st albans NOW Feb 23

Welcome to February

Spring is on it’s way, with snowdrops galore and daffodils and crocuses starting to pop up, as gardens and parks spring back into life. There’s so much to look forward to and so many places to visit and things to do this month, that we’ve squeezed in as much as we can, make sure to have a good look through to see what you’d like to do!

If you run your own business we’d love to include you too, it’s so easy just book your space online today!

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

Out & About

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust

Winter Tree Identification Workshop

4th Feb 10am - 3.30pm

Learn how to identify trees in their winter state using bud and twig characteristics. Then take a 2-3 mile walk around Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve to put into practice your learning. Bring a packed lunch, £9 Cassiobury Park Watford WD18 7LG

Talk: Living Rivers of Hertfordshire

7th Feb 7.30pm online

Our county is home to one of the rarest environments on earth; learn about its fascinating origins, special wildlife and how people are working together across Hertfordshire and beyond to protect chalk rivers from the threats they face. Aimed at adults but all ages welcome, free, but suggested donation £3

What's Beneath Our Feet At Panshanger Park? 21st Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm Join volunteer Jane for a 3k walk around the park to delve into its geological past and present. Wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Suitable for adults and older children. Dogs on leads welcome Panshanger Park, Hertford www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

In Focus Showcase

5th Feb 10am - 4pm free Try and test out the collection of ‘In Focus’ telescopes and binoculars in the hide, with demonstrations of how the kit works and experts on hand for advice. Wildlife Discovery Centre, Fishers Green at Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Sustainable St Albans

Borrow a Thermal Imaging Camera

Identifying draughts in your home will help reduce your energy bills and focus your insulation efforts. Book a free information zoom session if you would like to borrow a camera.

St Albans: 7th Feb 12.15pm & 23rd Feb 8pm Harpenden: 7th Feb 8pm & 16th Feb 8pm

Climate Champions Talks

Are you looking to implement a carbon reduction plan for the new year? If so Sustainable St Albans can help with their team of Climate Champs available to visit your business, group or school to provide advice and information on climate change and sustainability. www.sustainablestalbans.org

Make History at Wrest Park

11th - 19th Feb 10am - 4pm

Join characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands-on shenanigans. Meet historic performers and have a go at modern archaeology activities. Discover over 90 acres of beautiful gardens and enjoy the children's play area. Admission charges apply. Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Artisan Food, Arts and Crafts Fair

12th

Feb 11am free entry

A unique shopping experience with a selection of handmade crafts, food and drinks held in the Mossman Galleries. The galleries hold one of the largest carriage collections in Europe, why not enjoy them while you’re there.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Luton Hoo Estate Walk 15th Feb 10am

Enjoy the long vistas and tranquillity of this ancient landscape on this guided walk led by members of the Walled Garden Project’s research team. The walk will be approximately 6 miles and take at last 3 hours with plenty of opportunities to take pictures of the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. Meet at the Walled Garden car park, £15 please book

Talk: Water on the Estate: 18th- 21st Centuries 24th Feb 11am, please book, £7.50

Luton Hoo Estate, Luton LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

RSPB - Why Not Get Involved

There are over 140 RSPB adult and youth groups around the UK. So whether you’re five or fifty, you can connect with wildlife, make new friends and help in the fight to save nature. The volunteer-led groups are the face and voice of the RSPB in the community. By getting involved you can:

- Get fit and healthy doing practical conservation work both on and off reserves

- Learn identification skills for birds and other wildlife

- Enjoy illustrated talks and the company of like-minded people

- Help young people to connect and take action for nature

- Attend local events and fundraisers

- Share your enthusiasm for nature

There are groups in Harpenden and St Albans, just visit the website to find out more www.rspb.org.uk

Out & About

IWM Duxford

Hurricane Unsung Hero Exhibition: until 19th Feb

Celebrating one of WW2’s most hard-working fighter aircraft, the Hawker Hurricane. Often overlooked in favour of the Spitfire, the Hurricane accounted for 60% of air victories in the Battle of Britain. With only 14 airworthy Hurricanes remaining in the world, get up close to 7 examples, brought together under one roof for the first time.

