st albans NOW April 19

st albans April 2019

NOW

Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside

promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006

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To Adv

Welcome to April As you’ll have noticed the magazine is looking a bit different this month, a new look, same great magazine!

There’s lots to do this month from Easter Trails, a Bat Walk and the Mad Hatters Tea Party to Jousting and Bluebell Walks.

Make sure you sign up early for the Bubblerush and St Albans Half Marathon, the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll start training and getting fit for summer, while raising money for a good cause.

If you run your own business, we’d love to include you, we offer a helpful, friendly service, so just give us a call. The magazines are monthly, if you don’t receive one, pick up a copy in town or read them on our social media pages. Happy Easter!

Jane & Wendy

Out of Town NOW at The Cathedral

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Easter services, music & more

NOW at The Alban Arena

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music, ballet & comedy

Walks, Talks & More

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out & about

NOW at the Museums

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arts, crafts & more

NOW for some Art

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paintings, drawing & more

NOW for some Music

@theNOWmagazines

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RAF, Shuttleworth, Bletchley Park

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pop & classical

NOW at The Local Theatres

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drama, films & more

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Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Deadline 10th April for May edition www.theNOWmagazines.com

Easter Fun

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Easter fun for everyone

Bats, Dragons & Owls!

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family fun

What’s on in April

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St Albans Let’s Walk

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walking through history

What’s on in May

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Index of Businesses

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Art Classes to the Women’s Institute

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Visit The House 14th April 9.30am - 12.30pm The House will be open to let you explore the Bletchley Park rooms, the grounds and see other areas not Author Jack Copeland on Alan Turing normally open to public. £5, child £1 6th April Afternoon Tea Lecture 1: Alan Turing: Computing Pioneer 14th April 1.30pm, 2pm & 2.30pm Codebreaker 12 noon - 1.30pm Enjoy afternoon tea in the grand setting of Hear Turing’s remarkable story: his universal The House. £30, child £15 computing machine of 1936, his vital wartime ‘Bring a Picnic’ Bank Holiday Garden Tour Codebreaking work at Bletchley Park, and his 22nd April 11am impact on the development of electronic Enjoy a guided tour and experience a rare computers after the war. opportunity to picnic in the garden.

Lecture 2: Turing and the Birth of £8.50, concs £7.50, child £2 Artificial Intelligence 3pm - 4.30pm Mad Hatter’s Tea Party As early as 1951, Turing was predicting that 28th April 11am - 4.30pm intelligent computers could take control of human Down the rabbit hole into the Swiss Garden in affairs within a millennium. Copeland describes time for tea. Plus Maypole and Morris dancers, the evolution of Turing’s thinking on Al, from his crafts, magic, and a Punch & Judy show. Be wartime investigations of the concepts of machine entertained by Alice in Wonderland characters in intelligence and learning, to his 1948 manifesto of the fairy-tale surroundings. Bring your own Mad computer intelligence, and on to his famous Hatter picnic and dress up if you can, mad hats Imitation Game, whose successful execution at the very least! would, Turing claimed, show that human-level Al £12, child £3 had arrived. From £22.50 Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB Beds SG18 9EP bletchleypark.org.uk shuttleworth.org

Out of Town

Shuttleworth Spring Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener 12th April 10.30am - 2pm Listen to the garden’s story and learn how it’s cared for today. Highlights include swathes of Daffodils, Rhododendrons, Spring flowering shrubs, and Alpine plants in the Rock Garden.

Then chat to members of the garden team over lunch. Age 16+ £30 Workshop: Easter Floristry 13th April 10am - 1pm Make an Easter floral arrangement with spring flowers as a gift for someone special.

All materials and refreshments provided.

Age 16+ £35

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RAF London First World War Flying Machines 25th April A fantastic opportunity to get up close to aircraft such as the Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A or the Bleriot XXVII. These astounding early machines tell the story of the development of flight from aerial reconnaissance to the protection of civilian populations and ground troops during the WWI. A small number of people will also be able to access the Albatros D.Va Replica. £10, Albatros access ticket £15 RAF Museum London, Hendon NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk

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NOW at the Cathedral

Talk: Alban: How a Romano-British Martyr Became an Anglo-Saxon Saint 4th April 7.30pm £10 John Rutter: Magnificat and Requiem Leonard Bernstein: Chichester Psalms 6th April 7.30pm St Albans Bach Choir. A blend of Biblical Hebrew verse and Christian choral tradition. From £15 Tower Tours 6th & 27th April 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm 7th April 2pm, 3.30pm 24th April 11am, 12.30pm This tour takes you all the way to the top of the Norman bell tower and out onto the roof for the most spectacular views. £9.50 Passiontide Service 7th April 6.30pm A powerful meditative service of music, poetry and prayer, marking the start of Passiontide.

Sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir.

Talk: The Dream of the Rood: An Anglo-Saxon vision of the Crucifixion 10th April 8pm £10 Animal Fun! 11th April 10am - 12.30pm Springtime and Easter are linked to a variety of animals. See how many you can find around the Cathedral. Get creative and make some animal models, and enjoy a taste of the special Easter chocolate fountain!

Lunchtime Organ Recital 17th April 12.30pm Marko Sever, Organ Scholar, St Albans Cathedral.

Free.

St Albans Chamber Choir with Wormser Kantorei Golden Jubilee Celebration 27th April 7.30pm Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the association between St Albans Chamber Choir and the Wormser Kantorei from St Albans’ twin town of Worms. From £15

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Easter Services 14th April - Palm Sunday Procession 9.30am Meet by the Clock Tower to walk to the Cathedral.

Bring a branch or greenery to wave as you walk.

Francis Pott's 'Christus' 3pm Performed byTom Winpenny, Assistant Master of the Music. Free 15th - 17th April Address and Compline 8pm 18th April - Maundy Thursday Chrism Eucharist 11am A sung Eucharist with the clergy and lay ministers and the blessing of the holy oils.

Maundy Eucharist 8pm This service includes the washing of the feet of 12 people followed by stripping decoration from the altars. A vigil of prayer is kept until midnight.

19th April - Good Friday Pre-school Children’s Service 10am Three Hours Devotion 12 noon - 1.30pm: Preaching of the Passion 1.30pm - 3pm: The Liturgy of Good Friday 20th April - Easter Eve Evensong 4pm Sung by the men of the Cathedral Choir.

Easter Vigil 8pm This first service of Easter begins quietly in darkness, but ends in joyful light and noise.

21st April - Easter Day 9.30am: Parish Eucharist Sung by the Cathedral Choir.

11.15am: Matins Sung by the Cathedral Choir.

3.30pm: Evensong Sung by the Abbey Girls Choir and men of the Cathedral Choir.

22nd April - Easter Monday Easter Monday Pilgrimage Walk to the Cathedral from across the diocese to gather together in the Cathedral from 2pm.

Service starts at 3pm. stalbanscathedral.org

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NOW at the Alban Arena

Figure, Freedom, Faith and many more.

ZOG 16th - 18th April £14.50, £12.50 From the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales ZOG promises to be roaring fun for all ages.

Live at The Alban Arena 1st April 7.30pm £25 Conrad Anker - Hold Fast: A celebration of the biggest and best comedians on Yosemite to Everest to Maru the UK circuit. Contains adult themes and language.

19th April 7.30pm £19 Julian Clary: Born to Mince One of the greatest mountaineers of our time, Conrad 3rd April 7.30pm £25, concs £23 will talk all things mountaineering, including the 1924 Don’t miss it, this might be the final mince.

Mallory and Irvine Everest expedition.

