harpenden NOW Oct 23

Welcome to October

Packed with local businesses from Car Servicing to Computer Repairs, Flooring to Funeral Directors, Hairdressing to Home Care, Painters to Property Maintenance and Security to Solicitors....to name but a few. And crammed with local events October is looking like a great month to get out and about, so while you’re having fun why not let the professionals sort out the other things that need doing! 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

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Deadline 8th Oct for Nov editions

wendy@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588313 www.theNOWmagazines.com

NOW for the Kids

Willows Activity Farm

Potato Shindig until 1st Oct

Pull on your dungarees and dig up your free bucket of potatoes from the Potato Patch.

Pumpkin Festival 14th, 15th & 19th - 31st Oct

Pick your pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, enjoy the Pumpkin Hunt, see Peter Rabbit and his friends on the Outdoor Stage, visit the Adventure Playground, see Mr Tod’s Lair, take the Super Secret Squirrel Nutkin Test, try the Zip Wire and lots more.

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

Day out with Thomas

7th & 8th Oct 10.30am - 5pm

Peep peep! Join Thomas and friends for a day out including a short train ride on Thomas, interactive re-enactments, seeing the Fat Controller, miniature train rides and more. Buckinghamshire Railway, Quainton HP22 4BY www. bucksrailcentre.org

Travel and Transport 13th Oct

Go on a journey with James and the Giant Peach storytelling and build a cardboard box car for Danny and his dad. Dress up to become a pilot like Roald Dahl, fly paper planes and explore messy play transport tracks (old clothes advised!).

Roald Dahl Museum Great Missenden HP16 0AL www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Paradise Wildlife Park

Dinos After Dark

20th - 22nd & 27th - 29th Oct 5.30pm - 8.30pm

Take a magical trip around the World of Dinosaurs and see them come to life by moonlight. The Rex Express, Safari Stage Shows, outdoor play areas and crazy golf will also be open. £16

Lemur Weekend 28th & 29th Oct

A weekend celebrating all species of Lemurs at the Park, with lemur themed games and merchandise and treats, while raising funds and awareness for SEED, a charity devoted to

restoring Madagascar. Included in admission Paradise Wildlife Park EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com

Freaky FunFest! 21st - 29th Oct

Step right up for a Spooktacular day out. Take a seat in the Big Top for the new Freaky Flamenco Fiesta Circus and experience spooky walkthrough attractions, including the all new Horrid High. Included in your ticket is a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch. Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Waddesdon

Haunted Half Term 21st - 29th Oct

Enjoy spooky activities and family fun on a fact filled Trick or Treat Skeleton Trail (£3), join Zoolab for a Creepy Critters show learning about spooky and gruesome animals and insects, relax and watch a classic family Halloween film or try your luck at a vintage game. Free entry for children in half term

Spooky Afternoon Tea

21st - 29th Oct excl 23rd & 25th

Treat the family to a spooky Halloween tea, with a ghost meringue, a mummified gingerbread man and spooky jelly worms, eye balls and brains!

£28.50, child £16.50

Waddesdon HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

Halloween Half Term Activities

21st - 29th Oct 10am-5pm

Grab your broomsticks and get ready for a bewitchingly brilliant day out. Gather round for tales from spooky storytellers and solve creepy clues in the Halloween Quest. Included with entry price

Spooky Woodland Walk

27th - 29th Oct 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm

Join ghost-hunting storytellers on a familyfriendly walk through the shadows of the grounds and gardens. With tales of spooky goings-on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. Ideal if you’re after a more lighthearted Halloween event for children aged 5-12.

£14, child £8.50

Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Dunstable Downs

Half-Term Trail: A Witch in the Woods

21st - 29th Oct 10.30am - 3pm

Resident witch Witchsnade needs a helping hand to bring the magic back to her woodland home. Make your own wand and join her on this mystical trail down to Chute Wood. Meet at the Visitor Centre

Spooky Afternoon Tea

23rd - 27th Oct 12 noon - 3pm

Enjoy a Halloween themed afternoon tea with scary sandwiches, spooky sweet treats and spell-binding soft drinks. Meet at the View Café Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Boo at the Zoo 21st - 31st Oct

This year’s theme is unseen animals, learn about those who prefer night-time, with hair-raising animal talks, as well as getting stuck in with creepy crafts and pumpkin painting. Enjoy the Halloween disco, magic show, wear devilish disguises and take part in the costume contest, listen to a spooky storytelling session and lots more. Free with Zoo entry

