st albans NOW Feb 22 by wendy robertson

Pick p u me m I’ E! FRE

st albans February 2022

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Welcome to February

If like us you have lots of festive goodies left over in January and so find New Year’s resolutions tricky to keep, why not make a healthy promise in February instead, it’s just easier somehow once all the Quality Street have gone. So we’re sponsoring each other to do the BlueCross 3,125 Sit-ups Challenge, and we’ll check in with each other daily to make sure we’ve done our quota! What challenge will you set yourself this month? If you run your own business, we’d love to include you, we offer a helpful, friendly service so please give us a call.

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Out & About

Harpenden Writers

From eco essentials and gifts to eco food and wellbeing. Please visit the website for traders application details. Get Involved With Sustainable St Albans St Albans District Council have set a target to reach Net Zero by 2030. To do this the community in St Albans will need to reduce its CO2 emissions by 50,000 tonnes a year. In response, Sustainable St Albans has developed a number of initiatives which people can get involved with, please visit the website for further details. Volunteers Needed to Help Reduce St Albans District Carbon Footprint Sustainable St Albans are recruiting volunteers to join them on stalls at markets and events. They’re also need people to speak to visiting groups to help raise awareness about the climate emergency, and how to join a network of groups working to reduce the district’s CO2 emissions. To get involved call 07880 931537 or email sarah.kersey@sustainablestalbans.org www.sustainablestalbans.org

4th Feb 10am Creative Writing Tutor, Elizabeth Barber presents tips for writing satisfying flash fiction. All welcome, includes cuppa and chat about writing and writers £5 Friends' Meeting House, Southdown Road, Celebration of Speedway Harpenden AL5 1PD 20th Feb 11am - 4pm www.harpendenwriters.com Celebrate the 94th Anniversary of Speedway in the UK at Paradise Wildlife Park, the home of the Charity Fun Quiz Night National Speedway Museum. With a programme 5th Feb 7.30pm Zoom of activities from display bikes, pit lane start-ups, Soroptimist women's group quiz meeting former riders and a wide range of in aid of women's refuge Speedway memorabilia for sale. The Museum www.sigbi.org/st-albans/quiz22 and the Speedway Memorial Garden or call Jane on 07834345796 will be open throughout the event. £12.50 Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA Sustainable St Albans www.pwpark.com Borrow a Thermal Imaging Camera See where your home is leaking heat, lacking in Afternoon Tea insulation or needs draught-proofing. Attend an 27th Feb from 12 noon information session via Zoom, then borrow a Enjoy afternoon tea prepared by the in-house chefs, camera. Visit the website to book, or for help to in the beautiful Rothamsted Manor Great Drawing reduce your carbon footprint and fuel bills. Room and Library. Rarely open to the public, the St Albans 8th Feb 8pm & 22nd Feb 12.15pm Manor is a Grade I listed Jacobean Manor House Harpenden 10th Feb 8pm & 21st Feb 8pm hidden away on the Rothamsted Estate. Helping Businesses and Organisations £23.95, child £10.25. please book Reduce Carbon Emissions 16th Feb free Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2JQ Book an information session by emailing www.rothamstedenterprises.com sarah.kersey@sustainablestalbans.org Save Our Streams Repair Fair 19th Feb 2pm - 5pm Not many people know this, but the water we drink Experienced volunteers will be on hand for cycle comes from the local environment, flowing through repairs and household electricals and sewing nearby rivers and streams. SOS is the UK’s biggest repairs. Visit the website to book a time slot. ever water saving initiative, focused on saving our All Saints Church, Harpenden AL5 4UU incredibly rare chalk streams, and the habitats they 2022 Street Parties provide for local wildlife. Affinity Water have made it 23rd Feb 7pm & 28th Feb 10am online easy to get involved, with lots of free water saving Information sessions for people interested in holding devices and bespoke expert advice. Get started by a street party. Free www.ourstreetparty.org entering your postcode, it’s quicker than making a Harpenden Sustainability Market cup of tea! 20th March 10am - 3pm www.saveourstreams.co.uk

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The Great Outdoors

King's Arms Garden 27th Feb 2pm - 4pm Small charming woodland garden of about 1.5 acres created by plantsman, the late William Nourish, with trees, shrubs, a mass of snowdrops, early spring bulbs and many interesting collections throughout the year. £4, child free Brinsmade Road, Ampthill, Beds MK45 2PP www.ngs.org.uk