Big Girls Don’t Cry 4th April 7.30pm £26, £24 Heather Small 21st April 7.30pm £28.50 The iconic sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four An evening of stunning vocals and great songs.

Seasons recreated by a phenomenal cast and live Heather was one of the seminal British voices of the band on this 10th Anniversary Tour.

1990s.

The Counterfeit Stones 5th April 8pm £25 Dear Zoo 23rd & 24th April £14 Described as Rolling Stones’ hooky masterpiece.

Based on Rod Campbell’s best-selling book, this Packed with big hits, retro fashion and vintage guitars. show unfolds with puppets, music and lots of 80’s Mania 6th April 7.30pm £23 audience interaction.

Featuring the music of 25 chart-topping pop stars The Illegal Eagles including: Duran Duran, Human League, Culture 25th April 7.30pm £25.50, £23.50 Club, Wham!, Madness, Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Featuring all the classics including Hotel California, Adam Ant, Soft Cell, Kim Wilde and many more.

Take it to the Limit, Lyin’ Eyes and many more.

Rock & Roll Revolution 7th April 7.30pm £20 The Sensational 60s Experience Award-winning band The Bluejays take you on a 26th April 7.30pm £28.50 journey through the fabulous fifties.

The most explosive 60’s show touring the UK. An Evening with Aggers 8th April 7.30pm £23 Vienna Festival Ballet presents: Coppelia A trip down memory lane, recounting tales from a 27th April 2.30pm £24, £21, £16 career on the field and in the box.

A magical and comical classic that warms and 100 Years of the WI with Gyles Brandreth entertains from start to finish.

9th April 2pm £17.50 The Ultimate Civic Disco presents… The Ultimate Everyone is invited to join Herts WI for a hilarious Thriller Night 27th April 7pm £16 roller-coaster ride around the world.

Dance the night away to music from the King of Pop The Solid Silver 60s Show and videos and TV clips from the 70’s 80’s and 90’s, 10th April 7.30pm £32.50, £30.50 with the big screen videotheque.

60’s favourites Peter Noone, Brian Poole and Dave Our House Berry with Vanity Fare unite for the Solid Silver 60s.

30th April - 4th May £17.50, concs £16.50 Tommy Tiernan: Paddy Crazy Horse Performed by St Albans Musical Theatre Company, 11th April 8pm £20 with Madness favourites such as Our House, Baggy Using high theatricality and lots of sweary language, Trousers, My Girl, The Wings of a Dove and more. this is a fast paced celebration of what’s wild, wrong and wonderful about being alive right now.

01727 844488 Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael The Alban Arena AL1 3LD 13th April 8pm £28 alban-arena.co.uk Direct from the West End with hits including Father

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NOW at UHArts Film: Elstree Originals: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

2nd April 7pm Enjoy the first days of Spring at this outdoor pop up film screening. Based on the 1981 novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, and set in Hollywood in the late 1940s, it follows a private detective attempting to clear the name of Roger Rabbit, following accusations that he’s murdered a wealthy businessman.

College Lane Campus Al10 9AB Rhythms of the City 9th April 12 noon Free Join UK's premier samba percussion squad Rhythms of the City as they present hi-octane percussion music played on Brazilian drums and traditional instruments, augmented by infectious dancing in Rio-carnival style and traditional costumes by dedicated samba dancers.

Promenade from the Forum to Art & Design Gallery Ballet Black: Triple Bill featuring INGOMA 13th April 7.30pm Ingoma, a fusion of ballet, African dance and singing portrays a milestone moment in South African history and imagines the struggles of black miners and their families in 1946. Ballet Black is an intimate duet, an original, lighthearted work by Sophie Laplane, also a premiere, completes the Triple Bill.

Weston Auditorium Al10 9EU The Tide Jetty 25th April 7.30pm Two brothers, Tucky and Nathan grow up on the banks of Breydon Water alongside tomboy, Eliza.

The three of them are inseparable. As they grow older the inevitable happens… Eliza turns into a woman and they both fall for her. But tragedy tears the trio apart and years later it is time to discover the truth of what really happened…

Roe Hill Hall AL10 8EY uharts.co.uk

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Event Cinema National Theatre Live: All About Eve 11th April 7pm Starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James.

The story of Margo Channing, true star of the theatre. The spotlight is hers, always has been.

But now there’s Eve. Her biggest fan. Young, beautiful Eve. The golden girl, the girl next door.

But you know all about Eve…don’t you…?

RSC Live: As You Like it 17th April 7pm Come into the forest; dare to change your state of mind. Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head. With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper selves. Director Kimberley Sykes (Dido, Queen of Carthage) directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare's romantic comedy.

The Royal Opera House Live: Faust 30th April 6.45pm Experience the decadence and elegance of 1870s Paris in David Mcvicar's spectacular production of Goundo's best-loved Opera There are many versions of the story of Faust, who trades his soul with the Devil for youth and power, but Gounod’s opera remains one of the most constantly enthralling. Michael Fabiano stars as Faust, with Diana Damrau as his beloved Marguerite and Erwin Schrott as the diabolical Méphistophélès. Virtuoso leading roles, a large chorus, sensational sets, ballet and an ecstatic finale make this the epitome of theatrical spectacle.

CW Entertainment, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX cwentertainment.co.uk

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Walks, Talks & More

Ashridge Exhibition: Nature Detectives until Feb 2020 Exhibition focusing on wildlife surveying and citizen science. Learn about the fantastic plants and animals that can be found on the estate, before having a go at surveying yourself. Free Gentle Stroll - Signs of Spring 10th April 10.30am Join volunteers to look at Ashridge’s spring wildlife, from emerging buds to blooming flowers. There’s plenty to show that spring is on its way. Meet at the visitor centre. £3 Bluebell Photography Workshop 26th April 10am - 4pm With local photographer Lyndsey Abercromby £99 per adult, please book 01442 851227 Dockey Wood Bluebells 27th & 28th April & 4th & 6th May 10am - 4pm Learn more about this special forestry plantation and the wonderful bluebells that grow there.

Charges apply at these times only. £3, child £1 Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT nationaltrust.org.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden A Study Day: The Impact of WW1 on a Bedfordshire Estate: Luton Hoo 10th April 10am - 5pm A fascinating day focusing on the impact of WW1 on Luton Hoo Estate. The day also includes lunch and a tour of part of the estate and display boards and is a must for local history buffs and military history enthusiasts alike. "When war broke out in 1914 our country estates were to play a vital role in providing manpower and skills for the armed forces and food for the nation, but this contribution came at a cost". £45, please book info@lhwg.org.uk Spring Open Day 17th April 10.30am - 1pm A wonderful way to welcome the (not-so-secret)

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Walled Garden back into your life after the winter shut down. With historic garden tours, children’s activities and woodland and bluebell walks. £5, child £4 Guided Bluebell Walks through the Estate 17th & 24th April & 8th May 10.30am & 2pm A three mile walk interspersed with historic information, through the carpets of bluebells around this ancient woodland not otherwise open to the public. £5, please book 1582 721443 or office@lutonhooestate.co.uk Talk: Friday Seven - The 3rd Earl of Bute Gentleman or scoundrel?

26th April 10.30am - 12.30pm Tony Evers John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute built the Walled Garden in the 1760's for his botanical collection. The talk promotes the little-known influences of this fascinating man who helped the Dowager Princess of Wales establish the Botanical Gardens at Kew. £5 Open Wednesdays 2nd May - 30th Sept 10.30am - 4pm Enjoy tours of the garden, and Victorian Farm Buildings (extra £3). Purchase seasonal fruit and vegetables, apple juice and Luton Hoo honey and honeycomb from the garden shop, and visit The Wood Yard cafe. £5, under 4’s free There is no entrance to the Walled Garden from the Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF lutonhooestate.co.uk

Incredible Edible - Come and Grow!