Hurricane Unsung Hero Tour: Weds & Fridays until 19th Feb 11.30am & 2.30pm £15 Exploring the history and the unique stories behind the aircraft on display. Go behind the ropes of the ‘Hurricane Unsung Hero’ exhibition to get even closer to these iconic aircraft.

Duxford in a Different Light 4th Feb from 4.15pm £50

Head to AirSpace after-hours to photograph the 'Hurricane: Unsung Hero' exhibition. The aircraft will be lit up with coloured and white lighting to create memorable photography moments. For experienced photographers, please bring a camera and tripod.

IWM in Conversation: The Hurricane Conference 18th Feb £40 Hear from a Hurricane pilot and engineer about flying and maintaining the aircraft. Discover what made it such a powerful enemy destroyer during WW2 and hear from Jim Nicolson whose uncle flew Hurricanes and was the only Fighter Command pilot in WW2 to receive the Victoria Cross.

IWM Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery St Peters Street AL1 3DH

Invisible Threads until 12th March The world is full of invisible threads linking places, people and time, themes include a well worn walking route and the fraying thread of memory. Free Exhibition: Henry Moore: Drawing in the Dark until 16th April 11am - 5pm

Curious Crimes until Nov 11am - 5pm

Ex-offenders investigate historical Court Records and interpret the cases through art. Free Sketching Masterclass with Artist Lyn Bird 15th Feb 11am & 2pm

Taking inspiration from Henry Moore’s drawings, learn drawing and painting skills in pencil, charcoal and watercolour. £10, ages 7-15 years Soap Carving 16th Feb 11am - 4pm

Take inspiration from Henry Moore’s sculptures and carve your own soap sculpture, figurine or design. £3, age 4+ accompanied by an adult

Printing Workshop with Artist Louise Green 22nd Feb 12 noon - 4pm

Try printing techniques including collagraph, press and monoprinting. Presented by H’Arts in Mind. Please book, free, age 16+

Verulamium Museum

St Michael's St, St Albans AL3 4SW

Exhibition: All About Us 13th Feb-19th March

Celebrating the creativity of the learning-disabled community locally. Presented by Trestle Theatre Company it showcases film, words and art in a sensory, immersive journey. Free Mosaic Making Workshop 14th Feb 10.30am, 11.25am, 12.20pm £7.50, age 4+ www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Shuttleworth Engineering Open Workshop

4th & 5th Feb 10am £19.50

Explore the Shuttleworth Collection engineering workshops, see aviation projects first-hand and meet the professional and volunteer engineering teams.

Access All Areas and Lunch with Chief Engineer 9th Feb 10.30am £51

A backstage tour around the world famous Shuttleworth Collection. Get up close to the exhibits and learn each one’s story from the man responsible for running and maintaining this historic collection.

Scale Model Exhibition 12th Feb 10am £13 Whether you’re an enthusiast, intrigued party, or just looking for a good way to spend a Sunday, why not go along and enjoy the exhibition. Shuttleworth, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Bletchley Park

Vintage Date Night 11th & 14th Feb

Take your sweetheart back in time this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a 3 course dinner in the Mansion. The mood will be set with live harp music in the elegant Dining Room, so why not come dressed for the occasion, either modern-day or Forties finery! Visit the website for menu and booking details.

