Pick p me u m I’ E FRE
st albans August 2019
NOW
Local businesses, what’s on and lots more inside
promoting local businesses, organisations and events since 2006
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Welcome to August Welcome to the summer holidays, it’s that time of year for BBQs, country walks and chilling ouside with friends and family. As always August is full-on with lots happening from the Goatfest, Scarecrow, Vegan and Meraki Festivals to Big Wild Sleep Outs and Outdoor Cinema and Theatre, make sure you have a look through so you don’t miss out! Please remember when you call our advertisers to let them know where you found them! 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.
Jane & Wendy
@theNOWmagazines
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Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291
Deadline 10th Aug for Sept edition www.theNOWmagazines.com
Outdoor Theatre & Cinema
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under the stars!
NOW for the Kids
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teddy bears, Mr Stink & more
Wildlife & More
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butterflies, hedgehogs & more
NOW at The Local Theatres
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lots of drama!
Outdoor Summer Fun
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pillows, parks & plates!
Out of Town
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RAF, Bletchley & more
Fun in the Sun
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science, circus & signals
Back to Nature
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glamping & camping
NOW at The Museums
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Chiltern, Wardown & St Albans
St Albans Let’s Walk
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walking through history
Fit For Life
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running, golf & cycling
What’s on in August & September
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Index of Businesses
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Art Exhibition to Windows & Doors
To Advertise 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com
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NOW for some Music St Albans Organ Theatre David Ivory Theatre Organ Concert 10th Aug 7.30pm £12.50 As a teenager David worked as a church organist and choir master, then trained as a pianist, later progressing to the classical organ. He went on to study modern harmony and popular music, which led to his fascination with the theatre organ. Themed Sunday Afternoon 11th Aug 2pm Featuring hits from both stage and screen. £7, concs £6, child £3 St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Wardown House, Museum & Gallery Summer Sundays 2pm - 4pm Bring chairs and blankets and find a spot on the lawns for a wonderful musical afternoon, great fun for all the family, free, donations welcome.
Ukie-Toones 11th Aug Enjoy a summer afternoon as this 8 piece ukulele band fill the air with music. Broadside (Barber Shop Quartet) 18th Aug Enjoy wandering minstrels on the lawn and throughout the house as this barber shop quartet fills the air. Sisters with the Swing 25th Aug A summer afternoon filled with music from the Sisters of Swing Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA 01582 546722 www.lutonculture.com
Music in Lydekker 31st Aug 11am - 2pm free The Tennessee Boogie Boys will be playing their repertoire of 1950s-style rockabilly, country, and rock 'n’ roll hits. Soulful solo singer Lexy McGill will also be taking the stage. Refreshments will be available from the Fabulous Fizz truck; bring deck chairs and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of music in the park. Lydekker Park, Sun Lane, Harpenden AL5 4EG
Classical Guitar Tuition
www.merlinmiller.co.uk 07831572618 4
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Open Air Cinema Luna Cinema
Open Air Theatre A Midsummers Nights Dream 11th Aug 4pm - 6pm The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to celebrate their 15th year with Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy. £16, child £10 Treasure Island 14th Aug 2pm - 4pm A brand-new adaptation of everyone’s favourite pirate adventure with Chapterhouse Theatre Company. Bring low backed chairs and picnics. Alice in Wonderland 21st Aug 2pm - 4pm Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a topsy-turvy adventure like no other. Immersion Theatre bring their trademark energy to a spectacularly bonkers show. Join in the hilarity of seeing this classic story brought to life, why not come dressed up as your favourite character? A perfect day out, you’d be mad to miss it! Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Knebworth House SG1 2AX Cinema - adult £13.50, child £8 Cinema and park - adult £18.50, child £13 Luna Kids The Luna Kids Bar will be serving soft drinks, healthy juices and water, while the Big Kids Bar will offer everything from prosecco to hot drinks. Please book and print tickets. Bring picnics, lowbacked chairs and blankets. Times given are doors opening times. 1st Aug PJ Masks 9.30am The Incredibles 2 12.30pm Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone 3.30pm 2nd Aug The Gruffalo, Highway Rate & Zog 9.30am The Lego Movie 2 12.30pm The Greatest Showman 3.30pm 3rd Aug Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun 9.30am Moana 12.30pm Mary Poppins Returns 3.30pm 4th Aug The Gruffalo, Highway Rate & Zog 9.30am Cars 12.30pm Dumbo 3.30pm Hatfield House AL9 5HX 6.45pm - 10pm Bring low back chairs, picnics and blankets. There will be hot food for sale and a full bar. 22nd Aug The Favourite 23rd Aug The Greatest Showman 24th Aug Dirty Dancing www.thelunacinema.com
Sundown Cinema 1st & 2nd Aug Inn on the Park, Verulamium Park £15 plus booking fee
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Luton Hoo LU1 3TQ Gates 7pm, films 8.30pm 21st Aug: Dirty Dancing 22nd Aug: Mamma Mia! Here we go again 23rd Aug: The Lost Boys 24th Aug: A Star is Born 25th Aug: The Greatest Showman 26th Aug: Notting Hill 28th Aug: The Full Monty 29th Aug: Grease 30th Aug: Bridesmaids 31st Aug: Bohemian Rhapsody 1st Sept: The Greatest Showman Hitchin Lavender, Cadwell Farm Gates 7pm, films 8.15pm 4th Sept: 10 Things I Hate About You 5th Sept: Mean Girls 6th Sept: Jurassic Park 7th Sept: Bohemian Rhapsody 8th Sept: The Greatest Showman www.sundowncinema.co.uk
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Mr Stink 1st - 3rd Aug 2.30pm & Sat 7pm Performed by Chickenshed Theatre Company. The very kind, but lonely 12 year old Chloe, invites 'Mr Stink' and his slightly wiffy dog to leave behind the wooden bench they call home and secretly move into her family's shed. Matters become more complicated when Chloe's mother, a woman with unfulfilled political ambitions, tries to take credit for Chloe's generosity. But exactly who is Mr Stink anyway? Packed with a host of original musical numbers, you'll laugh, you'll cry but you might want to hold your nose! Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ www.gordon-craig.co.uk
Teddy Bear Fun
NOW for the Kids Summer Reading Challenge To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Moon Landing, this year’s theme is ‘Space Chase’. Join the Rockets on a chase through space to find the aliens and save the Moon Library. It’s easy to take part, just sign up for free at your local library when the summer holidays start, and you’ll receive a mission folder to get you started. Read six library books to collect stickers to add to your folder. Collect all the stickers to find the aliens and complete the Challenge.
