harpenden NOW Feb 2017

harpenden

NOW

February 2017

Live Cinema Visit Somewhere New NOW at the Public Halls NOW at the Local Theatres Harpenden from Behind the Lens

Fabulous February read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly What’s on and lots more promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006 choose local first

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NOW at the Public Halls

Welcome to February

music, films & antiques

NOW at the Local Theatres

February is a great month, when we can expect anything from snow to beautiful, bright sunny days, with the promise that spring is around the corner, and soon there’ll be lambs in the fields and brightly coloured crocuses in the garden.

drama, music & more

My Interview with Dave Bibby

by Mollie

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NOW at Verulamium Museum 16 history galore

If you're planning a wedding make sure to pop along to the Wedding Show at Luton Hoo for lots of inspirational ideas to get you started. If it’s fun you're after why not sign up to take part in the Pancake Race in St Albans Town Centre on Shrove Tuesday, and as always there's lots happening from National Nest Box Week, Football Camps and Back to Netball to Magic Shows, Live Cinema and Stargazing. As usual we can’t fit everything on our what’s on pages, so make sure you have a good read through and don’t miss anything!

And remember you can always read the magazines every month on-line.

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

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NOW for a Walk or Two 22 health, history & birds

Fabulous February 24 Feb fun for all

NOW for some Music 26 folk, ska & JamJar!

Deliciousandreal 28

pomegranate, pork & plums

NOW at the Alban Arena 30 music, comedy & dance

Harpenden from Behind the Lens 32

Just email wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

to be in the March editions

Deadline: 6th February

trainers, shoes, boots & more!

Visit Somewhere New 38 Waddesdon Manor

What’s on in February 42 & March 44 Index of Businesses 46

accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW at the Public Halls Film: I, Daniel Blake cert 15 1st Feb 8pm members £3.50, non-members £5 Ken Loach’s film follows a 59 year old carpenter recovering from a heart attack who befriends a single mum and her two children as they navigate their way through the kafkaesque impersonal benefits system. With humour, warmth and despair. Heartfelt and emotional until the end.

Charity Film Night: Bridget Jones’s Baby cert 15 10th Feb 7.30pm £10 In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, includes a glass of wine and nibbles.

Chantel McGregor 11th Feb 7.30pm £15 Chantel will be performing tracks from her new album Lose Control and those from her highly acclaimed debut album Like No Other. For those who are new to Chantel, imagine the tone of Robin Trower, the inspiration of Hendrix, the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the energy of Bonamassa, the intensity of Walter Trout and the haunting vocal of Stevie Nicks all rolled into one… one of the most exciting rock-blues musicians in the UK! Film: Up For Love cert 15 15th Feb 8pm £5 Diane is a well-known lawyer, divorced for three years. She loses her mobile phone and receives a call from the person who finds it, they make a connection and agree to meet up the following day.

Film: The Secret Life Of Pets cert PG 18th Feb 3pm adult £5, child £2.50 Town Mayor’s Charity Film Matinee Club Night Boombastic 90’s 18th Feb 8.30pm - 1am Featuring Livin Joy Grimethorpe Colliery Band 19th Feb 3pm £20 Formed in 1917, during WWI the band is a British institution. National and British Open Champions on numerous occasions, as well as 16 Brass In Concert Championship titles and four times National Champion Brass Band of Great Britain to name but a few.

Harpenden Antique Fair 26th Feb 10am - 4pm £2 Up to 50 dealers selling good quality antiques and collectibles.

075192 76507 www.haddonevents.co.uk

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Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD 01582 767525 www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

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NOW at the Local Theatres Maltings Arts Theatre Uncle Vanya 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th Feb 7.30pm Breakaway Theatre Company present this updated version of Chekhov’s 1898 play. This modern adaptation captures life over a century later, yet the themes are more relevant than ever; the divide between the workers and the intelligentsia, love as escapist fantasy and the preciousness of the natural world.

A rundown farmhouse in the country and its embittered inhabitants; barely keeping the farm afloat. This uneasy peace is shattered when the farm owner, a once respected academic, and his new wife return. Old wounds are reopened, new scars are created and the dying embers of ambition flare back up. “Any idiot can face a crisis, it’s this day to day living that wears you out.’’ £12, concs £10.50 St Albans AL1 3HL 0333 666 3366 www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

Wheathampstead Dramatic Society Macbeth 16th - 18th Feb The Society turns to Shakespeare’s Macbeth for their 70th Anniversary season.

This is only the fourth time the Society has presented a Shakespeare play and features the largest cast on a stage since the 60th Anniversary production. £10 Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead. www.wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk

Abbey Theatre Rope by Patrick Hamilton 24th - 26th Feb & 28th Feb - 4th March Two Oxford undergraduates, Brandon and Granillo, murder a fellow student for no other reason than ‘the fun of the thing’. Will they get away with their crime? Will nervy Granillo crack under the pressure? Or will the intriguing poet Rupert Cadell see through their dark games and bring the audacious pair to justice?

Written in 1929, Rope was called a ‘cruel and brilliant play’ by The Telegraph.

St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

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Sandpit Theatre Burglar Bill 15th Feb 11am & 2pm These fun characters are brought to life on stage with puppets, music and songs. Who's that creeping down the street? Who's that climbing up the wall? Who's that coming through the window?

Who's that....It's Burglar Bill! £8 concs £6 Film: The BFG cert PG 16th Feb 10.30am £3, concs £2 MapDance Spring Tour 2017 21st Feb 7.30pm A refreshing mixture of dance theatre, lyrical choreography and wry humour. £7 Frankenstein 24th Feb 7.30pm This new adaptation of Mary Shelley's Gothic horror fuses storytelling, live music, stunning theatricality and puppetry from the designers of Warhorse. Promising a fresh, exciting take on this landmark work of romantic, gothic and science fiction literature. £12, concs £10 Film: I, Claude Monet 26th Feb 2pm Using letters and other private writings this film reveals new insight into the man who not only painted the picture that gave birth to impressionism, but was perhaps the most influential and successful painter of the 19th and early 20th centuries. £5 Sandpit Lane AL4 9NX 01727 799565 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

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My Interview with Dave Bibby Hey I’m Mollie, Jane's daughter, you may remember me if you’re a long term reader, from when I met Rebecca Adlington.

This time I interviewed local actor and comedian Dave Bibby who was most recently Muddles in the St Albans pantomime. Dave is an actor and comedian who has appeared in TV adverts and cameos in TV shows so you may have seen him before without realising.

Why did you choose to do the Panto here in St Albans?