A Passion for Potatoes by Pippa Greenwood

February is the time of year to think about perfect potatoes and smashing spuds. Home grown National Nest Box Week potatoes are a ‘good value’ crop and you’ll find the 14th - 21st Feb so-called humble spud is actually a very tasty and Organised by the British Trust for Ornithology this versatile vegetable. week aims to encourage more people to help birds If you don’t have much space, use a 45cm diameter by putting up nest boxes. With the nesting season pot with a single tuber. Make sure the container has not far away, garden birds will be starting to prepare good drainage holes, fill it two thirds with compost, for their busiest time of year. The main nesting pop a tuber in the centre and add another couple of season runs from March to August, but rather aptly, inches of compost on top. As foliage appears, cover birds are traditionally thought to have paired up by with more compost and repeat until the container is Valentine’s Day. Many of us know how vital it is to full, then keep well watered. feed garden birds, but it's just as important to make Most potatoes produce an earlier and heavier crop if sure they have a suitable shelter and site for the seed potatoes are allowed to grow small but breeding. With natural habitats such as trees and sturdy sprouts before planting. Stand the tubers hedgerows being lost to development and the widest end up in a seed tray or old egg carton and place in a cool but frost free spot with plenty of increase in urban housing, some garden birds struggle to find a safe shelter to rear their young. natural light. After a few weeks the sprouts will be about 1cm tall, perfect for planting. However, we can all do our bit to help by putting up a nest box in the garden, which will provide them Potatoes are divided into ‘earlies’ and ‘main crop’ with a clean, warm environment to lay their eggs larger tubers, harvested later. Try ‘earlies’ if the soil and raise their chicks. hasn’t been cultivated for several years, they are in ww2.rspb.org.uk the ground for less time and are less likely to suffer from wire-worm attack. ‘Earlies’ work in smaller National Gardens Scheme gardens as they take up less space, giving you the This scheme gives visitors access to over 3,500 chance to grow another fast-maturing crop after they exceptional private gardens in the UK, and raises have been lifted. money for nursing and health charities through No crop is without its share of problems and the admissions, teas and cake. fungus responsible for potato blight can be hard to beat, especially in warm, damp years. Generally, Walkern Hall 5th Feb 12 noon - 4pm ‘earlies’ suffer less with blight and you can select A winter woodland garden set in 8 acres, with a carpet of snowdrops and aconites that is a source varieties which show resistance to the infection such as Valor, Lady Balfour, Coleen, Sarpo Mira and of wonder in January and February. This medieval hunting park is known more for its established trees Sarpo Axona. Slugs are also a menace, tunneling into the tubers’ such as the tulip trees and the magnificent London plane tree which dominates the garden. Following on flesh and sometimes hollowing them out completely. The biological control nematode Nemaslug works in March and April is a stunning display of daffodils under the soil surface, has a brilliant effect and and other spring bulbs. £5, child free, please book poses no threat to wildlife. Walkern, Stevenage SG2 7JA Hornbeams 20th Feb 2pm - 5pm A half acre garden with a wildlife pond and bog, and a woodland grove of birches under-planted with cyclamen and dwarf bulbs. £5, child free Priory Drive, Stanmore HA7 3HN 1 Elia Cottage 18th Feb 12.30pm - 4:30pm A third acre garden where early spring combines snowdrops, hellebores and crocus. The garden has a pond, cascade water features, a stream with a Monet-style bridge, seating, two summerhouses and a half acre area opposite with snowdrops. There will also be a garden quiz. £5, child free Nether Street, Ware SG12 8TH 6

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How to reduce heat loss from your home - ‘The fabric first approach’ We all know that we are being asked to to identify areas of excessive heat loss in your on the way to creating an eco-friendly do ‘our bit’ in being more eco-friendly. home building, using thermographic equipment is a How can we achieve this in our homes? A family asked EcoTiffin to do just that and after enlisting their help, they commented: “EcoTiffin saved us 37% in energy bills whilst increasing our square footage by 35%, giving us a warm and welcoming home.” Moisture in brickwork is the worst possible ingredient to have in your property and every effort should be made to prevent the ingress of moisture. Moisture in the brickwork reduces the bricks thermal capacity to retain heat and it has a chilling effect like a fridge on your home. Solid brick walls are by far the worst. Remember; wet walls are cold walls! The fabric first approach is essential when improving insulation to roofs, walls, floors and windows which are just some of the ways of reducing heat-loss. The use of thermography (thermal imaging) is an exciting and relatively new application in the building world. If you want

good place to start.

Robert Tiffin (descendant of the original family) and highly respected building expert and Quantity Surveyor, has seen a rise in the number of families wanting to make their homes work more efficiently by reducing heat loss. Evidence from thermograms help to provide much of the data to substantiate Robert’s bespoke reports for each property in “seeing the unseen”. To the trained eye, the results can reveal important information enabling a clear diagnosis. Homeowners can look forward to maximising their comfort to a warm, cosy and cost effective, healthier environment for themselves and their families.

