With so many places to visit and things to do this month, we’ve squeezed in as much as we can from the Feb Fest, Football Legends, Feathered Friends, Lambing, Live Cinema and Luton Hoo to Star Gazing, Shuttleworth, Science, Workshops, Wildlife and Walks. To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are available to read on line every month.
If you run your own business we‘d love to include you it’s so easy, just book your space online today.
Jane & Wendy
@theNOWmagazines
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NOW for the Kids
Whipsnade Zoo
Walk of the Week
6th Feb Hidden Gems
Seek out some of Whipsnade's hidden animal treasures which even the most ardent visitors may have overlooked.
13th Feb Birds at Whipsnade Fly, flutter or simply walk as you hear about some of the incredible birds that call Whipsnade home.
27th Feb Nature's Safe with ZSL
Discover the vital work that ZSL and Natures SAFE are doing to save species, and preserve genetic diversity for the future.
Toddler Safari
25th Feb - 22nd July Tuesdays 11am
Go on a mini adventure to explore the natural world. Please ensure children have suitable clothing for playing outside.
The BFG needs your help to make some wundercrump new dreams. Learn how Roald Dahl drew inspiration from the people and places in his life, explore the museum collection for inspiration and invent your own dream-story to take home in a dream bottle!
Ages 5-11, £6.50 per child, accompanying adults and under 3s free
With live lambing, newborn lamb bottle feeding demonstrations, visit the Lambing Pavilion to meet the shepherd, plus a full day’s programme of fleecy fun for a baa-rilliant day out.
Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Lambing Week
15th - 23rd Feb
Watch the new-born lambs take their first steps in the Lambing Barn and keep an eye on the expectant ewes as you might even see a lamb being born. Have fun in the indoor playworld with drop slides, climbing frames and spinning platforms or adventure outside on the rollercoaster-esque Shaggy's Raceway. Meet the other animals and get involved in the animal activities. From £16.75
Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Steaming Days 16th - 19th Feb
With a full-size steam train to take you up and down the track, miniature ride-on trains (extra £1.50), the Railway Museum, Visitor Centre, Railway Cafe and 25-acres of Railwayland to explore. £12.50, £11.50, £8.50
Paddington 23rd Feb
Meet everyone’s favourite bear, tickets include entry to the Railway, unlimited steam train rides, Railway Museum entry and more. £14.50, £13.50, £10.50 www.bucksrailcentre.org
Burston Buds Spuds
17th, 19th & 21st Feb 11.30am & 1.30pm
Introducing children to the beauty of home-grown vegetables. Plant up seed potatoes, take them home and enjoy the rewards of your harvest. Teaching children about sustainability, responsibility, nutrition and the cycle of plant growth. £6, please book
Burston Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk
Ministry Of Science Live!
22nd Feb 12.30pm & 3.30pm
With 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built Hovercraft! 100% educational, 300% explosive and 400% fun. £15.50 - £66
Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Feb Fest
Stockwood Discovery Centre
The Bluebird
17th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 5+
Join Mirtel, a Seer, and her tree spirit Micky, on their quest to find the elusive bluebird and help unlock its mystery.
Qu-Razy Quests
20th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 5-11
The Myth Hunter needs your help to find the most treacherous stories known to humankind. Bring your best adventure outfit and join in with daring escapes, swordfights, weird creatures, interactive games and the chance to become an honorary member of The Myth Hunter Academy.
Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Extra Super Mega Rockin’ Rock Show
17th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 3-10
All the best bits from Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals, with the catchiest songs, games, puppetry and video projection!
The Sticky Dance
18th Feb 10am & 2pm £7 ages 3 - 5
Three dancers' shimmy through the audience weaving a tapestry of sticky tape inviting you to tape, stick and groove, to see and feel sound or to be still, watch and listen. Audiences are encouraged to explore freely, and turn the rules upside down.
The Little Prince
19th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 age 7+
Take a whimsical journey with the Little Prince as he wanders the universe in search of the true meaning of friendship and learns how to notice the most important things in life.
The Rainbow Butterfly
20th Feb 10.30am, 12.15pm & 3pm £7 age 3+
An immersive experience, blending traditional storytelling with aerial circus, graceful contortion and dynamic contemporary and Hip Hop dance.
Sandscape
21st Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 2-7
This silent theatrical piece embraces the Beauty and Essence of Nature exploring the texture, weight and breath of sand on various materials, offering an ever-changing view of the sight of sand, swirling and creating shapes, prints, lines, games and landscape.
The Hat Factory LU1 2EY
Wardown House, Museum & Gallery
Roshni
18th Feb 11am & 2.30pm £7 all ages
Take an emotional journey, through wordless storytelling, percussive dance, and humorous upbeat audience interaction. This feel-good show is a treat for the senses and beautifully demonstrates the connection between music and dance.
The Mountain Witch 19th Feb 11.30am & 2pm £7 ages 3-8
An adventurous tale of seasons gone awry, an ancient witch and the determination of children to put things right. With inspiring dance, songs and original music played live on clarinet, flute and cello.
Wardown House, Museum & Gallery LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com
Performing arts have loads of benefits for children and young people's academic performance:
Improving memory through learning lines and routines - key for information recall in exams!