Half Term Fun 13th - 17th Feb

Enjoy a family day out with Top Secret Mission packs, free multimedia guides and fascinating interactive exhibitions. Included with admission Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

RAF London STEM Week 11th - 19th Feb £5

Challenge your science skills, put your tech talents to the test, enhance your engineering abilities and add some magic to your maths with fun family friendly activities and workshops. See what it would be like to be a pilot with access to the Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer which flew in service during the Gulf War, or take part in an Airfix Workshop on 11th & 12th & 17th - 19th Feb £2 per kit

RAF London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Walks are free, led by qualified volunteers and graded between first steps (20-30 minutes) and grade 4 (90 minutes) no booking is required, please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

Highfield Park

YMCA Highfield Park Centre

59 Russett Drive, St Albans AL4 0DB

Mondays 9.30am - grade 3

Tuesdays 1.30pm - first steps, wheelchair & buggy friendly

Tuesdays 1.30pm - grade 3

Harpenden

Conference Centre car park, Rothamsted Research, West Common AL5 2JQ

Tuesdays 10.30am - grade 3

Wheathampstead

East Lane car park, behind The Bull AL4 8BL Thursdays 10.30am - grade 4

Saturday 4th Feb 2pm - grade 4+

Greenwood Park Community Centre, St Albans AL2 3HW Fridays 2pm - grade 3

Bricket Wood

Riverside Way car park, Bricket Wood AL2 3TX

Sunday 19th Feb 10.30am - grade 4 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

City of St Albans Tour Guide Walks

Historic St Albans

5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Feb 11.15am

Tour well known and lesser known sites of the City and hear about revolting peasants, martyrs, heretics, monasteries and monks. Find out what is unique to St Albans and see its medieval clock tower and parish memorials.

Ghosts and Ghouls

9th & 23rd Feb 7.30pm

Visit places noted for some strange events, and hear stories of the well known phantoms of the town.

Please book, all walks cost £6

Meet outside St Albans Museum + Gallery www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Snowdrops and More!

Benington Lordship

4th - 26th Feb 11am - 4pm

11th & 12th Feb Snowdrop

Sale

The gardens will be carpeted in a display of 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. £7, child £3 www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

National Gardens Scheme

Walkern Hall 4th & 5th Feb 12 noon - 4pm

A winter woodland garden set in 8 acres, with a carpet of snowdrops and aconites. This medieval hunting park is known more for its established trees such as the tulip trees and the magnificent London plane tree which dominates the garden. £5, child free, please book Walkern, Stevenage SG2 7JA

King's Arms Garden 26th Feb 2pm - 4pm

Small charming woodland garden created by plantsman, the late William Nourish, with trees, shrubs, a mass of snowdrops and early spring bulbs. £4, child free Brinsmade Road, Ampthill, Beds MK45 2PP www.ngs.org.uk

Waddesdon Manor Spring at Waddesdon

Weds - Sun, 11th - 19th Feb 10am - 4pm

See the gardens bursting into colour with a variety of beautiful bulbs, as they herald the arrival of spring. Normal admission applies Eythrope Parkland Tour 15th - 17th Feb 10.15am Enjoy a visit to this private parkland and woodland garden with Waddesdon’s garden guides. Laid out in the mid-18th century, the lake and many trees predate Alice de Rothschild’s ownership of Eythrope. Go by bus from the car park. Adult £50, includes admission to Waddesdon grounds. Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

National Nest Box Week 14th-21st Feb

Our garden birds are starting to prepare for the nesting season, which is March to August, but rather aptly, they are thought to have paired up by Valentine’s Day. With natural habitats being lost to development, some birds struggle to find a safe shelter to rear their young. So why not put a nest box in your garden, providing them with a clean, warm place to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. www.birdfood.co.uk/national-nest-box-week

Ashridge Estate

With 5,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills and woodland, there are plenty of walks to choose from and you’re sure to find patches of perky little snowdrops on your way. Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS

Heartwood Forest

Stroll through pretty snowdrops while enjoying one of the easy-to-manage walks for even the littlest of legs. Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ

NOW for some Entertainment

The Radlett Centre

Mark Beaumont - Faster

2nd Feb 7.30pm £18.50

Marks adventures have taken him to 100+ countries in the past 20 years, making him one of the most respected ultra-endurance athletes on the planet.

