harpenden NOW October 13

harpenden October 2013

NOW

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What’s on

The Big Draw Pumpkin & Apple Gala NOW at The Public Halls

Harpenden Ghosts BBC Three Counties Radio Consumer Advice

Harpenden Film Society

promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

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Get Your Chimney Ready for Winter?

With summer fading away attentions now turn to heating your home over the coming winter months. If you have an open fire, a wood or multi-fuel stove or a gas fire now is the time to ensure that it’s safe and efficient for your needs.

Poppins Chimneys are a state-of-the-art family run Chimney Sweep, Wood Burning Stove and Cowl Installation business based in Maulden in Bedfordshire. We are a well established, successful company in Bedfordshire and are now expanding to cover Harpenden and surrounding areas.

We carry out a wide range of services from a full brush and vacuum chimney sweep to installation of a various range of cowls and bird guards. Wood Burning Stove installation and maintenance is another service that we are fully HETAS qualified to offer and it compliments our core business very nicely.

Poppins Chimney Sweep is a fully insured business that has an excellent track record and a keen eye for detail. We continually strive to treat your home as we would our own, leaving it clean, warm and above all safe for you and your family and friends.

Poppins Chimneys seek to provide not only a first class, friendly and cost-effective Chimney Sweep Service, but will also try to address any related questions you may have. We are happy to explain how a Chimney Sweep could help you to maintain a safer, more efficient fireplace.

Poppins Chimneys offer an efficient, friendly and reliable service and are always on time for their appointments.

For more information please call Greig on 01525 862191 or 07989 418510.

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Welcome to October

We’re back after a fantastic summer and are in full swing now the kids are back at school and the house is quiet with just the gentle snoring of the dogs.

Don’t you just love this time of year when the leaves are changing colour but we still wake up to the occasional sunny spell. And talking of spells there’s a whole lot of spooky stuff going on for Halloween, just have a look through and see what you'd like to do, or if you’d rather curl up with a good story, have a look at our ‘spooky books’ and local ghost tales.

Why not help us make the NOW magazines even more useful by telling us what's going on locally and we’ll give you a FREE plug (metaphorically speaking of course!)

And don’t forget if you need a local business pick up your copy of harpenden NOW or read it online at www.theNOWmagazines.com

Pumpkin & Apple Gala

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pumpkins, ferrets & cider!

A Spooky Read

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spine chillers

NOW at The Public Halls

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comedy, music & magic

The Big Draw 12 ‘draw tomorrow’

Make Your Will Month 16 Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Consumer Advice NOW 18 BBC Three Counties Radio

Harpenden Ghosts 24 local ghost stories

NOW at Knebworth House 24 pumpkins, fancy dress & disco

Kettledrums and Broomsticks 25

jane & wendy to advertise call 07983 588313 / 291 wendy@thenowmagazines.com

a ghostly tale

On Your Bike Ladies 34 ladies only please!

What’s on in October 40 & November 44 Index of Businesses 46

Deadline for next editions: 10th October

accountants to windows & doors

Beautiful selection of jewellery and gifts online at

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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A Spooky Read If you don’t want to open your door to trick-ortreaters, try opening up a book with a scary plot-line. There are plenty of great novels and short stories to start your knees knocking and teeth chattering for this time of year…

The Shining Stephen King For Jack Torrance, taking a new job as caretaker at the remote Overlook Hotel is far from the fresh start he’s hoping for. Offseason at a deserted hotel means a playground for madness, leaving Jack and his unsuspecting family isolated and in danger. Five year old Danny Torrance is the only one who can sense the horrors to come. He’s gifted with ‘the shining’, a sort of sixth-sense for the sinister and the threatening. As the snow begins to fall, the curtain of madness descends.

The Day of the Triffids John Wyndham If you’ve ever hated that ‘morning after the night before’ feeling then Bill Masen is having the day from hell. He misses a major meteorite shower because his eyes have been bandaged, but the next morning is far from a sight for sore eyes. He wakes to find everyone else has been blinded and the

world has become a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Written in a time rife with Cold War paranoia, Wyndham’s vision of bio-warfare has made this a science fiction classic.

The Enemy Charlie Higson Your teenagers will either love this book, or it’ll terrify the pants off them. In a postapocalyptic London, all adults have been infected with a sickness, effectively rendering them zombies. They’re hungry and crazed and are running amuck in the capital, leaving everyone under fourteen who have survived the zombie virus to either find a place to hide, or come up with a plan to defeat them.

It’s the first in an absolutely cracking series.

Just don’t make it your bedtime reading!

American Psycho Bret Easton Ellis If this book teaches you one lesson, it’s to screen people thoroughly because even the handsome ones can be absolute nutters.

Enter Patrick Bateman: Wall Street yuppie by day and psychopathic serial killer of young ladies by night. Let’s just say, he has a lot of nasty habits he wouldn’t want to list on his dating profile…and they’re all described in graphic detail for us.

