Pick p me u m I’ E FRE
st albans December 2019
NOW
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St Albans Artistic Roller Skating Club Affiliated to the Federation of Artistic Roller Skating
Our Newcomers / Beginners Class recommences on Tuesday 7th January 5.30pm - 6.30pm at Marlborough Science Academy AL1 2QA Our Club Training Sessions recommence weekend 4th / 5th January For further information please contact starsskatingstalbans@virginmedia.com 07850 105505 01727 830332 www.starsskatingclub.org Our Mission Statement The mission of the club is to promote artistic roller skating and offer coaching in the disciplines of Figures, Free Skating and Solo Dance. We nurture skaters from the very beginning stage through to competition level, National Championships and Internationals. It is not a requirement that skaters enter competitions, their happiness and enjoyment of the sport is of paramount importance.
Seasons Greetings to Everyone From St Albans Artistic Roller Skating Club 2
To Ad
Welcome to December With Christmas fast approaching and Santa on his way, the magazines are full with lots to do each day, from Skating, Sledging and Songs Galore to Santa’s Grottos by the score, and Pantos to the Polar Plunge and Reindeers to the Rudolf Runs…we wish you all the best of fun with peace and joy to everyone. If you run your own business we’d love to include you, we offer a helpful, friendly service so just give us a call. Happy Christmas to all our readers and advertisers, the magazines wouldn’t be the same without you!
Jane & Wendy
Where’s Santa Sledging, Santa & Snow Get Your Skates on!
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out on the ice
NOW for some Music carols, concerts & classical
Out of Town
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Dambusters, Dickens & Duxford
NOW at the Local Theatres It’s Panto Time! behind you!
NOW at the Cathedral
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all things festive
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comedy, drama & music
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Christingle, carols & more
Out and About ponds, puddings & paws
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What’s on in December & January
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Index of Businesses
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beauty to windows & doors
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Where’s Santa? Burston Garden Centre until 24th Dec Visit the magical Christmas grotto, where children can make a Christmas decoration before receiving their gift from Santa. www.burston.co.uk Willows Farm until 24th Dec A day of festive family fun, children’s admission includes all activities and shows plus a visit to Santa, choosing a gift from his Toy Shop, making a toy bear in the Create-a-Character workshop and biscuit decorating. www.willowsactivityfarm.com Whipsnade Zoo 30th Nov - 24th Dec Visit Santa and experience the festive magic as you meet Mrs Claus, her cheeky elves and join in with Christmas crafts. Children can have a yuletide photo with Santa. £12 www.zsl.org Mead Open Farm Thurs - Sun from 30th Nov & 23rd & 24th Dec Meet Santa, take a walk through the Magical Enchanted Forest, see the Reindeer Flying School, make Reindeer Food, decorate Gingerbread and visit the Farm. www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto 30th Nov - 23rd Dec (selected dates) Step back in time and experience a 1940’s Christmas Grotto, children will receive a gift and enjoy crafts and music while they wait. Adults must purchase entry to the Museum. Please book www.bletchleypark.org.uk Redbourn Christmas Market 1st Dec 11am - 5pm Visit Santa in his magical grotto on the High Street. www.redbournchristmasmarket.com Wardown House 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd Dec Curl up with Mother Christmas for a story before joining Santa to receive a gift from under the tree. www.culturetrust.com Leighton Buzzard Railway Weekends 1st - 22nd Dec Weds from 11th Dec & 23rd & 24th Dec Take a steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway, and meet Santa in his grotto, where children will receive a present, and there will be free seasonal refreshments for the adults. 4Please book www.buzzrail.co.uk
Santa Claus and the Night before Christmas 3rd - 24th Dec A magical Christmas experience with songs, stories, a meet and greet with Santa and a gift. www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk Shuttleworth 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th Dec Watch Santa fly into the aerodrome (7th and 14th only) from 10am, then follow a festive trail around The Swiss Garden to find him in his grotto. Enjoy a traditional funfair, mulled wine, hot chocolate, festive pony rides, roasted chestnuts and more. www.shuttleworth.org Wrest Park 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec Meet Santa, hear tales of Christmas past amidst the yuletide decorations, and receive a treat from the man himself. www.english-heritage.org.uk Buckinghamshire Railway 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Dec Take The Panto Express and meet Santa on the train, then enjoy a mini pantomime in the Visitor Centre. www.bucksrailcentre.org Dunstable Downs 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st - 23rd Dec 9am, 10am, & 11am Join Santa for breakfast as he prepares for the festive season. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Knebworth House 8th, 15th & 22nd Dec Give your family an early Christmas treat with a fantastic lunch at Knebworth Barns, complete with a visit from Santa and a gift for every child. Please book. www.knebworthhouse.com Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell 16th Nov - 25th Dec Please book for weekends and the week before Christmas, on all other dates Santa will be waiting to see you on a first-come first-served basis. www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/vanhage Chiltern Open Air Museum 7th & 8th Dec Meet Santa and hand deliver your Christmas list to him. www.coam.org.uk
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Sledging, Santa and Snow Christmas in the Wizarding World until 26th Jan ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ returns this festive season beginning in the Great Hall, lined with Christmas trees and dining tables dressed as they were for seasonal feasts at Hogwarts. See the stage as it was for the iconic Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and get a taster of this incredible set with snow-covered Christmas trees, icicles and an orchestra of magical instruments. Discover how filmmakers created flames without fire and snow that never melts. Many of the iconic sets including the Gryffindor common room and Boys’ dormitory will be decorated with original props and the Weasley kitchen will be dressed with streamers, crackers and a festive feast. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden WD25 7LR www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Sundays: 5.45pm, 6.15pm, 6.45pm & 7.15pm Discover Stockwood like you've never seen it before, weave your way on a self-guided tour through illuminated pathways, set against a backdrop of lush greenery. Enjoy festive activities and delicious treats, with street food stalls, a BBQ with German Bratwurst sausages, locally produced burgers and plenty of vegetarian options. On Fridays and Saturdays, there will be entertainment from Jazz Duo, Mellowtone. £4 - £5.50 Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com
The Snow Centre
Santas Grotto* 7th - 24th Dec weekends 9am - 6pm £15 includes a gift from Santa. Please book Ride the Ringo Slide Weekends and school holidays in December £10 for 30 minutes of fun. Age 4+ Sledging* 24th, 26th, 31st Dec & 1st Jan 10am - 5pm Aylett Nurseries £10 for 30 minutes of fun. Age 4+ Christmas ‘Find the Word’ Competition Festive Family Lift Passes* 1st - 15th Dec 10am - 4pm 24th, 26th, 31st Dec & 1st Jan Find Mr Jingles the Snowman, write down the Want to get on the snow this festive season, but letters he’s holding and use them to guess the can’t get to the mountains? Then book a session festive word. Five lucky winners will each win a on the closest real snow to London. 2 adults and £5 Gift Voucher. Age up to 11 years 2 children £65 for 1 hour, or 2 hours for £79 Christmas Slide & Ride* Festive Fun - Children’s Crafting Activity A festive night out with a difference. A 2 hour 19th - 24th Dec 10am - 4pm taster package for your team to try skiing or Make a festive wreath for your Christmas tree snowboarding plus whizzing down the Ringo or to hang in your window or give as a gift. Slide. Warm up in between sessions with a hot Ayletts Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH mulled wine or hot chocolate on the slopes. www.aylettnurseries.co.uk Packages start from just £31 per person for a 45 minutes, includes waterproofs and snow boots. Christmas Tree Festival 6th - 9th Dec 10am - 4pm (Sun: 12 noon - 4pm) *Visitors must wear The Snow Centre’s snow boots and a helmet. A wonderful festival of Christmas trees The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9NH imaginatively decorated by local people and www.thesnowcentre.com organisations. There will be a ‘Soup and Sweet’ lunch on Saturday, which must be pre-booked, but hot drinks and cakes will be available at other Rudolph Christmas Trail until 5th Jan times. Follow Rudolph around the world as he delivers St Stephen’s Church, St Albans AL1 2PT gifts and meets new animals. Spot hidden www.ststephenandstjulian.org reindeer, complete the trail and receive a chocolate treat. £1 per child Stockwood: Illuminated Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP 6th - 29th Dec www.nhm.ac.uk Fridays & Saturdays: 5.45pm, 6.15pm, 6:45pm, 7.15pm & 7.45pm