Mental flexibility e.g. knowing how and when to shift focus to work with others on a performance.
Self-control to deliver a rehearsed performance as planned, avoiding acting on impulse and working collaboratively with others.
Growth mindset through the process of practice and rehearsing to build their skills over time. This creates a ‘having a go’ and ‘trying again’ approach and seeing reward in hard work.
Our registers are now open and all new students can participate in a two week trial. Classes take place at SJL School, Harpenden and Cunningham Hill Jnr School, St Albans. Harpenden 07793 206846
St Albans 07725 162612
www.stagecoach.co.uk
Out & About
Moving More in the New Year
Was your New Year’s resolution about getting fitter and moving more? If so, why not try a Health Walk. Walking helps you look and feel good, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and get a better night’s sleep. Hertfordshire Health Walks are sociable, a great way to explore your neighbourhood and free
There are six regular, weekly walks in St Albans and the surrounding area, including a gentle ‘First Steps’ walk around Highfield Park. There are also several weekend walking opportunities for those seeking a longer, brisker walk.
Friendly volunteers will ensure a suitable pace for the group. Everyone is welcome, though the ‘First Steps’ walk is especially suited for people who have mobility issues. Simply turn up on the day and if it’s your first walk please arrive 10 minutes early to complete a New Walker Form, or you can register online.
If you are a regular walker, we’d love to hear from you, to register your interest in becoming a Health Walk volunteer please call 01992 555888 or email healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Find a walk near you by visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks
Charity HubLuton & Dunstable Hospital
Have you ever thought about volunteering?
The Charity Hub based in the Maternity Unit at L&D Hospital are looking for volunteers at the following times:
Mondays 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Alternate Wednesdays 3pm - 6.30pm
Sundays 10am - 1.30pm & 1.30pm - 5pm
They are also looking for volunteers to take the snack trolley round the hospital between Monday and Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm.
It’s a very friendly team, so if you’re interested and over 18 please contact CharityHub@bedsft.nhs.uk or 07800 711 370 for more information.
UH Arts
Exhibition: Mind + Matter: Towards Co-Creation
31st Jan - 25th April weekdays 10am - 4pm
Following six artists’ journeys as they explore ways in which meaningful cross-disciplinary
collaborations can be achieved with both human and non-human partners. Free
Art + Design Gallery, Hatfield AL10 9AB
Scenes from Lost Mothers 6th Feb 6pm
A thought-provoking production highlighting the experiences of pregnant women and mothers in prison. £8, concs £5
The Forum Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB
Love is in the Air 9th Feb 4pm
de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra perform Glazunov: Winter and Spring (from The Seasons) and Concerto for Alto Saxophone, Prokofiev: Fifth Symphony. £18, concs £15, child £8
Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU
www.herts.ac.uk
National Garden Scheme
Walkern Hall Stevenage SG2 7JA
1st & 2nd Feb 12 noon - 4pm £6
This eight-acre winter woodland garden, has a carpet of snowdrops and aconites which is a constant source of wonder at this time of year.
As a medieval hunting park it’s known more for its trees such as the tulip trees and a London Plane which dominates the garden. Following on in the spring there’ll be a stunning display of daffodils and other bulbs. Home-made soup, tea, coffee and cakes will be available in aid of St Mary's Church and 10% to the National Garden Scheme.
8 Gosselin Road Bengeo, Hertford SG14 3LG
5th & 7th Feb 1pm - 4pm £5
With over 250 varieties of snowdrop, deep borders packed with perennials and grasses later in the year and a small front garden with lots of foliage interest.
www.ngs.org.uk
Herts Wildlife Trust
Winter Tree Identification Workshop
1st Feb 10am - 3pm
Spend the morning in the classroom, learning how to identify trees using bud and twig characteristics, then walk around the Park Nature Reserve putting your learning into practice.
Bring a packed lunch.
Cassiobury Park Watford WD18 7LG
Drop In Session At The Wildlife Garden
20th Feb 11am - 2pm
Explore the wildlife garden, make an apple bird feeder and meet Willoughby, the giant willowweaved hedgehog. Free, but weather dependent, aimed at children but all welcome.
Grebe House, St Michael’s St, St Albans AL3 4SN
Walk: Herons, Egrets & Early Signs of Spring 22nd Feb 10am - 12.15pm
Learn about the Herons and Egrets that call this Nature Reserve home, and look for the early signs of spring. Wear sturdy boots or wellies, event is weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice. Donations appreciated Stocker's Lake, Rickmansworth Aquadrome WD3 1NB
www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
More Out & About
Herrings Green Farm
Furry Friends 1st Feb 10.30am & 1.30pm
Under the care of the animal keepers, children can meet and handle rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, Penelope the skunk, and lots more.