Someone Like You - The Adele Songbook

3rd Feb 7.30pm £24, £16

Hand-picked by Adele herself, the outstanding Katie Markham leads this world-class show, from powerhouse vocal performances to intimate acoustic songs, faithfully re-creating her four record -breaking albums, with songs such as Someone Like You, Rolling In The Deep and Skyfall. Gareth Gates in The Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons 4th Feb 7.30pm £34

Supported by an exceptional live band Gareth Gates joins cast members from the smash-hit Tony award winning musical ‘Jersey Boys’ and other hit West End shows to sing all your favourite songs including Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like A Man and many more.

CODA - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

5th Feb 7.30pm £26.50

Europe's most authentic and exciting Led Zeppelin tribute band, featuring authentic-looking and sounding instruments as well as incredible, handmade replica costumes that will take you back to the time when Led Zeppelin ruled the world!

The Story of Guitar Heroes

18th Feb 7.30pm £27.50

Featuring world-class musicians and state-of-the-art video projection, the show journeys from 50s Rock ‘n’ Roll through to the most creative guitar heroes of the modern era. Expect classics from legends including Hank Marvin, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May and Mark Knopfler. Harry Styles Tribute 19th Feb 2pm £16 Featuring hits such as Watermelon Sugar, Sign of the Times and As it Was. Along with his famously covered classics Isn’t She Lovely, Big Yellow Taxi and Juice.

An Evening and A Little Bit of a Morning With Mark Steel 24th Feb 7.30pm £18.50

Mark was voted the 6th best radio comedy ever and is a regular on the BBC’s Have I Got News For You, QI and more.

Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Watford Palace Theatre

Iolanthe 2nd - 4th Feb 7.30pm

Get ready to be swept along into the magic of Fairyland and to witness the sheer hilarity of the ineffective Peers from the House of Lords in this fantastical Gilbert & Sullivan classic.

The Little Prince 11th Feb 4pm & 12th Feb 11am & 2.30pm

An enchanting story of love and friendship, find out how The Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and journeys through the universe, where he’s welcomed by a snake, a wise fox and a lone pilot and together they discover the power and beauty of friendship.

Shark in the Park 14th - 16th Feb times vary Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope, but wait, is that a Shark, in the Park!? Go along and enjoy all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on Stage.

The Merchant of Venice 1936 27th Feb - 11th March

A ground-breaking production of Shakespeare’s classic.

Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Barn Theatre

Constellations

3rd - 11th Feb 8pm & 11th Feb 2.30pm

A romantic comedy with quantum physics and honey.

Peep 15th - 18th Feb

A darkly comic, claustrophobic tale of voyeurism and sexual politics.

Evening of Jazz 24th Feb 8pm Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

The Alban Arena St Albans Scout and Guide Gang Show 8th - 11th Feb Award-winning show, recently winning best Youth

Production at the highly-coveted National Operatic and Dramatic Association Awards.

Valentine’s Day in Vegas with the Rat Pack and Marilyn 14th Feb Together they amaze audiences with their recreation of the music of Sinatra, Martin and Davis, in a show which brings the style and excitement of the Las Vegas heyday to life.

Banff 16th Feb

A thrilling night of adventure with a new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival, guaranteed to ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel.

Jive Talkin’ 17th Feb

With all the great Bee Gees hits; Tragedy, Night Fever, Stayin Alive, Jive Talkin’ and more in an explosion of music and vocal harmony.

Fireman Sam 19th Feb

When all his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger.

Spirit of the Dance 22nd Feb Scottish, Flamenco, Latin, Salsa, Street Dance, Hip Hop, Techno Can Can and American Tap, all set to the same dynamic rhythms of Irish dance.

Johnny Cash Roadshow 23rd Feb

With hits such as Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson and Boy Named Sue, this show is an emotional roller-coaster through Cash’s career.

Giovanni Pernice: Made In Italy 25th Feb Strictlys’ 2021 champion and dance heart-throb invites you to join him on a journey to his homeland for a new production of ‘Made in Italy’.

Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

The Eric Morecambe Centre

Sad Café 11th Feb

With great songs including Every Day Hurts, My Oh My, Strange Little Girl and many more.