I have worked with the panto producers, Evolutions Productions, before and know they put on quality shows so we had a chat about where I might do panto this year, I spent a lot of my life on the road and staying away from home so when the opportunity arose to do a panto that meant I could stay at home for Christmas I jumped at the chance. It's a lot of hard work with 13 shows a week and a short rehearsal period but panto is the most fun you can have.

What’s the biggest achievement of your career?

I guess that I have done 10 years in the industry and I'm happy. I have financial security and a lovely little house we can call our own. I've won awards and appeared on major TV channels, I've written jokes for major household names but my greatest achievement is simply doing what I love and being able to call myself happy.

How old were you when you started acting, and have you always wanted to be an actor/ comedian?

I started doing youth theatre when I was around 14 and then studied A Level Theatre Studies and did a degree in performing arts. After that I've done 10 years as a professional (which gives away my age!) I always wanted to perform and suspected I could make people laugh. I kept it quiet growing up until I gained more confidence as a teenager.

Who was your biggest inspiration when you were growing up? Has that changed since?

I used to love watching Jim Carrey, Rowan Atkinson and Lee Evans. I often get compared to

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my heroes Jim Carrey and Rik Mayall with my style of physical comedy which is clearly from the type of comedy I watched growing up.

Where do you think you would be now without having a career in comedy/acting?

I think I'd probably be working with animals. I'd love to do conservation and work with elephants in Kenya or Thailand.

Where would people have seen you before the panto?

I show up in all sorts of things - which means people sometimes say hello to me in Tesco but they're not quite sure where they know me from.

I've appeared in television shows, radio, theatres and comedy clubs up and down the country. You can also see me in Virtual Reality on Derren Brown's Ghost Train at Thorpe Park (which was a very surreal experience for me to sit through and talk to myself!).

What advice would you give someone who's trying to be an up-and-coming actor/comedian?

Be prepared for a very crowded industry. Work hard, be professional and soak up as much advice and experience as you can. If you want to be a comedian find out what is funny and unique about you - don't imitate! Audiences want to hear your very own unique view on the world.

What do you want to achieve in the next 5 years?

My overall dream would be to write and star in my own sitcom - I'm working on it!

Where can we find Dave Bibby next?

Keep an eye out for me in adverts! I'm also in talks to do a new BBC Three sitcom in February and I'll be gigging in London as I work on my new solo show for Edinburgh Festival in August.

Where can we find you on social media?

Twitter: @DaveBibby Instagram: Dave.Bibby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ DaveBibbyComedian/ Everything else: www.DaveBibby.com

01727 298

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Freephone: 0800 688 9576 07950 975848

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NOW at the Cathedral Hertfordshire Chorus 4th February 7.30pm Program: Elgar – The Kingdom Lunchtime Organ Recital 8th February 12.30pm Joshua Hales, Acting Director of Music, Sheffield Cathedral. Free Family Discovery Morning 16th February 10am - 12.30pm A fun Valentines themed morning of trails, arts and crafts. Ages 3-11, free Lunchtime Classical Guitar Recital

by Costanza Casullo 18th February 1pm Program: Weiss, Sanz, Albeniz, Villa-Lobos, Barrios and Ravel. Free Lunchtime Piano Recital by Roman Rudnytsky 27th February 1pm Free Lunchtime Organ Recital 22nd March 12.30pm Nicholas Freestone, Organ Scholar, St Albans Cathedral St Albans Choral Society 25th March 7.30pm Programme: Brahms – Schickalslied Mendelssohn – Hebrides Overture Mozart – Mass in C minor Mothering Sunday 26th March Services at 9.30am, 11.15am & 6.30pm

www.stalbanscathedral.org

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www.acrbuild.co.uk www.acrelectricalltd.co.uk

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NOW at The Hat Factory

Tales from the Shed 18th Feb 10am & 11.30am Vibrant, interactive theatre shows presented by Chickenshed, perfect for ages 0 - 6 years. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space children are encouraged to make lots of noise and to make the story happen. Sure to be fun, really silly with plenty of colourful puppets and singing. £7 We Love 90's Film Festival Blur and Oasis scrapped it out, supermodels became a thing and everyone asked their hairdresser for a ‘Rachel’. The 90’s were filled with Sonic, Tomb Raider and Tamagotchi gaming but film was king with a decade of some of the most iconic and funny films in history. Enjoy a nostalgic kick with films being shown until April with a 90’s party bag given with each screening.

10th Feb - The Full Monty 7.30pm, £5 26th Feb - Jumanji / Hook 4pm, £7 double bill starring the late Robin Williams Exhibition: ’We Love 90's Film' until 30th April, free In celebration of the ‘We Love 90's Film Festival’, local artist John Pritchard has created a series of paintings inspired by each screening and celebrating this decade of outstanding cinema.

John is a 22 year old artist who mainly works in alkyd oil and acrylic paint. It can take him weeks to paint a single frame from a film; he hopes his paintings not only create a sensation for the viewer, but also serve as a testament to the effort and energy that so many people from so many disciplines put into creating a film - from the Casting Director to the Catering Department and everyone in between working together.

The Hat Factory, Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY www.lutonculture.com/hat-factory

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The Close-Up Magic Show 18th February & 18th March 8pm An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand with 3 magicians. Close Up Magic is one of the most popular and impressive forms of the art and this unique event showcases some of the best exponents direct from the sell out shows at The Magic Circle. Audiences get to experience the magic in the intimate setting of the Studio, often taking part themselves. Prepare to be amazed!

The format is informal with a limited audience so they can be as close to the magic as possible. Magicians of contrasting styles perform a 25 minute set in turn, typically with cards, coins and borrowed objects. £16.50, ages 10+ www.hertfordtheatre.com

01582 864138 / 01727 453019

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NOW at Verulamium Museum Spotlight on History Talks The Dambusters Raid 1st Feb 7.30pm - 8.30pm Telling the story of the scientists, engineers and aircrew who carried out the most famous bombing operation of WWII, £5.

180 years of Policing in St Albans 8th Feb 7.30pm - 8.30pm The St Albans Borough Police was formed in 1836, learn about the history of the Hertfordshire constabulary and policing in St Albans, £5.

Hertfordshire and the Slave Trade 15th Feb 7.30pm - 8.30pm Learn how Hertfordshire people were actively involved in the fight for freedom in Britain, the West Indies and America. Hear stories of those involved in the anti-slavery campaign of the early 19th century, £5.

A History of Cassiobury in Watford 22nd Feb 7.30pm - 8.30pm Learn about the former seat of the Earls of Essex and the much-loved public park, richly illustrated with fine art from Watford Museum's collections by its Curator Sarah Priestley, £5.

