harpenden NOW March 15 by wendy robertson

harpenden March

2015

NOW promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

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Local Spring Events NOW for a Walk or Two

Luxury Wedding Show

NOW at the Public Halls NOW at the Alban Arena

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Mothers Day Worldwide What’s on and lots more 1

Welcome to March

How fantastic it always seems when the spring flowers appear, it’s such a joy to have the gardens and parks full of colour again. March also brings with it the opportunity to spoil our mums on Mothers’ Day, not that we need to wait ‘til then! Butterfly World re-opens with a host of activities planned, and there are numerous charity events going on from Red Nose Day to the Chilterm Warrior Run, as well as a myriad of music of all genres to delight and entertain us. For something quite differrent why not try Real Tennis at Hatfield House, but make sure you book now as spaces are limited. With the longer days here there’s more time to get out and about, so why not try planting trees at Heartwood Forest or pop along and see what the Herons are up to in Verulamium Park. If you’d like to be in next months magazine please just get in touch... ...and don’t forget if you need a local business just pick up ‘harpenden NOW’ or read it every month online. jane & wendy wendy@theNOWmagazines.com www.theNOWmagazines.com rtise call

To adve 313 07983 5 88

Deadline ch ril 10th Mar p A r fo

NOW at the Public Halls

music, films & more

NOW at The Alban Arena

music, magic & comedy

NOW at the Cathedral

musics, tours & family fun

Mothers Day Worldwide 14 celebrate this special day

NOW at the Local Theatres 16 music, drama & more

NOW for a Walk or Two 20 local walks for all

Local Spring Events 24 lambs, running, tennis & more

NOW for some Music 26 music for all

Red Nose Day 28 comic relief is back

Verulam Golf Club 40 golf for all

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

01727 298007

To Advertise: 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Public Halls Weds 4th March Brendan Shine £15 One of Ireland's best-known entertainers with over forty-five hit singles including his biggest in 1977, ‘Do You Want Your Old Lobby Washed Down’. When you go to a Brendan Shine show you become part of the ‘Shine party’ an experience you will never forget. Fri 6th March Ultimate Genesis £16 Los Endos capture the excitement of a live Genesis gig from the 70’s with scintillating musicianship and a state of the art light show. Focusing on music from all the hit albums of the 70’s and 80’s plus a few surprises. Fri 20th March We Say Yeah! £16 / £15 Celebrating the music of Cliff Richard and The Shadows. So remember to ‘Put On Your Dancing Shoes’ and at the end when they ask do you want more please shout, We Say Yeah! Weds 8th April Chris Helme £8 A solo performer with a wealth of songs to hand and a truly special voice. Echoing the fragility of Gram Parsons, while flirting with the rustic side of Neil Young. Thurs 9th April Doc Brown £14 Back with his unique take on Life, Love and Lyricism. Sat 11th April Mercury Queen £18, concs £17 / £11 One of the world’s most authentic tributes to Freddie Mercury and Queen. Tues 14th April 2.30pm Hugless Douglass £10, child £8 A happy new show, full of laughter, sing along songs and plenty of opportunities to join in! Weds 15th April Hannah Scott £6 A goose-bump inducing voice that’s wowed UK audiences and critics over the past few years. Fri 24th April Michael Jackson - This is it! £19.50, concs £16.50 / £12.50 A spectacular tribute to Michael Jackson. All performances at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Harpenden Film Society 5th March Brighton Rock The classic 1947 ‘film noir’ version in tribute to the late Sir Richard Attenborough, where he plays Pinkie a small town hoodlum in a tale of murder and gang rivalry at Brighton Races. 8th March The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed out of a Window and Disappeared cert 15. Subtitled Swedish comedy, following the events as a man escapes from an old

people's home on his 100th birthday. 1st April Tracks cert 12A Beautiful true story of an Australian woman who walks across the outback from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean, alone apart from her faithful dog and four camels. An epic adventure tale. All films start at 8pm £5 for non members www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk

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NOW at the Alban Arena Broadway and Beyond Sun 1st March 7.30pm £18, £16, under 16s £14 A thrilling mix of live music, movement and wit performed by eight West End professionals from productions including Oklahoma!, Kiss Me Kate, The Music Man, Miss Saigon and more.

Alan Davies – Little Victories Sat 14th March 8pm £25 A show not to be missed. 16+

One Man Breaking Bad Tues 3rd March 7.30pm £18.50 LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super charged, hilariously accurate renditions of characters including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring.