THE FLOWER SCHOOL “Come and be Creative with Flowers” Let florist Anita Lindeman teach you how to make stunning arrangements with beautiful flowers and foliages, in a calm relaxed atmosphere. Delicious refreshments included at Childwickbury workshops.

Autumn 3 Week Floristry Course Great for new starters and for those wanting to brush up their skills!

Tuesday evenings from 1st October 7.30 - 9.30pm Victorian Schoolroom, Childwickbury

New Autumn Workshops at The Flower School Vintage Floral Cupcakes "One full of flowers and others to eat!"

Friday 4th October 10am - 12 noon Contemporary Vase Designs "Modern vases made simple" Friday 1st November 10am - 12 noon

Coming Soon!

Christmas Workshops and a new Course for December Visit www.theflowerschoolstalbans.co.uk for full details Cost includes all flowers, materials and refreshments.

3 Week Course £85 Workshops £35 07906 655641 or anita.lindeman@ntlworld.com

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Nick The Handyman

SIMPLY JOBS Handy people to know!

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Decorating, electrical work, plumbing and all general home maintenance work. · No job too small · No call out charge · Fully insured · Trustmark approved

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

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW at the Public Halls

Paul Daniels The First Farewell Tour: From Legend to Leg End Thursday 17th October 7.30pm Paul Daniels will be packing up his box of tricks for what could be the very last time this Autumn… well, one of many last times, we hope… in a magically mammoth ‘first farewell’ tour.

He will, of course, be joined

by Debbie McGee. It will no doubt be yet another enchanting evening of incredible illusion, comedy and amazement.

Because… that’s magic! £17.50

A Thoroughly Modern Medium 15th October 7.30pm TJ Higgs brings a uniqueness through Mediumship to her audience. Delivering messages from loved ones with accuracy, compassion and detail. £17.50, £15.50 Rob Beckett Live 24th October 8pm Comedian Rob Beckett and his trademark grin on his debut tour. The plan for the show is for you to laugh a lot and leave happier. As seen on ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’. £10 Doris Day “Secret Love” 25th October 7.30pm Acclaimed singer and West End actress Claudia Morris in an intimate evening of reminiscence about one of Hollywood's best loved actresses, Doris Day. With a live band, Claudia Morris's account of her idol's journey is a unique, unmissable, heartwarming show that sheds a fascinating new light on the true stories. £17.50 www.harpendenpublichalls.com

Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned

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

Special Gourmet Nights £9.95 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

FREE HOME DELIVERY on orders over £10 with 4 mile radius

15% Discount on collected orders over £10 The Council Hygienist has scored this restaurant very highly

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2 Grove Road, Southdown, Harpenden, AL5 1PX

01582 467676 / 469191 Easy Parking Available

Refurbishing, Improving or Extending Your Home?

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Quakers Celebrate 80th Anniversary!

Quakers have been meeting at their Meeting House in Harpenden for 80 years, and are celebrating with a Quaker Open House, at 12 Southdown Road, Harpenden, on Saturday 5th October from 2.30 - 4pm, at the end of National Quaker Week. There will be live music, children’s entertainment, tea and home-made cakes and the garden will be open.

There is another reason to celebrate. The Quaker Meeting House is about to undergo a major refurbishment. “We are thrilled that our refurbishment plans are finally going ahead”, said a local Quaker, “The building is to be updated and extended to meet the needs of the many community groups who use it.”

Quakerism is a way of life informed by a deep commitment to truth, justice, integrity, peace, simplicity, equality and sustainability. This commitment is nourished by Quaker meetings, which are open to all, and offer a place of welcome and gathering where insight, inspiration and guidance are sought. Quakers don’t hold a fixed set of beliefs; unity is based on shared understanding and shared practice of worship.

An Appeal to finance the refurbishment has raised £160,000 so far and another £90,000 is needed. For more information, visit www.harpendenquakers.org.uk

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

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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

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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‘Draw Tomorrow’ 6th October 12.30pm - 2.30pm Trestle Arts Base, St Albans A free drawing workshop inspired by Aesop’s Fables and at 2.30pm a production of Aesop’s Fables with masks, singing, puppets a large amount of silliness.

Adult £12, concs £10

26th October 10am - 5pm Big Draw Day in St Albans Let’s Make History 12.30pm - 1.45pm & 2.15pm - 3.30pm Verulamium Museum Make your own piece of art using wire and other materials inspired by the Museum collection.

Culture Cart 10.30am - 3.30pm Outside Town Hall, Market Square Join Tom and the Culture Cart and design drawings inspired by ideas of future society, technology and the natural environment.

3D Organisms of the Future 11.30am - 1pm & 1.30pm - 3pm Upstairs at Town Hall, Market Square Design 3D Organisms of the Future from paper and textured materials.

