rd February 8pm & 8.30pm Atmospheric tour led by monks and historical characters, a rare chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight, £12.50, includes drinks More to Explore Tour: Stunning Statues 7th February 3pm free Learn from the experts on this specialist tour. Ash Wednesday 10th February 8pm Choral Eucharist with imposition of ashes, marking the start of the season of Lent sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir. J S Bach: St Matthew Passion (dramatised) 13th February 7pm The Lea Singers perform an exciting new semistaged production of the St Matthew Passion in the Nave, with the performers surrounded by their audience, the Cathedral’s unique crucifixion wall paintings and the newly installed statues of the seven martyrs. Movement, music, art, sculpture and history will combine to form a truly memorable experience. James Gilchrist (Evangelist); Thomas Guthrie (Christ); Johane Ansell (soprano); Helen Charlston (contralto);

Nick Pritchard (tenor) With St Albans Abbey Girls Choir Benjamin Goodson (conductor) £30, £25, £18, £10, concs £10 Family Discovery Morning 18th February 10am -12.30pm Come and find the hidden treasure in the Cathedral. Spend the morning searching for clues and exploring all the dark corners and hidden parts of the building while taking part in fun activities on the way. Free. Donations gratefully received. Hertfordshire Chorus 20th February 7.30pm Mozart – Requiem; Tippett – A Child of our Time Forest Philharmonic Orchestra Ruth Jenkins-Róbertsson (soprano); Jessica Costello (mezzo); Paul Hopwood (tenor); Graeme Danby (bass) David Temple (conductor) £25, £20, £15, £8 Taizé Service 21st February 6.30pm An evening service with instrumental music, meditation and singing. Talk: Making the Bible Make Sense 25th February 7.30pm Large numbers of people have been put off the Bible by inadequate, often over-literal, presentations of it. This talk by The Very Revd Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, presents those facts about scripture that are rarely touched upon. £6

01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org

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NOW for a Valentines Read Whether it’s the rush of first love, a slow-burning romance, or the everlasting bond between friends, love is definitely in the air, so lose yourself in a romantic fantasy read.

Calling Me by Louise Bay

Dear Cathy ... Love, Mary

If you’re looking for a good old fashioned romance, with just a hint of erotica, then you need to add this trilogy to your wish list. It’s an age-old friends to lovers story, but with plenty of twists and steamy scenes to keep you reading. Ashleigh and Luke have been friends since childhood, but when Ashleigh’s unrequited love is finally reciprocated, will she be brave enough to risk everything? Can this new relationship survive, or is Luke just on the rebound? A good fun, easy read in the style of Fifty Shades of Grey.

by Catherine Conlon and Mary Phelan

This Raging Light

Elsie leaves her childhood sweetheart and West Virginian home town in the 1930s, for a life of adventure in Orlando. A whirlwind romance and painful breakup later, and she returns home to marry Homer (the author’s father). The Albert of the title is Elsie’s pet alligator, who lives in their bath, and serves as a daily reminder of the life she could have been living in Florida. When Homer and Elsie decide to take Albert back to Florida, their trip certainly provides the adventure that Elsie craves, but will it bring her and Homer together, or pull them even further apart?

by Estelle Laure

Ah, first love – that raw, all consuming fire that is impossible to ignore. 17 year old Lucille’s mum has walked out, leaving Lucille to bring up her little sister and pay the bills. As if that wasn’t enough to cope with, she’s falling for her best friend’s brother, who is already very much taken. Beautifully written, almost poetic at times, This Raging Light follows Lucille as she stumbles into adulthood. While it’s aimed at the young adult market, don’t let that put you off; you don’t have to be a teenager to immerse yourself in Lucille’s story.

It’s 1983 and best friends Cathy and Mary are just starting their adult lives. When one leaves Ireland to work as an au pair in France, the letters start flying back and forth. The vibrancy and hope of youth shines through the pages. At times poignant, but mainly rather funny, Dear Cathy ... Love, Mary is as much a celebration of friendship as it is a coming of age story.

Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickman

The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt by Tracy Farr Octogenarian Lena Gaunt reflects on her life as an experimental musician, wild child and lover. Her first love was the cello, but then came the theremin – an electronic instrument that would see her rise to almost celebrity status. And then came Beatrix… As Lena starts to recount her life for a documentary, she finds her memories resurfacing and the walls she’s built up around her starting to crumble away. Fifty-Two Ways to Love Your Body by Kimber Simpkins In a culture where ‘You’ve lost weight’ is the ultimate compliment and magazines tear celebrities apart for gaining a few pounds or wrinkles, it’s no surprise that women often struggle to love and appreciate the body they have. If you’re fed up of avoiding mirrors and jumping on every dieting bandwagon going, you need this book. Follow one chapter each week, dip in and out as you need, or read it cover to cover - it’s really up to you. There are no lectures, no criticisms, just simple steps to help you regain an appreciation for your body.

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Historic February 3rd Feb 1730 The London Daily Advertiser publishes the first stock exchange quotations. 4th Feb 1926 Malcolm Campbell sets a new world land speed record of 174 mph (278 kmph) in Wales. 5th Feb 1958 Parking meters first appear on the streets of London's exclusive Mayfair. The meters were first used in America in 1935. 6th Feb 1783 Death of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown the greatest English landscape gardener. His work lives on today throughout the great estates of England, examples can be seen at Luton Hoo. 7th Feb 1301 The son of King Edward I of England becomes the first English Prince of Wales. 8th Feb 1587 Mary Queen of Scots is beheaded on the orders of her cousin England's Queen Elizabeth I. 9th Feb 1964 73 million Americans tune in to the Ed Sullivan Show to watch four lads from Liverpool appear for the first time - The Beatles. 11th Feb 1975 Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher, becomes the first woman leader of the Conservative Party. 15th Feb 1971 Pennies, bobs and half-crowns disappear as Britain goes decimal. 16th Feb 1659 A cheque is used for the first time in Britain as Mr Nicholas Vanacker settles a debt. 17th Feb 1461 Lancastrian forces defeat the Yorkists at the Battle of St Albans. 18th Feb 1478 George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence died in the Tower of London said to have been drowned in a butt of his favourite malmsey wine. 21st Feb 1804 British engineer Richard Trevithick demonstrates the first steam engine to run on rails. 23rd Feb 1863 Lake Victoria, in Africa, was declared to be the source of the River Nile by British explorers John Speke and J A Grant. 26th Feb 1797 The Bank of England issues the first one pound note.

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NOW for a Puzzle! General Knowledge Crossword Across 1. Puzzle in which numbers must fit into a 9x9 grid (6) 7. Glass for sherry (8) 8. Sixth note in the tonic sol-fa scale (3) 9. Myth, fable (6) 10. Summit (4) 11. Woollen item worn about the neck (5) 13. Of the heart (7) 15. Container for small personal items (7) 17. Carved pole associated with native North Americans (5) 21. Film of impurities on the surface of a liquid (4) 22. Military personnel (6) 23. Form of address to a man (3) 24. Storey below ground (8) 25. Organ of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm (6)

Down 1. Extending the legs at right angles to the trunk (6) 2. Colourful flowering plant (6) 3. The Fall of the House of ___, story by Edgar Allan Poe (5) 4. Popular British cheese (7) 5. Country, capital Warsaw (6) 6. Conference attendee (8) 12. Stick of black carbon material used for drawing (8) 14. Large feline of tropical America (7) 16. Woman often in distress? (6) 18. Paper handkerchief (6) 19. Senior nurse (6) 20. Caprine animals (5)

M LO R FA You have two minutes to find the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 9 4 letters: 9 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1 answers on page 46

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NOW for some Music de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra 7th February 7.30pm Two great 20th century Russian works in one evening! Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances from 1940 were his last ever compositions and show him at the height of his orchestral powers. Shostakovich - Symphony No. 5 from 1937. The instant popularity of this ironically patriotic work led to a huge standing ovation for the composer. Tickets from 0844 8889 991 Adult £20, concs £15 / £6, child £8 Weston Auditorium de Havilland Campus www.herts.ac.uk

The shortlisted musicians will then be invited to take part in the Finals Competition in the Cathedral on 28th February. It’s free and students can enter the competition under a number of categories, including vocal ensemble, strings, bass, wind and soloist. To enter please visit www.stalbansymc.org.uk

