harpenden NOW March 14

harpenden March 2014

NOW

Look inside for...

International Women’s Day St Albans MusicCity Sport Relief Games Lea Singers Singing Day Reader Offer: FREE entry to The Luxury Wedding Show

What’s on and more...

WIN Overnight stay at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa

promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly

choose local first 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com To Advertise:

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YOUR LOCAL PLANT CENTRE

Please call

01582 766728 for seasonal opening times

Spring Plants

Now Available

THE FLOWER SCHOOL “Come and be Creative with Flowers” Let florist Anita Lindeman teach you how to make stunning arrangements with beautiful flowers and foliage in a calm relaxed atmosphere.

MAKE FLOWERS FOR MOTHERS DAY The chance to create something really special for yourself or your Mum. (Why not bring her along too) Thurs March 27th 7.30pm - 9.30pm Victorian Schoolroom £35 Fri March 28th 10 -12pm New House Park £35 ‘PERFECT FLOWERS FOR YOUR HOME' NEW FIVE WEEK COURSE All flowers and foliage provided each week. The course is on FIVE consecutive Thursday evenings in the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the Victorian Schoolroom at Childwickbury, using stunning summer flowers, creating on trend designs. 7.30 - 9.30pm. £145 Starts Thurs May 1st ‘VINTAGE FLOWERS’ FULL DAY WORKSHOP Sat May 10th 10 - 3pm Childwickbury Lunch included £80 WHY NOT HOST A FLOWER PARTY? LOOKING FOR A FUN EVENING WITH YOUR GIRLFRIENDS, OR A NEW PTA EVENT? Why not host a "FLOWER PARTY". Fun, creative workshops in your home or in a venue of your choice. Everything provided. Call 07906 655641 or see our website for further details

07906 655641 anita.lindeman@ntlworld.com www.theflowerschoolstalbans.co.uk 2

Welcome to March

With the excitement of the Winter Olympics still fresh in our minds, there’s lots of local sporting charity events for everyone to get involved in from Triathlons, Swimming and Cycling to Skydiving and the 1TrueGrit UK Obstacle Challenge...so if you didn't manage to get to the slopes this winter, why not try something more local and give something back while having fun and getting fit.

For something more relaxing after doing all that activity, there’s music of all genres on offer this month, so sit back and enjoy the sounds, if you fancy having a go at singing as part of a group, you could join in with the Lea Singers Singing Day. For all you ladies out there why not join in with International Women's Day which has been celebrated annually in March since 1911.

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

And of course to Happy Mothers Day to all you mums...

jane & wendy

Sport Relief Games

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swim & run for charity

St Albans MusicCity 12 folk, blues, jazz & more

Dance Through The Decades 13 The Dark Blues Band

Come and Sing! 14 sing with the Lea Singers

Rennie Grove Hospice Care 20 do something for charity

Reader Offer 23 The Luxury Wedding Show

1TrueGrit 10k Obstacle Challenge 24 have you got what it takes

International Women’s Day 25 celebrated since 1911

NOW at the Local Theatres 34 Maltings & Abbey Theatre

NOW in the Garden 38 plant your seeds now!

To advertise call 07983 588313 / 291 wendy@thenowmagazines.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com Deadline for April: 10th March

What’s on in March 42 & April 44 Index of Businesses 46 accountants to windows & doors

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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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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The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games 21st - 23rd March Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre and Harpenden Swimming Pool are hosting the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Swimathon.

You can do your Swimathon on your own, or in a team of between two and five people.

Pick your Swimathon distance and choose your session. Why not take on a challenge, snap up your place and enter now!

On 23rd March take part in your local Sport Relief Mile at one of the following local venues Come and show what you’re made of.

Dust off those trainers, pull up your Sport Relief socks and get ready to run, jog, walk or wiggle the Mile. Afterwards, kick-back with friends and family and enjoy a great day out.

Don’t delay snap up your place today!

The Harpenden Mile Rothamsted Park 9.45am - 1pm Camp Green and Harpenden Sports Centre invite you to come and join in the fun.

The St Albans Mile Highfield Park 12 noon - 6pm St Albans City Youth FC invite you to join in the pre-Mile warm-up.

Afterwards you can discover the Tree Trail, get lost in the maze or relax in the tea bar.