Creatures of the New Age 1.30pm - 3.30pm Maltings Central Library Take inspiration from children’s books about underwater creatures.

Tracing the lines of our Future 10.30am - 3.30pm Maltings Shopping Centre Use technology to create drawings with Jim Bond’s innovative drawing machines.

Halloween Haunts into the Unknown 10.30am - 5pm Waterstones Spooky activities for little ones to get their teeth into!

29th October 1.30pm - 3.30pm Museum of St Albans Make drawings inspired by ideas of future landscapes and technology.

30th October 2pm - 4pm Memorial Hall, Marford Road, Wheathampstead Drop in to design your own organism of the future based on stories of underwater creatures.

31st October 10.30am - 3pm St Albans Cathedral Let the building inspire you to Draw Tomorrow.

2nd November 11am - 3pm Butterfly World www.butterflyworldproject.com All activities are free, drop-in and open to all ages Under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult SAASH Arts team on 01727 827667 www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw

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

www.artisans.uk.com 07795 510 130 info@artisans.uk.com 12

M&M Decorating Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 11 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01727 835244 07970 720911

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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

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For more information and participating solicitors please contact the Fundraising Department at Rennie Grove

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

• Independent Financial Planning For all Your Needs

• Investment Management, Tax Planning and Pension Specialists

• Initial Review Meeting Without Cost or Obligation AMR Financial Management Ltd Chiltern House, 433 Luton Rd, Harpenden, AL5 3QE 01582 461588

www.amrinvest.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Services Authority

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Consumer Advice NOW

Harpenden Film Society

for £15.99. The retailer tried very hard to sell me a 3 year extended warranty for £20. I explained that if the radio failed after a couple of years I would simply purchase a new one at another cost of £15.99. The Jonathan Vernon-Smith is the Sony Award shop assistant seemed amazed that I was so hostile winning mid-morning show presenter for to the idea. Sadly I would imagine many people go BBC Three Counties Radio. During his ahead and pay an additional £20 that's totally consumer hour he helps listeners with their pointless. consumer problems and now shares his You should however remember that often when advice here with you. claiming under your statutory rights that a battle will probably ensue. A battle that will require you to hold 'Extended Warranties'? your nerve. For most things I would urge you to fight It doesn't seem to matter what product you're buying, that battle (and call me if you need help), but for other there's now an extended warranty available for essential products (stairlifts / electric wheelchairs etc) everything. The question people often ask me on my you may consider buying the extended warranty just radio show is whether it's a good idea to pay the extra to give you hassle free piece of mind, and you know and take one out? what? I wouldn't blame you.

My answer is generally a big, fat NO! Under your It is also worth looking into the idea of purchasing statutory rights you are protected for a 'reasonable' insurance policies that cover all of your white goods amount of time if a manufacturing defect occurs with a for mechanical failure. For consumers looking for product. Depending on the item and the initial cost, hassle free piece of mind at a lower cost these can be this is generally as long as an extended warranty a good alternative to the extended warranty. Please would last anyway. Remember when the retailer says read the terms and conditions though beforehand and that after 12 months there's nothing they can do, understand exactly what the policy will cover. they're fobbing you off. The extended warranty is You can tune into The JVS Show weekday mornings normally a way of charging you for something you from 9am. really don't need.

Sadly some consumers are so trusting of retailers that they believe the company's advice to be sound. I went to a well known shop once and bought a radio

15th October - In the House Cert 15 French with English subtitles A 16 year old boy writes about a friend's household for his literature class essay.

Encouraged by his teacher the boy continues to write about his friend's family with unexpected consequences. A clever psychological French film starring Kirstin Scott Thomas. Darkly comic.

Tickets on the door just £2 for students studying French.

30th October - Lincoln

Cert 12A

Oscar winning Daniel Day Lewis in Spielberg's American bio-pic. As the Civil War rages, America's president fights with his own cabinet in his attempt to outlaw slavery. An absolute must see.

Tickets on the door just £2 for students studying History.

12th November - Searching for Sugar Man Cert 12A Amazing Oscar nominated documentary about Rodriguez - the greatest 70's rock icon who never was. He made one failed album and disappeared into obscurity with rumours of suicide. Meanwhile a bootleg copy of the album was a huge success in South Africa where he became the voice of white revolt against apartheid. Tickets on the door just £2 for students studying Music.

27th November - No Cert 15 Spanish with English subtitles. In Chile in 1988, General Pinochet calls a referendum on his Presidency convinced he will win.

This witty Oscar nominated Spanish drama tells the true story of the advertising whizz kid who leads the media campaign for a No vote. Stars Gael Garcia Bernal. Tickets on the door just £2 for students studying Spanish.

Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm Members £3.50, £5 for non members www.harpendenfilmsociety.co.uk

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Weed Attack

tackle them with a sturdy old kitchen knife or a daisy-grubber tool.

