st albans NOW Aug 22 by wendy robertson

Pick p u me I’m ! E FRE

st albans August 2022

NOW

promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Welcome to August

As always the magazines have a wide selection of local advertisers from Antiques to Windows and Doors, so remember to give them a call if you need anything done, it’s important that we all continue to support our local businesses. If you run your own business we’d love to include you, it’s so easy, just book your space online today! Just have a flick through and you’ll see we’ve included all sorts this month from Festivals, Open Air Cinema and Theatre to Children’s Events, lots of Music and more. Enjoy the sunshine!

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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

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

other options are available

You can NOW book advertising online Deadline 8th Aug for Sept edition jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com

ANTIQUES WANTED Antiques, Vintage and Collectable Items

        

Silver, Gold and Jewellery Ceramics Military Items Antique Furniture Automobilia Fine Art Old Toys and Computer Games Anything Old, Quirky and Interesting House, Barn and Loft Clearances

We also provide free advice if you need help deciding how best to sell your items Contact James 07748 690175 james.andersen@hotmail.co.uk www.cotterstockantiques.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

W lun e also che en trip s & t joy s to hea tr get her e

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW for some Entertainment

Roman Theatre Open Air Festival

until 21st Aug This year's Festival is bigger than ever with 100 performances of drama, comedy, opera and music. Little Women 3rd - 14th Aug This timeless and captivating tale is brought to life in a brand new adaptation, perfect for all the family. The Woman In White 17th - 21st Aug A sensational story of secret societies, sordid asylums, stolen identities and enduring love. Roman Theatre of Verulamium Bluehouse Hill, St Albans AL3 6AE www.OVO.org.uk

Romeo and Juliet 2nd Aug 6.30pm

Dressed in beautiful Elizabethan costume and performed by a fine troupe of Shakespearean players, join Chapterhouse for the greatest love story ever told. The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate, LU1 4LF www.trybooking.com

heat-rays, giant fighting-machines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. £14, child £8.50 The Reluctant Dragon 20th Aug 3pm Everyone knows St George has to do battle with the dragon, but what happens when the dragon simply won’t fight St George? Find out in this charming tale for all the family. Shenley WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk

Hertford Castle

Rock at the Castle 7th Aug 12.30pm Performances by local musicians will span across three stages featuring acoustic, folk, indie, rock, and pop music. Plus a family area with bouncy castles, face painting and many more fun activities. Open Air Cinema 19th Aug Bring chairs and a picnic Raya & the Last Dragon 10am £3 Encanto 2pm £3 The Bodyguard 7pm £7 Hertford Castle, Castle Street, SG14 1HR www.hertfordcastle.co.uk

The Radlett Centre

The Teddy Bear's Picnic 9th Aug 2.30pm This show is full of songs, games, stories, fun and laughter, hosted by ex-Crackerjack presenter Jan As You Like It 5th Aug 7.30pm Hunt, is suitable for under-5s, mums, dads, Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men in this sparkling grandmas and grandads and teddy bears! Bring comedy. Bring chairs and a picnic. £10 - £17 your teddies as there’ll be prizes for the biggest, www.ticketsource.co.uk smallest, oldest and friendliest, along with lots of History in the Park 20th & 21st Aug 10am - 5pm audience participation, prizes and giveaways. A fun-filled history weekend set in multiple time The Captain Calamity Science Explosion periods with live music and storytelling. Experience 11th Aug 2.30pm life in a Victorian Kitchen, take part in hands-on Captain Calamity and his crazy professor friend Medieval events, hear about Regency crime and explode onto the scene in this new show full of punishment, early 20th Century movie making, stretchy slime, pop rockets, smoke rings, flying Regency music in the Orangery, polo presentations toilet rolls, fountains of foam, cola can roulette and on horseback and much more. a bonanza of bombastic bubbles. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Beds MK45 4HR Peppa Pig www.english-heritage.org.uk 24th & 25th Aug 10am, 1pm & 4pm Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. Shenley Park Walled Garden From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and Outdoor theatre, please bring chairs and a picnic ice-creams to muddy puddles, with songs, games The War of The Worlds 6th Aug 7pm and laughter there’s something for all the family to The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons invade the enjoy! Ages 2 - 6, £16, £18 stage in this funny yet faithful new open-air The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL adaptation as they use musical instruments, www.radlettcentre.co.uk puppetry and enthusiasm to recreate deadly

Wrest Park

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at The Alban Arena Rapunzel 17th Aug

NOW for some more Entertainment Sundown Cinema

Enjoy an evening of cinema under the stars

Hitchin Lavender

Films start at 8.45pm unless otherwise stated 10th Aug: Yesterday 11th Aug: Clueless 12th Aug: The Silence of The Lambs 13th Aug: Ghostbusters 14th Aug: Encanto 3pm / Pretty Woman 17th Aug: Notting Hill 18th Aug: Back To The Future 19th Aug: Rocketman 20th Aug: Dirty Dancing 21st Aug: Moana 3pm / Mamma Mia! Cadwell Farm SG5 3UA

