harpenden NOW july 14

harpenden July

2014

NOW promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

choose local first

Look inside for...

Summer Music Childwickbury Arts Fair

Highland Gathering WW1 100 Years NOW at the Public Halls

Summer Fun for Everyone

What’s on read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly

and lots more

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Welcome to July

This month there's lots to do outdoors, from festivals and local music to outdoor theatre, this summer why not choose something you haven't tried before.

The WW1 theme continues as we approach the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of war with films, exhibitions and the Battle Proms at Hatfield House.

This month we’ve had a real laugh compiling the magazines, and have even spent two days in the garden working in the sunshine; here’s a selfie to prove it!

If you enjoy the magazines and find them useful, just visit our website for the link and sign up to get them every month in your inbox for free, it takes less than a minute to do!

And of course don’t forget if you need a local business pick up ‘harpenden NOW’ or just read it every month online

jane & wendy www.theNOWmagazines.com To advertise call 07983 588313 / 291 Deadline for August: 10th July

Summer Music

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festivals, tribute acts & local bands

Highland Gathering

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fun for all the family

NOW at the Public Halls

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music, films and theatre

WW1 100 Years

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remember them

Alban Arena / Butterfly World

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lots of fun for everyone

Skyride Local

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bikes rides for all

Summer Fun for Everyone

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music, theatre, kite festival & more

NOW in the Garden

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water features

NOW for a Good Read

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books for all

NOW at Ashridge

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woodland walks

What’s on in July & August

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Index of Businesses

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accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Summer Sounds Clarence Park, St Albans 26th July 12 noon - 6pm ‘Summer Sounds’ is a music festival dedicated to showcasing local young talent, where a wide range of musical acts will be performing on two stages throughout the day.

Many acts applied to perform at the event, and the final line up features an eclectic mix of acts ranging from the Indie and Punk-pop stylings of acts like Blue Tongued Skinks, Eutony, Bright Conclusions, The Neverists and Trash Boat through to new acoustic and folky singer-songwriters like LivziEm, Franklin, Collete Olive, Oliver Bannister and India Mason Mills.

This is a non-alcoholic event for young people aged 13 to 19 and admission is free.

Over 19’s will be allowed in to accompany a younger attendee and outside the cordoned off area adults and families can listen.

As well as the great music you will find a selection of food stalls and activities to take part in.

Looks set to be a fantastic afternoon of local musical talent. www.stalbans.gov.uk

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NOW at the Public Halls 9th July 8pm Film: Le Weekend (Harpenden Film Society) A funny and moving film staring Lindsay Duncan and Jeff Goldblum. Members £3.50, non members £5.

17th - 20th July Sherlock and the Case of the Horrible Thing performed by Hurst Children’s Theatre Adult £8, concs £6 www.hurstchildrenstheatregroup.co.uk 24th July Film: Captain Phillips 8pm (Harpenden Film Society) The gripping true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama. Members £3.50, non members £5.

25th July 7.30pm The Rollin’ Clones From the early days of the Rhythm and Blues, through to the excesses of the 70’s, the Rollin’ Clones’ Rock and Roll show is a faithful interpretation of the biggest ever bands greatest hits.

Adult £12, concs £10 30th July 12.30 - 3.30pm / 5 - 7.30pm Blood Donor Session 31st July 7.30pm Music for a Summer Evening with Herts Wind Sinfonia Featuring music by Gershwin, Berstein & Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Adult £12, concs £10, child £5 Harpenden Public Halls www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk 01582 767525

Paintings, Sculpture, Ceramics and More St Albans Summer Art Exhibition Friday 18th - Saturday 26th July 10am - 6pm, free entry Once again members of St Albans Art Society will show a vibrant and varied selection of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and greetings cards for you to enjoy. The Exhibition highlights the visual richness of the city itself with works aimed at the St Albans Trophy. This award is given to the work that best illustrates the character of St Albans in an original way. The 2013 winner was 'Verulamium, Late Spring' by Bridget Tompkins and is featured on this year's poster.

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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

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WW1 100 Years Remembered Biggles and Chums Last month saw the launch of the WW1 art exhibition showing the drawings and watercolours of Captain WE Johns, the creator of Biggles, and his contemporaries. The images have never been exhibited before and all were produced during or immediately after the war. Aeroplanes, historic actions, the new operational procedures of air warfare and portraits of the young men who flew will also be on display alongside medals, clothing, badges, Zeppelin fragments and other exhibits. The exhibition runs until 4th January 2015.

First World War Film Series 10th - 13th July This one off event showing WW1 films will be held beneath the Avro Lancaster, you’ll be seated on giant bean bags and there’ll be a fully licensed bar. So come along, kick back and enjoy some WW1 classics at the RAF Museum.