Deep Rooted Problems Some weeds such as docks and dandelions have tough and chunky roots that are very difficult to kill and if you leave any sizeable bit of the root in the soil, it’s likely to form a new plant. Do everything you can to take out the entire root.

If you want to wage war on those pesky weeds, and stand a chance of winning, take a look at this multipronged strategy.

Off With Their Heads Whatever the weed, it’s essential to prevent them from setting seed. Make sure you cut off its head before it has a chance to set seed. The old saying that ‘one year’s seed is seven years’ weed’ isn’t far from the truth.

Stop Stowaways Only bring home what you want when you’re buying plants, leave behind weed stowaways that often lurk on the compost surface.

You can always do a bit of weeding before buying!

Spaghetti Roots Some weeds like couch grass, bindweed and nettles have amazingly resilient and far-reaching underground stems or roots. But don’t use a powered cultivator or rotovator as this will chop the roots up and spread the problem.

Lawn Louts Lawn weeds such as dandelions and daisies are difficult to control as these rosetteforming plants won’t be harmed as you mow the lawn. One of the best, albeit slow, methods is to

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Laying Carpet For large areas literally covering the surface with a layer or two of carpet made from natural fibres, held in place with bricks. Place carpet fluffy side down and leave for at least 18 months.

Time it Right Some weeds such as the purple flowered oxalis spread by forming tiny ‘bulbils’ or miniature bulbs below ground. If you try to dig these weeds out now, the bulbils will be shed into the surrounding soil as you lift the plant out, making matters worse. Wait until next spring when the bulbils will be firmly attached and weed them out then.

Hoe, Hoe Hoe Hoeing is a great way to weed your garden, especially for annual weeds such as chickweed or groundsel. Keep the hoe sharp and use it regularly.

Careful What You Compost Only compost the green, leafy bits of weeds; avoid any chunky roots, and never put any flowering or seeding weeds in the compost heap.

Pippa Greenwood

YOUR LOCAL PLANT CENTRE

Autumn Please call

01582 766728

for seasonal opening times

Bedding Plants

Winter Tubs & Baskets Logs, Kindling, Gas & Coal

andrew@arlandscapes.co.uk

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Harpenden Ghosts Rose Garden The infamous highwaywoman, Katherine Ferrers, is said to have passed through Harpenden on her way home to Markyate after holding up coaches bound for Wheathampstead. Her route is alleged to have taken her past the Rose Garden at the edge of the Rothamsted estate.

Now it is said that if you are in the area late at night you can hear the sound of her horses hooves as she gallops through the garden shortly followed by the sound of ghostly laughter.

the cleaners refuse to work on alone. One woman was getting something out of a cupboard when she had the distinct feeling that someone was behind her. She turned round but there was no one there but she suddenly felt the room become extremely cold. It has been said that children have seen a ghostly figure upstairs and one child, who had wandered off by herself told her mother “there's a funny lady up there in a long dress, and she's got no feet”.

Leyton Road

During the Second World War it was believed that a ghostly old woman could be seen sitting outside There is a story concerning the line which told how a cottage in Leyton Road. Apparently any person three children were once hit by a train at night and going off to war would never return if they saw her. killed; now it is said they haunt the line. It was said that when there was a fresh fall of snow footsteps Agdell Path would be seen that appeared to have no start, and Agdell Path runs from Pimlico Place to Agdell ended where the accident happened. Some Cottage, Hatching Green, past a field which is now believe that the tale was invented in an attempt to part of the Rothamsted Estate. In this field there stop children playing on the line. was a dell known as Hagdell where a woman of local legend, Ann Weatherhead, used to live. Ann Harpenden Hall is now said to walk this path as well as appearing In Harpenden Hall strange noises are said to have at Harpenden Common and Rothamsted Manor. been heard on the stairs both by members of staff So frequent were the sightings of Ann's phantom and visitors, yet there is never anyone there. Grey that young girls would not go near the area alone figures have also apparently been seen moving after dark. The schoolmaster at Rothamsted was across the landing. Things have been so bad that also convinced about the path's ghostly reputation.

Nickey Line

www.lutonparanormal.com/hertfordshire/popups/harpenden

Pumpkins & Stories 30th October Pumpkin Carving The Clock Tower Come and carve a spooky pumpkin. The best will be on display on Halloween night (see below).

1 - 5pm, free or £3 to take your pumpkin home

31st October Halloween 6pm - 11pm Ghoulish Stories for Adults Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road 01727 819340, £8 6pm - 11pm Carved Pumpkins Exhibition The Clock Tower, £3

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NOW at Knebworth House 29th - 31st October Pumpkin Trail and Treats, plus Pumpkin Disco!

