st albans NOW December 18

st albans December 2018

NOW

NOW Where’s Santa NOW for a Festive Walk & More

Let’s Go Skating It’s Panto Time Sledging, Santa, Snowmen & More

Festive Fairs & Markets

What’s on & lots more

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To Adv

Welcome to December With Christmas fast approaching and Santa on his way, we’ve crammed the magazine full of great stuff for you to do, from Santa to Skating, Mummers to Music and Pantos to Pampering, there’s something for all the family.

While you’re enjoying a glass of mulled wine, have a flick through the magazine and call some of our local businesses to sort out those dripping taps, dirty ovens, steamed up windows, leaky roofs or book an early spring clean! The magazines are monthly so if you miss your copy you can always pick one up in town or read them on our social media pages.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Jane & Wendy 1/4 page 1/3 page 1/2 page Full page

3 months £43 per edition £52 per edition £64 per edition £110 per edition

other options are available

Please get in touch jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

Deadline 8th Dec for Jan edition

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ho, ho, ho

NOW for a Festive Walk & More

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Ashridge, Rye Meads & more

NOW at The Local Theatres

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music, drama & more

Let’s Go Skating!

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ice skating for evreyone

It’s Panto Time!

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behind you! classical, concerts & carols

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Sledging, Santa, Snowmen & More

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NOW for Some Festive Music

all things festive

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

NOW Where’s Santa

Do Something for Charity thinking of others

Events Out of Town something new to do

Festive Fairs & Markets gifts & presents galore

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What’s on in December & January

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Index of Businesses

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aerials to windows & doors

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To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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NOW Where’s Santa

Notcutts Garden Centre from 18th Nov Visit Santa in his magical wonderland and have breakfast or tea with him, please book. Bring your dog to Santa Paws, a dog grotto, where all dogs are on the ‘Nice List’, whether they are a sock stealer or a fence jumper! notcutts.co.uk Willows Farm Santa Spectacular 21st Nov - 24th Dec Meet Santa and his reindeer and receive a golden key to his Toy Shop, attend Elf Academy, and much more. willowsactivityfarm.com Burston Garden Centre 24th Nov - 24th Dec Visit the magical Christmas grotto, make reindeer food and listen to a Christmas story told by Sprout, a very special reindeer. £9.99 per child, adults £1 donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young. burston.co.uk Chiltern Open Air Museum 1st & 2nd Dec 11am - 3.30pm Enjoy traditional Christmas fun and meet Santa. coam.org.uk Festive Day Out With Thomas Buckinghamshire Railway 1st - 23rd Dec every weekend Ride a steam train pulled by Thomas the Tank engine, where you will be joined by Santa. quaytickets.com Santa's Steam Specials Leighton Buzzard Railway 1st - 19th Dec Weds & weekends 20th - 24th Dec every day Meet Santa and enjoy a steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway, please book buzzrail.co.uk Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey Watford Colosseum 1st - 24th Dec A show with songs, stories, meet Santa and receive a gift. Ages 2 - 7 watfordcolosseum.co.uk

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Batford Christmas Wonderland 2nd Dec 11am - 4.30pm Batford Memorial Hall With ice skating and the chance to meet Santa and receive a gift. batfordmemorialhall.com Knebworth House 2nd, 9th & 16th Dec Sunday lunch with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Please book knebworthhouse.com Wardown House 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd Dec Curl up with Mother Christmas, hear her festive story, share milk and cookies with an elf and meet Santa to receive a special gift. lutonculture.com Bletchley Park 1940s Vintage Christmas Grotto 2nd - 23rd Dec selected dates only A gift for every child and festive crafts and music while they wait. Step back in time to a 1940s style Christmas grotto, please book. bletchleypark.org.uk Redbourn Christmas Market 3rd Dec 11am - 1.30pm & 2pm - 4.30pm Over 80 stalls with food, crafts and gift ideas, seasonal music from the best local talent playing carols and festive tunes, and Santa in his magical grotto on the High Street. redbournchristmasmarket.com ZSL Whipsnade Zoo 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th & 18th - 24th Dec Book a timed slot to visit Santa in his grotto (zoo entry still required). Every child, will receive a gift and can have a photo taken with Santa. zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo RAF London Christmas Grotto 15th & 16th Dec 11am - 4pm £7 Meet Santa in his WWI era grotto, please book.

RAFmuseum.org.uk

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NOW for a Festive Walk & More

Ashridge

Rye Meads

Children’s Christmas Trail Saturdays & Sundays in December plus 26th - 30th Dec 10am - 3pm Help Santa work out how many presents to bring to Ashridge’s animals by counting them in their dens.

There’s a special Christmas gift at the end of the trail for every child. £3 Christmas Pudding Walk 3rd Dec - 7th Jan Follow the puddings on a 1.5 mile path through frosty woods and misty meadows.

Santa Paws Walk 9th Dec 11am - 12 noon Bring your dog for a festive walk with Santa, Christmas jumpers and sparkly leads are welcome but please don’t dress up your dogs. £1 per dog Wreath Making Workshops 10th, 12th & 17th Dec 1pm - 3.30pm Create your own wreath using greenery from the estate. Adult £30 * Post Christmas Walk 27th Dec 10am - 12pm A family friendly scenic walk, led by knowledgeable volunteers. Adult £5, child £3 * *Please book on 01442 851227 Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LP nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge

Wildlife Watch 9th Dec 10am - 12 noon 29th Dec 2pm - 4pm Join an experienced volunteer in one of the hides and discover what wildlife is around.

Free, just turn up!

Messy Wellies 9th Dec 10.30am - 11.45am Have a fun morning with your little ones on this beautiful nature reserve.

Under 5's, £4.50, please book Rye Meads, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts SG12 8JS rspb.org.uk

St Albans Tour Guides Walks Historic St Albans - A City Revealed 2nd, 9th & 16th Dec & 1st Jan 11am Ghosts & Ghouls 12th Dec 8pm please book Meet at St Albans Museum + Gallery, £5, child £2 St Peters Street AL3 5DJ stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Enchanted Stockwood 7th - 23rd Dec Fri & Sat 5.15pm - 9pm / Sun 5.15pm - 8.30pm Make your way through the gardens to see enchanting installations, captivating lighting and immersive projections. £5 Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX 6 lutonculture.com

Panshanger Park Easy Access Oak Walk 15th Dec 10.30am - 12 noon Join volunteer David for a short walk from Panshanger House around the Oak, taking in the Orangery and views over Repton's landscape.