Nathan Carter plus support Mon 16th March 7.30pm £22.50 The hottest property on the Irish music scene.

Rich Hall Weds 4th March 8pm £16 Renowned for his expertly crafted tirades, quick fire banter and delightful musical sequences. Champions of Magic Fri 6th March 7.30pm £22, child £16 Witness stunning illusions with disappearances, teleportation, levitation and a heart stopping finale. Ultimate 80s Party – Featuring Heaven 17 Sat 7th March 7.30pm Standing £20 Seated £22.50 A night of nostalgia and entertainment featuring Synthpop legends Heaven 17 and the Wildboys. Lee Partridge from Vibe Radio keeps the tunes going in the main hall, and DJs Nice and Cheesey keep the tunes going in the basement bar. The Hollies Fri 13th March 7.30pm £29.50, £28.50 The band perform their classics: ‘The Air That I Breathe’, ‘Carrie Anne’, ‘Bus Stop’, ‘Just One Look’, ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’ and more.

Dr Hook Featuring Ray ‘Eye Patch’ Sawyer Sun 15th March 7.30pm £27.50 With hit singles including ‘When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman’.

Jimmy Carr – Funny Business Fri 20th March 7pm & 10pm £25 Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition, stay for the knob gags. 16+ Hertfordshire Wedding Fair Sun 22nd March 11am - 4pm Free Professionally choreographed fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Local exhibitors, live entertainment and more. Mayor’s Pride Awards 2015 Thurs 26th March 6.30pm Tickets free (6 per booking) Doors open 6.30pm, the ceremony begins at 7pm. New Life, New World - Adoramus Easter Concert Sat 28th March 7.30pm £22, £19, £16 A special blend of music from the symphonic and choral repertoire to celebrate Easter. Featuring the music of Dvorak, Bach, Mozart, Brahms and more. The Alban Arena St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

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NOW at the Cathedral Sat 7th March 7.30pm St Albans Symphony Orchestra Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 & Symphony No. 9 Sun 8th March Young Musician of the Year Competition Finals www.stalbansymc.org.uk Sat 14th March Hertfordshire County Youth Choir with Taplow, Surrey & Cantate Youth Choirs Sun 15th March Mothering Sunday 8am: Eucharist / 9.30am: Parish Eucharist 11.15am: Matins sung by Cathedral Choir 6.30pm: Evensong sung by Cathedral Choir Weds 18th March St Albans School & St Albans High School for Girls Joint Schools’ Concert Wed 18th March & 15th April 10am Teddy Bear Services Interactive services for pre-school children, bring your teddy bear Sat 21st March 7.30pm St Albans Bach Choir St Matthew Passion Thurs 9th April 10am - 12.30pm Family Discovery Morning: All Things Bright and Beautiful, free. For ages 3-11. Sat 11th April 7.30pm St Albans Chamber Choir Mozart Mass in C minor Tues 14th April 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm Easter Holiday Statues Workshop £6 per child, or £10 for 2 Please visit the website for the full listing of Holy Week and Easter Services www.stalbanscathedral.org

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In Nepal, children return to the family home on ‘Aama ko Mukh Herne Din’ (to see Mother’s face) on the last day of Baishak dark fortnight, making breakfast for their mothers and giving them gifts, favourite foods and new clothes. Those who have lost mothers visit Mata Tirtha, a sacred site with a pool in which they ‘look upon their mother’s face’. The USA didn’t keep English Mother’s Day, but Anna Jarvis campaigned for one in honour of her mother, who introduced ‘Mothers’ Friendship Day’ after the Civil War. At a church service on the second anniversary of her mother's death (2nd Sunday of May), Anna distributed her mother's favourite flowers: white carnations. Today Mothers deserve attention all year round, so why do we they signify mothers who have passed away, while only celebrate them on one special day - and do other coloured carnations honour mothers still living. countries follow suit? In Australia, Mother’s Day grew from Janet Heyden’s The UK campaign to give gifts to lonely inmates of Newington Traditionally, on ‘Mothering Sunday’ (the fourth Sunday in State Home for Women. Schoolchildren in Japan draw Lent) people returned to their baptismal ‘mother church’. pictures of their mothers for a nationwide competition and As their parents’ home was often nearby, over time the winning pictures travel the country in a mobile exhibition. day became a holiday for visiting family. Flowers were Mexico’s Mother’s Day on 10th May was once a pawn in gathered and mums received Simnel cakes. Observance battles between government and church on of Mothering Sunday gradually disappeared until its modernisation and materialism. It now celebrates both revival in 1920 when it became known as Mother’s Day. mothers and the Virgin Mary. Children often arrive at their Around the World mother’s house the night before. Traditionally the day Most countries celebrate Mother's Day, but origins and starts with mass before mums are given a breakfast of traditions vary. Unless stated, countries below follow US tamales and atole, but many are now treated to breakfast tradition, celebrating on the second Sunday in May. at home, accompanied by a song. Why not celebrate Mexican-style this year In France, American soldiers introduced Mother’s Day during WW1. Originally focussed on fertile mothers, today and sing your Mum a song! Fête des Mères celebrates all mothers, who traditionally receive a cake shaped like a bouquet of flowers. France Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Sunday 15th March celebrates on the last Sunday in May, as does Sweden, Treat your mum to an enjoyable day in the picturesque where the Red Cross sells plastic flowers in aid of Swiss Gardens at Shuttleworth followed by afternoon deprived mothers. tea at 1pm or 4pm in the garden room. In Italy mums receive a heart-shaped cake, but on the second Sunday before Christmas children in Yugoslavia Booking essential, adult £20.50, child £6.25 The Shuttleworth Collection tie their mother up until she gives them treats. Egypt’s nr Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EP Mother’s Day on 21st March is celebrated with songs devoted to mothers. 01767 627924 www.shuttleworth.org