Fairport Convention 17th Feb

With founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, joined by former member Dave Mattacks on drums.

Fleetwood Bac 18th Feb

Focusing on the ‘Rumours’ era of the band, which is

still the 5th biggest-selling album of all time!

The Makings of A Murderer 23rd Feb

Join The Scottish Detective, David Swindle, for a chilling, thrilling night. Explore the cases, the circumstances and the detective’s perspective on what really went on, the early warning signs and the clues behind The Makings of a Murderer!

The South 24th Feb

An impressive 9-piece band, featuring former members of The Beautiful South; singer Alison Wheeler and sax player Gaz Birtles, binging back the full flavour the band.

Thinking Drinkers 25th Feb

Two of the world’s leading alcohol experts return with a hilarious quiz show that gets the rounds in, in more ways than one. Learn and laugh as the answers to life’s most important and unusual questions appear at the bottom of your glass.

Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.the-emc.co.uk

Live Cinema

Royal Opera House: The Barber of Seville 15th Feb 7pm & 19th Feb 2pm

With vocal fireworks, scheming lovers and one very busy barber, Rossini’s comic opera is packed with fun and mischief.

National Theatre: Othello 23rd Feb 7pm An extraordinary new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy.

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

Abbey Theatre

The Incident Room

24th Feb - 4th March 8pm & 26th Feb 2.30pm

Between 1975 and 1981, West Yorkshire police investigated a series of brutal murders. The case was hampered by outdated methods, poor communication, mountains of paperwork, media pressure, false leads, personal prejudices and misogyny towards both the victims and female police officers. This tense detective drama, offers a fascinating insight into the life of the incident room during the investigation of the Yorkshire Ripper case. Contains strong language and adult themes. £13, concs £12

Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Caring & Sharing

The Home of Volunteering

The GoVolHerts is a one-stop-hub for all volunteering queries, opportunities and best practice advice across Hertfordshire. Just visit the website to get involved, whether you’re taking your first steps into volunteering or looking for your next opportunity. Or if you're a local organisation looking for volunteers to support your service, this free resource helps to make recruitment as easy as possible. www.govolherts.org.uk

Green With Envy Fashion Show

1st Feb 7pm

A fantastic fashion show with the chance to buy the clothes and accessories being modelled.

Tickets available online Shendish Manor, Apsley HP3 0AA www.stfrancis.org.uk

Home-Start

St Albans Pancake Race 21st Feb

You can compete in either the traditional ‘St Albans Running Pancake Race’ or the ‘St Albans Flippin’ Walkers Race’ for teams who enjoy the skill and competition without the need for speed! The cost is £40 per team of 4. For the fifth year Home-Start Herts are organising the race to raise vital funds to meet the increasing needs of local families struggling to cope with day-to-day life. So grab your friends and colleagues and sign up for what’s set to be an afternoon of flipping (and possibly slightly competitive) good fun! www.pancake.events

Volunteers Needed

Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support, helping families with young children through challenging times. They are there for parents when they need help the most because childhood can’t wait. They need your help; if you can spare as little as an hour a week, you could help parents not just survive but thrive. As a Home-Start volunteer, you’ll be given training and support to be effective and make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your own life, whether that’s at home or at work. www.home-startherts.org.uk

Justice for Women

27th Feb 7.30pm on Zoom Soroptimist Women's Group event with Dame Vera Baird DBE KC, free, all welcome. sistalbans@hotmail.com / 07834 345796 www.sigbi.org/st-albans

Candles & Skincare

NOW for some Music NOW at the Cathedral

The Horn

Grant-Lee Phillips 1st Feb

A tunesmith with an impressive command of both lyrics and melody.

Sarpa Salpa / Low Girl 5th Feb Both bands featured at SXSW in Austin, Texas and The Great Escape earlier in 2022 and head into 2023 armed with brand new music.

World Famous Quiz Night 6th Feb Round up your friends and put your thinking caps on for the weekly pub Quiz.

Battle of the Bands 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th Feb You’ll be given a voting slip to cast the audience vote. The winning band will be announced on the night after all bands have performed.