Hear a bit about the site and the families who lived there. Free but as it’s a charity a donation of £5 to cover costs is appreciated. hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Winter Solstice 21st Dec 6pm - 9pm Start your winter solstice with carols, mince pies and a cup of traditional wassail. Follow the procession led by the Morris dancers and musicians before enjoying a traditional mummers play about the battle of the Holly and the Oak King.

Dogs on leads welcome, please bring a torch. Meet at the Chiltern Gateway Centre. £15, child £7.50 nationaltrust.org.uk

Haunted Hertford 28th Dec 7pm Get into the spirit of Christmas past on this atmospheric guided walk through the ghostly haunted sites of Hertford. £6 Tickets from Hertford Town & Tourist Information Centre 01992 584322 hertford.gov.uk

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NOW at the Local Theatres Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS The Astonishing Adventures of Pinocchio 1st Dec - 1st Jan Welcome to the amazing Cricket's Carnival! Be astounded by the slyest of foxes, gobsmacked by the awesome power of the blue fairy and watch in wonder as that chip off the old block, Pinocchio, strives with all his puppet heart to become a real child. Full of sensational, splintering songs; bursting with beautifully turned dances and packed to the rafters with fun. hertfordtheatre.com

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery LU2 7HA Theatre in Museums: A Christmas Carol 6th - 22nd Dec 7.30pm See Charles Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge come to life. A seasonal classic that will make your heart soar as Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Age 12+ lutonculture.com

The Barn Theatre AL8 6ST Honk!

14th - 31st Dec The story of an odd-looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. Soon after he’s born, Ugly is seduced away by a wily cat who wants to eat him for dinner. After escaping, Ugly sets out to find his home, and finds love, friends and many adventures on the way to his happy fairytale ending. barntheatre.co.uk

The Sandpit Theatre AL4 9NX Hansel & Gretel 15th Dec 11.30am & 2.30pm Join Hansel and Gretel as they venture into the woods, on the hunt for sweet treats, but they might find more than they bargained for. With an enchanted forest set, playful characters and poetic storytelling, see the stage turn into a wondrous woodland to capture the imaginations of young and old alike. £8, £6

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Film: The Muppet’s Christmas Carol 22nd Dec 10.30am The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit playing Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine, Ebenezer Scrooge. £3, £2 sandpittheatre.co.uk

Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL Sunshine at Christmas 15th Dec 8pm An evening of entertainment with songs, music and the occasional poem. The performers are mainly from Project Sunshine, which supports some of the 62 million Chinese children ‘the left behind kids’ living in rural areas where parents go to work in the cities. £12, concs £8 A Christmas Carol 19th & 20th Dec 10.30am & 8pm “Scrooge was a tight-fisted hand at the grind- stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.” Presented by Drama Impact, followed by a Q&A with the cast and director.

10.30am performance £8 8pm performance £12, £11, £7.50 maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

The Old Town Hall Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE Santa's Marvellous Magical Toyshop 21st - 24th Dec Christmas is coming, but after 164 years of service, Santa's Chief Elf wants to retire. But, poor Santa is left with a problem, who will make all the toys, so, he places an advert on JobsForElves.com. This funny, festive show comes to life with catchy songs, beautiful puppets and not forgetting, Santa's Marvellous, Magical Toy Shop, full of glittery surprises! Little people aged 3+ will love this hilarious tale, but big people will have lots of fun, too. £8 oldtownhall.co.uk

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Let’s Go Skating!

Tower of London 23rd Nov - 6th Jan 11am - 8pm Skate at London’s most iconic historical landmark. As you glide around the 1040m² rink, take in the magic and ambience of the castle beside the Thames, which offers a unique and unforgettable setting. There’s something for everyone whether you are a novice or an expert, early morning sessions have been added this year, perfect for little skaters and families, leading into picturesque afternoons and bustling evenings. toweroflondonicerink.co.uk Hampton Court Palace East Moseley, Surrey KT8 9AJ 23rd Nov - 6th Jan 11am - 8pm Skate against a backdrop of one of the greatest palaces on earth, Henry VIII’s historic home, with spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace, there’s something for everyone, from novice to expert. Alongside the Ice Rink Café and Bar with a delicious new winter menu. hamptoncourticerink.co.uk Van Hage Garden Centre Great Amwell SG12 9RP until 7th Jan Experience the magic of ice skating on the undercover ice rink. Enjoy the atmosphere in the heated marquee with a viewing platform for spectators, comfortable seating and the Ice Café. Skates are included in the price, or bring your own.

There will be different skating sessions including 6Skate, Parent and Toddler and Special Needs. Skating aids are available to hire for less confident skaters. vanhage.co.uk Somerset House The Strand, London WC2R 1LA until 13th Jan 9am - 9pm Skate day or night with family and friends, at this beautiful ice rink. Skate Lates feature a special series of music nights throughout the season. Après-skate, treat yourself at Fortnum’s Lodge with a Skate Extras, designed for two to share; relax and take in the spectacle rink-side with a drink or warming snack in the Skate Lounge. Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade returns, transforming the West Wing into a one-stop, festive shopping destination. somersethouse.org.uk/skate Natural History Museum Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD until 20th Jan 10am - 10pm Experience the thrill of skating surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees, with the smell of mulled wine and toasted marshmallows in the air. Soak up the atmosphere from the Café Bar and balcony, with a great view of the rink. nhm.ac.uk

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Canary Wharf Canada Square Park, London E14 5AH until 16th Feb Skate beneath the towering skyline of Canary Wharf, in a festive landscape, for both adults and children in a traditional skating experience. Glide across the ice beneath a canopy of flickering, fairy-lit trees. canarywharf.co.uk

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It’s Panto Time!

