st albans NOW Dec 14

st albans

December

2014

NOW promoting local businesses organisations and events since 2006

choose local first

Get Your Skates On St Albans Christmas Market NOW for a Panto

NOW Where’s Santa The Christmas Truce NOW at the Cathedral NOW for a Walk or Two

What’s on and lots more

read ‘the NOW magazines’ monthly 1

BOYS and GIRLS Newcomers Session Marlborough School, Watling Street, St Albans, AL1 2QA on Tuesdays 5 - 6pm @ ÂŁ5 per skater with a few pairs of skates for hire We are looking for new recruits aged 4+ to join us in the New Year.

The first session for this class is on Tuesday 6th January.

It is not a course, skaters are taught as and when they come.

New skaters learn the FARS Basic Skills Grades, progressing to Advanced Grades and Proficiency Tests. Our Club skaters range from Beginners to Internationals, and are trained in the three disciplines of Figures (technical side), Free Skating (jumps and spins) and Solo Dance (Tango, Waltz‌..)

Competitions are not compulsory but are there for those who are interested.

07850 105505

or

maryrose.whiteley@ntlworld.com

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01727 830332 www.starsskatingclub.com

Get Your Skates On

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Welcome to December

ice skating for everyone

A big thank you to all who have advertised in and contributed to ‘the NOW magazines’ during 2014, and not forgetting our loyal readers.

Have a browse through the magazine, there’s so many fun festive events happening from Ice Skating and visits to Santa to Pantos and Festive Music, there’s definitely something for everyone.

We’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...and don’t forget if you need a local business just pick up ‘st albans NOW’ or read it every month online. jane & wendy jane@theNOWmagazines.com www.theNOWmagazines.com

call To advertise / 291 13 83 07983 58 e Deadlin Dec for Jan: 8th

St Albans Christmas Market

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for that special Christmas gift

NOW for a Panto

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It’s behind you!

NOW in the Garden

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planting, pruning & protection

NOW at the Cathedral

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carols, tours & services

NOW it’s Christmas

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all things festive

NOW for a Christmas Read

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Christmas all wrapped up

NOW Where’s Santa

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ho, ho ho

Charity at Christmas

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get involved this festive season

The Christmas Truce

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Christmas Eve 1914

NOW for a Walk or Two

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walk off those Christmas pounds

What’s on in December & January Index of Businesses

42 44 46

accountants to windows & doors

www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Get Your Skates On Westfield London Ice Rink up to 3rd Jan Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherds Bush Family entertainment, themed sessions, DJs and live performances. Children can hire penguin and seal-shaped stabilisers to keep them upright. Sessions are an hour long with 40 minutes on the ice. www.uk.westfield.com/london

Eyeskate up to 4th Jan EDF Energy London Eye Situated in Jubilee Gardens, in the shadow of the London Eye. Sessions last 45 minutes. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Booking recommended. www.londoneye.com

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink up to 4th Jan Henry VIII's sixteenth-century pad makes a picturesque backdrop especially when lit up after dark.

Non confident skaters can hire an ice guide, and lessons can be booked in advance. www.hamptoncourticerink.com

Ice Skating at Wembley Park

up to 4th Jan Wembley Stadium's iconic arch will be glittering away above this new outdoor ice rink. A German Christmas market will also pop up for the festive season, and every skater gets a free hot chocolate after their session. www.iceskatingatwembleypark.co.uk

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

up to 4th Jan The beautiful backdrop of Alfred Waterhouse's buildings, trees dripping in fairy lights and a majestic Christmas tree in the middle of the ice makes for a most enchanting place. The 1,000m square rink adjoins a smaller one for children needing a gentler space to practice in. A café bar overlooks the ice with live music on Thursdays and there’s a fairground carousel for the children. www.nhm.ac.uk

Ice Skating at Van Hage up to 5th Jan For the first time the ice rink will be covered by a ‘clear skies cover’ allowing you to skate in all weathers! It will be surrounded by a fully heated marquee with a café, comfortable seating and a skate-exchange desk with top-quality skates of all sizes. www.vanhage.co.uk

Skating at Somerset House up to 11th Jan The grand eighteenth-century courtyard is a stunning location for this 900-metre-square outdoor rink.

The Fortnum's Lodge will offer champagne and afternoon tea, there will ‘Club Nights’ and ‘Glad Tidings’ Tuesdays offering a merry evening of traditional Christmas entertainment and treats. www.somersethouse.org.uk

Canary Wharf Ice Rink up to 27th Feb Canada Square Park An iced path allows skaters to dash off from the main rink and glide below sparkling trees around the square's 'Big Blue' sculpture designed by Ron Arad. Barbecue food, wintry cocktails, craft beer and hot chocolate are all available. www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

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Mobile Hairdresser Over 30 Years Experience Competitive Rates

Cutting, Blow Drying, Shampoo & Set Tinting & Perming in the comfort of your own home Please Call

07568 133588 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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St Albans Christmas Market 27th November - 21st December Sun - Weds 11am - 6pm Thurs - Sat 11am - 8pm Following the success of last years fantastic first Christmas Market, this years promises even better, with up to 60 traditional wooden chalets selling high quality gifts and products. There’ll be a wide selection of traders bringing you the best of British-made and international wares. Focusing on the quirky, handmade, unique and individual, you should find something for everyone on your list, from pocket-money toys and stocking fillers to beautiful statement pieces for the home.

The market is set in and around the beautiful Vintry Garden, adjacent to the Cathedral.

Entertainers, twinkly lights and plenty of Christmas cheer will add to the festive atmosphere.

Why not come along and browse the stalls while enjoying a mug of hot mulled wine. www.stalbanscathedral.org

Cards for Good Causes Multi Charity Christmas Card Shop South Transept, St Albans Cathedral opposite the bookstall up to Thursday 18th December Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm / Sat 10am - 3.30pm / Sun 1pm - 4.45pm

Christmas Lunches in The Abbot’s Kitchen café at the Cathedral Mon - Fri: 2nd -19th Dec Book now on 01727 890214 www.stalbanscathedral.org

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NOW for a Panto Peter Pan 5th Dec - 11th Jan Milton Keynes Theatre This year’s pantomime will be a magical delight for all ages with Bradley Walsh back as Smee, Captain Hook’s hapless first mate.