Talk: A History of the Heart 11th Feb 2pm - 3pm The heart is an enduring and universal symbol. The Ancient Greeks saw it as the seat of the soul, the Egyptians as the centre of life and morality, and in the Medieval period the heart came to signify sincerity, bravery and courage. To celebrate Valentine’s Day explore the history of the heart across cultures, times and places, £3.

Beyond Births, Deaths and Marriages 6th Feb 2pm - 4pm Archivist-led workshop exploring the wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned from parish records.

It's much more than just births, deaths and marriages! £10 Unlocking Research Resources 15th Feb 2pm - 3pm Find out how to get the most from the extensive archive collections by learning how to use the online and paper catalogues and gain top tips from the experienced staff. Free

Half Term Activities Ancient Poo - a Surprising Treasure! 13th Feb 11am - 1pm Discover the amazing things we can learn about people in the past by looking at their poo. Take a look at archaeological poo, and have a go at dissecting, studying and even making a pretend poo! Drop in, free.

Crafty Capers 13th & 14th Feb 2pm - 4pm Drop-in craft activities with a Valentine theme. Ages 3 - 11, £11.50 Roman Inventions 14th Feb 11am - 1pm Did you know the Romans invented sewers and central heating?

Come and see some of the amazing roman inventions found around the house. Drop in, free.

Knights’ Tales 15th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Listen to Norman stories and discover what life as a Norman Knight was like. Make a shield and helmet, ages 6 - 11, £6, please book.

Capture the Castle 16th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Find out about sieges 11th century style and make a motte and bailey castle model to take home, ages 6 - 11, £6, please book.

The St Albans Story: A Graphic Novel 17th Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Discover the stories of this historic cathedral city and make a comic book based on a potted history of St Albans in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry. Ages 8 - 13, £6, please book Verulamium Museum, St Albans 01727 751810 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk .

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NOW at Herts Archives

High Days and Holidays in Hertfordshire 22nd Feb 7pm - 7.45pm A trip down memory lane with this screening of rarely seen archive footage from Hertfordshire from 1920s -1950s. £5 Can you Handle It? Guide to Handling Archives 23rd Feb 2pm - 2.45pm The conservator will show you how to unwrap, open and set up documents and books for reading.

Free, please book as numbers are limited.

Hertfordshire Archives, Hertford SG13 8EJ www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hals

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins ● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines

and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover

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EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP FINANCIAL OR OTHERWISE? DO YOU LIVE IN THE AL5 POSTAL AREA? IF SO WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP CONTACT US AT THE HARPENDEN TRUST 90 SOUTHDOWN RD HARPENDEN AL5 1PS 01582 460457 email: help@theharpendentrust.org.uk Registered Charity No 1118870

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NOWDay k o Bo ntines ale

for V

Fully Licenced and Air Conditioned Established 2001

Good Food & Good Service Come & enjoy Authentic Indian & Bangladeshi Cuisine cooked daily by our Experienced Chef with Fresh Meat, Chicken & Vegetables from Local Suppliers

Special Gourmet Nights £10.95 Tuesdays & Wednesdays

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

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

2 Grove Road, Southdown, Harpenden AL5 1PX

01582 467676 / 469191 Easy Parking Available

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Live Cinema With the introduction of digital technology the Event Cinema in Welwyn Garden City now offers a range of live and recorded events from ballet to sport, comedy to live music and opera to theatre.

Many events are broadcast live by satellite, giving you the thrill of a live event from the comfort of your local cinema.

Amadeus 2nd Feb 7pm & 9th Feb 7.30pm Live from The National Theatre, London Bolshoi Ballet: Swan Lake 5th Feb 3pm Recorded live on 25th Jan 2015 The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works 8th Feb 7.15pm Live from The Royal Opera House, London Saint Joan 16th Feb 7pm Gemma Arterton is Joan of Arc, live from the Donmar Warehouse.

Newsies: The Broadway Musical 19th Feb 3pm Recorded live from the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California.

The Royal Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty 28th Feb 7pm Live from The Royal Opera House, London.

A perennial delight and a much-loved classic.

Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX 0300 303 9620 www.gardencitycinema.co.uk

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The Need for Blood Help make sure there are enough supplies of blood.

Every donor helps meet the challenge of providing a regular supply of all blood groups and types. O Rh negative blood is rare but essential because it’s the only type that can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type.

Your blood's main components are red cells, plasma and platelets which have a short shelf life, so it’s essential to keep topping up the supply: - Red blood cells can be stored for up to 35 days - Platelets can be stored for up to 7 days - Plasma can be stored for up to 3 years Your blood will save lives and your blood donation is an amazing gift to people who need it in an emergency or for on-going treatment. Over 6,000 people need to give blood every day to meet the needs of hospitals and patients. Why not book an appointment on-line or call 0300 123 23 23.

St Albans: YMCA - Highfield Centre Highfield Park Centre, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB 7th & 28th Feb 12.30pm - 3.30pm / 5pm - 7.45pm Harpenden: Harpenden Public Halls Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD 2nd March 1pm - 3pm / 4.15pm - 7pm www.blood.co.uk

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NOW for a Walk or Two Hertfordshire Health Walks London Colney Walks - NEW Meet at the Community Centre, Caledon Road, London Colney AL2 1PU Fortnightly from Thurs 26th Jan 10.30am - easy Weekly from Thurs 19th Jan 10.30am - moderate Highfield Park Charters Health Club Meet car park, Hill End Lane, St Albans, opposite Spar AL4 0DB Mondays 9.30am & Tuesdays 1.30pm easy / moderate Hatching Green Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only (nr White Horse Pub) Thursdays 10.30am - moderate / moderate plus Wheathampstead Meet public car park behind The Bull, East Lane AL4 8BL Tuesdays 10.30am easy/ moderate Saturday 4th Feb & 4th March 10.30am moderate / moderate plus Greenwood Park Meet outside Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green AL2 3HW Fridays 2pm - moderate Bricket Wood Meet Moor Mill Pub car park, off Smug Oak Lane AL2 3PN Sunday 19th March 10.30am - moderate plus Heartwood Forest Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, High Street, Sandridge, AL3 6JB Sunday 19th Feb 10.30am - moderate plus www.hertslink.org/cms

RSPB Events These events are run by an RSPB volunteer group, and at each one a donation of £1 to the RSPB would be appreciated.

Harpenden Lea Valley Walk 5th Feb 8am - 10.15am Guided walk identifying local birds.

Meet on the bridge over the River Lea near the 'Marquis of Granby', junction of Crabtree Lane and Marquis Lane.