£4.50, child £9.99
Feathered Friends 9th Feb 10.30am & 1.30pm
The falconer will introduce children to a variety of smaller owls, such as the Little Owl and Barn Owl, they can then handle some of the different species, before having the opportunity to fly them. £4.50, child £9.99
Bird of Prey Encounter
23rd Feb 10am & 1st March 1pm
Spend time handling various Owls, Hawks, Eagles and Falcons, as well as free-flying some of the birds in the arena. Then watch one of the flying displays and see the birds in action. £29
Herrings Green Farm MK45 3DT
www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
St Albans City Walks
Historic St Albans
2nd, 9th,16th & 23rd Feb 11.15am
Ghosts and Ghouls
6th & 20th Feb 7.30pm
City Centre Highlights
9th Feb 10.30am
Wars of the Roses
16th Feb 2.30pm
£6, please book online www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
Sustainable St Albans
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Harpenden: 5th & 25th Feb 8pm Zoom
St Albans: 13th & 24th Feb 8pm Zoom
Watch a short online zoom session to understand how to use the camera, then book to borrow one.
Open Days - Victorian Terrace Eco House
8th Feb & 8th March
9.30am - 11am & 11.30am - 12.30pm
A tour of a Victorian terrace in Bernard’s Heath with owner Judith Leary-Joyce, author of the Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation.
Repair Fair 15th Feb 5pm
St Albans District Fixers will help repair household fabrics and electrical items. Please book
For all mums, bumps and babies. Please book Beech House, St Albans AL1 3EG www.themumclub.com
Dunstable Downs
Valentines Day: Blind Date With a Book 8th - 14th Feb 10m - 4pm
Let Cupid's clues guide you to find a new love with pre-loved books, guaranteed date success at this second-hand bookshop! Selected and wrapped by staff, the books will make the perfect 'me time' curl-up companion. £2 donation
February Fun for Everyone
15th - 23rd Feb 10am - 3pm
Get outdoors and closer to nature, pick up an activity sheet and set off on a mini adventure. With no set route, explore the beauty of the Downs your own way, no matter your ability.
£2 donation
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
St Albans South Signal Box
9th Feb 2pm - 5pm
19th Feb Half-term Opening 2pm - 5pm
Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK open to the public and next to a main line railway. See signalling demonstrations, operate working signals, a point and more. Free
5 Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ
www.sigbox.co.uk
The Bishop of St Alban’s Garden
15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd Feb 2pm - 4pm
Enjoy the snowdrop display (weather permitting). £5, child free, dogs on leads welcome. Please wear suitable footwear, proceeds to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust.
Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane AL3 4HD
Winter Wednesdays Tea & Talks
Refreshments 10.30am, talk 11am
Book for your group, club or society, £10 per person (min 10 people) 2 weeks’ notice required Choose from the following talks:
A History of Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Conservation at Luton Hoo Walled Garden
The Women’s Land Army 1914-1919
Successes and Setbacks in the Walled Garden in the 20th century
Luton Hoo Opens to the Public 1947-1950
Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF
www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
Keeping Older Items Going
50plus specialises in home repairs, why replace when you can renovate or repair which is also more sustainable.
Plumbing: the days of the tap washer are in many cases long gone. Most taps now have cartridges, so if a tap starts dripping it can often be replaced. If you are unable to identify the cartridge it’s often cheaper if not greener, to change the whole tap. The same applies to mixer showers, but for electric showers we recommend replacement, as the chances are something else will fail.
Electrical: Plugs, sockets and light switches rarely fail and are usually only replaced for aesthetic reasons, and they have also significantly reduced in price. Lighting has undergone a revolution with the advent of LEDS and if you’re not using them it’s worth considering, as they are far more energy efficient. Many LED lights do not have replaceable bulbs so the whole fitting will need replacing if it fails, but the good news is malfunctions are rare. Ideally you should make sure you’re not using halogen floodlights as they use high amounts of electricity and fail more frequently.
Appliances: People often think appliances are not built to last and frankly it’s true. The cost of repair versus replacement is often marginal, particularly for older items. We don’t like it as it’s not green to keep disposing of goods which aren’t even 10 years old but economically it’s often the sensible thing to do. However, there are now a number of charities that refurbish and resell white goods.
Garden Woodwork: It pays to look after external woodwork, if your shed felt is failing, replace it before the roof begins to rot, make sure you regularly protect decking and keep up the paintwork on wooden windows. Aside from maintenance we also fit sheds, decking and ornamental items.
Please get in touch if you would like a quote for any household or garden maintenance.
01582 226 029 www.the50plus.co.uk Serving customers for over 20 years
Local, Reliable, Dependable
Providing help to those that need it in and around the home, from simple tasks to assisting with outings, companionship and offering respite to carers who may simply need a break.
Mead Hall AL4 8BP (free parking) Mondays 1.30pm - 3pm
NOW at the Cathedral
Be a Chorister for a Day (Girls)
1st Feb 2pm
An opportunity for girls in year 3 to experience the life of a chorister at the Cathedral.
The day will include musical games, the chance to learn new songs, a tour of the Cathedral and meeting current choristers. The afternoon ends with the chance to sing at Evensong with the Cathedral Choir.
More to Explore Tour: The Nave Screen, Up Close & Personal 2nd Feb 1.30pm
Rory Young's engaging Martyrs' Statues have been installed on the nave screen since 2015.