Help to plant and maintain the open-to-all community food gardens.

No experience needed, all welcome 14th April 1pm - 4pm Civic Centre, St Albans 27th April 10am - 1pm Russell Avenue, St Albans Please email for more information incredible@foodsmilesstalbans.org.uk

Highfield Park St Albans AL4 0RA Helping Wildlife by Submitting Records of What you See 28th April 2pm - 4pm free Looking at how we can all be ‘citizen scientists’ and not just spot wildlife but submit records of what we have seen. For adults, and accompanied teenagers wanting to learn more about the natural world, starting with a short talk in the Visitor Centre, followed by a guided walk to put into practice what you have learnt. highfieldparktrust.co.uk

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Pelting Oranges

Build • Replace • Repair For around two hundred years an unusual and unique tradition was practised on the slopes Dunstable Downs leading down to Pascombe Pit. Every Good Friday, the people of Dunstable and neighbouring villages would gather at the top of the Downs, then chase oranges thrown down the hills, attempting to catch them! Although there are similar traditions in other parts of the country of throwing items such as eggs down hills, said to symbolise the rolling of the stone away from the tomb of Christ, only Dunstable Downs has been recorded as using oranges.

The origins of this event are unknown, but it is believed to have started in the mid-to-late 18th century. By the end of the 19th century, newspaper records show that it was an annual event attended by hundreds of people, known at the time as “pelting oranges”. Participants were either a “pelter” or a “pelted”, with the oranges generally being thrown at other people, especially those who dressed in items such as top hats to encourage being hit. Indeed, while children might happily tumble down, chasing oranges to earn a juicy prize to eat, some “old hands” deliberately attracted attention on the slopes to catch as many as possible, with the intention of selling them on later!

At this time it was common for bands, fairgroundtype rides and stalls to set up at the bottom of the pit, to further entertain the revellers. However, at the turn of the 20th century there were issues with rowdy elements within the crowds, in one particular instance over-running a coconut shy, eventually resulting in the banning of such amusements in 1914. However, the event would continue, with increasing visitors from further afield such as London, as transportation improved.

The Second World War was to bring the first break from this tradition, as by 1941 the fruit was in short supply due to rationing. Post-war the Dunstable Chamber of Trade attempted to bring back the event, but by 1968 they decided to stop it, due to Health and Safety concerns and a lack of support from local traders. Apart from isolated attempts to revive the event, such as in 1985, and despite fond memories from older locals, these factors plus the build-up of scrub on the slopes make it impractical to hold the event today.

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For All Your Carpentry & Property Maintenance Needs

For nearly 700 years, the Alban Bun has been a part of the Easter tradition at St Albans Cathedral. The Abbot's Kitchen Café sell the buns from Lent to Easter, using the original recipe, but with slightly more fruit.

An article in the Herts Advertiser of 1862 reported as follows: "It is said that in a copy of Ye Booke of Saint Albans it was reported that "In the year of Our Lord 1361 Thomas Rocliffe, a monk attached to the refectory at St Albans Monastery, caused a quantity of small sweet spiced cakes, marked with a cross, to be made; then he directed them to be given away to persons who applied at the door of the refectory on Good Friday in addition to the customary basin of sack (wine). These cakes so pleased the palates of the people who were the recipients that they became talked about, and various were the attempts to imitate the cakes of Father Rocliffe all over the country, but the recipe of which was kept within the walls of the Abbey." www.stalbanscathedral.org

The Alban Bun

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NOW at the Museums

Hands on with Hepworth * 10th & 17th April 10.30am & 2pm £2 Be inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s famous sculptures and drawings and, as a family, create your own crafty masterpieces to take home.

Tots Tales * 11th April 10.30am, 11.45am & 1.30pm £3 plus admission A story, craft activity and a museum hunt inspired by a different story each month.

Ages 2 - 4 years, please book.

The Big Clay Event 13th April 11am - 4pm, free Join Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild for this messy, making day. Work with experienced potters and help sculpt famous St Albans buildings such as St Albans Museum + Gallery the Clock tower and the old Town Hall in clay.

St Peters Street AL1 3DH Expert potters will demonstrate a range of Museum Treasure Hunt £4.99 techniques including Receive cryptic clues to your phone via text and throwing on a wheel embark on a treasure hunt around the museum. and Matthew Wilcock, Discover little known facts and features and learn winner of the first Great more about the fascinating objects on display.

Pottery Throw Down Exhibition: Wigram’s Wanderings will be there. until 19th May Free St Albans in 2069 Mayor of St Albans in the 1920s, Edgar Wigram 19th - 22nd April was an architect and painter. This exhibition 11am - 4pm, free explores his love of travel around Europe, North Help the Hertfordshire Africa and the Middle East. Wigram’s wanderings Association of by bicycle in the early 1900s took him from Venice to the Rhine and from the Alhambra to Aleppo. With Architects and the Wigram as a good humoured guide explore a world Museum + Gallery create the St Albans of before mass tourism took hold. the future. Use your imagination and Lego building Barbara Hepworth: Artist in Society 1948 - 53 skills to predict how the city will look in 50 years. until 8th Sept Build futuristic buildings and spaces fit for the Following a decade of preoccupation with residents who will live our city in 2069. landscape, Hepworth moved naturally between Museum Minis * abstraction and the figure in the years 1948 - 53, 30th April 10.30am & 1.30pm £3 capturing the human form across drawing and A story, craft activity and a museum hunt inspired sculpture. Finding inspiration in the movements of

by Barbara Hepworth and her work. people in Venice’s St Mark’s Square to dancers in her Trewyn Studio and medical teams performing Ages 2 - 4 years, please book operations, this exhibition introduces sculptures, drawings and archival material, reuniting works that Verulamium Museum have not been seen together since they were first St Michael’s Street AL3 4SW Make a Mosaic * created. Presented in partnership with UHArts.

16th April 10.30am -11.15am Exhibition: Toy Story: The Us in Museum Be inspired by the wonderful mosaics on display 5th April - 9th May and create a coaster, Easter bunny or egg with There are many ways to look at a museum object professional mosaicist, Audrey Montet to take and this exhibition explores the design ideas and home. Age 6+ heritage context behind some of the toys and games in the Museums’ collection. * Children must be accompanied by an adult stalbansmuseums.org.uk Students from the University of Herts have worked together with museum staff and volunteers to discover how they might be designed today in our complex and difficult world.

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Batchwood Hall Bowling Club Come and see what we can offer you and your family This year Batchwood Hall Bowling Club welcomes you to come and try the sport on our green on the following open days: Sunday 21st April 10.30am - 4pm Sunday 28th April 10.30am - 4pm Saturday 18th May 10.30am - 4pm We are situated in the beautiful surroundings of Batchwood Hall between the Tennis Centre and Golf Club. Plenty of free parking is available. Batchwood Hall Bowling Club is proud to have supplied three District Presidents and two County Presidents during the course of our history. In 2010, one member played in the County squad helping Hertfordshire to win, for the first time ever against all other Counties in the Country, the coveted “JohnsTrophy”.