Trail with goody bag on completion 12 noon - 4pm Fancy Dress judged at 3.30pm Pumpkin Disco in the barn from 4pm – 5.30pm for children 2 - 12 year olds. adult £3.50, child £6 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com

one son survived to adulthood. Tragically, John or Jack as he was known died of smallpox while at Three generations of the Cambridge Jennings/Churchill family feature in University and ghost stories. Sarah Jennings was is buried in born in St Albans in 1660 and went King’s College on to marry John Churchill the chapel. future Duke of Marlborough. A Jack is mentioned in great friend of Queen Anne, the ghost story ‘The Sarah was hugely influential at Fenstanton Witch’ written court until she and Anne fell out.

by M R James, Dean of According to a pamphlet called Kings College. It starts with two ‘The St Albans’ Ghost’ Fellows from Kings College remarking that published in 1712 all of this Blandford (Jack was the Marquis of Blandford) was allegedly foretold at Sarah’s birth. A hat is had ridden to Fenstanton to rescue an old said to have jumped into Sarah’s cradle, where it woman who was being ducked as a witch by the transformed into a coronet before shattering. villagers. The woman subsequently dies and is The pamphlet also claims that Sarah’s mother buried, but the two Fellows from Kings resolve to was ‘Old Mother Haggy’ a witch who rode around dig up her body. They are after three locks of on a broomstick conjuring up storms and sailed hair and her winding sheet or shroud to aid them on the River Ver in a kettledrum. And for good in black magic. They hope to use the black arts measure Haggy could transform herself into a to make themselves rich, but the results are lioness, hen or cat. However, the pamphlet may terrifying......... Why not find out more about MR well be the work of Sarah’s political enemies James’ ghost stories at the Abbey Theatre, trying to discredit her.

St Albans on 30th October.

Sarah and John had several children but only

Kettledrums and Broomsticks!

Elizabeth Eastwood, City & District of St Albans Tour Guide

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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They say you shouldn’t work with dogs and children... how wrong they are in the case of Top Photography.

On a sunny Saturday morning we visited Top Photography for a photo shoot with my daughter Mollie and 4 year old Cocker Spaniel Stan.

Sam and Cathy were very welcoming especially as Stan couldn’t wait to get inside and see who was there to play with him!

The Studio is set in an amazing place adjacent to Sam's home, it’s really peaceful and tranquil, and is very inviting and well kitted out, with toys and a wigwam for the kids and balls for the pets!

Sam was so friendly and very patient with Stan who was eager to explore the Studio and beyond....she took lots of pictures from all sorts of angles which was especially tricky when Stan refused to sit still for long enough, as he was so excited and despite him being more interested in the surroundings we managed to get some amazing shots.

Not only did we come away with some fantastic photos, we had so much fun as a family. We wanted some posed pictures as well as some fun

Enjoy your free time and let us do the hard work for you General household and office cleaning Moving in / out cleans Experienced in elderly or housebound clients Ironing collection / delivery on request Reliable key-holders Proficient in alarm systems

Phone for a free quotation 01582 750995 07719 657125 www.merrivac.co.uk ~ Taking care of your Home ~

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action shots, and we came away with the whole package. Mollie and Stan loved the shoot, so it’s a big thank you from Mollie and a big woof from Stan.

We now have the lovely job of choosing from the great selection of shots, if we don't make a decision our lounge will be wall to wall Mollie and Stan!

We would most definitely recommend visiting Top Photography, just give Sam or Cathy a call on 0800 145 5785. www.top-photography.co.uk Jane, the NOW magazines

Top Photography are bringing all St Albans/ Harpenden NOW readers a great offer of a Free Shoot, 10% Discount and Photographic Gift.

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“...an Agency just for Prestige Cars...”

Our Concept Nolan Prestige was established earlier this year by brothers Jerry and Stephen Nolan both avid car enthusiasts, buying and selling cars from a very young age.

The business model came from younger brother Jerry, who previously owned and operated a well established Sports and Prestige Car Showroom in Hertfordshire. However Jerry found that more and more customers were asking him to sell Sports or Prestige Vehicles on their behalf, as they didn’t want the stress that goes with selling a car privately.

at the forefront of what will soon be the "norm" within this market. People are becoming aware that they don’t have to undersell what is probably the second best asset they own as they now have a choice, the exact same way you would not undersell your family home.

Rest assured, you're in safe hands, Jerry has had many years experience in Sales and Marketing. At the age of thirty-one Jerry opened his own business, an Estate Agency in Hertfordshire.

After many successful years, Jerry decided he was ready for a career change and so chose to go back to his first love, cars, and opened a Sports and Prestige Vehicle Showroom in Hertfordshire.

Combining their passion for cars and years of selling and marketing, Jerry comments “To simplify, I guess we have opened an agency for Prestige Cars”.

People are becoming aware that they don’t have to undersell what is probably their second best asset...

Selling through Jerry also made good commercial sense to the customer as they would achieve a better price for their vehicle than if they part exchanged, sold privately or sold to a car buying company.