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Talk: Wings Across the World - Bird Migration 9th Feb 8pm Illustrated talk by Peter Holden MBE - formerly RSPB, £3, All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, Harpenden.

Morning Walk in the Ver Valley 22nd Feb 9.45am Half day birdwatching walk led by Ann and Roger, contact them for details on 01582 764226.

Guided Walks St Albans City Tour Guides 8th & 22nd Feb Ghosts & Ghouls 8pm Explore haunted St Albans and visit places noted for some strange events, you may wonder if you are on your own – who knows!

Meet at the Clock Tower, High Street, St Albans Just turn up and pay the guide, adult £4, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Ashridge Half Term Trail & Crafts 13th - 17th Feb 10am - 3pm Head into the visitor centre and complete your craft before following the trail around the woodland. £3 per child.

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

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Fabulous February

British Wildlife Photography Awards 21st Jan - 26th March 10am - 4pm Free The Awards were established to recognise the incredible talents of British photographers, while at the same time highlighting the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history.

This highly acclaimed exhibition will captivate you with its outstanding and beautiful imagery.

Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX www.lutonculture.com

NOW at Shuttleworth Valentines Afternoon Tea 12th February 1pm & 2.30pm sittings £19.95 please book Scale Model Exhibition 19th February Annual Scale Model Exhibition with modelling competitions, trade stands, Clubs and societies.

Competitions include: 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 Best Model in the show £12, child free Talk: Flying The Collection’s Aircraft 25th February 11am Shuttleworth’s Chief Pilot, Dodge Bailey will give his perspective on the challenges and pleasures of flying aircraft from The Collection as diverse as the 1912 Blackburn Monoplane (the oldest British aircraft still flying) to the race winning twin engine 1934 DH99 Comet. The talk includes a tour of The Collection. £25 01767 627933 The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org

Planetarium 11th February: 1pm - 3.30pm 12th & 13th February: 10am - 3.30pm Back by popular demand, the planetarium returns to Dunstable Downs. Explore the universe and take a guided tour across the skies to find out more about the mythology behind the stars in a stunning indoor planetarium. There will be presentations every half hour. £3. Age 4+ Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Think, Make, Do…Cyber 13th, 15th, 17th & 18th February 10.30am - 3pm Half term drop-in workshops with games and activities exploring online safety and how it relates to the Bletchley Park Codebreakers.

How secure is your password? Can you spot the signs of a phish? How did Codebreakers use ‘hacking’ techniques to break into Enigma?

Have fun delving into these hands on, digital activities and many more.

Drop-in activities are included in the entrance price.

Ages 5 -14 years.

Bletchley Park MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Stargazing 18th February 6.30pm - 8.30pm Join the Loughton Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing and learn about the night sky.

Possible viewing of Venus and Mars setting and Orion and Pleiades, weather permitting.

Please book, £4 Rye Meads, Ware SG12 8JS 01992 708383 www.RSPB.org.uk/rye_meads

Snowdrops at Benington Lordship Gardens

Lambing at Willows 11th - 19th February Live lambing, newborn lamb bottle feeding demonstrations and a full day of fleecy fun for a baa-rilliant day out.

With most lambs born as a pair or triplets, this special lamb-a-thon promises to be a visit to remember. Tuck the Shepherd will be on hand to supervise the newest members of the flock being born and will be giving live bottle feeding demonstrations every day.

Try fleecy arts and crafts and enjoy live theatre performances from from Peter Rabbit™, Lily Bobtail and Benjamin Bunny or have a go at dry ice skating on the magical (synthetic) ice rink. A great day out for all the family!

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

Airfix: Make and Take

8th February - 5th March 12 noon - 4pm Come and enjoy this popular 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 bloom, as well as the coloured stems of Acers, Cornus and Willow around the lakes.

A collection of rare and unusual Snowdrops has been built up over the years many of which can be found growing in the borders and a labelled collection of 200 varieties is kept in and around the walled Kitchen Garden.

Adult £5, concs £4, child £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 varieties are available to buy Snowdrop Concerts In St Peter's Church at 2.30pm - 3.15pm on the following days: 12th Feb - Gamey Ensemble, wind and piano group 19th Feb - Ukulele Orchestra 26th Feb - Six on Sax 5th March - Garden City Singers Benington Lordship, Stevenage, Herts SG2 7BS www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

13th - 17th February 11am - 3pm Come and make a First World War Albatros or Sopwith Pup Airfix model.

You'll be given a kit, glue, paints and your own hangar to take your finished aircraft home in. £3 RAF Museum London, London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london

Welwyn Roman Baths Roman Victory Laurel Wreaths 13th February 2pm - 4pm Celebrate Roman style and award yourself with a victor's laurel wreath, and create your own to take home. No booking required but places are limited and are given on a first come first served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free admission for one adult with each paying child, £3.50 Ages 4+.

Welwyn Roman Baths, AL6 9FG www.welhat.gov.uk/romanbaths

Mill Green Museum Dragon Puppet 14th February 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm Make a moving Dragon puppet to take home. No booking required, £3.50, ages 4+ 3D Handprint Dragon picture 15th February 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm Create a stunning picture using cut outs of your own hand print. No booking required, £3.50, ages 4+ Mill Green Museum, Mill Green, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.welhat.gov.uk

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NOW for some Music Dipper, Malkin & Elie Reeves

The Neville Staple Band & Guests

The Maltings Arts Theatre St Albans AL1 3HL 3rd Feb 8pm Dipper and Malkin have just launched their debut album ‘Tricks of the trade’ and have been described as a ‘potent combination’. John Dipper (viola d’amore) was one third of The English Acoustic Collective.

Dave Malkin (guitar, vocals) was a founding member of the trio Tandem, New Roots finalists in 2013. Elie Rees is a singer/ songwriter who has created her own unique acoustic niche with edgy and emotive songs. £10, concs £8, £6 Fiddle and Guitar Workshops with John Dipper and Dave Malkin 3rd Feb 10am & 12 noon With Johns’ knowledge of the construction and physics of the violin and concertina, and his musical knowledge and approach, he offers a unique insight into the world of music and music making.

His workshop focuses on making a tune your own and left and right hand technique on the fiddle.

Dave Malkin, a graduate of Trinity College of Music has a deep understanding of his instrument.

His guitar workshop focuses on creating instant but imaginative arrangements, flat-picking and understanding harmony. £20, concs £10. www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

11th February 8pm Bedford Esquires Neville Staple is one of the great figureheads of the second wave of British ska that broke across the nation’s music scene in the late 70s, best known for his work as the singer in ska and two tone legends The Specials, alongside Terry Hall and Jerry Dammers.