Beneath Hill 60 (2010) Thurs 10th July Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Fri 11th July Paths of Glory (1957) Sat 12th July The Blue Max (1966) Sun 13th July Entry £15 per film, doors open at 6.30pm Royal Air Force Museum Hendon, NW9 5LL

The Battle Proms Sat 19th July Hatfield House The Battle Proms picnic concert takes place in the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field in the leafy parkland at Hatfield House, a place so steeped in history it makes the perfect setting for a summer celebration. Bringing together sublime music with stunningly choreographed aerial displays, thunderous cannon fire, dramatic cavalry displays and phenomenal fireworks.

This concert is one not to be missed. www.hatfield-house.co.uk

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Soldiers at a camp in St Albans

Exhibition: Keeping the Home Fires Burning now until 16th November Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road The exhibition focuses on how the First World War affected St Albans and how the local community pulled together and businesses adapted to life during the war. You can find out how wartime conditions in St Albans compared to life in Germany with the help of contributions from the twin city of Worms.

You can read soldiers’ letters to loved ones and find out about the contribution made by St Albans scouts to the war effort. You can also hear recordings of local people recounting how St Albans was taken over by 8,000 soldiers based at training camps in the City.

Objects on display include memorial windows from the Folly Chapel in Wheathampstead and an embroidered wall hanging made by soldiers receiving treatment at Napsbury war hospital.

There is also a painting of the Second Lieutenant Frederick John Eric Freeman from Harpenden painted by local artist Frank O Salisbury. And the cigarette case the soldier was carrying in his pocket when he was shot during the Battle of the Somme.

The Museum will be hosting a series of family events about the First World War throughout the rest of the year, so visit the website to see what else they have planned. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

M&M Decorating Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 11 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 Matthew Hayden 01727 835244 07970 720911

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Harpenden Window Cleaning • • • •

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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

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Harpenden Blinds We Supply & Fit All Types of Blinds Awnings & Shutters Curtains Tracks & Poles Specialising in Bay Windows

Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Summer Sale!

25% off Patio Awnings 20% off all Blinds Shutters Poles & Curtains

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire 20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

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NOW at the Alban Arena Sing-a-long a Frozen Sat 5th July 11am & 2.30pm £5 With lyrics on screen to help you sing along with the songs in the film.

Rhys Darby: Mr Adventure Sun 6th July 8pm £20 From the misty mountains of Rwanda to the eerie shores of Loch Ness, New Zealand’s comedy superstar Rhys has tried to see it all…Now he’s back to tell you the stories!

The Stranglers Mon 7th July 7.30pm £25 Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the band will feature material from their debut album, Rattus Norvegicus through to their most recently acclaimed album, Giants.

The Wizard of Oz Thurs 10th - Sat 12th July 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm £14, £12

By RARE Productions, the UK’s leading youth musical theatre group.

Stella Mann College presents Catch The Action Sat 19th July 2.30pm & 7.30pm £15, £10 Enjoy the next generation of dance and singing stars in a high-octane performance of contemporary and jazz dance, mixed with singing and acting.

Immortal Chi: A Warrior’s Quest for Harmony Sat 26th July 7.30pm £21, £19, £16 Direct from China, and created by the team behind the Shaolin Warriors, this is a spectacular fusion of martial arts, multi-media images and live music.

Flash Mob Tues 29th & Weds 30th July 7.30pm £25, concs £15.50 See Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer (Strictly Come Dancing), Flawless (Britain’s Got Talent), Tommy Franzen (So You Think You Can Dance), Alleviate and Brosena (Got To Dance).

If you love dance, this is a show you can’t miss!

The Alban Arena www.alban-arena.co.uk 01727 844488

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NOW at Butterfly World

Here are just a few of the events happening this month at Butterfly World, so why not go along and get involved...

Adult Photography Workshops Thurs 10th July, 6pm - 8.30pm Sun 27th July, 5pm - 7.30pm Develop your photography skills and take beautiful pictures of butterflies, insects and flowers. For beginners and enthusiasts, and for all types of camera equipment. £45, booking required Make Butterfly Friendly Hanging Baskets Thurs 24th July, 11am & 2pm Plant your own nectar-rich flowering hanging basket to attract butterflies. £5, ages 5+ booking required Sand Art Sat 26th July, 10.30am -12 noon & 1.30pm - 3pm Make your own unique creation using coloured sand. £4, ages 3+ Storytelling Sun 27th July, 10.30am, 1pm, & 2.30pm Tues 29th July, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm We’ll bring your favourite stories to life with puppets and movement. Ages 18 months - 5 years, free Junk Bugs Mon 28th July, 10.30-12.30 & 1.30-3.30pm Create aliens and space creatures using materials destined for the recycling bin. £3.50, ages 3+ Dizzy Wizzy’s Amazing Butterfly Show Weds 30th July, 11.30am & 2.30pm Local entertainer takes children on a nature walk around the gardens returning for an interactive story to get their imaginations running wild. £2.50, ages 3+ Cress Caterpillars Thurs 31st July, 10.30-12 noon & 1.30 - 3pm Make an egg box caterpillar and plant seeds along his back. Watch them grow and turn him furry. £2, ages 3+ Miriam Lane, Chiswell Green AL2 3NY 01727 869203 www.butterflyworldproject.com