Mother’s Day Worldwide

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NOW at the local theatres Abbey Theatre The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan 11th - 14th March 7.30pm / 14th 2.30pm A colourful production of this classic by St Albans Chamber Opera. Soloists, chorus and orchestra perform this popular opera with favourites such as A Wand’ring Minstrel I, Three Little Maids from School and I’ve Got a Little List. If Only by David Edgar Company of Ten 20th & 21st / 24th - 28th March 8pm A snappy political drama starting in April 2010, the day after the first-ever televised prime ministerial debate. The volcanic ash cloud strands three members of the opposing parties at Malaga Airport, and they’re desperate to return to the action in the UK. Then roll forward to August 2014, when the same politicians meet again. The 2015 election is the hot topic and one of them knows something that could alter the outcome. Abbey Theatre Westminster Lodge St Albans 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Trestle Arts Base Exhibition: Beyond Threads of Time until 6th March free Works by local artists. Bookstory 15th March 2pm & 4.30pm In Brian’s library, the books are all in a muddle. The Romance is rubbing shoulders with the DIY manual and the Dictionary is sharing a shelf with the Whodunnit. To save their confused library (and its confused librarian) the books must work together – but how? Books can’t move…or can they? Bookstory is a tiny puppet musical with some very big ideas. Using songs, puppetry and dynamic performance to tell the story of the story in the digital age. Adult £12, concs £10, family £40 For ages 7+ 01727 850950 www.trestle.org.uk

Maltings Arts Theatre The Boy Preference by Elinor Cook 4th & 5th March 8pm In an affluent suburb in the near future, the birth of a boy is greeted with shouts of joy, but when a girl is born, the neighbours say nothing and the child may simply vanish. Dealing with powerful themes around gender, this is a disturbing yet playful tale of discovery, revenge and hope. £7 / £5 The Country by Martin Crimp 11th - 14th March 8pm A doctor and his wife start a new life in the country. One night he finds a young woman unconscious by the side of the road. Who is she, and how does she know so much about his family? £10 / £7.50 One Million Tiny Plays by Craig Taylor 19th & 20th March 7.30pm This multi-media production presents as diverse a range of issues and as mixed a group of ideas as the people and places which make up Britain today. £10 / £7.50 Hats off to Laurel & Hardy 21st March 3pm & 8pm On national tour since 2013, selling out venues with standing ovations and even playing in Hollywood, Lucky Dog Theatre Productions brings you the story of the greatest comedy double act of all time. Prepare to laugh your socks off before finally having your heart broken. £10 / £8 Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo 0333 666 3366

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NOW for a Walk or Two

Visit Ashridge With 2,000 acres of mature woodland to explore, you can while away the hours among the magnificent beeches and mighty oaks. Ashridge Visitor Centre is open 10am - dusk. Dawn Chorus Walks Adult £15, child £10 Sat 25th April & 2nd May 5am - 7am Meet at Steps Hill car park Join the Ranger on this early morning walk around the Steps Hill / Ivinghoe Beacon area, to experience the dawn chorus. At this time of year birds are busy setting up territories for the breeding season and the males are singing, especially early in the morning. Enjoy a breakfast butty and hot drink afterwards. Bring binoculars.