The band had seven consecutive top 10 hits between 1979 and 1981.

He’s now gone solo and released an album ‘Ska Crazy’ to rave reviews. Neville’s solo tour features a selection of The Special’s back catalogue including “Gangsters”, “A Message to you Rudy”, “Monkey Man”, “Ghost Town” and “Nightclub” along with tracks from his second chart topping band, The Fun Boy Three as well as reworking some original Jamaican ska classics and showcasing some brand new original solo material. Following the live show DJ Pete Burridge will be spinning classic vinyl in the bar until late. £15 www.seetickets.com

Young Musicians Competition St Albans Cathedral Music Trust is inviting local pupils to take part in the sixth Young Musicians Competition offering students a unique performance opportunity along with the chance to win £100. To enter just upload a short sound file by 6th February.

Entry is free and students can enter under a number of categories, including vocal ensemble, strings, brass, wind and soloist. Entrants will be short-listed and successful musicians invited to take part in the Finals Competition in the Cathedral on 26th February. www.stalbansymc.org.uk

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JamJar 14th Feb & 14th March 8.30pm - 1am Attic Bar, University of Hertfordshire AL10 9AB UK A monthly live music event featuring new music talent from both the University and across the county. Hosted by the School of Creative Arts, previous performers Cardinal Jack and Korda Marshall have both gone on to release albums on INFUSE the University's record label. Discover new music, whatever your tastes. www.uharts.co.uk

Cantilena Ladies Choir This friendly, informal and fun choir meets on Mondays 8pm - 9.30pm, during term time at St Saviours Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL1 4DF New members welcome, no audition.

For more information contact Charlotte 01727 837661 or c_robinson50@hotmail.com

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Deliciousandreal Butternut Squash with Pesto, Feta and Pomegranate A brilliant dinner party dish; served on a platter it makes a stunning centrepiece to any table. Colourful, tasty and super simple to create!

1 large butternut squash, skin left 150g feta on, deseeded and cut into chunks 100g pomegranate seeds Olive oil 100g pesto Seasoning Preheat the oven to 200°C Rub the butternut squash with oil and season with salt and black pepper; place skin side down in a roasting tin. Roast the squash for about 35 - 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread on the pesto (I use a pastry brush; if the pesto is too thick add a little olive oil to loosen it), crumble over the feta and sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds.

This is a great alternative to a traditional roast dinner; it’s also a brilliant dish when cooking for a crowd. Easy to prepare, low maintenance to cook and super tasty.

Roasted Pork Belly in a Rich Tomato Sauce 1 tsp paprika 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp olive oil 300ml passata Handful of bay leaves 150ml water 1.2kg belly pork 2 sprigs of rosemary 2 red onions (peeled and cubed) (leaves only) 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed) 4 garlic cloves (peeled and finely chopped) 1 large red chilli (cut into quarters length ways) 1 tbsp red wine vinegar Preheat the oven to 200°C Put the chopped onions, sweet potatoes, garlic and bay leaves in a large roasting tray Score the pork fat, with a very sharp knife, in a criss-cross pattern. Rub in the oil and paprika Place the meat on top of the vegetables (you want to try and make sure everything fits in snuggly) Roast for 45 minutes. Remove the meat and stir the vinegar, tomatoes, passata and water into the vegetables. Give it a good stir and then pop the meat back on top. Reduce the oven temperature to 170°C and roast for another hour. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the rosemary leaves into the sauce. Cook for a final 20 minutes. I like to serve this dish on a large platter in the middle of the table. It works with pretty much anything; bread, rice, salad, vegetables…whatever you fancy!

Roasted Plums

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This delicious fruity treat is perfect for breakfast but works just as well as a healthy dessert; you can also use nectarines or peaches.

4 plums 4 tbsp granola Drizzle of honey Sprinkling of chia seeds (optional) Greek yogurt Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the plums in half and remove the stones, put them on a baking tray. Fill the holes, with a drizzle of honey. Place in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of granola. I also like to add some chia seeds for an extra burst of goodness!

For more tasty family friendly recipes follow local mum Claire Gillies Twitter: @deliciousreal16 Instagram: @deliciousandreal Facebook: @deliciousreal16

Flippin’ Good Fun! St Albans Pancake Race 28th February Market Square, by the Clock Tower Registration: 11.30am, Race 12 noon Every year on Shrove Tuesday teams from local businesses, charities and community groups have fun flipping their way down St Albans High Street. The Race is now being organised by local children’s Charity HomeStart Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Business Independent making it into a fundraising event for the charity. Teams of up of 4 people can enter the Traditional Running Race or the Flippin’ Walkers Race. Register by visiting www.pancake.events Entry is £40 per team, charities can enter for free by emailing events@buzzing-media.co.uk to get a charity discount code.

UK registered charity no 297489

What does Home-Start do?

We all have ups and downs, but sometimes family life breaks down and providing regular routines, mealtimes, school runs, cuddles and play becomes a real challenge. This is where Home-Start can help. Trained and experienced volunteers visit families weekly at home to help them with the challenges. Sign up today for some flippin’ fun and make a real difference to a local family while you’re at it! www.pancake.events

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NOW at the Alban Arena Nathan Carter & His Band 1st Feb 7.30pm A big name on the Irish music scene, Nathan performs country, Irish, pop and ballads and is an expert accordion player so expect a bit of hand clapping, foot tapping hooley as well.

Swinging at the Cotton Club 2nd Feb 7.30pm Featuring the Lindy Hop Dance Company and The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra. Step back into 1920’s & 30’s New York through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, ‘The Cotton Club’!

Ben Portsmouth is Elvis 3rd Feb 8pm Known as one of The Best Elvis Tributes, Ben will bring his unique style, charisma and 10-piece band to show you why he is regarded as the best.

St Albans Gang Show 8th - 11th Feb 7.30pm Sat Matinee 2.30pm A fun, uplifting evening of song, dance and comedy sketches performed by local Scouts, Guides and Young Leaders. Tickets from 07885 661780 or tickets@stalbansgangshow.com Fairport Convention 12th Feb 7.30pm Enjoy an evening of musical celebration at this golden anniversary concert. Fairport will play a selection of tracks from their new album 50:50@50 as well as old favourites.

Cirque Du Hilarious 13th Feb 2.30pm Two hours of laughter! Clive and Danny’s madcap humour crosses all ages.

Hysteria by Terry Johnson 14th Feb 7.30pm / 15th Feb 2.30pm This hilarious farce explores the fallout when two of the twentieth century’s most brilliant and original minds collide.