The Hardynge Choir Celebrates 50 Years

2016 sees the 50th Anniversary of Harpenden’s The Selecter + Guests Hardynge Choir, 20th February 7.30pm which started in Legendary 2-Tone band, The 1966 as an evening Selecter, released their new studio class in Choral album Subculture to critical acclaim Singing at the last summer. Successful bands Harpenden College from the past often reform of Further with nostalgia and become Education and is “heritage” acts. The Selecter now a thriving choir of some 80 singers. have however, grown Under its current Musical Director Rufus artistically and continued to Frowde the following events are planned in excel at the same things that celebration of their anniversary year. On 19th March they are performing Haydn’s brought them popularity in the first place. They’ve played at magnificent oratorio The Creation, at major festivals, headlined 3 Harpenden Methodist Church, in which the UK tours, recorded three studio albums and played composer celebrates, in what he regarded as his on New Year’s Eve at Jools Holland’s Annual masterpiece, the creation of the world as described in Hootenanny. the Book of Genesis and Milton’s Paradise Lost. On The anarchic passion that fuelled Selecter gigs during 2nd July at Harpenden Methodist Church, they will the 2 Tone era, when they toured with the Specials be accompanied by a seventeen-piece big band to and Madness, is still there, except they seem more sing Sacred Jazz, with pieces by, among others, driven than ever. Bill Holman, Johnny Mercer and George Gershwin. The Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square, Bedford The programme concludes with Duke Ellington’s £18 www.seetickets.com Sacred Concert. The year ends with a performance of Benjamin Young Musicians Competition Britten’s St Nicholas Cantata in St Nicholas Church, Once again St Albans Cathedral Trust invites local Harpenden on 10th December. pupils to enter the fifth Young Musicians Competition, The choir welcomes new singers, particularly tenors offering students a unique performance opportunity and basses, please contact Primrose Watts on with the chance to win £100. 01582 460092 or membership@hardyngechoir.org. To enter just upload a short sound file to the website For tickets please visit www.hardyngechoir.org by 5th February.

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Doing Something Big Who? I’m Ed Suttie, husband to Clare and Dad to Madeleine, Alex and James. I have a great job working at the sustainability leaders BRE in Watford and live in fabulous St Albans. I am a working family man who has decided to do something big. Dipping into my past when I was a glaciologist with the British Antarctic Survey. What? In April I am going to trek to the North Pole from a position 2 degrees south of the magnetic pole. The whole challenge covering over 200km takes around 21 days of walking and skiing on sea ice and snow tackling pressure ridges, open leads and the extreme cold. The expedition is well organised and led by a polar guide, while remaining highly challenging it is not high risk. Why? I want to raise at least £30k for some brilliant charities; Rennie Grove Hospice Care / Cancer Research UK / Earthworks St Albans / Antarctic Heritage Trust. I’m funding the cost of the challenge myself. It’s through amazing companies and individuals that WE CAN HELP the heroes, my chosen charities, all the money donated will go to them.

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26th February Charity Snow Ball St Albans Town Hall A fundraising celebration for the charities supported by Ed and and his North Pole expedition, with opportunities for businesses to join in. Polar White Hot Chocolate Local café, George Street Canteen, St Albans, has this delicious hot drink on the menu, 50p from each sale goes to Eds chosen charities. Ed would love to hear from you on Ed2NorthPole@gmail.com or you can make a donation at www.Ed2NorthPole.org At the time of going to press the total already raised for charity was over 50% of Ed’s £30k target.

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Do Something for Charity Harpenden Battle of the Bands - Apply NOW! If you’re part of a Youth band from St Albans or Harpenden make sure you get your application in ASAP, to take part in this years Harpenden Battle of the Bands, to be held in Harpenden Public Halls on 23rd April. Bands must perform two numbers and prizes will be awarded for the best ‘Original’ and best ‘Cover’ performances. Band members must be18 or under at the date of the event, just download an entry form from www.harplions.com The event started in 2014 and raises funds for worthy causes and provide a platform to showcase the talents of young musicians and youth bands across a range of music genres. This years charities are The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) ‘Eyes Alight’ Appeal and ‘Kids in Action’, a local charity that supports children, adults and families living with special needs and disabilities. Tickets £10 www.harpenden-lions.co.uk www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk For further information please visit the website or email enquiries to bands@harplions.com