Hertfordshire Health Walks Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders.

Highfield Park Charters Health Club Car Park Mondays 9.30am & Tuesdays 1.30pm Hill End Lane, opposite Spar AL4 0DB Wheathampstead Thursdays 10.30am Meet: public car park behind The Bull, East Lane AL4 8BL Hatching Green Tuesdays 10.30am Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Meet outside Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3HW Redbourn 7th March / 4th April 2pm Meet at Cricket Club car park, Redbourn, AL3 7DB Heartwood Forest 25th April 10.30am Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, Sandridge AL3 6JB Bricket Wood 15th March 10.30am Moor Mill Pub car park, Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood, AL2 3PN The walks cater for all abilities and vary from easy to challenging. Wear suitable shoes, and bring waterproofs and a drink. 01992 588433 www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.org

Ashridge Easter Egg Trail £3 Fri 3rd - Mon 6th April 10am - 4pm Ashridge Visitor Centre Gentle Stroll £3 Tues 14th April 2.30pm - 4.30pm Meet at Ashridge Visitor Centre Covering Sallow Copse and surrounding areas, discover wildlife and animal tracks, deer sightings, birds and more. Wear walking shoes and waterproof clothing just in case! Wild About Ashridge free 8th, 10th, 15th & 17th April 10.30am - 3pm Ashridge Visitor Centre Get closer to nature with the National Trust team, just come along for outdoor fun adventures, whatever the weather. Archaeology Walk - Hudnall Common Please book, adult £8, child £5 Thurs 23rd April 6pm - 8pm Join the regional Archaeologist for a walk around Hudnall Common and discover its history. 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate

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Local Spring Events

Vintage, Antiques and Collectors' Market Saturday 21st March Stable Yard, Hatfield House You’ll find stalls selling furniture, silverware, china, glass, books, prints, postcards and more. For those wanting to decorate their homes with individual panache, while respecting the environment and engaging in the thrill of bartering for a bargain then this antique market is for you. www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Real Tennis at Hatfield House Come and watch some top level Real Tennis and have a go at the original Racquet Sport! On Tuesday 5th March at 6.30pm the two Hatfield Professionals, Jon Dawes and James Law, will be going head to head in an exhibition match. The evening will begin at 6.30pm when the Professionals will take any spectators, who are new to the game onto the court to explain the rules. At around 7pm the match will start, with Hatfield members on hand to explain what’s happening and to answer questions. The Professionals will then take anyone who’d like to give the game a try onto the court to hit a few balls. Tickets cost £20, including food and drink. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the oldest racquet sport in the world. We have a maximum capacity of 48 seats, so book early and don’t miss your chance to join in the fun. 01707 273391 hhtc@gotadsl.co.uk Hatfield House, Hatfield AL9 5NQ

Scale Model Exhibition Sunday 8th March 10am - 4pm Join us at our sixth annual scale model event with competitions and the chance to see the Best Shuttleworth Model 2015 take to the skies. Admission includes entry to the Collection, Adult ÂŁ10, child free The Shuttleworth Collection nr Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org 01767 627933

Chiltern Warrior Run 29th March A fun obstacle 5 or 10k run If you love running in the wild outdoors, come and enjoy one of the best fun sporting events in the area. Natural obstacles are staggered throughout the site of outstanding natural beauty and adjoining Woodland Trust property. Suitable for experienced runners as well as those just starting out. Every entry helps fund the wonderful work of this unique Museum with its 33 vernacular buildings, living history events and Victorian farm. Run among the historic buildings, woodland walk and historic farm, complete with sheep, chickens, goats and heavy horses. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wild, muddy and good fun, so why not take part, to enter just visit www.coam.org.uk

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NOW for some Music The Lark Ascending The Hardynge Choir High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden 28th March 7.30pm A fascinating programme of English instrumental and choral classics. If you love the music of Purcell, Handel, Elgar and Vaughan Williams then you are in for a treat. The title piece, by Vaughan Williams, will be played by violinist Nazrin Rashidova, a rising star described by a former principal of The Royal Academy of Music as “one of the most talented musicians to have walked through its doors in 40 years”. The choir and instrumental solos will be accompanied by the Paean Ensemble, young professional players conducted by Musical Director Rufus Frowde. Come and join us for a wonderful evening! Adult £12, child £6

