Whatever you fancy doing this New Year from Art Classes, Skating, Birdwatching, Walking or Wassailing to a trip to the Theatre or catching a last minute Panto we’ve got it covered. And as always we’ve included lots of local businesses to help you with whatever you need doing. If you run your own business we‘d love to include you it’s so easy, just book your space online today. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Jane & Wendy
@theNOWmagazines
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Out & About
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
‘Find the Letter’ Competition until 5th Jan
Find Mr Jingles the Snowman in the Christmas displays, write down the letters he’s holding, and use them to guess the festive word. 5 winners will receive a £10 gift voucher. Free, ages 0 - 11
Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH www.aylettnurseries.co.uk
New Year's Day Breakfast
1st Jan 10am, 10.30am & 11am
Soak up the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a heartwarming breakfast, served with a breath-taking view from Bedfordshire’s highest point. £13.50, child £6.50, please book Dunstable Downs Visitor Centre, Beds LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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
Wassailing 4th Jan 4.30pm - 6.30pm
A gathering to serenade and praise the trees in the Cell Barnes Orchard ensuring a bountiful apple harvest for 2025. Decorate yourself with ivy, leaves and feathers and bring something to make a noise like a musical instrument or a pot and spoon and a torch. Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk
St Albans South Signal Box
12th Jan 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
Books On The Hill
Breakfast Book Club 12th Jan 10am
Afterhours Book Club 29th Jan 7pm
Discussions will be around books you love or are currently reading, so if you love to talk about books why not join in. For adults, £11.55
Classics Book Club 30th Jan 7pm
Classics speak of universal themes such as love, loss, friendship and hope. This new book club has chosen to explore Persuasion by Jane Austen for January, to lift your spirits! £11.55
Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1ER
www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk
Herts Wildlife Trust
Winter Tree Identification Workshop
14th Jan 10am - 3.30pm
Learn how to identify trees in their winter state using bud and twig characteristics, then walk around Hertford Heath to put into practice the morning's learning and identify the trees. Bring a packed lunch, for adults, £13 Hertford Heath SG13 7PW
Guided Walk: An Amble Around Astonbury 17th Jan 10am - 1pm
Walk off the winter blues, while taking in the wildlife and views of Astonbury and the surrounding countryside. Wellies advised, for adults and children ages 10+. Free, but donations welcome Astonbury Wood, Aston SG14 3RY www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Embroidery Workshop
15th Jan 7pm
A fun, relaxed hands-on workshop showing you how to sew the perfect personalised embroidery hoop. £30 The Harpenden Arms, High Street AL5 2TR www.eventbrite.com
Repair Fair
18th Jan 2pm & 15th Feb 5pm
Take along your faulty electrical items and worn, torn fabrics. The team of skilled amateur fixers will do their best to put them right or offer advice. You may even learn how to repair things yourself. Please book Quakers Meeting House, Harpenden AL5 1PD www.sustainablestalbans.org
The Mum Club Brunch Club
23rd Jan 10am - 12pm
For mums, bumps and babies, to meet other mums who are winging it one coffee at a time! Please book The George of Harpenden, Harpenden AL5 2TB www.themumclub.com
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
Dower Design is an architectural design studio based in St Albans Our experienced project design team have over a decade of experience in providing technical and creative drawings for planning permission, building regulations and design development.
If you would like to discuss a project, please get in touch 01727 323411 www.dowergroup.com/design-studio/ enquiries@dowergroup.com
It’s Still Panto Time!