Monstersaurus! 16th Feb 11am & 2pm From the creators of Aliens Love Underpants.

Follow the young inventor as he creates a world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters. 3+ The Bootleg Beach Boys 17th Feb 7.30pm With classics from “Surfin’ Safari” to muscle car memorable’s like “Fun Fun Fun”.

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Colin Blunstone Band 18th Feb 8pm Former member of The Zombies, Colin and his solo band are now touring the UK. Shazia Mirza UK Tour ‘The Kardashians Made Me Do It’ 19th Feb 7.30pm Following an acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run, Shazia takes her show on tour, with a searing and urgent exploration of life, love and Jihadi brides.

Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac 21st Feb 7.30pm Encompassing nearly five decades of legendary music and channelling the spirit of the band at their very best.

Menopause the Musical 22nd Feb 7.30pm Starring Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders), Maureen Nolan (The Nolans), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and Ruth Berkeley (Penny Dreadful) This hysterical show packed full of one-liners about night sweats, hot flushes and memory loss is backed by an instantly recognisable soundtrack of pop classics. Age 16+ Levison Wood 23rd Feb 7.30pm This best-selling author, photographer and TV presenter shares his experiences as a modern day explorer, from being chased by crocodiles and hippos in Africa, shot at by gunmen, falling off a mountain, getting arrested more times than he can remember and meeting the Dalai Lama and George Clooney.

Tango Fire 24th Feb 7.30pm Featuring the world’s greatest Tango dancers and musicians encompassing the Argentine Tango; a dance sizzling with sensuality and unforgettable music from the great Tango masters Piazzolla, Pugliese and Gardel.

www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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Harpenden from Behind the Lens

Local photographer Penny Bird has produced a photographic artwork comprising 35 pairs of Harpenden resident’s feet wearing their favourite shoes.

“In autumn last year, I advertised for volunteers on social media, and was thrilled with the response.

The brief was to bring one pair of shoes to my studio and to explain why they are special.

Participants were rewarded with tea and cake and the photo of their feet. Even though many more people took part than expected, the diversity of footwear is incredible. There is no duplication in function, design or even colour. Creatively, it was very satisfying working on Harpenden Shoes.

“An unexpected consequence of this project was discovering how meaningful shoes can be to their owners. Most moving and inspirational is University Lecturer Kathryn Cooney’s story. She arrived at the photo shoot in the shoes she wears most often: her luminous green running shoes (see top left). Kathryn told me that in 2010 she had suffered a life-threatening injury to her neck and is lucky to

have survived without permanent disability. Up until then, she had trained at the gym most days. She needed to find something new to do that wouldn’t put any strain on her neck. The obvious choice seemed to be running. Five years ago, she donned her first pair of running shoes and, three months ago, she completed her 600th timed run.

“Each personal story gives the shoes such relevance, I have produced a booklet to accompany the artwork.”

Kathryn says: “I own about half a dozen pair of running shoes, and I chose them for Harpenden Shoes because they represent my health, freedom and independence, and they are the shoes I wear the most. I run, usually alone, for many happy hours in the countryside around Harpenden, often thinking about how grateful I am to be able to do this.”

If you would like to view the complete works of Harpenden Shoes, please visit www.pennybird.co.uk or phone 07903 188611 and pop in to have a look at Penny’s home studio.

Ken Hodson Local Computer Hardware and Software Repairs Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

No fix, no fee for all repairs - you have nothing to lose!

Low hourly rate Most repairs carried out in your home, if not the computer will be picked up and delivered back to you.

Problems with Windows / Applications / Games / Internet / Networks fixed Friendly training and instruction available in plain English Advice given on upgrades - many older computers can be upgraded at a fraction of the cost of a new machine Upgrades of hardware and software

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

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the trap if they detect human scent. It’s more effective to employ a specialist who is adept at trapping them and, since they often charge only on the basis of moles caught, it need not be too expensive a process either.

Moles do eventually decide to go elsewhere, and although this does not imply that your garden will then remain free of moles, if the problem has been very bad one year it may not be quite so severe the next.

Velvet Underground They may be known as ‘velvet coated gentlemen’, but if you have a problem with moles in your garden, it is highly unlikely you will call them anything so polite!

So what can you do if your lawn becomes decorated with mounds of finely turned soil, or if plants start to disappear beneath soil level as subsidence occurs within the flowerbed, or an entire row of vegetables is excavated from below?

Moles can do a lot of damage to a lawn, largely because that fine soil acts as an excellent seedbed for weeds. Mole runs beneath your lawn, flowerbeds or vegetable plots can occasionally cause the plants to suffer from drought, as the soil is no longer in contact with the roots. Often, when the tunnels collapse subsidence occurs, and plants can literally fall over.

Moles can sometimes be deterred by highpitched sounds or vibrations. Try inserting children’s windmills over the mole infested areas, as the vibration that passes down these into the soil is said to send moles scampering. Or you can plunge glass bottles into the soil with the neck protruding. The noise and vibrations created as the wind whistles over the mouth of the bottles may also discourage them.

Very smelly substances, such as mole smokes, can work too. These are like fireworks and when inserted into the run, produce unpleasant smoke.

However, with these and other smelly deterrents, once the smell has subsided the mole may return.

You can buy traps but they must be correctly set and you must wear gloves as the moles will avoid

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Some say that the plant caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyrus) will deter moles and as it does seem to work for some gardeners and the plants are fairly attractive it is worth giving it a try!

Some gardeners report success with ultrasonic devices that can be inserted into the ground, I am afraid that it seems the majority of you find these ineffective and indeed I will never forget once seeing a molehill which appeared directly around the base of one of these gadgets in a friend’s garden - so they are not a method I recommend.

If all else fails, and attempting to look at this problem in a positive light, the incredibly finely turned soil can be useful and many gardeners use it as a medium in which to grow an excellent crop of seedlings.

by Pippa Greenwood

GREENSHOUSE & GARDENS Fencing, Supply and Installation Gutter Clearance and Repair Power Washing Summerhouse and Shed Bases Sheds and Summerhouses Supplied and Erected Decking Landscaping Gardening, Tree, Hedge and Plant Care Property Maintenance Qualified Electrician Fully Insured

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Verulam Fencing  All Fencing Products  Top Quality Fencing  Repair & Maintenance  Fence Painting & Treatment  Gates & Trellis  All work Guaranteed  Free Quotations  Friendly Reliable Local Service Call Nick 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

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National Nest Box Week 14th -21st Feb NNBW takes place each year and is now an established part of the ornithological calendar.