Pop-up Volunteer Centre in Harpenden Are you interested in making a difference by volunteering? If so why not call in to Harpenden Library when the Volunteer Centre St Albans District next pops up and have a chat with Carol or Catherine about the opportunities available. Why volunteer? It can be one of the most rewarding things to do, and makes a real difference to your community. You can also make new friends, build your confidence, get fit, keep your skills up to date and add new skills to your CV, while having fun. If you are a local charity or community group the pop-up Volunteer Centre is for you too. Drop in to talk about your needs and/or find out how they can help. Forthcoming dates: 17th February, 16th March, 13th April The project is funded by Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation to enable Volunteer Centre St Albans District to have a regular presence in Harpenden, Redbourn and Wheathampstead. St Albans District Volunteer Centre 01727 814644 www.cvsstalbans.org.uk

UK registered charity no 297489

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NOW for a Walk or Two RSPB Walks Free walks run by local RSPB volunteer groups Harpenden Lee Valley Walks 7th February 8am - 10.15am Guided walks identifying local birds. Meet on the bridge over the River Lea near the 'Marquis of Granby' on Crabtree Lane. The Ver Valley 24th February 9.45am Half day birdwatching walk led by Ann and Roger Doubleday. Contact the leaders for details on 01582 764226 agdoubleday@sky.com 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 Saturdays 6th Feb / 5th March 2pm East Lane public car park behind The Bull AL4 8BL Hatching Green Thursdays 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 Heartwood Forest Sunday 21st Feb 10.30am Meet at Heartwood Forest car park AL3 6JB Bricket Wood Sunday 20th March 10.30am Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood, AL2 3TX 01992 588433 www.hertslink.org/cms

Battle of Berkhamsted Common Walk 6th March 4pm The Battle of Berkhamsted Common was a historic victory for ordinary people who saved this wonderful open space from wealthy landowner, Lord Brownlow who enclosed the common for his own use. In the dead of night on 6th March 1866, a specially commissioned train brought carriages of East End hard men and labourers to Tring. By moonlight, they joined locals to tear down the five-foot iron fences that Lord Brownlow’s agents had erected around the common. The fences were never put up again and Berkhamsted Common was reclaimed by the villagers. Walk followed by mulled wine and hot snacks. £15, child £10, please book www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

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Tinnitus Awareness Week 8th - 14th February This year, Harpenden’s award winning hearing specialists, Hearing Healthcare Practice are focusing on prevention - raising awareness on reducing the risks of developing tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears). So what exactly is tinnitus? Put simply, it’s the perception of sound in the absence of any corresponding external sound. The noise may be low, medium or high pitched. There may be a single or multiple noises. It may be continuous or come and go. Who suffers? Experiences of Tinnitus are common in all age groups, especially following exposure to loud noise. Mild Tinnitus is common - about 10 per cent of the population have it all the time and, in up to one per cent of adults, this may affect quality of life.

a number of tools and devices available that can help with reducing its severity and intrusion in day to day life. At the Hearing Healthcare Practice, our audiologists provide a Tinnitus Assessment and Management Programme which includes a detailed overview of your Tinnitus and its impact on your life. We can grade the severity of the Tinnitus and work out its ‘baseline’, upon which to measure the effectiveness of any Individual Tinnitus Treatment Plan we may recommend.

Importantly, many, many cases of Tinnitus could be prevented

But, importantly, many, many cases of Tinnitus could be prevented, Tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noise and that’s something we can control, especially when we’re young and prone to noisy pastimes! We all know young people who go to loud clubs or gigs and it’s now our goal to encourage them to use earplugs.

Tinnitus affects over 6 million in the UK The onset of Tinnitus can be quite distressing so A new website www.plugem.co.uk gives it’s reassuring to know the vast majority of people information about the different sorts of excellent are able to learn to ignore their Tinnitus naturally. earplugs available and highlights experiences of Tinnitus and the need to prevent it. All too often we meet people who have been told For more information about preventing there’s nothing they can do about it, but or controlling Tinnitus contact us at: thankfully this is not the case. Tinnitus is not a info@ hearinghealthcare.co.uk disease or illness that can be cured, but there are or call 01582 767218