Cinderella & The Glass Slipper until 1st Jan
Prepare to be swept off your feet in this enchanting production. £23, child £21 Beam Theatre, Hertford SG14 1PS www.beamhertford.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty until 3rd Jan
Dazzling choreography, stunning sets, uplifting live music, glamourous costumes (for most of the cast members!) and, of course, plenty of audience participation. £20 - £25
Promising belly laughs and a whole lot of magic. £18 Campus West, WGC AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk
Beauty & The Beast until 5th Jan
Hilarious fun-filled family pantomime, starring TV legend Joe Swash. From £15 Grove Theatre, Dunstable LU4 5GP www.everyonetheatres.com
Peter Pan until 5th Jan
Join Peter Pan in this high-flying adventure, starring the strictly sensational Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook! From £13 Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ www.atgtickets.com
Cinderella until 12th Jan
Fun-filled family panto, starring Samantha Womack (EastEnders) as the fairy, alongside St Albans Legends, Bob Golding and Ian Kirkby as the Wicked (but very funny) step-sisters. £18 - £36.50 Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.everyonetheatres.com
New Adventures of Peter Pan until 19th Jan
Soar to Neverland in this high-flying pantomime adventure. £20 - £34
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ www.everyonetheatres.com
Dick Whittington 23rd - 26th Jan
Performed by The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group, and packed with dancing, wonderful songs and lots of audience participation. £18
Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.everyonetheatres.com
Lawn Mowing I Hedge Cutting
Weeding I Garden Clearance
Fencing I Power Washing/Sealing
Turfing I General Maintenance + Much more… Contact us now for a free quote! 01582 529429 I 07854 449371 info@detailgardening.co.uk DetailGardening www.detailgardening.co.uk
NOW for some Entertainment
Ashridge House Illuminated until 1st Jan 4pm - 8pm
Experience an enchanting evening on this magical light trail, wander through the stunning gardens with dazzling lights and installations. Please book Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk
Event Cinema
Girl From the North Country 7th Jan 7pm
It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota, when we meet a group of wayward travellers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. This beautiful Broadway production is brought to life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians. £15
Royal Ballet & Opera: Tales of Hoffman 15th Jan 6.45pm & 19th Jan 2pm
Through the haze of the years, a poet remembers the women he loved, but as memory and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred, will he find the enigmatic Stella before it is too late. £22.60
Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk
The Radlett Centre
American Four Tops Motown 8th Jan 7.30pm £32
With hits from Reach Out and Baby I Need Your Loving to Loco in Acapulco, Bernadette and more.
The Elvis Years 9th Jan 7.30pm £29.50
With over 50 hits including That’s Alright Mama, Suspicious Minds, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog and many more.
A Tribute to Sting & The Police starring The Rozzers 10th Jan 7.30pm £26.50
From Roxanne and Every Breath You Take to Fields of Gold and Englishman in New York, all reproduced with stunning authenticity and vocal accuracy.
The Upbeat Beatles 11th Jan 7.30pm £28
Performing to sell out venues for over 20 years, earning a reputation as the Beatles finest tribute.
Jenny invites you to look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything. Warning: Punk poetry, animal impressions and baritone nursery rhyme singing may feature.
Back to Bacharach 16th Jan 7.30pm £28.50
Bacharach created songs for Dionne Warwick, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and more, experience his finest hits from West End vocalists and the sensational Magic Moments Orchestra.
Think Floyd 17th Jan 7.30pm £31
Performing Pink Floyd tracks Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, The Division Bell and many more.
Imagine - RMTC GALA
18th Jan 2.30pm & 7.30pm £20, £18
A journey through musicals, movies and the charts celebrating the world of magic, fantasy and illusion.
Omid Djalili: Namaste
21st & 23rd Jan 7.30pm £29.50
See Omid bow to his inner anger, unleashing a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet.
Live at The Radlett 24th Jan 7.30pm £20
With the hilarious Jen Brister, Rhys James and Carl Donnelly.
Beyond the Barricade 25th Jan 7.30pm £29
Enjoy numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus
Christ Superstar, West Side Story, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon, Hamilton and more.
The Clare Teal 5 26th Jan 7.30pm £29
Exhilarating swing from this award winning jazz vocalist and some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians.
Evening with Tony Adams
29th & 30th Jan 8pm £50 - £250
An exclusive superstar speakers’ event with the Arsenal Legend and one of the greatest defenders in the history of the Premier League.
Aldenham Ave WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk
Abbey Theatre
STAJE in Concert 9th Jan 8pm
STAJE (St Albans Jazz Ensemble), a collective of local musicians and vocalists showcase the diversity of Jazz music, from Big Band Swing, Latin and Jazz-Funk to Soul. £15, child £12.50
Dick Whittington
11th Jan 2.30pm & 7.15pm, 12th Jan 12.30pm & 6pm
The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group present a show packed with dances, songs and lots of audience participation. £16, £13, £9
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
Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
Barn Theatre
Comedy at the Barn 10th Jan 8pm
With a talented line-up of great comedians, you're guaranteed to have a night of non-stop laughter. £10
The Revlon Girl 17th - 25th Jan 8pm
Eight months after the Aberfan Disaster, four women secretly invite a representative from Revlon to give a presentation and demonstration to their bereaved mothers support group. A heart-wrenchingly sad, but funny, thought-provoking story. Jazz at the Barn: Lewis Sallows 31st Jan 8pm
This local musician, improviser and composer is a saxophonist of great quality and talent. Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk
Watford Palace Theatre
The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook 11th Jan 3pm & 7.30pm
With a stunning new collection of music, narration and projected archive images and footage. £28 - £120
Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity 25thJan 7.30pm
The undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is back on the road. £32.50 - £130
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy 29th Jan 11.30am
Featuring the funniest comedians from TV and the circuit telling grown up jokes in a baby-friendly environment. £12 - £17
Russell Kane: HyperActive 30th Jan 8pm
This tour comes with a safety warning: wear strong underwear, pants will be spoiled. Russell is highenergy, high-octane, and hyper-active! £30 - £120
Join two friends as they embark on an amazing journey and discover that sometimes new can be exciting, and different can be good! An enchanting story from Aesop's much loved tale told with puppetry, music and magical design.