It aims to encourage people to put up nest boxes to promote and enhance biodiversity and conservation of breeding birds while giving you the pleasure of seeing the breeding birds that you attract to your garden. Natural nest sites for birds such as holes in trees or old buildings are disappearing fast as gardens are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired.

To take part register online for your free information pack, make or buy a nest box and put it up. Monitor your nest box and tell the British Trust for Ornithology what you see during NNBW! www.bto.org

NOW at Tring Museum

Exhibition: Dodos 10th Feb - 25th June See one of the few dodo skeletons in the world. Explore displays and play games to learn about the new discoveries that have been made from these old bones. Free

Half Term Activities

Tring Park Scavenger Hunt 13th & 17th Feb 10.30am & 2pm Two-hour activity, includes a 20-minute steep Half Term Activities walk. Search high and low to find items to make a dodo art attack. Free, ages 5+, please Pond Dipping book.

11th - 19th Feb 9am - 4pm No need to book, just hire your equipment and ID Investigate Birds guides from reception and get dipping! £2 14th & 15th Feb 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 2.30pm & 3pm Feathers, Beaks and Nests Trail 30-minute workshops exploring the world of 11th - 19th Feb 9am - 4pm our feathered friends, while getting your hands Discover how to help birds as they get ready to pair on some real bird specimens. £2, ages 5+ up and nest. £1 Fluffball Dodos National Nest Box Week - Family Bird Safari 16th Feb 14th Feb 10am - 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 2.30pm & 3pm Learn about our feathery friends with the bird experts. Look for hedgerow and wetland birds on the 30-minute workshops, make a fluffy dodo pom reserve, identify them using binoculars and discover -pom to hang up at home. £2, ages 5+ how to recognise their song and calls. Finish off by Hertfordshire Atlas Project making a nest box to take home.

23rd Feb 7pm - 8pm Please book adult, £6, child £3 The project aims to produce an up-to-date atlas for mammals, amphibians and birds.

Den Building and Hibernation Challenge Find out how local organisations have worked 15th Feb 1pm - 3.30pm together, learn about current accomplishments Work in teams to build an amazing den, suitable for and discover how local nature lovers can get you to hibernate in. Find out about hedgehogs as they come to the end of their hibernation and make a involved. £4.50, please book, suitable for adults. clay and twig hedgehog to take home.

Please book, £5.

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

NOW at Rye Meads

Tring Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring

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Visit Somewhere New Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his outstanding collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. It is now managed by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust, on behalf of the National Trust, and opened to the public in 1959.

Biscuiteers: Waddesdon Manor in Gingerbread Weekends until 19th March 11am - 4pm See a two-metre long model of Waddesdon Manor made entirely of gingerbread. The hand-iced biscuit company Biscuiteers, have created detailed replicas of Waddesdon’s famous rooms including paintings, furniture, porcelain and textiles. Using more than 30kg of butter and sugar, 240 eggs and 216 kg of icing, it took 500 hours to make!

Hygge Winter Weekends Weekends until 19th March 11am - 4pm & Daily in Feb Half-Term 11am - 4pm Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is all about creating a warm, cosy, comfortable setting and enjoying the simple, valuable things in life. The Coach House is transformed into a Scandinavian oasis with activities including den making, story books, board games, jigsaws and retro children’s programmes. Enjoy walks around the grounds, then snuggle under sheepskin rugs at the Stables café, with steaming hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Orienteering Week 11th - 19th Feb 11am - 3pm Team up with the Thames Valley Orienteering Club for a week of muddy adventure, with four different routes to choose from, complete the challenge and collect all four interlocking medals. Child £3, normal grounds admission applies.

Family Cookery School 13th - 17th Feb 10.30am - 3pm Join the skilled team of chefs at Manor Restaurant for some family fun making sweet treats and cakes.

Includes lunch, ingredients and a goody bag. Ages 7-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Adult £25, child £25, normal ground admission applies Waddesdon Cookery School: Winter Warmers: 20th Feb - Learn how to create a wonderful selection of one pot wonders including cassoulet, pot-au-feu and the best fish pie from our talented team of chefs.

Cooking with Fish and Seafood: 21st Feb - Head Chef, Shaun gives you the confidence to try the unusual, demonstrating techniques from cold smoking to salt curing and cooking all types of seafood.

Free-From Foods: 22nd Feb - This day will show you how to cook a wonderful selection of savoury and sweet dishes that can satisfy the ever popular subject of free-from.

Recipes from the Archives: 23rd Feb - Learn from a wonderful array of historical recipes how to make delicious crepes, mousselines, cakes, jellies and pies fit for Royalty.

Cooking On Coals: 24th Feb - Wrap up warm with a sheepskin rug in the Stables Courtyard where Barney Wrobel will show you how to cook gutsy cuts, delicate seafood and humble veg over coals.

Courses run from 10.30am - 4.40pm, cost £50 and include a two course lunch with wine, a goody bag and recipe folder to take home. To book call 01296 820414.

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

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Why Choose Theatre?

Theatre is Science Theatre is Mathematical Theatre is a Foreign Language Theatre is History Theatre is Physical Education Theatre is Business Theatre is Technology Theatre is Economics Theatre is taught in schools not because you are expected to perform throughout your life. Not because you are expected to take Theatre to degree level at University. Not so that you can relax. Not so that you can have fun but‌ So you will recognise Beauty. So you will recognise Sensitivity. So you will have more Love. So you will have more Compassion. So you will have more Good.

In short, so you will have more life.

What value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know

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how to live?

That is why Theatre is such an important subject.

These statements about the worth of Theatre were posed to students in America upon their graduation and it just goes to show how important performance arts skills are in every child's future development. Having your child attend our Stagecoach classes will give them 'creative courage for life' and skills that will help them cope with all aspects of their future.

Don't delay - your local Principal enrols new students at the beginning of each term where they can complete two week taster sessions and join in the fun that we offer!

Call today to book your place! www.stagecoach.co.uk/harpenden www.stagecoach.co.uk/stalbans

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom 1st & 2nd February From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning animation live show. Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story will delight all the family!