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Nativity Play 15th Dec 4pm Listen to Archangel Gabriel tell us the story of God coming into our world to be our saviour. Follow the holy family from Nazareth to Bethlehem, meeting the animals and singing all the way. Free with a collection in aid of the Donkey Sanctuary and St Etheldreda's Church Hatfield Park Farm, Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfieldparkfarm.co.uk
Santa’s Elves Save Christmas 21st & 22nd Dec 11am & 3pm The Elves are busy getting ready for Christmas Eve, but one of the toy machines has stopped working. So they need you to create enough Christmas Cheer to get it working again. £6 British Schools Museum, Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TS www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk
The Mummers will perform 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 Blue Pantomime - Snow White: Rotten To The Core
27th - 30th Dec & 2nd - 4th Jan 7.30pm Each year, this fearless and intrepid company of actors takes a traditional and much loved pantomime and changes it beyond all recognition into something very much for the grownups. Bubbling over with extreme over-acting, Christmas Animal Antics corny jokes, a farcical fun-filled plot, multiple 21st - 24th Dec 10am - 4pm expletives and all rounded off with a large dose of Enjoy some festive animal fun. Groom the donkeys, walk an alpaca, handle and fly the owls, sexual innuendo! Adults only Hawthorn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX make reindeer food, try some Christmas crafts, www.cwentertainment.co.uk pat a pet, visit Santa's Grotto and much more. Herring Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Tracking Santa Centre, Wilstead MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk 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 St Albans Mummers leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to Boxing Day children around the world. Visit the website from St Albans Museum & Gallery - 11.30am 1st December and watch the countdown to The White Hart Hotel - 12.15pm Santa’s launch. West End, St Albans Cathedral - 1pm www.noradsanta.org The Fighting Cocks - 1.45pm The Clock Tower -2.30pm
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NOW for the Kids Christmas at Paradise 23rd, 24th & 30th Nov Fri - Sun in Dec & daily 15th - 24th Dec Enjoy gingerbread and bauble decorating, Christmas crafts and the chance to write a letter to Santa. Children will receive a sticker, badge and gift from the toy factory. Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com
Fairytale Trail until 7th Jan Pick up your free copy of the fantabulous Fairytale Trail and go on the hunt for some fantastical fairytale characters who are hiding in the galleries. A great way for kids to explore the Museum, and from 27th to 31st December, the lights will be dimmed so you can explore with torches after 4pm. Free with Museum entry. The Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahl.com
Santa's Post Office until 23rd Dec Children can enter a magical world to write their letter and see it make its journey to Lapland. Christopher Place, St Albans AL3 5DQ
Santa’s Abbey Line Grotto 7th Dec 10am - 1pm Kids and adults are welcome to hop aboard Santa’s festive train on the Abbey Line which takes you to his special grotto. Alight at Bricket Wood Station and follow the trail to the Grotto at St Stephens Parish Centre. There will be face painting, balloon modelling, mini ride on ‘steam’ railway, quiz with prizes, refreshments and live music. Entry to the grotto is free if you have a train ticket. Otherwise cost is £3, age 5+ You can use your train ticket to travel on the Abbey line all day and visit other places along the route. St Stephen Parish Centre, Bricket Wood AL2 3PJ www.abbeyline.org.uk
Burston Garden Centre
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Winter Wonderland Breakfast 7th & 8th Dec 10am - 12 noon Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea 7th - 24th Dec 12 noon - 5pm Enjoy a festive meal served by Santa's helpers. With a bespoke children's menu, with Christmas themed breakfast or afternoon tea. Don’t forget to visit Santa's Grotto with festive artwork and crayons on hand to keep the kids amused while they wait. www.burston.co.uk
Christmas Fun 15th Dec 1.45pm - 3.45pm Christmas craft, games and music. Ages 4 - 11 Please book email office@ststephenandstjulian.org St Julians Church, St Albans AL1 2HY www.ststephenandstjulian.org
Christmas Holiday Reading Challenge Starts 17th Dec When children borrow three books from the Library, they will get a sticker for each book they read and if they read all three by the 11th January they will be entered into a prize draw. Marshalswick Library, St Albans AL4 9TU
Christmas Skate Special 22nd Dec 12.30pm - 2.30pm Enjoy the festive mood and come wearing your Christmas jumper or sparkly clothes while you listen to all those favourite Christmas tunes. Father Christmas will make a special visit during the session to hand out sweets to the skaters. Roller City, WGC, AL8 6BX www.cwentertainment.co.uk
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Get Your Skates On! Tobacco Dock until 5th Jan Wapping E1W 2SF Rooftop ice rink with igloos, bars, live entertainment and stunning views of the London skyline. Bag yourself a rooftop igloo and settle down with a warming cocktail or mulled wine, or release your competitive streak with an ice hockey penalty shooting game on the floor below, then on a lower level, street food is available to buy at various apres-ski style bars. www.tobaccodocklondon.com
Natural History Museum until 22nd Jan Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Experience the thrill of skating around the Christmas tree in the courtyard of the museum, surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees, with the smell of mulled wine in the air. www.nhm.ac.uk
Somerset House 13th Nov - 12th Jan Marking its 20th anniversary, the courtyard will be frozen over once again, centred around a 40ft tall Christmas tree. With club nights, skate school, an Alpine-themed Fortnum's Lodge, the Christmas Shopping Arcade and Skate Lounge. www.somersethouse.org.uk
Skate Van Hage 14th Nov - 6th Jan Enjoy the atmosphere in the fully heated marquee with a viewing platform for spectators, comfortable seating and mouth-watering Ice CafÊ. There’s skates included in the price, and skating aids to hire for those less confident. Van Hage, Great Amwell SG12 9RP www.vanhage.co.uk
Tower of London 16th Nov - 5th Jan With snowflakes projected onto the castle walls create unforgettable memories as you glide around the rink, taking in the ambience of the fortress beside the Thames. The rink gets an extra helping of spectacular in the evenings when the lights, set against the fortress wall, add to the dramatic views.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 21st Nov - 5th Jan Set around the bandstand, with a fairy light canopy, and acoustic musicians serenading you on evening sessions. Just remember you will have to battle through Winter Wonderland to get there! www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Hampton Court Palace from 22nd Nov The Tudor backdrop of the Palace makes a fantastic setting for taking to the ice. Once you've glided and twirled to your heart's content, warm up with mulled wine, other hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as festive snacks at the Ice Rink Cafe and Bar. www.hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
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NOW for some Music Tinseltown Festive Pop-Ups! From 27th Nov (Wednesdays & Saturdays) Look out for live music and arts performances around the City Centre and Clock Tower Quarter in the lead up to Christmas week. If you fancy some festive folk, blues, pop or a seasonal choir while Christmas shopping St Albans Arts Team will be programming a host of delights, along with showcase Saturdays hosted by Lemonrock, St Albans Folk Festival and PK Promotions with special guests including Rebourn Jazz Band, The Rumbles, St Albans Purple All-Stars and Ollie Bannister. www.facebook.com/SAASHArts
Christmas with Bel Canto 20th Dec 7.45pm Beautiful Christmas Songs, Classical Crossovers, Musical Theatre Favourites, Opera Arias and Power Ballads. All performed with a special ‘Classical Twist’. £13.50 Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ www.trestle.org.uk
The Style Councillors 6th Dec 7.30pm The world’s one and only tribute to The Style Council will perform their hit singles to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1989 Greatest Hits Album. £16.50 from 01992 584322 Hertford Corn Exchange SG14 1AL www.hertfordcornexchnage.co.uk
Julie Felix 6th Dec 8pm A celebration of over 50 years as a singersongwriter, humanitarian and environmentalist. £14, concs £13, child £10 Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk
Back To The 90’s Dance Legends: Live!