Joining him on the decks of the Jolly Roger will be Street Dance sensations Flawless as a group of pop-locking, hip-hopping pirates. Get ready with your loudest boo and hiss, for this year’s Captain Hook, David Bedella (Rocky Horror Show)....there will definitely be some fun for those big kids who never grew up! www.atgtickets.com

Jack and the Beanstalk 5th Dec - 4th Jan The Alban Arena, St Albans With a top-quality West End cast, stunning sets, comedy, audience participation and breath-taking special effects (there’s even a break-dancing pantomime cow!)

Starring Steve McFadden as the evil Fleshcreep, CBeebies’ Rebecca Keatley as Fairy Sugarsnap, ‘Morecambe’ star Bob Golding as Dame Trott and St Albans’ favourite Princess, Jemma Carlisle. www.alban-arena.co.uk

Cinderella 6th - 31st Dec The Radlett Centre A sparkling traditional pantomime with fabulous live music, hilarious comedy, dazzling costumes and lots of audience participation. Join in the fun, songs and laughter, and follow Cinderella's magical story with her lovable friend Buttons, her nasty ugly sisters, a handsome prince, a pumpkin, a glass slipper, mice...and, of course, a friendly Fairy Godmother, a perfect Christmas treat for all the family! www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs 12th - 22nd Dec Harpenden Public Halls Starring Go!Go!Go!'s Steve Leeds (Nick Jr), Tony Howes (Midsomer Murders) and local singing sensation Sophie Massie. Join in with the audience participation! Packed with great singing and dancing, fabulous scenery and beautiful costumes, a fantastic live band, and the corniest of jokes, the perfect way to start Christmas! Hi ho hi ho, it’s off to the panto we go…..! www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty 20th Dec - 3rd Jan Hawthorne Theatre, Welwyn Garden City Written and directed by Olivier Award-Winner, Guy Masterson, this family show features local favourites Helen Crosse and Mike Totton as Carabosse and Welwyn Willy, and joining us this year is sensational Nick Collett as Dame Kitty La Quiche. www.hawthornetheatre.co.uk

Snow White 22nd - 25th Jan Harpenden Public Halls It’s off to work we go! The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group are back with their traditional panto. As usual, they’ll have their own spin on the old yarn, not least Princess Ana from Frozen who keeps turning up in the wrong story! Harpenden’s finest 14-17 year olds are playing the main roles, the boisterous cast of 100 younger children will knock your socks off with their unrivalled singing. Old vaudeville songs, modern songs, some rock n roll and of course an audience singalong, will have you toe-tapping all the way home with a smile on your face. www.hurstchildrenstheatregroup.co.uk

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ART CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Holiday Workshops and Term Time Classes in ST ALBANS

www.fineart4kids.com

07949 293463

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Give the ‘Gift of Confidence’ this Christmas As Christmas draws closer, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Children’s gift lists seem to be getting more and more high tech each year and many people are worried that technology could be replacing traditional play.

If you are looking for something a little bit different for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew and want to spark their creativity, get them active and develop their imaginations, why not consider a Stagecoach Gift Voucher.

Starting at just £25, these will be valid until 31st December 2015 and can be redeemed against term fees or a two week trial at the start of term.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts is the UK’s largest network of part-time performing arts schools for 4 to 18 year olds. With over 600 schools nationwide, Stagecoach teaches children and young people to act, sing and dance in a fun, educational and safe environment. Small class

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sizes and experienced teaching staff ensure every child is given the attention they deserve and the opportunity to reach their full potential, all while making new friends and having lots of fun.

Stagecoach St Albans runs classes at Cunningham Hill Junior School on Saturdays during term time. School Principal Mandy Vazquez says “Stagecoach St Albans will be showcasing their end-of-term Presentation at the end of the Spring term and after 10 years of success, wouldn’t you want your family to be involved? Join us for our exciting plans for 2015 and think about the gift of confidence and how these vouchers would make a great Christmas gift!”

To find out more about your local Stagecoach school, call Mandy on 01525 630183 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/stalbans To buy Stagecoach gift vouchers

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Great Garden Gifts For new gardeners, basic tools are always well received, especially good quality, sturdy ones, so think fork, spade, hoe or rake, difficult to wrap but worth the effort.

A heated propagator makes a fantastic gift. With tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and many of the fancier ornamentals needing to be sown soon, it’ll be a gift put to use straight away. Gardening gloves are always handy! From the gauntlet style for thorny jobs to those with gripping pads or leather toughened strips across the knuckles.

A peanut bird feeder, nest box or bird table will bring interest and attract birds to the garden.

For those less inclined to work in the garden, why not give them a garden lounger or hammock. Alternatively give them a personal gift by planting a container with a selection of their favourite plants, including some bulbs to bring extra delight next year.

Finally, houseplants such as poinsettias, cyclamen, indoor azaleas and jasmines are perfect for some bright colour indoors at this time of year.

Happy Shopping!

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Justin Leon Garden Maintenance All Aspects of Gardening Undertaken

Including Decking Overhaul Patio Washing & Repair Also offering Painting and Decorating

07789 961233

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NOW in the Garden Luckily in December not much needs to be done in the garden. The most important task this month is to ensure plants are protected from winter weather.

Planting December is ideal for sowing alpine seeds as they need a cold spell to break the dormancy of the seeds.

Bare root deciduous hedging plants and trees can still be planted this month and, as long as the ground is not frozen or water logged, established deciduous trees and shrubs can also be transplanted.

Pruning Herbaceous perennials can still be cut back and, if the weather is mild, it’s still possible to lift and divide herbaceous perennials in order to revive tired or poorly flowering groups.

The pruning of many deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges such as beech, hazel and roses, can start now. Often pruning is easier when leaves are no longer in place. Evergreens and tender

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plants, on the other hand, should be left to spring, as should the Prunus species as these are susceptible to silver leaf when pruned in autumn or winter.