Age 3+ £12, child £10, family £40
Daria Kulesh: MotherLand 31st Jan 8pm
Haunting, enigmatic folk songs of the past and present. £18
Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk
The EMC
Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show
14th - 18th Jan From £12
Annual award-winning spectacular of song, dance and comedy as 143 Scouts perform their socks off.
Buddy Holly and The Cricketers! 31st Jan 7.30pm
All Holly’s hits and classics played live on stage by five amazing young actor-musicians. Featuring raw rock ’n’
roll, beautifully haunting ballads and some genuinely hilarious moments! £27.50
Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.everyonetheatres.com
The Alban Arena
Peter Andre starring in The Best of Frankie Valli 17th Jan 7.30pm £47.50
A spectacular celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time. This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a streetlamp but soon became one of the most recognised groups in history.
Thank ABBA For The Music 18th Jan 7.30pm £29
Expect iconic hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, Waterloo, Take A Chance On Me, Voulez-Vous and many more. As always ABBA and 70’s fancy dress is optional…but encouraged!
Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
22nd & 23rd Jan 7.30pm £32
Can the beast inside us all be silenced with the silver bullet of Lee’s unprecedentedly critically acclaimed style of stand-up?
21st Century Tennessee 24th Jan 7.30pm £29
A night of incredible tunes and authentic Nashville vibes, featuring songs such as: When It Rains It Pours, Before He Cheats, Chicken Fried, Need You Now, Waggon Wheel, Last Night and Tennessee Whiskey.
Taylormania 25th Jan 3pm & 7.30pm £31
This award-winning extravaganza with Katy Ellis, self obsessed ‘Swiftie’, her incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver one of the most authentic recreations of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.
An Evening with Aggers 30th Jan 7.30pm £34.50
Get ready to be bowled over by cricket legend Jonathan Agnew, with stories from his illustrious career both on and off the field.
T-REXTASY 31st Jan 7.30pm £29.50
Performing for over 20 years this is the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family and original ex-members of T.Rex.
The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www everyonetheatres.com
Lucy Porter 24th Jan 8pm
Lucy’s back with a show all about regrets - disastrous dates, professional calamities, ruined friendships, parenting fails, and she’s describing all her mistakes, why they happened, and pondering how her life would have turned out if she’d acted differently. £20
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY
www.culturetrust.com
Out of Town
Child Heroes Christmas Trail until 5th Jan
Find out what your favourite Roald Dahl heroes, like Matilda and Charlie, have got for Christmas, find their stockings to earn a hero’s stamp at the end. Free with Museum admission
Christmas at Waddesdon until 5th Jan Wed - Sun plus 30th & 31st Dec / excludes 23rd - 26th Dec
An immersive experience inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty with light projections on the Manor façade, a light trail in the gardens and lots more. Waddesdon Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk
Natural History Museum Tring
Rudolph Christmas Trail until 5th Jan
Help Father Christmas round up his reindeer after their holidays. Search the galleries and track them down using clues from the postcards they sent from their travels. All ages, £1 per trail
LEGO® Build the Change Nature-Friendly Habitat Build 28th Dec & 4th Jan 10.30am & 2pm
Welcoming all builders of the future. Help build a LEGO® bricks habitat, where animals, people and nature can feel at home. Free with admission
Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk
Christmas at Whipsnade Zoo until 6th Jan
From family friendly activities to festive animal fun, animal talks and holiday surprises. Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org
Hertford Children's Christmas Trail
21st Dec - 4th Jan
Follow the trail map to find knitted characters hiding in Town Centre shops and shop windows, to win a £30 gift voucher. Visit the website to download the trail map www.hertford.gov.uk
John Lawson’s Magical Circus
21st - 24th Dec & 27th Dec - 5th Jan
An entirely human cast, featuring amazing new acts and exciting routines in an enthralling fun-filled show for all the family. £8.50, family £30
Van Hage Great Amwell, Ware SG12 9RP www.bluediamond.smart-tickets.co.uk
Bletchley Park Family Activities
28th - 30th Dec & 2nd & 3rd Jan 11am - 3.30pm
Find out if you could have been a Codebreaker by completing puzzles, playing games, testing your skills and challenging your friends and family.