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Ends and Talks Back on his first ever solo tour, in a show guaranteed to be funnier than Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy! Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens As Eric & Ern 22nd Feb 7.30pm A brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise, full of Abbey Theatre those famous comedy sketches, from Grieg’s Piano After Electra Concerto, Mr Memory…’Arsenal’, to the paper bag 28th Jan - 5th Feb 8pm & 30th Jan 2.30pm trick! Bringing you sunshine with their most loved Virgie, an eccentric free spirit of the 60s, invites her routines, songs and sketches and of course a family and friends to a birthday celebration. This play musical guest. This show hits all the right notes! explores big themes in a way that’s entertaining and Totally Tina 26th Feb 7.30pm deeply moving, and contains strong language Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme and adult themes. Tina, Justine Riddoch and her talented cast. This One Man, Two Guvnors recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates 25th Feb - 5th March 8pm & 27th Feb 2.30pm the golden anniversary of the Tina’s signature It’s 1960s Brighton and the bumbling and tune Proud Mary. Her no-holds-barred take of the permanently hungry Francis Henshall becomes song established a reputation for fearsome live minder to local gangster, Roscoe Crabbe and performances, and those never-ending legs! upper-class criminal Stanley Stubbers. Chaos Peter Pan - Tiny Mites 27th Feb reigns as Henshall struggles to keep his two Fly with Peter and Wendy to Neverland, with original ‘guvnors’ apart, not knowing that Roscoe is actually dead, killed by Stubbers, and is being impersonated songs and puppets in this interactive, quirky, fun and fast paced show. With colourful characters, beautiful by his sister! A glorious celebration of British bubbles, magic tricks and original songs, this fun comedy, laugh-out-loud satire, slapstick humour, show is perfect for young children and their families. mistaken identity, brilliant characters, superb www.radlettcentre.co.uk one-liners and toe-tapping songs. 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk Barn Theatre A Bunch of Amateurs The Radlett Centre 4th - 12th Feb 8pm & 12th Feb 2.30pm Richard Jones - BGT Magician 1st Feb They wished for a star…then wished they hadn’t! Richard was the winner of Britain's Got Talent, and is a British Army soldier as well as one of the world’s Deliciously stuffed with Shakespeare…it’s a laugh-a-minute. greatest magicians in The Magic Circle. He endeavours to break the boundaries of the mind with Sydney and the Old Girl his ‘magic with meaning’, debuting a further twist on 16th - 19th Feb 8pm Taut psychological drama. A mother and son at his newest, awe-inspiring magic. war with each other, with neither prepared to lose Someone Like You - The Adele Story 3rd Feb a single battle. A stunning live concert performance, celebrating 01707 324300 www.barntheatre.co.uk the music of one of our generations’ finest

NOW for your Entertainment

singer-songwriters. Oh No, George! 4th & 5th Feb A playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation. Adapted from the awardwinning book by Chris Haughton, this show uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s joyful escapades to life. Age 3+ Clive Anderson : Me Macbeth & I 19th Feb 7.30pm The host of Whose Line Is It Anyway, Loose 18

Eric Morecambe Centre

Oh What A Night 4th Feb 7.30pm Go back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with classics such as Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Bye Bye Baby and many more. Don’t miss this ultimate celebration of one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands. £24.50 & £22.50

A Night Out With Sanjeev Bhaskar 6th Feb 7pm Actor, comedian, writer and presenter Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE is best known as co-creator and star of TV comedies, Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No.42 and his role in the ITV drama Unforgotten. In this rare live appearance, he will be talking about his incredible career and revealing the stories behind his most famous sketches, series and roles. With a Q&A at the end. £31.50 Roy Ayers Ubiquity 18th Feb 7pm The band are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their seminal 1975 album Mystic Voyage, which has been sampled countless times in Hip Hop over the years and was one of the foundations of the flourishing Jazz-Funk scene which developed in the 70’s. £25 & £30 Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2HU www.the-emc.co.uk

Come and Sing - Verdi Requiem

5th Feb Workshop 1pm Performance 6pm An open workshop hosted by Harpenden Choral Society, with a free public performance, to book tickets please email tickets@harpendenchoralsociety.org www.harpendenchoralsociety.org

Lulu & the Hullabaloos

5th Feb 7pm Jazz with a swing, mellow ballads, lively Latin and more. Vocals accompanied by guitar or keys, double bass, saxophone, flute and drums. £20 Lourdes Hall, Harpenden AL5 1PD www.lemonrock.com

Scottish Fantasies

6th Feb 4pm A wintry-themed concert of music inspired by Scotland, the de Havilland Philharmonic will perform the beautifully lyrical Bruch Scottish Fantasy with solo violin partnered by Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances, to musically create a picture of Scotland. Mendelssohn visited Scotland and was inspired not only to write his hugely popular Hebrides Overture, but also Symphony No.3, known as the Scottish Symphony. £18, concs £15 UHArts, Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU www.uharts.co.uk

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the Musical

8th Feb 7.30pm Based on the popular 1988 film, this show takes us to the French Rivera for high jinks and hilarity. Sophisticated suave with a good dash of mischief, this hysterical comedy features a delightfully jazzy score by David Yazbek and was nominated for a staggering 11 Tony Awards. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. Age 13+ £20, concs £16 Markova Theatre, Tring Park School HP23 5LX www.renniegrove.org

Berkeley Jazz

11th Feb 8pm A quintet of experienced Jazz musicians playing cool Jazz classics, smooth and lively Latin grooves and some Blues. Harpenden Arms, Harpenden AL5 2TR www.lemonrock.com