80'S Night 10th Feb

Featuring Six Go Mad, the Ultimate 80’s Party Covers Band and 80’s tunes all night. The Rolling Clones 11th Feb World Famous Rolling Stones Tribute. Swanvesta Social Club 17th Feb The Uk's Number One Anglo Cuban Band. U2 Tribe 25th Feb A tribute to U2 The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE www.thehorn.co.uk

Come and Sing 4th Feb

Registration 1.30pm / Workshop: 2pm - 6pm Informal performance for friends and family: 5.30pm Join Harpenden Choral Society for some true choral classics.

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU membership@harpendenchoralsociety.org www.harpendenchoralsociety.org

A Celebration of Tchaikovsky

5th Feb 4pm

The de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra explores the works of Tchaikovsky. Beginning with the passionate romanticism of Romeo and Juliet. The Variations on a Rococo Theme, featuring cello soloist Bozidar Vukotic, consists of an original theme in a rococo style with a set of eight variations. £15, £12, child £6 UHArts, Weston Auditorium, Hatfield AL10 9EU www.uharts.co.uk

Talk: Faith in Science

2nd Feb 7.30pm via Zoom £10, students £6

Talk: The Deathbed Faith of Henry VIII 6th Feb 7.30 online £25, students £15

An exploration of Henry VIII's last will and testament.

Organ Concert: James Hicks 8th Feb 12.30pm free

Organ recital of music by Nordic composers

Classical Greek Taster: Plato's Phaedo 11th Feb 10.30am - 3.30pm £25

An exciting opportunity to explore Classical Greek with an experienced tutor.

More to Explore: Heraldry in the Cathedral 12th Feb 1.30pm

Heraldry expert Jeremy Newton will explain about the meanings of the symbols on the shields around the Cathedral.

IOF Concert: Joonho Park 18th Feb 5.30pm Free, any donations go towards the International Organ Festival Society.

Talk: Return & Redemption: The Religious Origins of Modern Zionism 21st Feb 7.30pm £10

Hertfordshire Chorus: Fauré’s Requiem and Widor’s Toccata with music by Vasks, MacMillan and Monteverdi 25 Feb 7.30pm £5 - £30

Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem contains some of the most beautiful melodies he ever composed, including the Pie Jesu and In Paradisum.

Claudio Monteverdi’s Dixit Dominus and Beatus Vir blend voices and instruments achieving a sense of grandeur and uplifting drama.

James MacMillan, one of Britain’s greatest living composers, piece O Radiant Dawn from the Strathclyde Motets entreats us to search for light to lead us out of darkness.

Plainscapes by Peteris Vasks is an ethereal piece of vocalisation without words, offering a new approach to modern music.

Numbers by Shruthi Rajasekar plays with the concept that mathematics weaves through everything we do in our daily lives.

The programme concludes with Charles-Marie Widor’s Toccata played by Rufus Frowde on the cathedral’s magnificent organ

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

NOW for the Kids

Welly Walk 2nd Feb 1.30pm

Develop your child’s knowledge of the outside world and enjoy outdoor activities with friends on this fun welly walk, through the park and the woods. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Ages 0-5 years Norton Common, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4UF www.eventbrite.co.uk

Imagine Children's Festival

8th - 18th Feb

Find the best children's theatre, comedy, music, literature, poetry, dance and, most importantly, fullon fun for families this February half-term. The festival is all about unlocking creativity, celebrating the individuality of every child, championing diversity and sparking imaginations.