Cinderella 6th Dec - 6th Jan The Alban Arena AL1 3LD With Rachel Stevens (S Club 7) as Cinderella, children’s favourite, Ben Faulks (CBeebies’) and local legend, Bob Golding, this time wearing the trousers! alban-arena.co.uk

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 7th - 31st Dec Watersmeet Rickmansworth WD3 1EH Bursting with live music, colourful sets and plenty of comedy and fun. watersmeet.co.uk

Aladdin 8th Dec - 3rd Jan The Radlett Centre Overflowing with fabulous music, hilarious comedy, dazzling sets and costumes and lots of audience participation. radlettcentre.co.uk

Robin Hood 8th Dec - 13th Jan Milton Keynes Theatre With Soap favourite Shane Richie as Robin Hood, comedian Peter Piper as Friar Tuck and Musical Theatre star Gina Murray as The Spirit of Sherwood. atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 8th - 30th Dec Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1TE Spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation. harpendenpublichalls.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk 13th - 18th Dec Luton Library Theatre LU1 2NG Join Jack for a fun filled fairy tale adventure, with magic beans, giants and boys who won't stay in the corner. lutonculture.com

A Christmas Carol 15th & 16th Dec 2.30pm & 5.30pm Abbey Theatre AL1 2DL On a snowy Christmas Eve, Scrooge learns to love Christmas and finally make friends with the kind people around him. abbeytheatre.org.uk

Aladdin 15th Dec - 6th Jan CW Entertainment Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX Be enthralled by a magic lamp, a wish-giving Genie and the search for true love as Aladdin wins the hand of the beautiful Princess Yasmin. cwentertainment.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty 16th Dec 2pm Batford Memorial Hall Harpenden AL5 5BS Performed by Odd Socks Entertainment. Join in the fun, and help save Princess Aurora and stop that gruesome Maleficent. batfordmemorialhall.com

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NOW at the Cathedral Tower Tours 1st Dec 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm 5th & 12th Dec 11am, 12.30pm Spectacular tours taking you to the top of the Norman Bell Tower via the north transept gallery, the ringing and bell chambers, before climbing out onto the roof of the tower. £9.50 Advent Procession 2nd Dec 6.30pm Beautiful candlelit service of readings and music.

Willow Foundation Carol Concert 4th Dec 7.30pm Christmas Carols sung by the Hertfordshire Chorus with audience participation.

Talk: Christian Spiritual Healing Today: Science, Theology and Cancer 6th Dec 7.30pm £10 Tutor: The Rev’d Dr Gillian Straine Drawing on her own experience Gillian will map out a new way forward based on the heritage of the Christian faith for the healing and flourishing of ourselves and God’s mission in our communities.

St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols 8th Dec 3pm & 7pm Two concerts performed by the St Albans Bach Choir and guests Embassy Brass.

Christingle Service* 9th Dec 3pm Children and adults alike love this special service, which ends in candlelight.

Organ Meditation 9th Dec 5.15pm free Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of the Music

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Carols on the Hour* 15th Dec every hour from 11am - 4pm Each service lasts 30 minutes - enough time to sing some uplifting carols with the Cathedral choirs and local visiting choirs.

The Hospice of St Francis Christmas Carol Concert 16th Dec 3pm With performances by the Harpenden Choral Society, and plenty of audience participation.

Talk: In Search of Mary Shelley: the Girl who Wrote Frankenstein 19th Dec 8pm £10 Tutor: Professor Fiona Sampson Mary Shelley was still a teenager when she composed Frankenstein and created two of our most enduring archetypes. Her life is legendary, but who was the woman who lived it?

Christmas Eve Crib Service* 2.30pm Children visit the crib and join in singing carols at this popular service.

Choral Evensong for Christmas 5.30pm A beautiful, quiet and reflective service sung by the Abbey Girls Choir, not suitable for young children.

Midnight Mass 11.30pm Carols and the glorious singing of the Cathedral Choir.

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

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

Eucharist 12.30pm Quiet service without music * particularly suitable for children stalbanscathedral.org

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NOW for some Festive Music Tinseltown Festive Pop-Ups! During December there’ll be live music and arts performances around the Clock Tower, St Albans on Charter Market days. Fancy some festive folk, blues, pop or a seasonal choir while working your way through the Christmas shopping? St Albans Arts Team will be putting on a host of delights to add some cheer and merriment to the town centre! Face Book: St Albans Arts Team

A Beatles Christmas 1st Dec Kick off the Christmas season with The Hertfordshire Big Band, the theme for the first half of the concert is the music of The Beatles.

The second half will be packed with fun and seasonal cheer with big band arrangements of Christmas favourites. The Hertfordshire Big Band is an amateur community band of local people all with a love of playing big band music. £10, £8, concs £8, £5 01438 715849 or hertsbigband.co.uk Welwyn Civic Centre AL6 9ER

Capella style will be performing festive carols as well as other favourites. They love vintage performances, aiming to make them as authentic as possible and, after all, who doesn’t love to dress up!

Entry included in admission price bletchleypark.org.uk

Singers at the Barn Songs for Christmas 2nd Dec 7pm Come along to the Barn Theatre on the first Sunday of the month to perform songs of your choice in the clubroom. The standard is high and a professional accompanist is provided. £7 The Barn Theatre, WGC AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk

Herts Jazz Club 7.30pm 4th Dec Gary Willcox Quartet 11th Dec Danny Moss Jr Quintet 18th Dec Under Milk Wood and A Child’s Xmas in Wales Maltings Arts Theatre AL1 3HL maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

St Peter's Church Christmas Carol Concert 6th Dec 7pm Hosted by television presenter Pam Rhodes, with music from the past and present, and performances from The King of Herts, a local barbershop group and The Amici Singers, led by the well-known Battle of the Proms conductor Douglas Coombes. In aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care. £15, includes a drink and mince Bletchley Park pie, under 5s free Christmas Cheer with James Allen 2nd Dec 11am - 2pm A Renaissance Christmas Enjoy an afternoon of festive live music by James 8th Dec 7.30pm Allen, as he performs songs made famous by St Albans Chamber Choir present polychoral some of the greatest male singers of all time, Christmas music from the royal courts and such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby cathedrals of 16th and 17th century Europe and Nat King Cole. £15, child £5 stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk Christmas Cheer with Phil Short 8th Dec 11am - 2pm St Peter’s Church, St Albans AL1 3HG Phil will be playing popular Christmas favourites, Christmas Charity Concert along with hits from past and present, all performed in a wonderful, stripped-back acoustic 8th Dec 3pm Presented by The Music Makers setting, the perfect festive treat.

Choir of Harpenden Christmas Cheer with Trilogy High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden 15th Dec 11am - 2pm musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com This group of three feisty women who sing

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Call for a free quotation or to discuss your requirements sue.m.smyth@gmail.com 01727 842394

20 Bewdley Close Harpenden

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NOW for some more Festive Music Village Voices Concert

The Nutcracker and The Mouse King

8th Dec 7.30pm Seasonal concert by Sandridge’s community choir.