This tour gives a rare opportunity to study them in depth looking at the crystal cross, angels ancient and modern and some striking graffiti. Free, but please book Tour: Divine Designs
6th Feb 2pm & 8th Feb 10.30am
Join this tour during UK National Astronomy Week (1st - 9th Feb) and encounter the work of a medieval abbot whose fascination for mathematics and astronomy led him to invent one of the most technologically advanced clocks of his time. £12
Talk: A Journey Back to the Beginnings of the Universe 6th Feb 7.30pm £12
Hertfordshire Chorus - JS Bach St John Passion 8th Feb 7.30pm
Ben Johnson Evangelist / Andrew Ashwin Jesus Zoë Brookshaw soprano / Diana Moore alto Gwilym Bowen tenor / Ashley Riches bass
Hertfordshire Chorus and The Hanover Band. £35, £26, £10, £5
Music by Moonlight
9th Feb 4pm
The Cathedral Choir present an atmospheric concert of moon-themed music under the stunning Museum of the Moon, a captivating installation of a huge spherical illuminated model of the moon in the Nave of the Abbey. £12
Music Trust Lunchtime Concert
10th Feb 1pm
The St Albans Cathedral Music Trust presents this concert to highlight the great work being done by local students and to inspire others.
Talk: The Wars of the Roses 15th Feb 10.30am
Learn about how the power struggle for the throne between the two royal houses of York and Lancaster left its mark on the fabric and people of the monastery in the 1400s and 1500s. £12
Interstellar 10 15th Feb 7.30pm
Roger Sayer, the organist on the original film soundtrack will perform a suite of Hans Zimmer’s music from the film, plus intergalactic favourites from 2001: A Space Odyssey and Holst’s The Planets. There will also be an audience Q&A. £25, £21, £18, £15
Invisible Wonders: Nanotechnology & the God of Creation 26th Feb 7.30pm
Look down the microscope and discover a world of tiny wonders with Professor Russell Cowburn, FRS, Canon Scientist. £10, £6
Oaklands Shrines Exhibition 28th Feb - 10th March
Oaklands College Art students present an exhibition of works in print, ceramics, graphics, photography, textiles, painting and drawing put together after researching shrines across a range of religions and cultures. Free St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org
NowOpen!
NOW for some Entertainment
Abbey Theatre
Ladies’ Day
24th Jan - 1st Feb 8pm & 26th Jan 2.30pm
Hilarious comedy following the fortunes of ladies as they take advantage of Royal Ascot’s shift to York Racecourse for one year only. £14, £12
An Evening with David Pleat 11th Feb 8pm
David has lived a life at the heart of football, from his debut as an England Schoolboy International in 1960 to his time as a scout for Spurs up to 2024. He is joined by Brian Horton, Pleat’s captain, and Clive Allen who scored 49 goals for Spurs during the 1986/87. £30
Girls Like That 13th -15th Feb 8pm
This powerful play explores the impact of social media on teenage identity and relationships. It follows a group of high school girls who navigate the complexities of popularity politics, self-image and societal expectations surrounded by online pressures. £12, £10
All My Sons 28th Feb - 1st March & 4th - 8th March 8pm & 2nd March 2.30pm
It’s August 1947, Joe and his family are forced to confront their painful past. Tensions rise as secrets are revealed in this poignant reflection on materialism, moral responsibility, the consequences of dishonesty and the burden of guilt. £14 £12 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
The Pioneer Club
Bushrod + Yung Yusuf 1st Feb 7pm London-based Bushrod cultivates a brand of infectious, humble music, bridging the gap between alternative hip-hop and rap. Tackling subjects including love and loss, mental health and the mundane.
Also performing is local rapper Yung Yusuf, who’s playful wordplay and unique energy keeps listeners on their toes. £10, age 14+
Book Club Battle Quiz Night - Noir At The Bar 6th Feb 7pm
Join hosts and local authors Luke Deckard and Heather Critchlow to see who has the best book brain. £30, tables of up to 6, age 18+ Heathlands Drive, Harpenden Rd, St.Albans AL3 5AY www.pioneerclub.co.uk
The Radlett Centre
Richard Herring: Can I Have My Ball Back 1st Feb 7.30pm
In 2021 Richard Herring had testicular cancer and had the murderous gonad removed. Hear him talk bollocks and answer the question on everyone's lips: Is a severed gonad a fitting prize to bring in for Taskmaster? £16.50
5, 6, 7, 8 - The Steps Experience 2nd Feb 7.30pm
High energy tribute to Steps, with hits including: Tragedy, One For Sorrow, Say You'll Be Mine, Deeper Shade Of Blue and many more. £28.50
Evening with Teddy Sheringham 3rd Feb 8pm
Hosted by GB News Sport and Tottenham Hotspur Matchday Pitch Presenter, Paul Coyte. £40 - £80
Diana & Lionel - Endless Love The Show 7th Feb 7.30pm
Celebrating artists Diana Ross & Lionel Richie. £28.50
Josh Widdicombe: Work in Progress
26th Feb 7.30pm £19.50
Join Josh as he warms up ahead of his brand-new tour
Sean Conway - Endurance 28th Feb 7.30pm
Sean set out to achieve something no-one else ever had; 105 Iron Man competitions in 105 days, the first to swim the length of Britain, the fastest unsupported cycle across Europe and a 4200 mile continuous triathlon. £20.50
Aldenham Ave WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk
Live Cinema
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert Live! 2nd Feb 2pm & 11th Feb 7pm
To mark its 40th anniversary, enjoy this spectacular staged concert on the big screen with an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and John Owen Jones. £15, £14
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
5th Feb 7.30pm & 9th Feb 2pm
David Tennant and Cush Jumbo lead a stellar cast in this enthralling new production, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London. £17.50, £16.50
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest 20th Feb 6pm & 23rd Feb 2pm
A joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated story of identity, impersonation and romance. £17.50 £16.50
Royal Ballet & Opera: Swan Lake
27th Feb 7.15pm & 2nd March 2pm £20.50, £19.50
Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting when one of them turns into a beautiful woman, Odette, doomed to remain a swan forever, she has but one way to break the sorcerer's spell. Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk
Old Town Hall Arts Centre
Juicebox Live 6th Feb 8pm
Rob Newman: Where The Wild Things Were 7th Feb 8pm £20, age 14+
An electrifying night of musical local talent. £10, 18+
This new comedy show is all about future cities, lost
beavers, philistine Bingo callers, Dorothy Parker’s Multiverse Diaries and A Man Called Clive!