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07813 145112

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Emily's Cake Hunt Sun 13th July 10am A challenging 29 mile route starting from Heartwood Forest Car Park, off St Albans Road, for ages 11+ under 16’s must be accompanied Take your pick from a series of 20 free guided by an adult. bike rides organised by British Cycling and Alban Way to Hatfield House Sky, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Sun 20th July 10am Council and St Albans City and District A steady 11 mile route starting from Rear of Council. The rides are guided by trained British Car Park, Morrisons, Hatfield Road, Cycling ride leaders and range from easy-going suitable for everyone. spins to challenging rides.

Watercress Beds and Pheasant Covers Taking the Nickey! Sun 6th July 2pm Sun 27th July 10am 6 mile route starting from: Cupid Green Playing A challenging 29 mile route starting from the Fields, rear of Redbourn Road Sports Centre Car Park, Rothamsted Park, for ages 11+ under 16’s must be accompanied by an Butterfly World and Potters Crouch adult.

Sun 6th July 2pm 10 mile route starting from St Albans Abbey Rail To book your place and for more information visit Station, Holywell Hill www.goskyride.com

The Herts Cycle Challenge

Join us on Sunday 6th July and cycle your choice of two routes 25 or 50 miles, through the Hertfordshire countryside, while supporting local charity Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

The event starts at The Old Albanian Rugby Club, St Albans.

While it’s open to over 18s only, there will be family-friendly activities on site so children are welcome to support you on the day. Entry costs £20 and includes a T-shirt and medal on completion and water on route. It promises to be a fantastic day, and by taking part and raising sponsorship money you will be supporting local patients and families. www.renniegrove.org/hertscycle

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Julia Reading BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

I Treat The Following Foot Conditions Corns * Callous * Fungal nails Ingrowing toe nails * Verrucas General foot health advice For an appointment please phone

07746 472781 / 01582 760200 Southdown Chiropody Practice Southdown Clinic, 136a Southdown Road

Mondays & Fridays Tuesdays pm Home Visits Available

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Shellac Now Threading Available Now Available Shellac Manicure Introductory Price £22 Shellac Pedicure £20

Pre Holiday Package £45 (usually £51) Shellac Manicure & Pedicure Eyebrow Thread Book now to avoid disappointment 01582 760690 6 Piggottshill Lane Harpenden AL5 1LH

www.mazisvision.co.uk

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“Speaking Works” Jude was first inspired to set up Speaking Works by the speech and drama classes she attended as a child, which not only enabled her to gain her LAMDA gold medal in Acting but set her up with life-long communication skills.

Building confidence by learning through play is intrinsic to Jude’s workshops; whilst keeping classes small allows her to give individual attention. Many of us will relate to the feeling of dread that turns us into nervous wrecks when speaking to an audience, which is why Jude believes that learning fundamental speaking skills at a young age while having fun with new friends, turns public speaking into something more natural.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to gradually building confidence, and preparing and taking LAMDA exams from 6yrs up in Verse and Prose, Acting or Speaking in Public helps to reward students for their progress (earning UCAS points from grade 6 up is just an added bonus!)

A typical Speaking Works session sees three year olds making up stories and acting them out; while 5-8 year olds bring poems to life and enter magical fantasy worlds of their own creation.

Older students play games, make up improvisations or rehearse poems, monologues or speeches for exams; and adults can attend workshops to build confidence in public speaking and communication. jude@speakingworks.co.uk 07900 301 375 www.speakingworks.co.uk

Maleficent’s Enchanted Forest Trail Now until 31st Aug 10am - 4pm You’ll be excited to know that Ashridge is the real location of the Enchanted Forest in Disney’s Maleficent! To celebrate this, you can now explore the bewitching woodland with a Maleficent-themed Enchanted Forest Trail.

There’s something magical about Ashridge Estate, and that’s why Disney chose it as the location for scenes in their latest film, the untold story of the villain, from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty.

With a little help from computer wizardry and a generous helping of mischievous pixies and magical faery folk, Ashridge has been transformed into a bewitching landscape.

Explore the Forest Trail with the help of magical characters and collect your Explorer reward.

Bring your wellies too! £1.

Ashridge Visitor Centre 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

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ART CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Holiday Workshops and Term Time Classes in ST ALBANS

www.fineart4kids.com

07949 293463

The ONSIDE Project These sessions for ages 8 - 16, delivered by qualified Watford FC's CSE Trust coaches give young people the opportunity to come and enjoy a range of activities including football in a relaxed environment.

Sessions in Harpenden Wheathampstead Batchwood Sopwell To register email your child's details to michael.jones@watfordfc.com and turn up with ÂŁ1 on the night to play! www.watfordfccsetrust.com/onside

Do you have a skill or interest you would like to share with primary school children?

We deliver a wide range of exciting after-school activities and need leaders who want to share their passion with children, anything from

Crosswords to Cupcakes, Sudoku to Science Experiments, Music to Maths.

Latin, Sports, Maths, English, Science and Media Skills are particularly welcome.

Short and long term opportunities available.

Further details and rates of pay are available on our website. www.spiral.herts.sch.uk admin@spiral.herts.sch.uk Mandeville Primary School, St Albans & Chaulden Junior School, Hemel Hempstead

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Driving Lessons with Tim Gear ADI Your local and friendly Driving Instructor who is professional while maintaining a sense of humour throughout your training.

Your first lesson will cost just £15 and last 1 – 1 ½ hours.

This covers your cockpit drill and controls while giving us both a chance to get to know each other.

Lessons thereafter are: £40 - 2 hours / £32 - 1 ½ hours / £22 - 1 hour Help with your Theory Preparation is also included

Introduce a friend and get a FREE lesson Block Book 10 lessons and get your 11th lesson FREE Intensive lessons are also available upon request

Lessons are tailored to your individual needs so please call me on:

07956 166 665

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A-maize-ing Maze and more 19th July - 31st Aug A-maize-ing Maze, Goat Racing, Sports Day Races and a full day of fantastic family fun.

Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans www.willowsfarmvillage.com

Outdoor Theatre Heartbreak House Fri 25th - Sun 27th July 6pm Widely regarded as Bernard Shaw's masterpiece. It is a remarkable, revolutionary play, and a real treat to see outdoors, at Shaws Corner, when the house becomes the backdrop, the terrace the stage, and the lawn the auditorium, £23.50.

01438 820307 Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Go Brazilian!

Sat 5th July 7.30pm Join St Albans Chamber Choir for a light-hearted choral programme with a Brazilian twist. A mix of music from South America both old and new, including songs to take you straight to sandy shores and sultry tangos for saxophone and piano. Exotic entertainment for a warm summer evening.

Adult: £13, concs £1 St Peter's Church, St Albans www.stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

NOW at Knebworth Knebworth Country Show 19th & 20th July All day entertainment including birds of prey, working dogs, equestrian stunt display, children’s entertainment, Newfoundland Dogs as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. On Sunday there’ll also be the Companion Dog show, so bring along your canine friend and have a go! (All proceeds from dog show will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care).

Outdoor Theatre - George’s Marvellous Medicine

by Roald Dahl adapted by David Wood 24th July & 14th Aug 7pm Fun and frolics aplenty with the glorious new adaption of Roald Dahl’s much loved story on the Sunken Lawn in front of the House. Full of (literally) larger-than-life characters, plenty to join in with, and just a twist of malicious fun, it’s guaranteed to send you through the roof!

Suitable for all ages 5+ Adult £13, child £9 www.knebworthhouse.com

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Orchid and Nature Walk 5th July 11am Enjoy a 2 hour walk to look for the creatures that call Whipsnade Downs home.

The Ranger team will guide you through the different fascinating and beautiful wildlife and plant life found at the Downs, £2. Book on 01582 500920.

Kite Festival 26th & 27th July 11am-5pm Come and be dazzled by the professional kite team's show stopping displays. An afternoon of fun for all the family with children's activities and wonderful stalls. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstabledowns

River Dipping On The Lea 23rd July & 9th Aug 11am - 3pm Join ’Living Rivers’ Officer Charlie Bell and try your hand at river dipping while taking a closer look at some of the smaller animals living in the River.

All equipment will be provided and experts on hand to tell you more about the river and help with identification of the animals. Children must be accompanied at all times.

Drop in and stay for as long as you like.

Wellies recommended!