Larger Than Life High Street Methodist Church 27th March 7.30pm Don't miss the opportunity to see Jonathan Veira's one man show and hear this superb singer and raconteur who is as at home singing Billy Joel as Verdi. Tickets £12, concs £10 www.highstreetevents@ticketsource.co.uk 01582 762269 The Lea Singers will be performing the Mozart Requiem on Saturday 28th March at 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church Harpenden. www.leasingers.co.uk

Annie Presented by Harpenden Light Operatic Society Harpenden Public Halls 23rd - 28th March 7.30pm & Sat 2.30pm Tickets from just £9 hlos.ticketsource.co.uk 07817 331150

An Evening of Russian Choral Music Conducted by John Andrews with Bass Soloist Piotr Lempa Saturday 21st March 7.30pm High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden Join the Harpenden Choral Society for an inspiring evening of unaccompanied sacred Russian choral music by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Chesnokov, Labinski, Part, and Stravinsky. Adult £15, child £5. 01582 419379 www.harpendenchoralsociety.org

Bach’s Matthew Passion

Amici Voices Concert 25th March 7pm St John’s Church, Southdown The group explores the vocal repertoire of all periods beginning with Bach’s settings of the Passion. The performance will be sung in German with tenor Hiroshi Amako as the Evangelist and Handel’s Messiah Michael Craddock singing the part Performed by the Music Makers Choir of Harpenden of Jesus. 25th April 7.30pm The performance will include High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden some of the finest period To celebrate our Golden Jubilee year we have chosen to instrument specialists in their field. perform the perennial favourite Handel’s Messiah. This Tickets: £15, concs £5 promises to be a rewarding evening’s performance as we will from Creature Comforts, be recreating the more intimate ambience of the original 1742 Vaughan Road, Harpenden performance with a smaller choir, guest soloists and a select or 01582 462024. chamber orchestra. Tickets from 07834 484989, adult £15, concs £12.

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Red Nose Day Friday 13th March Make your face funny for money and raise lots of life-changing money at www.comicrelief.com

Education - You’ve helped over 1 million children in the world’s poorest countries get an education. Between 1999-2008, the number of children attending school in sub-Saharan Africa increased by 46.5 million. Literacy for adults in Uganda increased to 73% by 2010. HIV - You’ve helped 3 million people affected by HIV in Africa. The number of new infections of HIV in Africa dropped by 21% between 1997-2010. Malaria - You will have helped protect over 6 million people from Malaria in Africa. Since 2000, the number of people dying from this disease across Africa has fallen by a third. In 2009, 600,000 mosquito nets were distributed to 234,591 households in Uganda Mental Health - Comic Relief has supported the ‘Time To

Change’ campaign to help end discrimination towards those with mental health problems. In 2012 over 1.5 million people in the UK agreed their attitude towards people with mental health had improved. Young People - Since 1998, you’ve helped over 120,000 young people at risk of, or who have experienced sexual exploitation or trafficking. Comic Relief has funded over 17,000 projects in the UK since it began in 1985, supporting people living incredibly tough lives around the world. Domestic Violence - You’ve helped to establish the National Domestic Violence Helpline, which received over 1.5 million calls since it started in 2003. It refers on average 28 women to a refuge daily, and is a lifeline for women and children in the UK who are experiencing domestic abuse. New noses have been launched for Comic Relief 2015. Who nose which one will come home with you?

Whether you are a season quiz pro or just fancy a night out with friends why not come along to our quiz night on Thursday 26th March at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital social club. It’s always fun with varied rounds of questions... something for everyone! Tickets are £10 and include a fish and chip supper. It’s a maximum of 8 per team but if you are a two don't be put off as you can do it as a duo or we can team you up with others! All profits will benefit the parents' accommodation project to benefit families with a baby in the neonatal intensive acre unit. We hope to see you there. For further information 01582 718043 fundraising@ldh.nhs.uk L & D Social Club Lewsey Road LU4 0DZ

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International Women’s Day Join Women on the Bridge 8th March with Soroptimist International St Albans & District at 2pm on Verulamium Park Bridge over the boating lake. Followed by tea, cake, speeches and networking at the Inn on the Park Café. Guest and speaker: Penny Williams JP, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire: Penny is known for championing the rights of women. To find out more call Jane Slatter 07834 345796 sistalbans@hotmail.com www.sigbi.org/st-albans

All Ladies Welcome to come and celebrate International Women’s Day with a cycle ride as the new Five Miles to Fabulous cycling season gets underway on Saturday 7th March. Meet at Morrisons cycle stands, Hatfield Road at 9.30am for a women-only, easy-paced cycle ride on local traffic free routes and quieter roads. No need to pre-register, just turn up. Do give your bike a once-over, pump up the tyres and bring a spare innertube the same size as your wheels! We’ll have a coffee stop, so bring some money. Look forward to seeing you! www.southhertsctc.org.uk