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Wow! Said The Owl

22nd Oct 11.30am & 2pm £9

Explore the wonderful world of colours with a curious little owl, who is determined to stay awake and see what daylight brings. Ages 2 - 5

Steel Pan Workshop

24th Oct 11.30am & 2pm £6

Discover the joy of Steel Pan, as an expert guides you through the basics of playing. Age 6+

All Aboard! Ship Inspired Carnival Costume

Making 25th - 27th Oct

11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm £4

Join the UK Centre for Carnival Arts and make a ship carnival headdress to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush, or walk the plank with a Caribbean pirate ship!

African Drumming Workshop

26th Oct 11.30am & 2pm £6

Learn the intricacies of playing West-African rhythms on the djembe drums. Age 6+

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

Bletchley Park Half Term Activities

23rd - 27th Oct

Fun for all the family.

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Halloween Adventure 24th - 26th Oct

Get your broomsticks, hats and wands at the ready for a Halloween Adventure, with games, sculptures, crazy golf, mini broom workshop (£2), decorated pumpkin competition and more.

Workshops: 9.30am - 12.30pm & 1pm - 4pm

Ages 3 - 10, child £9.50, adult £3.95

Includes access to the gardens & Dinosaur Trail

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

Halloween at Burston

Sessions 11am, 12pm & 2pm

All proceeds will be donated to Brain Tumour Research, £6 per session, please book

Decorate a Spooky Wind Chime 25th Oct choose from a pumpkin, spider, bat or ghost. Make and Decorate a Halloween Dangly and Jump-up 26th Oct

Burston Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

Halloween Spectacular

27th Oct 5pm - 9pm

An evening of spooky fun in the historic buildings and woods, with crafts, activities, storytelling, toasting marshmallows, scary woodland walks, fire-breathing and more.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Baba Yaga: The Witch in the Woods & Train Ride with Dracula!

28th & 29th Oct sessions 10am - 5pm

Watch this family-friendly, interactive play, enjoy a steam train ride with Dracula and win a prize on the Halloween scavenger hunt. Please book Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

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The “Bank of Mum and Dad” and Divorce

The current cost of living crisis is making it harder for people to save deposits to get on the property ladder. People have less disposable income, are saving less, making the property ladder even further out of reach. It is often the case the “bank of Mum or Dad” steps in by gifting/loaning their children substantial lump sums of money to enable them to purchase a property.

When there is an arrangement whereby (for example) a parent/family member makes a loan, the parties quite often believe that loan is safe, and will be repaid over time, or when the property is sold. In most cases, there is no documentation confirming the amount of the loan made, how the monies will be repaid and when, and whether interest will accrue on the loan. It is often simply a bank transfer process with bank statements being the only evidence of the monies exchanging hands.

The legal presumption is that this kind of financial contribution is a gift and not a loan.

It can also be referred to as a “soft loan”. Soft loans are quite often excluded from the matrimonial pot in divorce, resulting in the loan either not being repaid or one party repaying the loan on top of any financial settlement reached.

There are ways to protect family financial contributions made by formalising the agreement. A document known as a Declaration of Trust can provide details of how a couple own the property and in what shares, and also naming the lender and detailing the loan. Each case is different with differing assets and needs. If a loan is to be made to a couple getting married, it is very important legal advice is sought and the loan is documented to prevent difficulties in the event of divorce.

Katie Skinner Chartered Legal Executive Rayden Solicitors Harpenden

NOW for some Entertainment

Trestle Arts Base

Gandhari 1st Oct 7pm

Choosing to blindfold herself in solidarity with her husband, the blind King Dhritirasthra-Gandharis’ wife makes a decision that, in time, will cost her everything. £13

Decadence 28th Oct 7.45pm

A Halloween party featuring live music, Tarot readings, close-up magic, DJ sets, fancy dress and more, performed by The Vaulted Skies. Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ4 www.trestle.org.uk

The Alban Arena

Bridesmaids of Britain 3rd Oct 7.30pm £32, £22 Grab your pals and put on your garter for a night out filled with laughter and tears.

ABBAMANIA 4th Oct 7.30pm

Europe’s leading ABBA tribute with outstanding vocals and musical performance.