Cycling, Golf & More Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Discover Hedgehogs 10th & 17th April 2pm - 3pm Harpenden Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs. Get practical advice on how to help them in your garden, and learn basic care and handling. £8, child £6, children must be accompanied by a paying adult Spring Smartphone Safari 24th April 2pm - 4pm St Albans Learn to use your smartphone to take stunning wildlife photos with a professional photographer in Verulamium Park. £15 Wildlife Gardening Workshop 28th April 11am - 2pm St Albans Learn about wildlife gardening in the Trust’s wildlife garden. Please book hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Countryside Management Services Train to be a ‘Volunteer Rights of Way Surveyor’ 12th April Countryside Management Services (CMS) are looking for volunteers who love walking in Hertfordshire’s countryside and are willing to go an extra step to survey Rights of Way as they go. After training, volunteers will be asked to choose a Parish to ‘adopt’ and walk to check its paths. For more information contact Miriam.Linforth@hertfordshire.gov.uk hertfordshire.gov.uk

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During our playing season from April to October we run a full programme of matches against local clubs in a spirit of friendly rivalry. Club, District and County competitions are also entered by members; fiercely competitive on the green, but with rivalry forgotten and best wishes to the winner in the next round as the competitors share welcome refreshments afterwards.

Batchwood Hall Bowling Club offers you a warm welcome, excellent facilities and easy parking.

Contact: Jackie 01727 836036 Brian 07531 818745 Club Address: Batchwood Drive, St Albans AL3 5XA www.bowls-clubs.co.uk/BHBC/

Cycling in Herts With lots of cycle routes to explore, visit these websites to find out more.

If you’d like to cycle with others on a social basis or prefer women only rides letsride.co.uk For routes to do on your own or with friends hertfordshire.gov.uk Five Miles to Fabulous Ladies Bike Ride 13th April & 11th May Meet at 9.30am by the cycle stands at Morrisons, Hatfield Road, St Albans. southhertsctc.org.uk Wednesday Evening Cycle Rides 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th April 7.30pm Starting from St Albans War Memorial AL1 3HG cyclinguk.org

Abbey View Golf Society A friendly golfing society open to men and women of all abilities, they meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the 9 hole Abbey View Course in Verulamium Park. If you’re looking for some fun golf, good exercise and a great bunch of people then why not try the Abbey View Golf Society.

Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DL abbeyviewgolfsociety.co.uk

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NOW for a Good Read Lucky Boy Shanthi Sekaran Mexican Solimar risks everything to start a new life in America, but as an illegal immigrant she has few rights.

When she’s thrown into a detention centre, her son is placed in foster care. Kavya is an American-Indian chef desperate for a child. When she’s given Solimar’s toddler to care for it seems like a dream come true. One boy; two mothers, both will do everything in their power to keep him. An emotional rollercoaster of a read.

The Lonely Hearts Hotel Heather O’Neill Pierrot and Rose grow up together in a Montreal orphanage.

They bond over a shared love of entertaining people, but go their separate ways as teenagers. Reunited years later, they set out to realise their childhood dream of running their own stage show. Their path isn’t an easy one, however, and they both have demons to face. A highly entertaining read, with beautiful, lyrical prose and characters you’ll be rooting for from the beginning.

A Big Dose of Lucky (Secrets) Marthe Jocelyn When the Canadian orphanage they live in burns down in 1964, seven teenage girls set out to discover the secrets of their pasts. Seven authors have each chosen one girl’s story to write. The result is the Secrets series. In A Big Dose of Lucky, Malou heads to a small town in Ontario, hoping to find her birth parents. Malou is mixed race, shy and desperate to fit in. The truth of her birth may give her the family she craves, even if it’s not the one she imagined. An enjoyable read that will leave you eager to read the rest of the series.

A Gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles The gentleman of the title is Count Alexander Rostov.

Following the Russian Revolution, the Count is sentenced to house (or in this case, hotel) arrest, indefinitely. Given work as a waiter in the hotel restaurant, he forges close friendships with some of the other inhabitants. While his view is mainly confined to what he can see out of his tiny window, Rostov is able to observe and ruminate on a tumultuous Russia over the course of four decades. You’ll savour every word.

See You in the Cosmos Jack Cheng 11 year old Alex loves everything to do with space. So he builds a rocket and sets off for a rocket festival in Mexico.

His plan is to launch his rocket into space, attached to an iPod on which Alex is recording his thoughts and feelings about his family and the people he meets on his journey.

While it’s been catalogued as a children’s book, See You in the Cosmos definitely has crossover appeal. Fresh, imaginative and full of energy.

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Herts LitFest A programme of children’s events presented by Hertfordshire Libraries.

Book online at your local library or call 01707 281533.

Tom Palmer 8th April 4.15pm £5 St Albans Library * Football reading game - half, football reading quiz, half penalty shootout.

Fun and games for boys and girls.

Comic Art Workshop 11th April 10am - 12.15pm & 1.30pm - 3.45pm Harpenden Library £5 Create your own cartoon character and story with Beano artist Kev F Sutherland. Age 8+ Junk Robots 15th April 2.30pm - 4pm £2 Marshalswick Library * Create a robot out of packaging while learning about recycling.

Ages 5 - 11 Zoolab 15th April 10.30am £2 Hatfield Library * We’re going on an animal hunt to meet an array of amazing animals.

Age 5+ Lights, camera, LEGO 16th April 2.30pm - 4pm Welwyn Garden City Library Using stop motion animation on a tablet, make your own Lego movie.

Ages 5 - 11 Wow! Said the Owl 17th April 11am - 12 noon £2 St Albans Library * Based on the book by Tim Hopgood, listen to a story, then using recycled newspapers, help make an owl to display in the library. Ages 3 - 6 *Children must be accompanied by an adult hertfordshire.gov.uk

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Verulam Fencing  All Fencing Products  Top Quality Fencing  Repair & Maintenance  Fence Painting & Treatment  Gates & Trellis  All work Guaranteed  Free Quotations  Friendly Reliable Local Service Call Nick 07737 284711 nick.morgan87@gmail.com Please visit Verulam Fencing on Facebook for reviews and pictures www.facebook.com/verulamfencing

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Lawncare • Clearance • Tidyups Ongoing Maintenance Let us take the hard work out of your garden call Chris on

07948 727419 info@chrysalisgardenservices.co.uk www.chrysalisgardenservices.co.uk

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Big Art Showcase 12th April - 1st June An amazing collection of both 2D and 3D work by Herts Visual Arts members. The annual showcase offers a window into the world of their hugely talented artists and artisan makers from around Hertfordshire. There's bound to be something for everyone, including painting, drawing, ceramics, glass, textiles and more.

New Maynard Gallery, WGC AL8 6BX hvaf.org.uk

The Eclectic Generation

NOW for some Art UHArts Exhibition: Social Disruption until 13th April An innovative exhibition addressing the perils of excessive social media use in an emotive, engaging and sometimes playful way. Through a series of bold installations and printed material, it seeks to empower its audience with the knowledge to engage with social media in a way where we control it, rather than it controlling us. A feedback wall, which will be made into a book, asks you to share views on the rise of social media and its hyper-normalisation as an everyday, sometimes all day, activity.

Form and Flux 30th April - 11th May Free Artist Simeon Nelson presents a showcase of drawing, documentation, maquettes and sculptural fragments, underpinned by his abiding engagement with process philosophy, which sees things as events in a world of constant flux.

UHArts, Art and Design Gallery, Hatfield AL10 9AB uharts.co.uk

The Open Door 2nd - 13th April Hare & Co - Niki Bell Paintings and drawings (see right) 16th April - 4th May Chalfont Artists Spring Show An eclectic collection of works in a diverse range of media.

Berkhamsted HP4 1HU upstairsgallery.co.uk

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13th - 25th April Romy Kelleher is a local portrait artist, with great promise. Her exhibition will feature a number of large original paintings (pictured above). Currently studying in Liverpool she'll be returning home this Easter for the duration of her show. Romy will also feature in Sky Arts - Portrait Artist of the Year, which will be airing this Spring.

Nude Tin Can, St Albans AL1 4JS nudetincan.com romykelleherart.com

Photography Exhibition 27th April 10am - 4.30pm free entry Harpenden Photographic Society (HPS) will be showing the work of local photographers, whether you love landscape, portrait, macro, street, sport or natural world, you will find it all in this exhibition!

They are always keen to welcome new members, so if you’re interested in joining the society, HPS members will be on hand to answer any questions.

Now in its 83rd year, HPS caters for all abilities, from beginners to advanced photographers.

They’re a lively and growing club of around 60 active members. Meetings are twice a month from September to June, with a varied programme and visiting speakers.

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk

Come and Join Kingsbury WI Make Some New Friends We meet every 3rd Tuesday 9.45am - 12 noon Dagnall Street Baptist Church Hall Excellent Speakers Walking Group Book Group and Scrabble For more information please call Pat Legerton on 01727 822157

Planning a Party?

Celebrate in style with a party at The County Club, St Albans A private members club that has been in the heart of the city for over 125 years The Club is perfect for parties and we’ve hosted many 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays.

We have a great bar, function room and outdoor terrace and can also cater for buffets The Club is just 100 yards from the City Station and has onsite parking If you would like to view the Club or check availability, please call or email us, and we’ll do all we can to make your party special 29 Ridgmont Road St Albans AL1 3AG 01727 759445 manager@thecountyclub.org

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NOW for some Music Bedford Corn Exchange MK40 1SL The Take That Experience 5th April 7.30pm The Take That Experience bring you all the classic songs you know and love from the 90’s through to the present, including hits Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These Days and Giants. £20 bedfordcornexchange.co.uk

High Street Methodist Church Harpenden AL5 2RU Petite Messe Solennelle 6th April 7.30pm The Hardynge Choir will perform Rossini's last major composition. Scored for chorus, four soloists, two pianos and harmonium. £14, students £7, child free (ticket required) tickets@hardyngechoir.org

Speakeasy to join St Albans Youth Music Theatre as they bring the roar of the 1920’s to St Albans.

STAJE in concert 18th April If you love jazz, blues and swing, join this youthful ensemble for an entertaining evening of original arrangements and popular classics. abbeytheatre.org.uk

St Helens Church Wheathampstead AL4 8AA The Crucifixion by John Stainer 14th April 6pm With the church choir in a special service on Palm Sunday. Tenor: Jeremy Hill, Bass: Robert Milner. sth-stp.org

Bedford Esquires MK40 2QG

The Christians and Guests 19th April Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young aware hits in the 80s and early 90s; Forgotten Town, 6th April 7.30pm Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, A Tequila fuelled party night with the best in Tex Mex What’s in a Word, Hooverville and many more. £25 thechristianslive.com Border. Los Pacaminos features Paul Young, Drew Barfield, Mark Pinder, Steve Greetham, Jamie Watford Colosseum WD17 3JN Moses and Melvin Duffy (UK's premier pedal steel player). A party night to get you up on your feet. £18 UB40 - 40th Anniversary Tour "For The Many" 21st April 8pm lutonculture.com Featuring UB40s five founding members Robin Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl David Baddiel's ANiMALCOLM The Musical Falconer and Norman Hassan. Fans can expect to 6th & 7th April hear the bands greatest hits, including One In Ten, Sat 2pm & 7pm, Sun 11am & 3pm Kingston Town, (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny musical You and Red, Red Wine. Age 14+ from the award-winning Story Pocket Theatre.

Midge Ure - Songs, Questions and Answers Combining physical theatre, puppetry and 25th April 7.30pm outstanding storytelling to bring Baddiel's Midge talks about his 40-year professional career, wonderfully comic story to the stage.

Ultravox, solo work and Band Aid. He will be hertfordtheatre.com performing songs from Ultravox, alongside his solo work, and there’ll be a chance for the audience to Carillon Chamber Choir pick a song.

St John’s Church Harpenden AL5 1DJ I Talk Too Much: An Evening of Chat and 7th April 6pm Music with Francis Rossi 27th April 7.30pm St Saviour’s Church St Albans AL1 4DF The legendary Status Quo lead singer shares 14th April 6pm free secrets of his 50+ years in rock’n’roll. He will talk Heinrich Schütz St Matthew Passion about his mishaps and adventures of life on the road Conducted by David Ireson with one of the most loved bands ever, and will be with Rogers Covey-Crump (Evangelist) signing copies of his album and book. and Will Houghton (Christ) watfordcolosseum.co.uk Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL

Luton Central Library LU1 2NG

Bugsy Malone 11th - 13th April Anyone who is anyone, get down to Fat Sam’s

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Classical Guitar Tuition

www.merlinmiller.co.uk 07831572618

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NOW at the Local Theatres The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL Pinocchio 6th April 11am & 2.30pm Enjoy Immersion Theatre’s vibrant re-telling of Pinocchio, packed with comedy, audience interaction, and an original score guaranteed to have you singing along. You'll have a whale of a time, no strings attached! radlettcentre.co.uk

The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX Film: Avengers: Infinity War 6th April 3pm Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle the evil Thanos. £5 Film: Mamma Mia Singalong Double Bill 6th April Promises to get you on your feet, singing to all your favourite Abba songs. Both films £7, one film £5 Film: Rembrandt 14th April 3pm The film documents a landmark exhibition at both London’s National Gallery and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum Gallery, while interweaving Rembrandt’s life story. £5 sandpittheatre.co.uk

Booster Cushion Theatre Company and join Peter on his journey to Neverland, in this comical, interactive theatre show. Age 4 - 9 years There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly 11th - 13th April 11am & 2pm Join the People's Theatre Company as they bring one of the best loved nursery rhymes to life. This show has been written for grown ups to enjoy with their children, relive this tale with sing along songs, animal characters and lots of family fun.

The Princess and the Pea 15th April 11.30am & 2pm This much loved Hans Christian Anderson tale is told with simple puppets, and children are encouraged to add their voice and energy to the unfolding story. Ages 4+ £5 Shh… Bang! 17th April 2.30pm £7 A visual, non-verbal, dance-theatre performance, playfully exploring silence and noise. A special journey, learning to feel the noise and see the sounds around you. Age 3+ LOL (Ladies of Laughter) with Noreen Khan 27th April 7.30pm £12, concs £10 An evening of comedy with some of the UK's top female comedians Shazia Mirza, Esther Manito and Glenda Jaxson. Age 16+ lutonculture.com

High Street Methodist Church Harpenden AL5 2RU Witness for the Prosecution 11th - 13th April 8pm High Street Players production of Agatha Christie’s exciting courtroom drama. £10 hsplayers.org.uk

Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL The Rats & A Small Step for England 24th - 27th April An intriguing double bill featuring one chilling play from Agatha Christie and one hilarious satire from playwright Peter Hale. abbeytheatre.org.uk

The Barn Theatre AL8 6ST

Kindertransport 26th April - 4th May Starting in 1938 thousands of Jewish children Luton Central Library were sent away from Nazi controlled Germany to St George's Square, Luton LU1 2NG seek safety in other countries. They were Metamorphosis 4th & 5th April 7.30pm unaccompanied, travelling on trains and ferries, and A haunting re-imagining of Kafka's absurd tale using took a huge chance that they would be cared for by state-of-the-art make up and prosthetic effects to kind-hearted strangers. Most never saw their present Gregor's transformation in a journey that will parents again. The play tells the story of mother both transfix and chill audiences. Age 12+ and daughter, Evelyn and Faith, as Faith prepares Peter Pan and Captain Cook to leave home. The dynamic of the mother and 8th April 11.30am & 2.30pm daughter relationship is beautifully observed. barntheatre.co.uk Fly into an imaginative and absurd Neverland with

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Mortgages to Suit Everybody Creative Solutions Especially For Company Directors and Shareholders Those Struggling with Dividend Income or no Historic Accounts Self Employed Individuals/Partners Equity Release Mortgages First Time Buyers and Government Help to Buy Schemes Buy to Let Schemes for Individuals and Companies Capital Raising/Second Charge Loans Holiday Home Finance Ashdale Mortgage Services 01727 701781 www.adviceonmortgages.org

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might be hiding underneath the aircraft.

Get a chocolate prize when you find them all. £3 per child RAF Museum London, Hendon NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk

Highfield Park

Easter Fun Paradise Wildlife Park 6th - 21st April Enjoy a day packed with fun-filled family activities.

From the Big Easter Egg Hunt and the new Lion Pride Habitat to the life size, roaring, moving Dinosaurs and the new Dinosaur Creche, where you can get up close to baby dinosaurs.

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA pwpark.com

Ashridge Easter Crafts 8th - 12th April 10am - 4pm Make bird feeders at the visitor centre, to welcome back migrating birds to your garden.

Child £2 per craft Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 15th - 22nd April 10am - 4pm Follow the path through the woods and welcome the Easter Bunny’s feathered party guests to his big Easter bash.

15th - 18th £3 / 19th - 22nd £5 Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT nationaltrust.org.uk

Shuttleworth Easter Craft Activities 8th & 9th April 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Sow seeds in a pot you have decorated, make Easter-themed bookmarks or a daffodil, all in the Swiss Garden. £1 plus Garden entry Perilous Parachutes 10th - 12th April 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Construct a cunning contraption to protect an egg on its perilous plunge from above! £1 per child plus normal entry Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Beds SG18 9EP shuttleworth.org

RAF London Animal Easter Trail 8th - 22nd April 11am - 3pm The Easter Bunny has lots of animal friends in the Museum, come and find them and see why they

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Easter Bunny Hunt 10th April 10.30am - 2pm £3 Follow the trail around the park and find a number of painted animals, which will lead to the mysterious blue Easter Bunny. Children will be given a sheet with questions about the hidden animals, a great way to encourage young children to explore their local park and the great outdoors.

Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Harpenden Common Annual Easter Fun Fair 18th - 22nd April

Harpenden Town Football Club Harpenden Easter Egg Hunt 19th April 1pm - 4 pm An afternoon of family fun on Good Friday with an Egg Hunt for younger children and an Easter Challenge for juniors.

Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2EF

Claydon House Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 19th - 22nd April 11am - 4pm Discover what it takes to look after the house and follow the clues to claim your chocolate prize. £2.50 Bucks MK18 2EY nationaltrust.org.uk

Bletchley Park Easter Weekend Activities - D-Day: People 19th - 22nd April 11am - 3.30pm 6th June, 1944. In hindsight, a momentous day – but what was it really like for different people at the time? Find out about a soldier, a commander, a codebreaker and an evacuee on the Homefront.

Activities included with admission. Easter trail with a chocolate treat £2. Age 5-14 years Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB bletchleypark.org.uk

11+

INTENSIVE 11+ SUMMER COURSES 2019 for entry to Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet Henrietta Barnett School, Hampstead South West Herts Consortium Schools (incl. Parmiters and Watford Grammar Schools) 3 separate courses to be held in St Albans 18-24 intensive hours over 3-4 days During AUGUST 2019 Register NOW for early interest by ringing 01727 864192 or visit www.11plussummercoursesstalbans.co.uk

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Fun for The Kids In The Night Garden Live 6th & 7th April Sat 1pm & 4pm, Sun 10am & 1pm Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds.

You'll see your favourite characters brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music.

Watford Colosseum WD17 3JN watfordcolosseum.co.uk

British Schools Museum 7th April Experience a Victorian lesson in the gallery classroom. Don't be late and pay attention!

Included in admission price Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

Hatch-a-saurus 9th - 11th April 10.30am, 11.15am & 2.30pm Explore the world of egg-laying animals, from dinosaurs to birds. See dinosaur specimens and create your own hatching dinosaur to take home.

Age 5+. £2 Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP nhm.ac.uk

Creation Station 11th April 10am - 11am Family Fun for ages 2 -11 years Redbourn Village Hall AL3 7LW

Woburn Safari Park 14th April - Meet Rubble from Paw Patrol 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm 2.30pm & 3.30pm 21st April - Meet Peppa Pig 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm 2.30pm & 3.30pm Enjoy your drive around the road safari seeing all your favourite wild animals, then head down to the decking of the Mammoth Play Ark in the Foot Safari to see these much-loved characters - don't forget to bring your camera! Buy a special event ticket to enjoy all the usual fun in the Park and you’ll be given a free ticket for a time slot to meet Rubble or Peppa Pig. Woburn Safari Park MK17 9QN woburnsafari.co.uk

Knebworth Easter Trail 19th & 20th April 11am - 5pm Follow the Easter Trail symbols hidden around the garden, within the Edwardian maze and among the trail of 72-life sized dinosaurs. Complete the trail sheet to claim an Easter surprise. £1 per child

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Easter Medieval Jousting 21st & 22nd April 11am - 5pm Jousting displays 12.30pm & 2.30pm The turrets and towers of Knebworth House provide a spectacular backdrop to the costumed knights on majestic warhorses galloping across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. Cheer and jeer the Knights of Arkley as they demonstrate their skills in hand-to-hand combat. Try some archery with The Green Dragon Bowmen, cost £2 for six arrows. Visit the Park and formal Gardens, playground with Fort Knebworth and 72 life size dinosaurs. £10 Knebworth House SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com

It's a Squash and a Squeeze 20th & 21st April 12 noon - 1.30pm An interactive storytelling workshop with singing, movement and games as you explore Julia Donaldson's classic book, 'A Squash and A Squeeze'. There’ll also be an Interactive Easter trail inspired by another of her stories, 'What The Ladybird Heard'. Ages 3 - 6 Hatfield Park Farm, Hatfield House AL9 5HX hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk

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Do Something for Charity Let’s Talk about Dementia 1st May 7.30pm Join The Hospice of St Francis to talk about dementia. Speakers include Dr Tammy Angel, Clinical Director of Elderly Care at West Herts Hospitals Trust and The Hospice’s Medical Director, Dr Sharon Chadwick, who will address issues such as planning ahead so you get the care you want, and how palliative care teams can help to support you. Open to all, including health care professionals, £10.

Civic Centre, Berkhamsted stfrancis.org.uk

Wheathampstead 10k and 2k Family Fun Run

Grove Hospice campaign.

It may be dad’s bangers and mash, granny’s shepherd’s pie or an evening shared with friends over a take-away. We all have fond memories of mealtimes with loved ones - so what better way to grow those memories than by sharing a meal and making a donation at the same time to help local people access hospice at home care when they need it. Taking part is as easy as pie, simply: Pick your menu and invite your friends and family round. Ask your guests to donate whatever they can afford for their meal.

Donations will go towards Rennie Grove Hospice Care, which relies on supporters to fund its nursing care and support for local patients and families confronted with cancer and other lifelimiting conditions.

Visit the website for ideas and suggestions for your event renniegrove.org/tasteofhome

12th May The 10k starts at 11am and the 2k Family Fun Run starts at 10am from Marford Playing Fields This annual event raises funds for Beech Hyde primary and nursery school has become a favourite among local runners.

The 10K is a challenging off-road course, and with its outstanding scenery and friendly village setting this is a popular run with all levels of runners.

There are 800 places available in the 10k and 600 in the 2k fun run.

On the day late entries for the 2K is open 8.45am - 9.40am. There are no entries on the day for the 10K. The 10k is time chipped and trophies will be awarded to the first 3 placed male and female runners and medals given to all finishers.

The morning ends with a BBQ and children’s entertainment, to make a great morning out with the family.

Twitter @Wheaty10K facebook.com/wheaty10k

Taste of Home Dig out that well-thumbed familyfavourites recipe book and cook up a memorable meal to share with family and friends as part of a new Rennie UK registered charity no 297489

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Bats, Dragons & Owls!

Horrible Histories: Brand New Barmy Britain 13th & 14th April Sat:1.30pm & 7pm, Sun 11am & 3pm We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII. See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged

by King James I for being a witch? Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man. Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride. It's the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in.

Broadway Theatre, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3DD broadway-letchworth.com

Chiltern Open Air Museum Both events have themed family crafts and activities included in cost of admission.

Spring Spectacular 9th April 11am - 3.30pm Village Fete 16th April 11am - 3.30pm Easter Lambing 19th & 20th April Take part in fun family crafts, meet the spring Oxford Down lambs born at the Museum, explore the traditional Chilterns farm and lambing fold, and learn about the lambing traditions of the Victorian Chilterns.

COAM, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB coam.org.uk

St George's Day Parade 28th April 2pm Local Scouting and Guiding troops will be parading through Harpenden town centre in honour of St George's Day.

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Wild Woods Day 17th April 9.30am & 1pm Spend the day in the woods, learn more about the trees and woodland around you and how to make natural crafts using wood working tools and. Bring a picnic and have lunch in the woods.

Harpenden Common, Harpenden AL5 harpenden.gov.uk

Wardown House Museum & Gallery Tots Tales 2nd April 9.30am £4 Enter the museum before it’s open to public and step into a world of fantasy and imagination, as you join the friendly museum staff for a special, cosy storytelling session in the museum’s library.

House Tours for Kids 9th & 10th April 11am - 11.45am This new fun horrid-history interactive tour is just for kids - so no adults allowed! Discover the fun stories behind the house and explore the rooms in a new light. Age 8 -11 years, £5 The Adventures of Pom 11th April 10am, 11.30am & 2.30pm A visual and sensory exploration of the Greek Myth, Persephone. Using music, moving images and puppetry, this show will inspire and delight children from a few weeks old to adults.

Age 4 months - 3 years, £5 Music in the Museum: Jazz 14th April 2pm - 4pm Jazzcotech presents the Chris Maddock Quartet, featuring Chris's original compositions and arrangements. £7 Music in the Museum: Inspired by Bach 28th April 2pm - 4pm One of the UK's foremost cellists, Sebastian Comberti has been inspired by Bach from a very young age. The Bach Cello Suites explore the full range of human emotion and in this concert Sebastian continues his exploration of the works themselves and shows how they have inspired composers through the ages.

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Luton LU2 7HA lutonculture.com

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Hatfield House Lady Salisburys Annual Coffee Morning & West Garden Preview 2nd April 10am - 12 noon Preview the Park and Gardens before they open for the season. Browse stalls including home produce, plants, second hand treasures and a raffle. All proceeds will be donated to Breaks Manor Youth & Community Centre Improved Security and St Etheldreda’s West End Project.

Opening Weekend 6th April 11am - 4pm Celebrate the start of the season with Easterthemed entertainment and activities in the Stable Yard. There will be live music and free activities including Easter cup-cake decorating, Easter egg decoration demonstrations, meet the lambs (11am - 1pm), storytelling and crafts (1.30pm & 2.30pm, £5), an Easter egg hunt and much more.

Hatfield House, AL5 9AE hatfield-house.co.uk

Great Brick Safari 6th April - 2nd June Set off on an exciting journey of discovery, uncovering unbelievable LEGO brick beasts and mammoth LEGO brick mammals. From a jumbo elephant that weighs a tonne of bricks to a giant gorilla that’s built for life in the jungle. Along the way you’ll find some interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF zsl.org

Wow! It’s Night Time 8th - 10th April Mon: 11.30am & 3pm / Tues & Wed: 10.30am The curious little owl is back and ready to discover the wonders of night-time, from the big, bright moon to the bats in the sky and the foxes deep in the forest. Little Angel Theatre present this sequel to Wow! Its Night Time. Age 2 - 5 years. £7

Exhibition: Focus on Fashion 12th April - 21st June 10am - 5pm Take a journey through time and women's fashion, with this unique opportunity to see the museums' collection of ladies' costume. Walk among mannequins modelling fashion from the past 250 years, including a bodice worn by Queen Victoria.

The Sand Dragon 15th April 11.30am & 2pm Using an exciting mix of puppets and music, Theatrix Arts performs this magical story based on the book. Ages 3 - 7, £7 Also create your own Sand Dragon puppet in a workshop after the show for an extra £1 A Dragon’s Tale 17th April 11.30am & 2.30pm Using an exciting mix of puppets and music, Theatrix Arts performs this magical story based on the ancient legend of the Lambton Worm.

Ages 3 - 7. £7. Create your own dragon puppet in a workshop after the show for an extra £1 Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX lutonculture.com

Family Bat Walk 11th April 7.30pm Find out about the nocturnal residents that dominate the skies. Learn how to use a bat detector and listen out for the calls of the bats you wouldn't normally be able to hear. Free but please book Batford Springs Nature Reserve, Harpenden AL5 5AQ FaceBook: Batford Nature Reserve

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What’s on in April 42

2nd Moya Brennan - the Voice of Clannad Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £25 3rd Julian Clary: Born to Mince see page 8 5th April - 9th May Exhibition: Toy Story: The Us in Museum see page 16 6th Hatfield House Opening Weekend page 41 Los Pacaminos with Paul Young see page 30 Film: Mamma Mia Singalong Double Bill see page 32 6th, 7th & 13th Easter Wreaths Workshops Inn on the Park, Verulamium Park, St Albans, 1pm - 3pm, £40 6th - 22nd Easter Fun Events see page 34 8th - 17th Burstons Easter Children’s Activities see page 23 Herts LitFest for the Kids see page 20 8th - 18th AFYA Sports Training Activities Camps see page 37 Play in the Parks see page 36 10th The Solid Silver 60s Show see page 8 Gentle Stroll: Signs of Spring see page 12 10th & 17th Discover Hedgehogs see page 14 11th Family Bat Walk see page 41 Exhibition: D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion Bletchley Park, from 9.30am bletchleypark.org.uk 12th April - 21st June Exhibition: Focus on Fashion see page 41 13th The Big Clay Event see page 16 Ballet Black: Triple Bill featuring Ingoma see page 10 13th - 25th Exhibition: The Eclectic Generation page 28 14th Heinrich Schütz St Matthew Passion see page 30 15th The Princess & The Pea see page 32 17th Spring Open Day see page 12

19th The Christians see page 30 19th & 20th Easter Lambing see page 40 Easter Trail see page 36 19th - 22nd St Albans in 2069 see page 16 21st UB40 40th Anniversary Tour see page 30 Heather Small see page 8 Dreadzone Harpenden Public Halls, one of the most exciting live bands to emerge from the post-rave scene, 8pm, £20 21st & 22nd Easter Medieval Jousting see page 36 21st & 28th Batchwood Hall Bowling Club Open Days see page 18 24th Spring Smartphone Safari see page 14 25th Midge Ure Songs, Questions & Answers see page 30 26th April - 4th May Kindertransport see page 32 27th Vienna Festival Ballet presents Coppella see page 8 St Albans Chamber Choir with Wormser Kantorel Golden Jubilee Celebration page 6 I Talk Too Much see page 30 Harpenden Photographic Society Exhibition see page 28 27th & 28th Watercolour Workshops paint Ashridge bluebells with artist Liz Rogers, includes materials & refreshments, 1pm - 4pm, £30, please book 01442 851227 27th & 28th April & 4th - 6th May Dockey Wood Bluebells see page 12 28th Mad Hatters Tea Party see page 4 St Albans Bowling Club Open Day Clarence Park, 01727 854129, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm Wildlife Gardening Workshop see page 14 30th Cilla & the Shades of the 60s Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £19.50 Talk: From Fact to Film to Fiction with Dr Jane Hawking - former wife of Prof Stephen Hawking Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm

Historic People and Places Brought to Life!

Fully qualified guides have been showing people around our City and District for 50 years. Join us on one of our walks and hear about the fascinating yesteryears from the Romans to Victorians. Walk well known and lesser known places. You will be surprised by the many tales about people who have built, lived and worked here for 1000 years.

Walks for April & May Meet at the St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Peter's Street AL3 5DJ unless otherwise stated. Buy tickets from the guide on the day.

Walks last about one and a half hours Adult £5, child £2 (5-15 years) Visit our website for full details of our walks and other information Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 7th, 14th, 21st, 22nd, 28th April @ 11am 5th, 6th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 27th April @ 11am A Roman City Revealed 6th, 20th April @ 2.30pm 4th, 25th May @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 13th, 27th April @ 2.30pm 11th, 18th May @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Crime & Punishment 28th April @ 2.30pm Historic Pubs of St Albans 22nd April @ 2.30pm / 27th May @ 2.30pm Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 7th April @ 2.30pm / 6th May @ 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed 14th April @ 2.30pm / 12th May @ 2.30pm Coaching Inns 19th April @ 7.30pm / 19th May @ 2.30pm Victorian St Albans 21st April @ 2.30pm / 26th May @ 2.30pm Discover Redbourn 21st April @ 2.30pm Meet at the car park by the Cricket Club Discover Harpenden 5th May @ 2.30pm Meet at the War Memorial There’s More to Tudors Than Henry VIII 5th May @ 2.30pm

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

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What’s on in May 44

2nd & 4th Bluebell Walks Ashridge Estate Please book 01442 851227, £8, child £5 2nd: 6pm - 7.30pm & 4th: 10.30am - 12.30pm 3rd Paul Young ‘35 Years of No Parlez’ PT2 Watford Colosseum Toyah Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £22.50 4th Dawn Chorus Ashridge Estate, breakfast included, 5am -7am, please book 01442 851227, £15, child £10 5th 50 Things Club Chiltern's Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY, 2pm - 4pm nationaltrust.org.uk Victorian Lessons British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 7th Rich Hall’s Hoedown The Alban Arena, 8pm 8th Mapdance The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX, dance-theatre, humour & intricate choreography, 7.30pm, £7 sandpittheatre.co.uk Remembering The Movies The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £25 - £42.50 Mark Todhunter, Head Gardener - Gorhambury Gardens History & Tour Gorhambury House, 10.30am, £15, please book 01727 855000 9th Kite Luton Library Theatre, St George's Square LU1 2NG, 7pm - 8pm lutonculture.com 10th An Audience with Paul Gascoigne The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £28 - £35 11th Brambleton Model Railway Open Day Harpenden AL5 4BX, 2pm - 5.30pm Open Allotment & Tea Party Sandridge Road Allotments, St Albans AL3 5HS, 2pm - 4pm The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden Concert St John’s Church, Harpenden AL5 1DJ, 7.30pm, £15, concs £12, £6 Foodsmiles Site Open Day Hammonds End Farm, Harpenden AL5 2AY, 1.30pm - 4pm 11th May - 1st June Sustainability Festival 2019 sustainablestalbans.org 12th Bubblerush see page 39s That’ll Be The Day The Alban Arena, 7.30pm 14th Russell Kane: The Fast & The Curious The Alban Arena, 8pm, £20

15th & 16th Al Murray: Landlord of Hope and Glory The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £27.50 17th - 19th Luna Cinema Harpenden Common 7.30pm 17th: The Greatest Showman 18th: Bohemian Rhapsody 19th: Mamma Mia! Here we go Again thelunacinema.com 18th Markyate Plant Sale stfrancis.org.uk Reginald D Hunter: Facing the Beast The Alban Arena, 8pm, £23 19th Leo Sayer: Just a Boy at 70 The Alban Arena Bugs & Beetles & What They Feed On Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0RA, 2pm - 4pm, £4 please book highfieldparktrust.co.uk 24th The Simon and Garfunkel Story Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £19.50 25th Eleanor Conway: Walk of Shame 2 Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm, £12 26th Kundalini Yoga Gorhambury House, 10am, £16, please book 07974 653661 Small Blue Butterfly Project Public Launch Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, St Albans, 10.30am Shalamar Watford Colosseum, 8pm 26th Ensonglopedia of Animals Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ 2.30pm trestle.org.uk 27th - 31st Half Term Trail & Crafts Ashridge Visitor Centre HP4 1LT, 10am - 4pm, £3 28th An Audience with Liverpool Legends The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £30, concs £29 29th Jools Holland The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £40, £31 29th & 30th The Tiger Who Came To Tea Watford Colosseum watfordcolosseum.co.uk 30th Henning Wehn: Get On With It The Alban Arena, 8pm, £19.50 The Quireboys Unplugged Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm, £16 31st May - 8th June Boudica The Barn Theatre AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

Now in our 3rd decade of loyal service

for ALL domestic cleaning weekly or fortnightly clean one off ‘Deep Clean’ service

Call Michelle for a free estimate 01582 431386 07763 427134

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Index of Businesses Adult Art Classes

Start Art! Bicycle Repairs Cycletech UK Bowling Club Batchwood Hall Bowling Club

Dance & Drama 31 Penny Waterman School of Dance 35 Stagecoach 2 27 Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon 47

Car Body Repairs ChipsAway

18 Education 11+ Summer Courses Kumon 17 Electricians Alban Electrical Services 5 Anderton Electrics

13 13

Care For The Elderly Caring Connections

Fencing 29 Verulam Fencing

22

Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth

Garage Doors 14 Garolla

Charity Traid

Garden Centre 38 Burston Garden Centre

Building Services Open Plan Solutions

Charity Events Hospice of St Francis Bubblerush 39 St Albans Half Marathon Back Cover Children’s Art Camps ArtShed!

Front Cover Children’s Holiday Camps AFYA Sports Training Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique Mobile Maid Services

37 27

5 23

Gardening Chrysalis Garden Services Green Edge Gardens Graphic Designer J Shinn Creative

23 3 31

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice

26

Lawn Maintenance Lawn Science

24 & 25

Locksmith Lock Around the Clock

45 45 Loft Ladders 45 Home Counties Loft Ladders

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 7

35 35

5

11

Mortgage Services Ashdale Mortgage Services 33 Music Tuition Merlin MIller

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

15 15

Pet Sitting / Walking Canis et Cattus

23

Plasterers A Merson Plastering

15

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

9 & 47

Roofing Dananglia Roofing Ltd GJ Smith Roofing

9 9

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

19

Slimming Vision Weight Consultancy

27

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

18

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

22

TV Repairs JB TV Services

13

Venue Hire The County Club

29

Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd

33

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

21 19

Women’s Institue Kingsbury WI

29

31

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We have made every effort to ensure that any material published in st albans NOW is correct and can accept no liability for any errors or delays in publication or distribution, st albans NOW accepts no responsibility for its advertisers .

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