For ages 2-6 years.£15.50, child £13.50 The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk

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What’s on in February 42

2nd Talk - Bribery Commission 1851 Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, 7 45pm, profits to Renaissance: St Albans 3rd Harpenden Writers Meeting Quaker Meeting House, Southdown Road, all welcome, 10am - 12 noon www.harpendenwriters.com 4th Hertfordshire Chorus see page 12 7th Floral Demonstration: Spring Fever by Vicki Traherne, Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 7th & 8th Oaklands College Open Evenings see page 5 8th Something Beginning with I or J St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, 01582 762284, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society Meeting, 8pm 9th Specialist Valuation Day see page 19 10th & 11th & 17th & 18th Uncle Vanya see page 6 10th Feb - 25th June Exhibition: Dodos see page 36 11th The Neville Staple Band see page 26 Talk: A History of the Heart see page 16 11th - 19th Lambing at Willows see page 25 12th Valentines Afternoon Tea see page 24 13th - 17th Half Term Trail & Crafts see page 22

14th Harpenden Gardening Society Talk: Anne Godfrey-Daisy Roots Nursery, Roundwood Park School, non members £3, 8pm www.harpendengardeningsociety.org 15th Dancing for Fun British Schools Museum, Hitchin, 01462 420144, 10am, £3, 6+ 16th - 18th Macbeth see page 6 17th Absolute Bowie ‘Celebrating the Life & Music of David Bowie’ Bedford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, £15 www.thepadpresents.com 17th Feb - 2nd July Exhibition: Life on Dead Street: Hitchin's Victorian Families British Schools Museum, Hitchin, 01462 420144 18th The Close-up Magic Show see page 14 Film: Harpenden Town Mayor’s Charity Film Matinee - The Secret Life Of Pets see page 4 Club Night Boombastic 90’s see page 4 Tales from the Shed see page 14 19th Luxury Wedding Show see back cover Redbourn Antiques & Collectors Fair Redbourn Village Hall AL3 7LW 21st Start Art Watercolour Workshop see page 14 23rd Harpenden Evening Floral Group All Saints Church Hall, Station Road, 01582 761277, demonstration Peter Bodnar designs entitled 'The Grand Tour' all welcome, £5 28th St Albans Pancake Race see page 29

Harpenden Window Cleaning Fully Insured Gutter Vac (Gutters ● High Access Cleaned) ● Fully Experienced Window Cleaners ● Inside Windows Cleaned (if required) ●

Lots of recommendations and references from Harpenden customers Based in Milton Road 07757 499296 01582 450934 www.harpendenclean.co.uk

Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you General household and office cleaning Moving in / out cleans Experienced in elderly or housebound clients Ironing collection / delivery on request Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems

Phone for a free quotation 01582 750995 07719 657125 www.merrivac.co.uk ~ Taking Care of Your Home ~

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What’s on in March 44

3rd Harpenden Writers Meeting Quaker Meeting House, Southdown Road, 01582 760564, ‘New Year Resolutions & other failed promises’ 10am - 12 noon www.harpendenwriters.com 4th Mind Body Spirit see page 4 DCPG Pottery Open Day Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, 01727 799565, lectures & demonstrations from top UK potters, 9.30am, £30, students £10 5th Big Book Tall Tales Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, 01727 799565, an adventure that will have you falling through pages & discovering washed away words, 2pm, £6, concs £4 7th Talk: Is it Still a Man's World? Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans, Soroptimists women's group mark International Women's Day live on Radio Verulam, £5, 7.30pm www.sigbi.org/st-albans/ iwd Seasons Greetings by Linda Seabrook Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 11th Play Gypsy St Albans Organ Theatre, 7.30pm £10, 03003 656565 info@stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk Oye Santana Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, guitar wizardry, keyboard mastery, astonishing vocals, 7.30pm, £16 Exhibition: Harpenden Photographic Society Methodist Church Hall, Harpenden, covering a range of subjects from around the world, vote for your favourite, 10am - 4.30pm, free www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk 12th Musical Sunday Afternoon St Albans Organ Theatre, information afternoon, 2pm - 4.30pm, £7, concs £6 , family £15 Don’t Dribble on the Dragon! Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, 01727 799565, musical adventure about growing up & the importance of family, the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults & loving little ones, 2pm, £8, concs £6 14th Chemistry Show Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, 01727 799565, loud noises, flashing lights & lots of mess, 6pm, free 15th French Somali Coast St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, 01582 762284, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 8pm 15th What’s The Matter? A Quantum Comedy Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, 01727 799565,

cat theft from a physics laboratory leads scientist Smithy on a journey through his own experiment, a very silly show about a very intelligent subject, ages 8 -108 years, 6pm, £8, concs £6 15th - 18th The Pirates of Penzance Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, performed by St Albans Chamber Opera The King Shall Rejoice Methodist Church, Harpenden, Handel, Boyce & Carter, 7.30pm The Close-up Magic Show see page 14 21st Start Art Monet Acrylic Workshop see page 14 22nd - 24th The School Film Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, Company of Teens present this year’s National Theatre Connections’ play, 8pm 24th Absolute Bowie Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm, £18.50 25th Mothers Day Crafty Capers Verulamium Museum, ages 3 - 11, 2pm - 4pm, £1.50 Archaeology Apprentices Verulamium Museum, ages 5 - 11, 2.15pm & 3.15pm, free Glow Walk www.keech.org.uk

Winter Special 25% off Shutters 20% off all Blinds, Awnings, Poles & Curtains

Gary Rackley High Quality Decorator Interior & Exterior

M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices

Insurance Work Undertaken Established 26 Years City & Guilds Qualified 01923 460701 07721 624326 garyrackley@hotmail.co.uk

Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 07970 720911

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Index of Businesses Accountants Hicks

18

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

32

Locksmith Lock Around the Clock

33

Aerial Installations & Repairs Concorde Aerials 15

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

Art Classes Start Art!

14

Beauty Lavender & Stone

23

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators Gary Rackley M & M Decorators

45 45 45

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

33

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

12

Blinds Harpenden Blinds

44

41 40

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

13

Electrician ACR Electrical Ltd & ACR Build

13

17 11

Fencing Verulam Fencing

35

31

Finance AMR Financial Management 18

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

31

Charity The Harpenden Trust Traid

Garden Centres / Nurseries Burston Garden Centre 3 Townsend Nursery 37

18 29

Chiropodist Kathy Witchard

23

Building Services Brockhall Building Services Open Plan Solutions Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop

Cleaning Domestique Merrivac Mobile Maid Services College Oaklands College Complementary Health Mind Body Spriit

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens

39 39 35

43 43 44

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

21

5

Indian Restaurant Shapla

4

Kindergarten / Nursery Artisans Redbourn House Day Nursery

19 41 47

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

7

17 & 47

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

34

Property Maintenance The 50plus

17

Security Maximum Security

15

Stairlifts Age UK Stairlifts

12

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

37

Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

33

Valuers Lockdales

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Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show Back Cover Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

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Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows Sash Restorations Ltd

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Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 / 07893 588313 www.theNOWmagazines.com wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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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DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete

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Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations

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Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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Electric and Power Showers Ball Valves and Overflows Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers Repair Leaking Pipes Outside Taps

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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