The Sandpit Theatre

Spontaneous Potter Kidz 12th Feb 2.30pm £12, £10 age 8+ Spontaneous Potter 12th Feb 7.30pm £16, £14 age 16+ Grab your wands and don your house robes, for this magical improv show, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. See an entirely new Potter adventure magically improvised on the spot, with live musical accompaniment. Note: This is an unofficial show that is not endorsed by or affiliated with Warner Bros, JK Rowling or her publishers. www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

The Portobello Jazz Band

13th Feb 1pm A traditional New Orleans / Dixieland jazz band playing music from the 20's. The band was founded in 1997, and quickly established itself on the UK jazz scene. They have played at jazz festivals in France, Italy and Ireland, as well as having held residencies at a number of London venues. Lemsford Village Hall, WGC AL8 7TT www.lemonrock.com

Battle of The Bands

15th Feb 8pm The bands that will be performing are No Comply, Sweet Coins and Something-in-Between, the audience can vote for their favourite, and then the winning band will be announced. £7 The Horn, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

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NOW for the Kids Imagine Children's Festival

9th - 20th Feb The largest festival of its kind in the UK dedicated to families enjoying all sorts of art and culture together, It has over 160 events packed into 12 days, with more than 50% of them being free. The Festival has children's theatre, comedy, music, literature and dance, and is all about unlocking creativity, celebrating the individuality of every child and bringing families together. This year it’s focusing on wellbeing and mindfulness, with a wide range of access-friendly events. Southbank Centre, London SE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Half Term Explorer Quest

12th - 20th Feb 10am - 5pm Get fit for history with this outdoor explorer quest. Track down the fun-filled challenges around the site while getting active in the fresh air. Entry included in admission price .£13.90, child £8.40, please book Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Love Heart Mosaic Making

14th Feb 10am & 11.30am Select your colours of glass and embellishments to make a unique design and have a go at using professional mosaic making tools to snip your glass. At the end of the session take your mosaic away with step by step instructions and have a go at grouting your lovely heart at home once your glue has dried giving you another craft activity to do at home during half term. All welcome £12 Greenwood Park Pavilion, St. Albans AL2 3HW www.montetdesigns.co.uk

Feb Fest

Unless otherwise stated all events are at the Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY Sunshine various times 14th Feb Stockwood Discovery Centre LU14LX 15th Feb Wardown Museum & Gallery LU2 7HA All Mr Sand wanted to do was relax and enjoy the sea air on his skin and the sunshine on his face. 20

But he didn’t know he would have to share the beach with someone else. This interactive clowning spectacle, with a huge heart is fun for all the family. £8.50 Imagination Station 14th - 18th Feb 11am - 3pm Activities including arts and crafts, face-painting, storytelling, music and more, free drop-in for young people of all ages. Josephine 15th Feb 11.30am & 2pm With a sultry, Harlem Renaissance-inspired score, spring-heeled Charleston dancing and a hatful of historical figures, Josephine blurs the real with the imagined, as we follow one woman’s incredible journey from the slums of St Louis via the bright lights of Paris and into the hearts of the world. Hotline 16th Feb 6pm Presented by NGYT's Meraki Dance Company. Call in at your peril, listen in, but try not to laugh and prepare to sit uncomfortably as these young dancers tackle the very things that the small minded often ridicule and shame. The Dark 17th Feb 2pm Follow a brave young boy on his journey to meet the darkness in his basement, and watch as he eventually learns to befriend it. £8.50, age 5+ Little Murmur 18th Feb various times Based on the true story of one child’s struggle with letters and words. £8.,50, age 7+ www.culturetrust.com

