harpenden NOW March 21

harpenden

Pick p u me m ’ I E FRE

March 2021

NOW

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Welcome to March Looking forward to spring, and hopefully things getting back to some sort of normality, even with us maybe sitting next to each other again working on the magazines rather than on Zoom!

We’ve included as many events as we can to keep you busy both at home and out and about, and as always a selection of local businesses from Accountants to Windows & Doors.

If you’re interested in advertising we’d love to hear from you.

The magazines are monthly and if you don’t have a copy handy, you can always find them on Twitter, Facebook or our website.

In the meantime stay safe and look after yourself and others.

Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines

Advertising Rates 12 months £33 per edition £40 per edition £49 per edition £84 per edition

3 months £43 per edition 1/4 page £52 per edition 1/3 page £64 per edition 1/2 page £110 per edition Full page

other options are available

Please get in touch wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313

Deadline 8th March for April edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Out & About & Online!

Please check websites for any changes

Waddesdon Manor Exhibition: History of the Manor Kitchen until 7th March 11am - 4pm Online The kitchen is being restored to its original state, you can compare today’s surroundings with an image from the archives from 1900. Many of the fixtures and fittings remain recognisable, including the wooden dresser lined with copper pans, serving hatch, tiled walls and extraction hood which help tell the stories of the kitchen staff. Please book Spring at Waddesdon until 21st March Enjoy the gardens as they burst into colour with beautiful bulbs, and white blankets of snowdrops.

Please book Exhibition: Nick Knight: Roses from my Garden until 31st Oct British fashion photographer, Nick Knight’s desire to experiment, push boundaries and challenge his audience has led him to take up a new subject, the classic rose, but expressed in an entirely new way.

Artisan Food Market 13th March 10am - 2pm Delicious, locally-grown food and produce.

Talk: A Rothschild Collection of Books and Manuscripts 16th March 5.30pm Online Join Rachel Jacobs, Curator of Books and Manuscripts and learn about the collection of printed books, manuscripts and book bindings at Waddesdon, including its highlights and its lesser known ‘working library’. Free, please book Exhibition Collecting Stories: Private Worlds to Public Spaces 24th March - 31st Oct 12noon - 4pm Looking at the Rothschild family collections and how they have been recorded. The Rothschilds were among the greatest collectors of the 19th century, seeking objects of the highest quality and with a keen sense of an item’s historical importance. The houses they built, the interiors they created, and the

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magnificent collections within them became known internationally as the ‘goût Rothschild’.

Elephant Family until 31st Oct days & times vary See the herd of life-size elephant sculptures brought to Waddesdon in support of Coexistence campaign. This family of three Indian elephants; a tusker, matriarch and a female calf are sculpted from dried Lantana Camara stalks wrapped over steel structures. Lantana, bought to India by British tea planters as a decorative plant, has become toxic and invasive, outcompeting local flora, further highlighting the damage by humans to global ecosystems. These sculptures take their names from the wild elephants living in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu who modelled for them; Umed (meaning Hope), Philomena and Baachcha.

Grounds admission applies, please book www.waddesdon.org.uk

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust For both events: suggested donation £5, please book Talk: Helping Hertfordshire’s Swifts 19th March 2pm Online Swifts spend most of their life in the air, they eat, sleep, drink, bathe and even mate on the wing.

However, since 1995 we have lost more than half our swifts. Like many other species, they have suffered a tragic loss of habitat and nest sites. Learn what work is being done in Hertford and further afield to reverse this loss by providing new habitats and encouraging them to breed and thrive in Hertfordshire.

Presenter: Jenny Rawson, Senior Reserves Officer, Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Suitable for adults but all ages welcome Talk: Scientific Naming for Beginners 25th March 7pm Online Have you ever wondered why everything has two names, the common one we use every day, and a scientific one, usually made up of two (or more) Latin words. Discover the simple rules used to name animals and plants. Learn how taxonomy is used to classify species - based on common traits and their evolutionary history. Suitable for adults and older children. Presenter: Dave Willis, People and Wildlife Officer Tutorial: Learn to Sketch Red Kites 30th March 2pm Online Settle down with a sketch pad and pencils, and begin to observe and sketch birds in flight. Local artist, Martin Gibbons, will show you how to sketch owls using the basics of shape, form, depth and adding detail. Martin loves capturing light, landscape and wildlife in natural spaces. As a keen birder he has an eye for capturing fleeting moments quickly in the field.

In this workshop you will learn techniques for drawing birds both in the field and from other sources www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

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will need to slightly slant the stick towards the north.

Start at 7am after the sun has risen. Look at the stick as the sun shines down on it, the stick will cast a shadow. Use a pebble to mark the place where the shadow falls on the ground. Return to the stick every hour and use another pebble to mark where the stick’s shadow falls. The shadow will move in a Young Artists Summer Show This is a free, open submission exhibition for young clockwise direction. Continue until dusk. artists aged 5 - 19 years. To take part, ask a teacher www.lutonhooestate.co.uk to register your school to begin the process, then Zoo School students, parents or teachers can submit work Try out the educational online activities from animal online. The artwork is judged, and selected pieces displayed online and at the Royal Academy of Arts. art and bug hunting to brushing up on keeper counting skills. Get those brains whirring, fascination Each student can submit up to three pieces of flourishing, and young conservationists exploring artwork of any type. even more about what makes the animal kingdom Submission closes: 26th April so totally, utterly wild. If you enjoy the activities, Judging: May 2021 please donate to help keep the Zoos running while Exhibitions open: 11th July they’re closed, anything you give really makes a www.youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk difference. Ages 3 to 16 years. www.zsl.org

NOW for the Kids

Make a Sundial

Here’s one of the fun things to do which can be found on the Luton Hoo Estate website. A sundial is a device that uses the position of the sun to reflect the time. An upright stick, called a gnomon, is positioned to cast a shadow onto a pre-marked sundial face. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow also moves. You can make a basic sundial with: a straight stick approx 2 feet long, 12 pebbles and a watch. Find a place that gets full sun exposure all day. Push one end of the stick into the ground. As we live in the Northern Hemisphere, you

Stay-in-Your-Car Treasure Hunt 21st March 9.30am - 2pm Rotary in Harpenden are staging another treasure hunt. Follow written directions for 20 miles in the Flamstead, Codicote and Slip End areas, seeking answers to 55 clues, all visible from the comfort of your car. Cars will leave Bowers Way Car Park East, Harpenden AL5 4EQ at 5 minute intervals from 9.30am to 2pm. A fee of £10 per car will go to support Herts & Essex Air Ambulance Trust. Prizes for the winner and runners-up, please book. www.rotaryinharpenden.org.uk

Helping Children believe they can do anything Singing, dancing and acting for 4 -16 year-olds

HARPENDEN 01525 717567 stagecoach.co.uk/harpenden

ST ALBANS 01525 630183 stagecoach.co.uk/stalbans

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More Out & About & Online!

Please check websites for any changes

Hatfield House Hot Air Balloon Ride 1st March - 31st Oct No other flying experience comes close to the magic of a hot air balloon ride, as you go up, up and away to incredible heights. You’ll have the opportunity to float on air with breath-taking views and help with balloon inflation and deflation, followed by a glass of Prosecco when you come back down to earth. £99 - £139, please book NGS Gardens Open for Charity 20th March 11am - 4pm Since its foundation in 1927, the National Gardens Scheme has donated over £55 million to nominated beneficiaries. Enjoy the spring bulbs in the lime walk, sundial garden and view the famous Old Palace garden, childhood home of Elizabeth I, and the woodland garden, at it’s best in spring with masses of daffodils and bluebells. Adult £6, child free Tickets available on the day only Dogs and Daffs Charity Walk 21st March 9.30am - 4pm Banish those winter blues and put your best foot forward in aid of Riding for Disabled - Digswell Place Group. Register with your pooch and stroll the grounds of Hatfield Park which will be open exclusively for walkers and their dogs. Please book www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Hertfordshire Archives Online using MS Teams Researching the History of Your House 4th March 2pm £7 An informal online introduction to the principal sources used to research the history of your house, led by the Local Studies Librarian.

Getting Started with Your Caribbean Family History 17th March 7pm £7 Interested in researching your Caribbean ancestry but don't know where to start? Take the plunge at this online introductory session with an expert. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-andarchives

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Knebworth House Spend Mother’s Day enjoying a delicious brunch or afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco, then explore the grounds and park (included in ticket price) Mother’s Day Brunch 14th March 11am - 1.30pm £37.20 Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea 14th March 2pm - 4.30pm £37.20 Acoustic Sunday Lunch 21st March 2pm - 4.30pm £31.20 Get over the winter blues and enjoy a delicious Sunday roast with musical entertainment.

Soul Saturday Brunch 27th March 11am - 2pm £41.40 Indulge in a two-course soul themed brunch with bottomless Prosecco or beer while listening to the soul singer set the vibe. www.knebworthhouse.com

Aldenham Country Park When restrictions are lifted why not visit 100 Aker Wood, the home of Winnie the Pooh and his friends, perfect for picnics, storytelling, photos and nature trails. The farm shop will be open and selling freerange meat and eggs, and the Clockhouse Kiosk and Rustic Rhubarb offer takeaways. Aldenham is a haven for a wide diversity of flora and fauna and a great place for photography and wildlife watching. You’ll see ducks, Canada geese, swans, dragonflies rabbits and squirrels!

Aldenham Country Park, Elstree WD6 3BA www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Become a Hedgehog Champion Hedgehogs are in trouble; we’ve lost a third since the millennium. To help them survive they need access to gardens and that’s where you can help.

There are more than 70,000 Hedgehog Champions forming a vibrant and enthusiastic community. You don’t need any special skills, just a bit of initiative and a love for the spiny creatures.

Make a hole in your garden fence or wall, then map it on the BIG Hedgehog Map on the website. You can also register on Hedgehog Street and become a ‘Hedgehog Champion’, learn about hedgehogs and make donations.

Hedgehog Street is run by a small, committed group of people, but it’s part of a much wider conservation project aimed at helping our wild hedgehogs.

They rely on donations to support this work, why not join them. www.hedgehogstreet.org

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W lun e als oe ch trip es & njoy s to the get atre h er

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before

Residential & commercial interior contractor specialising in flooring, curtains & blinds, furniture & lighting, upholstery & French Polishing after

Unit 4 Redbourn Industrial Centre, High Street, Redbourn AL3 7LG info@wallstreet.uk.net 01582 793367 07979 750838 www.wallstreet.uk.net

Join The Arts Society Know lots about The Arts, or hardly anything? Then why not see what the local Arts Society groups have to offer. The Arts Society was founded as a national organisation over 50 years ago to provide talks on all aspects of the arts by eminent speakers.

In Harpenden there are two societies; Harpenden Area (TASHA) and Harpenden Evening (TASHE). At present lectures are delivered via Zoom, which also enables them to arrange virtual walks and visits, both in the UK and overseas, usually with Blue Badge Guides or similar. Pre-Covid, they provided visits to special art exhibitions and stately homes and even multi-day trips to cities of interest. Lectures in March include Hampton Court Palace - The necessary splendour of a Tudor King, and Burlington House and The Royal Academy, and later in the year The Beatles and the Art World and Halcyon Days! Punch Magazine.

Currently they’re delivering art packs to the local Food Bank and the Salvation Army for local families with young children.

Why not join and take advantage of two lectures per month. All are welcome. www.theartssocietyharpendenareadfas.org.uk www.tashe.org.uk or email theartshe@gmail.com

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Pandemic Portraits 1st March - 30th Sept free Living through the Covid Pandemic is the biggest challenge faced by us for over 70 years. Since October local photographer Nic Madge has been recording the way in which we are surviving by making portraits of people as they go about their daily lives.

Each photo shows an individual with and without their facemask with a quote about how the Pandemic has affected them, capturing a snapshot of St Albans under lockdown. Nic plans to keep taking photos until the end of September. The full collection of images will then be added to St Albans Museums' collection. All portraits will be displayed together as a short film when the Museum reopens and will be updated as more photos are taken. To take part in Pandemic Portraits, weather permitting, Nic will be standing outside the Museum + Gallery a couple of days a week. If you’re part of a group who are keen to be photographed email nicmadge@ntlworld.com St Albans Museum + Gallery www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

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01582 766728 Open Early March

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Spring Plants

Now Available

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COMPOSTS Including our professional mixture with Osmocote and composted stable manure for mulch and soil improvement

LAWN MOWER SALES & SERVICING WATER SOFTENER SALT Free delivery on orders over £10 within the AL5 area Townsend Lane Harpenden AL5 2RH 01582 713083 info@townsendnursery.com

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Local, Reliable, Dependable Providing help to those that need it in and around the home, from simple tasks to assisting with outings, companionship and offering respite to carers who may simply need a break.

Contact us today

Celine: 07742 064245 Sarah: 07742 064246 info@caringconnections.co www.caringconnections.co

Tailor made assistance with independent living To Advertise 07983 588313 wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and

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Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover

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M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 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 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com

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Index of Businesses

Accountants Hicks

Conservatory Roof Solutions 7 12 Nu-Look

Dance & Drama Bathing Mobility 8 AHM Installations Ltd 4 Stagecoach Bathing Mobility Advisory Service 5 Finance Blinds Continuum 13 Harpenden Blinds 4 Garage Doors Garolla Building / Refurbishment 2 AJR Building Services 3 Garden Nurseries / Centre Complete Refurbishment 16 & Roofing Front Cover Bridge Valley Nursery 16 Kingsholme Back Cover Townsend Nursery 17 Open Plan Solutions 25 Vanstone Park Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Car Servicing / Repairs RTI Auto Services Ltd Charity Harpenden Trust Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning A&R Exterior Cleaning Services Ltd Domestique Merrivac Molly Maid Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

Gardening / Landscaping 2 AR Landscapes Ltd Protea Garden Service 3 Gas Engineer Be Heated

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

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Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

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Pest Control The Verminator Wasp Guys

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Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

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Security Harpenden Alarms Ltd Maximum Security

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Singing Club Clover Singing Club

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Solicitors Rayden Solicitors

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Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

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Venue Hire Harpenden Trust

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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

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11 Hearing Services 9 Hearing Healthcare 11 Practice 9 Home Care Caring Connections 30 Interior Design Wall Street Interiors

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Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

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28 Hairdresser Image Mobile Hairdressing 23 Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

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Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services

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 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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Discounts on all Bathrooms & Kitchens Supplied

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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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 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

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Senior Citizens 10% off all prices Dry Cut Wash & Cut Blow Dry Cut & Blow Dry Restyle & Finish Shampoo & Set Cut & Set Perm from

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£28 £24 £36 £26 £24 £26 £9 £7

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