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What’s on in February 42

until 20th March Exhibition: British Wildlife Photography Awards Stockwood Park Discovery Centre, Luton, 10am - 4pm, free 2nd Floral Demonstration: ‘Hollywood Meets Bollywood’ by Annetta Parshottam, Harpenden Public Halls, 2pm, all welcome, 01582 621757 Harpenden Photographic Society Open Competition www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk 3rd Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, free, 12.30pm Abbey by Night Tour see page 26 4th - 6th A Mirror up to Nature see page 14 5th Mayors Charity Film Evening see page 4 6th Old McDonald & the Three Pigs see page 14 Cabaret Tring Park School, 01727 731000, annual musical theatre show in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, £15 7th de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra see page 34 Meet the Wood Wardens Bencroft Woods, Broxbourne, join the Countryside Management Service for a chance to become a Wood Warden for the day & have a go at coppicing, 10am - 1pm www.woodlandtrust.org.uk 9th Sporting Celebrities: Paul Merson page 14 Talk: Garden Designer: From Field to Floribunda: The Making of a Garden from Scratch by Alison Green, Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Gardening Society, 8pm, £3 www.harpendengardeningsociety.org St Albans Pancake Races see page 24 10th Gretchen Peters see page 4 Something Beginning With G or H St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, 01582 762284, mellor@btinternet.com all welcome, 8pm 10th & 26th Walks: Ghosts & Ghouls see page 25 10th Feb - 6th March Snowdrop Events see page 23 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

12th Chantel McGregor see page 4 13th Bach’s St Matthew Passion see page 26 15th - 19th Half Term Holiday Activites see page 12 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 17th Blood Donation Harpenden Public Halls, 0300 1232323, www.blood.co.uk 12.15 - 3.30pm & 5pm - 7.30pm 18th - 20th The Weir see page 14 20th The Chamber Players Hawthorne Theatre, WGC, 7.45pm, £17 / £5 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk Hertfordshire Chorus see page 26 The Selecter + Guests see page 34 21st Cambridge Glass Fair see page 22 www.knebworthhouse.com Stable Yard Farmers Market Hatfield House, 10am - 2pm www.hatfield-house.co.uk Taizé Service see page 26 23rd Visit the Vulcan see page 10 Talk: Being Prepared in Herts & Beds: History of the Local Scout Movement by Dr Richard Harrington, Harpenden Local History Society Meeting, Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm 25th Danny Bryant + Red Butler see page 4 Charity Snow Ball see page 36 St Columba’s College Prep School Open Afternoon King Harry Lane, St Albans, 01727 862616, 1.15pm - 2.30pm 27th T.Rextasy see page 4 Classical Concert St Albans Cathedral, 01727 731028, music by Gulsin Onay & Erkin Onay, 7pm - 11pm, £25, in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care & Keech Hospice Care. 28th Scale Model Exhibition see page 10 Wedding Spectacular Knebworth House, 11am - 4pm, free www.theweddingguide.info 29th Feb - 4th March Dance Springs 2016 University of Hertfordshire, de Havilland Campus, 0844 88 89991, annual festival in partnership with DanceEast celebrating the best of contemporary British dance

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What’s on in March 44

1st Floral Demonstration: ‘Let's Go Gaga’ by Susie Barwick, Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, 2pm, all welcome 4th An Auction of Promises Aubrey Park Hotel, Redbourn, 01442 863364, in aid of Sunnyside Rural Trust, a charity supporting local people with learning disabilities through horticultural activities, 7.30pm, £7.50 www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk 5th Fairport Convention The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm 6th Walk: Battle of Berkhamsted Common see page 38 50 Things Walk Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, 01582 500920, grab your wellies & join the Rangers for a family walk, 2pm - 3pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea The Shuttleworth Collection, Nr Biggleswade SG18 9EP, 01767 627 933 www.shuttleworth.org 7th The Bootleg Beatles The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm 8th Talk: The Vegetable that Changed World History, The Humble Extraordinary Potato by Stefan White, Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Gardening Society, 8pm, £3 www.harpendengardeningsociety.org 9th Great Britain Revenue Stamps St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, 01582 762284, mellor@btinternet.com, 8pm 11th March - July Shakespeare Festival www.stalbansshakespeare.co.uk 12th & 13th Lambing Weekend Oaklands College, St Albans Campus, Hatfield Road, 10am - 3pm 13th Luxury Wedding Show see back cover Passiontide Service St Albans Cathedral, powerful meditative service of music, poetry & prayer, 6.30pm 13th & 15th - 19th Tosca Abbey Theatre, St Albans Chamber Opera, £18.50 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 14th - 19th The Wedding Singer Harpenden Public Halls, 07817 331150, Harpenden Light Operatic Society, the show takes us back to a time when a wedding singer was the coolest guy in the room www.harpenden-operatic.co.uk