6th Dec 9pm Live performances from a massive line up of 5 of 1st Dec 11am - 3.30pm: Clock Tower, St Albans the 90s favourite dance artists; Sonique, Rozalla, 2nd Dec 7am - 7pm: Harpenden Station Dario G, Urban Cookie Collective and Capella, Talented local artists will be performing to mark bringing you the party of the year. Over 18’s, £20 World AIDS Day and raise awareness and funds Bedford Corn Exchange MK40 1SL www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk for The Crescent (a support service for those living with and those affected by HIV).
Busking Days
St Albans Organ Theatre The Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special 8th Dec 1.45pm Includes visiting organs and other festive attractions. Please book £10, child £5 Andrew Nix: Theatre Organ Concert Music from ballads to Latin and marches to musicals. £12.50 St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Trestle Theatre Knight and Spiers 6th Dec 7.30pm These uniquely gifted folk musicians create a live performance to be remembered for a long time, featuring lesser known carols, tunes and wassails from the English tradition and beyond. £15 Beehive Big Band 8th Dec 2.30pm A fun-filled afternoon of jazz, swing, funk and Christmas classics. £12, £10
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High Street Methodist Church
Christmas Charity Concert 7th Dec 3pm Enjoy some festive singing and cheer as The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden join forces with Aldwickbury School choir to celebrate and support the Harpenden branch of Mencap who celebrate their 60th Anniversary. £10, child £5 www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicmakers Christmas Carol Concert 17th Dec 7.30pm With Harpenden Choral Society, including audience carols and seasonal readings. £10, child/student £3 tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden
Village Voices Concert 8th Dec 7.30pm Seasonal concert by Sandridge’s community choir. St Leonard's Church, Sandridge AL4 9DL www.sandridgechurch.org.uk
Classical Guitar Tuition
www.merlinmiller.co.uk 07831572618
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Shake Rattle and Sing! 9th Dec 6pm - 7.30pm Carol Singing with the Soroptimists at St Albans City Station in aid of St Albans & Hertsmere and Herts Rape Crisis. www.sigbi.org/st-albans
St Peters Church
NOW for some more Music Carols at Wardown House On the following dates local choral groups will be spreading some Christmas cheer. Free, but tickets are required, donations welcome. B.I.G Hat Factory Choir 7th Dec 2pm & 3pm Peculi8 14th Dec 12.15pm A group of friends who love singing, Peculi8 are an a cappella group who sing in 8-part harmony. Luton Male Voice Choir 21st Dec 2pm Wardown House, Luton LU2 7HA www.lutonculture.com
Harpenden Public Halls Film: The Snowman with live music 8th Dec 10.30am & 12 noon A young boy can’t believe his eyes one winter’s night when a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins. Enjoy Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas Animation accompanied by Hitchin Band playing Howard Blake’s specially adapted musical score. £10, child £5, under 3’s free Chris Difford 9th Dec 7.30pm Co-founder and member of one of London’s bestloved bands, Squeeze, Chris has made a lasting contribution to English music with hits such as ‘Cool For Cats’, ‘Up The Junction’, ‘Labelled With Love’, ‘Hourglass’ and ‘Tempted’. Chris teams up with award winning singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine. £23.50 Lea Singers: FestiveLea! 23rd Dec 7.30pm An evening of uplifting singing and popular carols, with free mulled wine, mince pies and festive cakes. £15, concs £5. www.leasingers.co.uk Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1TE www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk
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Christmas Carol Concert 11th Dec 7pm Hosted by TV presenter Pam Rhodes, in aid of Rennie Grove Hospice Care, with a mix of music from past and present, plus performances from The Kings of Herts, a local barbershop group, and The Amici Singers, led by the well-known Battle of the Proms conductor Douglas Coombes. £15 includes refreshments. St Peters Church, St Albans www.renniegrove.org
Paradise Wildlife Park Christmas Carol Service 14th Dec 2pm Be greeted by the Reindeer, treat yourself to a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine and join in the sing-along. Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com
A Christmas Celebration 14th Dec 7.30 pm St Albans Choral Society perform Christmas music and readings, including new carols by James Francis Brown, Cecilia McDowall and George Vass Richard Harvey – organ Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans, AL1 3XG www.choralsociety.com
Christmas at the Movies 15th Dec 3pm With a selection of music from Christmas movies such as The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman, The Nightmare Before Christmas and more. Free with a charity collection @TheHarpendenConcertBand Aldwickbury School, Harpenden AL5 1AD
St Saviour's Church A Gospel Christmas 21st Dec 8pm A soulful Christmas celebration with Powerhouse Gospel Choir supported by St Albans Just Sing Choir and Radlett Can. St Saviour's Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.ssaviours.org
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The Harpenden Shutter Company We Supply & Fit Beautiful Wooden Plantation Window Shutters Specialising in Bay Windows
Free No Obligation Consultation, Measuring & Quotation
Winter Sale 25% off Shutters 20% off all Blinds Awnings Poles & Curtains
Professionally handmade curtains, blinds, cushions and bedcovers
Teresa & Kevin Buckler
01582 461639 kevin.buckler@fit-ex.com www.fit-ex.com/hertfordshire
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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Out of Town Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 21st Nov - 5th Jan 10am - 10pm With lots of exciting new attractions including the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, a new theme ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Magical Ice Kingdom, a Season Ride Pass, Paddington™ on Ice, Mr Men & Little Miss and a fantastic new programme of comics at the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club. Plus the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, funky new après ski vibes at Bar Ice and jaw dropping acts in the Circus MegaDome! With over 100 spectacular rides and attractions, thrilling shows, Santa Land and London’s biggest Christmas Market. www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Bletchley Park Vintage Christmas Grotto 30th Nov - 23rd Dec 10am - 3.30pm While you wait for your magical meeting with Santa, enjoy craft activities; make a pop-up Christmas tree card, an Origami Santa or a fantastic festive themed puzzle to get you in the Christmas spirit. £7.50 Bletchley Park, Bucks MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk
RAF London Letters Home Trail 30th Nov - 5th Jan 10am - 3pm Armed Forces have always written home over the Christmas holiday, some are sad, others quite funny. Letters from the Museums archives have been used as inspiration to create the ‘letter home’. Join in the festive fun, as you find items around the Museum that make up the letter, then head back to the ‘Post Office’ to get your chocolate reward. £3, age 5+ ‘Bluey’ Letters You can even wish those serving abroad a Happy Christmas and post a letter to serving RAF personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Falklands or Akrotiri for them to open in the New Year. The ‘Bluey’ letter is inspired by the Force's air letters that used to be posted through the mail. Write, or draw them a message and pop it in the post box and the Museum will post them to the bases abroad. Free Immersive Histories: Dambusters until 31st Dec Step back in time to the early hours of 17th May 1943 and on board Lancaster G-George to join the Dambusters on their legendary mission. Using the
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latest virtual reality technology experience key events from the Dambusters raid. Witness decisive moments play out as you explore the aircraft. Monitor the altitude and route as you gaze out of the windows, feel the tension increase as each Lancaster endeavours to bust the Möhne Dam, before learning the outcome of your mission. Each detail has been painstakingly recreated using accounts from crew members who flew the mission. Age 13+ £10 RAF Museum London, NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk
Shuttleworth Collection Festive Afternoon Tea 1st, 8th & 15th Dec 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm Set in the magnificent House with a wonderful festive carol service performed by the choir. £35, child £15 Wreath Making Workshops 7th, 8th, 14th, & 15th Dec 10am - 1pm Get festive, learn a new skill and create a beautiful wreath to dress your door this festive season. £45, includes refreshments and materials A Christmas Carol: Murder Mystery Party Night 14th Dec Enjoy dinner in the grand rooms of The House, while you try and work out who the murderer is, then join your friends on the dance floor to party the night away. £80 Engineering Open Workshop 27th & 28th Dec See first-hand what it takes to keep the vintage aircraft, vehicles, and heritage machinery working as intended. With children’s’ activities, trail and ‘Make and Paint’ with Airfix, and entry to the Swiss Garden included. £16, child £2 Shuttleworth, Beds SG18 9EP www.shuttleworth.org
Ware Dickensian Evening 6th Dec 6pm - 10pm An exciting evening when Ware town centre comes to life with children’s entertainment, late night shopping, fun fair rides, live music and food stalls from roasted chestnuts to hog roasts. It promises to be a great night for all the family. www.dickensian.org.uk
IWM Duxford Family Mission: D-Day Edition 27th & 31st Dec - 3rd Jan 10am - 2pm It's 1944 and the most important day of the war so far is looming. You and your family are needed as the latest recruits of paratroopers to spot a Spitfire from its sound and perfect how to land safely. This interactive storytelling experience is based on personal stories from those who served on D-Day. Drop-in, age 7+. Free admission IWM Duxford, Duxford CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk
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NOW at the Local Theatres Hertford Theatre The Snow Queen 30th Nov - 1st Jan A frozen fairytale full of frosty frolics, nippy nonsense and chilly chuckles; this family show will warm the cockles of the coldest heart. Hertford Theatre SG14 1PS www.hertfordtheatre.com
Wardown House A Christmas Carol 6th, 7th,12th,19th, 20th & 21st Dec 7.30pm A seasonal classic that will make your heart soar as Scrooge discovers the true meaning of Christmas. This is a promenade performance, taking place in various rooms at Wardown House. Price includes a hot drink and mince pie. £15, concs £12. Ages 12+ Wardown House, Luton LU2 7HA www.lutonculture.com
The Barn Theatre The Railway Children 13th - 21st Dec Bobbie, Phyllis, and Peter lead us back in time to when they were ‘the Railway Children’, when their father is called away and the family moves to a small cottage in the countryside. In this heart-warming adventure, the children suffer tragedy, celebrate joy, become heroes and are ultimately transformed by the unexpected adventures they encounter. £13 The Barn Theatre, WGC AL1 2DL www.barntheatre.co.uk
Maltings Arts Theatre Food of Love at Christmas 14th Dec 8pm Join OVO’s house band on a Sleigh Ride as they sing their ever popular Christmas classics, all served up with lashings of mulled wine. £13.50, concs £11, child £7.50 Christmas Gothic 19th & 20th Dec 8pm Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season. Dyad Productions resurrects a Victorian tradition by presenting three seasonal tales of terror for dark Christmas nights. £13.50 The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk
Abbey Theatre George's Marvellous Medicine 14th - 29th Dec George lives on a ramshackle old farm and life is already hectic enough when his appalling Grandma comes to stay. Fed up with her rudeness, he plays a trick on her by concocting a 'new and improved' medicine, but the consequences are more than he bargained for. Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
Luton Library Theatre Santa's Marvellous Magical Toyshop 14th - 29th Dec A funny, festive show with catchy songs, beautiful puppets and glittery surprises. Includes a post-show meet and greet with the actors. Ages 3+ Luton Library Theatre LU1 2NG www.lutonculture.com
The Sandpit Theatre
Reindeer on the Roof! 21st Dec 11.30am & 2.30pm It’s Christmas morning and Darcey wakes up to a stocking full of presents and a Reindeer on the roof! Of Christmas Past 14th Dec 8pm Christmas is a time for joy and happiness, but there is a Join her on an adventure to get her new Reindeer friend back to Lapland. and discover the true meaning sinister secret at the heart of the stories we tell. In this of Christmas along the way. £8, £6 character comedy show Douglas Walker unwraps the Film: In Search of Beethoven 22nd Dec 3pm true origins of Santa Claus in a one man epic taking in Addressing the romantic myth that Beethoven was a 100 years of history and almost as many characters. heroic, tormented figure, searching for his ‘immortal Treading a fine line between fable, fiction and comedy beloved’ but remaining unmarried. It has been called this is a funny, festive story for grown-ups. Age 16+ the best film ever made about him, and is the choice of £14.50, £12.50, £6 the Beethoven Haus (his birthplace) as the ‘go to’ film The Old Town Hall Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE on this great composer. £10 www.oldtownhall.co.uk The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk
The Old Town Hall
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It’s Panto Time! Sleeping Beauty 29th Nov - 31st Dec Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ With non-stop laughs, join Princess Aurora, her father, King Lenny of Watford, a guitar-playing Prince, Good Fairy Fender and Dame Nanny Fanny on this unforgettable magical adventure. www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Santa Claus & The Night Before Christmas 3rd - 24th Dec Watford Colosseum www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty 6th Dec - 5th Jan The Alban Arena Don't miss local legend, Bob Golding in this year’s fun-packed family pantomime with lavish sets, and a genuinely funny script. www.alban-arena.co.uk