George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 5th Oct 7.30pm £31.50, child £26.50

An evening of entertainment from this eccentric group, playful, virtuosic and wickedly amusing.

A Beautiful Noise: The Ultimate Tribute to Neil Diamond 6th Oct 7.30pm £27.50

Celebrating the hits Neil penned in the Brill Building to the album The Jazz Singer and countless live concerts.

Phil Wang: Wang in There Baby!

7th Oct 7.30pm £26

He’s chatting race, family, nipples, and everything else that’s been going on in his Philly little life.

Dame Joan Collins: Behind the Shoulder Pads

9th Oct 7.30pm £55, £45

Featuring seldom told tales, enchanting anecdotes, and rare and fascinating footage from her seven decades in show business, the evening will be full of the usual wit, candour, and of course glamour.

Doug Allan: It’s A Wrap

10th Oct 7.30pm £25, child £22

Looking back over 35 years of natural history filmmaking. Part retrospective, the show is also Doug’s perspective on climate change and its Impact on the world’s wild places.

The Manfreds Maximum Rhythm ‘N’ Blues

11th Oct 7.30pm £36.50, £34.50

Celebrating 60 years of music with tracks such as Pretty Flamingo, 5-4-3-2-1, Ha Ha! Said The Clown, Mighty Quinn and Do Wah Diddy Diddy.

Steve Backshall’s Ocean

12th Oct 7pm £21.50, child £11.50

From great whites to great whales, seals to sardine shoals and Orcas to the oddities of the deep.

80’s Live 13th Oct 7.30pm £31.50

Including Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love Shack, Living on a Prayer, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me Baby, Relax, Never Gonna Give You Up, It’s Raining Men, Rio. . . the list goes on.

Noel Fitzpatrick Beyond Super Vet

14th Oct 7.30pm £37

An antidote to the hectic whirlwind of modern living, bringing us back to the earthed basics, and showing that love really is all that matters.

Emerald Storm 17th Oct 7.30pm £34.50

This explosive show is a thrilling fusion of music and dance styles!

Kevin Bloody Willson 18th Oct 7.30pm £34

Shooting down political correctness with comedic pin point accuracy, while crushing PC eggshells with the grace and diplomacy of a wounded buffalo.

That’ll Be The Day 20th Oct 7.30pm £28.50, £26.50

Combining comedy sketches and impersonations with breathtaking vocals and dazzling musicianship.

Motown How Sweet It Is 21st Oct 7.30pm £31.50

With songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five and many more.

Musicals in Concert 25th Oct 7.30pm £29

From the powerful ballads of Phantom of The Opera, Miss Saigon and Les Miserables to the hits of Dirty Dancing, Motown and more.

Ross Noble: Jibber Jabber Jamboree

27th Oct 8pm £30.50

What’s it about? What will we learn? Pointless questions when Noble is off on one of his tangents!

Frankie’s Guys 28th Oct 7.30pm £26.50

Including Big Girls Don’t Cry, December 1963 (Oh What A Night), Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Grease and many more!

Jimeoin 29th Oct 7.30pm £20

An hilarious evening of stand-up from live comedy’s internationally acclaimed Irish master!

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

Live on Screen

Royal Opera House: L'elisir D’amore

5th Oct 7.15pm & 8th Oct 2pm

Country boy Nemorino hopes to win the haughty Adina’s heart, but she refuses to give him the time of day. Can Doctor Dulcamara’s so-called ‘elixir of love’ work its magic. £20.50, £22.60

Stop Making Sense 14th Oct 8pm

Considered the greatest concert film of all time, this live performance was shot over three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs. £14.50

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

Abbey Theatre

Constellations

5th Oct Charity performance for Harpenden based AT Society. £16, concs £14 includes a glass of wine or soft drink. www.atsociety.org.uk

6th, 7th & 10th - 14th Oct 8pm & 8th Oct 2.30pm

When a quantum physicist and a beekeeper meet by chance their lives become inextricably linked. Perhaps they become friends, or lovers, or get married, or perhaps they don’t. Time means everything and nothing in this tender portrayal of romance and friendship. £14

Ikaria 16th Oct 7.30pm

Simon has returned to Uni after taking a year out. He wants to get on with his finals and not slip back into old, destructive habits. Mia, a first-year, is embracing the freedom of life away from home. Simon doesn’t want to leave his room...but then he meets Mia. Please note the play contains adult themes. £14

Hauntings 21st Oct

Three tales of the supernatural from two of the greatest writers of ghost stories, EF Benson and MR James.