Any pruning of Acer and Birch should be completed before the end of the year to avoid bleeding of sap from cuts.

Protection Protection should be a priority this month. Apply an autumn mulch to protect plants that are borderline hardy and regularly, check on tender plants outdoors to ensure winter protection is still in place, especially after storms.

Newly planted trees or shrubs are particularly susceptible to roots loosening and lifting from the soil. If this occurs refirm the soil and if there is inadequate shelter, erect a netting windbreak.

Protect any large tubs that are at risk of cracking in the frost by covering them with bubblewrap, hessian or fleece.

To protect tender deciduous trees and shrubs from frost, pack branches with straw or bracken and tie this with fleece or ties.

Happy Gardening!

James Lanwarne Lanwarne Landscapes

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NOW at the Cathedral Come and join us to celebrate this special time.

Services and Carol Concerts suitable for young children are marked with a star *.

Advent Procession 30th November 6.30pm Sung by the Cathedral Choir. A beautiful candlelit service of readings and music, marking the start of Advent.

Willow Foundation Carol Concert 2nd December 7.30pm An evening of carols and readings featuring the Hertfordshire Chorus. The Willow Foundation will be joined by Life Presidents Bob and Megs Wilson. Adult £13.50, child £5 Christmas Tower Tours 3rd Dec: 12.30pm & 2pm 6th Dec: 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm 10th Dec: 12.30pm & 2pm This spectacular tour takes you to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the north transept gallery, the ringing and bell chambers and onto the roof of the tower. Book early to avoid disappointment, restrictions apply, see website for details. £8 Mosaic Chamber Choir 6th December 7.30pm Seasonal music in the Lady Chapel Adult £15, child £10 Christingle Service* 7th December 3pm Children and adults alike love this enjoyable service, which ends in candlelight.

St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols 13th December Christmas music and readings.

Family Concert, 3pm: adult £5, child £1 Carol Concert, 7pm: adult £10, concs £5

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Carols on the Hour* 20th December On the hour, every hour from 11am to 4pm Come and enjoy a very special Cathedral event, Just 30 minutes, enough time to sing some uplifting carols with the Cathedral choirs and get a real taste of Christmas. No tickets required.

Christmas Eve Crib Service* 3pm Lively carol service intended mainly for young families, where children can also visit the crib.

Choral Evensong for Christmas 5.30pm A beautiful, quiet and reflective service sung by the Abbey Girls Choir, marking the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas. Not suitable for very young children.

Midnight Mass 11.30pm (doors open 10.50pm) The first celebration of Christmas, with carols and the glorious singing of the Cathedral Choir.

Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols 8am Parish Eucharist for Christmas Day* 9.30am Christmas service for all ages with crèche and children's activities.

Matins for Christmas Day 11.15am A service sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Eucharist 12.30pm A quiet service without music following Matins.

Following the 12.30 service the Cathedral will be closed for the rest of Christmas Day, but is open daily throughout the rest of the Christmas period.

Boxing Day Eucharist 9am & 12pm Carols on Boxing Day 4pm Drop in if you're out for a walk and enjoy this short and informal carol service.

www.stalbanscathedral.org

www.theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW at Rye Meads Christmas Party 13th Dec 11am - 1pm Join us on a winter wonderland walk, followed by party time, with games, Christmas craft activities and more.

Simon’s Wildlife Walk 20th Dec 2 - 3pm An informal tour taking in birds, insects, plants and more! Just turn up, meet in the Visitor Centre, free.

Natural Christmas Crafts 20th & 21st Dec 2 - 4pm Drop in and make festive decorations and presents. £4 Meet Father Christmas 20th & 21st Dec 2 - 4pm Come along for a winter wander round the reserve and visit Santa in his grotto. £4, present included.

Wildlife Watches 13th & 14th Dec 10 -12 noon 27th Dec 2 - 4pm Join the experts in the hides to spot and identify birds and other wildlife.

Test their knowledge with any questions, free just turn up.

Rye Winter Walk 2nd Jan 11 - 3pm A 7/8 mile walk of the local area to shake off Christmas excess and start the January bird lists!

Dogs welcome. Bring lunch. £3 When are we open 9am - 5pm or dusk every day closed Christmas and Boxing Day Where are we Rye Meads Nature Reserve Stanstead Abbotts, Herts SG12 8JS 01992 708383 rspb.org.uk

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3 Carpets Cleaned for £95 Professional Carpet, Curtain and Upholstery Cleaners

FREEPHONE 0800 298 2840 www.carpetcleaners-stalbans.co.uk/ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Fully trained and insured 18 years experience Safe for children and pets Chemical free techniques are used Approved by David Lister Interiors and Delightful Designs Silk/Persian/Arabic rugs and leather upholstery also cleaned Free quotations or friendly advice Local family run business Stain removal/anti allergy and dust mite treatments

www.theNOWmagazines.com

We even move the furniture and put it back for you!

Fast drying times, you can walk on carpets straight away.

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CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

 28 Years Experience  Simple Honest Pricing  Friendly and Reliable  Service You Can Trust

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Carpets - Upholstery - Oriental Rugs Leather Cleaning and Recolouration Carpet Repairs - Anti Dust Mite Soil Protection - Hard Floors Amtico Floors - Stain Removal Call for an Appointment

01582 418777

NOW for a Christmas Treat Panforte de Siena A traditional Italian Christmas treat packed with nuts, figs, honey and warming spices. It can be made a couple of weeks before Christmas just wrap well in greaseproof paper and store in an airtight container.

150g whole blanched almonds 125g pistachio nuts 175g dried figs, chopped Grated zest of 1 orange 75g plain flour 2 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves 115g caster sugar 175g runny honey Icing sugar, for dusting

You can replace the fruits and nuts with chopped candied peel, dried apricots or glace pineapple and toasted hazelnuts.

Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. Grease a deep 18cm square tin and line the base with baking parchment. Toast the almonds under a medium grill until just golden then roughly chop.

Mix in a bowl with the pistachios, figs and orange zest, sift over the flour and cocoa powder, stir well then add the cinnamon and ground cloves.

Put the caster sugar and honey in a heavy-based pan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves.

Bring to the boil and let the syrup bubble gently for about 5 minutes, without stirring the mixture, until it begins to thicken. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the nut and flour mixture stirring well. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using the back of a damp spoon.

Bake for about 1 hour then remove from the oven and leave in the tin until completely cold.

Remove from the tin, peel off the lining paper, dust thickly with icing sugar and cut into squares.

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Are you a business owner or self employed with a small office?

Is the thought of entering a commercial cleaning contract off-putting?

If the answer is yes then call Domestico!

We offer short contract cleaning with a domestic touch. Call today for a quote and let us help you.

It’s not long until Christmas, why not concentrate on getting your presents, and let us get the house ready for Santa!

10% off all one-off Pre-Christmas Cleans

Purchase Cleaning Vouchers as a Christmas Present for Your Loved One.

Linda & Karen Cleaning Services

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NOW it’s Christmas

S C

St Albans Mummers Take on the Dragon

Stockwood Christmas Fair 7th December A traditional Christmas craft fair and yuletide celebration.

Craft Activities Help create a giant Christmas tree from recycled materials Cooking Decorate a gingerbread man with lots of yummy sweets and icing Simon The Snowman Look out for Simon who loves to chat and have his photo taken so make sure you stop to say hello Shambles Big Band 17 piece Big Band, 11am & 1pm Storytime Enjoy classic and contemporary Christmas tales and re-live stories old and new Main Stage Live entertainment from CBBC’s JezO The Slammer with his high energy comedy and magic.

Ride in a Giant Bauble Pretend you’re in a giant bauble in our icy lake! Don’t worry, you won’t get wet! Adults and children can ride, only 1 person per ball.

Craft and Gift Stalls Santa’s Grotto Snow Zone - Come and play in the snow outside the Discovery Halls.

Wrap up warm – its cold outside!

Stockwood Discovery Centre www.lutonculture.com

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Boxing Day St Albans Mummers started in 1967, performing a traditional play from Hertfordshire, in which St George fights a dragon, a giant and a Turkish Knight. The play is performed in five venues in St Albans city centre. Mumming Plays are seasonal folk plays performed by groups of actors known as mummers, a term that dates to the medieval times. Trevor Adams, from St Albans Mummers, said: “Our play has become a firm part of Christmas in St Albans. The play is fun, both for the audiences and players and we welcome anyone who would like to try their hand.” www.stalbansmummers.org.uk

The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmassness 14th December A fantastic new family show celebrating everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, stockings and sleigh bells to cookies, crackers, presents and puddings!

Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, try and spot some naughty elves, hear the tale of the first Christmas Tree, play hunt the brussel sprout and endure the world's worst Christmas jumper.

Craft workshops: 10am, 12 noon, 1pm, 3pm ages 5+ £4, full £10, concs £8 The Weston Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield, www.ticketline/venue/the-weston-auditorium

W 2 2 T S T p h re c m n th g a n p tr A w m o g e S re

Now W

‘NORAD annual C which w North A Defense on Chris Tracks S Claus a Pole an children the web to start t Santa’s

Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure

Watford Colosseum 29th November 24th December The adventure takes place at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole.

The Reindeer Sat Nav is programmed, the toys are piled high on the sleigh and Santa is eady to go when suddenly… haos strikes! Rudolph is missing and the Elves are up to no good. Will Santa ever deliver he presents to all the boys and girls?! This new magical adventure filled with songs, nursery rhymes and stories promises to be the Christmas reat you won’t want to miss.

A truly unforgettable experience which includes the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience – a guaranteed white Christmas at every show! Children can meet Santa after the show and eceive a special present. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Where's Santa?

D Tracks Santa’ is an Christmas programme, was set up in 1955 by the American Aerospace e Command. Every year stmas Eve, "NORAD Santa" tracks Santa as he leaves the North nd delivers presents to n around the world. Visit bsite from 1st December the official countdown to launch www.noradsanta.org

Running for a Good Claus 7th December The Jingle Bell Jog and Reindeer Run return with hundreds of local residents preparing to fill the streets of St Albans dressed as Santas and reindeer.

For the past seven years, the event has raised muchneeded sponsorship for Rennie Grove Hospice Care, a charity offering support to patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Herts and Bucks. Last year, 400 people took part and raised £10,000, enough to fund 500 hours of nursing care.

The 1.5km Reindeer Run starts at 11am and is perfect for younger children to run, walk or toddle! It costs £10 which includes reindeer antlers, a flashing nose and a medal at the finish line.

The 5km Jingle Bell Jog, for ages 10+ starts at 11.30am and sees participants racing around St Albans in Santa suits complete with beards, which are included in the £17 entry fee along with a medal.

Participants meet at Waterend Barn, St Albans where there will be guest appearances by stars from the Alban Arena pantomime and music from Heart Radio DJs. To register visit www.renniegrove.org/jinglebelljog or call 01442 820740

HO, HO, HO Santas Wanted!

14th December Get into the festive spirit and take part in The Hospice of St Francis Santa Dash at 10am at Riverside, Hemel Hempstead.

The annual Santa dash sees hundreds of adults and children wearing Santa suits running the 2.5 mile course. It costs £15 to register for adults and £5 for children or the whole family (including the dog!) for £35. Santa outfits are included and participants are asked to raise as much as they can in sponsorship to help the Hospice raise the £4.7 million it needs annually to fund its care for patients with serious illness in Herts and Bucks. 25% of patients come from Harpenden and St Albans.

To register visit www.stfrancis.org.uk/santadash or call 01442 869555

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NOW for a Christmas Read!

We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up this year, with a choice of books designed to cover various aspects of the holiday. ...

The Tree: ‘The Giving Tree’

by Shel Silverstein What better kind of spruce this festive season than ‘The Giving Tree’. Loved by children and adults alike, this is a story about a little boy who grows up under the branches of a tree. You're bound to shed a tear or two when you read it. It’s such a simple and touching story about our capacity to love and it’s perfect for some fireside snuggling up with someone special this Christmas.