Ages 5-14, accompanied by an adult Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
IWM Duxford
Scramble! The Summer of 1940
28th Dec - 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 and explore the stories behind the summer of 1940. £15, child £10 Duxford in a Different Light: Scramble!
25th Jan 3.30pm
You will be able to photograph the 'Scramble!' Summer of 1940 Spotlight Exhibition, as well as aircraft in the AirSpace hangar that will be illuminated. £50, for adults www.iwm.org.uk
Guided Walk: Wednesday Wander
1st Jan 12 noon £6
See the diversity of wildlife that call the reserve home at this time of year and learn more about Rye Meads, or simply enjoy exploring nature in a social setting.
Rye Meads, Hoddesdon, Ware SG12 8JS
Let’s Do This
ChilternsWinter 10k 4th Jan
Great for those new to running or those getting back into it, the course explores the stunning Chiltern Hills. Go for the scenery and the coaching tips.
Aldbury HP23
Countryto Capital Ultra 43 4th Jan
Kick-start the New Year with this ultimate challenge in stunning winter surroundings. Great for experienced runners, the route begins in the Chiltern Hills before going onto the Grand Union Canal and ending in Little Venice.
Shoulder of Mutton, Wendover, Aylesbury HP22 6EJ
Run theSun 19th Jan
Run with the sun as it rises and sets on a crisp winter day. Being a timed event rather than a distance one, means you can dictate how far, fast or slow you want to run. You can walk, run or jog your way around the 5k route.
The Cricketers Pub, Weston, Hitchin SG4 7DA www.letsdothis.com
Wedding Show 19th Jan 11am -3pm
Showcasing Shuttleworth House, Old Warden Park, Swiss Garden and the Collection. Shuttleworth, Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org
Wedding Showcase 26th Jan 11am - 1pm
The perfect venue and inspiration for your special day. Knebworth House SG3 6PY www.knebworthhouse.com
NowOpen!
NOW at the Cathedral NOW for some Music
The Horn Emo Night
3rd Jan 8pm
The ultimate show of the best 90's and 00's
Emo/Pop-Punk/Nu-Metal. Free
Imagine The Beatles 4th Jan 2pm
Music From Stage & Screen 1st Jan 7pm
New Year Celebration concert with St Albans Symphony Orchestra performing:
Williams - Flying Theme from ET / Bliss - Things to Come / Bernstein -The Magnificent Seven / Moross - The Big Country Shostakovich - Romance, from The Gadfly / Burgon - Brideshead Revisited / Goodwin - The Trap / Williams - Superman / BizetCarmen extracts / Rossini - Barber of Seville / Sullivan - Pineapple Poll extracts / Rogers & Hammerstein - South Pacific & Oklahoma / Williams - Star Wars.
£18 - £30, child/ student £5
The Museum of the Moon 3rd Jan - 14th Feb
See Luke Jerram's spectacular moon installation measuring seven metres in diameter and featuring 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface.
Pink Floyd by Candlelight 16th - 18th Jan 7.30pm
The ultimate tribute to Pink Floyd, made even more special by the Museum of the Moon’s, spectacular installation displayed during the show. £10 - £60
Sanctuary Supper 20th Jan 6pm
Enjoy a dinner of authentic dishes from around the world and hear the stories behind them. Since last January, asylum seekers who are part of the Cathedral community have been preparing dishes from their home countries to serve each month in the Abbot's Kitchen.