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Caring & Sharing

activities. It is widely accepted in society that with appropriate support and education, suicide can be prevented. Friday Coffee Mornings ASIST 8th & 9th Feb 8.45am & Craft Fayres A workshop in suicide first aid, teaching you how 28th Jan & 25th Feb 10.30am until noon to recognise when someone may have thoughts Pop along for a coffee and a chat if you’d like of suicide and how to work with them to create a to find out more about The Hospice of St Francis plan that will support their immediate safety. and the work they do. All proceeds from the Zentangle 9th Feb 9.30am craft fayres go to the Hospice. This drawing method is a relaxing and fun way Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted HP4 3GW to create beautiful images by drawing structured www.stfrancis.org.uk patterns called tangles. It can help you to relax Raising £10K for Life’s Great Causes and rest your mind. Ashtons Estate Agents are fundraising to reach Talk Safe, Plan Safe - A Suicide Crisis this year’s target of £10k which they will donate to Training 10th Feb 6pm online local charities. They would love you to help them An opportunity to gain skills and knowledge decide which charities from the 20 shortlisted to help you to prevent suicide. deserve a little extra financial support this year. www.theolliefoundation.org An online poll is open until 4th February to vote 3,125 Sit-ups Challenge for your favourite charity. Ashtons will distribute the funds 50% / 30% / 20% As the Bluecross reach their 125th anniversary, to the top 3 charities. There’s no need to bungee they’re asking pet lovers to take on a 3,125 Sit-ups in February Challenge to help them jump or bathe in baked beans to raise money, continue providing the vital specialist care that simply cast your vote online. Find out more about the campaign and this year’s vulnerable pets need. Charity Calendar at www.lifesgreatcauses.co.uk Join an amazing community of fundraisers, and register for your official free t-shirt. Do it wherever Watford Half Marathon and however you like. It’s free to take part and there’s no maximum sponsorship required, just & Family Fun Run raise as much as you. 6th Feb Have you got what it takes to complete this Half Marathon: 10.30am challenge, or do you know someone who has, Family Fun Run: 9.30am if so why not spread the word to see who else Those looking for a challenge can take on this wants to take part. scenic Half Marathon which takes you on a Together, we will change pets lives. rewarding route through the country lanes of www.bluecross.org.uk Watford. To make the event more sustainable they will be paying to plant one tree for every Volunteer at Home-Start £100 received in entry fees. The new Family Fun Home-Start is a local community network of Run is open to all ages, and is a 1.8km run within trained volunteers and expert support, helping Cassiobury Park. The Half Marathon is in support families with young children through challenging of Peace Hospice Care, Watford, and the Fun times. They are there for parents when they need Run in support of Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. help the most because childhood can’t wait. Entry £10 Home-Start needs your help; if you can spare as Cassiobury Park Avenue, Watford WD18 7HF little as an hour a week, you could help parents www.activetrainingworld.co.uk not just survive but thrive during this crisis. As a volunteer, you will be given training and The OLLIE Foundation support, to be effective and make a real A charity dedicated to delivering suicide difference to families in your community. awareness, intervention and prevention training, by empowering professionals and young adults in You will also develop transferable skills which their own communities to lead suicide prevention can support you in your life, whether at home or work.

Join their family of 10,000 trained volunteers, supporting 56,000 children and 27,000 families a year. You can help make the difference. www.home-start.org.uk

Give Your Time & Make a Difference

Rennie Grove Hospice Care are always looking for new volunteers, from working in their shops to helping patients as a Supporting Hands volunteer, or using your skills in any number of different roles, you can: Help support the Hospice’s care to people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families during a difficult time. Challenge yourself to try something different; learn new skills, gain experience and boost your career into the bargain. Meet new people and work as a team to achieve something worthwhile together. Enhance your health and wellbeing achieving a goal can have a positive impact on your mental health and how you feel about yourself. Whatever your reason, Rennie Grove would love you to join their team of 1,300 committed and dedicated volunteers. www.renniegrove.org

with people who can provide one, and it's all based on trust and respect, and works via Facebook and the website. 'Cooks' post meals on private groups, and 'Recipients' (privately) request that meal. No one else on the group has to know you've requested the meal. Cooks can also offer a meal via the Provide a Meal form, and recipients can also request a meal via the Request a Meal form. There are over 70 UK and international groups, with over 7,000 members and it’s entirely non profit. You can also help families in need by donating to the Grocery Fund. Facebook @FreeMyMealUK www.freemymeal.co.uk

British Heart Foundation

From quality clothing and accessories to collectables, tech or jewellery, you can donate these items by posting them free of charge to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help raise money for life changing research. BHF fund over £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them, Strokes, Vascular Dementia and Diabetes. Simply download a freepost label, to print at home or at your nearest participating Collect+ store, where you can drop off your parcel. www.bhf.org.uk

Free My Meal

Free My Meal creates connections between people who need a meal, UK registered charity no. 297489

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See the Snowdrops

If you fancy walking through carpets of snowdrops, there are local parks, gardens and woods where you can see these botanical beauties. Benington Lordship 5th - 27th Feb 11am - 4pm Every year the gardens here are carpeted in naturalised snowdrops around the remains of the Norman keep and surrounding moat. Hellebores, aconites and winter flowering shrubs are also in flower, as well as the coloured stems of acers, cornus and willow around the ponds. Two main species of snowdrop make up the spectacular display, the single common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis and double Galanthus nivalis flore pleno. The snowdrop walk which runs along the wall at the top of the moat, was planted in the early twentieth century by the present owner’s family. Over the years, a collection of rare and unusual snowdrops has developed and many of these special plants can be found growing in the borders. There will also be a limited number of hellebores for sale. £7, child £3 www. beningtonlordship.co.uk Heartwood Forest Stroll through sprinklings of snowdrops, while taking one of the easy-to-manage walks for even the littlest of legs! Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ www.heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk Ashridge Estate With 5,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills and woodland there are plenty of walks to choose from, where you’re sure to find patches of perky little snowdrops on your way. After your walk why not visit The Brownlow Café for a takeaway hot chocolate and a slice of cake. Berkhamsted HP4 1NS www.ashridgehouse.org.uk 24