Alice Armstrong 8th Feb 8pm
Alice’s music busts the seams of traditional genres, creating a heady amalgamation of blues, soul, funk, rock, pop and country. £18
Eshaan Akbar: Can’t Get No Satisfakshaan 9th Feb 8pm
“An artfully pointed, refreshingly funny hour that suggests a big talent in the making” £18.50
That Knave, Raleigh 13th - 15th Feb
Taking us on a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of the famous explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh.
The BRICK People
19th Feb 10am, 11.15am, 12.45pm, 2pm & 3.15pm
A wide range of LEGO® related activities and workshops. £7.50
Fluff 21st Feb 8pm
A darkly comedic play exploring memories and the choices we make in life. £16
Connor Burns: 1994 26th Feb 8pm
Prolific joke writer, Connor’s Scottish-level cynicism and self-deprecation punctuates his disarmingly relaxed persona and an intelligent, razor-sharp wit. Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk
Barn Theatre
A Monster Calls
7th - 15th Feb 8pm & 15th Feb 2.30pm
Connor, a bullied schoolboy, has nightmares which culminate in a visit from a monster outside his bedroom window. Breath-taking fantasy, physical theatre and raw emotion. £15
An Evening of One-Act Plays 19th - 22nd Feb 8pm
Growing Pains - A coming-of-age comical drama, exploring the challenges of leaving behind a childhood you’re reluctant to let go of.
Tuna Fish Eulogy - Albert was no ordinary child, he liked to sit and count his tins of tuna. One day, he was found dead and two tins were missing. Twelve years later, his grown-up ghost returns to interview his mother and the babysitter to reconcile what happened. Did they do it, or was it suicide? £13
Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk
The Horn
The Rolling Clones 8th Feb 9pm
There are no better guardians of the back catalogue of
The Rolling Stones hits, and no better deliverers of masterly musicianship and charisma on the tribute circuit. £16
The DekkerTones 15th Feb 9pm
This 9-piece ska / reggae / rocksteady / 2tone covers band, plays authentic ska and reggae from the late 60's Trojan and Bluebeat scene right through to the 2tone era. £16
U2 Tribe 22nd Feb 9pm
Taking you on a journey of the history of U2's music, playing classics like 'I Will Follow', the passion of songs like 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', to the stadium staples such as 'Where the Streets Have No Name' and 'With Or Without You', the '90's reinvention with 'Mysterious Ways' and 'One', and later songs such as 'Beautiful Day' and 'Vertigo'. £15
Cutting Crew
26th Feb 8pm
They’ll win your hearts with their razor-sharp musicianship, wit and emotional performance including their USA No 1, (I Just) Died in Your Arms. Recently voted Best Live Act by fans on the 80’s in the Sand and 80’s Rock Cruise festivals in Mexico plus shows in Australia, Japan, USA, Mexico and Europe, £27 Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk
Orpheus In The Underworld
13th - 15th Feb 7.30pm & 15th Feb 2.30pm
A comic reimagining of the Orpheus myth, with a libretto by political satirist Rory Bremner. Expect an evening of satirical humour that critiques society while exploring themes of love, infidelity, and social pressure. £10 - £24.50
Join in the fun at this Barn Dance with the Brookfield Band. £12, concs £8, child £3 07899 536580
Southdown Performing Arts Centre, Harpenden AL5 1QQ www.ticketsource.co.uk/southdownspace
Intergenerational Choir
Tuesdays 12.45pm - 1.30pm term time
Inclusive choir for all, just turn up. 01582 768278
The Salvation Army Hall, Leyton Green, Harpenden www.harpenden.gov.uk
NOW for some more Entertainment
The Alban Arena
Johns’ Boys Choir 1st Feb 7.30pm
One of the most decorated British male choirs in history, who have won numerous choral competitions and in 2019 became the first British Male Voice Choir to win the Pavarotti ‘Choir of the World’ prize. £29.50
St Albans Scout & Guide Gang Show
12th - 15th Feb 7.30 & 15th Feb 2.30pm
A fun packed variety show full of uplifting songs, energetic dance routines and brilliant comedy sketches. From £10
Jim Davidson - The Next Chapter 16th Feb 7.30pm
Jim invites you to join him for another evening of rip-roaring, grown-up comedy. £30
Northern Soul Live 22nd Feb 7.30pm
Hear this 10 piece band playing authentic style of Northern Soul Music, your feet won’t stop dancing. £30
The MozART Group 27th Feb 7.30pm
This hilariously funny group is a superb string quartet, whose patron is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Two violinists, a violist and a cellist, hysterical, even if you don’t know your Mozart from your Bach! £32.50