The Redbourn Mile Redbourn Common 1pm - 5.30pm

www.sportrelief.com

Open Archery Afternoon Saturday 15th March with qualified coaches who are fully insured and fully equipped with appropriate bows and safety equipment for beginners. Bring outdoor/waterproof clothing, strong, flat, footwear (no open toes) and a sense of humour! This is an outdoor club with no facilities, so please bring your own refreshments.

Wheathampstead Archery Club, founded in 1956 Venue: Wheathampstead Archery Club, has about 25 members, usually shoot on Saturday Folly Fields (off the Lower Luton Road, afternoons and has a Junior Section for under-18s. opposite Melissia Fields) Wheathampstead As well as the standard bow an increasing number Time: 1 - 4pm Cost: Just a donation (£2?) of their members regularly shoot with the traditional Open to everyone over 10.

English longbow.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The club is always happy to welcome newcomers; beginners or experienced, so why not go along and have a go!

Come and try Archery!

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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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Harpenden Film Society

London Welsh Male Voice Choir Return!

Thurs 13th March: First Position Cert U 8pm Award winning American documentary about young, aspiring dancers entering one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions. Upbeat and visually dramatic, this is a must see for all dance fans.

Weds 2nd April: Wadjda Cert PG - subtitled 8pm You would have to have a heart of stone not to be won over by Wadjda, the 10 year old heroine who enters a religious competition in order to raise money to buy a bicycle. Directed by a woman - this is the first ever film made in Saudi Arabia.

Weds 16th April: Rush Cert 15 8pm Great film about the 1970's Formula One rivalry between British playboy James Hunt, and German Niki Lauda. "A fast and furious treat" Fabulously entertaining, and not just for petrol heads!

Harpenden Public Halls Members £3.50, £5 for non members www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk

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Following the sell out success of their first concert at High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, the internationally renowned London Welsh Male Voice Choir are returning on 5th April at 7pm under the baton of Musical Director Edward-Rhys Harry.

They will be singing a variety of songs from their extensive repertoire, both sacred and secular music, with guest slots by local Soprano Alison Langer and Tenor Lawrence Thackeray (pictured).

Arthur Taverner, Concert Organiser, and a member of High Street Methodist Church was thrilled when the Choir asked if they could return. "It was such a memorable night for the audience. There's nothing quite like a Male Voice Choir and you can't get much better than the London Welsh.... I'd recommend that people book early as we sold out well before the event last time!"

Proceeds will be split between Church funds and one of its chosen charities, the ‘Living Room’, which provides group therapy for people in danger of becoming addicted or who have an existing addiction. Based in St Albans, they also work with their friends and families as well as those with addictions.

Tickets cost £20 to book please contact 01582 766797 - evenings only high.street.events@gmail.com www.ticketsource.co.uk/londonwelsh

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The UK’s top party band: based near Harpenden!

For more years than bandleader Nigel Tully cares to remember The Dark Blues have been keeping dance floors packed, by playing the very best hits of the last 50 years with affection, authenticity and fantastic musicianship. Lead singer Annabel Williams, born in Harpenden and schooled at Sir John Lawes, is not only a brilliant vocalist, she is also the official vocal coach for both the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent!

The rest of the band have equivalent pedigrees: saxophonist Nick Newall played with The Kinks for 7 years, guitarist Adrian with top Abba tribute band Bjorn Again, and singer/pianist Lol was resident at The Ritz Hotel for a decade. A real feast of musical talent, held together by Nigel’s infallible instinct for the next song to play.

For over 20 years The Dark Blues’ annual concert on the Herts Showground has been Hertfordshire’s party highlight of the year. Up to a thousand guests pack the marquees, bringing their own food and drink in parties of any size to tables which they decorate with the party’s theme, this year it’s “Dance through the Decades”. By the time the band takes to the stage, everybody is raring to go – and three hours later the

audience is demanding encores, which the band happily provides from its amazing repertoire of classic and current hits. The only break is for the raffle, with all the proceeds going to help support the hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

Guests come in all age groups (though young adults often prefer to be seated some distance from mum and dad’s table!) and there is no dress code other than a request to fit in with the theme.

All we ask is that you are ready to dance – to the wonderful music of The Dark Blues!