NOW at the Cathedral

Organ Concert 2nd Feb 12.30pm With Parish Organist, Christopher Muhley Free, with collection in aid of Cathedral music funds. Handel Coronation Anthems 12th Feb 7.30pm With The Sixteen Choir and Orchestra and conductor, Harry Christophers. One of Handel’s first tasks as a naturalised British Citizen was to write the music for the Coronation of the new monarch, King George II. The result was four majestic anthems, perfectly capturing the pomp and grandeur of the occasion, and a celebration of the baroque era at its grandest and most opulent and glorious. £30 - £12 More to Explore Tour: The Victorian Abbey Gilbert Scott, the Forgotten Architect 13th Feb 1.30pm Not forgotten nationally, Scott built the St Pancras Hotel and helped restore many English cathedrals. But what he did in St Albans is comparatively unknown, discover what he did here and how he saved the tower from collapse. Free, please book Elgar The Black Knight, Parry De Profundis 26th Feb 7.30pm Hertfordshire Chorus presents two rarely performed works by two of our greatest romantic English composers. Elgar’s The Black Knight, and Parry’s De Profundis are accompanied by more familiar works by the two composers. £30 - £14 Aled Jones: Blessings 28th Feb 7.30pm Featuring Carly Paoli, TV presenter and former choir boy Aled Jones performs a mix of inspirational songs. During his outstanding 30 year career he has sung for the Pope and the Royal Family, received an MBE, released over 30 albums and has over 40 silver, gold and platinum discs. His career started aged 12, when he became one of the world’s most successful boy sopranos, with Walking in the Air, the hit song from Christmas film, The Snowman. He’s also had an extensive career as a presenter on BBC Radio 2 and 3, Classic FM and his own show, ITV Weekend. £35 - £20 www.stalbanscathedral.org

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Walks & Talks

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Walks are free, led by qualified volunteers and graded between 20-30 minutes (first steps) and 90 minutes (grade 4) please arrive 15 minutes before the start time Highfield Park YMCA Highfield Park Centre 59 Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB Mondays 9.30am, grade 2-3 Wheathampstead East Lane car park, behind The Bull pub AL4 8BL Tuesdays 10.30am, grade 3 Harpenden Conference Centre car park, Rothamsted Research, West Common AL5 2JQ Thursdays 10.30am, grade 4 Highfield Park Centre YMCA, Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB Tuesdays 1.30pm, first steps & grade 2-3 Greenwood Park Community Centre, St Albans AL2 3HW Fridays 2pm, grade 2-3 Batford Marquis Lane car park, Harpenden AL5 5AA 5th Feb 2pm, grade 4 Bricket Wood Riverside Way car park, Bricket Wood AL2 3TX 20th Feb 10.30am, grade 3-4 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust Urban Peregrines 3rd Feb 7pm online Learn about these amazing hunters, and residents of skyscrapers and tall buildings across Hertfordshire, with naturalist and author, Ed Drewitt. Please book, suggested donation £5 Introduction to Coppicing 8th Feb 10am Discover the history of one of our oldest traditional woodland management techniques, and try your hand at coppicing willow and hazel. Learn why coppicing is used on the reserves and the key species that will benefit from such work. £10, adults only, please book Stocker's Lake, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB Great Crested Newts: Natural History and Surveying 9th Feb 7pm online 26

A fascinating look at the evolution, biology, distribution and natural history of the great crested newt. £10, please book Wildfowl of King's Meads 11th Feb 2pm Watch wetland birds over the meads as the sun sets. Suggested donation £5 King's Meads, Ware SG12 9XD Learn to Draw Nature Zentangles 15th Feb 2pm online The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by focussing on patterns and shapes found in nature; waves, leaves, flowers and more. This should give you an and increased focus and sense of well-being. No drawing experience needed, just pens, pencil and paper. All ages, £15 Butterfly Identification 23rd Feb 7pm online Can you tell your orange tip from your red admiral, a marbled white from a speckled wood, or do you just want to brush up on your skipper skills? This is essential training if you want to join a butterfly survey team, but also has plenty for the enthusiast, and brings a touch of summer colour into February. You will cover Hertfordshire's common species and place them into an ecological context. Suggested donation £5 King's Meads Pop-Up Event 18th Feb 10am - 3pm Drop in and visit the Herts Wildlife stand on a wintery walk at King's Meads Nature Reserve. King's Meads, Ware SG12 9XD www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

St Albans Tour Guide Walks Ghosts and Ghouls 3rd & 17th Feb 7.30pm Historic St Albans 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th Feb 11.15am £6 per person, please book www.ticketsource.co.uk www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Guided Tours: Luton Hoo Walled Garden

9th & 23rd Feb 10am Enjoy the tranquillity of the ancient private landscape not usually open to the public, discover its history and learn about the Bedfordshire landscape designed by Capability Brown. The walk is about six miles with plenty of chances to take photos of the beautiful countryside, and will take place in all weathers. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Meet in the Walled Garden car park £10, please book. Use postcode LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