St Leonard's Church, Sandridge sandridgechurch.org.uk

16th Dec 2pm & 4.30pm James Mayhew and the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra present everyones favourite Christmas music in a spectacular concert, with illustrations created live on stage during this performance of Tchaikovsky’s evergreen score. Enjoy the enchanting story of Clara, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker, while watching the sparkling paintings unfold on the big screen. The perfect festive treat for all the family. £15, concs £13, child £8, family £36, please book UHArts, Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU herts.ac.uk

Quorum Singers Quorum Singers will be entertaining the community and raising money for good causes.

8th Dec 11am - 12 noon Outside Sainsbury's, London Colney, supporting Rennie Grove Hospice 15th Dec 7.30pm free Concert: 'Tis the Season' St Martin's Church, Shenley, collection for UNICEF and St Martin’s Church Fund 22nd Dec 1pm - 2pm Christopher Place, St Albans Supporting Rennie Grove Hospice quorumsingers.org.uk

A Christmas Celebration 9th Dec 7pm St Albans Choral Society presents Christmas music, carols and readings, with Richard Harvey on the organ and conductor George Vass. £14, child £1 Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans AL1 3XG ticketsource.co.uk/st-albans-choral-society

Music for Christmas 9th Dec 7pm Enjoy a memorable evening with Hertfordshire Chorus, singing a wonderful mix of Christmas carols and songs old and new, including a chance to join the choir singing some familiar favourites. £16, child £11 The Old Palace, Hatfield House hatfield-house.co.uk

Christmas Music Celebration Concert 13th Dec 7.30pm Selection of carols, readings and songs presented by singer, conductor and raconteur Peter Knapp accompanied by a soprano soloist and members of the London Sinfonia. The audience will be invited to singalong to a popular medley of carols. All proceeds to local charity, A-T Society. £20, includes a welcome drink, please book 01582 711794.

Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden 18 atsociety.org.uk

FestiveLea! 23rd Dec A Christmas concert of uplifting music, from a medieval French carol, The Holly and the Ivy and Bethlehem Down to a reprise of Tim Sutton’s The Christmas Song. In aid of the Our Lady of Lourdes Developing World Group Harpenden Public Halls leasingers.co.uk

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

01727 224802 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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

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Sledging, Santa, Snowmen & More The Snowman 16th Dec 3pm A screening of the film with the Harpenden Concert Band performing Howard Blake's score. Forty years ago, Raymond Briggs' picture book 'The Snowman' was first published in the UK. In 1982 it was adapted into a 26 minute animated TV show, scored

by Howard Blake.

The story is told through pictures, actions and music and like the book is wordless, except for the song 'Walking in the Air'. Free, a retiring collection will be taken in aid of a charity to be confirmed.

Aldwickbury School, Harpenden AL5 1AD

St Albans Mummers Boxing Day For over 40 years the St Albans Mummers have performed their unique version of St George and the Dragon on Boxing Day in various locations in the city centre. The tradition started in 1967 when a group of friends decided to revive the ancient custom of the Mummers play. Today the play is the same as it was then but every performance is different as the players include topical material and interact with the audience.

The Town Hall 11.30am The White Hart Hotel 12.15pm West End St Albans Cathedral 1pm The Fighting Cocks 1.45pm The Clock Tower 2.30pm stalbansmummers.org.uk

Meraki Christmas Festival 30th Nov - 22nd Dec Thurs - Sun A 40-minute Santa experience, includes a Letter Posting Ceremony, bring a pre-written letter to Santa, and design your envelopes at the festival.

Storytelling with Santa and his Elves, where you’ll get a signed photo and a present. Craft Making Session in the Elves Workshop and a Christmas Virtual Reality Experience. Please book merakichristmas.com

Tring Natural History Museum Polar Bear Trail 1st - 31st Dec 10am £1 Explore the galleries for hidden polar bears and win a chocolatey surprise.

Workshop: Slipper Wednesday 5th Dec - 9th Jan 10.30am £3 Discover nature indoors during the chilly months.

Tring, HP23 6AP nhm.ac.uk

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The Snow Centre Santa’s Grotto* 1st - 24th Dec weekends 9am - 6pm Enjoy a 30 minute ride on the Ringo Slide.

Age 4+ £14 includes a gift from Santa, parents can join in for £9.50.

Sledging* 24th, 26th & 31st Dec & 1st Jan 10am - 5pm Great fun for 30 minutes whizzing down the slope, ages 4+ £10 Festive Family Lift Passes 24th, 26th & 31st Dec & 1st Jan Looking to get your family on the snow this festive season, but can’t get to the mountains? Then book a session on the closest real snow to London. 2 adults and 2 children £59 for 1 hour, or 2 hours for £69.

Christmas Slide & Ride A festive night out with a difference. Book a 2 hour taster package for your team to try skiing or snowboarding as well as whizzing down the Ringo Slide. Then warm up in between sessions with a hot mulled wine or hot chocolate on the slopes.

Packages start from £39 per person, group bookings for a minimum of 12 people. Call for details for smaller groups. Includes waterproof jacket and trousers and snow boots. *Visitors must wear The Centre’s boots and helmets Hemel Hempstead HP3 9NH thesnowcentre.com

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The Roald Dahl Museum Lickswishy Festive Letters 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th & 16th Dec 11am - 5pm Roald Dahl was a great letter-writer and received letters from all over the world. Who would you send a letter to? Matilda? Santa? Or someone special in your life? Drop-in to the pop-up Post Office to do just that!

Ages 5+ Chiddlers’ Hour: Christmas Special 14th Dec 10.30am - 11.30am Enjoy Christmas songs, craft and play based on Roald Dahl’s best-loved books. Ages 0 - 3 years Fantabulous Festive Cards 22nd Dec 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Roald Dahl loved a homemade Christmas card, so why not make your own, it could even be an extraspecial 3D card. A marvellous activity for the whole family. Who will you send yours to? All materials provided. Age 5+ Swishwhiffling Seasonal Stories 27th Dec 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Bring your grown-ups for a festive hour to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Make some crackling crafts and share seasonal stories together, just like Danny and his dad. Age 5+ Phizz-wizzing Thank You Letters 28th Dec 12 noon, 1.30pm & 3pm Fancy writing with beetroot? Or tea? Be as polite as Miss Honey and make a swishwiffling thank you letter, inspired by some of Roald Dahl’s letters. Create a special folded letter and get the chance to experiment with some swashboggling inks made from some unusual ingredients. Age 5+ The Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL roalddahl.com

Rudolph Rave 16th Dec 2pm - 4pm With a DJ on the decks playing classic dance tunes, a sprinkling of Christmas songs and chart tunes, glow sticks, glitter, giant balloons, a spectacular laser-light display and a licensed bar for the big kids, this familyfriendly party afternoon will make this Christmas unforgettable for everyone. Come party with Santa, Rudolph and friends. All welcome, but the Rave is aimed at families with children aged 0-8 years.