On average car buying companies will only offer up to 70% of the vehicle's current value.

The pre-owned vehicle market is changing at pace and Jerry believes that Nolan Prestige is

Please feel free to call Jerry or Stephen to find out more about how they can market your Prestige Vehicle on 01727 800180 or email at info@nolanprestige.co.uk

Hertfordshire's First and Leading Prestige Vehicle Marketing Agency

nolanprestige.co.uk 28

Hertfordshire's First and Leading Prestige Vehicle Marketing Agency

“Dear Jerry, I felt I must drop you a line to thank you once again for all the help and advice you gave to me on the purchase of my Mercedes and sale of my Audi. In all the forty something years that I have been driving and buying cars, never have I received the kind of service you gave. When a motor trader is prepared to come to my home to give an estimate of price for my part exchange and then deliver to me the car that I was thinking of buying in order that I could see the vehicle and have a test drive I believe shows true dedication to his business. Once again Jerry, thank you and the Mercedes you sold me is just a superb car.”

Nigel Witchell

Key benefits √

Unrivalled local vehicle marketing Showing your vehicle in its best light adding value and increasing saleability

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Maximum vehicle exposure across local press, internet, Autotrader, Pistonheads, Motors, Gumtree, Classic Car and many more

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Eliminate security concerns with people wanting to transfer monies to your personal bank account, noshows, time-wasters and strangers at your family home

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We provide the facilities (card services, part exchange, finance and a comprehensive warranty) that purchasers require

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V5 cherished number plates transferred and retention arranged

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No disruption continue to drive your car until we have identified a potential buyer

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Fixed fees on a no sale, no fee basis

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A family run business with many years experience, completely focused on marketing and selling prestige vehicles

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Call us now to see how we can market your prestige vehicle on 01727 800180 or email us at info@nolanprestige.co.uk

Strictly by appointment only at our offices in St Albans

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This is not part of our business, it’s our

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Best prices achieved

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Our aim is 100% customer retention

only business from our bespoke marketing

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Feed the Birds!

Saturday 26th October 11am - 4pm Help our feathered friends get through the chilly winter by making a wooden peanut bird feeder or cosy nest box. The Countryside Team at Dunstable Downs will be on hand to help you build one. £3 for peanut bird feeder / £7 for nest box Cost includes materials Booking advisable, £2 car parking charge Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre 01582 500925 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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RUNNING STRATEGIES Mob 07989 926186 Email Toulouse13@hotmail.co.uk Running Sessions Girls Fitness Sessions Boot Camp

If you are interested in improving your fitness, looking to start or improve your running technique, there are a number of sessions available to you.

All levels welcome.

Please do not hesitate to contact me STACEY HARRIS

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Alicia Blaney 01727 894887 Lighterlife.com/stalbans

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

33

Julia Reading BSC (Hons) MChS, HPC Registered Podiatrist

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

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

Mondays & Fridays Tuesdays pm

Home Visits Available

On Your Bike Ladies Saturday 12th October Why not come along and join in this ladies-only cycle ride, easy pace with a coffee stop, using quiet roads and traffic-free tracks.

The ride is organised by the local group of the national Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC). You don’t need to be a member, or book in advance, just turn up with a roadworthy bike.

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This month they will be ‘steering their wheels’ towards autumn fruits – on a ride through a local orchard.

Meet at Morrison’s, Hatfield Road by the cycle racks, close to the pedestrian crossing. They will leave at 9.30am and get back by lunchtime. For more information contact the ride leader Rona Wightman on 01727 836470 or to read about previous bike rides visit www.southhertsctc.org.uk/Cycle/fivemiles-to-fabulous

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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10% off

• • • • •

Specialist Massages & Facials with this Injectable Botox & Fillers advert Individual & Couple Rituals Contour Wrap - guaranteed inch loss!

Beauty Treatments including: Waxing, Threading, Manicure, Pedicure, Gel Nails (Shellac) & Spray Tan

"The Cove Spa is the Thai haven at the heart of St Albans. Anyone looking for a truly well-being massage should book in! All in all a 5 star experience in beautiful surroundings, friendly atmosphere and great location!" Monika

17 Russell Avenue • St Albans • AL3 5ES 01727 833 808 www.thecovespa.co.uk

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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VAT free

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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 Basins ● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines

and Dishwashers ● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

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

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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What’s on in October 40