Wind / Rush Generation(s)

25th - 28th Oct 8pm

A group of first year history students is troubled by a noisy ghost. As a dare, they use a Ouija board to try to contact the spirit and come face-to-face with Britain’s colonial past. What follows is a rollercoaster ride as they confront this country’s difficult imperial history of racism and prejudice. Part of Black History Month, commemorating the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush. This play contains some offensive racist language used in historical context. £8, child £5 Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2D www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

The Eric Morecambe Centre

9 to 5 The Musical 11th - 14th Oct 7.30pm

& 14th Oct 2.30pm £22, child £19

With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, based on the popular 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge is outrageous and thought-provoking.

The Wonder Of Stevie 20th Oct 7.30pm £29

Voted one of Britain’s top soul singers, vocalist Noel McCalla, saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra) and their world-class live band present a catalogue of Stevie Wonder classics.

Gareth Gates in Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons 21st Oct 7.30pm £32.50

Featuring favourite songs including Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like A Man, and many more.

The Opera Boys: A Night At The Musicals

26th Oct 7.30pm £24

From musicals like Mamma Mia, Hairspray and Jersey Boys to Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, this show is perfect for all musical theatre lovers.

Oye Santana 28th Oct 7.30pm £19.50

Enjoy a feast of Latin music, superb musicianship and hit songs, faithfully re-creating the music of Santana. Dreamcoat Stars 31st Oct 7.30pm £29

The star vocals of four singers from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, come together for a magical evening of West End and Broadway classics. EMC, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.the-emc.co.uk

The Barn Theatre

King Charles III by Mike Bartlett

13th - 21st Oct 8pm & 21st Oct 2.30pm

The Mercy Seat by Neil Labute

25th - 28th Oct 8pm

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

Comedy at The Old Town Hall

Rachel Fairburn: Showgirl

21st Oct 8pm £15.50

Casting her acerbic eye over everything from your children to her pretentious new alcohol-free life (accurate at time of writing)!

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club

23rd Oct 8pm £10

Resident monthly comedy club with Nick Wilty and Alex Haddow. High Street, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Local dance tutor Pat Anslow’s experience spans a lifetime, starting as a youngster in competitive dancing, winning many trophies with her partner. As an amateur competitor, Pat appeared on BBC`s ‘Come Dancing’, dancing for the West Midlands.

As an experienced dance tutor, she has taught Ballroom and Latin American Dancing at colleges in Gloucestershire, before opening her own dancing school in 2008. Pat was invited by BBC Radio Gloucestershire to participate with some of her pupils in the ‘BIG Dance Class’ organised by the Arts Council and the BBC. She has also appeared on ‘Points Wests’ a light hearted version of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

She runs Dance Weekends which include two evenings dancing and two mornings teaching, the most recent at the Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torquay, and returning to Torquay for the next one on 13th - 15th October. They are a great way to meet new people and previous class members, by joining a class now, you will be ready for the October Weekend!

Pat holds a Fellowship of the Ballroom Branch of The International Dance Teachers Association, is a Licentiate Member of The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (Ballroom and Latin American) and is an Associate Member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (Sequence). Why not contact Pat and learn to dance for an upcoming cruise, a wedding, a special event, or just as a great new hobby or an excellent way to keep fit!

Out of Town

Shuttleworth

Race Day Air Show 1st Oct 9.30am £35

Bringing together icons of the aviation and motor vehicle industry for a day of action on the grass runway and in the skies. See the holder of 3 World Land Speed Records, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s 350hp Sunbeam ‘Bluebird’, alongside 50 other historic racers. There’ll also be vintage bus rides, classic car and motorbike parades, live music and much more. Tickets also allow access to the Collection and Gardens.

Aviation Photography Night Shoot

6th & 7th Oct 5pm £75 - £125

There will be three aircraft running engines under floodlights on the historic grass airfield, hangars illuminated with creative lighting and vehicles and re-enactors adding atmosphere and photographic opportunities throughout the evening.

Halloween Haunt 28th Oct starts at 5pm

Listen to storytellers around the garden telling Victorian ghost stories. But be warned, there may be spooky surprises along the way!