Parents are responsible for their children at all times.

Please book Watford Colosseum WD23 3JN watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Stockwood Discovery Centre All materials provided, and tea, coffee and mince pie on arrival.

All sessions 12 noon - 2.30pm Felt Robins 1st Dec Learn the ancient art of felt making; using natural sheep’s wool to create stunning felt decorations. £25, age 12+ Embroidered Mistletoe Hoops 2nd Dec Create unique Christmas themed embroidery hoops, using a variety of basic stitches. £25, age 16+ Wooden Table Centre Pieces 8th Dec Create a festive candle holder, using logs and natural foliage. Add your own touch by painting on some festive designs. £30, age 16+ Printed Table Runners 9th Dec Learn how to screen print a Christmas table runner using natural, festive coloured materials such as hessian and calico, with designs inspired by the beauty of the Centre. £30, age 12+ Stockwood Discovery Centre LU1 4LX lutonculture.com

Tracking Santa Every year on Christmas Eve, in a programme set up in 1965 by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, you can track Santa as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children all around the world. Visit the website from 1st December and watch the countdown to Santa’s launch. noradsanta.org

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Do Something for Charity

Help raise enough funds to pay for 85 days of care for a Children’s Hospice at Home nurse, so they can provide specialist on-going and palliative care to young patients 24/7. Visit thebiggive.org.uk and search for Rennie Grove to have your donation doubled.

Christmas Wreath Workshop

Wrap Up London If you have any old coats you no longer wear, why not donate them to someone who really needs them. CollectPlus is supporting Wrap Up London for the fourth year running, and donating a coat is easy: just pack it up, download and attach a label, and drop it off at your nearest CollectPlus Point.

You can drop off as many coats as you like, just make sure the package doesn’t exceed 10kg or 50x50x60cm. Visit the website to download a label, the first 500 are free of charge, and then enter your postcode to find your nearest drop off point. collectplus.co.uk/wrap-up-london

3rd Dec 7pm - 9pm 10th Dec 10am - 12 noon Create a beautiful Christmas wreath and help raise funds to keep patients at home this Christmas.

Please bring your own secateurs and pliers.

Please book 01727 731010, £25 Grove House AL3 5QX renniegrove.org

Santas’ Charity Christmas Float This is a long-standing tradition in St Albans, when Father Christmas visits as many areas of St Albans as he can, while collecting for charity.

The float is run by St Albans Round Table and they have supported a number of charities over the years. To see when he will be in your area visit stalbansroundtable.org.uk/christmas-float

The Hospice of St Francis Christmas Cards An exciting range of Christmas cards on sale. Featuring polar bears, jolly Santas and traditional snowy scenes. Available from all Hospice shops and online 100% of the profits will go to the Hospice. stfrancis.org.uk

Cards for Good Causes St Albans Cathedral until 18th Dec Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 10am - 3.30pm Sun 12.30pm - 4.45pm

Harpenden URC Church Vaughan Road AL5 4ED until 14th Dec Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat 9.30am - 3.30pm cardsforcharity.co.uk

Rennie Grove Hospice Care The Big Give This is the UK’s biggest online matched funding platform and the Christmas Challenge is open from 12 noon on 27th Nov - 12 noon on 4th Dec.

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families, individuals and teams, please bring your four legged friends. £15, child £5, jingle dogs free! stfrancis.org.uk

Do Something More for Charity

St Albans Sleep Out

7th Dec 9pm - 7am Join Herts Young Homeless (hyh) and brave the cold and help a homeless person keep warm.

The charity helps over 2,000 vulnerable people across the county each year who are homeless or at risk of becoming so. With your support and Light up a Life sponsorship, they can continue their vital work.

The festive season can be a time of nostalgia and So why not wrap up warm, grab some friends memories but if you have lost a loved one, it can and help raise money and awareness of be a difficult time of the year. Rennie Grove homelessness. All ages welcome, under 11’s Hospice Care’s Light up a Life services are an must be accompanied by a parent. uplifting way to come together with friends and Oaklands College, St Albans AL4 0JA family to celebrate the memory of someone stalbanssleepout.org.uk special.

2nd Dec 4pm Polar Bear Plunge Grove House, Waverley Road, St Albans 1st Jan 9th Dec 4pm Start the year with a splash for charity at the Sub Mayor’s Carol Service, Clock Tower, Aqua Club outdoor pool, Cottonmill Lane, St St Albans (outdoor service) Albans. Last year lots of brave people plunged You are invited to join in and dedicate a light as a into the icy water of the unheated pool to raise money for charity. positive way of remembering someone special.

Now’s your chance to join the 400+ plucky past Your light will bring comfort to others and will plungers ranging in age from 5 to 67, or you can shine on Rennie Grove’s Christmas tree. be a supportive spectator helping cheer them on.

For more information visit renniegrove.org/lual Fancy dress costumes are welcome, and prizes Santa Dashes are awarded.

Food, hot drinks, postcards, musical Rennie Grove Hospice Care entertainment, raffle, a bar, and glitter tattoos 2nd Dec (waterproof of course), all guarantee a unique Have some Christmas fun dashing through the streets of St Albans with your family and friends. start to your New Year. All plucky plungers receive warming hot chocolate, a warm hat and 1.5km Fun Run: All ages, great for young some treats. children, entry includes reindeer antlers and a polarbearplunge.org.uk medal at the finish line.

Up to 15 years £6, 16+ £10 5km Jingle Bell Jog: Age 10+, Santa hats will be provided, wear your favourite Christmas clothing and join in the jolliest event of the year.

Ages 10 - 15 years £6, 16+ £12 renniegrove.org

Keech Hospice Care 2nd Dec Bedford Embankment 16th Dec Wardown Park Join hundreds of others for a fun walk, jog or run.

Santa suits provided and festive headwear for under 16's. keech.org.uk

The Hospice of St Francis 9th Dec Hemel Hempstead Be part of the sea of Santas as they sprint, stroll or scoot the 2.5 mile route. Perfect for all ages,

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chocolate object to give as a unique gift.

Please book.

Museum Minis* 11th Dec 10.30am & 1.30pm £3 A story, craft activity and a museum hunt inspired by the new exhibition, Game Plan. Ages 2 - 4 Make a Winter Lantern 12th Dec 10.30am - 12 noon £25 Create a light for use with a flameless candle from a selection of designs.