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The Gift: ‘The Gift’ by Cecelia Ahern If you ever thought there weren’t enough hours in the day then meet Lou Suffern, a man who constantly needs to be in two places at once and is struggling to keep up. He finds it impossible to really ‘be’ in the present, whether it’s at work or at home with his family. One day he meets a homeless man called Gabe and, taking pity on him, sorts him out with a job in the post room. But there’s something not quite right about Gabe. He always appears to be in more than one place at once.

It’s a bit ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for modern times, and goes to prove that as we suspected, time really could be the greatest gift of all.

The Weather: ‘Let it Snow’

by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle Here are three touching and romantic stories that all stem from one incident, as a young girl decides to ditch the stranded train she was travelling on and heads out into the blizzard. The tales then take place over the following few days as the residents of Gracetown struggle to cope with the Christmas Eve storm.

Written by some of today’s best -selling authors they are like three perfectly wrapped little stocking fillers.

The Family: ‘A Proper Family Christmas’

by Chrissie Manby Whenever someone tells you this is what they want, they mean the nostalgic Christmas card, cookie cutter image. They don’t mean the arguments, tears and recriminations that can go hand in hand with the festive season.

This is the story of two clashing families, brought together by the need to help the Buchanan’s seriously ill daughter, Izzy.

The matriarch, Annabel, was adopted and so needs to find her own biological parents to see if Izzy can be saved. It sounds like a tear-jerker but it’s a warm and fuzzy one for Christmas.

Have you ever considered writing your life story for your family and close friends?

As your writing partner, I will provide guidance with the writing, editing and layout with illustrations, and when the manuscript is complete, produce just the number of copies required in the size and binding of your choice.

Whether you are just thinking about it, have already made a start and got stuck, or have completed your manuscript, we have the expertise to help you finish your book Christmas is a time of giving. What greater gift can you leave your family than your life story presented in a beautifully bound volume? Start now in time for Christmas 2015. .

The Life Story Specialists For more information and a free introductory meeting contact Sally Gray on 01582 861407 / biographies@resource24.net www.boundbiographies.com

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NOW Where’s Santa

Santa Spectacular at Willows Farm 26th Nov - 24th Dec Visit Santa in his grotto and receive a golden key to his toy shop to choose a gift. Join in with the nativity story, hop on the festive wood ride and write a letter to Santa in the Elves House and receive a reply! Have fun on the Magical Synthetic Ice Rink, festive funfair rides, indoor play and reindeer hunt with prizes for all. www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Meet Father Christmas Dunstable Downs 7th, 14th & 21st Dec Help Father Christmas' elves make magic reindeer food and then meet the man himself! Don't forget to think of what you would like to ask for this year!

11am -3pm, child £5 (includes gift and reindeer food) www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy a ride in a festive steam train, on a railway that is nearly 100 years old. Walk through the Magic Tunnel to receive your present from Santa.

Enjoy hot punch and mince-pies afterwards.

New Year Cheer 29th & 30th Dec, adult £6.50, child £3.50 www.buzzrail.co.uk

The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead, 0844 770 7227 Every weekend until Christmas & 20th, 23rd & 24th Dec Step on the Santa Express departing every half an hour to visit Santa in his igloo at the top of the slope!

Play in the snow and receive a gift before returning on the train. £10 www.thesnowcentre.com

Sunday Lunch with Santa Knebworth House 7th, 14th & 21st Dec 12.30 - 3.30pm Enjoy a two-course festive lunch in the Cobbold Christmas at Gulliver's Barn with a gift from Santa for each child.

29th Nov - 23rd Dec from £9.95 Booking essential, adult £24, child £10 Christmas rides, shows and attractions including the www.knebworthhouse.com popular Elf School. Don't miss the chance to Essendon Country Club become an honorary elf or visit Mrs Christmas' 10th Dec kitchen to cook up some delicious treats.

A unique event combining golf and your golfing www.gulliversfun.co.uk knowledge! Both are team events with the best 2 A-maze-ing Christmas Event from 4 stableford points over 9 holes added to Capel Manor Gardens your teams quiz score. Enter online as teams 6th - 7th Dec 10am - 4pm of 4 or individuals. £10 Adult £6.50, concs £5.50, child £3.50 www.essendoncc.co.uk Go on a magical journey around the enchanted Visit Father Christmas Ashridge Estate Christmas maze and gardens, searching for fairies, 13th - 21st Dec reindeer, lost presents and Santa. Visit the A visit to Father Christmas, a Christmas craft children’s zone for crafts, magic shows, face making session and a present. painting and tractor rides. Take a guided illuminated Adult £2.50 (includes a glass of warm spiced moonlight walk and see the gardens at their most apple juice), child £6. www.nationaltrust.org.uk striking or visit the shopping village for unusual Christmas presents and treats.

Farm-tastic Santa at Lee Valley www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec See Santa in his grotto and meet his reindeer, visit Santa Specials the farm and hold some of the smaller animals.

Leighton Buzzard Railway Booking essential. Enjoy soft indoor play and fun 6th, 7th, 10th, 13th 14th, 17th, 20th & 21st Dec Christmas crafts! www.visitleevalley.org.uk Adult £8, child £8.50

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

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Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake

UK

1st - 7th December Roll out your rolling pins, whip out your whisks and preheat your ovens to help raise some dough for children’s hospitals and hospices.

The BIG Bake supported by Homepride Flour, aims to get the great British public baking to raise money for Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Charity. The charity works with hospitals and hospices supporting projects such as family accommodation, art, music and play therapy, sibling support and state of the art medical equipment. Whether you bake cupcakes or cheesecakes, pies or pastries, brownies or bloomers, or your own unique showstopper, rise to the occasion and register to support this cracking fundraising event.

This is an event for everyone, you can take part at work, school, with friends and family or even within your local community Don’t forget to enter the Cracking Bakers competition to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Visit www.bigbake.org to register for your free fundraising pack!