British Schools Museum Victorian S.T.E.A.M. 31st July - 29th Aug Wednesdays & Thursdays: 10am & 1pm Celebrate the Victorian age of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Marvel at Victorian ingenuity, creativity and eccentricity at these children’s activity days for ages 4 - 11. £5, please book Victorian Lessons 4th Aug 2.30pm & 3.30pm Take part in a Victorian lesson in the Gallery classroom. Don't be late and pay attention! Included in the admission price Hitchin Children’s Book Festival 31st Aug 10am - 2pm Stories will come to life, as some of your bestloved children’s authors and illustrators read from, and talk about, their fabulous books. Join Harriet Muncaster and Fabi Santiago for a morning celebrating their children’s books. Please book £6 British Schools Museum, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
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Lydekker Teddy Bears Picnic 7th Aug 11am - 2pm, free See the park come alive with Teddy Bears and their small owners, as they make the most of the sun and entertainment. Bring your child to join the Town Mayor for this family event in Harpenden's secret garden. Don't forget your picnic and your teddy bear! Lydekker Park, Harpenden AL5 4EG Nomansland Teddy Bears Picnic 9th Aug 10am - 12 noon, free Bring a picnic and your bears and join in the family fun. There will be prizes for the best dressed ‘nature inspired’ bear. Count butterflies as part of the ‘Big Butterfly Count’ to help Sir David Attenborough and his charity Butterfly Conservation, enjoy the Nature Train or try some Den Building. Nomansland Common, Ferrers Lane entrance AL4 9FH Teddy Bear Fun Day 21st Aug 11am - 3.30pm Dress up your Teddy Bears and take them along for an action packed day, with Punch & Judy, magic and more. Explore the museum, have lunch, and join in the Teddy Bear's parade. Ages 2+ £5, adults free Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.welhat.gov.uk
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Summer at Waterstones St Albans A Squire's Journey to Knighthood 6th Aug 11am An exciting workshop with a medieval theme looking at punctuation and different sentence structures. Ages 5 - 6, free Handwriting Zoo 15th Aug 11am Head to the zoo for some non-cursive handwriting practice. Ages 4 - 6, free Put a Spring in your Step 21st Aug 11am Bounce back to school after this fun comprehension workshop on inference and improving understanding of texts. Ages 7 - 9, free To the Beach! 28th Aug 11am What Summer would be complete without a trip to the beach? Enjoy this beach-themed story time and activities. Waterstones, St Peter's St, St Albans AL1 3LF www.waterstones.com Child £23, adult £22, senior, £21, disabled £13, group £10 Flamstead Scarecrow Festival Carrot Carnival 3rd - 17th Aug 10am - 5pm 9th - 11th Aug During the carrot carnival , children can pick a Enjoy a fun family day out with over 100 bunch of carrots to take home. Scarecrows, made by residents, on display around Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF the village, plus live music and entertainment, www.willowsactivityfarm.com cream teas, stalls, and much more. Vote for your favourite Scarecrow, visit the historic 12th century Tring Natural History Museum church or simply sit back and enjoy the ambience Workshop: Dinosaur Diets over tea and cake. £4, child £2, all proceeds go to until 7th Aug the village charity; Friends of St Leonard's. Get up-close to dinosaur teeth and create www.flamsteadscarecrowfestival.co.uk a tooth pendant. £2 Workshop: Dino Day Summer Spectacular 8th - 29th Aug until 1st Sept Explore the world of dinosaurs. £5, please book With the Peter Rabbit A-Maize-Ing Maze, brand Workshop: Dinosaur Defences new Peter Rabbit and Friends shows including appearances from Mrs Rabbit. There’ll be meet and 13th - 28th Aug greets with every character throughout the day as Discover how dinosaurs defended themselves and well as the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground and create some armour to take home. £2 Mr Tod’s Lair. Workshop: Woodland Wind Chimes Visit the covered Farmyard to pet and feed the 30th Aug animals, learn more about them, with cow milking Walk around the Museum's wooded area and demonstrations and Animal Encounter Shows, take collect your materials to create a wind chime. £3 a ride on Tristan the Runaway Tractor and find Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP treasure in Panning For Gold. All shows and www.nhm.ac.uk activities are included in the ticket price.
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Wildlife & More
Butterfly Corner until 15th Sept free Walk among tropical Butterflies and exotic plants and look out for Butterflies emerging in the Puparium. The specially constructed, temporary Butterfly Corner will be open during normal opening hours. A treat for all the family Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH www.aylettnurseries.co.uk
Heartwood Forest Twilight Walk 2nd Aug 8pm - 10pm Explore Heartwood as the sun sets. An expert will guide you through the dusk chorus, and the sights and sounds as day turns to night. Bring a torch. Dress appropriately, the ground may be muddy and uneven, insect repellent is advised if warm. Please book, £5 Nature Detectives Live 22nd & 23rd Aug Calling all budding Nature Detectives! Are you ready to solve a wild mystery? Join this funpacked detective session. Explore, imagine, play and discover with hands-on activities, puzzlesolving games and much more. Please book. There will be timed sessions during each day. Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk
50 Things Club 4th Aug 2pm - 4pm free Complete a variety of activities from the '50 Things' handbook, depending on the weather. Go along and join in to add another sticker to your record. Chiltern's Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust Workshop: Discover Hedgehogs in Harpenden 6th & 20th Aug 2pm - 3pm Learn about the fascinating lives of hedgehogs with an expert from Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary. Learn basic hedgehog facts, where
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they live, what they eat, problems facing them, why they’re in decline, and get advice on how to help them in your garden. £8, adults only Family Conservation Day 28th Aug 1pm - 4pm Help build new homes for wildlife to be put up around Harpenden. Build a bat or bird box for Batford Springs, or a raptor box to give a home to an owl on Harpenden Common. All welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Harpenden Common Family Smartphone Safari 28th Aug 2pm - 4pm Learn how to use your smartphone to take stunning wildlife photographs with professional photographer Jeanette. Stroll through Verulamium Park learning how to take photographs of plants, flowers, trees and the landscape along the way. There will be a variety of macro lenses to try out too. Finish by learning how to get the best from the free apps available to improve your images. £15, family £50, please book www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Batford Springs Open Day 17th Aug 10am - 2pm Come and investigate the wildlife found on the reserve. Look in the river to see what you can find, sweep through the meadows to identify butterflies and crickets and delve into the world of minibeasts in the woodlands. Meet the Batford Springs Volunteers and find out what they do to manage the reserve. Bring a picnic lunch, just turn up. Batford Springs Nature Reserve, Harpenden
Be a Keeper for a Day This amazing experience gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to some of the Zoo's most popular animals. You’ll work with an expert zoo keeper who will show you how some of the incredible animals, including rhinos, giraffe and elephants are looked after every day. £295 (April - Oct) / £149 (Nov - March) ZSL Whipsnade Zoo www.zsl.org
Hitchin Lavender Hitchin Lavender has 25 miles of lavender rows that you can walk through while picking your own flowers. They also grow sunflowers and have a wildflower area. The farm has spectacular views and there are many interesting walks to take. There’s also a museum with a replica of the ‘Perks & Llewellyn’ pharmacy, well-known in the 19th century for their lavender products and a fortress play area and model tractor for the children. Hitchin Lavender Hitchin SG5 3UA www.hitchinlavender.com
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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When the full moon shines bright there’s magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play. £10, ages 3 - 7 www.radlettcentre.co.uk
The Alban Arena Grease 10th & 11th Aug 1pm & 7pm Brilliant Theatre Arts and The Alban Arena are excited to present this ‘electrifying’ hit musical. £20 The Alban Arena AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk
Milton Keynes Theatre The Illegal Eagles 18th Aug 7.30pm Featuring all the classic hits including Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Desperado and many more! From £27 The Mousetrap 19th - 24th Aug 7.30m The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? Experience shuddering suspense Luton Library Theatre and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks Film: Pharaohs Unveiled around every corner. From £13 - ‘The Untold Other Half' Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman 3rd Aug 7.30pm 25th Aug 2.30pm A ground-breaking feature documentary by award Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron and winning Menelik Shabazz where history meets the hiss Rebecca Ferguson as you experience this spirit world. The film combines interviews with film in the best way possible - with lyrics on the historians and audio conversations with the screen so you can sing as loud as you want. Pharaohs from the spirit world via psychic From £16 channeller and author Neferatiti Ife. These The Johnny Cash Roadshow recordings unveil a world very different to what has 28th Aug 7.30pm been presented by Egyptologists. There will be a post-show Q&A where you will get a chance to gain Simply the biggest and best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world today. With all the hits and a greater understanding of the film and the work favourite songs that we all know and love. From £13 involved. £12 Luton Central Library, St George’s Square LU1 2NG Zog www.lutonculture.com 29th - 31st Aug 4.30pm Zog tries very hard, perhaps too hard, as he bumps, Radlett Centre burns and roars his way through Madam Dragon’s Aliens Love Underpants school, where dragons learn all the things they need 6th Aug 1.30pm to know. From £13 7th & 8th Aug 11am & 2pm Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ Based on the book by Claire Freedman and Ben www.atgtickets.com Cort. £14, ages 3+ Hertford Theatre Ariana Grande & Jojo Siwa 28th Aug 6pm The Tiger Who Came To Tea The UK’s number one tributes to global superstar 30th Aug 1.30pm & 4pm Ariana Grande and kids’ sensation JoJo Siwa 31st Aug & 1st Sept 11am & 2pm together in the most exciting new Pop production of Based on the book by Judith Kerr, direct from the the year. £16 West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, is celebrating over 10 years on stage. Hey Diddle Diddle £14, ages 3 - 7 30th Aug 11am & 2pm A hilarious adventure filled with music and puppetry. Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS www.hertfordtheatre.com
NOW at the Local Theatres
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Knebworth House Country, Crafts & Steam Fair 10th & 11th Aug 10am - 5pm * A great day out with full size and scale steam engines, fighting knights and a medieval village, birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing, a goat show, children’s petting pens, historical re-enactment, demonstrations of rural skills and much more. Ghost Tour & Bat Walk 15th & 16th Aug 7pm - 10pm Unique chance to tour the House at night and hear tales of the unexplained. Volunteers from The Herts and Middx Bat Group will give a talk and will bring specialist equipment to detect bats. Please book, wear warm clothes and suitable footwear. £23 Classic Motor Show 25th & 26th Aug 10am - 5pm * With up to 1,000 classic and collectable vehicles taking part each day. There will also be static displays as well as a show arena hosting stunning parades. Vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. Motoring history will be brought to life for all the family to enjoy. The live arena will include the now famous ‘Decibel Duel’, where owners compete to find the loudest car of the show. The Herts Motor Show is also back giving you the unique opportunity to view the latest cars from a selection of manufacturers in one place. Cool Britannia Festival 30th Aug - 1st Sept Celebrating the best of Indie and Dance music with sets by The Farm, The Bluetones, Soul II Soul, James a DJ set from Basement Jaxx plus many more. The Ministry of Sound Stage is back with an epic line up of DJs and Club Classics. *Entry included in normal admission fee of £10 which also includes the Park, 28 acres of Formal Gardens, the Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth and the trail of 72 life-sized dinosaurs trail. House admission extra £4, concs £3.50 Knebworth House SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com
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Paradise Wildlife Park Primate & Rainforest Weekend 3rd & 4th Aug Enjoy games, gifts and a few scrummy treats on this monkey mayhem weekend raising funds and awareness for GERP: Groupe d’étude et de recherche sur les primates de Madagascar. Red Panda Weekend 10th & 11th Aug A fun filled family day out to raise awareness and funds for the Red Panda Network. Take part in a raffle for the chance to win a Meet The Red Pandas experience. There will also be additional Red panda talks, goodies and much more. Big Cat Night 13th Aug Arrive from 5pm to wander around the animal park and enjoy keeper talks and an enrichment feed at 6.30pm. The main event begins at 7pm and includes a presentation from renowned specialists in Big Cat conservation. There will also be a raffle and a bar. Birds Weekend 17th & 18th Aug 9.30am - 5pm Watch the amazing Bird Shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and have your photo taken with one of the Parrots. Snow Leopard and Jaguar Weekend 24th & 25th Aug 9.30am - 5pm Fancy feeding Panja the male Snow leopard? On 24th and 25th up to 10 people will have the chance to do this for just £25. This is offered on a first come, first served basis and can only be booked on the day at the Snow Leopard stand. It's an incredible experience with all proceeds going to the Snow Leopard Trust & Panthera. ZSH Family BBQ Party 25th Aug 9.30am - 5pm Enjoy a wild family fun evening with games, a BBQ and then dance the night away in the disco. Please book 01992 470490 Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com
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Outdoor Summer Fun Play in the Parks For ages 3-12, free, just turn up. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. The sessions provide children with the opportunity to experience play in a safe and stimulating environment. Marquis Lane Open Space Harpenden AL5 5AA 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Aug 12noon - 2pm Clarence Park St Albans AL1 4NF 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Aug 9.15am - 11.15am Longacres Open Space St Albans AL4 0DR 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Aug 2.45pm - 4.45pm Fleetville Recreation Ground St Albans AL1 4QL 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Aug 2.45pm - 4.45pm Holyrood Crescent Play Area St Albans AL1 2LU 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Aug 12 noon 2pm Greenwood Park Chiswell Green AL2 3HW 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th Aug 9.15am - 11.15am Foxcroft Open Space St Albans AL1 5SS 5th, 12th & 19th Aug 2.45pm - 4.45pm Woodbury Field Bricket Wood AL2 3QQ 5th, 12th & 19th Aug 9.15am - 11.15am Roestock Park Colney Heath AL4 0QD 5th, 12th & 19th Aug 12 noon - 2pm Rothamsted Park by the Rose Gardens AL5 2LR 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Aug 12noon - 2pm Oysterfields St Albans AL3 5UP 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Aug 9.15am - 11.15am Redbourn Leisure Centre AL3 7PP 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Aug 2.45pm - 4.45pm Sherwood Avenue St Albans AL4 9QL 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Aug 12 noon - 2pm Marford Road Playing Fields Wheathampstead AL4 8AY 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Aug 9.15am - 11.15am Morris Park Playing Fields London Colney AL2 1JP 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Aug 2.45pm - 4.45pm www.stalbans.gov.uk/playintheparks
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Burston Garden Centre until 15th Sept 9am - 6pm (Sun 9am - 5pm) Visit the new summer garden for children which will be enclosed and accessible by a gate, so you can watch your children play in the sun while you relax. A hot and cold menu, a selection of ice creams, snacks and cakes will be available from the cafĂŠ. Drop-in, for under 5s Burston Garden Centre, St Albans AL2 2DS www.burstons.co.uk
Mead Open Farm until 30th Aug Enjoy a spectacular Summer day out with over 20 amazing activities all included in your ticket price including Foam Party, Summer Shows, Baby Animal, Indoor Play, High Ropes, Rock Climbing, Pony Sessions, Go Karts, Jumping Pillows, Lamb Bottle Feeding. Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH 01525 852 954 www.meadopenfarm.co.uk
Aylett Nurseries Make a Bee Magnet 12th - 16th Aug 10am - 4pm Bee creative, make a Bee Magnet with and learn some great Bee facts. Make Paper Plate Pals 19th - 23rd Aug 10am - 4pm Create your own Paper Plate Pal Free, children must be accompanied by an adult Aylett Nurseries, North Orbital Road, St Albans AL2 1DH www.aylettnurseries.co.uk
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Out of Town
Shuttleworth Family Airshow 4th Aug gates 9am, air display 2pm The air display includes many visiting aircraft who will deliver thrilling aerobatics. There’ll also be lots of activities to keep everyone entertained, including Vintage bus rides, pilot chats and live music. £35, child free A Gathering of Moths 8th Aug opens 9.30am, event 11am Annual event organised by the de Havilland Moth Club. Walk among the variety of Moths, chat to the owners and Moth lovers. Flying Proms 17th Aug 12 noon - 10pm Vintage aircraft displaying to the 50-piece National Symphony Orchestra, closing with a thrilling firework finale. Concert and flying display 7pm. £40, child £19 Outdoor Theatre: The Secret Garden 22nd Aug gates 5.30pm, performance 6.30pm The most enchanting story, told in the perfect setting for fantasy and fairy tales. Alive with music and song and an array of specially designed puppet creatures. Bring low-backed chairs and wrap up warm. £16, child £11 ‘Bring a Picnic’ Bank Holiday Garden Tours 26th Aug 11am & 2pm Enjoy a guided tour and experience a rare opportunity to picnic in the garden. £8.50, concs £7.50, child £2 Shuttleworth, Old Warden Aerodrome, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org
Sara Spade and the Noisy Boys 8th Aug 12.15pm - 2.45pm A blend of vintage ukulele jazz, and blues-infused retro-pop swing originals that will leave you smiling and dancing. James Allen 11th Aug 12.15pm - 2.45pm Performing songs made famous by some of the greatest male singers of all time in an exciting big band style. Alison Carter 18th Aug With a sophisticated vocal style and rich mellow tones, Alison has created her own style of Vintage Lounge Jazz and Boutique Pop. Past, Present, Future: Codes and Ciphers 25th Aug 10am - 3.30pm Go behind the scenes of secret messaging and learn how codes and ciphers work, then get to grips with a real WWII Enigma machine, before having a look at what might happen in the future. For adults with confidence in Maths up to GCSE level. £15.50 The Bluebird Belles 25th Aug 12.15pm - 2.45pm The Belles have sung at some of the largest 1940s and vintage events in the country, they will dazzle you with charm from a bygone age! Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
RAF London
Family Festival of Flight 3rd & 4th Aug Family fun with activities throughout the day. Spitfire 10K & Family Fun Run 31st Aug Commemorating the Battle of Britain and the men and women who defended Britain’s skies during the summer of 1940. The 10K is a road race along pathways and streets that follow the old airfield. The race will start on RAF London’s green space, where you’ll run around the ‘taxiway’ that evokes the historic RAF Hendon Base, then exit the Museum by running past the Spitfire Gate Guardian, back into the Museum past the Spitfire, through Hangar 1 and under the Short Sunderland Flying boat, before crossing the finish line. £22.50 The Spitfire Family Run is a gentle 1K run around Bletchley Park the Museum site. Each registered runner will Family Activities - D-Day: Machines receive a special Spitfire medal when they finish. 8th Aug 11am - 3.30pm Children under 11 years must be accompanied by In the run up to D-Day, a large number of an adult. £5 . Why not do something different and machines were invented, developed and adapted. run in 1940s dress. Perfect for young engineers or keen codebreakers. RAF Museum London, Hendon NW9 5LL Ages 5 - 14, accompanied by an adult. www.rafmuseum.org.uk
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Please get in touch Call Jane or Wendy 07893 588291 07983 588313 jane@theNOWmagazines.com
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Hertford Castle
17th Aug
With a fantastic line-up of amazing artists performing live on stage from 12 noon -11pm, plus great food, kids entertainment and much more to make it a day to remember. All proceeds to some fantastic charities in the UK and around the world so show support and join us on this special day. www.beautifulalice.co.uk
Herts County Showground
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Fun in the Sun Stockwood Discovery Centre Interactive Science Exhibition until 8th Sept 10am - 5pm Fully interactive, innovative, fun, educational and entertaining for adults, students, children and families of any age. Produced by World Touring Exhibitions in collaboration with a team of scientists, physicists, geologists and astronomers, Combining knowledge and fun challenges with interactive machines to experience and play with science. £3.50, ages 7+ Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX www.lutonculture.com
Summer Circus 17th - 27th Aug Enjoy this fantastic summer circus for children and adults of all ages, an experience not to be missed. Adult & child £6.50, family £24 Van Hage, Great Amwell SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk
St Albans South Signal Box
Professor Nitrate's Test Zone 28th July - 28th Aug Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays The Mad Lab - home to the ever-eccentric Professor Nitrate and his assistants has a variety of great hands on experiments and activities for you to try. Plus science shows throughout the day which will have the whole family getting experimental! In the creative zone stimulate your artistic side by painting a canvas, designing your own t-shirt, and have fun drawing, gluing and getting messy. The Mills has a Rocket Vault, with guides who were rocket scientists when the site was a top secret research centre, so why not delve into rockets in the Test Zone where you can make and launch an air powered rocket, blast off rail rockets and create your own bespoke rocket. You can also learn about the history of The Mills, view the large collection of weaponry in the armoury, admire the unique architecture and enjoy a tractor trailer guided tour. Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com
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11th & 25th Aug 2pm - 5pm Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK and one of the few that's open to the public and next to a busy main line railway. Signalling demonstrations are run on the operating floor upstairs. Railway videos and a slideshow of the restoration are shown downstairs, with many signalling items on display, including single line 'tablet token' machines, and other railway-related exhibits. In the garden there are working signals you can operate, old signs, lit oil lamps, telegraph 'pole route' and a garden railway. No need to book just come along. Entrance is free, but donations are always welcome as the Trust, is a charity which is supported entirely by donations. Every visitor gets a traditional "Edmondson" card ticket as a souvenir. St Albans South Signal Box, Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AG www.tlr.ltd.uk/sigbox
Woburn Safari Park
Picnic in the Park! 11th Aug 11am - 4pm A fun packed day of inflatables, obstacle courses, bungee runs and more. Bring the family and a picnic and join in the fun. Entrance is free, but wrist bands must be purchased in advance for unlimited access to the inflatables and games. There will also be a summer market full of treats and gifts. Morris Way Playing Field, London Colney AL2 1JU www.apex360.co.uk
Hatfield House Murder Mystery Dining Experience 3rd Aug 7pm - 11pm Join Moonstone Theatre London for an evening of plot -twists, suspicious suspects and surprises, complete with a 3 course dinner. £60 An Evening of Gin & Jazz 9th Aug & 6th Sept 7pm Start the night off with a Pinkster ‘Gin ‘N’ Jam’ cocktail, while your host talks you through the food and plans for the evening, before enjoying your canapés. £45 Art in Clay 16th - 18th Aug 10am - 5.30pm An opportunity to see and buy a wide range of ceramics and pottery direct from the artist; find out about their passions and influences and discover how your pot came into being. Ranging from young imaginative students to leading National and International makers. Some of the best ideas for ceramics in interior and garden design will be on display for you to buy. £11, child free Classic Ibiza 31st Aug 5.30pm - 10.15pm Herts biggest dance party of the Summer full of iconic Ibiza anthems. A chill-out set in the first half will be followed by a half hour interval with the DJ playing the latest Ibiza tunes. As dusk falls, the lasers will hit the skyline as the Urban Soul Orchestra bring some of the best of the White Island’s dance tunes to orchestral life. £39.50, child £17.50, under 5s free Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Elephant Appreciation Weekend 10th & 11th Aug Join the herd of Asian elephants for two days of fun and fundraising, in aid of the International Elephant Foundation (IEF). There are estimated to be only 700,000 African elephants and 25,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, so every penny raised counts. By supporting the IEF (www.elephantconservation.org), the elephant team are helping conservation efforts in both Asia and Africa. Soul and Motown Night with the Angelettes 23rd Aug 7.30pm Performing classic songs from The Supremes, Martha Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Mary Wells and more in a special Motown tribute show at The Safari Lodge, plus hot buffet and dessert. £40 Peppa Pig 25th Aug 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Drive around the Road Safari and see your favourite wild animals, then head down to the the Mammoth Play Ark to see Peppa Pig. Standard admission applies. Bank Holiday BBQ 25th & 26th Aug 12.30pm - 3.30pm. Enjoy a BBQ on the decking of The Safari Lodge, overlooking Desert Springs and Otter Falls. £12.50, child £7.50. Woburn Safari Park MK17 9QN www.woburnsafari.co.uk
Rothamsted Family Fun Day 4th Aug 10.30am - 4pm free Face painting, kids/teens movies, bouncy castle, arts & crafts, kids science activities, grow your own plants, BBQ, cream teas and bar. To book call 01582 938500 or email events@rothamstedenterprises.com with the subject line "Family Fun", including your name, number of guests, and ages of children coming to be added to the guest list. Rothamsted Conference Centre, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ
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NOW for Some Art
Display of Theodor Kern oil paintings from the until 30th Aug Museum’s 10am - 5pm collection, focusing on Landscapes. Austrian born artist Kern (1900-1969), trained at the Viennese Academy of Fine Arts. He was a skilled artist, notable in several different styles, he travelled extensively across Europe painting and holding exhibitions, developing his craft as an artist, his travels influenced his work, using many of the places he visited as subjects. He worked in several different styles from Impressionism to Cubism and in a range of mediums from watercolours, oils and pencil, to glass and sculpture. Free, donations welcome Wardown House, Museum and Gallery www.lutonculture.com
Theodor Kern Landscapes
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Back to Nature Nature Night Camping until 7th Sept ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is excited to bring you an overnight experience like no other. Have you ever wanted to know what animals get up to at night? Well, now’s your chance. Pitch your tent on the main lawn and spend the evening discovering what native and exotic animals get up to at night. Learn what to look for when tracking them down before going on a torchlight expedition around the Zoo to see what you can find and who is still awake. Camping will take place from 6.30pm until 10am, when you will then be free to spend the day in the Zoo. This is a family friendly event and children must be aged 5+ to take part. £75 www.zsl.org
CJ’s Birds of Prey 10th Aug & 8th Sept 11am - 4pm See owls, hawks, falcons and an eagle at these fun, informative and educational sessions. Normal farm admission prices apply. Hatfield Park Farm, Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk
and toast marshmallows. Please book £25, child £12.50 RSPB Rye Meads, Rye Road SG12 8JS www.eventbrite.co.uk
Big Camp 17th & 18th Aug Sat 12 noon - Sun 3pm Summer is here and with it comes the opportunity to camp overnight on the medieval meadow. Immerse yourself in nature while taking part in a number of fun activities. Ashridge Estate is located in the Chiltern Hills and is a walkers' paradise. Its history goes back thousands of years and incudes many ancient sites in the Ivinghoe Hills. There’s a wide variety of wildlife including large herds of fallow deer which you are almost guaranteed to see on an evening stroll in the woods. Because of the historical importance of large areas of the estate camping is not usually allowed, so this is a special occasion. If you decide to come you will be supporting the vital conservation work on this unique estate. £50 per tent, please book 01442 851227 Ashridge Estate, nr Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Glamping & Camping
Camp in the park, sleep under the stars, either camping in the fields or choose a glamping package for added comfort in a luxury Bell Tent or cabin. Ideal for families. Big Wild Sleep Out A place for countryside enjoyment, a campfire 16th & 23rd Aug 5pm and glass of wine (not for raves). Hire an A unique opportunity for families to spend a exclusive area for groups of families and night in the wild, camping under the stars and friends, pre-order outdoor fire packages, connecting with nature as the nocturnal wildlife BBQ grills, chilled food for breakfast, dinner awakens. and more. Take part in activities, nature crafts, an evening Aldenham Country Park, Elstree WD6 3BA walk around the reserve, then gather around the www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk campfire to share stories
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The Hygiene Bank has launched in Harpenden and St Albans to help alleviate some of the impacts of poverty. For many struggling families, especially those relying on food banks, hygiene is a luxury they can’t afford. “Long before people go to a food bank, they stop buying toiletries”. In Harpenden, Crabtree School held the first Hygiene Bank collection in March and collected 144kg of donations. After watching ‘I Daniel Blake’, founder, Lizzy Hall, became aware that toiletries were rarely donated at food banks, so after a plea to her friends on WhatsApp, donations flooded in and within a few weeks The Hygiene Bank was born. A survey by the charity, Plan International UK found that one in ten girls/women aged 14 to 21 in Britain can’t afford sanitary towels or tampons. The Hygiene Bank encourages the community to donate new and unopened toiletries and essential beauty/grooming products via collection boxes in retailers, service providers and public services. Members of the public are also encouraged to be collectors for their office, colleagues, friends and family, church, sporting groups, book clubs, scouts/guides etc. Since the first WhatsApp appeal The Hygiene Bank has given out over 3 tonnes of products including 2000 sanitary items. St Albans Drop Off Points: Budgens, Marshalswick Jade Pharmacy 111-113 St Peter’s Street If you are a St Albans business and are able to support this wonderful cause by hosting a box please email: thbharpenden@gmail.com www.thehygienebank.com instagram/facebook @thehygienebank
10th & 11th Aug 10am - 6pm Open for one weekend each month, 66 Book club offers members the chance to buy books at a discount of 70% off the original cover price. Membership is just £2 per year and you can join at one of the open weekends. Unit 2, Eastman Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7DU Facebook @66bookclub
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NOW at the Cathedral Family Discovery Morning: Radical Romans 1st Aug 10am - 12.30pm Explore the Cathedral and stories of one of the largest Roman cities in Britain in this themed arts and crafts trail. Sunday Afternoon Organ Recital 4th Aug 3pm Andrew Lucas, Master of the Music, St Albans Cathedral Tower Tours 7th Aug 11am & 12.30pm 17th Aug 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm 21st Aug 11am & 12.30pm Climb 211 steps to the top of the tower and experience fantastic views of St Albans. £9.50 Family Discovery Morning: Stylish Saxons 8th Aug 10am - 12.30pm The Saxons ruled for over 650 years and so had plenty of time to make an impression. See what you can find out about them on this fun arts and crafts trail. Family Discovery Morning: Terrific Tudors 15th Aug 10am - 12.30pm Some of the most famous Kings and Queens were Tudors, but what was life like in St Albans 500 years ago… and would you like to have been there? Sunday Afternoon Organ Recital 18th Aug 3pm Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of the Music, St Albans Cathedral Family Discovery Morning: Victorious Victorians 22nd Aug 10am - 12.30pm Did you know that without the Victorians, the Cathedral would probably have fallen down? Not to mention it would look very different to the building you see today. Find out how they saved it, and the arguments that happened along the way. Bank Holiday Organ Recital 26th Aug 1pm Stephen Tharp, International Concert Organist, USA www.stalbanscathedral.org
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NOW at the Museums
Chiltern Open Air Museum Summer of Sport until 30th Aug 10am - 4pm, free, drop in See how many sports you can take part in, from football and cricket to archery, badminton and a 'Borrow Box' full of games - take your pick! Terrific Tuesdays 30th July: Earth / 6th Aug: Air / 13th Aug: Fire 20th Aug: Water / 27th Aug: Element of surprise 11am - 3:30pm Make sure you bring a bag to take home all the wonderful thngs you make. Wellington's Army 3rd & 4th Aug 10am - 5pm Be transported back to the Napoleonic era, meet soldiers and find out about the life of a Rifleman in Wellington's army during the Peninsular War. Visit the living history encampment and learn how soldiers' families lived. Watch a thrilling display of military skill as the soldiers skirmish. Tudor Courtroom 10th & 11th Aug 10am - 5pm It’s 1585 and a Justice of the Peace commissioned by Elizabeth I has arrived to hold court. Learn about the intrigues of village life and help decide the rights and wrongs of each case. Has the landlord watered the beer? Will Goodwife Manwood be granted a divorce? Who abducted Widow Besser's grandson? Will the village scold be sent to the ducking stool? Chat with the costumed re-enactors. Become the jury, the fate of the accused is in your hands!