The Runway Café will be open until 8pm serving hot drinks, snacks and sweet treats with children’s activities in the Discover Hub. The White Rose vintage bus will also be running with everyone dressed for a spooky night! £10, child £2.50

Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

The Howl Scream Park

6th, 7th, 13th - 15th, 20th - 22nd, 25th - 29th & 31st Oct 6pm - 11pm

Be ready for a night of dazzling special effects, live action horror mazes, immersive scenery, street theatre, live music, DJ's, great food and drink and one hell of an atmosphere. Please book

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

What's Beneath Our Feet?

10th Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm

Join volunteer Jane for a 3k walk around the Park to delve into its geological past and present. The rock beneath our feet has had an impact on shaping the landscape, industry and our wildlife!

Dogs on leads welcome.

Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Shenley Park Apple Day

15th Oct 12 noon - 4pm

A day of all things apple, if you’re able to help picking apples ready for Apple Day between 1-3pm on 22nd or 24th Sept or 1st Oct please email shenleypark@gmail.com All income from sales of apples and juice helps pay for the upkeep of the park. Shenley Park, Radlett Lane WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk

Jet & Space Week 21st - 29th Oct

Challenge your science skills, put your knowledge to the test and find out more about the universe with a wide range of family fun activities and workshops. Including cosmic robot races, an out of this world planetarium, a competitive paper jet designing contest and much, much more.

RAF London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Tring Natural History Museum

Nocturnal Animals 24th - 26th Oct

10.30am, 11.15am, 2.15pm, 3pm

Put your senses to the test in this specially crafted night-time world. Explore what these species need to live and thrive in the dark and create your own bat to take home. £2

Apple Pressing and Juice Tasting

27th Oct 10am - 3.30pm

Celebrate Tring’s famous Apple Fayre by learning how apple juice is made with local ecologist Martin Hicks. Free Museum by Torchlight 27th Oct 5pm - 8pm

Dress up in your best spooky outfit to explore the galleries after dark.

Spooktacular trail £1, Entry free Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Hertford Castle Open Day

29th Oct 12 noon - 4pm

Guided tours every 30 mins

The castle will be open for you to explore including the Mayor's Parlour, Robing room and the themed basement giving an insight into the historic Grade 1 listed building, with volunteers on hand to impart historical knowledge. Free Hertford Castle, Castle Street SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk

NOW at the Cathedral

Art of the Abbey

19th Sept - 1st Oct free

Mixed-media exhibition by local artist Martin Clark. Get immersed in the historical and sacred atmosphere of his artworks, explore the Cathedral and its hidden corners while you enjoy work, including painting and sculpture depicting the Abbey from different perspectives.

Tower Tours £10

11th Oct 11am & 12.30pm

21st Oct 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm

22nd Oct 2pm & 3.30pm

25th Oct 11am & 12.30pm

Climb the 211 steps up to the top of the oldest Cathedral tower in Britain and experience fantastic views of St Albans. On the way up, see the magnificent Rose Window up close, explore the roof spaces and visit the ringing and bell chambers, before the final climb onto the Tower roof.

All Creature Great and Small

1st Oct 3pm - 4pm

Bring your pet along for a blessing.

Abbey by Night

4th Oct 8pm & 8.30pm £18

Be transported back in time to the medieval abbey with this thrilling candlelit experience. Upon entrance to the building, expect clouds of incense, the sounds of monk’s music, and the hustle and bustle of a lively medieval abbey at work as time rewinds several centuries.

Hertfordshire Chorus: Brahms, Strauss and Rosenberg

7th Oct 7.30pm £5 - £30

With Ein deutches Requiem by Brahms, Richard Strauss’s sublime Four Last Songs and a short piece written by Kurt Rosenberg called Highland Home.

Harvest Festival 8th Oct 9.30pm

All welcome

Stained Glass - Scenes from the Bible

8th Oct 1.30pm free

Explore the vividly depicted scenes from the bible, in the Cathedral’s stained glass, on the theme of deliverance.

Saying Goodbye Service 9th Oct 7pm

A quiet service of reflection and prayer as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week for those who have lost a baby or young child.

Organ Concert: Arturo Barba

11th Oct 12.30pm free

Festival of Church Music 14th Oct 7pm free

With In Harmony Free Church choirs.

Demonstration of Sacred Harp Singing

15th Oct 2pm free

Join the London Sacred Harp group for a singing session of traditional ‘shapenote’ songs from the southern American repertoire of folk/worship music.