Sponsored Sleep-out Friday 5th December Come and spend a night sleeping out at St Albans Abbey from 9pm - 7am and raise awareness of homelessness and raise funds for ten local charities dedicated to helping homeless people.

Since the Sleepout began it has raised more than £500,000, why not get involved and help raise even more money for this very good cause this year. www.abbeysleepout.org

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DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd We care about your small jobs too! ● Electric and Power Showers Fitted ● Ball Valves and Overflows ● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins ● Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps ● Plumb in Washing Machines

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

Domestic Appliance Repairs Washing Machines ● Dishwashers Tumble Driers ● Electric Ovens * No Callout Charges * * All Makes Repaired * * Honest & Reliable Advice * * Full Electrical Safety Tests * * Evening & Weekend Appointments * * All Work Guaranteed *

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German soldiers of the 134th Saxon Regiment and British soldiers of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment meet in no-man's land, 26th December

The Christmas Truce

by Alison Runham Christmas Eve 1914. The Western Front. Weeks of rain have ended and mud is becoming ice.

Despite calls for a Christmas ceasefire, fighting has continued throughout December, although today it seems half-hearted in many places.

Staff Sergeant Clement Barker is in his trench with his comrades. Across No Man’s Land, the Germans are decorating tiny trees sent from home with candles as they sing Stille Nacht (Silent Night). “The trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees,” one Tommy recalled, “and our sentries were regaled for hours with traditional Christmas songs.” In some places, English troops decide that they “ought to retaliate in some way.” “So we sang The First Noël... they all began clapping; and then they struck up another favourite of theirs, O Tannenbaum.”

At Barker’s trench, a German soldier appears.

“He said that if (we) did not fire, they wouldn’t in the morning,” Barker wrote later. Next morning, Barker’s men cautiously venture out to retrieve and bury their dead. No shots are fired. Soon they’re shaking hands with the Germans and exchanging gifts, and then “a football is kicked out of our trenches, and Germans and English play football.”

Henry Williamson, who later wrote Tarka the Otter, also recalled football matches, but behind German lines; if British and German troops played together, he made no mention of it.

However, despite the myths surrounding Truce matches between both sides, some are welldocumented in letters. Two soldiers of the 6th Cheshires described a huge, free-for-all match in Wulverghem, Belgium, where No Man's Land was less damaged by shell fire.

Williamson recalled the Germans singing Silent

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Night, too, before inviting the English closer. His unit suspected a trap. “We crept out... expecting any moment to fall flat with the machine guns opening up. And nothing happened.” Both sides were soon exchanging gifts and greetings, and similar scenes were occurring at many points along the Front. Cigarettes, rations, uniform buttons and even addresses were exchanged.

One English trench received a German chocolate cake, together with a ceasefire request and an invitation to an impromptu concert. “Just think,” wrote one soldier to his family, “while you were eating turkey I was talking and shaking hands with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!”

The truce at Williamson’s position held for four days before orders arrived to end fraternisation, while the Germans were warned to expect visits from senior officers; they sent a message across, explaining that they would have to fire their machine guns, but would fire high to avoid hitting anyone.

For Barker, peace lasted a little longer too.

“Night came and still no shots. Boxing day the same, and has remained so up to now,” he wrote a few days later. But gradually fighting resumed.

Captain J.C. Dunn’s account of resuming hostilities is poignant: “I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with "Merry Christmas" on it, and I climbed on the parapet...[the Germans] put up a sheet with "Thank you" on it, and the German Captain appeared... We both bowed and saluted... he fired two shots in the air, and the War was on again.”

Both truces (and football games) had occurred in earlier wars. So what makes the 1914 Christmas Truce especially memorable? Perhaps because in a war that cost over 10 million lives, it was, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said, “one human episode amid all the atrocities.”

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NOW at Trestle Fabulous Art for Christmas up to 12th January Entry is free A festive collection of fabulous, affordable art available that will make perfect, handmade gifts.

The Artists: Caroline Lumb is a mixed media artist, working with acrylics, hand dyed papers and textiles to create canvases and framed wall pieces. Also available will be her range of jewellery.

Hillary Taylor‘s drawing and photography which takes inspiration from towns and cities, travel and language form the core of her work. A range of her prints, cards and gift tags will be available.

Opal Seabrook uses traditional hand cutting, leading and soldering techniques to create stained glass panels and art pieces, taking inspiration from nature and photography.

Displaying her popular cut glass Christmas trees.

Suman Gujral‘s work is inspired by the landscape and recording of experiences. She will be displaying a selection of framed wall pieces, prints and cards.

Hansel and Gretel presented by Horse + Bamboo 28th December, 2pm & 4.30pm adult £12, concs £10, family £4 A beautiful rendition of Hansel and Gretel, including masks, puppets, music and storytelling.

Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit said “I adore Horse and Bamboo. Simply, they make beautiful, stunning and utterly engaging theatre.

I cannot speak too highly about the quality and

www.trestle.org.uk Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ 01727 850950

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A Christmas Celebration 14th December 7pm St Albans Choral Society present a concert including two fabulous Bruckner motets; Virga Jesse Floruit and Ave Maria, John Gardner’s setting of Tomorrow shall be my Dancing Day and a performance of William Mathias’ brilliantly written carol sequence Ave Rex. There will be seasonal music, old and new with plenty of audience participation. The choir of Skyswood Primary School will join them, which will also include seasonal readings from members of the choir.

Marlborough Road Methodist Church Adult £13, child £1 07884 231958 www.choralsociety.com

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NOW for a walk or two

The perfect shop to purchase that special Christmas party dress

Christmas Burn off Walk Dunstable Downs

Special Occasion Wear Elegant Evening Gowns One off Designs Prom & Ball Dresses Playful Party Dresses Wedding Attire Hat Hire Accessories Handbags Available On-line Hair & Make-up Advice Personal Service Dresses £20 - £90

26th December 11am £2 Enjoy the spectacular views and fresh air as you walk off those extra calories with the countryside team on a guided walk over the Downs.

Ashridge Christmas Walk 27th December 10am adult £7, child £6 Enjoy a scenic post-Christmas walk at this magical time of year followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

New Year's Resolution Walk Dunstable Downs 1st January 11am £2 Was your New Year's resolution to get outdoors more?