15th Himmelskönig: Bach Cantatas for Lent by Amici Voices, St John’s Church, Harpenden, 01582 462024, players perform three Bach Cantatas, 7.30pm, adult £15, concs £5 19th Anniversaries Convert St John’s Church, Harpenden, 01582 763774, by Carillon Chamber Choir, 7.30pm, adult £14, concs £13 & £5 Dawn Photography Shoot The Shuttleworth Collection, nr Biggleswade SG18 9EP, 01767 627933, with aircraft & vehicles, please book www.shuttleworth.org Jacques van Oortmerssen Organ Recital St Saviour’s Church, St Albans, 5.30pm - 7pm www.organfestival.com 20th Palm Sunday Procession meet by the Clock Tower, for the procession to the St Albans Cathedral, bring a branch or some greenery to wave as you walk! 9.30am Chilterns Cycle Challenge in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org 21st Falling Trestle Arts Base, St Albans, presented by Theatre Alibi, 7.30pm, £12, £10 www.trestle.org.uk Soroptimist Women's Group Chiswell Green United Reformed Church Hall, St Albans, an evening focused on Education with speakers & discussion, 8pm www.sigbi.org/st-albans 24th An Evening of Dirty Dancing Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 762880, with all the hits from the award-winning movie 25th Shaw’s Corner House & Gardens re-open for the year, 12 noon shawscorner@nationaltrust.org.uk 27th & 28th Jousting Knebworth www.knebworthhouse.com

St Albans Cathedral Easter Services 24th Maundy Thursday Eucharist 8pm 25th Good Friday Services 10am: Pre-school Children’s Service 11.30am: Good Friday Children’s Event Time 12 noon - 3pm: Three Hours Devotion 8pm: Unity at the Cross 26th Easter Eve 4pm: Evensong 8.30pm: Easter Vigil 27th Easter Day 9.30am: Parish Eucharist 11.15am: Matins 6.30pm: Evensong 28th Easter Monday 2pm: Pilgrimage 3pm: Service

01582 864138 / 01727 453019

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Index of Businesses

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants

11 11

Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials

Beauty Lavender & Stone Templespa

43 39

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Blinds Harpenden Blinds

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd

Charity Traid

Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

Cleaning Domestique Harpenden Power Wash Services Merrivac Mobile Maid Services Murrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cleaning Services

7 9 7 6 7

Complementary Health Mind-Body Balance Computer Repairs Ken Hodson Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

43 32 5

Dance & Drama Stagecoach

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

Fencing Verulam Fencing

Financial Management AMR Financial Management Foot Care Feet First Garden Centre / Nursery Burston Garden Centre Townsend Nursery Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens Gas K25

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

23 19

Property Maintenance The 50plus

Roofing K & D Flat Roofing

Security Maximum Security Systems

Shutters Heartwood Shutters Just Shutters

2 33

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Tyre Fitting Big Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tyres

18 19 21

Home Care Alina Homecare

General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Sudoku, 7 Schooner, 8 Lah, 9 Legend, 10 Apex, 11 Scarf, 13 Cardiac, 15 Handbag, 17 Totem, 21 Scum, 22 Troops, 23 Sir, 24 Basement, 25 Spleen. Down: 1 Splits, 2 Dahlia, 3 Usher, 4 Cheddar, 5 Poland, 6 Delegate, 12 Charcoal, 14 Panther, 16 Damsel, 18 Tissue, 19 Matron, 20 Goats.

3 Letters ARM FAR FOR FRO LAM MAR

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

Kindergarten / Nursery Artisans Redbourn House Day Nursery

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

31 31 31

Indian Restaurant Shapla

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorating

Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware

Organ Theatre St Albans Organ Theatre

12 13

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

35 & 47

Back Cover

Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows Sash Restorations Ltd

OAF OAR RAM 4 Letters FARM FOAL FOAM

FORM FROM LOAF LOAM ORAL ROAM

47 27 29 29

5 Letters FLORA MOLAR MORAL 6 Letters FORMAL

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Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

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