Roman Festival Week
21st - 24th Jan 10am - 2.30pm
Ideal for KS2 pupils, this immersive experience features a carousel of three interactive workshops, and the chance to meet a Roman Soldier. £9.25
Abbey by Night 22nd Jan 8pm
Be transported back to the medieval abbey as you encounter fantastic stories of the past by candlelight. Watch history come to life in this truly unique experience. £20
Jazz in the Moonlight 25th Jan 7.30pm
A stellar evening of jazz under the Moon, led by musician and composer Tim Boniface. £10 - £30
St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY
www.stalbanscathedral.org
Beatles tribute playing a special retrospective from the Cavern years to the 'Let It Be' final rooftop concert. £15
Sabbotage 4th Jan 9pm
The UK’s leading Black Sabbath tribute band. £15
90's & Britpop Night 10th Jan
Featuring covers band Popscene! Free Blue Angel Open Mic
12th & 26th Jan 3pm
To perform on the night call 07480 592140.
Big Love UK 18th Jan 9pm
Fleetwood Mac tribute with the stunning voice of Lynn Clare. £18
Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE
www.thehorn.co.uk
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
6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Jan
Marford Memorial Hall AL4 8AY
St Albans 2.15pm - 3.45pm 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st Jan
Homewood URC Church Hall AL1 4BH 0208 950 5757 www.hertsmusicalmemories.org.uk
Messiah Free Open Rehearsal
20th Jan 7.30pm
With The Hardynge Choir, all welcome, see website for further details.
St Helen’s Primary School, Wheathampstead AL4 8AN
www.hardyngechoir.org
Amadeus Chamber Orchestra
25th Jan 7.30pm
Arnold - Serenade for Small Orchestra
Haydn - Symphony No. 103 'Drum Roll' Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 5
'Emperor'. With Andrew Blankfield on piano. £18, child £1
St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG
www.amadeuschamberorchestra.org.uk
A great way to meet new people
No need to read music
No auditions
Not for profit
Harpenden Salvation Army Hall AL5 2TG Wednesdays 10.45am - 12.15pm
Register by midday on 1st Jan Collection: 4th - 7th Jan
The Hospice of St Francis is providing this hassle -free service, just leave your Christmas tree outside your house on the weekend of the collection. For a donation, your tree will be recycled, and all money raised will contribute to the £6 million+ the Hospice needs every year to fund its free care. Over the last 7 years this service has raised a tree-mendous £146k, enough to fund the community nursing service for almost 5 months or the Inpatient Unit nurses for 3 and a half years!
www.stfrancis.org.uk
RED January
Rise every day and move to boost your mood this January, RED Together is a community dedicated to improved wellbeing through physical movement, and they start every year with a campaign to make winter a positive and energising experience. RED January is a community charity initiative that invites people of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities to set realistic movement goals for January. So make your first move today by joining RED January free, as an individual, or a team with your friends, family, club or workplace, to help motivate each other. Then set a fundraising goal and support RED's official charity partner, Mind Over Mountains. www.join.redjanuary.com
Brew Monday 20th Jan
Samaritans is reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with people you care about. The third Monday in January is sometimes known as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ but this is a myth. At Samaritans they know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ we all have good days and bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide. So it's time to stop this myth and start a conversation over a brew!
Any time can be a Brew Monday, whether it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland
takes their own life. In the next hour, they'll respond to almost 400 calls for help. Just £5 will enable a call to be answered.
Host your own event, virtually or in person by holding a tea party, hosting an online event at work, or simply picking up the phone and checking in with someone you care about. And if you can, use your get-together to raise money for Samaritans and help those having a tough time to have somewhere to turn when they need to talk. www.samaritans.org
Your Voice Matters
Help local charities understand what you think. Many charities are having a tough time raising sufficient funds to cover rising costs with regular or significant donations becoming less and less frequent. To help local charities better understand what communities think of them and the services they provide, they are reaching out to ask for the gift of time, and only about 5 minutes of it.
A local research company Message House is conducting a short survey to find out what people think about the charities in your area. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll help these organisations better connect with their community and improve the way they operate.
Please support them by giving a few minutes of your time and take the survey by visiting bit.ly/mhouse24
As a thank you, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of five £20 M&S vouchers.
Compassionate Cafés
Rennie Grove Peace Compassionate Cafés provides a space for members of the community 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 cup of tea. The Café is open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 2pm - 3.30pm
Your old stamps and foreign currency can make a difference to blind and partially sighted people. When you receive cards and letters through the post, save the stamps and send them to the RNIB to recycle them, all stamps are sold by weight, whether new, used, foreign, first day covers, presentation packs or albums, and they raise £20 per kilo of stamps received. You can also donate any surplus foreign or unusable British currency hiding at the back of the drawer!