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before

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The Heron’s are Back! The herons have already started to gather again on ‘heron Island’ in Verulamium Park. Our volunteer group plan to be there every weekend from 28th February to 4th May, including Easter. They will be in the park, in the same place as last year, overlooking the lake just along from the Fighting Cocks pub. There will be telescopes to help you get a close up look at the breeding birds and their newborns! You will be able to ask our experts any questions about the wildlife in and around Verulamium Park. Timings are subject to change but should be between 10.30am and 4.30pm weather permitting! pictures by Stuart Harrison

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Spring Sale!

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The History of TRAID In 1999 TRAID was launched as a UK registered charity with four charity shops and 700 textile recycling banks with the aim of raising funds to fight global poverty by collecting unwanted clothes to reuse and resell. They funded four international development projects in their first year. TRAID has committed over ÂŁ1,505,802 to projects improving social and environmental conditions in the textile industry including improving the working conditions of over 650,000 garment workers, removing children from bonded and forced labour; supporting cotton farmers to reduce and eliminate pesticide use; establishing co-operative textile businesses and developing eco-friendly textile production processes. This has all come from collecting, reusing and reselling unwanted clothes. Get involved and donate your old clothes today at your local Traid Bank: The Corner House Old Harpenden Road AL3 6AX

UK registered charity no 297489

Volunteers Needed The Harpenden Trust is looking for volunteers to join its Home Visit Team, covering the AL5 area and helping those suffering hardship, financial and otherwise. This involves visiting families or individuals in their home and assessing their (mainly financial) needs. All volunteers receive training and support and meet other members of the team monthly. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to get involved please contact 01582 460457 admin@theharpendentrust.org.uk

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Exceptional Facilities at an Affordable Price

clubhouse and golf course. Whatever your skill level there is a membership category available at a Over the last competitive price.

five years 200 trees Practice facilities are have been available for golfers of all ages Verulam Golf Club, just one mile from planted and abilities, including those St Albans city centre has a wealth of history. new to golf. The dedicated throughout the Legendary golfer Samuel Ryder was Captain PGA Professional staff offer course and with three times and presented the Ryder Cup individual or group lessons the River Ver from the club to promote matches between and for our budding future American and English professional golfers. meandering golfers there is a junior academy run at weekends. through, it The traditional clubhouse has been maintained Whatever your golfing needs with a few modern additions but retains much of provides a haven the facilities, equipment and its history and memorabilia. for wildlife coaching can be found at The Course was founded in 1905 and over the including red Verulam GC. years the present 18-hole course totaling 6429 kites, geese, Society and Visitor yards, originally designed by James Braid, has swans and packages are available and been upgraded to form the excellent golf moorhens challenge of today. The use of the natural terrain, the course and clubhouse subtle borrows on the greens, tight driving holes, creative woodland management and some water make the course an exciting place to hone your golfing skills against the backdrop of The Abbey. Course improvements have been substantial and the club has invested heavily improving the irrigation system, and all the bunkers have been reconstructed to modern standards based on the James Braid style. Investment has been put into a driving range, two driving bays, practice nets, putting green with a short game and bunker facility. Woodland management is a premier course objective with extensive regeneration to add variety and life to the course surrounds and promote wildlife. Over the last five years 200 trees have been planted throughout the course and with the River Ver meandering through, it provides a haven for wildlife including red kites, geese, swans and moorhens. Membership is available with new Lady and Gentlemen members most welcome. Verulam GC is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; club, owned and run by its members for the members thus providing exceptional facilities at an affordable price. Adult, intermediate, junior and social memberships are all available. All members contribute to a vibrant

provides the perfect arena for a corporate or society golf day. Tee times are available, just book through the Club Professional, and your chosen package is completed by our catering facilities which can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to order. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an extensive variety of golfing packages that can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Business Meetings or Private Functions are a specialty with the dining facilities capable of seating over a hundred people including a dance floor. The club layout is interchangeable and can cater for small business meetings up to large training courses or conferences. Private functions, such as birthday parties or wedding receptions enjoy spectacular views and there is additional seating available on a patio overlooking the 18th green. The ideal location to celebrate that private or business function. Why not drop in and have a look round Verulam Golf Club 226 London Road St Albans AL1 1JG 01727 853327 www.verulamgolf.co.uk gm@verulamgolf.co.uk