Beauty and The Beast 7th - 30th Dec Harpenden Public Halls AL5 1PD Featuring spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects and plenty of audience participation. www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk
Cinderella 7th Dec - 3rd Jan Radlett Centre WD7 8HL With fabulous music, comedy and costumes, plus loads of audience participation. Follow Cinderella’s magical story with her lovable friend Buttons, her nasty ugly sisters, a handsome prince, a pumpkin, a glass slipper, mice and a friendly Fairy Godmother. www.radlettcentre.co.uk
Aladdin 7th Dec - 12th Jan Milton Keynes Theatre A spectacular adventure featuring a wish-granting genie, a lamp full of spectacular family entertainment and a fabulous cast and orchestra. www.atgtickets.com
Aladdin 8th Dec 2pm Batford Memorial Hall, Harpenden AL5 5BS Performed by Odd Socks Entertainment. Join in the fun and help save Princess Aurora and stop the gruesome Maleficent. www.batfordmemorialhall.com
Snow White 11th - 31st Dec Hawthorne Theatre, WGC AL8 6AE Fast and furious with fistfuls of fun, this take on the familiar fairy tale is guaranteed to warm the cockles of your hearts with festive silliness galore. www.cwentertainment.co.uk
Peter Pan 12th Dec - 5th Jan Watersmeet Theatre WD3 1EH With live music, wonderful sets and rip-roaring adventure in true panto style. www.watersmeet.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty 12th Jan Abbey Theatre, St Albans 23rd - 26th Jan Harpenden Public Halls Performed by The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group. £12, concs £8 www.hurstchildrenstheatregroup.co.uk
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NOW at the Cathedral Christmas Tower Tours 1st Dec 2pm & 3.30pm 4th Dec 11am & 3.30pm 11 Dec 11am & 12.30pm Climb the 211 steps up to the top of the oldest Cathedral tower in Britain. £9.50 Talk: Dickens and Spirituality 2nd Dec 7.30pm Tutor: James Riding. £10 Quiet Abbey Mondays throughout Advent (excl 9th Dec) 7.30pm Lit by candlelight, the Cathedral will be open for quiet reflection and prayer. Willow Foundation Carol Concert 3rd Dec 7.30pm Christmas Carols sung by the Hertfordshire Chorus, with lots of audience participation, plus readings by Willow Co-Founders Bob and Megs Wilson. Talk: Joy to the Worlds: What Extra-terrestrial Life Might Mean at Christmas 5th Dec 7.30pm Tutor: The Revd Dr Andrew Davison. £6 Christingle 8th Dec 3pm This service uses a special symbol, a decorated orange, to explore the story of God’s love for the world at Christmas. Organ Meditation 8th Dec 5.15pm La Nativité du Seigneur, Olivier Messiaen’s Christmas organ cycle, performed by Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of Music. Free St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols 14th Dec Join the choir for music with Embassy Brass. 3pm Family Concert £7, child £1 7pm Evening Concert £13, child £6
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The Hospice of St Francis Carol Concert 15th Dec 3pm Performed by talented local choirs with opportunities for audience participation. £12 Talk: Ruskin Revisited: What a Victorian Visionary Can Teach Us About How We Live and Work 19th Dec 7.30pm Tutor: Andrew Hill. £10 Carols on the Hour 21st Dec 11am - 4pm Bite sized carol services, taking place on the hour, a perfect break from Christmas shopping. Christmas Eve The Big Community Nativity at the Crib Service 1pm & 2.30pm A special retelling of the Christmas story with a twist at this popular service with a visit to the crib and plenty of carol singing. Dress up as your favourite Nativity Character and join in the fun. Choral Evensong 5pm A quiet and reflective service, sung by the Cathedral Choir to mark the beginning of Christmas. Midnight Mass 11pm The first celebration of Christmas, with carols and music sung by the Cathedral Choir. Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols 8am Parish Eucharist 9.30am Service for all ages with children's activities Matins 11.15am Eucharist 12.30pm Boxing Day Carols 4pm Short, informal carol service with a visit to the crib.
www.stalbanscathedral.org
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Easy Access Oak Walk
Out & About Ashridge Estate The Nutcracker Trail 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th, 26th & 27th Dec 10am - 3pm Follow the magical Christmas trail that retells the Nutcracker story with a woodland twist and a Christmas gift at the end for every child. £3 Christmas Pudding Walk 2nd Dec - 6th Jan Follow the puddings on this self-led way-marked route through the woodland. Free. Santa Paws 8th Dec 11am - 12 noon £1 Bring your dog for a festive walk. Post-Christmas Walk 27th Dec 10am - 12 noon Enjoy a guided, scenic walk through the estate. £5, child £3, please book 01442 851227 Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1LT www.nationaltrust.org.uk
St Albans Tour Guides Walks Historic St Albans Revealed 1st, 8th & 15th Dec 11am Ghosts and Ghouls 12th Dec 8pm Please book Meet at St Albans Museum + Gallery, £5, child £2 www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
Rye Meads Rye Meadlings 2nd & 16th Dec 10.30am Hands-on sessions to encourage child led exploration and natural play. Activities may include water play, mud kitchen time, bug hunting, bird spotting, pond dipping, games, crafts and more. You’ll be outside, so be prepared for rain or shine. Ages 18 months - under 5’s. Please book £6 per child Wildlife Watch 7th Dec 10am - 12 noon & 28th Dec 2pm - 4pm Join an experienced volunteer in one of the hides and discover what wildlife is around. A fantastic opportunity to improve your bird ID skills and enjoy nature. Free RSPB Rye Meads, Hoddesdon SG12 8JS ww2.rspb.org.uk
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14th Dec 10.30am - 12pm Join volunteer David for a fascinating stroll from Panshanger Mansion, find out about the people who lived, visited, or were associated it, take in Repton's landscape, hear about his work at the Park and, of course, visit the magnificent ‘Panshanger Oak’. Free, but a donation of £5 to cover costs is appreciated. Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Herts Google Maps Herts County Council has released a Google map of the Hertfordshire public rights of way network. The map can be downloaded onto your smartphone, making it easy to follow your position as you go. This is a fantastic new way to explore over 3000km of rights of way, which provide endless opportunities for you to get out and active in the countryside. As well as improving health and wellbeing, this supports the goals of the Local Transport Plan, which prioritises active travel. To find the Google map visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rowmap