1st Demonstration: ‘Happy Holiday’ Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm, visitors welcome 3rd Miss Julie Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City, 01707 357117, a tale of lust, class conflict & boundaries broken www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk 5th Harpenden Rocks The George Pub, music & comedy, 7pm, £7.50 www.harpendenrocks.co.uk Quaker Open House see page 10 Abbot’s Hill School Open Day see back cover St Columba’s College Open Morning see page 41 7th - 12th The Sound of Music Harpenden Public Halls, 07817 3331150, Harpenden Light Operatic Society www.hlos.ticketsource.co.uk 8th Talk: Perfumed Gardens Harpenden Horticultural Society, Roundwood Park School, 8pm, £3 www.harpendenhorticulturalsociety.org 9th & 23rd Spooky Walks meet at St Albans Old Town Hall, 01727 864511, 8pm, adult £4, child £2 10th - 19th The Master Builder Abbey Theatre, St Albans, 01727 857861, 8pm 12th Film: Steam on the Screen St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road, 03003 656565, a silent film with live organ accompaniment on the Wurlitzer, 7.30pm, £10 Pumpkin & Apple Gala see page 4 Betrayal by Harold Pinter, Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City, presented by The London Classic Theatre, 7.30pm, £19 12th & 13th Indoor Craft Market The Old Town Hall, St Albans, Saturday: 10 - 4pm, Sunday: 9.30 - 2.30pm 13th Herts 10k www.herts10k.com The Elvis Years 1954 - 1977 The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 7.30pm 16th Meeting: British Military Mail St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society 8pm, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 01582 762284 p.mellor@btinternet.com 17th Paul Daniels-The First Farewell Tour see page 8

17th - 19th Educating Rita Marford Hall, Wheathampstead, 01582 621357, 8pm www.wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk 18th Beechwood Park School Open Morning page 41 19th Harpenden Art, Craft & Antiques Fayre Methodist Church Hall, Harpenden, 10 - 4pm, 50p, free if you mention 'harpenden NOW' The Stan Tracey Quintet Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans, 0844 8700 887, 70 years a Jazzman! by 'FansofStan' - the ad hoc local group who think jazz matters! 8pm, £17 22nd Meeting: ‘Stained Glass Artist & Designer’ Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden Local History Society, 8pm, all welcome 24th & 25th Continental Market St Peter's Street, St Albans 25th ‘Doris Day’ Secret Love see page 8 26th Big Draw Day in St Albans see page 12 Brahms Requiem St Albans Cathedral, 0845 475 1664, The Hardynge Choir, Radlett Choral Society, St Albans Chamber Choir & St Albans Symphony Orchestra perform Brahms, 7.30pm Feed the Birds see page 31 26th - 27th Christmas Craft & Food Fair The Alban Arena, 11 - 4pm, £3, under 12′s free 28th Andy and Mikes Tick Tock Time Machine The Alban Arena, 01727 844488, 1.30pm starring Andy Day from CBeebies Andy’s Wild Adventures, £12 ‘Nosh and Natter’ Rose & Crown, Sandridge, Soroptimist Women's Group, 7.30pm, come & find out more about the group, 01727 764902 28th Oct - 3rd Nov St Albans Fashion Week a week dedicated to fashion & beauty, including a catwalk show in the Cathedral & pop up beauty parlours around St Albans www.stalbansfashionweek.com 29th Reminiscence at the Museum of St Albans Hatfield Road, 01727 819340, share memories of life in St Albans with objects from the museum, 2pm, free 29th - 31st Pumpkin Trail & Disco see page 24 30th Pumpkin Mask Making at Burston see page 25 30th & 31st Pumpkin Carving & Exhibition see page 24

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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Domestic Appliance Repairs

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

Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Washing Machines â—? Dishwashers Tumble Driers â—? Electric Ovens

Autumn Sale!

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

* No Callout Charges * * All Makes Repaired * * Honest & Reliable Advice * * Full Electrical Safety Tests * * Evening & Weekend Appointments * * All Work Guaranteed *

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

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Teresa & Kevin Buckler

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

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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What’s on in November

1st The Hollies The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £27.50 2nd St Albans Fireworks Display Verulamium Park, 01727 844488, gates open 6pm Firework Display Kinsbourne Green Common, near St Mary's Church, 9th Harpenden Scout Group, 6pm, adult £6, child £5 5th Demonstration: ‘Christmas Advent-ure’ Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, The Harpenden Floral Decoration Club, 2pm 9th St George's School Christmas Fayre 1-4pm Music Medley Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 460055, in aid of Harpenden Mencap 9th & 10th Indoor Craft Market The Old Town Hall, St Albans, Sat 10 - 4pm, Sun 9.30 - 2.30pm 12th Talk: Plants & People in Southern Greece Harpenden Horticultural Society, Roundwood Park School, 01582 761222, 8pm, £3 13th & 27th Spooky Walks meet at St Albans Old Town Hall, 01727 864511, 8pm, adult £4, child £2 14th - 23rd Wuthering Heights Abbey Theatre, St Albans, 01727 85861

Harpenden Window Cleaning • • • •

Fully Insured High Access

Gutter Vac (Gutters Cleaned)

Fully Experienced Window Cleaners Inside Windows Cleaned (if required) Lots of recommendations and references from Harpenden customers Based in Milton Road 07757 499296 01582 450934 www.harpendenclean.co.uk