Herts County Showground 31st May 8pm til 1am

St Albans MusicCity 15th - 23rd March Immerse yourself in the twilight leafy metropolis that is St Albans MusicCity! St Albans has a rich musical history and continues to foster a vibrant scene. This is a celebration of that scene which encompasses everything from traditional folk, blues and jazz through to indie, metal and pop across all the key music pubs and venues in the district!

As part of St Albans MusicCity 2014 The Pioneer Youth Centre will be hosting a special celebratory (all ages) gig on the opening Saturday followed by an after-show gig at The Horn. The Pioneer Youth Centre will also be the subject of a complimentary exhibition at The Museum of St Alban, for the whole of March, celebrating their integral role in the St Albans Music (and skateboard) scene, from The Zombies to Enter Shikari and beyond.

There will be opportunities to join in workshops and open mic sessions as well as special events around the district.

Programmes can be picked up at all participating venues and from the Tourist Information Centre or downloaded at www.stalbans.gov.uk/musiccity For a full list of all gigs taking place visit www.lemonrock.com/musiccity Voices photographed at Pioneer Youth Centre

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Come and Sing!

Singing is good for you! Inspired no doubt by the success of Gareth Malone and The Choir, the papers have recently been full of articles about the benefits of singing on health and well-being. "Cock an ear in Britain today and you will realise that we are becoming a nation of warblers. More and more of us are stepping out of the shower and singing in public." Harpenden has an extraordinarily wide range of music groups - something for everyone. What if you have always loved singing in a choir, but are currently out of practice? Or would love to find out what singing in a choir is really like?

Come along to The Lea Singers Singing Day on Saturday 8th March, 11am - 5pm at St George's School, Harpenden. We will spend the day working on the Brahms Requiem, a really special piece of choral music. For The Lea Singers, the singing day gives us an opportunity to sing through a work we will be performing later in the Spring, and to welcome friends and local singers to join us. For our guests, this is a chance to join in with a great piece of choral music. Singing days are relaxed, sociable and fun - and are as much about coffee, cake and the chance to chat to other singers as about learning great music. However, they generate a real sense of achievement of what can be achieved in a short space of time. Here's what one of the guests at last year's singing day said after the event.

"Thank you so much to Lea Singers for giving me the opportunity to attend such an inspiring singing day! Not knowing the Nelson Mass at all, I found it extremely challenging and wondered if I would in fact give up and go home at lunchtime, feeling rather out of my depth.

But Ben’s singing technique information at the beginning of the session was very helpful and worthwhile, and I soon had a change of heart. He is indeed an inspiring music teacher.... There really is a joy and companionship in a common love for music."

To find out more visit www.leasingers.co.uk or call George Darley on 01707 377029.

The Lea Singers will be performing the Brahms Requiem with Jonathan Dove's The Passing of the Year on Saturday 22nd March at 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church Harpenden.

If singing is not for you, do come and listen!

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Hear my Prayer

Rufus Frowde Musical Director is bringing his Hardynge Choir to The High Street Methodist Church for a performance of Dvorak Mass in D and other music.

Dvorak originally intended this Mass for small choir, solo voices and organ and he gave the work its final shape in 1892. In response to Novello his publishers in London Dvorak arranged the Mass for a Symphony Orchestra, this performance with Choir and Organ is closer to the original that Dvorak envisaged. The audience will be in for a delightful evening of Choral Music. Tickets 0845 4751664 adult £12, under 16’s £6 Saturday 29th March 7.30pm High Street Methodist Church

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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

SpringSale!

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

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

Low hourly rate Most repairs carried out in your home, if not the computer will be picked up and delivered back to you Problems with Windows / Applications / Games / Internet / Networks fixed Friendly training and instruction available in plain English Advice given on upgrades – many older computers can be upgraded at a fraction of the cost of a new machine Upgrades of hardware and software 07974 156743 / 01582 794723 enquiries@kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk www.kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk

Outstanding Montessori in Harpenden “A truly unique and very special place” a current parent

www.artisans.uk.com 07795 510 130 info@artisans.uk.com

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Holiday Workshops 18

www.fineart4kids.com

07949 293463

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Rennie Grove Hospice Care have so much going on in the coming months, that we thought we had to let you know, there’s something for everyone so why not get involved. It feels good to give something back, and you’re bound to have a good time doing it!