80’s Live 28th Feb 7.30pm
Including hits Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Tainted Love, Love Shack, Living on a Prayer, Don’t You Want Me?, It’s Raining Men and the list goes on! £34
The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.everyonetheatres.com
The EMC
Phil Walker Happy Bunny 1st Feb 7.30pm
Come join this award-winning comedian in his brand new show for a night of laughter guaranteed. £17.50
Live at The EMC 6th Feb 8pm
A selection of the best circuit comedians and rising stars. £20
John Barrowman - Laid Bare 8th Feb 7.30pm
Unwavering and uncensored about his passion for life and his profound love of song and story. £30 - £40
Ward Thomas 14th Feb 7.30pm
Twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas, hailed as the UK’s most successful country act are on an intimate, acoustic UK tour. £28.50£37.50
Teach Rex 15th Feb 10am & 12.30pm
Using life-like dinosaurs to teach children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerising creatures that ever roamed our planet. £11.25, age 3+
Arts Society Harpenden Area 20th Feb 10.30am
Making an Old Master: Apprenticeship and Studio Life for the Would-Be Artist.
Fairport Convention 21st Feb 7.30pm
Featuring founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals. £35
My Heart Will Go On 22nd Feb 7.30pm Celebration of the music of Celine Dion. £30.50
Oasiz 28th Feb 7.30pm
Paying homage to Oasis’ record breaking 2nd album and including all the big anthems that you would expect from a greatest hits tour. £24
Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.everyonetheatres.com
Bugsy Malone
10th - 22nd Feb 7.30pm & 22nd Feb 2.30pm
It’s the wild streets of 1920s New York, where gangsters run the show, join Bugsy as he dives headfirst into a thrilling turf war. £17.50
The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
Ladies Down Under 13th - 22nd Feb
Following the success of Ladies’ Day in 2022, Breakaway Theatre Company returns with its sequel, as we join inimitable fish packers Jan, Linda, Pearl and Shelley for an adventure in Australia. Full of humour and fun but with real-life angst and pathos. Enjoy their wit, warmth and bewilderment as their carefully planned trip takes some unexpected turns. £15
The Maltings Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.ovo.org.uk
Nutwood (Left Hand Gate), Down Green Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8EB Contact Robert Innes 07596 454 550 Friendly, Reliable, Independent Business
Out of Town
Waddesdon
Winter Weekends until 9th Feb
Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 4pm
Enjoy a walk and admire the beauty of the gardens in winter. Entry to the grounds is free
Putting the House to Bed Tour 1st - 23rd Feb
Saturdays & Sundays 11am & 1pm
Discover how the house and collection are ‘put to bed’ and cared for by the conservation stewards while its closed during the winter months. £27.50
Winter Walking Tours 2nd Feb - 23rd March
Wednesdays & Sundays 11.30am
Highlights include the Elephant Family, Daffodil Valley and winter and spring blooms. Meet by Visitor Information Centre, included in grounds admission
Valentine's Stargazing Dinner
14th Feb 6.30pm
A night of indulgence, discovery and romance, enjoy a four course dinner with wine pairings, followed by a stargazing experience with expert guidance from UK Astronomy. £150
Spring at Waddesdon 15th Feb - 23rd March
Wednesdays - Sundays 10am - 4pm
Take a walk through the grounds, see the birds at the Aviary and enjoy refreshments from the Coffee Bar or Stables Café.
Normal grounds admission applies Outdoor Adventure Workshops
15th & 19th Feb
A 2-hour adventure where children can explore the woods, enjoy den building, fire lighting, animal tracking, bushcraft, nature education and games. £28, ages 6 - 9, please book
Eythrope Parkland Spring Tours
19th - 21st Feb 10.15am
Wednesdays 26th Feb - 30th April 10.15am
Visit this private park and woodland garden accompanied by Eythrope’s guides. Tickets include transport to and from Eythrope, lunch, grounds admission to Waddesdon Manor. £50
Waddesdon, Bucks HP18 0JH
www.waddesdon.org.uk
IWM Duxford
Scramble! The Summer of 1940 until 23rd Feb 11am & 1.30pm
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Go 'behind the ropes' and learn about the history of the aircraft and aircrew who fought in the skies over France and Britain. From Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires to a Bristol Blenheim and the last airworthy Curtiss Hawk-75, a guide will take you up close to the exhibits and aircraft.
IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR
www.iwm.org.uk
Afternoon Tea at Cafe Van Hage until 26th April
Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones cream and jam, pastries and cakes. £20.95
Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell SG12 9R www.bluediamond.gg
Dark Skies 1st Feb 5pm - 8pm
Celebrate the night skies with an evening of stargazing, educational talks and activities including a mobile planetarium. Artificial lights will be switched off to allow stars to be seen without glare or local upward light. Experts and enthusiasts, including The University of Hertfordshire: Bayfordbury Observatory and the Hertford Astronomy Group, will come together to raise awareness of the effects of lighting at night on humans and the surrounding ecology. £2 The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk
Learning Lunchtimes
All free, no need to book Taking Good Photographs 3rd Feb 11am
Photography enthusiast David Knapp, will share practical tips on how to take better photos using cameras and smartphones, that will instantly elevate your photography.
From Big Stripes to Small Spikes: How your local safari park is contributing to native and global conservation efforts 10th Feb 11am
With conservation being a key role of a modern safari park, Woburn Safari Park partnered with the Forest of Marston Vale. Katie Chapman will present the park’s native and global conservation efforts, while touching on the stories of some of the species living there.
Gardens an Hour (or so) from Bedford 17th Feb 11am
Discover a selection of hidden garden gems and hear about unique and lesser-known gardens like Rousham Park and Copped Hall, each with its own charm and history.
Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR www.marstonvale.org
●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
More Out of Town
Natural History Museum Tring
Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year until 27th April 10am -5pm Free Incredible compositions and stunning photographs that capture the beauty and fragility of the natural world taken by talented young photographers from across the globe.
Bird Feeders with the RSPB 18th Feb 10am
Make an apple bird feeder while hearing all about the work of the RSPB and how you can become involved in helping nature. Free, drop in Explore Reptiles
18th, 19th & 20th Feb 10.30am & 2pm
Get hands on with some scaly specimens and discover what makes reptiles so turtle-y amazing! Free, drop in
Behind the Scenes Tour 27th Feb 2,30pm
Themed around the Voyages of Discovery, this tour gives you the unique opportunity to get up close to some historical specimens, including those linked to Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Ernest Shackleton. Adult £10 Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk
Wrest Park
Filming Tour & Bridgerton Afternoon Tea
5th - 29th Feb 1.30pm Weds & Sats
Featured in series such as The Crown, Antiques Roadshow and Bridgerton, take a tour round Wrest Park which has been the back-drop for some of TVs most dramatic moments. There’ll be a chance to strike a pose in costumes from the Georgian era. After the tour, afternoon tea will be served in the dining room. £46.50, please book Half Term History Makers
15th - 23rd Feb 10am - 4pm £14, child £8.50
Join characters from the past for heritageinspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans. Silsoe, Beds MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk
Ashridge House
Champagne House Tour 9th Feb 2pm
Led by resident history expert, uncover secrets nestled behind ancient bookcases, and dive into 700 years of captivating history. £30
RAF Museum STEM Week
Afternoon Tea 23rd Feb
Enjoy a selection of homemade cakes and savouries, accompanied by teas and coffees. Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk
The Bubbly Maths Show
15th - 18th Feb 11am & 2pm
Guinness World Record holding artist Caroline Ainslie will take you on a journey full of bubbles, giant balloons and laughter as she encourages children to love learning and enjoy maths and science, with lots of audience interaction and massive visual props. £6.50, ages 4-10 Airfix Make-and-Take Workshops
17th - 19th Feb 11am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Build a model of the Sopwith Pup, kits can be made on-site or taken away and completed at home. £5, age 7+
Paper Airplane Designing Contest
19th - 21st Feb 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm £3
Have you got what it takes to make a streamlined jet that will go the distance? Find out by designing and refining your paper plane to try and win the Museum’s Paper Airplane Designing Contest, the current record is 19 metres. Age 4+
Laser Tag 20th - 23rd Feb
11am, 12noon, 1pm & 2pm £6.50, age 8+
Young cadets can shoot fellow participants to claim their place at the top of the leader board. There’ll be lots of games planned so don’t miss out on being the top space cowboy!
Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk
Shuttleworth
Scale Model Exhibition 16th Feb 10am
Explore the Engineering hangar where you’ll find plenty of keen modellers showcasing their work in the hope of taking home one of the many awards up for grabs. £12.50
Engineering Open Workshops
22nd & 23rd Feb 10am
Take a look behind the scenes at what it takes to restore, rebuild, maintain and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits. Sit in a genuine 1942 Mark Vc Spitfire, AR501, which among other duties in WW2 escorted the infamous USAAF B-17 ‘Memphis Belle’, for which tickets are sold separately. £20
Open House & Tours 22nd & 23rd Feb 11am
Immerse yourself in the history of the Shuttleworth family and visit the Grade II House. Entry as part of Engineering Open Weekend, buy an event ticket to visit the House. £10.
Learn about Enigma, one of the cipher machines, create a strong cipher and have a go at breaking one yourself. Make a rotor, set up a plugboard, have a go at cribbing and more Age 5-15, must be accompanied by an adult. Included in admission
Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
NOW at the Museums
Harpenden Museum
Harpenden: From Village to Town: 1860-1914
January - March
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 11am-3pm
An exhibition telling the story of how Harpenden in the period up to WW1 was transformed from a rural village to a town. Triggered by the coming of the railways, when the population tripled and the core of the Town we know today was created. The story is explained and illustrated through displays, and commentary on original photos, maps, documents and individual memories from Society archives.