Magic Science Day 16th Oct

10.30am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2pm £4.50

Join Science Magician, Dr Matt Pritchard for an exciting and interactive show packed with magic as part of Science Week. For upper KS2 pupils.

Talk: Sparking Wonder – Science, Religion, and Magic 16th Oct 7.30pm £12

Discover how science, religion and magic contribute to a more wonder-full life, in this fast-paced talk packed with counter-intuitive demonstrations, we will explore what it might mean to be both enlightened and enchanted.

Renaissance | Illuminating the Past

24th & 25th Oct

Be transported out of the Dark Ages into a time that changed culture forever in this mesmerising light show. Please book

Graffiti Artist in Residence - Ant Steel Community Drop-In

21st Oct 11.30am - 1.30pm free

Find out more about graffiti art and contribute to the making of a Renaissance collaborative project. All welcome Family Workshop 23rd Oct child £6

Create some Renaissance focused art. Workshop: Graffiti Throughout Time

28th Oct 10.30am £25

Uncover the revolutionary history of this artistic medium and learn how to use spray paints and stencils to collectively create a graffiti piece.

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

Out & About

Herts Open Studios until 1st Oct

With hundreds of artists working in many different media. Follow the yellow signs across the county to visit venues, studios, pop-ups, galleries, shops, theatres, museums and much more. You'll see finished and 'in progress' artwork; be able to chat to artists and find out more about the tools and techniques they use. www.hvaf.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Echoes from the Future until 8th Oct free

Inspired by the Museums' Collections, see works in sculpture, casting discarded objects collected from beaches and riverbanks in plaster and bronze resin to create new fossils or relics, and compositions placing observed animals, birds and human figures within invented natural environments.

Exhibition: Samuel Ryder & the Ryder Cup until 27th Oct

Celebrating the Museums’ founder Samuel Ryder, known as the man behind the Ryder Cup and one of St Albans most prominent residents in his life. He changed the face of gardening nationally with his penny packets of seeds and as councillor and mayor he contributed to all aspects of life in St Albans. Free

Exhibition: Time for Tea until 5th Nov

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

Poet Quinton Mílise Jumps Parallels

1st & 21st Oct 3pm free

Join spoken-word poet, Mílise for a performance drawing from a ‘Colourful Upbringing full of quirky, compelling and outlandish Characters who lived their lives on the Margins of Society’.

Exhibition: Ballito Bombshells 20th Oct - 4th Feb

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. Free St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH

www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

The Luxury Wedding Fair 1st Oct 11am - 3pm

Overlooking the lake and parkland it’s a beautiful location for a Wedding Fair.

St Michael's Manor, St Albans AL3 4RY

www.eventbrite.co.uk

St Leonard's Flower Festival

1st Oct 10am Harvest Festival Service

6th Oct 5pm Flower Festival Preview

7th Oct 10am - 5pm / 8th Oct 11am - 5pm www.sandridgechurch.org.uk

Highfield Park

All events at the Visitor Centre

Apple Day 1st Oct 1.30pm - 3.30pm, free

A fun and traditional celebration of English Apples. Enjoy live music while having a homemade cake and a cuppa, Buy apple juice and cider, sourced from the Park’s historic orchards, watch an apple juicing demonstration, play apple-based games, browse craft stalls, talk to a local beekeeper, and buy some of his delicious honey.

Talk: Memories of the Hospitals & the Park

20th October 7.30pm £5

Using interviews, photographs and research the talk gives some idea of life in Hill End and Cell Barnes hospitals, together with a brief outline of the formation of Highfield Park. Please book

Mini Rotters 25th Oct 10am £5

Take the trail and learn about the heroes of natural recycling and keep an eye out for hidden surprises! Get up close to Stick Insects, Giant Millipede, Giant Hissing Cockroaches, Giant Snails, a Tarantula and a Scorpion which you can hold (except the Tarantula and Scorpion). Please book Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