St Albans

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NOW at the Alban Arena

Henning Wehn - It’ll All Come Out In the Wash 19th Feb 8pm Watch the German Comedy Ambassador give everything a good rinse and witness him wring sense out of the nonsensical. Henning has no agenda, he just happens to be always spot on! The Bowie Collective 1st Feb 7.30pm An incredible trip through the finest work of David An Evening with Dolly Parton 20th Feb 7.30pm Bowie as this group of rock musicians, artists and This Rags to Rhinestones Story is a smash hit performers recreate Bowie’s most iconic dynamic theatre production widely accepted as the recordings in exquisite detail against a spellworld’s foremost tribute show to Dolly Parton.  binding backdrop of lights and visual magic. Performed by the award-winning Julia Martin, described as totally authentic in every way, Ross Noble - HUMOURNOID capturing Dolly’s incredible stage presence, 2nd & 3rd Feb 8pm mannerisms, charisma and unique comedy What happens when pure comedy takes human one-liners as well as delivering a spectacular form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because evening of entertainment. that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble Superslam Wrestling 21st Feb 7.30pm doing a show, that you can come and see! Promising to be an evening of non-stop action when all your favourite Superslam heroes and Roy Orbison & The Traveling Wilburys villains meet. Experience 4th Feb 7.30pm Now in its eighth successful year this hit Sir Ranulph Fiennes 22nd Feb 7.30pm production has wowed audiences with their Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, offering uncanny visual, vocal and musical resemblances a personal journey through Sir Ranulph’s life, to the original band members. And with the spanning his early childhood and school Traveling Wilburys never actually going on tour, misdemeanours, his army life, the Transglobe perhaps due to the untimely death of Roy Orbison, Expedition and his current Global Reach this is a your chance to enjoy a live Traveling Challenge; making him a pioneer of exploration Wilburys Experience. with an unparalleled story to tell. An Evening with Sir Geoff Hurst Jason Manford: Like Me 23rd Feb 7.30pm 13th Feb 7.30pm It’s been a busy few years for Jason, since his last Geoff will talk amusingly about his illustrious West smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Ham and England career with his great friend and Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed agent Terry Baker asking the questions. comedian hasn’t changed a bit. ‘Like Me’ is sure to be ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian) Reginald D Hunter - Bombe Shuffleur mixed with ‘comic gold’ (Mail on Sunday). 14th Feb 8pm Reginald D Hunter is back and there’s no time for Fairport Convention 24th Feb 7.30pm niceties. Unafraid to tackle head on the subjects This year’s tour will present a mix of longthe rest of us skirt around, Reginald is the voice of established Fairport favourites and some surprises his generation, searingly honest, brutally funny from albums old and new including their latest and uniquely placed to commentate on the album, Shuffle & Go, which was released just unfolding meltdown of life as we know it. before ‘lockdown’ in 2020. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever 15th Feb 7.30pm 26th & 27th Feb 10am, 1pm & 4pm Embark on a thrilling night of adventure with a Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show brand-new collection of short films from the world’s packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really most prestigious mountain film festival! is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans!

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Spotlight Talks 13th Feb 1.30pm: Caroline Pearce 23rd Feb 1.30pm: Jennifer Taylor Join members of the local Jewish community whose family objects are displayed in the Arriving & Belonging exhibition to find out about the personal stories behind the objects. Each object, from a painting hidden in an Amsterdam annexe to a family prayer book, tells a story linking to universal themes of sanctuary, courage, compassion, setting down roots, work and community. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

NOW at the Museums

St Albans Museum + Gallery

City Winterscapes until 28th Feb This community arts project which champions local artists work will be on display on the Museum + Gallery railings. There are 10 pieces including work by world-renowned artist, Alan Rogers, whose cut-out animated films made him famous with Pigeon Street, Bod, Rub-a-DubDub, Rosie & Jim, Bonny, Banana & Mo and many more. Fibre and Form until 17th April An exhibition of sculptural textile work by acclaimed Hertfordshire artist Anna Ray. Free Chaos Dancing Cosmos until 6th March Artist Rosana Antoli has used 2km of rubber and copper piping, in this installation that pervades the space like a pulsating 3D drawing. Small motors bestow movement upon the static rubber tubing creating a human characteristic to an inanimate object. Free Exhibition: Arriving & Belonging 4th Feb - 15th May Connect with individual experiences of Jewish people in Britain and see how they became part of St Albans. Their fascinating stories bring to life the universal themes of sanctuary, courage, compassion, work and community. Explore the timeline of Jewish life in St Albans and England and take a virtual stroll around the city to see where the Jewish community settled, and learn how its members have contributed to the wider community and listen to their stories. Artist Talk: Anna Ray 10th Feb 7pm online Join UH Arts + Culture to hear from artist Anna Ray as she discusses her practice and the artworks in her current solo exhibition, Fibre and Form. There will be a Q&A at the end. Free, please book

Verulamium Museum

Meet a Roman Soldier 12th, 14th, 15th & 17th - 19th Feb 2.30pm Meet Decanus Laurentius Calvus Petronius, a Roman Soldier posted to Verulamium during the rebellion of Boudicca. Make a Mosaic 16th Feb 10.30am - 1pm Be inspired by the wonderful mosaics on display and create your own mosaic coaster, dolphin or cat with professional mosaicist, Audrey Montet. Children must be accompanied by an adult, age 6+ £10, please book www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Tring Natural History Museum