Help Fill Santa’s Sleigh St Albans Museum + Gallery 15th Dec 10am - 4pm St Peters Street AL1 3DH A Santa experience with a difference, organised by Spotlight Talks ‘St Albans for Refugees’ children are invited to Every Weds 1pm - 1.20pm free donate a gift (see website for details), meet Santa, Drop in during your lunch hour to discover more have a photo taken and receive a lollipop. Be one about the Museums’ displays, including the of Santa's little helpers and help him find presents conservator’s work, a closer look at the for refugees. They need socks, hats, scarves, collection and the history of the Town Hall. gloves, sleeping bags, walking boots, tracksuit Exhibition: Imprinted bottoms, jumpers and coats, all can be pre-loved. until 3rd Feb free Games in the Galleries Local artists Jane Glynn and Suman Gujral present 15th Dec - 6th Jan (except 22nd Dec) solo exhibitions in neighbouring galleries, each Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm & Sun:11am - 5pm exploring the experience of time and memory.

Play a selection of giant games, free family fun.

Exhibition: Museum Explorers Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered 15th Dec - 6th Jan free 1st Dec - 3rd March £5 Borrow items from the specially made explorer kit Come and see some of the most iconic, enthralling and investigate spaces, objects and artworks in the and visually striking games from the V&A museum and gallery. Work as a family to uncover Museums’ national collection of board games. stories in the displays.

Alongside family favourites such as Cluedo and Make and Do Crafts Trivial Pursuit, and traditional games like chess, 19th - 21st & 28th - 30th Dec 2pm - 4pm the exhibition will look at historical board games including The Game of the Goose and other Enjoy simple craft activities inspired by the new beautifully designed games from the 18th and 19th exhibition, Game Plan. The perfect way to keep centuries. the whole family happy. Free for all ages Design & Create Bespoke Gift Wrap & Cards Verulamium Museum 5th Dec 10.30am - 12.30pm £20 St Michaels Street AL3 4SW Working under the guidance of designer Sarah Tots Tales* Moroney, create your own designs and develop 13th Dec 10.30am, 11.45am & 1.30pm £3 skills in printing and pattern design. You’ll make A story, craft activity and museum hunt inspired by 2 sheets of wrapping paper, 4 tags and 2 cards.

‘Harry and the Dinosaurs Make a Christmas Wish’ Finds Day

by Ian Whybrow. Ages 2 - 4 5th Dec 11am - 1pm Twelve Days of Christmas Gallery Trail Every year thousands of archaeological objects are discovered by the public and reported through 15th Dec - 6th Jan Discover the museum’s hidden treasures on this the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Explore a trail. Free with museum entry collection of found objects, or bring along your own, and our Finds Liaison Officer will help you Celebrate Saturnalia!* identify and report them.

21st - 23rd Dec 2pm - 4pm, £1.50 A traditional festival honouring Saturn, the Roman Chocolate Replica Workshop - Seeing Double god of plenty. Take part in crafts inspired by 8th Dec 2pm - 4.30pm £25 Learn how museum replica objects are made, with Saturnalia’s customs. archaeologist Tess Machling and replica maker *Children must be accompanied by an adult Roland Williamson. Have a go at painting a stalbansmuseums.org.uk

NOW at the Museums

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Working against the clock and fellow diners, you’ll get a crack at breaking this festive challenge as clues arrive throughout the meal to win a Bletchley Park Christmas present. Ticket price includes a glass of fizz, plus a festive three course meal while you crack the codes, followed by vintage songbird Betty Bluebird with classic songs of the war time era. £54 bletchleypark.org.uk

Ware Dickensian Evening

Events Out of Town

7th Dec 6.30pm - 9.30pm An exciting evening when Ware town centre comes to life with children’s entertainment, late night shopping, craft markets dotted around the town, and fun fair rides. The Christmas lights will be switched on at the mighty horse-chestnut tree in Tudor Square by the Mayor at 7pm, it’s guaranteed to be a great night for everyone. dickensian.org.uk

RAF London

Christmas Storytelling: ‘Coming Home’ 15th & 16th Dec 11am, 12 noon & 1pm free A brave Robin battles through storms to reach his Hyde Park Winter Wonderland mate back in a quiet English garden. He arrives until 6th Jan just in time for Christmas to find the family who Daily 10am - 10pm, except Christmas Day There’s lots of new attractions this year including live there have been looking out for him. The mother is a WWII WAF who has also rushed Peter Pan on Ice, Teletubbies Christmas Show, home for Christmas. Join in dancing the ‘HokeyIce Sculpting Workshops, and a Comedy Club but let’s not forget the usual favourites, including Cokey’ and ‘Knees up Mother Brown’ and sing along to festive Christmas Carols. an even bigger ice rink, jaw dropping acts in the No need to book Circus MegaDome, Giant Observation Wheel, RAF London NW9 5LL Bar Ice and so much more.

RAFmuseum.org.uk hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

IWM Duxford The Inside View: The Lancaster 1st - 19th Dec 11.30am - 12.45pm Join an expert guide in a behind-the-ropes exploration of the iconic Avro Lancaster. You will be guided through the bomber’s illustrious history, from the celebrated ‘Dams Raid’ to the controversy of ‘area bombing’ under Bomber Harris. Then enter the rear of the fuselage and learn about the heroism of the young men in Bomber Command and the harsh conditions they faced in combat. £10, concs £8, child £5, plus normal entry cost IWM Duxford Duxford Cambs CB22 4QR iwm.org.uk

Bletchley Park Codebreaking Christmas Dinner Party 5th - 12th Dec 6.30pm - 10pm

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Shuttleworth Festive Afternoon Tea 19th Dec 1.30pm & 2.30pm Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the grand setting of The House at Shuttleworth, which will be open for viewing where you can find out more about Old Warden Park and the history of the family. £30, child £15 Engineering Open Workshop 28th & 29th Dec 10am - 4pm Get to see areas and projects not usually on view to the public and chat to the skilled aircraft engineers and volunteers, who love discussing what goes into rebuilding vintage aircraft and the skills needed to keep them flying. Please book, £16, child free, includes entry to The Collection & Swiss Garden.

Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 9EP shuttleworth.org

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Festive Fairs and Markets

Christmas at The Barn until 23rd Dec 10am - 5pm Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Visit The Barn for those special present ideas with lots of lovely new gifts, decorations, jewellery, paintings, fashion, furniture and more. sarahcollinsbarn.com

St Albans Christmas Market 30th Nov - 22nd Dec This year the Market is being hosted within the Meraki Christmas Festival, so you can shop for unique hand-made goods, while enjoying all the fun of a winter wonderland with rides, a virtual reality Santa’s grotto experience, Christmas movies, skating, an ice bar and much more.

Tues 11.30am - 10pm / Weds 11am - 10pm Thurs - Sat 10am -11pm / Sun - 10am - 8pm merakifestival.com

Hospice of St Francis Christmas Market 1st Dec With over 25 stalls selling a variety of gifts and local produce, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone. There’ll also be a wreath-making workshop and Santas’ special postbox. £2 Aubrey Park Hotel, St Albans AL3 7AF stfrancis.org.uk/christmasmarket

Redbourn Christmas Market 2nd Dec 11am Over 100 stalls, Santa's grotto, Christmas lights switch on, entertainment, raffle and more. redbournchristmasmarket.com

Christmas Cake Sale & Fair 4th Dec 10am - 2pm Jewellery, Christmas cards, gifts, crafts and refreshments. In support of Help for Heroes.

Dairy Cottage, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8RG

Harpenden Christmas Market 7th - 9th Dec Fri 12 noon - 7pm Sat 9am - 7pm Sun 10am - 5pm

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Street foods, festive bar, craft stalls, Christmas gifts, hamper ideas, stocking fillers, children’s rides, entertainment, live music, Santa and more.

Kimpton Christmas Market 8th Dec 12.30pm - 6pm Locally sourced handmade gifts, festive food and drink and live music on The Green, Kimpton. kimptonvillage.com

Farmers Markets St Albans 9th Dec Harpenden 23rd Dec Local farmers, growers and producers selling their produce, providing fresh, safe, natural, nutritious food that you can trust.

St Albans French Market 13th & 14th Dec ‘France at Home’ traders mostly come from different 'departments' in Normandy and offer a wide range of top quality products. There are generally local and regional cheeses, freshly baked bread, patisserie products, olives, dried fruits, handbags, jewellery, Provençal soaps, and much more.

Lee Valley Christmas Market 15th & 16th Dec 10.30am - 6pm Wander around the pretty Bavarian-style chalets, as the Olympic water park is transformed into a wintry wonderland complete with ice rink, fun fair, Santa’s grotto, and art and crafts stalls. Food stalls will be offering bratwurst, waffles, hot chocolate and mulled wine and a beer tent too to get you in the festive spirit.

Station Road, Waltham Cross Herts EN9 1AB visitleevalley.org.uk

St Albans Christmas Charter Market The usual market will be in St Peter's Street every Wednesday and Saturday, the Christmas Charter Market will be open every day from 17th - 24th December

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NOW for a Good Read Looking to escape the in-laws for a couple of hours? We may have found you the perfect book to indulge in.

The One

by John Marrs Imagine a world where a simple DNA test can help you to find your one true soulmate. Would you take it, even if you think you’ve already found love? The One follows five people in their search for their DNA match.

One is desperate to start a family. One is head of a global company. One is already engaged. One is prepared to travel to the other side of the world to meet her match. And one is a killer. A real pageturner that will keep you reading until late into the night.

All the Little Children

by Jo Furniss A family wild-camping trip turns into a fight to survive. Marlene and her sister-in-law have taken their children to a forest for a short holiday before the start of term. When they spot columns of smoke in the distance, and not an electric light in sight, they start to suspect something has gone badly wrong. As the enormity of the situation unfolds, and Marlene finds more children in need of protection, she needs to decide how far she’ll go to protect her family. Gripping.

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The Prime of Ms Dolly Greene

by E V Harte Dolly lives in a tiny house in London, with her 21 year old daughter. So far, so ordinary.

But the way Dolly makes ends. meet is anything but ordinary.

Dolly is a tarot reader and when she hears about the discovery of a dead body, she can’t help but remember a recent client she had a very bad feeling about. But will the police listen to her suspicions? A lighthearted read that combines crime, humour, fantasy and romance in one engaging tale.

How Hard Can It Be?

by Allison Pearson Teenage kids, ageing parents, a next-to-useless husband, menopausal woes – Kate Reddy has them all. And now she needs to get back into working life – a decade after leaving her stressful job as the manager of a hedge fund. No easy feat when you’re approaching 50.

This is the sequel to the bestselling I Don’t Know How She Does It, but works just as well as a stand-alone novel. A brilliant read, it’s laugh-out-loudfunny in its depiction of the trials and tribulations of the sandwich generation.

The Betrayals

by Fiona Neill Sometimes there are four sides to a story. Daisy has just got her life back together after battling through years of OCD. But then a letter arrives addressed to her mother, which threatens to open old wounds and reveal the secrets Daisy has tried so hard to keep hidden. The Betrayals was awarded the Richard & Judy Book Club 2017 Thriller award, and it’s easy to see why.

An emotive novel about the complexities of family life, mental illness, betrayals and the fallibility of memories.

Dark Matter

by Blake Crouch Jason Dessen hasn’t achieved all he planned to with his life, but on the whole he’s content.

So when he’s kidnapped and then escapes and finds his home has changed, his wife isn’t his wife and his son doesn’t exist, he’ll stop at nothing to put things right. But is he the college professor he believes himself to be, or the genius scientist others seem to think he is? A really intriguing book, with a fast-paced storyline, lots of twists and turns and a very clever narrative. You won’t want to put this one down.

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Event Cinema

National Theatre Live: Antony & Cleopatra 6th Dec 7pm Caesar and his assassins are dead. General Mark Antony now rules alongside his fellow defenders of Rome. But at the fringes of a war-torn empire the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony have fallen fiercely in love.

In a tragic fight between devotion and duty, obsession becomes a catalyst for war.

Politics and passion are violently intertwined in Shakespeare’s gripping tale of power.

Starring Sophie Okonedo and Ralph Fiennes.

Recorded Live: A Christmas Carol 11th Dec 7.30pm A Christmas must see, based on Charles

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Dickens’ own performance adaptation, Simon Callow and director-designer Tom Cairns have created a one-man theatrical extravaganza of festive storytelling that is both heart-warming and deeply moving.

CBeebies Christmas Show: Thumbelina 15th Dec 1.30pm & 16th Dec 1.15pm Sing, dance and join in the fun! This much anticipated annual show, recreates on the big screen the live Thumbelina performance and includes an exclusive, additional show made for cinema audiences only. Laugh and sing along with your favourite CBeebies stars and be part of a fabulous interactive show for all the family.