St Albans City Walks

Tudor St Albans Revealed 1st Oct 2.30pm

Historic St Albans

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Oct 11.15am

A Roman City Revealed 7th Oct 11am

A Modern City Revealed 8th Oct 2.30pm

St Michaels and Fishpool Street 14th Oct 2.30pm

The Pubs of St Albans 15th Oct 2.30pm

Ghosts & Ghouls

19th, 27th, 28th, 30th & 31st Oct 7.30pm

27th, 28th, 30th & 31st Oct 7pm

30th & 31st Oct 8pm

Victorian St Albans 21st Oct 2.30pm

Crime & Punishment 22nd Oct 2.30pm

Haunted Harpenden 31st Oct 7.30pm

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

Harpenden Writers 6th Oct 10am - 12 noon

University of Bedfordshire workshop; theme ‘Literary Collage’. Members free, guests £5, all welcome

Friends' Meeting House, Southdown Road AL5 1PD www.harpendenwriters.com

George Street Gin & Jazz Festival

6th Oct 7pm - 10pm

The shops will open their doors and there’ll be live jazz and swing.

George Street, St Albans

Waste Not Clothes Swap

7th Oct 6.30pm - 8.30pm

A social event for adults and teenagers to get new pre-loved clothes. Profits to Fashion Revolution.

£2, under 18s £1

All Saints Church, Station Rd, Harpenden AL5 4UU www.shorturl.at/btvU2

More Out & About

Charity Quiz Evening 7th Oct 7pm

In aid of The Children's Society, individuals, couples, groups of 8 - all welcome! £10

For details, and to book call 07751 595138

St Nicholas Church Hall, Harpenden AL5 2TP

Sustainable St Albans

Repair Fair 7th Oct 2pm - 5pm

St Albans District Fixers will be helping repair household fabrics and electrical items you might otherwise throw away. Please book, free St Paul’s Church, St Albans AL1 4JP

Thermal Imaging Camera Free

If you have doubts about the insulation in your home, you can use a thermal imaging camera to check. Visit the website to find out more. There’s also a community camera available for Schools, Scouts and Guides groups, churches and other faith communities. www.sustainablestalbans.org

Artisan Craft and Food Market

8th Oct 11am - 5pm free entry

With a varied selection of handmade crafts and food and drink.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

St Albans South Signal Box

8th, 22nd & 25th Oct 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

Fungus Day 9th Oct 11am - 3pm

Find out how fungi make a vital contribution to healthy ecosystems and the problems and solutions they offer to agriculture and food production. No need to book Rothamsted Restaurant, Harpenden AL5 2JQ www.rothamstedenterprises.com

de Havilland Aircraft Museum Tours

Wednesdays from 11th Oct 12 noon

Tours for individuals or small groups. Entry £14, child £8, plus tour charge of £5 London Colney AL2 1BU www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk

The Big Herts Quiz 13th Oct 7pm

In support of World Homeless Day, why not round up a quiz team and put your knowledge to the test. All funds raised will support Herts Young Homeless. £17.50 includes supper and sweet treats Loreto College, St Albans AL1 3RQ www.hyh.org.uk

Patchwork Quilting Exhibition

14th Oct 9.30am - 4pm

Display of amazing work by The Mead Quilters. Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY £3, under 12s free www.meadquilters.org.uk

Gallery Talks

Hear the story of Verulamium come to life. Free Death & Burial Gallery 14th Oct 12.30pm

Iron Age 21st Oct 11.30am

Gods & Goddesses 28th Oct 11.30am

Verulamium Museum, St Albans AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Minimalism 17th Oct via Zoom

Harpenden Photographic Society presentation, with Judy Hancock Holland, whose work focuses on ageing, healing, femininity, death and dying, peace and passion, and spirituality and sensuality. www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk

History & Nature of Dunstable Downs

24th Oct 10.30am - 1pm

Join volunteers, Geoff and Annette, for a gentle walk to the Knolls to learn about the history of the Downs. £3, child £1.50, meet at the Visitor Centre Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Samhain Celebrations 24th - 27th Oct

Celebrate the start of the Celtic New Year ‘Samhain’ with a day of activities, including pumpkin carving, making a burning man and a mini broom, burn your worries and hang your wish on the wishing trees, explore the Haunted Forest, enjoy prehistory talks and demos, build a woodland shelter, take part in a Samhain fire procession, listen to a Celtic story around the fire and more. £12.50

Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Autumn Open Day 25th Oct 10.30am - 12 noon

Spooky fun with craft activities, hunt the spiders, a visit to The Woodyard Coffee Shop and more.

Child £5, adults free

Friday Talk: Walled Garden in the 20th Century

27th Oct 10.30am

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

Floral Demonstration: 'How Bizarre'

26th Oct 7.30pm

Harpenden Evening Floral Group. All welcome. £8 All Saints Church Hall, Harpenden AL5 4UU

Oktoberfest

27th Oct 4pm - 11pm & 28th Oct 11am - 11pm

A traditional German celebration with a live Oompah Band, axe throwing, games, local artists, a DJ and of course, Prost beer and authentic German Schwenkgrill serving Bratwurst and more. A shuttle bus service will run from St Peters Street, St Albans and Harpenden train station. From £19.39

Herts Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT www.hertsoktoberfest.com

Time to Get Fit

Let’s Do This

Trail Running Pole Workshop 2nd Oct 10am

Open to all abilities, learn from the expertise of an International Mountain Leader and alpine trail running guide and pick up useful pointers for your next trail running adventure. £25 Tring HP23 6AR

North Chilterns 50k 8th Oct 9am

Explore the breathtaking North Chilterns on this mammoth trail run designed to delight (and challenge) runners. £68 Putteridge Bury, Luton LU2 8LE

Pub Loops - The Orange Orbit 21st Oct 8.30am

Join a friendly group on a laidback walk through the Hertfordshire countryside. Discover unfrequented trails and form new friendships on this 20k walk, with delicious pub fare waiting at the finish. £35

The Orange Tree, Baldock SG7 5AW www.letsdothis.com

Willow 10k 8th Oct 10am

Support the Willow Foundation on a 10k (£25), 5k (£16), or Family Fun Run (£7.50), perfect for runners and walkers of all abilities. Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.willowfoundation.org.uk

Herts 10k 8th Oct

The 18th race is set to be another fantastic day as runners of all abilities set off on the scenic course that winds its way through the stunning Hertfordshire countryside, starting and finishing at Rothamsted Research. The race has raised almost £2 million for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, a charity that provides specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness. Why not sign up today!

Rothamsted Park, Harpenden www.herts10k.com

The Mud Pack Challenge 15th Oct

Get filthy for The Hospice of St Francis in the wonderful surroundings of Ashridge Estate. £35

Ashridge House, HP4 1NS www.stfrancis.org.uk

Action Challenge: Halloween Walk 28th Oct

Make your way across London passing iconic London sights. Do it for yourself and self fund, or support one of the Charity Partners. Choose either a full (£10) or half (£7.50) marathon, dress to distress, and meet creepy dungeon keepers at the start and finish. There’s ghostly looped routes, zombie rest stops, a macabre medal, a glass of the Devil’s fizz, some horrific hot food, and a souvenir bobble hat to ward off the spirits!

Starting at The Oval, London www.ultrachallenge.com

NOW for Some Music

The Horn

Neon Waltz 5th Oct 8pm £15

An indie band with a rich, melodic sound. Half Life 6th Oct 10.30pm free Local rock covers band.

The Fabulous Feedback Band 20th Oct 8pm

London's BEST party band! Free

Special Kinda Madness 21st Oct 9pm £18

A tribute to The Specials and Madness

Guns 2 Roses 28th Oct 9pm £14

THE Guns and Roses tribute!

The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

St Albans Organ Theatre

Robert Wolfe - Organ Concert 7th Oct 3pm

Sunday Musical Afternoon 8th Oct 3pm

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

Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances

14th Oct 7.30pm

With St Albans Symphony Orchestra

Jenkins: And the Sun Stood Still

Nielsen: Helios Overture

Sibelius: Nightride and Sunrise

£13 - £18, students £5, child £2 01525 862097 / 07976 800445

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.saso.org.uk

Songs of the Spirit 14th Oct 7pm

A choral collaboration between The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden and Sir John Lawes

School‘s Chamber Choir, featuring Schubert’s Mass in G and a selection of German choral music, including inspirational works by Anton Bruckner, Max Reger, Fanny Hensel, Johannes Brahms and Felix Mendelssohn. £17, £10 High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU

www.musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com

Radlett Choir

Workshop 15th Oct 1.30pm - 4.30pm £15

An afternoon of fun, singing a selection of pieces from over a thousand years of musical heritage. Open to all, to book please email: info@radlettchoir.org.uk

United Free Church, Radlett WD7 8JX

Love singing? The choir welcomes new members, they rehearse on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at United Free Church, Radlett WD7 8JX

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!

● 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