Hertfordshire Health Walks Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders. Walks are graded between 20-30 minutes (first steps) and 90 minutes (grade 4). Just turn up! Highfield Park Meet at YMCA Highfield Park Centre, Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB Mondays (except 30th Dec) 9.30am Grade 2 - 3 Tuesdays (except 24th & 31st Dec) 1.30pm First Steps & Grade 2 - 3 Wheathampstead Meet at East Lane public car park behind The Bull AL4 8BL Tuesdays (except 24th & 31st Dec) 10.30am First Steps & Grade 2 - 3 7th Dec 2pm Grade 3 - 4 London Colney Meet at Caledon Rd Community Centre AL2 1PU Thursdays & 3rd Dec 10.30am Grade 3 Harpenden Meet at Rothamsted Conference Centre Car park, Harpenden AL5 2JQ Thursdays (except 26th Dec) 10.30am Grade 3 - 4 Greenwood Park Meet at Greenwood Park Community Centre, Tippendell Lane AL2 3HW Fridays (except 27th Dec) 2pm Grade 2 - 3 Heartwood Forest Meet in Heartwood Forest car park, Sandridge AL3 6JB 15th Dec 10.30am Grade 4 If you’d like to get in touch call 01992 588433, email healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk or visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks
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Do Something for Charity 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 until 20th Dec Vaughan Road AL5 4ED Mon - Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Sat 9.30am - 3.30pm www.cardsforcharity.co.uk
Rennie Grove Hospice Care Rudolph Run 1st Dec Bound around the streets of St Albans taking part in the 5K run or bring the little ones along for the 1.5K run. Remember to wear your festive finery and they'll provide the antlers. Waterend Barn, St Albans AL1 3LE Light up a Life 8th Dec 4pm Mayor’s Carol Service, Clock Tower, St Albans The loss of a loved one can be particularly poignant at this time. So this service is an uplifting way to come together with your friends and family to remember someone special. www.renniegrove.org
hundreds of thousands for the homeless charities taking part. Under 11’s must be accompanied by a parent. Oaklands College, St Albans AL4 0JA www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk
Polar Bear Plunge 1st Jan Since 2016, The Plunge has raised £25k for good causes and is now organised by Earthworks. Plungers will be rewarded with free hot chocolate, a hot shower and a hat. With music, cake and a bar, it’s the perfect New Year’s Day. So what are you waiting for, book before 30th November to secure an Early Bear ticket for just £12. St Albans Sub Aqua Club, St Albans AL1 1HJ www.polarbearplunge.org.uk
Round Table Santa Float Keep an eye (or an ear) out for this charity float and its special passenger passing through St Albans collecting for charity. www.stalbansroundtable.org.uk
Hospice of St Francis Wear it Festive 13th Dec Do something small to make a big difference and wear anything from full-on festive frocks to subtle snowman socks, anything goes! Just donate £1 to wear your festive gear, why not get your friends and family involved too. Just £66 could pay for 12 patients in the In Patient Unit to have Christmas lunch. Use #wearitfestive2019 to show what you’re wearing and donate at www.stfrancis.org.uk
St Albans Sleepout 6th Dec 9pm - 7am Will you brave a night in the cold and make a difference to vulnerable people across Hertfordshire this winter? The aim of the St Albans Sleepout is to raise awareness of homelessness in Hertfordshire. Five local charities, Centre 33, Emmaus, Herts Young Homeless (hyh), Open Door and The Living Room will benefit from the sponsorship you raise. Started by the Abbey and the Diocese in the 1990s, the sleepout has raised
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UK registered charity no 297489
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Christmas Markets
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London
Local
Leicester Square Christmas Market until 5th Jan Wander round beautiful food and gift stalls, then head into the Spiegeltent; to see variety shows, fire-breathers, cabaret sensations, human jukeboxes, girl bands and world leading drag tributes. Southbank Winter Festival until 5th Jan Riverside Christmas market, near the London Eye, with street food vendors, festive goodies and gifts. Christmas At Flat Iron Square, Southwark umtil 6th Jan Snuggle up in an armchair and enjoy candied pecans and drinks. Take part in workshops or catch one of the free weekly festive film screenings. Grab a ticket to Pebblefestive (30th Nov) a Christmas market, with independent traders selling eco-friendly goods. Christmas by the River, Bankside 26th Nov - 5th Jan With a beautiful backdrop of Tower Bridge and the city skyline, this event has been illuminating the riverside for the past four years. Canopy Market, King’s Cross 29th Nov - 22nd Dec This independent food and crafts haven gets into the Christmas spirit with festive fare, crafty workshops, live music and a mulled wine bar. Ally Pally Christmas Carnival 1st - 16th Dec There’s all sorts happening including a weekend craft market, Santa’s Grotto, a StrEATlife food festival, DJs, Elf and Love Actually screenings, live music, a funfair and more. Christmas at Greenwich Market 4th, 11th, & 18th Dec The usual market will stay open late every Wednesday in December (excl Christmas Day). Christmas at Camden Market Last year they transported us to the North Pole, with everything from brass bands to fairground games, and hourly snow flurries, let’s hope the same happens this year!
Berkhamsted Christmas Floating Market 30th Nov & 1st Dec 10am 4pm The Roving Canal Traders Association are holding a floating market on the canal towpath of the Grand Union Canal. There will be lots of trading boats showing amazing talent and a range of fantastic unique items to buy. Opposite Waitrose, Berkhamsted HP4 1HS www.rcta.org.uk Hertfordshire Christmas Market 30th Nov & 1st Dec With Lannock Christmas Trees, Santa's Grotto, Red Lion Bar, hot food and snacks, music and DJ plus games and activities. Lannock Farm, Hitchin SG4 7EE www.christmasbarns.com Redbourn Christmas Market 1st Dec 11am - 5pm With over 100 stalls selling delicious food and beautiful crafts and gift ideas. Plus seasonal music showcasing the best local talent playing your favourite carols and festive tunes, a yule raffle with some amazing prizes from local businesses, and a chance to visit Santa and his elves, where every child will receive a gift and a chocolate. Redbourn High Street www.redbournchristmasmarket.com Kimpton Christmas Market 7th Dec 2pm - 6pm Locally sourced handmade gifts, a magical Christmas Grotto, decorations for the home and tree, seasonal food and drink and live music. The Green, Kimpton www.kimptonvillage.com St Albans Farmers’ Market 8th Dec 8am - 2pm Local farmers, growers and producers will be selling their own produce. St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL3 5DJ St Albans Charter Market’s Christmas Season 15th - 24th Dec The Market will run every day, with live music and entertainment. St Peter’s Street, St Albans Harpenden Farmers’ Market 22nd Dec 10am - 2pm Local specialities, mouth watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top quality meat and much more.