Just request a pre-paid collection envelope online, by calling 0330 002 0051 or Emailing fundraising@rnib.org.uk. www.rnib.org.uk
All About the Birds
Herrings
Green Farm
Alpaca & Owl Experience for Two 18th Jan 10am & 26th Jan 1pm
Under the instruction of the keepers, you’ll be introduced to the herd of alpacas, and then head out across the fields with them. There’ll be plenty of time to take photos and ask questions. Then meet and handle a Barn Owl, Eagle Owl, Scops Owl and more, experience their silent flight as they glide into your gloved hand. £59 for two, age 14+
Eagle & Kite Experience for Two 18th Jan 1pm & 1st Feb 10am
Meet and handle a spectacular American Bald Eagle, Blue Chilean Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, and even fly some of them in this memorable experience as they glide into your gloved hand. Then enter the Kite enclosure where you can meet, handle and feed them too.
£69 for two, age 14+
Herrings Green Farm MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
Talk: The Naming of Birds
20th Jan 11am
Learn the reasons behind the names of various birds, examining how their appearances, calls and behaviours have influenced their titles, and uncover intriguing historical anecdotes that have shaped the way we refer to these feathered creatures. Free Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR www.marstonvale.org
Big Garden Birdwatch 24th - 26th Jan
Sit back, relax and watch your garden birds while taking part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. In 2024, over 600,000 people took part. Once you register, you’ll be kept updated with top tips on how to get ready for the best Birdwatch ever.
This event provides a vital snapshot, taken over one weekend of how well the UK’s garden birds are doing. People taking part for the first time often find it sparks a passion for nature, so hopefully they will start giving nature a helping hand by feeding the birds, putting up nest-boxes, and gardening in a wildlife-friendly way. It’s easy to take part, simply watch the birds in your garden or local park for one hour, and record what you see. Only include birds that land, not those flying over. Count the highest
number of each species you see at any one time. Then go online and tell the RSPB what you’ve seen. Even if you didn’t see anything at all, let them know as its all useful information. www.rspb.org.uk
Gulls Galore 25th Jan 3pm - 5pm
As light begins to fade, the open water attracts thousands of gulls of different species. Join local experts to learn why they come here and how to tell which gull is which (they are not all seagulls). Take a tour of part of the reserve, then settle down to watch the spectacle with a hot drink. Bring binoculars if you have them, there will also be a telescope that you can use. Wrap up warm and windproof, and wear sturdy footwear, wellies and thick socks are recommended. If you'd like to sit down bring an old cushion in a shopping bag! There will be a climb of about 100 steps up the dam wall with a hand rail.
Hilfield Park Reservoir, on the A41 towards Barnet, between Bushey & Elstree WD25 8DA www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
NOW at the Museums
St Albans Museum
+ Gallery AL1 3DH
Maria Meyer: Thingchronicity until 9th March
Local artist Maria develops the concept of ‘Thingchronicity’ through a series of captivating sculptures, installations and paintings.
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.
Messy Monday Mornings
6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Jan 10.15am - 11.45am
Enjoy messy play and creative activities with your child. Drop in, under 5’s, £6.50 Museum Minis 10th Jan 10am & 11am
A story, a craft activity and a museum treasure hunt. Age 2 - 4, £6.50
Introduction to Oral History 11th Jan 11am Museums sometimes collect 'oral histories', which are usually recorded interviews with people who have experienced particular events, places or time periods. A member of the museum team will talk you through the basics of collecting oral history. Free, please book Talk: Doubly Deviant Women? 17th Jan 7pm
Exploring cases from London's Old Bailey court and asking how and why attitudes to female felons changed during the Georgian period. £10, Zoom £6
Exhibition: Outsiders 17th Jan - 15th March
A documentary photography project capturing a snapshot of homelessness in modern Britain. Free Researching Your Caribbean Family History
25th Jan 11am
With an expert from Hertfordshire Archives. Free Corruption in St Albans! 28th Jan 7pm
This is how the Prime Minister referred to the electoral scandal that enveloped St Albans in the mid 1800s. In this immersive evening see a recollection of key moments, including the debates in Parliament which led to St Albans losing both its MPs for 34 years, and to the passing of the Corrupt Practices Act designed to deal with the issue nationally. Taking place in the courtroom where the Parliamentary Commission heard evidence .£10 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Verulamium Museum St Albans AL3 4SW
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.