Luton Hoo

Films start at 8.15pm unless otherwise stated 24th Aug: Rocketman 25th Aug: Mamma Mia! 26th Aug: Bridesmaids 27th Aug: Secret film - details to be released 28th Aug: Moana 3pm / Dirty Dancing 29th Aug: Encanto 3pm / Clueless 30th Aug: The Greatest Showman Luton Hoo Hotel LU1 3TQ www.sundowncinema.co.uk

House & Classics Festival

13th & 14th Aug 12 noon - 11pm The best festival atmosphere and vibes over 4 arenas: House and Classics, Centreforce, House of Disco and Back to the 80’s. £45 Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT www.houseandclassics.com

St Albans Organ Theatre

Organ Concert: Mark Laflin 13th Aug 2.30pm Mark studied music at the Royal College of Music and University of Oxford. £12.50 Sunday Opening 14th Aug 3pm See and hear the fascinating world of mechanical musical instruments in this magical atmosphere. Please book, £7, child £3 www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk 10

Let your hair down in this brand-new adaptation of the popular fairy tale. Fast Love 18th Aug The world’s largest George Michael celebration is back with a brand new show. Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever 20th & 21st Aug Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, it’s going to be her best day ever! From the Jam 24th Aug Touring the UK and celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Jam’s 4th studio album ‘Setting Sons’. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party 26th Aug Presented by Brother Wolf, and based on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll. www.alban-arena.co.uk

WIN tickets to

see Total 80’s at The Alban Arena

It’s your chance to win a pair of tickets for this trip down memory lane on 27th August featuring hits from artists such as Wham!, Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, A-Ha, Cyndi Lauper and many more, all performed by an incredible 7 piece band. So if you’re feeling Footloose, grab your leg warmers and join the Kids of America. This isn't a show it’s a party! To win just fill in the missing word from this 80’s classic: Living in ............ Dreams Send your answer by text with your name to 07983 588291. Closing date Friday 12th August

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

Basins

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

and Dishwashers

● Repair Leaking Pipes ● Outside Taps

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

St Albans

The Harpenden Shutter Company We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters Specialising in Bay Windows

Free No Obligation

Consultation, Measuring & Quotation

Summer Sale 25% off Shutters

20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains

Professionally handmade curtains, blinds, cushions and bedcovers Call for a free quotation or to discuss your requirements sue.m.smyth@gmail.com 01727 842394

Teresa & Kevin Buckler

01582 461639

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

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Caring & Sharing The Hertfordshire 100 28th Aug

A rewarding sportive with challenges to suit riders of all levels, with three routes taking advantage of the rural roads and allowing riders to choose their challenge of either 100 miles, 64 miles or 33 miles. A portion of every entry is donated to the charity Helping Rhinos. www.sportiveuk.co.uk

Watford Memory Walk 3rd Sept from 10am Get friends and family together and walk for your loved ones. Aim to raise as much as you can, so you can support more people affected by dementia now and in the future. You will have everything you need to smash your target, including a brilliant fundraising pack, Memory Walk t-shirt, and a medal to celebrate your achievements when you’ve completed your walk. There are two routes to choose from: The 3.5km walk, a gentle stroll around the tree lined avenues of the park which is suitable for all ages. The 9km walk is more challenging, and will take you into the ancient Whippendell Woods, winding through woodland paths and up some hills. Registration closes 31st Aug Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7LG www.alzheimers.org.uk

Skydive 10th Sept

If a skydive is on your bucket list why not take to the skies in September and help raise much needed funds for local charity the AT Society, whether it’s just you, or for a team event. The AT Society supports people living with the disabling and life-limiting condition ataxia-telangiectasia and funds research to find a cure. Email: sally@atsociety.org www.atsociety.org.uk

Welsh 3 Peaks 16th - 18th Sept

Challenge yourself by taking on three of the highest peaks in Wales, on an epic adventure, creating precious memories and embracing the breath-taking scenery from the summit of Pen Y Fan (886M), Cadair Idris (893m) and Snowdon (1,085m). All while raising much needed funds for The Hospice of St Francis. Registration £95, minimum sponsorship £850. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Herts 10K 9th Oct 10am

Rennie Grove is planning a festival feel to mark the Herts 10K’s return as a physical, in-person event. It’s one of the most popular running events in Hertfordshire and the route winds through the stunning private grounds of the Rothamsted Estate. Sign up and start training today! www.Herts10K.com 14

NGS Open Gardens

With no Open Gardens in St Albans or Harpenden this month, we’ve found some interesting ones for you to visit further afield.

The Walled Garden Luton LU1 4LF

5th Aug 11am - 3pm £6 Luton Hoo Walled Garden was designed by Capability Brown and established by noted botanist and former Prime Minister, Lord Bute in the late 1760s. The Walled Garden is now the focus of a volunteer project and continues to be researched, restored, repaired and reimagined. Light refreshments at Woodyard Coffee Shop.

12 Longmans Close

Byewaters, Watford WD18 8WP 7th Aug 2pm - 6pm £4 In Hertfordshire's Tiny Tropical Garden see how dazzling colour, scent, lush tropical foliage, trickling water and clever use of pots in a densely planted small garden can transport you to the tropics. See bananas and canna rub shoulders with delicate lilies and roses among begonias, hibiscus, ferns and houseplants. Home-made teas.

Flaxbourne Farm

Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ 10th Aug 2pm - 5pm £6 A fun garden, lovingly developed with numerous water features, a windmill, romantic bridges, a small moated castle, lily pond, herbaceous borders, a Greek temple ruin and a large Roman style arched stone gateway. Children will enjoy exploring the intriguing nooks and crannies, discovering a grotto, crocodiles and a crow’s nest. Light refreshments.

Patchwork

22 Hall Park Gate, Berkhamsted HP4 2NJ 21st Aug 2pm - 5pm £5 A ¼ acre garden with year-round colour, interest and perfume. Sloping site containing rockeries, 2 small ponds, herbaceous borders, island beds with dahlias, roses, fuchsias, hostas, begonias and patio pots and tubs galore, all set against a colourful background of trees and shrubs. Light refreshments. www.ngs.org.uk

£444.

444

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Teddy Bear's Picnic

3rd Aug 11am - 2pm See the park come alive with teddy bears and their small owners! This fun-filled day offers free activities and entertainment for children. No need to book, just turn up with your bear and a picnic. Lydekker Park, Sun Lane, Harpenden AL5 4EG www.harpenden.gov.uk

The Walled Garden

Children's Summer Workshops With crafts and activities 10am - 12 noon 4th Aug: Fruit &Veg Summer Reading Challenge 11th Aug: Flowers & Seeds until 3rd Sept The Bug Hunt Science is all around you! 19th Aug 10.30am - 1.30pm Join the Gadgeteers for this year’s Summer Enjoy a fantastic day of quizzes, crafts and fun on Reading Challenge and discover the amazing the hunt for the bugs in this English country science behind the world around you, including in garden. Child £5, adults free some of your favourite things. Taking part is The Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF simple sign up for free at your local library, or visit www.trybooking.com the website to start your Challenge. Everyone who signs-up will receive an activity-sticker pack, I Love My Cat which follows the story of six young ‘Gadgeteers’ 9th Aug 2.30pm who have some great experiment and activity Join acclaimed children's poet Simon Mole to ideas for young readers to try at home. celebrate our furry feline friends and get creative www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk with some fun games. Ages 4 -7, £3 St Albans Library, St Albans AL1 3JQ Splash Park www.hertfordshire.gov.uk Verulamium Park is the place to be on a warm summer day, with the Splash Park and a crazy The Dino Safari Experience golf course it’s a great day out for all the family. 10th Aug 1pm & 3pm There are 4 bookable sessions: An exciting prehistoric adventure filled with 10am - 11.45am / 12pm - 1.45pm music, fun and games. Open to all ages but 2pm - 3.45pm / 4pm - 5.45pm children aged 3 to 7 years will appreciate the 01727 868227 magic the most! www.stalbantoddlersplash.pembee.app/ Boxmoor Theatre, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1NP www.magicalstoryelves.co.uk

NOW for the Kids

Festival of Fun

23rd July - 29th Aug Prepare to party like you’ve never partied before, at this fun day out for all the family, with shows and dancing on the Udder Stage, the fabulous Foam Party, Party Trix Workshops, Farm Fun and Party Games. Mead Open Farm, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Summer Spectacular

23rd July - 4th Sept A packed programme of summertime fun. Get lost in the a-maze-ing Maize Maze. Visit the new splash-tastic Puddle Play Park for a splashing good time. Peter Rabbit™ and his friends will be on the Outdoor Show Stage, Peter Rabbits Adventure Playground, funfair rides, adventure play, JCB ride-ons, indoor soft play, tractor ride, farmyard animals and more. Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com 16

Charlie Locke and the Quest for Confidence

17th Aug 2pm Join Charlie and Brain as they navigate through primary school life, friendships and the beauty of finding a voice. Enjoy Charlie's adventurous tale and her quest for confidence! An experience inspired by situations that children face as they grow through pre-adolescence and into the tween years. Age 5+ Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.the-emc.co.uk

Teddy Bear Fun Day

19th Aug 11am - 4pm Bring along your teddies to enjoy themed craft activities, a teddy bear trail and refreshments from Miller's Kitchen for your teddy bear picnic. Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Fun for Everyone! Celtic Games

23rd July - 7th Aug 10am - 4pm A day of fun as you journey through prehistory with displays, talks, quests and activities. There’ll be the Boudicca Warrior Quest, Torch Making, from Hoof to Garment: how we made our clothes, Warrior Talk and Training, test your skills at the Celtic Games, a Fire Procession at the end of the day and more. Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Open Wednesdays 10.30am - 4pm Includes tours of the historical garden, the Victorian farm buildings and dairy. £7.50 Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Beds LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Hatfield House

Rapunzel 1st Aug 2pm A fast-paced, larger-than-life production with a laugh out loud script, heaps of audience interaction, a host The Ultimate Animal Challenge of catchy songs and unforgettable characters. With 23rd July - 4th Sept magic and mayhem throughout,. £16, child £10 Can you forage as fast as a meerkat? Or be as The Importance of being Earnest 2nd Aug 2pm stealthy as a tiger? Compete against your friends An afternoon of open-air decadence and hilarity, and family in each task. Follow the trail around the in one of literature’s most trivial comedies for serious Zoo, testing your skills against the best of the best. people. £16, child £10 Remember to check the leader board, if you finish Paloma Faith 5th Aug 5.30pm top at the end of the summer and you’ll win some Double platinum award-winning artist Paloma Faith Zoo-tastic prizes. There’ll also be animal talks and a goes on a huge UK summer tour, and Sam Ryder games station to play animal board games, where will join this line-up as ’special guest. £52.25 you can make your own playing piece out of clay. Queen Symphonic 6th Aug 5pm www.zsl.org Featuring four exceptional rock vocalists from We National Trust Will Rock You, a world class five piece rock band Come Out and Play and the magnificent Heart of England Orchestra. 25th July - 31st Aug 10am - 4pm £26, child £10 Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX Simply Red 7th Aug 5pm Join in with the Great Big Nature Game, find the With special guests, Lisa Stansfield and Marisha clues and complete the challenges hidden around Wallace. £57.20 the Estate. See how fast you can complete the game Classic Ibiza 20th Aug 5.30pm on Time Trial Tuesdays, and there will also be a A magical rollercoaster ride of dance music’s most ‘borrow box’ with sport and play equipment which is iconic tracks reinvented by the Urban Soul free to use. Orchestra. From £20 Daily Guided Tours www.hatfield-house.co.uk Shaw’s Corner Welwyn AL6 9BX Discover the story behind George Bernard Shaw’s Under the Sea Craft country home. Please book £9.50, child £4.75 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 11th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th & 31st www.nationaltrust.org.uk Aug 10.30am -12 noon & 2pm - 3.30pm Explore life under the sea, and see and handle some Forest School sea dwelling specimens. Get creative and make one 26th July / 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Aug to take home, then take the Ocean Adventure gallery 10am - 12 noon trail (cost £1). Free, drop in Family sessions exploring the park, building dens, Natural History Museum at Tring HP23 6AP going on bug hunts, learning about nature and bush www.nhm.ac.uk craft and more. Children must be accompanied, Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust please book. Ages 5 - 11 Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA Discover Hedgehogs 2nd & 23rd Aug 2pm www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk Learn about hedgehogs, the problems they face, why they are in decline and basic hedgehog care. 20

Meet a rescue hog and see where they are being nursed back to health. Please book £8, child £6, for adults & age 6+ Hedgehogs and How to Help Them 13th Aug 2pm Please book, adults £8 www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Medieval Jousting 20th & 21st Aug Marvel at displays of skill and horsemanship and cheer as armoured knights enact spectacular medieval jousting displays. Meet the knights as well as Henry VIII and his six wives. This is a fantastic event for the whole family. £13.50, child £7.50 www.coam.org.uk

Open Food Gardens

St Albans South Signal Box Open Days

14th & 28th Aug 2pm - 5pm Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK. Watch signalling demonstrations, railway videos and a slideshow of the restoration, with many signalling items on display, including single line 'tablet token' machines, and other railwayrelated exhibits. You can operate working signals and a point, see a display of old signs, oil lamps, a telegraph 'pole route' and a garden railway. Woburn Safari Park Free, donations welcome Elephant Appreciation Weekend St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust 13th & 14th Aug Join keepers at the Park and online to raise funds for Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AG www.sigbox.co.uk the International Elephant Foundation. The Parks’ Asian Elephants; Chandrika, Damini, Yu Zin, Raja Big Wild Sleepout and youngster Tarli are ambassadors for 19th & 20th Aug 5pm - 9am (overnight) their threatened species and will be helping raise A unique opportunity for families to spend a night awareness of the plight of their wild friends and camping under the stars and connect with nature as relations. There are thought to be only 700,000 the nocturnal wildlife wakes up on the reserve. African elephants and 25,000 Asian elephants left in RSPB Rye Meads, Hoddesdon SG12 8JS the wild, so every penny raised counts. www.rspb.org.uk Woburn Safari Park, Beds MK43 0TU Flamstead Scarecrow Festival www.woburnsafari.co.uk 19th - 21st Aug Paradise Wildlife Park The Festival is back! Bird Weekend 13th & 14th Aug See the Scarecrows displayed around the village by Join the zookeepers to learn more about following the map which can be downloaded from the birds that live in the Park. the website. Vote for your favourite Scarecrow by Standard entry fee filling in the form in the programme, then post it in Dine4Wildlife Charity Ball 20th Aug one of the boxes around the village. Enjoy drinks by the new Land of the Tigers habitat, There will be lots of food and drink to enjoy with the followed by an evening of food and entertainment, Scarecrow Café, BBQ and other food stalls as well as you help raise funds for conservation and as three fantastic pubs offering food, drink and celebrate the Year of the Tiger. £65 entertainment. www.flamsteadscarecrowfestival.co.uk Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com Pick up tips about growing your own food, or share your own ideas. 11 Woodvale Park, St Albans AL1 5JF 6th Aug 2pm - 4pm free 104 Marshalswick Lane, St Albans AL1 4XE 14th Aug 3pm - 5pm free www.sustainablestalbans.org

Chiltern Open Air Museum

The Great War 13th & 14th Aug Learn about WW1 with costumed re-enactors and an opportunity to see the WW1 and WW2 Nissen huts, 1940s post-war prefab, ‘Dig for Victory’ allotment and more. Please book £9.50, child £7

Summer Circus

20th - 29th Aug This fantastic summer circus for children and adults of all ages is an experience not to be missed. Van Hage Garden Centre SG12 9RP www.vanhage.digitickets.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Walks are free, led by qualified volunteers and graded between first steps (20-30 minutes) and grade 4 (90 minutes) please arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Highfield Park YMCA Highfield Park Centre 59 Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB Mondays 9.30am, grade 3 Tuesdays 1.30pm, first steps & grade 3 Harpenden Conference Centre car park, Rothamsted Research, West Common AL5 2JQ Thursdays 10.30am, grade 3 Nomansland Common Ferrers Lane car park AL4 8EJ Thursdays 10.30am, grade 4 Greenwood Park Community Centre, St Albans AL2 3HW Fridays 2pm, grade 3 Batchwood Park Batchwood Hall car park, off Batchwood Drive, St Albans AL3 5XA 3rd, 17th & 31st Aug 7pm, grade 3 Wheathampstead East Lane car park, behind The Bull AL4 8BL 6th Aug 2pm, grade 4 Verulamium Park Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, Holywell Hill AL1 2DJ 10th & 24th Aug 7pm, grade 3 Bricket Wood Riverside Way car park, Bricket Wood AL2 3TX 21st Aug 10.30am, grade 4 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Grow Your Own Takeaway

We all know that home-cooked food is better for us than a stream of takeaways, but then we all deserve a little self-indulgence from time to time. So why not save yourself the guilt (and some cash) and grow your own Chinese takeaway in your garden. You can easily grow some of those tasty and crunchy vegetables that we all love in a Chinese stirfry... and the great thing is that oriental vegetables do well from late summer sowings, so it’s off to the garden centre (not the takeaway) you go! Bean sprouts are easy to grow, the common types are sprouted mung-beans, which you can either buy as seeds or the beans themselves from a health food store. Mizuna has got to be one of the most attractive leafy vegetables you can grow. Its green leaves appear soon after sowing the seeds, and they add a great spicy flavour to your stir-fry and also a zing to salads and sandwiches. 22

And not forgetting that delicious Oriental veg, pak-choi, it’s another easy vegetable to grow late in the summer: just sow the seeds in a well-forked soil, water and wait, thin them out and when they’re ready, just pinch off the roots and pop the plants into the wok. Garlic is another essential ingredient, it’s not the right time of year to plant it now, but you could take a few spare cloves and pot them in trays of compost. Keep it slightly moist and in a week or two the cloves will start to sprout. What you’re after here aren’t the sprouts though, but the bright green foliage which adds a definitely garlicy flavour to stirfries and a touch of colour as well. Radishes add heat as well as crunch, there are some lovely oriental varieties such as Mantanhong with a crunchy bright red-to-pink inner flesh and spherical white roots, great for colour and texture and with a sweet slightly nutty flavour. Sow in open ground or pots from now until early September for cropping in a few weeks’ time. Spring onions are another classic stir-fry ingredient, you won’t get a mature crop for harvesting this year; but what you will get is a superyoung onion that will add both colour and intense flavour to the contents of your wok. And finally, mushrooms will add a meaty texture to your home-grown vegetable stir-fry. Kits for growing both oyster and field mushrooms are available to buy. It’s not always easy to get right, but the challenge is definitely worth it when you have exotic mushrooms growing in your greenhouse or shed.

Tree Surgery & Garden Care Future Nature All Aspects of Tree Work including Stump Removal Fruit Tree Specialist Garden Clearance & Fencing “Always leaves a clean and tidy site” St Albans Based 35 Years Experience Contact Chris

01727 844243 07518 626938 chris.futurenature@gmail.com

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Local St Albans Plasterer Jason Moffat All Aspects of Plastering Reliable Clean Trusted Very High Standard Plastering in St Albans for over 20 Years For Any Advice or a Quotation Please Call Today

07955 555 120 183 The Ridgeway St Albans AL4 9XE

M&M Decorators Fully qualified City and Guilds Over 20 years experience All interior and exterior work undertaken Specialist in all types of wallpaper All work finished to a high professional standard Free quotations at competitive prices Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911 mandmdecs@gmail.com mandm_decorators

01727 224802 26

07500 801192

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

NOW at the Museums

NOW at the Cathedral St Albans Museum + Gallery

Town Hall, St Peter's Street AL1 3DH Exhibition: The Art of Grieving until 4th Sept 11am - 5pm Explore how art can help process grief with work from over 50 artists. Powerful, emotional, comforting or calming, this exhibition will leave you with a lasting impression. Exhibition: St Albans On Sea until Nov Exploring fascinating stories and the many connections St Albans has with the sea. From the Sea God mosaic in Verulamium Park and the current HMS St Albans, to stories from St Albans residents and local artists depictions of the sea. Junk Boat Modelling* 4th & 18th Aug 1.30pm - 3pm Test your creative skills by building a “Junk boat” from recycling materials. Can you make it water-tight? Will it float? Drop in, age 3+. £3 Five Days to Say Goodbye 6th Aug 2.30pm A 20-minute screenplay based on Beverley Bishop's final days with her son Jess. In her words 'It is a story of love, loss and life after tragedy...a story I felt the need to tell, in the hope that it would help others.' Please book, free Make a Sock Seagull* 11th & 25th Aug 1.30pm - 3pm Make a sock into a seagull buddy to take on the Seagull Search around the museum. Drop in, age 3+ £3 Zentangle Creative Wellbeing Session 21st Aug 2.30pm - 4pm This is simply a series of lines and shapes that you are guided to place on your paper and before you know it, you have created a piece of art! £5, please book

Verulamium Museum

St Michael's Street AL3 4SW Crafts in the Colonnade* Weekdays 25th July - 31st Aug 10am - 4pm Make a Roman soldier’s shield or try weaving at these self-led craft sessions, where all resources and instructions will be provided. £2, age 3+ Drop Spinning Workshop* 13th Aug 10am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2.30pm Try the ancient art of Drop Spinning, turning sheep wool into yarn. If time allows, you can then weave with your yarn. Drop in, age 7+ £5 Make a Roman Oil Lamp* 27th Aug 10am - 12.30pm Wealthy Romans lit their homes with small pottery lamps, take part in a clay workshop where you can build your own to take home. Drop in, age 4+ £5 *Children must be accompanied by an adult, www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk 28

Latin Summer School 1st - 5th Aug 10.30am - 3.30pm A five day course exploring the texts and language of one of Christianity’s most influential theologians, St Augustine of Hippo. £150 Family Workshops: Tudor Secrets and Seals 2nd & 13th Aug 10am & 11.45am How did the Tudor's keep their important messages private - with wax seals of course. Join Artist in Residence to make a wax seal of your own. Child £6, must be accompanied Talk: Tudor Hertfordshire 4th Aug 7.30 pm By Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. New Testament Greek Summer School 8th - 12th Aug 10.30am - 3.30pm A five day course exploring the diverse texts and language of the Greek New Testament. £150 Organ Concert: Andrew Lucas 14th Aug 3pm Music by Bruhns, Couperin, Howells, Schmidt and Franck. Free Family Workshop: Demystifying Shakespeare 16th Aug 11am & 1pm With award winning actor, writer and poet in residence Elle Dillon-Reams who makes the bard relevant, understandable, enjoyable, and above all fun. Ages 11 - 16, £8 More to Explore: The Reformation and the Abbey 21st Aug 1.30pm & 2.30pm The Abbey was closed by Henry VIII in 1539 but the church itself was saved from destruction for £400. Why? How did it change? So much medieval decoration was removed from English churches that Elizabeth I was alarmed by their drab state. Discover her solution and learn more about this difficult period in history. Free Cathedral at Night 26th Aug 7pm Lose yourself in the beauty of the Cathedral as it moves from daylight to dusk. See the stunning architecture and medieval wall paintings brought to life and hear from characters from the Cathedral's Tudor past. Explore places you may never have seen before or take time to ‘just be’ in these extraordinary spaces of peace and tranquillity. No need to book, free Organ Concert: William Whitehead 29th Aug 1pm Free Playing Sinfonia to Cantata 29 JS Bach and pieces from the Orgelbüchlein and Orgelbüchlein Project. 01727 890290 www.stalbanscathedral.org

The Flooring Professionals You Can Trust KC Flooring Specialists Ltd are experts in all types of flooring

Visit our Local Showroom KC Flooring Specialists LTD 200 Watford Road, Chiswell Green, St Albans AL2 3EB

01727 869 692

www.kcflooring.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Out & About Waddesdon Manor

PE with Joe Wicks on Tour 2nd Aug 9am - 1pm Get warmed up with the nation’s PE teacher and lockdown legend and join in this group workout to get you feeling motivated, energised and refreshed, both physically and mentally no matter your age or fitness level. Once you’ve bossed your burpees and perfected your plank, you’ll have the chance to chat to Joe and snap a photo! £8, child £5 The War of the Worlds 5th Aug gates 5.30pm See the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons use musical instruments, puppetry and enthusiasm to recreate deadly heat-rays, giant fightingmachines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. Bring a picnic and blanket ready for an evening of outdoor fun and adventure. £17, child £11 Robin Hood 21st Aug 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm Unbound Theatre present a riotous 30 minute retelling of the story of England’s greatest folk hero, featuring swashbuckling adventure and a lot of cunning disguises. Free with grounds admission www.waddesdon.org.uk

Bletchley Park

Both events: ages 5 -14, must be accompanied by an adult, entry included with admission Puzzles and Pastimes Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 2nd - 23rd Aug, 28th & 29th Aug Many of the Bletchley Park Codebreakers enjoyed puzzles and games in their free time. Find out if you could have been a codebreaker by completing puzzles, playing games, testing your skills and challenging your friends and family. Family Guided Tours: Amazing People, Amazing Machines 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Aug Could you have been a codebreaker, a Wren or maybe a dispatch rider? Would you have kept your work secret even after the war? Find out about the people and machines that helped

break the Enigma cipher during WW2. Learn surprising new facts, explore everyday life at Bletchley Park in 1941 and maybe even take part in some top secret war work. www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Shuttleworth

Biggles Day 4th Aug 10am Paul Beaver is a lifelong fan of Biggles the audacious airman, war hero and all-round good chap. He will attempt to unravel fact from fiction and delve deep into the origins of Biggles. He will examine the characters and the relevance to the storylines of the period in which the books were written. Live Music from Dave Foster 5th Aug gates 5pm Park outside the Hangars, find a spot on the grass, grab a burger and a beer and settle down to enjoy the live music. Keep an eye on the sky, with any luck some visiting or resident aircraft will be seen. Family Air Show 7th Aug 10am With a funfair, kids activities, the Swiss Garden, vintage bus rides, a thrilling air display and much more. Fly In - Eurofox 13th Aug 10am The Aeropro EuroFox is a two seater light aircraft, due to its reliability and durability, it’s popular with private owners. Now Shuttleworth welcomes these owners to fly-in, park up and enjoy all the site has to offer, while showing off their prized aircraft with other enthusiasts. National Street Rod Supernationals 14th Aug 9am A family-friendly event for everyone, there’ll be activities, entertainment, trade stalls, show cars, a funfair, a bar and music. Plus the famous best in show judging and competition. Live Music in the Swiss Garden: Cara Beard 19th Aug 6pm Wander around the garden at dusk and then settle with a picnic for an evening of great music. Flying Proms 20th Aug 2pm Enjoy a spectacular air display with wonderful live music from a full symphony orchestra concluding with a fantastic fireworks display, bringing all the atmosphere and fun of a truly British Proms.

“We will clean your windows perfectly to make your day” Serving London and Hertfordshire for more than 15 years. Let us prove to you we are the best traditional window cleaning service! Most of our customers do not require anything more than a general clean because we provide a deep clean every time, removing bird and insect debris, spider-webs and stickers. we always take care of the whole window, not just the glass. Clean windows can make a huge difference to the appearance of your home. Our high standards make us the best choice. Whether at work or home, you can be assured that your windows are cleaned by a licensed, insured and professional window cleaner.

Also Available: Gutter Cleaning Interior & Exterior Conservatories Glass Balconies Fascia Cleaning

0771 3542 538 0800 689 3052 paulmegashine@gmail.com www.megashine.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

More Out & About Music on the Lawn Highly Minogue Tribute Act 21st Aug 6pm A Kylie Minogue tribute act from Briar Rouge and her band. Summer Bug Hunt 23rd Aug 10.30am Join members of the Bedfordshire Invertebrate Group on a walk around the Swiss Garden in search of interesting insect life, and maybe try your hand at pond-dipping. Fly In – Vintage Aircraft Club 27th Aug 10am Join the Vintage Aircraft Club for a great day, and watch the flightline with some wonderfully varied aircraft. www.shuttleworth.org

Ghost Tour and Bat Walk 18th Aug 6.30pm A unique opportunity to tour Knebworth House at night and hear tales of the incidents we can’t explain. Volunteers from Herts & Middx Bat Group will give a talk and bring in specialist equipment to detect the bats’ high-pitched screech. Please book and wear warm clothing and suitable footwear. £26 Rapunzel - Garden Theatre 25th Aug 6pm A fast-paced, larger-than-life production with a laugh out loud script, heaps of audience interaction, a host of catchy songs, unforgettable characters and maybe even the odd water gun or two! Bring a picnic, chairs and blankets. Age 4+, £14, child £12

Classic Motor Show 28th & 29th Aug With a static display and a show arena hosting parades. Vehicles include sports, saloons, Knebworth House American, commercial, military and classic As You Like It - Garden Theatre motorcycles. Last admission is 2.30pm and 7th Aug 7pm tickets include access to Knebworth Park, The Lord Chamberlain’s touring theatre company Gardens, Dinosaur Trail and Adventure presents this great play as Shakespeare first saw Playground. it performed, in the open air by an all-male cast Knebworth House, Stevenage and with Elizabethan costumes, music and www.knebworthhouse.com dance. Bring chairs and a picnic. £17, child £10 The Nickelodeon Experience RAF Museum London 14th - 27th Aug Merlin Engine Demonstration An immersive outdoor adventure packed with 6th & 7th Aug interactive zones where kids can step into the 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm world of their favourite Nickelodeon and Nick Jr The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was used in TV shows and make their own fun. Whether it's many fighter aircraft during WW2, most racing against the clock to solve the Hunter notably, the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Street Escape Room mystery, becoming a Hurricane. Hear it roar on the ‘airfield’, it’s superhero with The Thundermans, braving Henry loud, windy and great fun! Danger's maze or earning the ultimate Spitfire 10K 27th Aug Nickelodeon badge of honour - a Slime Time Enjoy this unique opportunity to run round the sliming! Historic Hendon area carrying the name of a The Importance Of Being Earnest Battle of Britain servicemen. Sign up and support 16th Aug 7pm the Museum as it continues to tell inspiring Enjoy an evening of open-air decadence and stories of RAF personnel, like the courageous hilarity on the Sunken Lawn, with Oscar Wilde’s Battle of Britain Pilots and Crew who fought in wittiest comedy, as you join foppish bachelors the skies above Britain in 1940. Jack and Algernon on their latest Bunburying If you can’t make it, check out the Virtual Spitfire exploits, with mistaken identities, icy women, 10K race, you can join from anywhere! trivial banter and of course, muffins! £22.50, Age 15+ £14, child £12 RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk 32

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

Index of Businesses Antiques Cotterstock Antiques

Bathing Mobility Bathing Mobility Advisory Service Building Complete Refurbishment & Roofing Eco Tiffin Kingsholme Open Plan Solutions

Front Cover 24 & 25 Back Cover 27

Car Servicing / Repairs M Chapman Auto Services

Chimney Sweep The Local Chimney Sweep

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach

35 17

Education Kumon

Festival New Bury Summer Festival

Flooring KC Flooring Specialists Ltd

Funeral Directors Austin’s

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services Loft Conversions Econoloft

4 11 11 3

Loft Ladders Home Counties Loft Ladders

Mobility Oakley Healthcare & Mobility

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

26 26

Pest Control The Verminator

Plasterer Jason Moffat

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

11 & 35

Property Maintenance The 50 Plus

Roofing GJ Smith Roofing

Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

Garage Doors Garolla

Singing Club Clover Singing Club

Gardening Future Nature

Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd

Window Cleaning Megashine

Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows

12 12

Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital

6&7

Effective Low Cost Advertising that Really Works “It’s amazing, we get so much work from our advert in ‘harpenden NOW’, more than anything else, including yell.com and Yellow Pages, I would say it’s amazing!” Mike, Prestige Paint Shop Ltd

Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 / 313 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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 .

DJ&M

PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

Complete

●

Bathroom, Cloakroom, Shower Room and Kitchen Installations ●

●

Local Family Run Business, Over 35 Years Experience

●

Honest and Reliable Service

●

Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries

●

Tiling Plastering Electrical

●

Discounts on all Bathrooms & Kitchens Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217

info@djmplumbing.co.uk

www.djmplumbing.co.uk

www.theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com