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16th Abbot’s Hill School Open Day see back cover Grand Vintage Fair Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans, 10 -4pm Sixty’s Gold The Alban Arena, St Albans, 01727 844488, Gerry and The Pacemakers and more The Evening Primrose St John’s Church, Harpenden Music Makers Concert, 7.30pm Concert: The Seasons High Street Methodist Church, 01582 419379, Harpenden Choral Society 17th St Albans Christmas Lights 5.30pm The Stylistics The Alban Arena, 01727 844488 23rd The Spotlight Ball Brocket Hall Golf Club, Harpenden Spotlight on Africa, 7pm www.hsoa.org.uk 24th Harpenden Christmas Carnival 12 noon 26th ‘Films of old Harpenden’ Redbourn Local History, Harpenden Public Halls, Local History Society, 8pm 28th Christmas Lights Up Wheathampstead, 6 - 8pm 28th Nov - 21st Dec St Albans Christmas Market Vintry Garden, St Albans Cathedral, 10 - 6pm 29th Southdown Christmas Lights Switch On Southdown, lights on 6pm

Bouncy Castle Hire from just £50!

Indoor Hire Available

Love Language of Luton Alison Sesi, BA (Hons), QTS

Languages Teacher German / French / Mandarin Tuition Beginner to GCSE level English: ESOL or school support Holiday / Term-time Adult and Younger Learners welcome Individuals or groups

www.love-language.co.uk info@love-language.co.uk 07951 953607

A window to another world!

“Fantastic castle, reliable and friendly service"

St Albans Bouncy Castles 07721 011 539 01727 87 22 13 www.stalbansbouncycastles.co.uk

TOP QUALITY

GUARANTEED 07713 519162 or 01582 768827 alliedcycles1@googlemail.com

Visit our NEW website www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Index of Businesses

Accountants Hicks TaxAssist Accountants Aerial Installations Harpenden Digital Services Beauty The Cove Spa Verulamium Spa Bicycle Repairs Allied Cycles Cycletech Hertfordshire Blinds Harpenden Blinds Bouncy Castle Hire St Albans Bouncy Castles Building / Refurbishment Inside Out JMH Building Contractors Cabinet Makers Sequoia Bespoke Car Body Repairs Prestige Paint Shop Ltd Car Sales Nolan Prestige Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services Ltd Carpenter / Joiner Chris Roberts Charity Grove House Hospice Chimney Sweep Poppins Chimney Sweep Chiropodist Julia Reading Cleaning Big Yellow Cleaning Company Domestico Harpenden Power Wash LA Cleaning Merrivac Mollymaid Murray’s Cleaning Services

17 19 5

Computer Repairs Ken Hodson

10

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

34

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

37 Education 37 Love Language Electricians I & B Electrical 45 MLC Electrical 34 Selmon Electrical Services

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating N.S. Decorating

13 13 13

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Personal Trainers Charlotte Rose Stacey Harris

32 32

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Pest Control The Verminator

31

Pet Care Personal Petcare

31

Photography I & W Photography Top Photography

27 27

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

10

5 5 5

Financial Management 42 AMR Financial Management 45 Flooring Creative Wood Flooring 9 LP Flooring 9 Flower Arranging Workshops The Flower School 14 Funeral Directors LC Weston Funeral Directors 30

17

Gardening / Landscaping 29 AR Landscapes Ltd Garden Life Landscapes

21 20

30 7 16

17 14 14 6

Garden Nursery / Centre Bridge Valley Nursery Burston Garden Centre

21 25

Gas K25

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Gifts ASHQ.co.uk

3

2

Health / Fitness / Slimming Lighter Life 34 Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Classes The Fit Lab 23 22 Hearing Services 44 The Hearing Healthcare Practice 23 26 Indian Restaurant 26 Shapla Restaurant 23 Kindergarten Artisans Kindergarten Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

33 35 32

36 8 12 23

Plumbers DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd Master Bathrooms Ltd Prestige Plumbing & Heating Services

39 & 47 38 39

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

31

Property Maintenance Green’s House & Gardens Mr Handyman Nick The Handyman Simply Jobs

11 11 7 7

Schools Abbot’s Hill School Beechwood Park School St Columba’s College

back cover 41 41

Security Maximum Security Systems

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Ticket Sales Great Tickets Ltd

15

Tiling Cedar Ceramics

7

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk

20

Tyre Fitting Big D’s Tyres

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Window Cleaner Harpenden Window Cleaning

44

Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Markyate Windows & Doors

43 42

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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DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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Complete Bathroom, Cloakroom and Shower Installations

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Local Family Run Business, Over 30 Years Experience

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Honest and Reliable Service Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

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Tiling Plastering Electrical

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Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk

01727 764217 www.djmplumbing.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT 07983 588313 or wendy@theNOWmagazines.com

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