Tots Tales 24th Jan 10am & 11am
Fun sessions for ages 2- 4, £6.50 www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Harpenden Museum
Late Victorian & Edwardian Harpenden January - March Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 11am - 3pm
A display showing the growth and everyday life of Harpenden from the coming of the railways in the 1860s to the advent of WWI in 1914, when the village moved to being a town and the population tripled to 6,000. This will be illustrated and explained from the History Society’s fascinating historic archives of original photos, maps, documents and individual memories
Downstairs at the EMC, Rothamstead Park AL5 2FR www.harpenden-history.org.uk
Discover Bucks Museum
Exhibition: Weird until 5th Jan
The museum has an amazing collection of over 130,000 objects, covering natural history, geology, archaeology, social history and art. Among these are some that the modern world may find strange, curious or just weird. Judge for yourself how ‘weird’ they are and discover the fascinating stories behind them, from witch bottles to hidden shoes to ward off spirits and a mummified cat to a duck-billed platypus.
Entry included in admission
Tea & Talk: Recent Treasure Finds from Bucks 9th Jan
Discover fascinating facts about some of the museum’s collection, while enjoying afternoon tea. Brett Thorn, Keeper of Archaeology, will be looking at some recent Treasure acquisitions, and how they save these beautiful pieces of the county’s heritage. £15, please book
In 1978 Raymond Briggs’ story of The Snowman was published. The book was narrated entirely through beautifully dreamlike hand-drawn pictures, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. In 1982 the story was adapted for the small screen and has been shown at Christmas ever since. The museum is thrilled to present some of the original hand-drawn cels and celluloid sheets used in the TV adaptation, as well as a facsimile of the original manuscript, and a selection of the early books.
There will be dressing-up, a reading corner and other activities for children.
Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you
General household and office cleaning
Moving in / out cleans
Experienced in elderly or housebound clients
Reliable key-holders
Proficient in alarm systems
Phone for a free quotation 07909 091325
Taking Care of Your Home ~
Get Your Skates on!
Battersea Power Station until 5th Jan
Mon-Fri 11am - 9pm & Sun 10am - 10pm
Skate around the rink, with all the fun of the fair and a 30ft Christmas tree twinkling in the middle. From £16, child from £10.50 www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Brent Cross until 5th Jan
London’s newest ice skating pop-up will be adorned with festive garlands, wreaths and fairy lights, the 6,781 square foot space can accommodate 150 skaters at a time. £15
www.brentcross.co.uk
Hampton Court Palace until 5th Jan 9.30am - 9pm
Slip and slide around the ice, gaze up at Henry VIII’s 16th century pad and wonder what he’d make of all this, or just keep your eye out for the palace’s rumoured ghosts. Head to the café after to warm up with hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies. £18 - £21, child £13 - £15.50 www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland until 5th Jan 10am - 10pm
Home to the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK, surrounding the Victorian bandstand and lit up by more than 100,000 lights. £11.50, child £8.50 plus Winter Wonderland entry www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
JW3 until 5th Jan
Mon - Fri 12pm - 6.45pm & Sun 11am - 6.45pm
This Jewish arts, culture and community centre, has a 200-square-metre space under a canopy in the piazza,
so you can hit the ice come rain or shine.
£18 - £19.50, child £12 - £14
www.jw3.org.uk/icerink
Somerset House until 12th Jan 9am - 10.45pm
Glide around the ice, gazing upon the Georgian architecture and 40ft Christmas tree, you’ll feel like you've skated onto a movie set!
£15- £26.50, child £10 - £15
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Canary Wharf until 23rd Feb 9am - 9.45pm
Skate around the 1,200 square metre arena, under a canopy so not even the unpredictable British weather can spoil a sesh here. There’ll also be a ringside bar and themed DJ nights. £13.95
At this time of year, All Pally’s lofty indoor skating arena is shuzshed up a bit, as the rink becomes an indoor winter wonderland.
From £10.50, child from £9.50
www.alexandrapalace.com
Queens
Sun - Thur 10am - 11pm & Fri - Sat 10am - midnight
Queens Skate Dine Bowl has been around since the 1930s, nowadays, it also offers curling as well as ice skating. You can either join a public session or sign up for a class to hone your skills.
Mon-Tue £8, Weds-Fri £12.75, child £11.75
Sat-Sun £13.75
www.queens.london
Index of Businesses
● Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion
● Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience