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Ragged Victorians 17th & 18th Aug 10am- 5pm Learn about the less savoury aspects of Victorian life. Meet costumed re-enactors. Look out for shady characters, such as the rat catcher, street urchins, rogues, vagabonds and pickpockets! Medieval Warbow 31st Aug & 1st Sept 10am Watch the Free Company Aquitaine demonstrate the art and skill of the medieval warbow. Talk to the blacksmith/armourer, bowyer, spinster and surgeon about the medieval way of life. Learn about the longbow that has been pivotal to the military prowess of England's medieval armies. Test your strength at drawing the bowstring to your ear, or see if you can shoot a bodkin-tipped arrow? Meet the members of The Company as they go about their business as a band of mercenaries in the south of France during the Hundred Year's War. Chat to the archers as they prepare for battle, learn about the armour of the knight as he is dressed for combat and discover the tools of the surgeon as she readies her table for the injuries that follow battle. See the bowyer craft bows, the smith forges arrowheads and the womenfolk spin wool for their clothing. It promises to be a great day out in history. Standard admission prices apply. COAM, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk
Wardown House, Museum & Gallery Exhibition: Hats by Alva Wilson until 8th Sept 10am - 5pm, free Alva studied fashion at Middlesex University, and now sells hats around the world. His work incorporates traditional and contemporary techniques. The collection challenges traditional millinery techniques by using recyclable materials, dramatic and attention-grabbing, Alva's hats are proof that style and environmental awareness needn't be mutually exclusive. Felt Mice Workshop - Pencil Toppers 7th, 14th & 28th Aug 10am & 1pm A workshop for children with some experience of using needles and scissors. Under expert supervision they will learn how to make a beautiful little mouse pencil topper. Child ÂŁ10, adult free Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA 01582 546722 www.lutonculture.com
Verulamium Museum Roman Tiles and Animal Prints 6th Aug 10am Inspired by the charming roof-tile on display with a paw print moulded into it, make your own animal print tiles to take home. £2, drop in Roman Code Breakers! 13th Aug 10am Try a selection of quizzes and challenges at this special event dedicated to cracking codes. Can you solve the mystery? Free Mosaic Making 29th Aug 12 noon, 12.45pm & 2pm Be inspired by the wonderful mosaics on display and create a masterpiece to take home. £5 Children must be accompanied by an adult Verulamium Museum St Michael’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
St Albans Museum & Gallery Hands-on with Hepworth 8th & 21st Aug 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm * Be inspired by Barbara Hepworth's famous sculptures and drawings and create your own crafty masterpieces to take home. Make a Giant Junk Sculpture 15th Aug 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 4pm free * Work with artist Jo Hammond to create a giant collaborative junk sculpture inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s work. Museum Minis 27th Aug 10am & 11.30am £3 * A story, craft activity and a museum hunt. Ages 2 - 4 Create a Hepworth Inspired Soap Sculpture! 28th Aug 10.15am & 11.30am £5* Carve a sculpture from a bar of soap. Ages 8+ Conservation Van on Tour! 30th Aug 10am free Visit the UK's first ‘Mobile Lab’ for heritage science. With cutting-edge equipment discover how professionals use heritage science techniques and equipment as part of their research. Staffed with scientists to answer your questions. *Children must be accompanied by an adult. St Albans Museum & Gallery, St Peter’s Street AL3 5DJ www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
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Do Something for Charity
English villages and into the stunning countryside of rural France before you reach Paris and end your challenge under the Eiffel Tower. A minimum sponsorship of £1,600 covers your transport, accommodation, food and ferry crossing and still leaves at least £800 of much needed funds for the Hospice, which will help local people to live their precious lives well. This open charity challenge event has around one hundred fellow cyclists, so whether you’re an experienced rider looking to put in some mileage or a complete beginner, there are bound to be other cyclists at your level as you pedal to Paris! www.stfrancis.org.uk
Caribbean Diversity BBQ
London Bridges Challenge
11th Aug 2pm - 6pm Join the Hospice of St Francis and special guest Baroness Doreen Lawrence, OBE, for a Caribbean-style Diversity Barbecue, to celebrate their 40th birthday. £25, child £10, under 5’s free Aubrey Park Hotel, Redbourn AL3 7AF www.stfrancis.org.uk/bbq
29th Sept Join 5,000 fellow London Bridgers walking to change lives over 10 miles and 12 bridges, starting in Battersea Park and finishing in Potters Fields Park overlooking Tower Bridge. Bring family and friends together for a special day, see the best London sights, while supporting those affected by diabetes. £5, child free with a parent or guardian. No minimum sponsorship, but if everyone aims for £120, it will make a huge difference. www.diabetes.org.uk
The Helping Rhinos Hertfordshire 100! 25th Aug A cycling challenge for riders of all levels though stunning countryside, choose 100, 64 or 33 miles. A portion of every entry will be donated to Helping Rhinos. Register now as places are limited. www.sportiveuk.co.uk/hertfordshire-100
Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge 8th Sept 9.30am - 6pm Register now for the 3 Peaks Challenge and the chance to enjoy three muchloved routes through the Chilterns countryside. Choose from 7, 11 or 20 miles, tackling the three peaks of Whiteleaf Cross, Coombe Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon. Book your place on this scenic walk in aid of Rennie Grove and raise money to support local adults and children with life-limiting illness and their families. www.renniegrove.org
London to Paris Cycle 18th - 22nd Sept As The Hospice of St Francis celebrates its 40th Birthday this year, they are looking to recruit a group of cyclists to make it a year to remember! This iconic London to Paris Cycle will take you from the heart of London through beautiful
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UK registered charity no 297489
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 August & September 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 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 26th August @ 11am 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th August @ 2.30pm 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September @ 11am 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th September @ 2.30pm A Roman City Revealed 10th, 24th August @ 2.30pm 7th, 21st September @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Fishpool Street - Rags and Riches 3rd, 17th, 31st August @ 2.30pm 14th, 28th September @ 2.30pm Meet outside Verulamium Museum Historic Pubs of St Albans 25th August @ 2.30pm Aristocrats, Paupers & Philanthropists 8th September @ 2.30pm A Monastery Revealed 4th August & 15th September @ 2.30pm There’s More to Tudors Than Henry VIII 1st September @ 2.30pm Crime & Punishment 26th August @ 2.30pm Victorian St Albans 18th August & 29th September @ 2.30pm Coaching Inns 11th August & 22nd September @ 2.30pm Discover Redbourn 4th August & 22nd September @ 2.30pm Meet in the Car Park by the Cricket Club Discover Harpenden 7th September @ 2.30pm Meet by the War Memorial
www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
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Fit For Life Waddesdon Manor Summer of Sport 31st July - 4th Aug 10am - 4pm Have fun with the kids on one of the Summer of Sport trails around the grounds. Enjoy Oarsome Orienteering and navigate your way around the gardens, try the Waddesdon Workout and test yourself with a series of workout challenges, or bring your scooter and become part of the peleton on the Tour de Waddesdon. £2 per child, per trail, in addition to normal grounds admission charges. Last trail 3.30pm Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk
Women On Par 11th Aug 12 noon 3pm A fun and social way to grow your confidence on the golf course with other women beginners Instead of counting shots or points, there are a number of challenges for you to complete. A shotgun start means you will all finish at the same time, heading into the clubhouse for welldeserved refreshment and prize-giving. Already a golfer? If you already have a little experience you can still get involved by using the Level 2 scorecard, designed specifically to support your progression. Wear something comfortable, but no jeans, trainers are perfect, but other flat shoes are good too. Don't worry if you don’t have any equipment, this can be provided on request. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the event starts to register and meet the others. Most importantly - have fun! Please book www.eventbrite.co.uk Mill Green Golf Club, Gypsy Ln, Hatfield AL7 4TY
Electric Bikes Tours Chilterns Ride and Dine 14th Aug 6.30pm Guided cycle tour with an evening meal at the Alford Arms, Frithsden. £50 Chilterns Tea Rides 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th Aug 10.30am Guided tour with a cream tea, via Berkhamsted
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Castle, Ashridge Woods, Bridgewater Visitor Centre, Ashridge House and The Grand Union Canal. £40 ages 14+ Cost includes tour guide, eBike hire, safety equipment and supper / cream tea. Meet at Dacorum Cycle Hub HP2 7BA To book please call 0800 133 7674 or email support@electricbiketours.co.uk www.electricbikestours.co.uk
Wheathampstead Warriors A local running club for everyone. The club caters for runners of all abilities, with a real focus on supporting those new to running or looking to run further. Membership is open to runners aged 18 or over and they meet for training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (and most Sunday mornings). Three times a year (early Jan, mid July and early Sept) they run Couch to 5K style runs to suit all runners; whether you have never run before, are coming back from injury or just need that extra bit of motivation to get started. The best way to find out more is to go and join in one of the club runs on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, just turn up any week. www.wheathampsteadwarriors.co.uk
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 www.letsride.co.uk For routes to do on your own or with friends www.hertfordshire.gov.uk South Herts Wednesday Evening Rides Starting from St Albans War Memorial AL1 3HG Rides are between 15 & 20 miles long at a brisk pace, with destination arrival time of 9pm. It’s essential that you have front and rear lights, puncture outfit, tyre levers, pump and spare tube. Bring a guest entry form if not a member of the CUK/CTC. Call for more information 07746 821781 www.cyclinguk.org www.southhertsctc.org.uk
St Albans 10K & Family Mile 4th Aug 9.30am - 12noon The single lap course starts and finishes in Highfield Park and runs along the Alban Way making a loop via Sleapshyde and returning back along the Alban Way. Most of the course is traffic free. Runners will be chip timed, and receive a medal. 10K Overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd man and woman prizes. Age group prizes in in 10 year bands. £13 / £15 The family mile is multi terrain and takes place within Highfield Park. It’s a flat course perfect for the little ones to enjoy on their own or accompanied by parents. Only those wanting a time and medal need to enter. £5. All profits will go to the St Albans Guide Dogs Association. Family Mile - 9.30am with a 20 min time limit 10K - 10am with a 1 hour 30 min limit Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0AH www.activetrainingworld.co.uk
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Walks, Talks & More Ashridge Ashridge Adventurers Tuesdays & Thursdays 30th July - 29th Aug 10.30am & 1.30pm Enjoy led activities and crafts, while learning more about Ashridge’s animals and plants. The theme changes each week, so why not come back throughout the summer and satisfy curious minds. £4 per child, please book Gentle Stroll - Hanging Coombe 6th Aug 2.30pm - 4.30pm Join the volunteers for a gentle walk through this less well known area of the estate (some steep slopes). It’s a great opportunity to spot some beautiful butterflies. Meet at Steps Hill car park HP4 1NF. £3 cash Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT 01442 851227 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Luton Hoo Walled Garden Open Wednesdays until 30th Sept 10.30am - 4pm Tours of the garden and Victorian Farm Buildings (extra £3). Seasonal fruit and vegetables, apple juice, Luton Hoo honey and honeycomb will all be on sale. £5, under 4’s free Herbs Workshop 1st Aug 10am - 12 noon * Activities exploring the wonderful world of herbs, children will take away a hand made gift from the garden, plus the foundations of a love of all things horticultural. The National Gardens Scheme Open Day 3rd Aug 9.30am - 12.30pm Free entry, tours £3 Flowers Workshop 8th Aug 10am - 12 noon * Activities exploring the wonderful world of flowers children will take away a hand made gift from the garden, plus a great start to their gardening lives. Vegetables Workshop 15th Aug 10am - 12 noon * Craft and activities exploring the delicious world of vegetables. Each child will take away a hand made gift from the garden along with a
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fascinating introduction to growing their own vegetables. Bug Hunt in the Walled Garden 16th Aug 10am - 12 noon Craft, quizzes and fun for children of all ages, on the hunt for bugs. Child £5, adults free, Seeds Workshop 22nd Aug 10am - 12 noon * Activities exploring the fascinating world of seeds, children will take away a hand made gift from the garden, plus the confidence to begin planting. *Ages 4 - 7, £10, please book, children must be accompanied by an adult Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF (take West Hyde Road/Newmill End turning off A1081, turn left through black gates) www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
Claydon House Verney House Tour 2nd & 30th Aug 6.30pm - 9.30pm Discover new stories on the tour with Nicholas and Alexandra Verney. Followed by dinner in the tearooms. £75, please book 0344 249 1895 Claydon House, Bucks MK18 2EY www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Sustainable St Albans Open Food Gardens Be inspired and visit one of these lovely unique local gardens. 4th Aug 11am - 1pm Burydell Allotments, Park Street AL2 2PU 9th Aug 2pm - 4.30pm 104 Marshalswick Lane, St Albans AL1 4XE and Peppercorn Place, St Mary’s Church, Marshalswick 17th Aug 2pm - 4.30pm ‘Flower Farmers’ Tea Party’ Plot 31, Tallents Crescent, Harpenden AL5 5BS • No booking required • No dogs except assistance dogs • Wheelchair access restricted www.sustainablestalbans.org
Mill Green Museum Traditional Spoon Making 26th Aug 10am - 5pm Local crafts people will be demonstrating their traditional skills in the Jubilee Garden. £3.50, child 50p Mill Green Mill & Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.welhat.gov.uk
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Food, Glorious Food
Afternoon Tea 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th Aug 12 noon Enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful Great Drawing Room and Library at historic Rothamsted Manor. Please book Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2BG
Harpenden Street Food Social 10th Aug & 14th Sept 4pm - 9pm Bringing together a diverse collection of local street food vendors with foods from around the world. Quench your thirst with a locally brewed beer or cider or indulge in a glass of Prosecco, there’s something for everyone.
Volunteer at Redbournbury Mill Volunteers are responsible for the Mill’s day to day running and upkeep. Jobs include: milling, screening to produce white flour, hoisting grain and flour on the sack hoist, bagging flour, maintaining the mill machinery, running the Mill shop, helping with tours and group visits and running the mill engine. Milling takes place every Sunday with most other work being done on Tuesday or Friday mornings. Volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and age groups. No qualifications are necessary; just an interest in the Mill and a degree of physical fitness. If you’re interested in joining the team please visit the website. Redbournbury Watermill, Redbournbury Lane, St Albans AL3 6RS www.redbournburymill.co.uk
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Gin Tasting and Gardens Tour 12th Aug Enjoy a tour of the beautiful gardens, followed by a luxury gin tasting with Hertfordshire's own Puddingstone Distillery. Enjoy two cocktails from their Campfire Gin menu plus samples, along with a selection of canapes. £50, please book 01727 732762 The Grove, Chandler’s Cross WD3 4TG www.thegrove.co.uk
St Albans Vegan Fair 26th Aug 10am - 4pm With over 70 stalls, selling food, drinks, cosmetics, ethical clothing, jewellery and accessories, recipe books and more. On the door £3, under 12’s free. Advanced fasttrack tickets with a goodie bag of food, cosmetic samples, souvenirs and discount cards £13 Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DL www.eventbrite.co.uk
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What’s on in August 42
until 1st Sept Summer Spectactular at Willows page 10 until 8th Sept Exhibition: Hats by Alva Wilson page 32 until 15th Sept Children’s Activities at Burston page 9 & 18 31st July - 3rd Aug St Albans Art Society Art Exhibition page 26 1st & 2nd Much Ado About Nothing page 6 1st - 3rd Mr Stink page 8 1st - 24th Luna Open Air Cinema page 6 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd Children’s Garden Workshops page 38 1st - 30th Play in the Parks page 18 2nd Twilight Walk page 12 3rd Totally Blondie The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE Murder Mystery Dining Experience page 25 3rd & 4th Family Festival of Flight page 20 Wellington's Army page 32 4th St Albans 10K & Family Mile page 37 Family Airshow page 20 7th, 9th & 21st Teddy Bear Fun page 8 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Plaster Workshops Claydon House MK18 2EY create a beautiful plaster work inspired by the library ceiling, 11am - 4pm, drop in, £3 8th Family Activities - D-Day: Machines page 20 A Gathering of Moths page 20 8th & 21st Hands-on with Hepworth page 33 9th The Proclaimers Watford Colosseum, £39 9th - 11th Flamstead Scarecrow Festival page 10 10th & 11th Grease page 14 11th, 14th & 21st Open Air Theatre at Hatfield House page 6 11th, 18th & 25th Summer Sundays page 4
15th Make a Giant Junk Sculpture page 33 16th Bug Hunt Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF child £5, adult free, 10am - 12 noon www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 16th - 18th Art in Clay page 25 16th & 23rd Big Wild Sleep Out page 28 17th Flying Proms page 20 Batford Springs Open Day page 12 17th & 18th Big Camp Out at Ashridge page 28 21st Aug - 8th Sept Sundown Cinema page 6 22nd Outdoor Theatre: The Secret Garden page 20 22nd & 23rd Nature Detectives Live page 12 23rd - 25th Goatfest page 5 Meraki Festival page 22 23rd - 26th Fun Fair Harpenden Common, 6pm - 10pm 25th Harpenden Farmers’ Market 10am - 2pm The Bluebird Belles page 20 25th & 26th Classic Motor Show page 16 26th St Albans Vegan Fair page 40 28th Family Smartphone Safari page 12 Family Conservation Day page 12 29th Mosaic Making page 33 30th Conservation Van on Tour! page 33 30th Aug - 1st Sept Cool Britannia Festival page 16 31st Music in Lydekker page 4 Hitchin Children’s Book Festival page 8 Classic Ibiza page 25 Summer Fair Earthworks, Hixberry Lane AL4 0TX, crafts, stalls, music & BBQ, 12 noon - 4pm www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk 31st Aug & 1st Sept Medieval Warbow page 32
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What’s on in September 44
1st Volunteer Open Day Ashridge Visitor Centre, Berks HP4 1LT, 10am - 3pm 2nd - 29th People's Landscape Exhibition Claydon House, browse & buy art inspired by the British Landscape, 11am - 4pm 6th Focus Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm 6th - 8th Southdown Festival comedy, beer festival, quiz night & more, facebook: @southdownfestival 7th Redbourn Classics Motor Show & Village Fete Redbourn Common AL3 7BU, 12 noon - 5pm 7th & 8th Exhibition: The Art of Grieving page 26 8th Sunday Afternoon Organ Recital Marko Sever, Organ Scholar St Albans Cathedral, 3pm, free 9th Our Planet Our Future The Harpenden Arms AL5 2TR www.sustainablestalbans.org 11th Talk: ‘The Garden Jungle’ Prof Dave Goulson, please book £10 www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk We’ve Only Just Begun Harpenden Public Halls, Toni Lee is the voice of Karen Carpenter, 7.30pm. 13th Heritage Open Day Luton Hoo Estate LU1 4LF 11am - 3pm www.lutonhooestate.co.uk Complete Madness The Radlett Centre, musical journey through the story of Madness, £23.50 Jack Lukeman Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm 13th - 15th Pub in the Park Verulamium Park, St Albans, music from Will Young, Scouting for Girls & more 14th Keith Nichols Theatre Organ Concert St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE, accompanying silent films on the Weber Grand piano, £12.50 The Magic Voices Choir St Nicholas Church, Harpenden, pop classics & songs from musicals & shows, 7.30pm, £12, child free, 01582 760733 15th Dogs in the Park Greenwood Park, Tippendell Lane St Albans AL2 3HW, novelty dog show & cream teas, 12pm - 4.30pm Hey Diddle Diddle Luton Library Theatre, 11.30am, £8 www.lutonculture.com Black Dyke Brass Band Harpenden Public Halls, 3pm 17th - 21st Medieval Daze St Michael's Church AL3 4SS & Kingsbury Barn AL3 4SE
18th Specks, Spots & Nonsense St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 01582 762284, St Mary's Church, Childwickbury, 8pm 20th The Christians Harpenden Public Halls, 7.30pm 20th - 28th Office Suite Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL, by Alan Bennett www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 21st Harpenden Record Fair Harpenden Public Halls 21st & 22nd Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 22nd Hospice Birthday Open Afternoon The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted HP4 3GW , 2pm - 5pm www.stfrancis.org.uk Hercules Festival of Sport Verulamium Park, St Albans, 7am - 3pm www.herculesevents.com 23rd Sept - 6th Oct St Albans Food & Drink Festival 26th Jasper Carrott: Stand Up & Rock Watford Colosseum WD17 3JN 27th Reformation, Fascination In Suburbia Harpenden Public Halls, 3 tribute bands: Love Distraction, The Spandau Ballet Story & the Alternative Pet Shop Boys, 8pm 27th - 29th Herts Jazz Festival www.hertsjazzfestival.co.uk 27th Sept - 5th Oct The Crucible The Barn Theatre, WGC, AL8 6ST 28th Wedding Dress Ball wear your wedding or bridesmaid’s dress or just some wedding glam, 7pm, £65 stfrancis.org.uk/wedding-dress-ball FoodSmiles Open Day Foodsmiles, Hammonds End Farm, Harpenden AL5 2AY, 2pm - 4pm, free www.foodsmilesstalbans.org.uk Bad Manners Harpenden Public Halls, 8pm Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert St Saviour’s Church AL1 4DF, 7.30pm, £15, child £3 www.ticketsource.co.uk Lunchtime Guitar Recital St Albans Cathedral, 1pm Hound of the Baskervilles The SandPit Theatre, St Albans, ages 14+, 7.30pm, £12, £10 28th & 29th The Scarecrows Wedding Luton Library Theatre 28th: 2pm, 29th: 11am & 2pm, £8 www.lutonculture.com 29th St Albans Feastival St Albans City Centre
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Index of Businesses Art Exhibition The Art of Grieving
Football Camps 26 St Albans City Youth FC
11
Pet Sitting / Walking Canis et Cattus
33
Bicycle Repairs Cycletech UK
Garage Doors 37 Garolla
39
Plasterers A Merson Plastering
21
Building Open Plan Solutions
Garden Centre 27 Burston Garden Centre
Charity Traid
Gardening 34 Green Edge Gardens
13
Charity Events The Herts 10K Challenge
Guided Walks 45 St Albans Tour Guides
35
Chiropodist Kathy Witchard
Gutter Cleaning 37 Gutterpro
43
Hearing Services 31 Hearing Healthcare 31 Practice 31 Locksmith Lock Around the Clock Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 7 Loft Ladders Home Counties Dance & Drama Loft Ladders Penny Waterman School of Dance 9 Music Festivals Stagecoach 2 Goatfest Meraki Festival Domestic Appliance Repairs Music Tuition Leigh Hibon 15 Merlin Miller Education Painters & Decorators Kumon 10 CB Decorators M & M Decorators Electricians Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique WeCleanAnyProperty.com
Alban Electrical Services Anderton Electrics Fencing Verulam Fencing
29 Pest Control 29 Lawn Science - Wasp Control 13 Verminator UK
9
41 15
23 5 22 4 21 21
Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd
15 & 47
Roofing GJ Smith Roofing
39
Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company
19
Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth
19
Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd
Front Cover
TV Repairs JB TV Services
29
Vegan Fair St Albans Vegan Fair
40
Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd
47
Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows The Sash Window Workshop
17 19 3
Back Cover 33
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