Chilterns Cycle Challenge Join Fern Britton on Sunday 23rd March for a 10K familyfriendly route along the cycle paths of Aylesbury; a 35-mile loop through the Buckinghamshire Chilterns or a 75-mile marathon that takes in parts of Hertfordshire too, there’s something for every age and ability. Sign up now at www.renniegrove.org

One-off Wedding Dress Sale On the weekend of 5th and 6th April the beautiful Rothschild country house that is Tring Park School is hosting an exclusive wedding dress sale. With hundreds of one-off designs to browse, try and buy at a fraction of the price you’d expect. An extra bonus - thanks to the kind company who donated these exquisite dresses – is that all proceeds from sales will go straight to patient care. www.weddingdresssale.org.uk

Can you help? Volunteers needed for: Dressers for the Brides (ladies only) / Meeters and Greeters Serving Refreshments / Car Park Marshalling.

If you or anyone else you know would like to volunteer at one or all of the 4 half day sessions please email weddingevent@irhh.org

Amalfi String Quartet - Friday 25th April This highly acclaimed all-female quartet will be playing a programme of popular classical music at Rothamsted Institute, Harpenden.

Tickets £20 from Grove House on 01727 731000.

RAF Sprint Triathlon If you love cycling but want to swim and run too, this is just the thing for you! The RAF Halton Sprint Triathlon returns on Sunday 4th May with 10 lengths of a 30m pool, 21K road cycle and 5K run. Relay option available, online entry open now.

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London Marathon Sunday 13th April If you have a place in this year’s London Marathon, then why not join the Rennie Grove Team? They offer pre-race tips, support and a pasta party, as well as an 18-mile cheering squad to keep you going on the day. Contact Clair on cevans@irhh.org to join the team and make a difference in your local community.

World Record Sky Dive Event Want to join forces with Skyline in a new record number of tandem jumps taking place in England in 24 hours? On Saturday 14th June enjoy exhilarating freefall (at 120mph!) before your instructor deploys your parachute to experience a peaceful glide back down to earth - all for just £395 in sponsorship.

01727 731000

www.renniegrove.org

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Reader Offer...

FREE entry to the Luxury Wedding Show

on 2nd March plus a chance to WIN an Overnight Stay at Luton Hoo Hotel,

Golf & Spa On Sunday 2nd March the exclusive Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa will throw open its doors to the Luxury Wedding Show.

This glamorous event gives you lashings of pre-wedding inspiration, including award winning London bridal designer, Ritva Westenius, (Best Bridal Retail Designer Award 2014), who will be showing an exclusive preview of her 2014/15 collections, plus designs from Caroline Couture, based locally in Harpenden. This really will be a catwalk not to be missed, where you will receive a glass of bubbly while you sit back and enjoy the show.

Designed to be fun and inspiring with that special touch of Luxury and glamour, the Show is a must-visit day out for the whole wedding party. ‘harpenden NOW’ is offering you FREE entry to the Luxury Wedding Show (register at www.luxuryweddingshow.co.uk and quote HN2014) plus the opportunity to WIN an overnight stay for two at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa. One lucky winner will be drawn on the 2nd March, but you must attend the show to win.

Pre-registration for the Luxury Wedding Show is essential so be sure to put this date in your diary this very minute!

Sunday 2nd March 11am - 4pm Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ Bridal Catwalk Shows 12.30pm & 2pm Pre-register at www.luxuryweddingshow.co.uk and quote HN2014 for FREE entry

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Taking place at Benington Lordship, High Elms Lane, Benington

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International Women’s Day - 8th March

Inspiring Change Women's equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal. International Women's Day (IWD) celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

Inspiring Change is this year’s theme and encourages advocacy for women's advancement everywhere in every way. It calls for challenging the status quo for women's equality and vigilance inspiring positive change. IWD has been celebrated each year on 8th March since 1911.

Five Miles to Fabulous Celebrate International Women’s Day with a cycle ride the ‘Five Miles to Fabulous’ new season of rides gets underway on Saturday 8th March.

Meet at the cycle stands at Morrisons supermarket, Hatfield Road, St Albans at 9.30am for a women-only easy-paced cycle ride using local traffic free routes and quieter roads. Do give your bike a once-over and pump up the tyres though! We’ll have a coffee stop, so bring some money, make sure you have seasonal clothing and a spare innertube the same size as your wheels!