Starring Justin Fletcher, Maddie Moate, Andy Day and Cat Sandion.

Welwyn Garden City Cinema AL8 6BX cwentertainment.co.uk

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What’s on in December 42

until 2nd Jan Wednesdays - Sundays Christmas Carnival Waddesdon Manor, Bucks HO18 0JH, 11am - 6pm waddesdon.org.uk 18th Nov - 24th Dec Where’s Santa see page 4 23rd Nov - 16th Feb Let’s Go Skating see page 10 24th Nov - 24th Dec Santa’s Grotto at Burston see page 37 30th Nov - 24th Dec Festive Fairs & Markets see page 36 1st Exhibition: ‘Harpenden in the First World War’ Park Hall, Harpenden Local History Society, 2.30pm - 4.30pm Garden Fields School Christmas Fair Townsend Drive AL3 5RL 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd & 26th - 30th Children's Christmas Trail see page 6 1st Dec - 1st Jan The Snow Centre see page 24 1st Dec - 3rd March Exhibition: Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered see page 30 2nd Jingle Bell Jog see page 28 50 Things Club Chiltern's Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs LU6 2GY, 2pm - 4pm nationaltrust.org.uk 2nd, 8th & 15th Christmas Cheer at Bletchley Park page 16 3rd Dec - 7th Jan Christmas Pudding Walk see page 6 6th Christmas Carol Concert St Peters Church, see page 16 6th Dec - 13th Jan Local Pantomimes see page 12 7th St Albans Sleep Out see page 28 Folk at the Maltings: Kitty Macfarlane 8pm, £12, concs £11, £7.50 maltingsartstheatre.co.uk Ware Dickensian Evening see page 32 7th - 23rd Enchanted Stockwood see page 6 8th Nicholas Martin St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE, 7.30pm, please book stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk Sandringham School Christmas Fair AL4 9NX Christmas Fair British Schools Museum,

Hitchin SG4 9TS, 10am - 2pm Christmas Charity Concert see page 16 9th Music for Christmas see page 18 The Snowman Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1TE 10.30am & 11.30am harpendenpublichalls.co.uk A Christmas Celebration see page 18 Santa Paws Walk see page 6 11th Film: Labyrinth UHArts, Hatfield AL10 9EU, £5, students free, 7pm, please book, herts.ac.uk 13th Talk: Local Artist James Willis British Schools Museum SG4 9TS, 01462 420144, interpretations of the Christmas story through centuries of art & sculpture, 6.30pm, £8 14th - 31st HONK! see page 8 15th Help Fill Santas’ Sleigh see page 30 Hansel & Gretel see page 8 Carols on the Hour see page 14 15th & 16th Christmas Story Telling: Coming Home page 32 16th The Nutcracker & The Mouse King page 18 Rudolph Rave see page 25 The Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special St Albans Organ Theatre AL1 5PE, 1.45pm - 5pm, £10, child £5 19th & 20th A Christmas Carol see page 8 21st Winter Solstice see page 6 21st - 24th Santa's Marvellous Magical Toyshop page 8 22nd Film: The Muppet’s Christmas Carol page 8 23rd Festivelea! see page 18 24th & 25th St Albans Cathedral Christmas Services see page 14 26th St Albans Mummers see page 24 27th Post-Christmas Walk see page 6 28th Haunted Hertford see page 6

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What’s on in January 44

1st St Albans Symphony Orchestra New Year’s Day Concert St Albans Cathedral, dance & film music, 7pm, from £16 3rd Jan - 8th Feb Exhibition: Colour Snap UHArts Art & Design Gallery, Hatfield AL10 9AB artistic investigation into the kaleidoscopic experience of colour, free 6th Exhibition on Screen: Degas; Passion for the Perfection The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX £3, £5 sandpittheatre.co.uk New Year Winter Wildfowl Walk Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA, 10am - 12 noon, hertswildlifetrust.org.uk 8th - 12th Harpenden Gang Show Harpenden Public Halls harpenden.gs 9th Walk: St Albans Day Out by Rob Smith, St Albans City Station AL1 5HE, 11am - 1pm, £9 - £12 eventbrite.co.uk 11th Beyond The Barricade The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £23.50 alban-arena.co.uk 12th Back To Bacharach The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £23 & £21.50 alban-arena.co.uk Ga Ga - Queen Tribute Bedford Corn Exchange, MK40 1SL 7.30pm, adult £18, concs £16 bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 13th Aladdin Abbey Theatre, Hurst Childrens Theatre Group, £11, concs £8 hctg@live.co.uk The Johnny Cash Roadshow The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £24, £22.50 alban-arena.co.uk 14th Glenn Miller Orchestra The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £25, £23 alban-arena.co.uk 16th Lunchtime Organ Recital St Albans Cathedral, 12.30pm Choir Open Evening new voices welcome, please visit quorumsingers.org.uk to register 18th Abba Forever The Alban Arena, 8pm, £23.50 alban-arena.co.uk The Best of Wham Bedford Corn Exchange, MK40 1SL 8pm, adult £20 18th - 26th Silly Cow by Ben Elton, Abbey Theatre, AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk

The Lion in Winter The Barn Theatre, WGC AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk 19th Exhibition: Brambleton Model Railway Club Harpenden Public Halls, 10.30am - 5.30pm 25th Talk: WW1 Soldiers from Luton Hoo Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF, 10.30am - 12.30pm lutonhooestate.co.uk 25th Families First St Albans Council Chamber, St Albans Council AL1 3JE 1.30pm - 4.30pm Burns Night Fleetville Community Centre Royal Marines Band Concert The Alban Arena 7.30pm, £27, £24 alban-arena.co.uk 26th Icons: Celebrating The Legendary Divas Radlett Centre, 7.30pm radlettcentre.co.uk 29th & 30th Elmer the Patchwork Elephant The Alban Arena 1.30pm & 10.30am, £14 & £12 30th Talk: Franz Liszt: Life, Music & Franciscan Faith St Albans Cathedral, a fresh view on this fascinating man & his work, 7.30pm, £12.50

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Discounts On All Bathrooms Supplied

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

Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our Clients

Planning a Party?

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

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

To Advertise: 07983 588291 jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Get Yourself Christmas Ready with Cove Spa

...with Cove Spa’s advanced treatments in skincare, well-being and fat reduction!

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Gift Sets and Vouchers on Sale Now