Meads Recreation Ground, end of Meads Lane, Wheathampstead, AL4 8BZ

The Embankment / Russell Park, Bedford www.bedfordevents.co.uk

St Albans Beach Volley Ball Courts Come and try something new, book some time on the Beach Volley Ball Courts, free on Saturdays for ages 11 - 25 just call to book 01727 816 531. www.stalbans.gov.uk/beach-courts

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CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

 28 Years Experience  Simple Honest Pricing  Friendly and Reliable  Service You Can Trust

CLEANING COMPANY Carpets - Upholstery - Oriental Rugs Leather Cleaning and Recolouration Carpet Repairs - Anti Dust Mite Soil Protection - Hard Floors Amtico Floors - Stain Removal Call for an Appointment

01582 418777 26

before

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 after

~ Taking care of your Home ~

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Volunteer and make a difference Do you want to learn new skills, help local people and make a difference to your community?

Or get involved with some of the District’s biggest events, including The Food and Drink Festival (24th Sept - 6th Oct) or the Christmas Lights’ Switch-On (16th Nov).

If so why not call into The Volunteer Centre on the ground floor of the Civic Centre in St Peter’s Street or call 01727 814644 www.volunteerstalbans.co.uk

Hertfordshire Domestic Violence / Abuse Line

Hundreds of people don't know where to turn!

We need people who can pass on information clearly and sensitively to those affected by Domestic Violence, can you help?

If you’re interested in volunteering please contact: jo_elements@yahoo.co.uk 07770 850480 or freephone 08 088 088 088

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3 Carpets Cleaned for £95 Professional Carpet, Curtain and Upholstery Cleaners

FREEPHONE 0800 298 2840 www.carpetcleaners-stalbans.co.uk/ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Fully trained and insured 18 years experience Safe for children and pets Chemical free techniques are used Approved by David Lister Interiors and Delightful Designs Silk/Persian/Arabic rugs and leather upholstery also cleaned Free quotations or friendly advice Local family run business Stain removal/anti allergy and dust mite treatments

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We even move the furniture and put it back for you!

Fast drying times, you can walk on carpets straight away.

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I & B ELECTRICAL Free Quotes & Competitive Prices PAT

Testing Lights & Sockets Carbon & Smoke Detectors Rewires & Fuse Boxes Security Lighting Additional

Periodic Inspections & Testing carried out by our independent NAPIT registered engineer Local to Harpenden daytime

evening (6 - 9.30pm)

07861 398 288 01707 262771 www.ib-electrical.co.uk

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0800 612 1350

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Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines â—? Dishwashers Tumble Driers â—? Electric Ovens * No Callout Charges * * All Makes Repaired * * Honest & Reliable Advice * * Full Electrical Safety Tests * * Evening & Weekend Appointments * * All Work Guaranteed *

Leigh Hibon daytime 07841 652496 evening 01582 842764 www.ldhdomesticappliancesrepairs.co.uk 90 Trowley Hill Road, Flamstead AL3

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YOUR LOCAL PLANT CENTRE

Open 7 days from 10am

Summer Plants and Over 200 Varieties of Roses

andrew@arlandscapes.co.uk

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NOW in the Garden Water features for small spaces A beautiful water feature will bring a new dimension to your garden, and you can enjoy the benefits, even in a tiny space. Choose a small pond, fountain feature or barrel filled with aquatic plants for an injection of colour, light and movement. Water will lure in a host of birds and other wildlife, but remember that open water can be dangerous if you have small children.

Tiny Ponds You can make a little oasis in your garden by creating a small pond and decorating it with a dwarf water lily, such as Nymphaea tetragona, and a few marginal plants, including Japanese irises and marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris).

Simply dig a hole with sloping sides at least 45cm deep in the middle and about a metre wide, line

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with pond underlay and butyl liner, and fill with water. Alternatively, I have lined mine with concrete and set pebbles into the sides.'

Pools in Pots If you want a feature for a patio, try a barrel pool.

These are easy to make from a half barrel, available from garden centres. Line the barrel with pond liner, half fill with water, and tack it in place around the top with galvanised nails. Top up the barrel with water and add a few aquatic plants, setting marginals that prefer shallow water on bricks around the sides. Place a few plants in pots next to the barrel to allow frogs easy access. Skim off duckweed with a sieve and use a stick to remove any algae that forms.

Other options include glazed containers, without holes in the bottom, which can be transformed into tiny ponds by adding water and one or two small aquatic plants. A small fountain will add a splash to your designs; choose a solar-powered unit if you don’t have an outdoor electricity supply.

And if you have no time to create a pond or pool, choose a water feature unit, available in a range of designs to suit all garden styles.

By Zia Allaway. Learn more about creating water features in containers at Zia’s Gardening Workshops in Harpenden. Visit ziaallaway.com/workshops or call 07770 780 231 to book your place.