No need to pre-register, just turn up.

The rides are organised by the South Herts CTC, for more information visit www.southhertsctc.org.uk

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Nick The Handyman All aspects of Property Maintenance ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Kitchen Fitter Tiling & Carpentry Fencing & Roofing General Brickwork Patios & Driveways Electrical Repairs Painting & Decorating, Inside & Outside No Job too Small Free Estimates References Available Friendly & Reliable Service 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@googlemail.com

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Let us Create a Beautiful Floor For You We Supply and Fit Solid Wood, Engineered Wood, Laminate and Vinyl • Various designs including parquet, herringbone and borders • Re-sand existing floors (95% dust-free)

80% of our Work is from Customer Recommendation Fully Insured For a free consultation 01707 373336 07834 412105 info@creativewoodflooring.co.uk www.creativewoodflooring.co.uk 1 Claudian Place, St Albans Showroom: 12 Garden Ct WGC AL7 1BH

DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers ● Ball Valves and Overflows

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I & B ELECTRICAL Free Quotes & Competitive Prices ♦PAT

Testing Lights & Sockets ♦Carbon & Smoke Detectors ♦Rewires & Fuse Boxes ♦Security Lighting Periodic Inspections & Testing carried out by our independent NAPIT registered engineer ♦Additional

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NOW at the Cathedral Sat 1st March 7.30pm Mosaic Chamber Choir & Abbey Singers with the Lawes Baroque Players Sun 2nd March 3pm More to Explore Tour: Through the Looking Glass Weds 5th March 8pm Ash Wednesday: Choral Eucharist Sat 8th March 7.30pm St Albans Symphony Orchestra Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto / Strauss – Alpine Symphony / Liadov – From the Apocalypse Weds 19th March 7.30pm St Albans School & St Albans High School for Girls Concert Sat 22nd March 7.30pm St Albans Choral Society & Orchestra Nova Sun 23rd March Young Musician of the Year Finals Sun 30th March Mothering Sunday Services 9.30am Parish Eucharist / 11.15am Matins 6.30pm Evensong Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban www.stalbanscathedral.org

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines ● Dishwashers Tumble Driers ● 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

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 hlostickets@live.co.uk 07817 331150 www.hlos.ticketsource.co.uk

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We offer a Full Range of Maintenance, Bespoke Joinery and Building Services to Domestic and Commercial Clients.

Please feel free to contact us for further information

mobile: 07743 333065

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L.C. WESTON FUNERAL DIRECTORS The Only Independent Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons In The Area Personal attention Home arrangements available 14 Leyton Road Harpenden 01582 712865 (24 hours)

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NOW at the Maltings

NOW at Abbey Theatre

Faustus 1st March 2pm / 7.30pm £11 / £9 When a brilliant but arrogant academic, gets the opportunity to learn more about magic and the universe than any of his peers, it seems a chance too good to miss. But the price for such wisdom and riches is a high one – his soul. Packed with dancing, singing, and a 1940’s jazz inspired soundtrack, an energetic and memorable production.

Katie’s Jumping Fleas 8th March 8pm £7.50 / £5 An uplifting musical evening of songs from the 1950s to the present day, accompanied by a band of ukuleles of all shapes and sizes, you’ve never seen or heard anything quite like this! A St Albans based ukulele troupe that has been regularly entertaining local audiences and now it’s your chance to experience An evening of foot-tapping, broad-grinned and, if you’re so inclined, singalong entertainment is guaranteed. This is a charity event, with all proceeds of ticket sales being donated to Grove House Day Hospice, St Albans.

The Ladykillers presented by OVO 13th - 15th / 19th - 22nd March 8pm £10 / £7.50 A criminal gang poses as a string quintet whilst planning a heist in the King’s Cross home of an oblivious old biddy. When she becomes wise to their ruse the thugs draw lots to decide who should bump her off and avoid a spell in choky. With only her parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate men. But who will be forced to face the music? A classic black comedy with a final bodycount in the Tarantino class, reimagined by the creator of Father Ted from the Ealing Studios original starring Peter Sellers and Alex Guinness.

Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0844 8700 887

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The Two Gentlemen of Verona

by William Shakespeare Company of Ten, Main Stage 27th Feb - 8th March 8pm Matinée: 2nd March 2.30pm Valentine and Proteus seek the woman of their dreams. What follows is a scintillating kaleidoscope of a play which keeps the audience entertained throughout. Can there be a happy ending? With more twists than a lover’s knot, this play has humour, hidden identity and even a dog!

The Secret World of Charles Dickens 20th March 8pm Ian Keable, winner of The Magic Circle’s prestigious Comedy Award, performs the favourite magic tricks of Charles Dickens and divulges the spooky practices of Victorian psychics. “The show is enlightening, entertaining and engaging...mind-bending sleight-of-hand mysteries, with a spooky Victorian literary twist,” Islington Tribune.

Cosí Fan Tutte by W A Mozart St Albans Chamber Opera, Main Stage 25th - 29th March 7.30pm Matinée: 29th March 2.30pm Two young friends, Guglielmo and Ferrando, decide to test the loyalty of their fiancées Fiordiligi and Dorabella. They pretend to go off to war only to return immediately in disguise and attempt to woo each other’s fiancées.

Their simple plan unravels as they tie themselves in knots. The music is considered by many to be Mozart’s best.

Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

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NOW at the Alban Arena A number of events have already sold out this month, so don’t panic if the show you’ve booked isn’t listed!

The Irish House Party Weds 5th March 7.30pm Dublin’s No.1 award winning music and dance show with All Island champion musicians, great banter and not forgetting some excellent Irish dancing.

Toploader Sat 8th March 8pm The band revisit all their singles including ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’, ‘Achilles Heel’ and ‘Time Of My Life’ as well as introducing fans to their brand new material.

Clannad Tues 11th March 7.30pm Clannad the Irish family group with their haunting songs, mesmerizing vocals and captivating sound.

Ed Byrne: Roaring Forties Weds 12th March 8pm A self-confessed “miserable git” since the age of 23, Ed embraces middle age with open arms.

“I am in my Forties, HEAR ME ROAR!” iMagician Fri 14th March 7.30pm Jamie Allan is one of the greatest innovators of modern magic. iMagician defies the boundaries of logic and blends incredible illusion with high technology including iPad illusion, virtual assistant and spectacular laser manipulation.

The Ultimate 80’s Party Sat 15th March Live acts including The Wild Boys, Pat Sharp DJ set, Chesney Hawkes Electro and Synthpop DJ. Peter Pan On Ice Weds 19th - Mon 24th March times vary The world-renowned Russian Ice Stars bring you a new adaption of this famous fantasy adventure

by J.M.Barrie.

Morecambe Sat 29th March 7.30pm This unmissable new production with Bob Golding as comedy icon, Eric Morecambe. The show is a moving, heart-warming, tear-jerking, laughter-inducing story of the man who brought us the sunshine.

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

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LANDSCAPING DESIGN & BUILD labour on all mower services GARDEN MAINTENANCE when you mention this advert & 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 in the Garden Try Seeds This Spring Whether you want a veg plot packed with produce, or your garden filled with flowers, seeds offer the best and cheapest solution. And you can give your plants a head start by sowing them indoors in March, resulting in earlier crops and blooms.

Flower and vegetable seeds are generally sown in the same way. Start off tiny seeds in trays and large seeds in small pots. To sow small seeds, fill a seed tray with moist, good quality seed compost and firm gently to create an even surface. Sprinkle seeds thinly over the compost, and cover with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Pop the lid on the tray or cover with a plastic bag, and keep in a warm, bright room or heated greenhouse. Set the tray in a larger container of water if the compost dries out, and remove when the top feels damp.

As soon as the seedlings emerge, remove the lid or plastic bag. Keep the tray watered, and when the seedlings have 5 or 6 leaves,

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transplant each one into individual pots or module trays of John Innes No 2 Potting On compost.

From mid-April set your seedlings outside during the day (bring them in at night) and plant them outside permanently from late May. For larger seeds, follow the instructions above, but sow only two or three seeds per pot, and check seed packets for the correct planting depths. When the seedlings have a few leaves, transplant them into their own pots.

by Zia Allaway. Learn more about sowing seeds at Zia’s Gardening Workshops in Harpenden. Visit ziaallaway.com/workshops or call 07770 780 231 to book your place.

andrew@arlandscapes.co.uk

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Butterfly World is open for spring

Butterfly World in Chiswell Green, St Albans re-opens on 24th March for lots of family fun.