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What’s on in March 42

until 4th May The Herons are Back see page 32 until 17th May Exhibition: Ancient Egypt Lives for Ever Museum of St Albans www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 1st Luxury Wedding Show see page 5 Run Wild Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, family exploring session, 2-3.30pm, free How the Koala Learned to Hug Hawthorne Theatre, WGC, 2.30pm, ages 3 -103 Chinese New Year Culture Show Watford Palace Theatre, 01923 225671, 5pm, £8 3rd Demonstration: In the Style of Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club meeting, 2pm, all welcome 5th Real Tennis at Hatfield House see page 24 6th World Womens Day of Prayer St Nicholas Parish Church: 10.30am Southdown Methodist Church: 7.45pm Ultimate Genesis see page 4 7th Beethoven's Choral Symphony see page 8 An Evening of Popular Music Sandpit Theatre, St Albans, 01727 731028, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra Academy Big Band, 7.30pm, £20 www.nyjo.org.uk Ultimate 80’s Party see page 6 7th & 8th Octonauts & the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure Milton Keynes Theatre, 10am, 1pm & 4pm 8th Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Watford Colosseum, 7.30pm, £23.50 Wedding Fair Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Harpenden, 01582 760112, 11am - 3pm 9th Commonwealth Flag Raising Ceremony & Act to Commemorate 100 years since WW1 Park Hall, Leyton Road, 01582 768278, 10am 10th Talk: My 30 Best Plants Bob Brown, Cotswold Garden Flowers Nursery, Roundwood Park School, 8pm, £3 harpendengardeningsociety.org 11th & 25th Ghosts & Ghouls Guided Walk meet outside outside the Old Town Hall, St Albans, 8pm, adult £4, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk 12th Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag Watford Colosseum www.watfordcolosseum.com 13th The Hollies see page 6

14th Soroptimist Women's Group serve coffee & cake Wesley’s Cafe High St Methodist Church, for St Albans & Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, 10 - 12.30pm Tree Planting see page 25 Alan Davies-Little Victories see page 6 Impossible God a one-man passion play, Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans, 01727 853448, 7.30pm, adult £5, child £3 14th & 15th Lambing Weekend see page 25 15th Mothers Day Afternoon Teas pages 14 & 15 16th Nathan Carter see page 6 18th Displays by Luton & District Philatelic Society St Marys Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284, 8pm 19th Lecture: Making Ends Meet St Albans Town Hall, local historian Kate Morris on social life & politics of Georgian St Albans, 7.30pm www.stalbans.gov.uk 20th An Evening with Ian McCulloch (Echo & the Bunnymen) Bedford Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, £18.50 www.thepadpresents.com We Say Yeah! see page 4 20th & 21st / 24th - 28th If Only see page 16 22nd Chilterns Cycle Challenge see page 32 23rd Butterfly World re-opens www.butterflyworldproject.com 23rd - 28th Annie see page 26 25th Talk: A History of Rothamsted Manor Fleetville Comunity Centre, St Albans, 7.30pm, £3 Bach’s Matthew see page 26 28th Mozart Requiem & Bach Motets see page 26 The Lark Ascending see page 26 Talk: The Meaning of Art in Ancient Egypt Museum of St Albans, for adults, 1-2pm, £8 29th 1 True Grit Obstacle Challenges see page 20 Chiltern Warrior Run see page 25 30th Harpenden Annual Town Meeting Park Hall, Leyton Road, 7.30pm 31st Talk: Dr Griffith Pugh & the Everest Story Harpenden Small Public Hall, by Harriet Tuckey, Harpenden Local History Society, 8pm

Fully Licenced and Air Conditioned

Excellent Food and Excellent Service Come and enjoy Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine Cooked Daily with Frewsh Meat, Chicken and Vegetables from Local Suppliers

Special Gourmet Nights £10.95 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

FREE HOME DELIVERY on orders over £10 within 4 mile radius “We’re delighted that Town Mayor, Mary Maynard visited us during the 2014 Lights Up and wished us Good Luck for the coming year”

10% Discount on all collected orders over £10 The Council hygienist has scored Shapla 4 Stars