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NOW for a good read They say that time flies when you’re having fun, but anyone under the age of 18 who has a seemingly endless summer holiday stretching ahead of them will be praying that isn’t the case. Whether you’re spending the summer behind a desk or in a deckchair, these titles will certainly make the minutes and hours pass by, almost in an A Tale for the Time Being Ruth Ozeki

A teenage girl in Tokyo plans to take her own life. Nao is suffering at the hands of bullies, but before she ends it she needs to finish writing the story of her great grandmother, an ancient Buddhist nun. When a Hello Kitty lunchbox washes up on a beach in British Columbia, novelist Ruth finds Nao’s diary, and a new obsession.

She believes it to be debris left over from the Japanese tsunami of 2011 and is determined to find out how both Nao and her great grandmother’s stories end. This is a remarkable story linking three women across time and continents.

The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger

Art student Claire first met librarian Henry when she was six and he was thirty-one, and then again when she was twenty-three and he was thirty-one. Henry has Chrono-Displacement Disorder and so lives out his bizarre life leaping between time and space, his ‘clock’ continually resetting, meaning Claire has no idea where

or more specifically, when, the love of her life will reappear again. Though constantly torn apart and then thrown back together again, they try and hold onto some semblance of a normal life; raising their child and holding onto the fact that they found each other at all. It’s a fantastic and heart-wrenching book that will leave you hoping that somehow and somewhere you will be able to catch up with Claire and Henry once again.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Mark Haddon

Chris doesn’t make for the most likely of detectives in this ‘whodunit’. He’s fifteen years old and he has Asperger’s Syndrome.

He likes facts and order, routine and mathematics. He finds social interaction and other human beings an absolute minefield to negotiate. When Chris finds his neighbour’s dog has been murdered he must rise to the challenges that life has thrown at him and take himself out of his comfort zone. The story has been published in a version for adults

and another for children and isn’t, says Haddon, a book about Asperger’s. It’s a story about what it’s like to be on the outside looking in; how different and isolated we can all feel and how varied the human mind is in interpreting what’s going on around us.

A Time to Kill John Grisham A ten year old black girl is viciously attacked and assaulted by two drunken white men one night. The town of Clanton, Mississippi is thrown into total chaos by the act of violence and the girl’s father, Carl Lee Hailey, asks a white attorney Jake Brigance for legal advice, wanting to know if he could be acquitted if he kills the two men. Brigance implores Hailey not to do anything stupid, but adds that if it were his daughter…Hailey avenges Tonya’s attack and kills both men leaving Brigance fighting to save both his client and his own skin.

This is a legal thriller at its best..

Ken Hodson Local Computer Hardware and Software Repairs Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business        38

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

LANDSCAPING, MAINTENANCE & MOWERS

THE ULTIMATE GARDENING EXPERIENCE

LANDSCAPING DESIGN & BUILD GARDEN MAINTENANCE & GRASS CUTTING MOWERS: SALES SERVICING & REPAIRS √ √ √ √

Second-hand petrol mowers with 3 months warranty & parts We also buy petrol mowers New Mowers sold Hayter, Honda & Mountfield Very competitive prices

NOW AT: Unit 2 Irradion House Southdown Industrial Estate Harpenden AL5 1PW jane@pandbservices.co.uk 01582 765522 www.pandbservices.co.uk

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NOW at Ashridge Gentle Stroll 7th July 10.30am £3 Meet at Clipperdown Car Park A 2 hour stroll to discover the wildlife in different parts of the Estate and to look for animal tracks, deer sightings, birds and other items of interest. Just turn up with sensible walking shoes and waterproof clothing just in case!

Creatures of the Night 9th July 9pm £10 / £8 Don't miss this chance to learn about bats and enjoy a walk in the dark to hopefully get a glimpse of one. Suitable for the whole family, please book.

Highlights of Ashridge - Pitstone Hills 12th July 10am £3 Discover Ashridge Estate on a series of 6 miles walks led by volunteer rangers. Wear good walking shoes and bring a drink. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Butterflies of Ivinghoe Hills 20th July 10am £8 / £5 Join Matthew Oates, the National Trust’s butterfly expert to discover the rare varieties, including Dark-green Fritillaries, Marbled Whites, Ringlets and perhaps the first Chalkhill Blues of the season. Please book Woodland Butterfly Hunt 20th July 1.30pm £3 Join Matthew Oates, the National Trust's butterfly expert in pursuit of the rare and elusive Purple Emperor and other woodland butterflies such as the gigantic Silver-washed Fritillary, just turn up!

Ashridge Uncovered - Chalk Downland 26th July 1pm £15 / £10 Join us for a walk to uncover the earliest phases of Ashridge's history and the rare flora and fauna which make the chalk downland its home. Please book Creatures of the Night 26th July 9pm £10 / £8 Enjoy an evening of night time discovery, looking for bats and other nocturnal creatures, followed by a moth trapping session. Please book Please meet at Ashridge Visitor Centre unless otherwise stated 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

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Art, Music, Food, Fun 4th - 6th July The countdown at Childwickbury has begun as the 2014 Arts Fair fast approaches. The annual celebration of creativity explodes onto the tranquil country estate like a palette of vibrant colours. The mix of art and music blends to create this unique event offering something for everyone. Original art, live music, activities for children, entertainment, fresh food and a licensed bar.

See our advert on page 2 www.childwickburyarts.com 01727 859495

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What’s on in July 42

2nd St Michael's Village Folk Evening www.stmichaelsfolkevening.orguk Classic Car Rally Luton Hoo Walled Garden The Trials of Oscar Wilde Hawthorne Theatre, WGC, 7.45pm, £10 www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk 3rd - 12th ‘Allo Allo’ Abbey Theatre, Holywell Hill, St Albans, 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 4th The Big Sing Community Choir Concert Abbey View School, proceeds to Rennie Grove Hospice Care, £5 4th - 6th Childwickbury Arts Fair see page 2 5th Sing-along-a Frozen see page 12 Go Brazilian! see page 24 Festival on the Field see page 4 6th The Herts Cycle Challenge see page 16 7th The Stranglers see page 12 10th - 13th First World War Film Series see page 8 11th Inspiral Carpets Bedford Corn Exchange, 8pm, £16.50 www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 12th M5 Festival see page 4 YWAM Summer Fete YWAM Harpenden, Highfield Oval, Harpenden, BBQ, stalls, dog show, kids games & live music, 2-5pm Psalmfest St Albans Cathedral, 01727 890290 7.30pm www.stalbanscathedral.org 12th & 13th Medieval Life Chiltern Open Air Museum Chalfont St Giles www.coam.org.uk 13th National Garden Scheme Open Day Luton Hoo Walled Garden, 11am - 4pm, £3 Harpenden Highland Gathering see page 5 Meet Tree Fu Tom Willows Farm Village riding in on his magical leafboard www.willowsfarmvillage.com 16th - 18th & 24th - 26th A Midsummer Nights Dream Inn on the Park, Verulamium Park, St Albans, tickets on the door £7 - £12 17th - 20th International Organ Festival Weekend www.organfestival.com

Sherlock & the Case of the Horrible Thing see page 6 18th - 26th Summer Art Exhibition see page 6 19th Film: Treasure Planet UHArts, The Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, 10am: workshops to introduce children to filmmaking crafts, create a galaxy & set sail on an adventure £4, 11am: film £2.50 www.herts.ac.uk Battle Proms see page 8 19th & 20th Bedford River Festival www.bedfordevents.co.uk Knebworth Country Show see page 24 19th July - 31st Aug Willows Farm Summer Spectacular see page 24 20th Folk By the Oak Hatfield House 01432 355 416, 1pm www.folkbytheoak.com 23rd July & 9th Aug River Dipping on The Lea see page 25 24th July - 29th Aug Play in The Parks www.stalbans.gov.uk/playintheparks 25th The Rollin’ Clones Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 7675265, adult £12, concs £10, 7.30pm 25th - 27th Heartbreak House Outdoor Theatre see page 24 26th Summer Sounds see page 4 26th & 27th Kite Festival see page 25 27th Race for Life Museum entrance, Verulamium Park, stalls, face painting, food & on-stage entertainment, 5k or 10k both start at 11am www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org 28th Soroptimist Women's Group ‘Nosh & Natter’ www.sigbi.org/st-albans 28th July - 1st Aug The Hurst Children's Theatre Group Summer Holiday Workshop Salvation Army Hall, Harpenden, singing, dancing & acting: 3-6 yrs & 7-12 yrs, streetdance: 7-14 yrs hctg@live.co.uk 29th & 30th Flash Mob see page 12 30th Classics on the Common Harpenden Common, 2pm - dusk, Britain's biggest mid-week classic car meeting, 1000 classic cars & 250 motorbikes & scooters, spectators free