Wildlife Photographer of the Year until 19th June An exhibition showcasing a selection of images recording the beauty and fragility of wildlife, from tiny insects to massive mammals. Please book, free Workshop: Bumblebee Needle Felting 10th Feb 7pm Create a wonderful needle-felted bumblebee mounted in a tin, like a true felter entomologist. Enjoy the tranquillity of the galleries after dark. Led by artists from Felt and Dandy, this workshop is for beginners interested in learning the basics of needle-felting, as well as for enthusiastic felters. £20 The Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Mill Green Museum

Beginner's Bread Making Workshop 21st Feb Join Paul Barker, professional artisan Master Baker to learn how to make a rustic wholemeal loaf using the Mill's stoneground, organic wholemeal flour. He’ll lead you through the stages of bread making, explaining the reason behind the different techniques. You can also take a guided tour of the Mill with the Miller and see how the flour is milled. Tea and coffee will be provided. www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk

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Out of Town

Collection, Swiss Garden, Lakeside Parkland, Shrubbery and Woodland Walk. £16 Engineering Open Workshop 18th - 20th Feb See inside the Shuttleworth Collection workshops, see the projects on the go and meet professional and volunteer members of the engineering teams. The Collection’s engineers operate, maintain, rebuild and restore the world’s most diverse collection of working, vintage and veteran: cars; aeroplanes; motorbikes; bicycles; buses; steam and agricultural equipment. £16 RAF London Spitfire Sit In Experience The Vulcan and Cold War Experience 18th - 20th Feb time slots from 10.20am until 29th Oct Enjoy the chance to sit in the 1941 Supermarine Explore two of the Cold War’s most iconic aircraft; Spitfire MK VC, the most famous of all the WWII the Avro Vulcan B.2. and the McDonnell Douglas fighter planes which was used to escort USA air Phantom FGR.2 which between them tell a story of force bombers between 1942 and 1943. It has the uncertainty and tension that loomed over the world livery of the original squadron it served, No 310 for decades. You can take a seat in the cockpit of (Czech) Squadron based at nearby Duxford. £20 the Vulcan and the pilot’s seat of the Phantom. This Wedding Show 27th Feb 11am is a rare opportunity to experience what it was like to Set in 425 acres of historic parkland, Shuttleworth fly these great aircraft. You will also be given a full offers a wide range of wedding options to help you ground tour, and get up close to other significant celebrate your special day. Cold War aircraft and hear fascinating real-life www.shuttleworth.org stories of the people who flew them. £50 www.rafmuseum.org.uk Bletchley Park Half Term Fun: Codebreaking Puzzles and More Waddesdon Manor 12th - 25th Feb 11am Exhibition: Illumination: Works by Leo Villareal Get ready for a special mission, pick-up your Top 2nd - 6th & 19th - 27th Feb 11am - 4pm Secret Mission Pack and explore Bletchley Park Showcasing work by American light artist Leo solving various puzzles and challenges. Villareal and celebrating the completion of £1, plus admission cost ‘Illuminated River’, the longest public art commission www.bletchleypark.org.uk in the world, lighting the nine central London bridges across the Thames. Free with grounds admission IWM Duxford Virtual Wine Tasting: Our Favourite Duxford In a Different Light: The Spitfire Special Wines of 2021 4th Feb 7pm online 19th Feb 4pm Led by experts Andrew Bloomer and Ollie Waddon Enjoy the chance to photograph 12 Spitfires up who will be live from the cellars at Waddesdon, as close using innovative lighting techniques as the they explore five new wines. Each booking will aircraft in the current exhibition, ‘Spitfire: Evolution of receive five bottles of wine, tasting and technical an Icon’ will be illuminated to create evocative notes and ideas for food pairings, ensuring you’ve opportunities for your photographs. everything needed for an enjoyable evening. As well as the Spitfires, the aircraft and exhibits Please book, £59.95 plus P&P inside the main display space will also be lit up allowing you to capture some of Duxford’s incredible Half-Term Activities collection of British and Commonwealth aircraft. £50 19th - 23rd Feb 10am - 4pm www.iwm.org.uk Explore the grounds and discover the animals of Waddesdon on a Birds and Beasts Trail. Bring out your wild side and get exploring along Miss Alice’s Drive. Complete the trail and claim your souvenir. £3.50 per trail plus normal grounds admission www.waddesdon.org.uk

Shuttleworth

House Tour 9th Feb 10am Explore the stunning ground floor of Shuttleworth House and learn about its rich history. £20 Scale Model Exhibition 13th Feb 10am With model exhibitors and trade stands located in the engineering hangar. Tickets include entry to the 32

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Education Kumon

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Painters & Decorators CB Decorators M & M Decorators

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Plasterer Jason Moffat

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