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NOW at the Cinema Cinema at Campus West
Thai Square We enjoyed a delightful lunch, in the beautiful 600 year old former Tudor Tavern, that houses the Thai Square restaurant. The interior has a very authentic Thai feel, with beautiful décor, an impressive wall of old temple bells, and traditional carvings. It was Tuesday lunchtime and when we arrived we were the only diners, but within half an hour the restaurant was buzzing and full by the time we left. The staff were friendly, helpful and well presented, and showed us to a table in the window overlooking historic George Street. We shared a mixed starter of Thai Dumplings, Vegetables Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay, Butterfly Prawns and Chicken and Prawn on Toast, everything was served hot and delicious and we both loved the butterfly prawns. For our main courses, Wendy had Chilli Lamb; stir fried lamb in red curry paste with garlic, chillies and aubergines, which had a fantastic chilli hit. Jane enjoyed the Pad Priew Waan Prawns; stir fried prawns in a sweet and sour sauce with pineapple, peppers, tomatoes and cucumber. We shared a selection of mixed vegetables in garlic sauce, Thai Square Noodles and steamed Thai Jasmine rice, everything was well presented and really tasty. The restaurant offers a wide variety of cocktails and as we were driving, we opted for the Virgin Cocktails trying all three, all of which were full of flavour and came in fantastically vivid colours. We would like to thank the staff for a fantastic lunch in a beautiful place, and would recommend the restaurant to anyone who enjoys Thai food and especially those who love historical buildings too! Thai Square, George Street, St Albans AL3 4ES www.thaisq.com
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Branagh Theatre Live: The Winter's Tale (Recorded live) 5th & 11th Dec 7.45pm Beautifully reimagined and co-directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh, featuring Dame Judi Dench as Paulina, alongside Tom Bateman, Jessie Buckley, Miranda Raison and Sir Kenneth Branagh as Leontes. The National Theatre - Filmed Live: Present Laughter (PG) 16th Dec 7pm Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (BBC’s Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy. The Royal Opera House Live: Coppelia (Ballet) 10th Dec 7.15pm 15th Dec 2pm This timeless classic is perfect for all ages. The Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker (Ballet) 17th Dec 7.15pm Come and enjoy an all time ballet favourite. Encore Berliner Philharmoniker Live: New Year's Eve Concert 1st Jan 4pm Celebrate with this annual live broadcast, this year starring Diana Damrau, the world-renowned soprano. Campus West, WGC, AL8 6BX www.cwentertainment.co.uk
St Albans Museum + Gallery St Albans Film Festival, in partnership with St Albans Museums and St Albans City & District Council invite you to enjoy this selection of favourite films. All proceeds will go to St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust and St Albans Film Festival. Elf: 7th Dec 4.30pm adult £12, child £8 Love Actually: 7th Dec 8pm, adult £12 It's a Wonderful Life: 8th Dec 4.30pm, £12, child £8 Die Hard: 8th Dec 8pm, adult £12 St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Albans AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
The Muppet Christmas Carol 21st Dec 11am The fabulous Muppets band teach Scrooge (Michael Caine) the meaning of Christmas in this charming adaptation of Dickens' classic tale. £10, child £6, 01582 938500 Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden AL5 2JQ www.rothamstedenterprises.com
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If you find an injured wild animal or bird, what do should you do?
Reindeer in St Albans 21st Dec 11am - 3pm
Reindeer are coming to Christopher Place, St Albans. Real Reindeer Ltd (RRL) have a herd that have adapted well to the UK climate, they moult their winter coat in spring and have a much finer summer coat. They live on a large farm with paddocks and 24-hour access to a 17th century stone dovecote with thick stone walls, which always stays cool. Reindeer husbandry is a specialised skill. Reindeer should have bright eyes, well cared for feet and a shiny coat and at events should be relaxed enough to lie down, eat and drink; this shows they have been trained correctly. RRL are supported by a team of vets who have essential knowledge in the treatment and care of reindeer. Why not pop along to find out more about these fascinating animals.
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Firstly consider your own safety and that of others around you; never put yourself in danger. Try to get the animal contained in a strong cardboard box lined with newspaper or a towel. Always use gloves to handle wildlife. With birds you may find it easier to throw a towel or blanket over them to prevent them trying to fly away. Once contained keep the patient somewhere quiet, dark and warm. Any large and powerful animal, such as fox, deer, badgers and swans should only be handled by experienced wildlife rescuers. Stay with the animal so the rescuer can locate it and call Tiggywinkles on 01844 292292. Or you could speak to a local vet to see if they can help, if they’re unsure about treatment for wild animals ask them to call Tiggywinkles to speak someone about what treatment may be necessary. A simple DIY kit for wildlife rescue can include: thick gloves, an old blanket, a cardboard box, old towels, a hessian sack, a thick elastic band, a fluorescent jacket and torch. Keep these items in your car in case you find an animal in need. Tiggywinkles, Aston Rd, Aylesbury HP17 8AF 01844 292292 www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk
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What’s on in December 42
30th Nov - 23rd Dec Vintage Christmas Grotto page 18 30th Nov - 1st Jan Berkhamsted Floating Market page 36 The Snow Queen page 20 1st Rudolf Run page 34 St Albans Antique & Vintage Market St Peters Street, 9am - 3pm Carols by Candlelight Harpenden Public Halls Redbourn Christmas Market page 36 1st & 2nd Busking Days page 12 1st - 15th & 19th - 24th Dec Childrens Activities Aylett Nurseries, page 6 2nd Dec - 6th Jan Christmas Pudding Walk page 32 3rd Willow Foundation Carol Concert page 30 3rd & 9th Christmas Wreath Workshop St Mary’s Church Hall, Redbourn, £30, 01727 731028, please book 6th St Albans Sleepout page 34 Ware Dickensian Evening page 18 6th & 20th Casino Party Nights Shuttleworth SG18 9EP dinner & Casino, 6.30pm, £65 6th - 29th Stockwood: Illuminated page 6 7th Garden Fields School Christmas Fair Townsend Drive AL3 5RL, 12 noon - 5pm Wildlife Watch page 32 Santa’s Abbey Line Grotto page 8 Christmas Charity Concert page 12 Rick Wakeman: The Grumpy Old Christmas Show Watford Colosseum, £34 - £39.50 Star in a Jar The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead www.oldtownhall.co.uk 8th Film: The Snowman page 14 Mayor’s Carol Concert in front of the Clock Tower, St Albans AL3 4EL Santa Paws Ashridge Estate, page 32 Christingle St Albans Cathedral, page 30 9th Chris Difford page 14 11th Rennie Grove Christmas Carol Concert St Peters Church page 43
12th Late Night Christmas Shopping at Hobbs Christopher Place, St Albans AL3 5DQ, 20% off shopping, a personal styling service, free nibbles & drinks, 4pm - 8pm www.hobbs.com 13th - 21st The Railway Children see page 20 14th St Albans Bach Choir Christmas Carols pg 30 A Christmas Celebration page 14 A Christmas Carol - Murder Mystery Party Night page 18 Food of Love at Christmas page 20 14th - 29th George’s Marvellous Medicine page 20 Santa’s Marvellous Magical Toyshop page 20 15th Rudolph Rave Watford Colosseum www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 15th - 24th Charter Market’s Christmas Season page 36 17th Christmas Carol Concert High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, 01582 419379, Harpenden Choral Society, 7.30pm, £10, child £3 18th The Snowman performed by Orpheus Sinfonia Watford Colosseum www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 19th & 20th Christmas Gothic page 20 21st Reindeer in St Albans page 40 A Gospel Christmas page 14 Reindeer on the Roof! page 20 21st - 24th Christmas Animal Antics page 7 22nd Christmas Skate Special page 8 23rd Lea Singers: FestiveLea! Page 14 23rd & 24th The Wizard of Oz Watford Colosseum www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk 26th St Albans Mummers page 7 27th Post-Christmas Walk page 32 27th & 31st Dec - 3rd Jan Family Mission: D Day Edition page 20