Exercise more? Get fitter? Take the time to enjoy nature?

If so then enjoy a breath of fresh air on this 1.5 hour walk led by one of the rangers.

Booking essential, dogs on leads welcome. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Hertfordshire Health Walks Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces with the free Hertfordshire Health Walks led by qualified volunteer leaders

Seymour Styles 19 Seymour Road St Albans AL3 5HN by appointment Mon - Fri 4pm - late Sat 11am - late 07443 562313 01727 839658 sharon@seymourstyles.co.uk or shop on-line www.seymourstyles.co.uk

Highfield Park Charters Health Club Car Park Mondays 9.30am Hill End Lane, opposite Spar AL4 0DB Wheathampstead Tuesdays 10.30am Meet at the public car park behind The Bull, East Lane AL4 8BL

Highfield Park Charters Health Club Car Park Tuesdays 1.30pm Hill End Lane, opposite Spar AL4 0DB

Hatching Green Thursdays 10.30am (except 25th Dec) Redbourn Lane, Harpenden AL5 2JP on road parking only Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Meet outside Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane, Chiswell Green AL2 3HW Batford & The River Lea 6th Dec 2pm Meet in Marquis Lane Car Park, Marquis Lane AL5 5AA Heartwood Forest 21st Dec 10.30am Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, Sandridge AL3 6JB The walks cater for all abilities and are graded from easy to challenging. Further explanation is available on the website. You don’t need special equipment, just suitable shoes, waterproofs and a drink. www.hertfordshirehealthwalks.org 01992 588433

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Christmas at The Barn until Sunday 22nd December Thursdays - Sundays: 10am - 5pm A treasure trove of wonderful gifts, paintings, jewellery and more.

Come along and share a cup of coffee or a glass of something special.

The Barn Home Farm, Delaport, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead, AL4 8RQ www.sarahcollinsbarn.com

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NOW at the Old Town Hall Annual Christmas Bookfair until Weds 24th December 9.30am - 4.30pm A vast range of titles from art, architecture, audio books, aviation, calendars, cards, collecting, cookery, crime, 2015 diaries, history, military, photography, railways, travel books and products, stationery, fiction and non-fiction and a huge range of children's books! New titles coming every day.

Valuation Days J P Humbert Auctioneers Weds 3rd December 10am - 2pm Free valuations on jewellery, silver, gold, paintings, clocks, objet d'art, antiques.

Entries for auction welcome.

Arts For Herts Markets Sat 13th December 10am - 4pm Sun 14th December 9:30am - 3:30pm www.artsforhertsmarkets.co.uk

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What’s on in December 42

26th Nov - 24th Dec NOW Where’s Santa see page 28 27th Nov - 21st Dec St Albans Christmas Market see page 6 29th Nov - 24th Dec Santa & the Christmas Adventure see page 25 30th Nov - 26th Dec NOW at the Cathedral see page 18 1st Chinese Plants in Chinese Gardens Marshalswick Baptist Church, Sherwood Avenue, 01727 869437, Marshalswick Horticultural Society, 8.15pm, £3 3rd Wednesday Lunchtime Recital St Peter's Church, 01727 855485, The Princess Helena College Musicians, 1pm, free Hal Cruttenden Harpenden Public Halls, 01582 621757, 8pm, £17 (16+) 4th Songs From My Suitcase Abbey Theatre 01727 857861, Juliet Lawson plays original material from jazz to folk to blues, 8pm 5th Sponsored SleepOut see page 30 5th Dec - 25th Jan NOW for a Panto see page 8 6th Christmas Extravaganza see page 31 Bach Christmas Oratorio High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, 01582 462024, Amici Voices, adult £15, concs £5, 7.30pm Nicholas Martin - Theatre Organ Concert St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road, St Albans, 03003 65 65 65, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, adult £10, child £5 Hyde & Seek Maltings Arts Theatre, 0333 666 3366, 8pm, £10 6th Dec - 11th Jan Exhibition: Eastern Approaches Museum of St Albans, 01727 819340 Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm, Sun: 2 - 5pm 6th, 13th, 20th Walk: Christmas Markets meet outside the Old Town Hall, 2pm, adult £4, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk 7th Festive Fun Museum of St Albans, 01727 819340, seasonal stories & Christmas crafts, 2pm - 5pm, £2, ages 3 - 11 years Stockwood Christmas Fair see page 24 The Jingle Bell Jog & Reindeer Run see page 25 Christmas Fair Ashridge Visitor Centre, 01442 851227, 10am - 3.30pm

8th Shake, Rattle & Sing St Albans City Station, Soroptimist women’s group, carol singing in aid of St Albans & Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, stop & sing from 6pm 10th Walk: Ghosts & Ghouls meet outside the Old Town Hall, 8pm, adult £4, child £2 Tots Tales Museum of St Albans, 01727 819340, story, craft activity & museum hunt, 11am - 12noon & 1.30pm - 2.30pm, 2 - 4 yrs, £1 12th & 13th Food of Love at Christmas Maltings Arts Theatre, 0333 666 3366, seasonal jazz from Sinatra & Simone to Fitzgerald, 8pm, £10, £7.50 13th & 14th Saturnalia Swags Verulamium Museum, 01727 751810, make evergreen garlands with Roman style decorations, free Arts For Herts Markets St Albans Town Hall, Craft Fair & Tea Shop, Sat: 10am - 4pm, Sun: 9.30am - 3.30pm 13th - 27th NOW at Rye Meads see page 20 14th Santa Dash see page 25 St Albans Farmers Market 9am - 2pm A Christmas Celebration see page 34 16th A Celebration of the Christmas Truce High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, 01582 419379, to commemorate WW1 Centenary with readings of accounts from eyewitnesses of the 1914 Christmas Truce, 7.30pm, £10, £3 harpendenchoralsociety.ticketsource.co.uk 19th - 22nd / 27th - 30th Beauty & the Beast Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, breathtaking retelling of a traditional tale 20th A Star is Born see page 34 23rd FestiveLea Harpenden Public Halls, 01707 377029, Lea Singers Charity Christmas Concert, an evening of uplifting music, 7.30pm, adult £15, concs £5 www.leasingers.co.uk 26th St Albans Mummers see page 24 Christmas Burn Off Walk see page 38 27th Ashridge Christmas Walk see page 38 28th Hansel & Gretel see page 34 30th Reminiscence Museum of St Albans, 2pm, free 30th & 31st Winter Holiday Activities Mill Green Museum, Hatfield, 10am, 11.15am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm, £3