Learn about the lifecycle of the butterfly in the Tropical Butterfly House, wonder at the busy leafcutter ants in the biggest colony in the country, and get ‘hands on’ with creepy crawlies during the Insect Handling sessions.

Parents can enjoy a wander through the inspiring designer gardens and enjoy a cup of tea at the Nectar House Cafe, while children play in the Natural Play area. The Children’s Easter Holiday Activity programme has something exciting for all ages, including craft and environmental workshops.

Open 10 - 5pm every day Entry £5 per person until 1st May 01727 869203 info@butterflyworldproject.com www.butterflyworldproject.com

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What’s on in March 42

1st Pole Stars St Albans Chamber Choir, St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, 07570 454744, 7.30pm, adult £13, child £1 2nd The Luxury Wedding Show see page 22 / 23 4th St Albans Pancake Race St Peters Street, St Albans, 12 noon Floral Demonstration: Kyoko Regan "Dream came True" Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, 2pm 7th Folk at the Maltings Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans, 0844 870 0887, 8pm, adult £10 Womens World Day of Prayer: Theme Egypt 10.30am: St Johns Church, Harpenden 7.45pm: Crabtree Church, Harpenden Harpenden Village Rotary Club Quiz of Quizzes St Georges School, 7pm Rothamsted International Film Club: The Man Who Never Was Fowden Conference Centre, Rothamsted Research, 01582 762919, 7pm, £4 8th Open Singing Day with The Lea Singers see page 14 Community Book Fair Verulamium Museum, St Albans, 01727 751820, 10 - 5pm Harpenden Art, Crafts & Antiques Fayre Harpenden Methodist Church, 10 - 4pm Strauss & Mendelssohn see page 30 Think Floyd Live in Concert The Radlett Centre, 01923 859291 “The Definitive Pink Floyd Experience” 7.30pm, £20 / £18 The Grand Vintage Fair The Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans, 01582 831481, 10am - 4pm 8th & 9th International Women’s Day see page 25 9th Wedding Fair Knebworth House, 11am 3.30pm www.knebworthhouse.com Lambing Day Oaklands College, St Albans Campus, 10 - 3pm Charity Murder Mystery Evening Roundwood Park School, 01582 463662, 7pm, £20 11th Talk: Garden Design by Chelsea Gold Medal Winner Julie Toll, Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Gardening Society, 8pm, £3 www.harpendengardeningsociety.org

The Nicky Line Volunteer Work Party 10am to mid afternoon, working between Knott Wood & the cross path leading into Redbourn Golf Course, 01582 763560, tools, gauntlets & drinks provided, wear stout footwear 12th & 26th Walk: Ghosts & Ghouls Guided Walk starts outside Old Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans, 8pm, adult £4 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk 15th Open Archery Afternoon see page 6 Tree Planting at Heartwood Forest 10 - 3pm 15th - 23rd St Albans MusicCity see page 12 19th Display: Aspects of Bavaria St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, St Albans Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, visitors welcome, 8pm p.mellor@btinternet.com Friends of Cosne AGM The Engineer, St John’s Road, Southdown, Harpenden’s towntwinning organisation with France, 7pm for 7.30pm 20th The Secret World of Charles Dickens page 34 21st - 23rd Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games see page 6 22nd Brahms Requiem see page 14 23rd Chilterns Cycle Challenge see page 20 24th Butterfly World Reopens see page 40 24th - 29th Crazy For You Harpenden Public Halls, 07817 331150, Harpenden Light Operatic Society 25th - 29th Cosí Fan Tutte see page 34 29th Hear My Prayer see page 14 O Radiant Dawn Carillon Choir, St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, 01582 763774, 7.30pm, £14 / £12 30th Mothers Day Afternoon Tea Knebworth House, 12.30pm or 3.30pm www.knebworthhouse .com 1 TrueGrit 10k Obstacle Challenge see page 24 Mothering Sunday see page 30 Spring Fayre Frogmore Paper Mill, Apsley www.frogmoremill.com 31st Harpenden Town Council Annual Town Meeting Park Hall, Leyton Road, 01582 768278, 7.30pm

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What’s on in April

3rd Bach’s John Passion St Johns Church, Harpenden, 01582 462024, by Amici Voices, 7.30pm, adult £15, child £5 4th Martha Reeves & The Vandellas The Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488, 7.30pm , £23.50 Folk at the Maltings Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans, 0844 870 0887, 8pm, adult £10 5th The London Welsh Male Voice Choir page 10 Swan Lake The Vienna Festival Ballet Company The Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488, 2.30pm, £22.50, £14.50 Walk: Crime & Punishment meet outside Old Town Hall, St Albans, 2.30pm, adult £4, child £2 6th French Market Hatfield House, 10am 8th Talk: Cottage Garden Plants Roundwood Park School, Harpenden Gardening Society, 8pm, £3 www.harpendengardeningsociety.org 10th Matt Richardson Hometown Hero Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 8pm, £10 10th -12th High School Musical Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, St Albans, 01727 857861 11th The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 767525, 7.30pm

UB40 The Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488, 7.30pm, £32 seated, £28.50 standing 12th & 13th East of England Food Festival Knebworth House, 10 -5pm www.knebworthhouse.com 18th & 19th Easter Trail Knebworth House 11 - 5pm www.knebworthhouse.com 20th Famers Market Hatfield House 20th & 21st Jousting @ Knebworth www.knebworthhouse.com 24th Illegal Eagles The Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488, 7.30pm, £24.50, £22.50 25th Amalfi String Quartet see page 20 Bouncers & Shakers Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City, 01707 324300, www.barntheatre.co.uk 26th The Live Music Project The Tuesday Club + The Vulz + Chameleon Boy + Dodo Bones, Trestle Arts Base, St Albans, 01727 850950, 7.30pm, free, 14+ 29th April - 3rd May Annie St Albans Operatic Society, The Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488, £17.50 30th April - 2nd May ‘Murder in Company’ performed by High Street Players, High Street Methodist Church, £7 first night / £8 other nights / £9 on the door, 8pm www.hsplayers.org.uk

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Index of Businesses

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants

32 33

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials Harpenden Digital Services

28 28

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire Blinds Harpenden Blinds Bowling Club Batchwood Hall Bowling Club Builders A & E Building & Joinery David Lewis

10 16 4 31 31

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon Education Mandeville School

16

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring

26

Photographers I & W Photography

21

2

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

40

15

Care Advisory Services Westcott

Funeral Directors LC Weston Funeral Directors

32

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Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes P & B Services Supagrass Gardening Workshops Zia’s Gardening Workshops

Cleaning Big Yellow Cleaning Company 45 Carpet Brite 45 Domestico back cover Harpenden Power Wash 43 Merrivac 43 Murray’s Cleaning Services 45 WellShine 41 Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

31 30 36

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd

9 9

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating Pet Care Personal Petcare

8

Chiropodists Julia Reading Kathy Witchard

43

32

Foot Care Golinska Foot Care

40

18

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

15

18

Kindergarten Artisans Kindergarten

29 28 29

26

Chimney Sweep Poppins Chimney Sweep

44

Electricians I & B Electrical MLC Electrical Selmon Electrical Services

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Children’s Art Classes FineArt4Kids!

Indian Restaurant Shapla Restaurant

4

Flower Arranging Workshops The Flower School

21

Garden Nursery / Centre Bridge Valley Nursery Burston Garden Centre Gas K25 Health / Fitness / Slimming Lighter Life Peppermint Healing The Fit Lab Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

18

Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd 27 & 47 Prestige Plumbing & Heating Services 27

39 39 37 35

Pond Maintenance Maltby Aquatics Women With Waders

35 35

Property Maintenance Greenshouse & Gardens Nick The Handyman

37 26

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Security Maximum Security Systems

29

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk

36

Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

14

Wedding Show The Luxury Wedding Show

22

Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

43

Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Cloudy2Clear Markyate Windows & Doors

17 19 16

2 3 27 7 9 8

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And not forgetting on Sunday 30th March Celebrate Mothers Day Sat 29th March Craft Workshops: Making Mother's Day Bunting Sun 30th March: Decorating Mother's Day Cookies Stockwood Park, Luton 11-12.30pm, age 6+, £12.50, to book call 07857 413 031

The clocks go forward to British Summer Time at 1am when BST starts and the country moves out of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

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Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke

Charity Grove House Hospice

Hot Tubs A5 Hot Tubs

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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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

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