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

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What’s on in August 44

10th Eid Festival Chiltern's Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, 12 - 6pm, nature trails, bouncy castle, craft, music & activities, free Outdoor Play: Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' Hatfield House, bring low back chairs / picnic blanket, 4pm - 6.30pm, adult £15, child £10 www.hatfield-house.co.uk 12th & 26th War Horse Puppets St Albans Cathedral, 01727 890290, children’s workshop to create puppets inspired by the stage show 'War Horse', learn about the roles of animals in WW1, ages 7-11, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £7 13th & 20th Discovering Trench Art St Albans Cathedral 01727 890290, soldiers in WW1 were inspired to use everyday items found in the trenches to create art, children’s workshop to make a piece of their own, ages 7-11, 10.30am & 1.30pm, £7 15th - 17th Lollibop Festival Hatfield House, UK's largest children's festival for under 10’s & their families, £17.50 16th The School for Husbands Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans, 0844 870 0887 / 01727 864511, witty political satire, 8pm, £12 / £10 Teddy Bear's Picnic Lydekker Park, Harpenden, children's entertainer, face painting, bouncy castle & more, 11am - 2pm, free

19th & 27th 'War Games' & Watercolours St Albans Cathedral, 01727 890290, children can learn about friendship/comradeship in WW1 & the infamous Christmas Day football match, before creating watercolours based on the illustrations from War Games, 7-11 yrs, 10.30am / 1.30pm, £7 22nd Marty McDonald’s Farm Harpenden Public Halls, for 3 - 7 yrs, 11.30am, adult £10, child £8 Hertfordshire Schools Symphony Orchestra UHArts, Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, a programme of Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes & Tchaikovsky: Symphony no. 6 Pathetique, 7.30pm, £12, £10, £5 22nd - 25th Summer Fun Fair Harpenden Common 24th Harpenden Farmers Market 10 - 2pm 24th & 25th Classic Motor Show Knebworth House, 10am www.knebworth.com 28th History of Britain Hatfield House, open air theatre which will take place whatever the weather, bring a picnic, 7pm, adult £12.50, child £10 31st Alice in Wonderland Hatfield House, picnic while you watch this hilarious musical show, 3pm - 5pm, adult £12, child £10

Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned

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Special Gourmet Nights £10.95 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

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

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Index of Businesses

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

Hot Tubs 38 A5 Hot Tubs

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

Indian Restaurant 23 Shapla Restaurant

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants

32 33

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials Harpenden Digital Services

30 31

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

32

Ironing Ironbusters

3

Architectural Design Daniel Design

45

Driving Lessons Tim Gear

Oven Cleaning 23 Ovenmaster

27

Education Mandeville Primary School

Painters & Decorators 21 CB Decorators M & M Decorating

Beauty Lavender & Stone Mazis Vision Skin Tone

19 19 15

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

40

Blinds Colourblindz Harpenden Blinds

11 11

Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke

7

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

3

Foot Care Golinska Foot Care

Camping Equipment Complete Outdoors Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

22

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd

22

Charity Grove House Hospice

34

Children’s Art Classes FineArt4Kids!

21

Chimney Sweep Poppins Chimney Sweep

28

Chiropodists Julia Reading Kathy Witchard

17 17

Cleaning Big Yellow Carpet Brite ChemDry Domestico Harpenden Power Wash Merrivac Murray’s Cleaning Services

26 29 27 26 29 27 26

Electricians I & B Electrical MLC Electrical Selmon Electrical Services Fencing Verulam Fencing

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Gardens4U Garden Life Landscapes Garden Tidy Greenshouse & Gardens P & B Services Supagrass Gardening Workshops Zia’s Gardening Workshops Garden Nursery / Centre Bridge Valley Nursery Burston Garden Centre Gas K25 Health & Fitness The Fit Lab Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

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30 Pet Care 31 Personal Petcare 30 Physiotherapists Neuro Physio Berkamsted 43 Plasterer A. Merson Plastering 32 Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Girlie Plumbing 16 Pond Maintenance Women With Waders 35 41 Removals 43 TS Removals 43 Retirement Homes 39 McFarland Park Homes 39 41 Security Maximum Security Systems

37 17 28 7 & 47 7

47 34 31

36 Slimming Lighter Life

14

35 Speech & Drama Workshops 37 Speaking Works

20

Tree Surgeons 9 Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk 19

18

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Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

23

Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

10

Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Cloudy2Clear Markyate Windows & Doors Sash Restorations Ltd

10 13 11 10

Join the Midnight Walk Saturday 12th July Join hundreds of people dressed in pink taking part in either a 5 or 10 mile walk around St Albans until the early hours, raising money for Grove House. Starting at 10pm at Westminster Lodge in St Albans you can soak up the atmosphere with music and refreshments prior to the event. Get out your glitter, flashing ears, feather boas and sparkly hats and join in. It’s open to anyone 12 years and over, men are welcome too; as long as they’re not afraid to get in touch with their feminine side! Unfortunately, no dogs are permitted. Entry £17 per person, includes a T-shirt and a surprise at the end of the walk. www.renniegrove.org/midnightwalk 46

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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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Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

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