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What’s on in January 44

1st Walk: New Years Resolution see page 38 Walk: A City Revealed Guided meet in front of the Old Town Hall, vists the well known & lesser known sites of the City, hear about peasants revolting, martyrs, heretics, monasteries & monks, 11am, adult £4, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk New Year’s Day Family Concert St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Symphony Orchestra Rachmaninov, Ginastera, Waldteufel, Ziehrer, Anderson, Delius, Mozart & Prokoviev, 7pm, adult £8 - £25, students £5, child £1 2nd Rye Winter Walk see page 20 Folk at the Maltings The Maltings Arts Theatre, 0844 870 0887, 8pm, adult £10, concs £8, child £6 4th Wassail Event Mill Green Museum, Hatfield, traditional Twelfth Night ceremony is re-enacted & promises to banish winter blues, adult £3, child £2 6th -10th Harpenden Gang Show Harpenden Public Halls www.hwgangshow.org.uk 8th Staje in Concert Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, popular jazz, funk, soul & blues big band, 8pm 14th Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 12.30pm, free

16th Buildings of the Hat Industry Stockwood Discovery Centre, 01582 548600, a look at some of Luton's most interesting history through film footage, photos & museum artefacts, 2pm - 3.30pm, £7, £5 16th & 17th, 20th - 24th Théresè Raquin Abbey Theatre, 01727 857861, 8pm, adult £10.25 - £12.25, concs £9.25 - £11.25 17th St Albans International Organ Festival Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 5.30pm, free Exhibition: Brambleton Model Railway Club Harpenden Public Halls, mix of layouts, preservation stands & traders, 10.30am - 5.30pm 23rd Royal Marines Band Concert The Alban Arena 7.30pm, £24, £20 www.alban-arena.co.uk 24th Frozen University of Herts Galleries, Hatfield, a fun interactive workshop for children, film £2.50, workshop £4 www.herts.ac.uk 24th & 25th Residents First Weekend www.stalbans.gov.uk 25th Harpenden Farmers Market High Street, 10am 26th Nils Lofgren The Alban Arena, 8pm, £38.50, £28.50 www.alban-arena.co.uk 28th Tour: Abbey by Night St Albans Cathedral, a rare chance to explore the Cathedral by candlelight, drinks reception 15 minutes before the tour time, 8pm & 8.30pm, £12 29th - 31st Bugsy Malone The Alban Arena, 8pm, adult £12 £16, concs £12.50 - £14 www.alban-arena.co.uk

01727 298007

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Index of Businesses

Accountant TaxAssist Accountants

19

Aerial Installations Concorde Aerials

43

Beauty Skin & Tonic

5

Bicycle Repairs Cycletech Hertfordshire

Dance & Drama Stagecoach Theatretrain

12 13

Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon

Health & Fitness Intelligent Pilates The Fit Lab Totally Pilates

31

Hearing Services The Hearing Healthcare Practice

Education Kumon

11

13

Biographer Bound Biographies

27

Blinds Colourblindz

33

Electricians Alban Electrical Services I & B Electrical MLC Electrical Sol Projects Ltd

45

Fencing Verulam Fencing

21

Financial Management AMR Financial Management

Builder Selfgen Business Opportunities Ranjit Jotangia Carpentry / Joinery Chris Smyth Charity Traid Children’s Art Classes FineArt4Kids!

39

35

Flooring Estella Flooring

40

Oven Cleaning Ovenmaster

22

30

Foot Care Golinska Foot Care

11

29 29

11

Garden Centre Burston Garden Centre

Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorating

15

Gardening / Landscaping Garden Life Landscapes Justin Leon Lanwarne Landscapes Supagrass

Pet Care Your Paws Pet Services

14

17 14 16 17

Plasterer A. Merson Plastering

44

Gas K25

31

Glassware Repairs Chipped Glassware

Pond Maintenance Women With Waders

14

35

Goalkeeper Coaching GK Icon

Property Maintenance Nick The Handyman

35

13

Recruitment Agency KA Marketing

19

45

C N H L S L O R A C I O L

Back Cover

Outdoor Clothing Complete Outdoors

Hairdresser Mobile Hairdresser

5

E S N O W S T F I G M E O

Insurance NFU Mutual

27

19

22 21 23 23 20 23 21

D E M A N G E R E B A I H

3 & 47

Holiday Village Thatches Holiday Village

38

Cleaning Big Yellow Carpet Brite Daily Poppins Domestico Domestique Linda & Karen Cleaning Services Murray’s Cleaning Services

G N I D D U P T U R K E Y

Hot Tubs A5 Hot Tubs

29

10

Counselling / Sex Therapy Michael Stock

9

Ladies Fashion Seymour Styles

Chiropodists Kathy Witchard

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look

41 41 40 41 & 43

7 10 6

O E R I L L C G O L D T L

R C A G E E E E R T R E Y

A N N H I B I T S A S L H

T I G T G A S I D F T T H

I K E S H S A I R O A S R

O N L S T A T N A S B I Y

N A S G N I K M C R L M M

S R U D O L P H T A E R W

Hidden phrase: Christmas is a time for families. Dorothy Koomson

5

C F I N M S Y O T F L E S

Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd

31 & 47

Roller Skating Club St Albans Artistic Roller Skating Club

2

Shutters Just Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company

33 33

Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Services.co.uk

15

TV Repairs JB TV Services

41

Windows & Doors AA Window Repairs Cloudy2Clear Kings Windows Sash Restorations Ltd

35 37 36 36

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 .

46

DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD ●

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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 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our Clients

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