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What’s on in January 44
1st Polar Bear Plunge page 34 New Year Concert with St Albans Symphony Orchestra St Albans Cathedral, 7pm 9th Elvis Years The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £25 www.radlettcentre.co.uk 10th One Night Of Queen The Alban Arena, 7.30pm 11th Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra Concert St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2QJ, 7.30pm www.atsociety.org.uk Back To Bacharach The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £20.50 - £23 12th Soultown USA The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £23 15th From a Halfpenny to a Fiver St Mary's Church, Childwickbury AL3 6JJ, St Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society, 01582 762284, 8pm 16th Workshop: Photographing Nature St Albans, 10am - 4pm, £39, age 14+ please book www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk Totally Tina The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £24 www.radlettcentre.co.uk An Audience with Glenn Hoddle The Alban Arena, 7.30pm £30 17th The Johnny Cash Roadshow The Alban Arena, 7.30pm £25 & £23.50 David Starkey Six Wives.The Queens of Henry VIII The Radlett Centre, 7.30pm, £17 www.radlettcentre.co.uk 17th - 25th Whipping It Up The Barn Theatre, WGC AL1 2DL, quick-witted satirical farce set in the Whips’ office at Westminster www.barntheatre.co.uk 18th Brambleton Model Railway Exhibition Harpenden Public Halls 10.30am - 5.30pm, adult £4 concs £3 Classical Erard Piano Concert with Gary Branch & Jean Phillips, Shuttleworth Listen to music by Handel & Mozart with talks between the music, 7pm, £25 www.shuttleworth.org 19th Lucian Freud: A Self Portrait The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans AL4 9NX, on screen exhibition, 3pm, £5 20th Jan - 22nd Mar British Wildlife Photography Awards
Stockwood Discovery Centre, celebration of British wildlife, free www.culturetrust.com 21st Jan - 8th Feb Creative Arts Gallery Takeover Art & Design Gallery, UHArts, 2nd year students use the gallery as an experimental studio to make new work, free 22nd Abbey by Night St Albans Cathedral, meet the characters, from men & women to monks & pilgrims to whom this great abbey was a home, see, hear, feel & even smell the tales they have to tell, £15 includes a glass of wine, 12yrs+, 7.45pm 23rd - 26th Sleeping Beauty page 26 23rd Jan - 20th Feb Exhibition: Anne Frank+YOU St Albans Cathedral, exploring Anne Frank, her diary & the Holocaust, 10am - 4pm 24th Winter Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener Shuttleworth, 10.30am £35 www.shuttleworth.org 24th Jan - 1st Feb Alligators Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL, fast paced thriller proving that the past can never truly be forgotten www.abbeytheatre.org.uk 26th Afternoon Tea in the House Shuttleworth. 1pm, 1.15pm 1.30pm 1.45pm, 2pm, 2.15pm, 2.30pm, 2.45pm, £30, child £15 www.shuttleworth.org 27th Soroptimists with speakers from Earthworks St Albans & Watling View Special School Chiswell Green URC, local organisations that provide training & support for people with learning disabilities, 8pm, free, all welcome www.sigbi.org 28th Wild Wellbeing Walk Harpenden Common, focusing on being fully present in the natural surroundings you will be guided through activities to help you practice mindfulness, 10.30am - 12pm, free 29th Musical Box: A Genesis Extravaganza The Alban Arena, 7.30pm, £48, £36, £25 & £16 31st Talk: Formation & Organisation of the Women's Land Army in WW1 with Alex Amos, Luton Hoo Walled Garden, 01582 721443, 10.30am, please book £5 www.lutonhooestate.co.uk
Where There’s A Will Ian Lees, MIPW Cert (MP), Managing Director of Westminster Wills, serving St Albans and Harpenden, gives five reasons why you should have an up-to-date will in place. The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs show receipts from Inheritance Tax in the UK have hit an all-time high. More people paying more money. Drafting a valid and up-to-date will reflects your current situation and intentions, thereby removing the stress on family and loved ones at a time of high emotions.
Why Draft a (New) Will? Clarity for Families and Extended Families In recent years family dynamics have changed dramatically with families extended both geographically and in relation to one another. Given these factors, people in complex arrangements need to provide clear simple directives on how to distribute their estate on death.
Marriage or Civil Partnership Annuls a Will A marriage or civil partnership automatically revokes a will, unless there is contemplation of marriage built into it, so with a new relationship a new will should be considered. Rights for Unmarried Partners Cohabitees have no automatic right to the assets of their partner. Should a partner die intestate (without a will) the Trustee in the Court of Probate will assess and distribute their estate. Divorce Does Not Annul a Will A will is not revoked or annulled if the marriage or civil partnership is dissolved or annulled. Without a new will an estate may be distributed to an ex-wife or ex-husband by a previous will. Guardianship of Children To care for their upbringing, their education and religious beliefs, parents can make provisions for their children should they die prematurely. Financial provisions may be cared for by leaving money in trust or by using a simple life assurance policy in trust.
Wills Tax Family Trusts Financial Planning Westminster Wills Limited, Suite 18, STANTA Business Centre, 3 Soothouse Spring, St Albans AL3 6PF www.westminsterwills.co.uk 01727 867888
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Index of Businesses Beauty The Beauty Room The Cove Spa
27 Back Cover
Electricians Alban Electrical Services Anderton Electrics
39 39
Bicycle Repairs Cycletech UK
Fencing 37 Verulam Fencing
33
Building Open Plan Solutions
Garage Doors 35 Garolla
37
Car Body Repairs Chips Away
Hairdressing 37 Tielsi Hairdressing
Charity Traid Charity Event Christmas Carol Concert Rennie Grove Chiropodist Kathy Witchard Cleaning Daily Poppins Domestique WeCleanAnyProperty.com
Healthcare 34 Spire Harpenden Hospital Hearing Services 43 Hearing Healthcare Practice 23 Hotel Torrington Hall 41 Leather Goods & 41 Luggage Repairs 41 Leather Goods Repairs
Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 5 Dance & Drama Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach Dental Practice Redbourn Dental Practice Domestic Appliance Repairs Leigh Hibon Education Kumon
Locksmith Lock Around the Clock
Loft Ladders Home Counties 9 Loft Ladders 9 Music Tuition Merlin Miller 27 Orchestra Abbey Gateway Orchestra 19 Painters & Decorators A Huffinley 8 CB Decorators M & M Decorators Pet Services Canis et Cattus
24 & 25
28 & 29
22 3
23 39
Piano Tuning Marcus Dods
13
Plasterers A Merson Plastering
16
Plumber DJ&M Plumbing Services Ltd
19 & 47
Restaurant Bills
31
Roofing GJ Smith Roofing
11
Roller Skating Club St Albans Artistic Roller Skating Club Shutters The Harpenden Shutter Company Shuttercraft
2
17 17
Slimming Lighter Life Front Cover Vision Weight Consultancy 23
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Soft Furnishings Sue Smyth
17
13
Tree Surgeons Fircroft Tree Surgery Ltd
33
TV Repairs JB TV Services
19
Venue Hire Torrington Hall
3
13 16 47 16 40
Will Planning Westminster Wills Ltd
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Windows & Doors Cloud 9 Kings Windows
41 15
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