Ages 0 - 11 years Southbank Centre, London www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Lambing at Mead Open Farm 11th - 19th Feb

Watch newborn lambs take their first steps in the undercover Lamb Nursery and keep an eye on the expectant ewes – you may even see a lamb being born! Keep warm and cosy while you play in the Indoor Play and get ready for an adventure in our Outdoor Play. If you’re feeling peckish, enjoy a delicious meal or hot drink from the award-winning Grainstore Kitchen. Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Feb Fest

Samba Drumming 13th Feb various times £5 Stockwood Discovery Centre

Exploring Brazilian carnival percussion and drums, and learning a basic structure. Come and try out a selection of different instruments. Ages 5 - 12

I Love Beatbox 14th Feb various times £5 Hat Factory Arts Centre

From beatbox sequences to fun games and battles, you will be shown the skills to earn bragging rights as the best beatboxer you can be! Age 3+

Comedy Club with Paul Currie 14th Feb various times £7 Hat Factory Arts Centre

Paul will unleash his unique style which fuses traditional stand-up with puppetry, clowning and sheer exuberance. Something new and refreshing for families that goes straight for the funny bone we all share. Age 7+

Curious Investigators 14th Feb various times £7 Stockwood Discovery Centre Scribble and Clipboard have to sort the recycling. But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate.

Inventive, engaging and tons of fun, this is a cracking adventure for 3 - 7 year-olds and their grown-ups.

Pinocchio 15th Feb various times £7 Hat Factory Arts Centre

A delightful production that combines puppetry, shadows and illusion to tell the well-known tale of a puppet who wants to be a real boy. Age 4+ Shakespeare In A Suitcase - Hamlet 15th Feb various times £7 Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

The most famous story in the world … in 45 minutes! Two actors, one musician and seven items in a suitcase, go on a roller-coaster of excitement, humour and grief in equal measure in this bitesize retelling of Shakespeare. Age 8+ Circus Skills 16th Feb various times £5 Stockwood Discovery Centre

Run away to the circus with performer Suzanne Nixon for an hour of fun and games. Try juggling, plate spinning and acro-balance, once you’ve impressed everyone with your amazing skills you can have a go at clowning too! Age 5+

Little Red Riding Hood 16th Feb various times £7 Hat Factory Arts Centre

A wolf in granny's clothing knows all about what fun dressing-up can be! See a magical wardrobe open its doors as you go down the path into the snowy wild wood, with catchy songs on the wind, hilarious puppets between the trees and much more. Age 3+

Breathe 17th Feb various times £7 Hat Factory Arts Centre

See an extraordinary journey from the perspective of an acorn; the hectic forest floor, thrumming underworlds, and dazzling heights of icy branches. Beautifully realised through puppetry, folk music, and live camera work. Age 5+ www.culturetrust.com

Woodland Wonder

14th - 16th Feb 10.15am, 11am, 2.15pm & 3pm £2

Learn about the animals, big and small, furry and feathery, that live in our woodlands, from night-time flyers to daytime dwellers and make your own woodland animal to take home. Age 5+

The Natural History Museum, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Index of Businesses

Accountants

Hicks 16

Bathing Mobility

Bathing Mobility Advisory Service 8 Blinds & Shutters

Feather & Grey Interiors Front Cover The Harpenden Shutter Company 12

Building Complete Garden Rooms Eco Tiffin Kingsholme Open Plan Solutions

22 23 2 25

Candles & Skincare In Mind & Soul 20

Car Servicing / Repairs

M Chapman Auto Services 11

Charity Domestic Abuse Helpline 20

Children’s Art Classes ArtShed! 5

Children’s Nursery Little Learners Land 3

Chiropodist Feet First Healthcare Ltd Julia Reading 31 31 Cleaning Domestique 21

Conservatory Roof Solutions Nu-Look 9

Dance & Drama

Penny Waterman School of Dance Stagecoach 33 33

Education Kumon 3

Flooring

KC Flooring Specialists Ltd 10

Funeral Directors Austin’s Back Cover

Garage Doors

Garolla 11

Gardening

Future Nature Sunshine Gardens 26 27

Hairdresser Lauren Schoeffer Hair 35 Healthcare Spire Harpenden Hospital 28 & 29

Hearing Services Hearing Healthcare Practice 30

Locksmiths Lock Around the Clock Locksmith Services 14 15

Loft Ladders Access4Lofts

Home Counties Loft Ladders 16 17

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