Downstairs at the EMC, Rothamsted Park AL5 2FR
www.harpenden-history.org.uk
Verulamium Museum
Exhibition: Mapping an Uneven Path: Stories of Health & Disability at Verulamium until 23rd Feb
Exploring the ways in which Romans practiced and understood medicine and healing, as well as their cultural attitudes towards disability.
Talk: Roman Coins 11th Feb 7pm
Join curator David Thorold, as he shares his extensive knowledge of Roman coins from Verulamium and across the Roman world. £10, please book
Archaeology for Families
18th - 21st Feb 10.30am
Learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground by analysing genuine finds.
Age 7 - 12, free with admission
Clay Workshop for Families - Make a Roman Cup 20th Feb 10.30am & 11.30am
Craft and decorate a Roman style cup or beaker. Age 7+ £6.50
Talk: Living in Comfort? 28th Feb 7pm
Focusing on the multisensory experience of living in Roman residences at the heart and edge of the Roman Empire. £10
St Albans AL3 4SW
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Exhibition: Catching the Chain until 25th April
Inspired by the Museum's cells and courtroom this explores the history of criminal justice and the ways in which local communities have dealt with crime from the Iron Age to today.
Exhibition: Outsiders - a Journey Through Homelessness 17th Jan - 16th March free
A documentary photography project which captures a snapshot of homelessness in modern Britain. Including personal testimony from the participants alongside environmental monochrome portraits taken using a mix of digital and vintage film cameras.
Messy Monday Mornings
3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th Feb 10.15am - 11.45am
Enjoy messy play and creative activities with your child. Drop in, under 5’s, £6.50
Generations: Drop in!
8th - 22nd Feb 10.30am -12.30pm
The Museum is looking for those with a connection to South Asian countries to get involved in their next community co-curated exhibition - Generations: Stories from South Asian St Albans. Do you have objects you could share? How do you tell your stories, and what does 'South Asian St Albans' mean to you.
Museum Minis 14th Feb 10am & 11am
A story, a craft activity and a museum treasure hunt. Age 2 - 4, £6.50
Make a Thingambob!
18th Feb 10.15am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.45pm
Fun and creative craft workshops inspired by the imaginative work of Maria Meyer, currently on display in the gallery. Let your imagination run wild and invent your own quirky Thingamabobs!
Age 5+ £6.50
Make a Model Lion & Unicorn
19th Feb 10.15am, 11.30am, 1.45pm & 3pm
Look for the lion and the unicorn behind the magistrate’s chair in the courtroom, then make your own pair of animals from colourful polymer clay. Models will need to be baked in the oven at home. Age 5+ £7.50
St Albans AL1 3DH
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Caring & Sharing
Compassionate Cafés
Rennie Grove Peace Compassionate Cafés provides a space for people who have been affected by any type of loss and would like to go along for a friendly chat and a chance to meet others over a cuppa. The Harpenden Café is open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 2pm - 3.30pm.
As a beneficiary Rennie Grove Hospice Care has 20 free spaces available for this event, so why not register your interest today. Starting in the picturesque Cassiobury Park, the route follows fully closed roads, serene country lanes, and will pass through Bucks Hill, Commonwood Common and Chandlers Cross before looping back to Cassiobury Park. There is no registration fee, but as a fundraising event successful participants are asked to raise a minimum of £300. Cassiobury Park, Watford www.renniegrovepeace.org
Herts Musical Memories
These singing sessions are a fun and stimulating activity, providing health benefits for those living with dementia and their carers.
Wheathampstead 10.30am - 12 noon 10th, 17th & 24th Feb
Marford Memorial Hall AL4 8AY
St Albans 2.15pm - 3.45pm 14th, 21st & 28th Feb
Homewood URC Church Hall AL1 4BH 0208 950 5757
www.hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk
Take a Tour of Keech 11th Feb
Keech Hospice Care provides free, specialist care for adults and children with life-limiting illnesses, and vital support for their loved ones. Book onto this open day tour and discover what Keech is really like and find out more about the excellent specialist care they provide.
Keech Hospice Care, Luton LU3 3NT www.keech.org.uk
The Community Kitchen
Bringing the community together with food, friendship and kindness at monthly meals, where everyone is welcome, there’s a lovely friendly atmosphere, the food is great and you pay what you can afford/want. To donate food, sponsor the CK or volunteer, just get in touch.
Soup & Sarnies
11th Feb & 11th March 1pm - 2.45pm drop in Evening Community Kitchen 25th Feb & 25th March arrive 5pm / eat 6pm
Please book on 07727 207818 or email kitchen@chapelhub.co.uk
Chapel Halls, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead AL4 8AG
www.chapelhub.co.uk
Shaws Corner Volunteer Open Day
14th Feb 12 noon - 3pm drop in Interested in volunteering, if so reserve your place by calling 01438 820307. On the day talk to staff and volunteers about the role and see how they look after this special place.
Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence AL4 9BX
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Village Probus Club
This local club meets on the second Thursday of the month at Aldwickbury Golf Club and membership is open to retired or semi retired professional businessmen. To enjoy friendship and fun together with varied activities contact them at vpcofh@gmail.com
Index of Businesses
● Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion
● Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience
