harpenden NOW NOV 23

Welcome to November

As always we’ve squeezed in as much as we can with Firework Displays, Christmas Fairs and Markets, Local Theatre, Music and lots more. With so many local businesses from Bicycle Repairs to Builders, Car Servicing to Computer Repairs, Hairdressing to Home Care, Painters to Property Maintenance, Security to Solicitors and Windows to Wine Tasting, whoever you call please let them know you found them in the NOW magazines.

If you run your own business we’d love to include you, it’s so easy just book your space online today!

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Advertising Rates

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£49 per edition £64 per edition 1/2 page £84 per edition £110 per edition Full page other options are available

You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 8th Nov for Dec editions wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com

The Alban Arena

Ben Portsmouth - This Is Elvis

3rd Nov 8pm £35.50 £32.50

Celebrating the life and telling the story of the King, take a trip down memory lane with many of Elvis’ most loved songs from the 1950s to the iconic ’68 Comeback Special, and Ben’s personal favourite, the 1970s Vegas concerts.

Queenz: The Show With Balls

4th Nov 7.30pm £28.50, £26.50

With the moves of Britney and voices like Whitney, these dragtastic divas will have you feeling fierce and fabulous before you know it! With a set list of remixed and reimagined pop anthems, including, ‘Queen Of The Night, Born This Way, Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Musical Mashups and so much more!

Elf The Musical

7th - 11th Nov

Elf the Musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole, This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Viggo Venn

12th Nov 7.30pm £23

After blowing away the competition in an explosion of hi-vis jackets, balloons, and joyous idiocy, Viggo became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country by winning Britain’s Got Talent in June. Age 12+

The Makings Of A Murderer

17th Nov 7.30pm £29.50

Join The Scottish Detective, David Swindle, for a chilling, thrilling, night at the theatre. True crime fans, and those with a curious mind, can explore the cases, the circumstances and the detective’s perspective on what really went on, the early warning signs and the clues behind The Makings of a Murderer! David also looks at the connections to the local area of the most famous murder cases.

Sister Sledge Live featuring Kathy Sledge

18th Nov 7.30pm

VIP £77, standard £37, £32, £27

Experience Kathy Sledge’s unique soulful vocals and infectious energy, expect all the hits Lost in Music, We are Family, The Greatest Dancer, My Guy and many more.

Big Band At Christmas

20th Nov 2.30pm £20.50, £18

Enjoy your favourite Christmas songs with hits from the dynamic Big Band sounds such as Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie and Nat King Cole –jazzing up those Jingle Bells!

Radio Ga Ga 21st Nov 7.30pm £29.50

Break free and shake all over like a jellyfish as Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live on stage, celebrating the magic, fun and showmanship of Queens touring days. Playing hits including Don’t Stop Me Now, I Want to Break Free, We are the Champions, We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and more.

An Evening of Burlesque

22nd Nov 7.30pm £29.50

Join us for a good old-fashioned night out as we bring you the ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque. With world-class entertainers and stars of the stage and screen, expect fun, feathers and fabulous costumes, specialty artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and champagne showgirls! Age 18+

John Robins: Howl 24th Nov 7.30pm £23

Edinburgh Comedy Award winning comedian and ARIA award-winning broadcaster John Robins embarks on his first stand-up tour since 2019. If you’ve seen him before you know what to expect; rage, anxiety and a lot of laughs.Age 16+

Gary Delaney: Gary in Punderland

25th Nov 7.30pm £22.50

Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world with star of Live at the Apollo. One of the most sought after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass and he’s ready to bring you a brand new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft.

The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

NOW at the Museums

Verulamium Museum

Gallery Talks

Hear the story of Verulamium come to life. Free Domestic Life 4th Nov 11.30am

Trading in the Empire 11th Nov 11.30am

Grand Designs 18th Nov 11.30am

House in the Park 25th Nov 12.30pm

Meet at The Roman Hypocaust

Tots Tales 24th Nov 10.30am & 1.15pm

A story, craft activities and a treasure hunt. This months story is The Something by Rebecca Cobb.

Ages 2- 4, £5, please book

Verulamium Museum, St Albans AL3 4SW

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Time for Tea until 5th Nov

Exploring the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup with activities, talks and creative workshops.

Exhibition: Ballito Bombshells until 4th Feb free

Charting the history of the Ballito Hosiery Mill in Fleetville; from Silk to Steel it was a major landmark in Fleetville from the 20s to the 60s.

Town Hall Tour: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums 17th Nov 2.30pm free

Follow a guide through the museum and discover it’s fascinating functions and features. Please book

Reminiscence Session - World War II

3rd Nov 2pm free

Join the friendly museum reminiscence group as they handle a selection of both replica and real objects from the past. This week they will look at objects from WWII, when the Ballito factory in St Albans changed from manufacturing stockings to munitions almost overnight.

The Zombies Come Home: in Conversation & Acoustic Set 10th Nov 8pm £50

Join Jo Kendall in conversation with The Zombies’ original band members Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White and Hugh Grundy. Hear how the band formed, perfecting their sound in the pubs and live music venues of St Albans, rising to fame in the 60s with their hits She’s Not There and Time of the Season.

Museum Minis 13th Nov 1pm & 2pm

A story and craft activity along with a museum treasure hunt looking for objects or characters from the story. This month's story is Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor and Jean Jullien.

Ages 2 - 4, £5, please book

Orange The World Campaign

27th Nov 4pm - 5pm

Join the Soroptimist Women's Group for the 2023 campaign to support an end to violence against women. www sigbi.org

St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

St Albans Sleepout

10th Nov 8pm

Spend a night under the stars with live music, workshops, talks from local charities, and a bit of a reality check, to see what life is like for Hertfordshire’s homeless.

Running since the 90s, the Sleepout has raised hundreds of thousands for Hertfordshire homeless charities: Herts Young Homeless, Open Door, The Living Room, Emmaus and Centre 33.

Jonny Whitehead, Chief Executive of Herts Young Homeless, said: “It is an inspiring event, giving a small insight into what life is like for our young people who have no choice but to rough sleep. If homelessness happens early in life, it can set a pattern for the rest of a young person’s life, with 85% of older homeless people first becoming homeless when they were teenagers.”

Oaklands College, St Albans www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk

Ground Cover

Ground cover planting is a wonderful way to create carpets of colour in your garden. The first few months will take some effort, but once it starts to grow the planting needs little maintenance except some food and water in drier weather.

It has a smothering effect on weeds and deters new ones from appearing. The denser the groundcover planting, the better the effect.

Early November is a great time for planting trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants as they establish extremely well, still having relatively warm and yet moist soil, a perfect place for new roots to grow out and establish rapidly.

Clear the area of weeds, removing debris such as large stones, then fork in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost, and perhaps a little slow-release feed too.

If you’re planting up a slope, it’s worth securing the soil too, as the weed clearing will have loosened the surface and made it prone to erosion. Once growing well, the plant roots will help secure the slope, in the meantime, use landscape fabric and pin it down.

Don’t cram the plants in too closely as they’re likely to become stressed and prone to disease. Make sure the plants are kept just moist at the roots until established and feed occasionally. By choosing varieties recommended for groundcover you’ll be unlikely to have much pruning.

If you want a reasonable effect all year round, then select some evergreens so you’ll never be left with totally bare soil. Here are some ideas:

Shrubs: Heaths and Heathers, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster microphyllus, Stephandra incise ‘Crispa’, groundcover roses eg the ‘Flower Carpet’ roses.

Shade-Tolerant Plants: Sarcococca hookeriana var.humilis, Mahonia repens, Gaultheria procumbens, Hypericum calycinum, many hebes including Hebe pinguifolia, Euonymus fortune cultivars such as ‘Emerald n’Gold’, ‘Emerald Gaiety’

Herbaceous Plants for Shadier Spots: Sweet violets, pulmonaria (lungworts) eg the white-flowered

‘Sissinghurst’, Bugle (the ajugas eg Ajuga reptans

‘Burgundy Glow’), Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny), Lily-of-the-valley, Lamium ‘White Nancy’ and Lamium ‘Silver Beacon’, Bergenia

Sunnier Groundcover: Snow-in-summer, thymes, oregano, many of the sedums, chamomile.

by Pippa Greenwood

Off With a Bang!

Katherine Warington School

3rd Nov gates 6pm

£8, child £6, u3’s free, limited parking £10

Lower Luton Road, Harpenden AL5 5FH

www.kw-arts.co.uk/box-office

OA’s Rugby Club 3rd Nov from 6pm

With dazzling lights and explosive entertainment to light up the night sky. £13, child £8, family £16.50 160 Harpenden Road, St Albans AL3 6BB www.oasport.com

Willows Farm 3rd & 4th Nov gates 5.30pm

Enjoy a fizz, pop and a very low bang! Just so you know all the animals will be looked after elsewhere during the event. £12.95

Willows Activity Farm, London Colney AL4 0PF

www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Crabtree School 4th Nov

All proceeds go to the school. Crabtree Junior School, Harpenden AL5 5PU

Mead Open Farm

4th Nov 2pm - 8pm, display 6.30pm

A spectacular firework display set to popular children’s music, meet the animals and enjoy floodlit outdoor and indoor play areas. £16

Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Hatfield Community Fireworks

4th Nov 4.30pm

A professionally staged display, activities and food. £10, child £2.50, parking £6

Angerland Park & Ride Site, Hatfield AL10 8HS www.hatfield-herts.gov.uk

Cassiobury Park 4th Nov 6pm free

This amazing spectacle just gets better every year with the display reaching heights of up to 850 feet in the night sky. Gade Ave, Watford WD18 7LG www.watfordevents.com

Tring Festival of Fire 4th Nov 6pm

A charity event that raises money to support sport in the local community.

Tring Park Cricket Club, Tring HP23 6HA

www.tringfireworks.co.uk

Redbourn

4th Nov 5pm free

With a firework display, a funfair, food and a raffle. Redbourn Common AL3 www.redbourn-pc.gov.uk

St Albans 4th Nov 7.30pm, gates 6pm

In aid of local charities; Youth Talk and Open Door

St Albans. Please book, £10, child £5 Family (2 adults, 2 children) £25

Verulamium Park AL1 3JE www.stalbanscathedral.org

London Colney 5th Nov from 4pm

A fantastic firework display, along with fun fair rides, mulled wine and food stalls.

Morris Way Playing Fields, St Albans AL2 1FT www.londoncolney-pc.gov.uk

Wheathampstead 5th Nov from 4.30pm

Spectacular firework display, BBQ, donuts, candy floss and lots more. All proceeds will help the school fund extra facilities and activities. Please book, £6, child £4, U3’s free Beech Hyde School, Wheathampstead, Al4 8TP www.tickettailor.com

NOW for a Walk

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Highfield Park

YMCA Highfield Park Centre

59 Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB

Mondays 9.30am - grade 3

Tuesdays 1.30pm - 1st steps, wheelchair / buggy friendly

Tuesdays 1.30pm - grade 3

Harpenden

Conference Centre car park, Rothamsted

Research, West Common AL5 2JQ

Tuesdays 10.30am - grade 3

Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre

Meet in front of the basketball court, 12 Old Oak, St Albans AL1 2EF

Tuesdays 11.45am - 1st steps wheelchair / buggy friendly

Wheathampstead

Meet at East Lane Car Park AL4 8BL

Thursdays 10.30am - grade 4/4+

Saturday 4th Nov 2pm - grade 4

Greenwood Park

Meet outside the Community Centre AL2 3HW

Fridays 2pm - grade 3

Batchwood Hall

Batchwood Hall Car Park, St Albans AL3 5XA

Sunday 19th Nov 10.30am - grade 4

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Seasonal Foraging Walk

4th Nov 2pm - 4pm

Hitchin Forager Jane Simmons, will guide you to seek out wild food ingredients, discussing the properties of various hedgerow and woodland plants, and share tips on how to use them in cooking, teas, jams and preserves. Wild food sample preparations included. Please book

Meet: Redhill Road, Hitchin SG5 2NY www.bookwhen.com

Hertfordshire Half Marathon & 10k

5th Nov

Starting and finishing at Knebworth House this road closed half marathon takes you around surrounding rural roads. Why not sign up today!

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX www.hertshalf.com

St Albans City Walks

Historic St Albans

5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Nov 11.15am

Ghosts & Ghouls

9th & 23rd Nov 7.30pm

Street War Memorials

11th Nov 10.45am & 12th Nov 2.30pm

Walks cost £6, please book online www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Land of Lights Glow Walk

17th Nov

Dress in your best glow outfit and join this Spectacular charity event. £5 of each ticket will go directly to BBC Children in Need. Please book Gullivers Land, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT www miltonkeynes.landoflights.co.uk

MOBILE BICYCLE

318 Watford Road Chiswell Green St Albans AL2 3DP

Out & About

North Hertfordshire Museum

Exhibition: The Story of Windrush Migrants until 12th Nov 11am - 4.30pm

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the arrival to the UK of 493 passengers on The Empire Windrush. This ‘Windrush Generation’, arriving from 1948, had heeded the call of the government to travel to Britain and help rebuild a nation shattered by WW2. The exhibition illustrates the invaluable contributions of both the Windrush passengers and subsequent generations to British life.

Exhibition: Samuel Lucas until 12th Nov

See over forty paintings and drawings by Samuel Lucas (1805-1870) , Hitchin’s most celebrated artist during the Victorian period. The paintings cover his interest in local landscapes and wildlife, and his work as a Quaker in the anti-slavery movement. North Hertfordshire Museum, Hitchin SG5 1JE www.northhertsmuseum.org

Traditional Afternoon Tea until 30th Nov

Wednesdays, Thursday & Fridays 12pm - 3pm

Enjoy a cuppa alongside a selection of delicious sandwiches, sweet treats and freshly baked scones with jam and cream served on vintage crockery, while overlooking the Downs. Please book View Café Dunstable Downs www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Sustainable St Albans

Open Day: Victorian Terrace Eco House

4th Nov 9.30am & 11.30am

Judith Leary-Joyce, author of Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation, will take you on a tour of her Victorian terrace in Bernard’s Heath to understand the different elements of retrofitting for energy saving and the environment. Please book

Repair Fair 4th Nov 1.30pm - 4pm free

Fix it, don’t chuck it! Bring your faulty electrical items worn fabrics and bikes for checks/minor adjustments, where skilled amateur fixers will do their best to put them right. Please book

Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre AL1 2EF

Harpenden Sustainability Market

19th Nov 10am - 3pm Lower High Street www.sustainablestalbans.org

Oaklands Zoo

5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Nov & 3rd Dec 10am & 1pm

The St Albans campus is home to a range of livestock, a fully functioning equine yard and the Habitat Centre - housing various animals including

marmosets, lemurs, rabbits, aquatics and reptiles. Why not go along and get to know some of them. Please book, £7 Oaklands College, South Drive AL4 0JA www.eventbrite.co.uk

St Albans South Signal Box

12th Nov 2pm - 5pm

With signal demonstrations, railway videos and a slideshow of the restoration, and in the garden you can operate working signals and a point, see lit oil lamps, a telegraph 'pole route' and the garden railway. Free www.tlr.ltd.uk/sigbox

Soroptimist Women's Group 13th Nov 7.30pm

Come along and find out more at this new venue. Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre AL1 2EF www.sigbi.org

Floral Demonstration 'A Touch of Sparkle'

23rd Nov 7.30pm

With Harpenden Evening Floral Group, all welcome. Katherine Warington School, Harpenden AL5 5FH 07747 018620

Talk: Luton Hoo Estate Fire Brigade

24th Nov 11am

Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

The Libraries

Baby Rhyme Time

Harpenden Library: Thursdays 10am & 11.30am

Fun, half hour sessions of songs and rhymes, perfect for helping your child learn language skills and an opportunity for you to meet other families.

Knit & Natter

St Albans Library: Fridays 2pm Chat and knit, stitch, sew or craft over a cuppa.

Storytime

Harpenden Library: Tuesdays 2.15pm

Discover lots of new stories as well as old favourites like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo, then choose your books to borrow. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Shop & Trolley Volunteer

Do you want to make a difference to your local hospital, if so volunteers are needed to help with both the shop and the trolley service. If you want to be part of something that supports staff, patients and visitors please get in touch

BHNCharityHub@ldh.nhs.uk or 07800 711370

NOW for some Entertainment

The Radlett Centre

Hancock’s Half Hour

1st Nov 7.30pm £19

Take a trip to East Cheam to join ‘the lad himself’ and his motley crew for three classic episodes of this hilarious show.

Shark in the Park

2nd Nov 1.30pm & 4.30pm £15

A fantastic family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) on his exciting adventures Ages 2 - 7

Paul Zerdin: Puppetman

4th Nov 7.30pm £22

Join the America’s Got Talent winner in this brandnew comedy show, with an array of ‘funny and sharptongued’ creations! Age 14+

Captain Calamity: Big Bucket of Banger’s Show

5th Nov 12 noon £14

A sparkling mix of magic and mayhem, expect jaw dropping family fun and insanity featuring magic, balloons, silly science, games, cheeky tunes and one or two custard pies.

Around The World in 88 Piano Keys

8th Nov 7.30pm £18

A fascinating tour of the world of piano music including pieces by Grieg, Liszt, Bartok and Albeniz.

Back to Bacharach

9th Nov 7.30pm £26.50

With hits including; Alfie, What The World Needs

Now, The Look Of Love, I Say A Little Prayer, Close To You, Walk On By, What's New Pussycat, Always Something There To Remind Me, Magic Moments, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head and many more.

Celine - My Heart Will Go On

10th Nov 7.30pm £28

An unmissable evening paying homage to the Queen of Power Ballads.

Rave On - Bluejays 25th Nov 7.30pm £28

A musical experience like no other, with performers from West End productions: The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Dreamboats & Petticoats, be transported back to the fabulous 50’s and swinging 60’s in stunningly authentic style.

The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL

www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Hat Works & Hat Factory Arts Centre

Exhibition: Hat Antics

2nd Nov - 19th Jan 10am - 5pm free

An exhibition of hat artworks inspired by a playful delve into the collections at Wardown House Museum and The Hat Works in Stockport.

Hat Works, 47 Guildford Street, Luton LU1 2NQ

Party Hats Kids Workshop

11th Nov 10am, 11.30am & 1pm

Have fun decorating hats ready for the Christmas party season. Lots of fabulous materials provided free for your imagination to run wild.

Ages 5 - 12, free but please book

Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY

Family Film Club: Frozen Sing-a-Long

18th Nov 10.30am

Celebrate 10 years of Frozen in this sing-a-long version of the film. £3.50, please book

Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

The Eric Morecambe Centre

100 and Counting: John McGuinness & James Whitham

3rd Nov 7.30pm £26.50

Hear the fascinating tales of these men as they talk about their achievements at the top level of motorbike racing and their plans for the future.

There’s A Monster In Your Show

8th Nov 1.30pm & 4.30pm

9th Nov 10.30am & 1.30pm £16.50, child £14.50

Expect plenty of fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters from the ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series come to life in a show packed with interactive moments to enjoy together.

Fascinating Aïda The 40th Anniversary Show!

10th Nov 7.30pm £29.50

Celebrating 40 years on the road, Dillie, Liza and Adèle, are still uniquely charming, with diamondsharp satire, filthy, hilarious, belligerent, political, poignant and outrageous!

Bootleg 60’s

11th Nov 7.30pm £28

With skilled musicians and authentic instruments, be transported back to the era of rock ‘n’ roll, flower power, and the cultural revolution with hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and many more.

Ventriloquist: ‘A Day in the Life of Arthur Lager’

17th Nov 7.30pm £16.50, child £13.50

Steve Hewlett brings Arthur Lager to life in this unique story of a dummy who lived before the ventriloquist came along.

EMC, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.the-emc.co.uk

Watford Palace Theatre

Rangdhvani - The Sounds of Colour

4th Nov 7pm from £12

Celebrate Diwali and enjoy an evening of performance and festivities, from the vibrant folk sounds of Holi, the heavenly sounds of monsoon, the devotional sound of bhakti to the soul stirring romantic songs of Radha and Krishna.

Kinky Boots

7th - 11th Nov 7.30pm & 11th Nov 2.30pm

Cassio Productions strut into Watford Palace with Kinky Boots. Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. In dire need of help, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer with a penchant for stilettos! Together, this unlikely pair discover that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible.

Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

The Old Town Hall

Miniature Travelling Circus

5th Nov 11.30m & 2.30pm

See beautiful puppets, magic tricks, performing mice and acrobatic fleas.

£12, child £10, please book, ages 3 - 6

The Bubble Show

11th Nov 2pm

Actor, storyteller, and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker, is one of the top bubble artists in the world, bringing you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza!

£12, child £10, please book, ages 3-12

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

16th Nov 8pm

An interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Sing a Song of Murder”. A unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation. £21, age 14+

A Christmas Carol

23rd - 26th Nov

Draw near for an evening of mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig, and Cratchit to

discover the true meaning of Christmas: tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.

From £13, age 12+

High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Live on Screen

Royal Ballet: Don Quixote

7th Nov 7.15pm & 12th Nov 2pm

Don Quixote, regales the adventures of the eccentric nobleman and his faithful squire Sancho Panza, as they help to bring a vivacious young couple, Kitri and Basilio together. This energetic 19th-century ballet is a wonderful showcase for the virtuosity of The Royal Ballet's Principal dancers.

From £12

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

The Barn Theatre

Nigel Slater’s Toast

10th - 18th Nov 8pm & 18th Nov 2.30pm

A play about growing up with food!

Jazz at the Barn

24th Nov 8pm

An evening of Jazz at the Barn.

Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

Abbey Theatre

Parfumerie

10th, 11th & 14th - 18th Nov 8pm

12th Nov 2.30pm £14, concs £12

A romantic comedy about the tangled love lives of staff of Hammerschmidt’s Parfumerie in 1930s Budapest. George is fired as he’s wrongly suspected of having an affair and so misses his first meeting with the woman he loves but with whom he has only exchanged letters. Deception and misunderstanding threaten to disrupt the lives of the owner and his employees, until all is happily and unexpectedly resolved.

Comedy Hotspot 23rd Nov 8pm £15

A line-up including Roger Monkhouse, Sol Bernstein -the oldest living Jewish comedian, Kate Martin, and Mike Gunn who appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2D www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Do I need a pre-nuptial agreement?

Pre and post nuptial agreements are entered into by couples before or after marriage. There has been a recent rise in the popularity in these agreements but, as solicitors, we are often asked whether these are really necessary and how they are viewed in the eyes of the law.

The Court’s approach to pre and post nuptial agreements has changed greatly in recent years. There is now the presumption that the couple intended to be bound by the agreement at the time. This means they are likely to be upheld as long as the agreement was fundamentally fair, both parties had the opportunity to seek legal advice and were in a calm and rational state. Also there cannot be any elements of fraud, duress or misrepresentation.

These agreements are an effective way to protect inheritance, family or personal wealth where there may be a disparity between the couple. In the cases of second marriages, these

agreements can be used to preserve an element of the estate for children from a previous relationship. They can also be used as a tool to protect property that may be difficult to split or any business and investments that either party may wish to preserve.

To ensure the agreement is as watertight as possible, it is important to seek legal advice on the parameters and the specific drafting. At Rayden Solicitors, we are highly experienced in agreements such as these. If you would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Saffiya Sheikh, Solicitor Rayden Solicitors Harpenden

Out of Town

Tring Natural History Museum

LGBTQ+ Animal Tour 7th Nov 7pm £6

Delve into love in the animal kingdom, from samesex partner penguins to the lavender rhino symbol used as a gay rights symbol in the 1970s.

SENDsational Morning

12th Nov 10am - 12 noon

A chance for children with neurodiverse conditions to enjoy the Museum at a quieter time. Free, please book

Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP

www.nhm.ac.uk

Shuttleworth

Behind-the-scenes Tour & Lunch with The Chief Engineer 9th Nov 10.30am £60

Get up close to the historic aviation exhibits and learn their stories from the man responsible for running and maintaining this unique collection. Following lunch, you are welcome to enjoy the Collection and Garden at your leisure.

Shuttleworth in Lights

24th Nov - 17th Dec £13.50, child £8

See the Swiss Garden lit up in spectacular new ways, then take the illuminated trail through over 100 years of aviation and automotive history.; from the WW1 aircraft that soared above no-man’s land to those that have starred in Hollywood blockbusters, steam engines, buses, motorbikes, carriages and much more.

Biggleswade SG18 9DT

www.shuttleworth.org

Talk: Britain’s V-Bomber Deterrent: The Threat to Destroy Moscow and Leningrad 17th Nov 6.30pm £10

With Dr Tony Redding, a military historian who, following a seven-year research project, involving interviews with over 70 V-Force veterans and the examination of over 300 official documents, has produced a book; V-bombers: Britain’s nuclear frontline in the Cold War. which gets to the truth.

RAF Museum London NW9 5LL

www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Hatfield House

Winter Market 18th Nov 10.30am - 4pm

With a wide range of festive treats and gifts in the in support of Isabel Hospice.

£2.50, child free, please book, parking £2.50

Riding School, Stable Yard

Christmas Wine Fair 25th Nov 2pm - 6pm

Showcasing over 100 wines from world class winemakers and producers from every continent. Taste every style from warming reds, Port and Sherry to crisp whites and bubbly. There will also be local craft ale and spirits to sample. £35

Fantastical Christmas Revels

Hosted by Queen Elizabeth I

30th Nov - 31st Dec 1pm - 7pm

Step into the realm of Tudor festivities hosted by Elizabeth I in a journey through time and tradition, where yuletide merriment meets regal majesty.

£28, child £14

Hatfield House AL9 5HX

www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Waddesdon

Christmas Fair 22nd Nov - 17th Dec

The Manor will be transformed into a fantastical and festive wonderland with new displays in the house and light projections on the Manor façade inspired by three classic tales. Go on a magical adventure as you enter the wondrous world of Alice in Wonderland, find the Snow Queen’s kingdom and fly with Peter Pan to Neverland.

Grounds from £10, grounds & house from £16.50

Christmas Afternoon Tea

22nd Nov - 31st Dec & 1st Jan 12.30pm - 5pm

Treat yourself to afternoon tea with a selection of savoury treats and sweet fancies. Please book £32.50, child £17.50

Winter Cellar Tour & Tasting 24th Nov & 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd Dec 2.30pm £15

Enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the historic cellars, while learning the history of wine production that interweaves the three wine producing arms of the Rothschild family.

Waddesdon HP18 0JH

www.waddesdon.org.uk

Meet the Author 25th Nov 3pm £15

Dr David Kenyon, Bletchley Park’s Research Historian, will be giving an exclusive talk on his new book, Arctic Convoys: Bletchley Park and the War for the Seas

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB

www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Feeling Festive

Christmas Craft & Food Fayre Spectacular

4th & 5th Nov 9.30am - 3.30pm

Pick up some amazing Christmas gifts, made by a host of talented local businesses. www.jordansmill.com

Meet Santa at Van Vage

4th Nov - 22nd Dec (selected dates)

Guided by Santa’s little helpers, make your way to meet him and receive a very special gift. £12.50, please book

Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk

Meet Santa at Burston

11th, 18th, 19th, 25th & 26th Nov & 29th Nov - 24th Dec

Visit Santa in his magical Christmas grotto. Burston Garden Centre, St. Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

St Georges Christmas Fayre

18th Nov 1pm - 4pm

St George’s School, Harpenden AL5 4TD

St Albans Christmas Cracker

19th Nov 12 noon - 6pm

St Albans kicks off the festive shopping season with a cracking day out for all the family. With entertainment from local choirs and theatre companies as well as market stalls and street food, crafts, games and Santa's grotto. Performances will take place in the city centre throughout the afternoon. Make your own wrapping paper and reindeer food for Christmas Eve and play with traditional wooden games.

Wheathampstead Lights Up & Christmas Market

23rd Nov

4pm - 8pm: Christmas Market in the Crinkle Crankle Gardens

5.50pm - 8pm: Festivities on the High Street

6pm: Lights switch on

Market stalls, Santa's grotto, food and drink, fairground rides and carols.

High Street, Wheathampstead AL4 8BB

Hertford Christmas Gala 24th Nov 3pm - 9pm

With market stalls, a performance stage with live entertainment plus fairground rides and much more! The lights will be switched on at 6pm

Hertford Town Centre

www.hertford.gov.uk

Hertford Castle Christmas Market

24th Nov 3.30pm - 8pm / 25th Nov 11am - 6pm

26th Nov 11am - 5pm

Set in the beautiful Castle grounds there will be

market stalls offering homeware, crafts, jewellery and much more. Plus fairground rides, live entertainment and seasonal food and drink.

The Castle, Hertford SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk

Knebworth Christmas Fair 24th - 26th Nov

Packed with handmade Christmas decorations, unique gift ideas and tasty yuletide food and drink.

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Santa Spectacular 24th Nov - 24th Dec

Meet Santa and have a fabulous festive family day out. Adult £24 - 31, child £48 - £55

Willows Activity Farm, London Colney AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Christmas Market 25th& 26th Nov

Search for that Christmas gift while browsing the stalls and help Keech Hospice Care raise vital funds for adults and children with life-limiting illnesses for which there is no cure.

Barnfield College LU2 7BF

Panto Express 25th & 26th Nov

2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th Dec

See Father Christmas while enjoying a steam train ride and watching a mini pantomime of Beauty & The Beast.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Lights

Switch On 26th Nov 12 noon - 6pm

With Santa's Grotto, food stalls, outdoor bars, a market, entertainment, traditional procession and, of course, the Lights Switch On at 5pm.

WheelPower Seasonal Shopping Evening

30th Nov 4pm - 8pm free

Find that perfect Christmas gift while savouring homemade cakes, mince pies and mulled wine and listening to the Stoke Mandeville Combined School Hand-Signing Choir.

Stoke Mandeville Stadium HP21 9PP www.wheelpower.org.uk

Batford Lights Switch On 30th Nov 4.30pm - 6.30pm

Join in this festive event on the green at Batford Corner, opposite the Co-op, there’ll be carols, refreshments, entertainment and craft activities and the lights will be switched on at 5.30pm.

Cards for Good Causes until mid Dec

Charity Christmas cards, gifts, decorations, wrapping and advent calendars.

Harpenden United Reformed Church

Vaughan Road AL5 4ED www.keech.org.uk

NOW at the Cathedral

Guided Tours: Making your Mark

1st & 15th Nov 2pm & 4th & 18th Nov 10.30am

Discover how visitors to the Cathedral over the centuries have ‘scratched’ their mark on the building. From pilgrims and monks to knights and soldiers, the graffiti they left tell a unique story of ordinary folk. Look for hidden gems from signatures to skeletons, discover animals, crosses and kings and search for hard to find examples like the mythical beast. £8, child £3

All Souls Requiem 2nd Nov 5pm

On this Feast of All Souls give thanks to God for the lives of our families and friends and all who have died. We ask God to continue to keep them in his infinite love and care, and to make them and us ready for the joys of heaven.

Tower Tours

18th Nov 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm

22nd Nov 11am & 12.30pm

Climb the 211 steps up to the top of the Cathedral tower, experience fantastic views of St Albans, see the magnificent Rose Window up close, explore the roof spaces, visit the ringing and bell chambers, before climbing onto the tower roof. £10

Talk: Sir Ninian Comper (1864 - 1960)

9th Nov 7.30pm

Before Remembrance Sunday, uncover the story of the West Window as a WW1 memorial and hear about the man who designed it. £10

Particular People: Portraits & the Long Renaissance

11th Nov 10.30am

Discover what images of identity and individuality reveal about cultural and spiritual development during the Renaissance. £25

St Albans Bach Choir: John Rutter -

Magnificat & Requiem

11th Nov 7.30pm

Conducted by John Rutter and Andrew Lucas. £12 - £30

More to Explore: From the Muniments Room

12th Nov 1.30pm

A chance to see and learn about some of the rarely seen artefacts, from charters and illuminated manuscripts to unique objects, which tell the story of the Medieval Abbey and its transformation into a Cathedral.

Organ Concert: Andrea Albertin

15th Nov 12.30pm free

St Albans Choral Society: Handel's Messiah

18th Nov 7.30pm

Handel's glorious oratorio with Orchestra Nova Speak Your Mind - 6th Form Debate

22nd Nov 1.30pm

Based on BBC TVs Question Time, this is a unique opportunity for students to debate with a platform of high-profile speakers across a diverse range of subjects, including ethical, political and global questions. Free

Light up a Life with Rennie Grove Peace

Hospice Care 25th Nov 2.30pm

Including readings, music, poems, a moment for reflection and the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one.

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

Remembrance Day

Harpenden 12th Nov 10.50am

The Parade will start at Rothamsted Park, Leyton Road at 10.35am, walking to the War Memorial, Church Green, for a Service of Remembrance. www.harpenden.gov.uk

St Albans Cathedral 12th Nov 10.50am

Gather to remember the fallen in our wars and to pray for peace.

www.stalbanscathedral.org

RAF London 12th Nov 10.30am

Pay respect to those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty with readings and a performance by a local choir. Please book

RAF Museum London NW9 5LL

11th Nov 9.30am

The Lord Mayor’s Show & Guided Tour of the City of London

Murray Craig, a City of London guide who lives in St Albans, will accompany a group to the Lord Mayor’s Show, providing expert commentary at this unique annual celebration. Please book, £18

www.rafmuseum.org.uk

The New Poppy

This year poppies are made from an innovative blend of renewable fibres from responsible sources and can be recycled in ordinary paper recycling collections.

NOW for Some Music

Redbourn Jazz Band

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Nov 1pm - 3pm

A traditional Dixieland jazz band of experienced musicians playing classic numbers of the New Orleans tradition from the 20's.

The Hollybush, Church End, Redbourn AL3 7DU

The Horn

80's Night 3rd Nov 8pm free

Featuring six go mad, the ultimate 80s party covers band, and 80’s tunes all night.

The Rambling Club 7th Nov 8pm £8

Featuring local rock bands. Age 14+

The Blue Rinse 10th Nov 9pm free

The ultimate party band.

The Maida Vales 17th Nov 10.30pm free

Classic covers from the 60s to present day.

The Loose Fits 21st Nov 8pm

Featuring local bands.

90's Britpop Night 24th Nov 8pm free

Britpop sounds of the 90s.

Sex Pistols Expose 25th Nov 8pm £14 18+

The world's no 1 tribute band to the Sex Pistols. The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

Katie's Jumping Fleas

4th Nov 7.30pm £15

Enjoy two hours of music, fun and light-hearted revelry with St Albans’ premier Ukulele band, in aid of a great cause, St Albans & District Foodbank. The band is an eclectic combination of 16 ukuleles ranging from Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Bass and Banjoleles and percussive Cajon with occasional dancing from certain individuals!

St Saviours Church, St Alban AL1 4DF

St Albans Organ Theatre

Elizabeth Harrison - Organ Concert

11th Nov 3pm

Sunday Musical Afternoon 12th Nov 3pm

320 Camp Road, St Albans AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

St Freedom and Remembrance

11th Nov 7.30pm £18

St Albans Chamber Choir perform two contrasting French masterpieces paying homage to those who have served in conflict.

Poulenc: Figure Humaine and Fauré’: Requiem St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.Stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

Choral Discoveries: Found in Translation

11th Nov 7.30pm £17, child £5

The Lea Singers, celebrate 60 years of towntwinning with Harpenden’s Friends of Alzey and Friends of Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire. Exploring texts in languages other than the composer’s mother tongue, including Händel’s Zadok the Priest and Mäntyjärvi’s Four Shakespeare Songs, as well as a selection of music from composers from Estonia to Brazil. High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2R www.leasingers.co.uk

Concerts for Children

12th Nov 2pm & 3.30pm £8, child £2

Wood: Sailors Hornpipe from Fantasia on British Sea Songs

Sullivan: HMS Pinafore Overture

Shanty: Blow the Man Down

Britten: excerpts from Four Sea Interludes

Rossini: Storm from The Barber of Seville

Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No 2 (the Storm)

Blow the Wind Southerly Wellerman (Shanty)

Russell: A life on the Ocean Waves

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.ticketsource.co.uk

Harpenden Choral Society Concert

18th Nov 7.30pm

With the Kings Sinfonietta and soloists

Handel: Dixit Dominus

Scarlatti: St Cecilia Mass

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU

www.harpendenchoralsociety.org

Michael Bublé Tribute Night

24th Nov 7pm

One of the UK's top Michael Bublé tribute artists

Jamie Flanagan will be singing all his hits in a night of unmissable entertainment. £15

The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park

MK43 0PR

www.marstonvale.org

Sounds of the Sea 26th Nov 2pm & 4pm

A double bill of Christmas family concerts with de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra and illustrator and author James Mayhew. £12, child £5

UHArts, Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU www.herts.ac.uk

Index of Businesses

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!

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● 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