2 Grove Road, Southdown, Harpenden AL5 1PX

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What’s on in April

1st The Bootleg Beatles The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm, £28 Family Fun Wednesdays Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes, 10am - 4pm www.bletchleypark.org.uk 3rd - 5th The Pirates of Treasure Island Grove Theatre, Dunstable www.grovetheatre.co.uk 3rd - 6th Easter Egg Trail Ashridge Estate, 10am - 4pm Easter Egg Trail Chiltern's Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, 11am - 3pm, £2 Day out With Thomas Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, 01296-655720, 10.30am - 5.30pm 5th Easter Egg Hunt & Fun Day see page 24 Easter Sunday Lunch Aldwickbury Park Golf Club, Harpenden, 01582 760112, £23 per person 5th - 6th Jousting at Knebworth Knebworth House, 12.30pm & 2.30pm, £9.50 www.knebworthhouse.com 8th - 12th Snow White on Ice The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 2pm & 7.30pm, £25, £15 11th Mercury Queen see page 4 14th Easter Holiday Statues Workshop see page 8 Hugless Douglass see page 4 Talk: The Alternative Gardening Festival Tim Richardson, founder of the Chelsea Fringe, Roundwood Park School, 8pm, £3 harpendengardeningsociety.org Demonstration: Afternoon Tea by Amanda Punter, Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm, all welcome

15th Hannah Scott see page 4 18th Vienna Festival Ballet 35th Anniversary Gala The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 2.30pm Saturday Organ Concert Series St Peter's Church, St Albans, 01727 844765, JS Bach, Britten, Saint-Saens & Bruch, 5.30pm, free 19th Rye Meads Fun Day Rye Road, Stanstead Abbotts, 01992 708383, with animals, games, competitions & guided walks, 10am - 4pm, £2 21st The Soldier's Tale Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans 7.30pm 23rd The Illegal Eagles The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm, £24.50, £22.50 22nd - 24th And Evermore Shall Be So High Street Methodist Church, murder mystery by High Street Players, 8pm 24th Paul Merton’s Impro Chums The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 8pm, £21, £19 Michael Jackson This Is It - The Tribute see page 4 25th St Alban's District Family Fair The Alban Arena, 10am - 4pm www.alban-arena.co.uk 28th Talk: Recording People’s Memories by Dr Sarah Lloyd & AGM, Harpenden Small Public Hall, Harpenden Local History Society, 8pm 28th April - 2nd May Oliver! St Albans Operatic Society, The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinee, 2pm, £18.50, £17.50, £10

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Holiday Workshops and Term Time Classes in ST ALBANS

www.fineart4kids.com

07949 293463

World Book Day 5th March Thanks to National Book Tokens, publishers and booksellers, World Book Day, in partnership with schools all over the country, will be handing out £1 World Book Day book tokens to every child/young person under 18 in the UK When you get yours, just take it to your local bookshop and swap it for one of ten exclusive £1 World Book Day books! Or get £1 off any full price book instead! Then all YOU have to do is take your book home and enjoy it. The World Book Day Tokens are valid from 2nd -29th March

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Index of Businesses

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants

12 12

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

Electricians I & B Electrical MLC Electrical Selmon Electrical Services

29 30 29

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials Harpenden Digital Services

29 31

Beauty Lavender & Stone

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

Flooring Creative Wood Flooring

Blinds Colourblindz Harpenden Blinds

35 35

Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Garden Centre Bridge Valley Burston Garden Centre

19 19

Gardening / Landscaping AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes Greenshouse & Gardens Supagrass The Garden Tidy

18 21 17 17 17

Gas K25

Golf Club Verulam Golf Club

Health & Fitness The Fit Lab

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd Charity Traid Chimney Sweep Poppins Children’s Art Classes FineArt4Kids! Chiropodists Kathy Witchard

Cleaning Big Yellow Dustbusters Merrivac Mobile Maid Services Murray’s Cleaning Services

13 15 13 14 13

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock Dance & Drama Stagecoach

3 39 45

Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

Hot Tubs A5 Hot Tubs Indian Restaurant Shapla Insurance NFU Mutual Ladies Fashion Seymour Styles Lawyers Stowe Family Law Millinery Love Lupin

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

33 33

Pet Care Personal Petcare

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Girlie Plumbing Pipeworx

27 & 47 27 27

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders Private Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

Recruitment Agency KA Marketing

Security Maximum Security Systems

Shutters Just Shutters

Slimming Alizonne

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

Venue Hire Inn on the Park

Wedding Show Luxury Wedding Show

Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

Windows & Doors Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows Sash Restorations Ltd

37 35 34

43 5 43

back cover 10 9 10

Are you wondering when the long winter nights will come to an end and we enter British Summer time…. ...well it’s on the last Sunday in March, so this year put your clocks forward 1 hour at 1am on the 29th March.

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.

Removals Stephens

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Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk